CHAVO CLASSIC PASSES AWAY
February 11, 2017, will sadly be remembered for the day that another member of the legendary Guerrero wrestling family passes away, as Salvador Guerrero III, aka Chavo "Classic" Guerrero Sr, passed away at the age of sixty eight years old. Chavo's son Chavo Jr, posted an emotional and heartfelt message on his Instagram account, along with a photo of his father. Chavo's piece read; "Today the world lost a true rebel. He did things "HIS" way. Not always right, not always wrong, but He always followed what he believed in. He was diagnosed with Liver Cancer in early January of this year. As believer in Christ Jesus, he is now in Paradise. Today is a Sad day in the Guerrero Family. Rest In Peace Chavo "Classic" Guerrero Sr. #rip #nowinheaven." Chavo Sr was diagnosed with liver cancer last month. In memory of this great wrestling legend, This edition of the Through The Ropes Newsletter is dedicated to the life and memory of Chavo Guerrero Sr. RIP my friend. xxx.
WYATT SURVIVES CHAMBER, CENA SAVES THE DAY
The evil and demonic Bray Wyatt not only survived the WWE Elimination Chamber, but won John Cena's WWE World Championship at the same time. This is Wyatt's first singles title in WWE. However, Another story follows the Chamber main event match. John Cena, even in defeat at the Elimination Chamber that saw him lose his WWE World Title to Bray Wyatt, Cena managed to spread the good word backstage. A young girl was heartbroken to witness her favourite superstar John Cena lose his title, That she burst out into tears and fell silent for the rest of the night, Until she and her mum ran into Cena backstage when leaving the building, and asked for a photo with him. The mum told Cena about how she was gutted to see the Cenation leader lose his title, and “He looked her in the eye and said ‘It’s ok. Sometimes we don’t win. But that just shows me that I gotta keep fighting. I will get a rematch. You remember that, ok? Never give up. Never lose hope. Keep fighting." said the mum of the little girl, whose day and certainly year was transformed, Coudos to WWE's finest.
IMPACT PARTNERS W/PRO WRESTLING NOAH + UPDATES
On Tuesday, February 7, Japanese Wrestling promotion Pro Wrestling NOAH revealed a new working relationship with Impact Wrestling [Formerly TNA Wrestling] while shooting down claims of the company entering bankruptcy proceedings. The deal between the two wrestling companies was formed by Anthem, Jeff Jarrett and former TNA on-screen and off-screen talent Scott D'Amore, who worked as the Head of Creative, and on-screen as the manager of the heel faction Team Canada. It just so happens that D'Amore Is actually returning to Impact Wrestling and will be working behind the scenes once again. D'Amore's main duties will be International Relations and creative, But sources say that he will be covering several positions. TNA released a statement on the 8th, it read; "IMPACT & PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING NOAH PARTNERSHIP. As announced earlier today in Tokyo, Japan, IMPACT Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH have come to terms on a working relationship. This is an exciting time for both companies with a more formal announcement coming soon.In a Press Conference held earlier today, NOAH President Masayuki Uchida made the official announcement. We look forward to making a formal announcement soon in Tokyo and seeing IMPACT Stars compete at NOAH's Yokohama event on March 12. We are thrilled to build this relationship even further with more details to come. Stay close to impactWrestling.Com and all of our social media channels for more on this exciting partnership."
Regarding the position of Dixie Carter, The former TNA President is no longer involved in any decision making within the company and has left the TNA office's in Nashville, TN. Dixie's Husband Serg Salinas also left the company in the fall of 2016. As for Jeff Jarrett, who was to have originally been assigned the role of executive consultant, has been reported to be in contention of replacing "Big" John Gaburick as the new executive producer of Impact Wrestling. This does not mean that Gaburick will be released as he has only just restructured his deal. As for Don West, Several reports say that West will only be with Impact Wrestling until the liquidation sale of the TNA merchandise stock has finished, while Dutch Mantel has been officially reinstated to the creative team.
SETH ROLLINS INJURED BY DEBUTING SAMOA JOE
In a night of shocks, Seth Rollins has re-injured his right knee on the RAW following the Royal Rumble Pay Per View. The injury happened during the main roster debut of Samoa Joe. After a long beatdown on the outside of the ring, Joe brought Seth into the ring and applied the Rear Naked Choke. It was the takedown for the submission hold where Rollins suffered the injury. From the footage of the move, Joe pulled Seth down before Seth could get into position, and Rollins' leg bent sideways as to falling backwards as the most common attempts of the Rear Naked Choke see.
Seth has since been evaluated in hospital at Birmingham, Alabama, But it's not clear as to whether his big match with Triple H at WrestleMania is still in the balance, as tests suggest he will be out for an estimated eight weeks. The prior injury to his right leg saw him tear the ACL, MCL and medial meniscus in his knee during a Live event match with Kane back in November of 2015. Rollins also had to miss WrestleMania 32 aswell.
Rollins posted the following to his fans on his Twitter account: "Wanted to take a second to thank everyone who has reached out to me over the last two days. Life doesn't always go your way, but that is no excuse to surrender. If anything, obstacles exist to help us grow and evolve. This reinjury to my surgically repaired knee is real and a lot is up in the air right now, but one thing remains constant: my resolve. This doesn't end for me until I've reclaimed the throne. And for me, fighting and defeating Triple H is the only way. I will work harder than I ever have and push myself beyond what I know. This isn't over. The only way to wear the crown is to slay the king. I know what must be done and there's nothing that can stop me."
NIKKI BELLA NOT LEAVING WWE
Nikki Bella will be done wrestling after WrestleMania 33, But she won't be leaving WWE, as she intends on cutting down the matches to a bare minimum, and compete only at big events like The Undertaker has done in the past. The decision to end the full time in-ring career comes from Nikki having too much pain from her neck to manage and continue. She reportedly hopes that with stopping wrestling, She can make the odd sparse big matches in the future. Sources close to Bella believe that she will be re-signing a new deal with WWE before Mania.
MAJOR STAR NO LONGER SIGNED TO LUCHA UNDERGROUND
Wrestling Superstar Ricochet has revealed that he is no longer under contract with the Hit Mexican Sci-fi like wrestling show Lucha Underground. While Ricochet is no longer signed to Lucha, he can not work any other promotions until Season three of the program has finished due to a a non-compete clause. Ricochet said that he would like to work with Ring of Honor, but he is "handcuffed" at the moment. It will be a good while yet until we witness the former Prince Puma wrestle on other wrestling shows, as Season three of Lucha Underground has been extended and will continue on May 31.
IN OTHER NEWS
LANCE ARCHER INJURED, SURGERY REQUIRED
Lance Archer has been forced onto the shelf after suffering a herniated disc in his back. Archer, The seven foot giant that moves like a cruiserweight started feeling the pain in his back at the February 7th NJPW show, and could "barely walk". Archer will be undergoing surgery, But a timetable for a return is not known. We wish Archer the very best as Back and neck problems are very serious.
LOTS OF INTEREST IN SONJAY DUTT
Wrestling veteran Sonjay Dutt, is hot stuff right now, as their is interest from WWE, ROH and Impact Wrestling. Dutt spoke with Ring of Honor in December about replacing Steve Corino on commentary, while Jeff Jarrett spoke with Dutt more recently about getting Dutt on the TNA creative team. Sonjay has been working at the WWE Performance Centre last week, and he has also been helping in producing some of the NXT live shows.
AAA & LUCHA UNDERGROUND GO TO WAR WITH PENTAGON
Just as Pentagon Jr was looking to make a clean start to his career since leaving AAA and Lucha Underground, One week in and he is already encountering problems with his former employer. Lucha Libre FMV [Parent company of Lucha Underground and AAA] have filed a trademark on the name Penta OM (Penta El Cero Miedo), which Pentagon announced would be his new name just hours after his announcement was made to leave AAA and Lucha Underground. Lucha Libre FMV have also filed for a trademark on Pentagon's Brother Fenix El Rey's name too, who currently still works in the two promotions but doesn't use the Fenix name in AAA.
If the trademarking's are successful, Both Fenix and Penta will not be able to use their names in either Mexico or America, But as for Penta's new name, He can still oppose the trademark as it was filed so soon after his announcement was made.
ROCK N' ROLL EXPRESS JOIN ANGLE IN CLASS OF 2017
Wrestling Tag Team gods Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson are bound for the WWE Hall of Fame in the class of 2017, alongside the great and iconic Kurt Angle. WWE made the announcement on February 6, "The Rock 'n' Roll Express to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The Rock 'n' Roll Express, one of the greatest tag teams in sports-entertainment history, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017 during WrestleMania Week."
BRET HART 100% RECOVERED FROM SURGERY
We are pleased to hear that Bret Hart has 100% recovered from his surgery for Prostate Cancer. Hart spoke to The Canadian Press; "You know, it's so critical for me to stress ... that it's just a blood test, "You gotta go in and get a blood test. If you're a man over 40, you need to go in. You don't want to be like my brother, Smith, who's a guy that didn't worry about it and it's too late now. If you've got prostate cancer, if you don't catch it early, you could die from it. And if you catch it early, you can live a pretty normal life. I would say I'm pretty close to normal."
FORMER WWWF CHAMPION IN POOR HEALTH
Former World Wide Wrestling Federation Champion Ivan Koloff is battling Liver cancer, that has stemmed from Liver Disease that he was diagnosed with over a decade ago. Koloff's wife Renae says he has difficulty in walking, has a diminished Liver function, jaundice and shortness of breath as a result of liver failure. “Doctors say this will only get worse as time goes on. There’s really nothing they can do about it except to keep a watch on him. He’s just not able to go out and do appearances as he had in recent years. He’s not even able to sign autographs at this point" Renae revealed.
Regarding the secret battle with Liver disease for over a decade. Renae said; "Ivan’s had liver disease for many years, but he’s been living with it. He didn’t want to make it public before now because he wanted to continue to witness about the Lord and help with the Children’s Miracle Network and do weddings and fundraisers. He just wanted to stay active. He’s really down about not being able to go out and make appearances. But he can’t even sign his name. We do have a rubber stamp with his signature on it. Our daughter goes with us, and she helps him get to the table. I guess we could stamp the pictures ahead of time."
Ivan, during a recent interview, shared his feelings and love for the fans who keep wrestling alive; “I appreciate the fans. Without the fans, there wouldn’t be any wrestling,” said Ivan, who began his pro career in 1961. "The main thing for me over the years, even as a bad guy, was just to make the matches exciting. Whether the fans were picking on me or booing me or just showing their love, I appreciate them so much and want to thank them all for their support. It makes me feel so good that they still remember."
KEVIN KELLY DEPARTS FROM RING OF HONOR
Lead play-by-play commentator Kevin Kelly has departed from Ring of Honor Wrestling, Following in the path of fellow commentators Steve Corino and Nigel McGuinness, Who also left the company in the fall of last year. Kelly will however be working some on-screen camera work with ROH in the future, But he will be continuing working with NJPW on English Commentary, Which also happens to be a part of the reason for his ROH departure according to the Wrestling Observer. The replacement for Kelly appears to be Ian Riccaboni going forward.
THE BULLET POINTS
John Cena spoke with Sky Sports ahead of his Elimination Chamber title defence. Cena shared his thoughts on retirement; "I am far from retiring, I feel like I am at my physical best. I don't think it's any secret to anybody that this is what I love to do the most and I am far from over. [I am so proud that] I am still able to do this after 16 championships and I always say that my greatest match is my next one. A lot of folks in the WWE say that maybe I am past my prime and have lost a step and that creates a giant chip on [my] shoulder. I want to showcase to everyone watching that I am still at my best."
Tamina Snuka is ready for her WWE return, as she has been booked for the WWE Madison Square Garden event. Tamina will be team with Naomi and Becky Lynch to take on Alexa Bliss, Mickie James and Carmella. Seeing as Tamina is on the team of the faces taking on the heels, It could be an indication as to what her character will be. Dave Meltzer has also noted that Tamina has been booked for upcoming SmackDown events.
New details have arisen on the departure of Gabi Castrovinci from Impact Wrestling, who was known in Impact as Raquel. Reports say that Gabi lied to Impact Wrestling officials about her age. Officials were under the belief that Raquel was in her twenties, However, she is over thirty. However, The main reason for the company opting not to re-sign her was that she wasn't improving in the ring despite the time given to her.
We are sad to learn that Mike Adamle, who was famed as the former host of American Gladiators, and the former General Manager of Monday Night RAW, is battling with Dementia and possible CTE. “The pain comes from embarrassment,” Adamle said. “Sitting down, not being able to remember things. Like I said, everybody’s got that, don’t make a big thing out of it because everybody gets it. But sometimes I wake up in the morning, like I’ll throw up, and there’s times you get really depressed and you don’t want to see anybody and I try to fight those days.” However, Despite the condition changing his entire life, Mike remains strong to keep his mind as active as possible to help extend his life. We wish Mike the very best.
After last week's WWE RAW, Brock Lesnar had a short little battle with The Big Show, When Show answered the open challenge issued by Paul Heyman on Brock's behalf. Show got F-5'd and Lesnar left without a pinfall or any sort of decision.
Austin Aries is apparently cleared to wrestle again according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Aries was put on the shelf by a large orbital fracture, suffered during a match with Shinuke Nakamura at a NXT Live Event on October 27th last year. Reports suggest that WWE are considering a Neville versus Austin Aries bout for the Cruiserweight title at WrestleMania 33.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer said; "Expect it sooner than later" in regards to a fan asking him about a return of "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan to WWE in time for WrestleMania 33.
Erick Rowan of the Wyatt Family, has been working out at at the WWE Performance Center this past week, in attempts to be cleared to return to WWE Rings after tearing his rotator cuff last September. Hideo Itami, who also has been out since 2016, has been taken off of WWE's injury list reports claim.
A new film is to be released that documents the life of WWE Superstar Paige and her family, who are also wrestlers and promoters of their own companies in the UK. Seven Bucks Productions [The Movie company of The Rock], WWE Studios and Film 4 have joined together to make the film that will be titled Fighting With My Family.
Lei’D Tapa, The Former Bodyguard to Multi-time Knockouts champion Gail Kim during one of her heel runs has been trying out at the WWE performance Centre. Tapa was with forty two others in Orlando, Florida, the home of the training facility.
Dana Warrior, the widow of The late great Ultimate Warrior, has signed a multi-year deal with WWE as a brand ambassador. Dana spoke on UltimateWarrior.com; "On January 27, 2017 a contract between WWE and myself was officially executed. I could not be more excited about becoming an official part of the WWE family...although I always felt I was one. I have an opportunity now to work at WWE as a Brand Ambassador. The relationship with WWE has built slowly and meaningfully; the way good ones do. From day one it was my mission to preserve my late husband's legacy and ensure his Warriors around the world continued access to his brand of inspiration. I could not have anticipated all the ways WWE would partner with me and then go beyond in sewing Ultimate Warrior into their universe's fabric. I could not have predicted how through this company I would find and develop myself, cultivate and unearth my skills. My roots were already at WWE; they've given me a place to struggle through growing pains but ultimately bloom."
Superstar actress Rosario Dawson was one of several celebrities in attendance at one of Lucha VaVoom's recent shows. The wrestlers were pumped to know she was in attendance, and Rosario went backstage and had photos with the wrestlers.
Tammy Sytch, who is maybe better known to the wrestling world as Sunny was released from Carbon County Correctional Facility on parole on February 3. Sunny went to prison for breaking the rules of her parole.
Brian Pillman Jr, The son of the late great ring general Brian Pillman, is looking into getting into the footsteps of his Father by starting a career in Pro Wrestling. Pillman Jr won't be doing anything out of the blue, as countless children of Wrestling Royalty have been following in the footsteps of their parents, Such as Davey Boy Smith Jr, Tessa Blanchard, Charlotte Flair, Dominic Mysterio, Biff Busick Jr. aka Oney Lorcan in NXT, The Sons of Haku and many many more.
SIGNINGS, DEPARTURES & MORE
DEPARTURES
Kevin Kelly from ROH
INJURIES
Tony Nese
Rich Swann [Foot Injury sustained on the RAW following the Royal Rumble]
Chris Jericho [Foot Injury sustained during the Royal Rumble match when Brock Lesnar began his path of destruction throwing everyone around.]
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Through The Ropes Newsletter Issue #21
Written By the Through The Ropes Team
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