The pre-trial hearing for Ludwig Kaiser (Marcel Barthel) is scheduled for July 16th on battery charges. Incidentally it’s widely reported around the internet that the story his accuser taunted Kaiser by saying he’d “call ICE” was planted in the media by people in WWE and/or friends of Kaiser himself. (FF)
In an interesting (and unexpected) development, Bushiroad transferred all of their shares of New Japan Pro Wrestling to TV Asahi and CyberAgent, who now each own 46.3% of NJPW. CyberAgent also owns Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro Wrestling, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. Bushiroad founder and owner Takaaki Kidani released a statement as seen below.
“Today, we have decided to transfer all of our shares in New Japan Pro Wrestling to TV Asahi and CyberAgent. We understand that this announcement may come as a surprise to many of our fans. In 2012, at a major turning point as New Japan Pro Wrestling aimed for further development, we were fortunate enough to welcome them into the group. For the past 14 years, we have believed in the power of professional wrestling as a wonderful form of entertainment, and together with everyone, we have worked tirelessly to deliver its appeal to even more people. Thanks to our efforts, the Tokyo Dome event on January 4th of this year attracted a record-breaking 46,913 spectators, achieving a sold-out show for the first time in 28 years. Having overcome the challenges of generational change, young stars in their 20s and 30s are now emerging one after another, shining brightly in the ring. As Bushiroad, it is a great source of pride for me to witness New Japan Pro Wrestling’s powerful growth and to be able to pass the baton to the next generation. However, for New Japan Pro Wrestling to make further global strides and continue its golden age, it is essential to make the most of the video assets it has accumulated so far and to evolve into a diversified monetization business centered on a powerful distribution platform. Therefore, we are convinced that the best course of action is to entrust the future to the best possible owner, who will be our partner from the very beginning of our founding, TV Asahi, who has continuously supported New Japan Pro Wrestling through terrestrial broadcasting, and who will bring a breath of fresh air with cutting-edge digital media. To all the fans, and to the wrestlers and staff who have supported New Japan Pro Wrestling with their passionate battles, thank you so much for walking alongside Bushiroad all this time. Your passion and cheers were our greatest driving force. Although it will no longer be under Bushiroad’s control, I can confidently say that the future of New Japan Pro Wrestling is brighter than ever. As a passionate pro wrestling fan, I will continue to support the further golden age that you all create. Thank you so much for the past 14 years. Please look forward to what’s to come from New Japan Pro Wrestling.”
Speaking of New Japan, here are Best of the Super Juniors night 8 results. (NJPW)
- Tatsuya Matsumoto defeated Taisei Nakahara
- Hartley Jackson, Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita defeated Masatora Yasuda, Toru Yano & Valentine Jr.
- Tiger Mask, Master Wato, Ryusuke Taguchi & Nick Wayne defeated Gedo, Daiki Nagai, Robbie X & Titan
- Block B: Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Daisuke Sasaki
- Block B: SHO defeated Hyo
- Block B: El Desperado defeated Jakob Austin Young
- Block B: KUSHIDA defeated YOH
- Block B: Robbie Eagles defeated Taiji Ishimori
- Block A: Francesco Akira defeated Jun Kasai
Via social media QT Marshall confirmed he “should be okay” after an accident during the Double or Nothing Buy-In (pre-show) where he appeared to hurt his knee and was helped to the back.
Bad news for Vince McMahon and Ari Emanuel — the presiding judge in the shareholders lawsuit has ruled that both men willfully and deliberately used the Signal app to hide and destroy evidence that was pertinent to the shareholders suing. He sanctioned both men and issued a ruling that for the purposes of the case these five facts are now asserted/presumed true in court and must be disproven by the defendants if they can even do so.
- Ari Emanuel promised to provide McMahon with a continued role in any post-merger company, after a transaction influenced McMahon’s decision-making with respect to the merger.
- Emanuel offered indemnification and other legal support related to pending federal investigations of McMahon’s alleged misconduct, which influenced McMahon’s decision-making with respect to the merger.
- McMahon decided to pursue a transaction with Endeavor in 2022, before the Company initiated the strategic review process.
- Khan communicated with Emanuel between August and December 2022 to facilitate a transaction between WWE and Endeavor.
- McMahon and Khan worked with (financial advisor) Raine to steer the process toward a deal with Endeavor and away from other potential bidders.
Max Caster filed a trademark for “Volume 2” (FF) and announced via social media that Wrestling Open in Rhode Island is his “new home.”
Former PROGRESS co-owner Lee McAteer has issued a statement on the sale of his promotion (and also DEFY Wrestling’s promotion) to Nikki Cross and Big Damo: “Being a custodian of PROGRESS Wrestling has been one of the greatest honours of my life, and with fellow owners Martyn Best and Matt Buczek, we have restored and protected PROGRESS and leave it in a stronger place for it to grow to the next level. I have been so proud of the connection we have nurtured with our loyal fans, and it will be something I will always treasure. I am delighted that we are handing the company over to two people I have great admiration for, and who are highly respected throughout the wrestling community. Big Damo and Nikki Cross are British and Irish wrestling royalty, and after hearing their thoughts, I know that the most exciting chapter in PROGRESS’s history is still to come. I am incredibly excited for the future of PROGRESS under Big Damo and Nikki. Let’s all get behind both of them. To all the PROGRESS fans, wrestlers, colleagues and partners, thank you. Lee McAteer.”
Dark match results from NXT on Tuesday are below. (PWI)
- Elijah Holyfield def. Brooks Jensen
- Zena Sterling def. Lacey Simon (Marie Malenko)
- EK Prosper def. Viktor Zanov
MJF was confronted by Mark Briscoe and RUSH during his championship celebration on Dynamite. The three-time world champ has no shortage of challengers!
Jake Doyle returned on Dynamite to help the Don Callis Family take out Orange Cassidy.
Chris Jericho finally took out Ricochet only to be attacked by Tommaso Ciampa.
Kevin Knight declared he was taking destiny into his own hands and when Speedball Mike Bailey asked him to apologize for his actions at Double or Nothing, Knight decided to attack Bailey too.
Wrestling veteran Jerry Grey (NWA, NJPW, and more) has passed away from cancer at the age of 62. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Erick Stevens is stepping away from pro wrestling again. Best wishes to him!
Logan Paul has already had his tricep surgery with a prognosis of six months before he returns.
Brody King and Mark Davis both advanced in the Owen Hart Tournament on Dynamite.
