IMPACT/MLW News – There’s a rumor going around that Low Ki was contacted by IMPACT to appear in New York following Bound for Glory. I can independently confirm that Low Ki was in fact offered a spot at the round of shows. Raj Giri of WrestlingINC originally broke this rumor earlier today, however in his report he erroneously stated that the move to bring Low Ki in was done, in some’s opinion, to hurt MLW. In speaking to an unnamed source, this was not the case at all. Both Sami Callihan, Fenix, Pentagon and others have been huge parts of the programming. But so has Abyss. The source, who is close to the situation, told me that the mere fact that Abyss, who works backstage with IMPACT as well, is working with MLW shows that IMPACT holds no ill will toward MLW. The desire to get Low Ki, the current MLW Champion, to appear was due to Ki’s local roots and possible match ups with some newer stars. The belief that this was done with ill will is not substantiated at all. Ki apparently declined to appear with IMPACT, citing his loyalty to MLW.
Wonder how long he’ll be “loyal” to them.
WWE Releases DLC Content – Well, the WWE is again making you pay for the entire roster. Because fuck modern gaming. Announced last night to be DLC for the upcoming WWE 2k19 video game is Bobby Lashley, Lio Rush, Dakota Kai, Ricochet, Lacey Evans, EC3, Candice LaRae, Hanson, Rowe, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis. So since I gotta pay $100 to finally have EC3 vs. AJ Styles, guess I’m sitting this one out.
Lashley is Angry – Despite getting his son a job (Lio Rush joke, *rim shot*), Lashley is not too happy at the moment within the WWE. Speaking with 101.9 in Billings, Montana, Lashley revealed that he’s upset about never getting a shot at Brock Lesnar, saying;
I wasn’t so much bummed, I was more pissed off. Ever since I came into WWE, there’s always been that comparison, and our paths have never crossed.
Don’t Tell Kenny It’s Subjective -Well, Kenny Omega sure is going to piss off a lot of people with this tweet. Omega, who has been widely beloved and praised seems to be buying his own hype; be it real or kayfabe is anyone’s guess though at this point. Omega took a swipe at Tanahashi’s hair, after putting over his own brand of talent.
Strange accusation to make considering I’ve won more MOTY awards than Tana’s had hair transplant surgeries. Can’t wait for Tana vs Okada 71! I swear watching the same recycled match will be just as good in even slower motion! 😇 https://t.co/CQGZP54AKB
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) September 19, 2018
For what it’s worth, Tanahashi has won The Wrestling Observer Match of the Year award more times than Omega, and unlike Omega, has one that doesn’t feature Kazuchika Okada; widely considered to be the best wrestler in NJPW history.
OVW Merges? – Ohio Valley Wrestilng has officially merged with Top Knotch Boxing to form the Gladiator Sports Network. The content will remain separate but will operate under one unique banner of their parent company. Top Knotch has recently paired with Real Deal Boxing, and apparently features young up and coming fighters, most of whom haven’t had more than a handful of professional fights. The founder of Top Knotch will remain in place, as he’ll serve as the Director of Boxing. Gladiator Sports Network will continue to nurture and grow both brands independently, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see some type of crossover. This is surprising news all in all, considering Al Snow bought the iconic mid-south territory not that long ago.
Here’s the full press release;
Ohio Valley Wrestling and Top Knotch Boxing to Merge
Gladiator Sports Network Formed to Oversee Sports’ Growth
Louisville, Ky. – September 18, 2018 – Louisville’s Ohio Valley Wrestling and Top Knotch Boxing have merged under Gladiator Sports Network (GSN). Each company will continue to focus on its respective sports, while GSN oversees overall growth initiatives.
Al Snow, a former WWE superstar with more than 30 years of experience as a producer, trainer and executive in professional wrestling is president and CEO of GSN. James Dixon, founder and head coach of Louisville Top Knotch Boxing, is director of boxing.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to build on OVW’s long-running success and to grow Louisville’s combat sports offerings,” said Al Snow. “Today OVW is the longest, continually operating wrestling venture in the U.S. We couldn’t have a better foundation to support our Gladiator Sports Network vision for future growth.
On October 10th, 2018 OVW will celebrate its historic 1000th television episode by producing the first professional wrestling event ever to take place on 4th Street Live, Louisville’s hub for tourism, dining and entertainment. OVW 1000 will be a star-studded event broadcast live on WBNA-TV and on ippv to the world via the Fight TV AP.
With more than 20 years on television some of the biggest stars in pro wrestling cut their teeth on OVW TV including John Cena, Brock Lesnar and more than 150 others who went onto the national stage. Many of our alumni and famous wrestling friends will join us for OVW 1000 including WWE Hall of famer Mick Foley, WWE legend Billy Gunn, ECW original Tommy Dreamer and OVW founder Danny Davis. Gunn and Dreamer will also compete among the “Great Eight” as OVW crowns a new heavyweight champion in the culmination of the Grand Tournament at 1000.
Louisville Top Knotch Boxing will continue training local athletes and promoting events through its partnership with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment.
“Gladiator Sports Network is going to provide structure and other resources that will enable me to re-establish Louisville’s boxing legacy,” said James Dixon. “We’ve already taken local boxers to the next level to fight professionally. I think there is endless potential in Louisville to produce another world champion.”
Next up for Louisville Top Knotch Boxing is the Real Deal boxing showcase event scheduled for October 6 at Davis Arena. Tickets for both events are available at gladiatorsportsnetwork.live.
Gladiator Sports Network also produces Game On, a high school football prospect show that highlights local talent. The show is hosted by Chris Redman, Bob Redman, Super Bowl XXIV MVP Deion Branch, and Chris Labar and airs on WBNA on Thursday nights at 10:30 p.m.
Quick Hits – Current rumor around Mia Yim (Impact’s Jade) is that she’s signed with the WWE and is training with NXT at the Performance Center. The Mixed Match Challenge’s season two lost nearly half of it’s audience from season premiere to season premiere; going from 135,600 on it’s first season to around 40,000 (peaking at 52,400) for it’s second season. Major League Wrestling has signed a new deal with beIN Sports for a Spanish language version of MLW:Fusion that’ll air on beIN Sports en Espanol. Former IMPACT Star Tyrus will appear on USA’s The Purge, and no, he won’t be playing a charisma lacking bodyguard. CM Punk is set to appear in The Third Floor a horror film due out next year; this follows on the heels of his wife (AJ Lee) and his appearing in Rabid.