Wrestling

!BANG! TV Report – Jerry “The King” Lawler Returns to the Ring in Ocala, Florida From the Ocala Star Banner – John Patton Correspondent. Dory Funk Jr. and Jerry “The King” Lawler’s thoughts and feelings on Jerry’s Return to the Ring on !BANG! TV. Comments from Jerry Lawler’s Doctor. Jerry Lawler’s comments on his recovery and how it brought millions of people together. Jerry “The King” Lawler’s Return to the ring will be a memorable night for wrestling fans around the world. Ocala Star Banner Story: http://www.ocala.com/article/20130523/ARTICLES/130529924 Tickets to see Jerry “The King” Lawler’s Return to the ring are now online at http://www.dory-funk.com or you may call for ticket information – 352-895-4658 If you would like to become a professional wrestler and appear on !BANG! TV Call Now 352-895-4658 or Visit Dory Funk’s Website at http://www.dory-funk.com Join Dory Funk and Marti on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube – http://www.dory-funk.com/bt-20.html Visit Dory Funk’s Website at http://www.dory-funk.com Join Dory Funk and Marti on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube – http://www.dory-funk.com/bt-20.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LA GUERRA IS COMING TO NEW YORK CITY! BROOKLYN, NY (May 22nd, 2013) – Mexico and Puerto Rico have a deep and rich history in the sport of professional wrestling. They have helped introduce the World to the lucha libre style of wrestling and on June 8th, the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Warriors of Wrestling presents the talent of Fighting Spirit Wrestling along with Amaro Productions as we pay tribute to the Latino wrestling community with “La Guerra”. This extraordinary event will take place at The Elmcor Center located at 107-20 Northern Boulevard in Corona, Queens, NY. Talent scheduled to appear are: BLUE DEMON JR., DAMIAN 666, BESTIA 666, CHICKY STARR, EXTREME TIGER, SAVIO VEGA, IVALESSE VELEZ, APOLO, CHRIS MASTERS, BRIAN CAGE, THE S.A.T., DANNY DEMANTO, JOKER, THE SNOT, MATT HAMMET, HOMICIDE, BANDIDO JR., JOE ETTELL, SLICK WAGNER BROWN, WHIPLASH, TALON, LOS FANTASTICOS, EYFBO, RICKY CRUZ, NORIEGA, AND MORE! The following matches have already been signed for this event: INTERNATIONAL TRIOS MATCH (LUCHA LIBRE RULES) Former WWE Superstar Savio Vega, (PR) vs. Blue Demon Jr. (MEX) & Los Fantasticos (Sensational Carlitos & Fenomino BJ) (PR) vs. Former WWC Tag Team Champions Los Maximos (Joel Maximo & Wil Maximo) (US) CLASH OF THE TITANS Former WWC Campeon de Universal “El Leon” Apolo (PR) vs. Former WWE Superstar “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters (US) FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL FIVE STAR MATCH Slick Wagner Brown (US) vs. Ricky Cruz (PR) vs. Noriega (PR) vs. Member of The SNOT “The American Nightmare” Logan Black with Joey B (US) vs. “The Machine” SV Shields (US) PUERTO RICO VS. THE UNITED STATES “Mr. 450” Matt Hammett (PR) vs. FSW Primero Champion Talon (US) THE UNITED STATES VS. MEXICO Brian Cage (US) vs. AAA Star Extreme Tiger (MEX) MEXICO VS. PUERTO RICO Bestia 666 (MEX) vs. Hiram Tua (PR) THE UNITED STATES VS. PUERTO RICO “Indestructible” Joe Ettell (US) vs. “Electric” Syler Andrews (PR) INTERNATIONAL TRIOS MATCH (LUCHA LIBRE RULES) Chicky Star (PR) & EYFBO (FSW Heavyweight Champion “The Funky Monkey” Angel Ortiz & “The Real Deal” Mike Draztik) (US) vs. Damian 666 (MEX), Joker (US), & “Supastar” Whiplash (US) PUERTO RICO VS. THE UNITED STATES Bandido Jr. (PR) vs. “The Cold Hearted Playa” Danny DeManto (US) In addition, from 6:00pm-7:00pm fans will be invited to a special meet and greet with the talent. Bell time is set for 7:30pm, starting with the pre-show. Doors will open for the event at 6:00pm. Tickets start at $10 for children, $20 for General Admission and $30 for Front/Second Row so bring the whole family. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheLudusWrestlingCenter.com or by visiting The Ludus Wrestling Center located at 576 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. For more information call (347)-677-7236, visit us at Facebook.com/FightingSpiritWrestling or on Twitter @FSWLUDUS. Card is subject to change.

A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.           The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies.  We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.           We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.           We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.           We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.             We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.           We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.           We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.           We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.           We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings.  We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.           We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.           We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.             The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.         The Observer is now in its 29th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world.  The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling and MMA industry, from bookers to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest names on camera and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and more than 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed for 20 years or longer consecutively.  They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world.  Everywhere from Wall Street to the major offices to television networks in the U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.        If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choic

By Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com           Impact tonight at 8 p.m. on Spike.  This is the last week in this time slot, as they move back an hour next week.  The show airs from Tampa.  It is not live, although it will be advertised as such.  It will air on about a one hour tape delay. *Kurt Angle vs Ken Anderson *Velvet Sky vs. Mickie James for Knockouts title *Suicide debuts *James Storm announces his tag team partner for the 6/2 show, although he's injured and probably shouldn't be wrestling with a partially torn ab and pulled groin                 We're looking for reports from the show in Tampa with the second show being taped for next Thursday and any other news and notes from the event, including Xplosion matches.           We're also looking for reports from tonight's NXT tapings in Winter Park, FL.  Ryback is scheduled at the tapings.           A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.           The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies.  We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.           We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.           We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.           We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.             We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.           We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.           We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.           We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.           We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings.  We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.           We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.           We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.             The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestli

SHINE Wrestling are once again at the Orpheum in Ybor City, Florida tomorrow as they present their milestone tenth show, SHINE 10. The event will be broadcast live on Internet Pay-Per-View with three pricing options, the cheapest being just $9.99 (about £6). Click here to order the show. The show will include the final four qualifying matches of the inaugural SHINE Championship tournament, as Mercedes Martinez faces off against Mia Yim, Santana goes one-on-one with Kimberly, and Made In Sin duo Allysin Kay and Taylor Made look to continue Valkyrie’s dominance, facing Nikki Roxx and Leva Bates respectively. In addition, the already-qualified Jessicka Havok puts her place in the tournament on the line against Portia Perez. The two were embroiled in an aggressive war of words on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, and both will look to settle the score and considerably bruise an ego in the process tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Valkyrie have two former TNA Knockouts on their hands, as the group’s leader Rain faces Angelina Love in a rematch from SHINE 9 – only this time with Rain’s cohorts banned from ringside – and Ivelisse goes up against the veteran Amber O’Neal, making her SHINE debut. See below for the full card: SHINE Championship Tournament Qualifier on the Line! Jessicka Havok vs. Portia Perez Valkyrie is Barred from Ringside! Rain vs. Angelina Love SHINE Championship Tournament Qualifier Mercedes Martinez vs. Mia Yim SHINE Championship Tournament Qualifier Leva vs. Taylor Made (w/ April Hunter) SHINE Championship Tournament Qualifier Nikki Roxx vs. Allysin Kay (w/ April Hunter) SHINE Championship Tournament Qualifier Santana vs. Kimberly Ivelisse (w/ April Hunter) vs. Amber O’Neal Six Woman Tag Team Match Sojo Bolt, Sassy Stephie & Jessie Belle vs. Heidi Lovelace, Solo Darling & Luscious Latasha The show will also feature Daffney in her new managerial role, as well as the debut of new announcer, SPARKLE’s Chasity Taylor. SHINE 10 takes place tomorrow at 9pm Eastern (2am GMT). As always, we’ll be presenting live coverage of the show, so be sure to stay tuned with us!

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the status of the new developmental facility, stating that it will be open in the next few weeks. Toured the new, WWE PERFORMANCE CENTER today. It's due to open in a few weeks but will be a difference maker. Absolutely spectacular!@wwe — Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 23, 2013 Speaking of WWE developmental, several past and present stars will be making an appearance at tonight's NXT television taping event at Full Sail University. Ryback, challenger to WWE Champion John Cena, is scheduled to appear. Former WWE and WCW star Sean "X-Pac" Waltman also Tweeted that he is on his way to Full Sail for the tapings.

Hulk Hogan recently spoke to Tampa Bay Online about TNA’s momentum, his health status and more. Here are the highlights: On TNA’s Momentum: “TNA has the momentum. We’ve been around for 11 years now. We’re focusing on how wrestling should be and not getting caught up in all the soap opera stuff that goes on with other wrestling shows. Between Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Sting and the other top names we’ve got wrestling for us, we’re getting a lot of traction.” On His Physical Condition: “I had eight back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced. I had my last knee replacement about 15 weeks ago. Now I’m like the bionic Hogan. I definitely can’t get through an airport without getting patted down. It has just been a time in my life for me to regroup, resurrect, and reinvent the Hulk Hogan character.” On His Legal Issues: “I can’t really talk about it because there’s legal drama getting ready to go down, but things are definitely moving in the right direction for me, thank God,” Hogan said. “It was a tough time. Nobody expects something to come back to haunt them after six years, but once I had a chance to sit down with my wife and my children and be completely truthful with them, whatever the media said and whoever stabbed me in the back didn’t matter. At the end of the day, I’d say something great has come out of it – my life, and the new people in my life.”

Source: The Wrestling Observer The Rock was Brock Lesnar was originally planned opponent, but with Rock bring banged up and uncertain regarding his future, WWE is working on plan B, which is The Undertaker. While it is not confirmed that The Rock will be back to work WrestleMania 30, he has not ruled it out either. Vince McMahon feels that Rock will be feeling better this fall and agree to work with Lesnar.

Sean "X-Pac" Waltman and former WCW/TNA wrestler Konnan are teaming up to co-produce a new project called "Viva L.A. Lucha", alongside the co-creator of MTV's Wrestling Society X, Kevin Kleinrock. There is a new Kickstarter campaign to crowdsource funds for the project, and fans can get involved, donating money to receive merch, tickets to the event, access to all the shows, and much more. "The goal of Viva L.A. Lucha is twofold: First, it seeks to create an environment where wrestlers who specialize in either the Mexican "lucha libre" form of professional wrestling or the more "traditional"/"WWE style" form can compete with and against each other as a way to become experts in both styles ... Our second goal is to give fans and viewers a unique program that will deliver incredible action and entertainment as tomorrow's stars are groomed in front of their eyes ... And, with the unique rewards we have created for this campaign, backers can have an unprecedented say in WHO a wrestling show will feature, HOW some of the talent is used, and get to SEE the actual television taping as it happens including what is normally restricted behind-the-scenes access and uncensored producer commentary as the tapings take place."

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has posted the following on Twitter: my life has forever changed after losing you Owen, it's been an incredibly sad and lonesome world without you and it surely can't be fair .. — Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 23, 2013 that heaven is echoing in laughter at all the pranks being pulled on the rest of the Angels .... — Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 23, 2013 ... and all of us here on earth are left with justour memories. — Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 23, 2013