David Arquette Announces Return To Pro-Wrestling

Former World Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, David Arquette, has announced he is returning to pro-wrestling.

Arquette held the title from April 25th, 2000 to May 7th, 2000. He won the title from Diamond Dallas Page during a tag-team match in which he and Page were partners and defeated Jeff Jarrett and Eric Bischoff. The stipulation in the match had been whoever scored the pinfall also won the title.

Arquette then lost the title to Jeff Jarrett at Slamboree 2000. The match was a triple threat against DDP and Jarrett inside a triple-tiered cage. Arquette turned on Page during the match and helped Jarrett win the title. He donated everything he earned from WCW to the families of Owen Hart and Brian Pillman. Arquette is said to be a nice guy and a huge wrestling fan.

Now it appears Arquette is ready to return to pro-wrestling. He made the announcement during an appearance on the Wendy Williams Show, though it’s not altogether clear when/if fans can expect to see the 46-year-old booked on any upcoming wrestling shows.

“I’d like to announce my return to professional wrestling!” Arquette proclaimed.

“I was promoting a movie I did called Ready to Rumble and it just so happened that I won the championship,” Arquette said. “(Fans) blamed me for ruining WCW, it’s no longer around and maybe I did have something to do with it.”

Arquette appears to have adopted a new gimmick as well. His new name is David “the Magic Man” Arquette.

“For 18 years, I’ve been trolled on the internet,” he continued. “And I just want to bring some respect back to my name!”

Tessa Blanchard Talks Impact Wrestling and Not Signing With WWE

In the short time since she has been with Impact Wrestling, Tessa Blanchard is undefeated and could move into the Knockouts title picture shortly. The 22-year-old has competed in WWE and Stardom and is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces on Impact’s roster.

Blanchard recently took part in an interview on Busted Open Radio. She talked about the mood backstage in Impact Wrestling as well as details surrounding her 2014 WWE tryout:

“After my WWE tryout in 2014, I was like ‘alright, I’m getting signed, I’m going to be there, I’m ready, let’s do this’, Blanchard said in regards to her relationship with WWE. “Then when it didn’t happen, I was heartbroken. I honestly think it’s cause God had a plan for me. If I would have gone and they would have signed me, I don’t think I would have had the life experiences or the experiences in wrestling.”

“I wouldn’t be the wrestler I am today,” she continued.

The daughter of Tully Blanchard and step-daughter of Magnum TA also had this to say regarding the Impact Wrestling roster and mood backstage:

“At first I was a little nervous,” Blanchard said. “I didn’t really know what to expect. TV style is very new to me still. But the locker room and everyone has been so welcoming there and it’s just a very good environment there. Everyone wants the best for each other. I haven’t run into any problems where it’s like people talking about other people or saying one thing and turning around and saying a different thing. It feels just like good vibes there, like good energy. Everyone really, really wants the best for each other.”

Blanchard also credited Gail Kim, Petey Williams, and Jimmy Jacobs as creative minds backstage in Impact. She will take on Madison Rayne this Thursday on Impact’s branded episode “Under Pressure”.

Io Shirai Headed To WWE

According to Japanese media outlet, Tokyo Sports, Io Shirai is headed to WWE.

There had been reports last year that Shirai was WWE bound as well but the 27-year-old’s offer was rescinded after she failed a company medical. Shirai was found to have an injured neck and ended up returning to Stardom.

It appears WWE once again has a contract offer on the table for Shirai. It’s not clear if WWE has taken a second look at her medical records or not at this point, however.

Tokyo Sports is reporting that Shirai’s last match for Stardom will be June 23rd, 2018. The media outlet notes that Stardom’s advertising for their July shows does not feature a picture of Shirai.

Shirai lost her “Wonder of Stardom” championship last week, spurring rumors she was leaving the company. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported the title change had always been in the works, however, and likely had nothing to do with Shirai leaving. The Observer also reported that WWE has made offers to several other talents from Stardom likely for the upcoming Mae Young Class tournament this summer. Stardom’s Toni Storm also recently signed with WWE as part of the UK division.

Shirai is one of the most talented and respected female athletes in all of Japan. She has won Tokyo Sports’ “Joshi Puroresu Grand Prize” award a record 3 straight times. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked her #6 in their Top-50 countdown of female wrestlers in 2017.

Scott Hall Invaded WCW 22 Years Ago Today

Scott Hall invaded WCW Nitro on May 27th, 1996. His appearance kicked off one of the most significant angles in wrestling history.

Former WCW President, Eric Bischoff, commented on the famous angle during his “83 Weeks” podcast recently.

“It’s hard for me to create a timeline that occurred 20 years ago, especially with the angle of the nWo,” Bischoff said.  “When I knew Scott Hall was coming in, probably a couple of weeks before he was due to arrive, at least in my mind, from what I remember now, that is when the idea started to form in my head. I knew that I wanted to do this reality-based angle.”

“I wanted to do this storyline where the audience didn’t know whether or not the story was real or it was scripted. Scott and Kevin worked with WCW previously. Scott and Kevin both felt that WCW didn’t treat them well, and that they weren’t being treated as stars, etc. We have heard it all before. They went to WWF and became bigger stars, or big stars in WWF. Storyline-wise it became apparent to me that it was a perfect catalyst of these two guys that used to work here and got pissed off, they left, became big stars and then came back to exact revenge. That was the premise of the nWo storyline.”

Kenny Omega Responds To Jim Cornette Burying His Work

Jim Cornette is not a fan of Kenny Omega. As he does with all of his opinions, Cornette has made this one perfectly clear.

While previous rivals of Cornette’s have gone so far as to take out restraining orders against him, Omega believes a good hard-handed Tweet is enough to get the job done.

Cornette sent out the following response to a video of Kota Ibushi giving repeated Canadian Destroyers to a dummy:

To which Omega responded with:

Kenny Omega really has warned Cornette about tagging him in his posts before. Omega has said Cornette can bury him all he wants but would rather he didn’t tag him in the comments so that they appear on his Twitter timeline.

Omega first made these statements to Cornette last year:

Meanwhile, Chris Jericho at one time thought Cornette would make the perfect manager for him while he feuded with Omega.

Cornette’s old-school no-nonsense approach to pro-wrestling is unwavering. As a result, he is not in favor of highspot-centric wrestling which he feels is exhibited by many of today’s modern wrestlers.

In some cases, Cornette believes this wrestling is too dangerous and at other times he feels it hurts the credibility of the sport.

In response to a question about why he continues to tag Omega in his posts, Cornette posted the following:

Kenny Omega probably isn’t too concerned about Cornette at the moment, however. One of the biggest matches of his career is upcoming at NJPW’s Dominion show on June 9th, 2018.

Omega will challenge IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, in a best 2-out-of-3 falls match. Should Omega be victorious, he will only be the second member of Bullet Club to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Bret Hart Remembers Owen, Possible Shot Thrown At Martha?

This week was the 19th anniversary of Owen Hart’s tragic death. He was to descend from the rafters of Kansas City’s Kemper Arena on May 23rd, 1999 but tragedy struck. Owen died after falling from the arena rafters and landing chest first on the top rope.

His official cause of death was listed as internal bleeding due to blunt force trauma. He was only 34 at the time of his death.

Yesterday, Owen’s older brother Bret sent out the following to his social media accounts:

Owen’s widow Martha does not want WWE to profit off of using Owen’s likeness. This likely has prevented Owen from being inducted into the Hall of Fame or receiving the historical attributes many feel he should on WWE programming.

In 2010, Martha and WWE were in court over WWE continuing to use Owen’s likeness. Bret responded with the following statement:

“I feel that it’s ridiculous for anyone to think they are serving the best interests of Owen’s memory or his children to pretend he wasn’t a wrestler. Not only was he a wrestler, he was a great one and proud of it. I personally believe Martha Hart has done nothing to keep his memory alive and sadly, he fades from view a little more every year. I do suspect this lawsuit is more about publicity, ego, and small-mindedness than it is about pro-wrestling and all of those that are in it.”

In 2015, a planned DVD about Owen was in the works. After learning of the planned documentary, Martha made the following statement:

“My children and I were unaware of this project until May 7, when it was brought to our attention by a friend who had read about it online. Contrary to your report, we do not back or support it in any way, nor has WWE requested our backing or support. From what little we know of the project, it seems to be another attempt to exploit Owen’s memory, and his tragic death, for commercial gain. We have resisted that kind of initiative for almost 16 years. If WWE really wanted to honor Owen’s legacy, it would just let him rest in peace.”

John Hennigan Possibly Headed To New Japan Pro Wrestling?

There is speculation that John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo/Impact/Morrison/Nitro) could be headed to New Japan Pro Wrestling.

In addition to being featured in the upcoming 4th season of Lucha Underground, Hennigan is also expected to be a contestant on the upcoming season of the reality TV show Survivor.

According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Hennigan has inquired about possibly being brought into New Japan Pro Wrestling. NJPW had previously been interested in Hennigan but at the time his contract situation made a deal difficult. Hennigan’s relationship with AAA was seen as preventative to him coming in as NJPW’s Mexican talent exchange partner is CMLL. NJPW has been less strict on this policy as of late, however.

Hennigan wrestled his first match in 3 months on May 12th, 2018. He competed for Rey Mysterio’s Lucha Mayhem show from El Cajon, CA. Mysterio and Psychosis defeated Brian Cage and Hennigan. It has since been revealed that Hennigan had stepped away from wrestling earlier this year in order to film Survivor.

Currently in Impact Wrestling, his absence has been explained via an injury angle with Kongo Kong and Jimmy Jacobs.

Hennigan held the Lucha Underground Championship for most of season 3 but ended up losing it at Ultima Lucha III.

Cody Left WWE 2 Years Ago, Here’s What’s Happened Since

Cody Runnells was granted his release from WWE on May 22nd, 2016. A lot has happened since that time. It was believed then that Cody was frustrated with WWE’s creative department. He had been pleading with writers to end the Stardust gimmick for months and felt his numerous storyline pitches were being ignored.

Shortly after Cody was released, several members of the media chimed in with their belief WWE never gave Cody a chance.

“I can’t say I blame him a bit. Not even a little bit. WWE never gave him a real chance, and that’s just sad to me,” Dave Scherer of Pro Wrestling Insider stated.

Dave Meltzer noted at the time that Cody was “used as more of a lower and mid-card wrestler in a number of changing roles”, and also added that “his career had gone nowhere and he hadn’t been used well.”

Cody’s frustration would continue shortly after leaving the company when it was revealed WWE would be preventing him from using the last name “Rhodes”. Although he had never used the name outside of WWE, Cody protested against the patenting of a name his father made famous and that was associated so strongly with his family.

Cody debuted in Ring of Honor at the Final Battle PPV that December. He promptly turned heel during his match with Jay Lethal at the event. Cody then signed a deal to make Ring of Honor is home promotion but a few months later the deal would be re-worked.

On December 10th, 2016, Cody was shown in a video package which aired during NJPW’s World Tag League. Cody was announced as the newest member of Bullet Club.

Cody won the ROH World Title at Best in the World 2017. He defeated Christopher Daniels after being involved in a 3-way feud for the title which also involved Jay Lethal.

He defended the title 14x and held it for 175 days before dropping it to Dalton Castle at Final Battle 2017. Cody has only recently announced he plans to cash-in his rematch clause later this summer.

That September, Cody reacted negatively to news WWE would be running an event named Starrcade:

Michael Hayes then offered Cody a spot on the show:

Just days after Hayes’ offer to appear on a WWE show, Cody and ROH announced he had signed a multi-year exclusive deal with the company.

Tension began to mount between Cody and Kenny Omega over the leadership of Bullet Club in 2017. This played out mainly on the YouTube series “Being the Elite” as well as on NJPW and ROH shows.

In 2018, the long-teased rivalry between Omega and Cody kicked off. Cody turned on Omega at the New Beginning in Sapporo after Omega lost his IWGP US title to Jay White. The split in Bullet Club would lead to a Young Bucks vs Golden Lovers match at Strong Style Evolved and a match between Cody and Omega at ROH’s biggest show of the year.

Cody would defeat Omega and recently defeated Kota Ibushi at Wrestling Dontaku 2018. There has been tension teased between Marty Scurll and Cody recently as well which could turn into a storyline soon. His feud with Omega appears to be on the backburner as Omega prepares to face Kazuchika Okada on June 9th, 2018.

Not long after leaving WWE, Cody tweeted a list of goals he was setting for himself. One goal he has mentioned repeatedly in the last 2 years is to main event a show in a 10,000 seat arena.

The All In event organized by the Young Bucks and Cody sold out the Sears Center in Chicago just minutes after going on sale. Cody will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the event.

It’s been an eventful 2 years for Cody, ROH, NJPW and Bullet Club and it’s possible we haven’t even seen the full extent of what Cody can do outside WWE.

Matt Cappotelli Discontinuing Cancer Treatments

Former Tough Enough winner, Matt Cappotelli, has discontinued further cancer treatments. This according to his wife, Lindsay.

Cappotelli was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006. He had surgery which reportedly removed most of the tumor. Last July, however, he was diagnosed with a grade IV GlioBlastoma Multiforme tumor, the most aggressive type of brain cancer there is.

Earlier this month, Lindsay updated her blog and stated doctors have now recommended discontinuing treatment.

“We went in last Tuesday for his infusion and talked with his neuro-oncologist about everything that we’ve been seeing with Matt, and he decided that we’re at the point now where we should discontinue treatments…I feel like it’s the right decision, even though it breaks my heart knowing that there is nothing else we can do. But I feel like we’ve done everything. All the supplements, the diet, the chemo, the radiation…”

She would continue to say that Matt is unable to speak in full sentences or communicate much.

“It’s hard to know how he feels about discontinuing treatment because he can’t communicate in full sentences most of the time.”

“Matt has fought hard. He never gave up hope. He kept the faith. He never complained through any of this. Not once did I hear him say, “Why me?” He still always thought of other people above himself, and anyone who knows him will tell you that. He is a true warrior.”

The 38-year-old began his wrestling career in 2003, winning season III of Tough Enough along with John Hennigan. After a short spell on the main roster, he was sent for additional training in Ohio Valley Wrestling.

In 2005, Cappotelli won the OVW Heavyweight Championship. He would later be forced to vacate the title, however, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in early 2006. He had been working as a trainer in OVW as of 2013.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage Died 7 Years Ago Today

7 years ago today, we lost one of the most influential performers in the history of wrestling.  Randall Mario Poffo, better known to wrestling fans as “Macho Man” Randy Savage, died 7 years ago today.

Savage died of a heart attack while driving with his wife in Seminole, Florida. He lost control of his Jeep Wrangler and they crashed into a tree. Early reports indicated Savage had been killed in the collision but it was later concluded he died from atherosclerotic heart disease. Doctors found his heart was enlarged and the arteries surrounding it had been narrowed by more than 90%. It is believed he never knew about his heart condition.

Savage was cremated and his remains placed under a tree on his home in Largo, Florida.

There are few accolades for professional wrestlers that Savage did not earn during his long career.

In wrestling storyline, Savage was a 2x WWF Champion, a 4x WCW Champion, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015. He was even more celebrated as a performer, however.

Savage was inducted into the inaugural class of the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 1996. His match with Ricky Steamboat from WrestleMania III also won Wrestling Observer Match of the Year in 1987.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has also honored Savage frequently throughout the years. He was honored as Wrestler of the Year, and Most Popular Wrestler of the Year in 1988. The following year he would be voted Most Hated Wrestler of the Year by the same magazine.

A recent Ring of Honor show featured Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo, interacting with Jay Lethal. The former Black Machismo brought Lanny Poffo out to deliver the same address he had given during the Macho King’s inauguration many years ago. Poffo then gave Lethal a pair of the Macho Man’s famous sunglasses.

Randall Mario Poffo was 58 years old.

Matt Jackson Comments On Hulk Hogan at All-In, Length of Show, more…

After selling out Chicago’s Sears Center Arena in under 30 minutes, members of the Elite are likely feeling pretty good these days.

We still don’t have any official matches for the show. We know Cody will be challenging for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship currently held by Nick Aldis. We don’t know if Nick Aldis will still be the champion come September 1st, 2018, however.

Matt Jackson has commented on the length of All In. He specifically mentioned he does not want the show to be a five or six-hour marathon as some New Japan Pro Wrestling shows are. Jackson was interviewed by WrestleZone radio recently and answered questions on what fans can expect on September 1st.

Jackson was asked specifically about how long All-In will be.

“I like three hours,” Jackson said. “I have a short attention span and I’m a father of two. I think I’m a millennial, I’m 33 now. I think three hours is realistic and I am going to try and keep it around that.”

NJPW often runs shows which pass the 4 and even 5-hour mark. The Greatest Royal Rumble was also a show of similar length.

In terms of other wrestlers which could still be booked for the show, Jackson mentioned the booking team gets a lot of requests.

“I was asked the other day about “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan and I was like, ‘He’d probably cost $150,000 just to make an in-ring appearance.’ I can’t afford that,” Jackson said. “When we first announced this show, I think everyone just assumed we had these endless funds so just go ahead and bring in whoever! Sometimes there are names that are just unrealistic. It really is just three guys running a show. Give me a break.”

Jackson also stated NJPW has been great about the event and said they could ask for whatever wrestler they wanted. Kazuchika Okada seems like a good choice.

All In Sells Out In Under 30 Minutes

All In on September 1st, 2018, from the Sears Center in Chicago, will be the biggest non-WWE wrestling show in the United States or Canada since the closing of WCW in 2001.

Yesterday, all 10,000 tickets to the event were sold in under 30 minutes. Many are rejoicing at the news today as it signifies just how successful non-WWE wrestling can be in the current era.

Some fans are upset scalpers purchased a good chunk of tickets to the event, however. Unfortunately, this is a reality for all ticketed events which are expected to sell-out.

Friday’s ROH show in Toronto was sold-out and tickets were available on the secondary market for 4x face value. Ticketmaster and other outlets have methods in place to limit how many tickets scalpers can purchase but there is only so much they can do.

At yesterday’s press conference, Billy Corgan announced the NWA World Heavyweight Championship will be defended at All In. The challenger will be none other than Cody himself. The title belt owned by Billy Corgan and held by Nick Aldis played a significant role in Cody’s father’s career. It is fitting that Cody would challenge for it at such a significant event in his own career.

A question which will probably go on unanswered until the event itself is what will happen if Cody wins the championship? It’s not clear if he would take the belt with him to Ring Of Honor. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship has been defended in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where Cody also works, on multiple occasions.

The events at All-In may go a long way in determining how closely promotions such as ROH, the NWA, as well as Impact and Lucha Underground are able to work together.

Cody Tells Vince Russo To Stay Away From All In

Controversial wrestling personality, Vince Russo, has expressed his desire to appear at Bullet Club’s All In event on September 1st, 2018. For his part, Cody has expressed his strong desire Vince Russo not appear at the event. Cody also recently announced he has booked his dog, Pharoah, for the event.

This dynamic recently led to a series of Twitter messages I have curated for you below. Enjoy!

Cody responded to Russo’s text not long after.

Vince Russo then sent out a series of additional Tweets:

The above Tweet could be construed as Russo saying the style of wrestling at All In would be too dangerous.

The above Tweet seems to insinuate Russo feels he is being ostracized for having a perspective which deviates from the norm.

Velveteen Dream has been cutting some anti-independent wrestling fan promos as of late.

Russo gives the old “Sorry Not Sorry” line.

It’s not completely clear what Russo’s opposing viewpoints are although he seems to indicate modern wrestling is a little too dangerous.

Tessa Blanchard: “I’m the Hottest Free Agent Out There Right Now!

Tessa Blanchard made a surprise appearance at the Impact Wrestling “Redemption” PPV on April 22nd, 2018. She did guest commentary alongside Josh Matthews and Don Callis for the Taya Valkyrie vs Kiera Hogan match.

Recently, ImpactWrestling.com conducted an interview with Blanchard, who believes she is the hottest free agent available right now.

“I came to the Knockouts Division because it’s no secret that the past six months or so IMPACT’s been making strides. The hottest free agents out there – Pentagon, Fenix, Brian Cage – IMPACT has locked them down,” Blanchard explained. “When it comes to the Knockouts Division, I’m the hottest free agent out there right now!”

The Knockouts division in Impact is pretty crowded at the moment but Blanchard believes she’s earned the right to skip the line.

“I’m not looking to work my way up. I feel like I deserve a shot at the Knockouts Championship. On the independent circuit, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve won championships, I’ve won tournaments – I’ve defeated some of the best out there so I feel like I am one of the best.”

It seems as though Blanchard is gunning straight for the Knockouts champion, Allie.

“I’m coming here and I want to be the top dog, I’m going to go after whoever has the Knockouts Championship – and right now that’s Allie. I’ve got my sights set on Allie and if any of the Knockouts get in my way I’ll run right through them.”

Blanchard also spoke on what it is like to carry on the Blanchard name.

“Carrying on the Blanchard name is a huge honor for me because my grandfather, my father and my step-father – they’ve all put a lot into their legacy and for me to carry that on, it’s a lot of weight on my shoulders. I put pressure on myself to be the best and to carry on the Blanchard name with dignity and with pride.”

CM Punk Announced For Meet & Greet In Chicago During “All-In” Weekend

Fans attending Bullet Club’s “All In” event will be able to attend a Meet and Greet with CM Punk the night before. The Pro Wrestling Tees retail store in Chicago has just announced Punk will be at their location on August 31st, 2018, the night before All In.

Cody Rhodes re-tweeted Pro Wrestling Tees’ announcement of Punk’s Meet and Greet. This could fuel speculation of Punk’s further involvement with the event. That news of Punk’s meet and greet in Chicago is coming just before tickets go on sale this Sunday might be a coincidence.

Punk has an upcoming MMA fight to worry about first, however. He takes on Mike Jackson at UFC 225 on June 9th, 2018. UFC 225 will also be held in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.

Punk previously teased the idea he would be appearing at the September 1st, 2018 event earlier this year. Punk posted a Tweet saying fans had been asking him if he’s “All-In”. He followed it up with a post about being “In” for the Chicago Cubs upcoming season, however.

Punk’s friend, Matt Jackson, said this of Punk in an interview he gave earlier this year:

“I will say this: I text message Punk on a weekly basis. We’re good friends,” Matt Jackson said. “We talk wrestling. He still loves wrestling, of course, he does. We’re pro wrestlers. That’s what we do. Even when you quit or retire or whatever, it’s still in your blood.”

Punk has said he’ll never return to WWE but he’s never fully closed the door on a return to wrestling either. On the now-famous episode of Colt Cabana’s “Art of Wrestling” podcast, he did mention the idea of wrestling with the likes of the Young Bucks for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerilla. Ever since signing with the UFC, however, Punk’s focus has been solely on MMA it seems.

Big Bully Busick

Nick Busick, better known to wrestling fans as Big Bully Busick, has passed away at the age of 63. He had been receiving hospice care after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Busick began his wrestling career in the late 1970s. He had been competing as a powerlifter before then and wrestled in high school. After moving to Atlanta to work for the local police department, Busik began wrestling for Jerry Blackwell and developed the Big Bully persona.

Under his gimmick, Busick wore a derby hat and smoked a cigar. When he debuted for Vince McMahon in 1989, he used the gimmick as a way to get heat with fans at ringside. Busik would be shown popping a kids balloon with his cigar and committing other acts to antagonize live crowds. The act led to the introduction of the “Sid Justice” character in 1991. The Sid Eudy character came to the aid of a ring announcer Big Bully Busick was bullying. Busick would then enter a feud with the Brooklyn Brawler before leaving the company the same year.

His son Branko is a professional Mixed Martial Artist. Branko lost his debut fight in Bellator last year but won his 2nd bout earlier this year.

Busick suffered cardiac arrest in 2005 but reportedly refused medical treatment after. His health started to deteriorate further in 2015 when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. After losing almost 80lbs during chemotherapy, Busick announced he was cancer-free in 2016.

He underwent surgery for a brain tumor last year. Busick was diagnosed with cancer of the Cerebrospinal fluid earlier this year and was placed into hospice care in Weirton, West Virginia. His wife released word of his passing yesterday.

After leaving wrestling in 1991, Busick began working as a bouncer and private investigator in Atlanta. He continued competing in powerlifting competitions up until 2015.

Cody Announces Plans To Run For Texas State Senate in 2020

Former Ring of Honor World Champion, Cody, has announced plans to run for the Texas State in 2020. The announcement was made on the season premiere of “Being the Elite” released last night.

Cody recited a speech from a Harry Potter movie into a mirror as if it was a political address and then handed Page a tablet with a “Cody for Texas State Senate 2020” logo.

Mike Kanellis Comments On Birth of Child, Getting Sober

The last year has been an eventful one for Mike Bennett, aka Mike Kanellis. He recently celebrated the birth of his first child along with his wife, Maria. The 32-year-old has also been open about his recent battles with pain medication, however.

The former IWGP heavyweight tag-team champion recently posted the following message to his social media channels:

"Less than a year ago, my days were spent sitting on this couch, taking pain killers, and watching everything I loved slip away. Now, almost 10 months sober, this is how I spend my days. Life doesn’t offer 2nd chances very often, but I feel like it has offered me one. And I plan on making the most of it. This little girl deserves that! #sobriety #daddysgirl #daddyslittlegirl #princessfred #familytime #wwe"

Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis signed with WWE in 2017 and debuted at the Money in the Bank PPV that summer. Previously, Bennett and Kanellis had a brief stint in Impact Wrestling. Bennett won the X-Division championship during this time.

Bennett wrestled for several years in Ring of Honor, even winning the top prospects tournament in 2011. He would form a successful team with Matt Taven and win titles in both ROH and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Bennett and Taven were involved in a memorable feud over the tag titles with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows when Anderson seemed to fall hopelessly in love with Maria. Anderson’s infatuation with Maria allowed Taven and Bennett to defeat them for the belts.

Since debuting in WWE, Bennett has taken Maria’s last name.

At last week’s Greatest Royal Rumble, Bennett was eliminated in near-record setting fashion. While he didn’t last long in the actual match, he did get a few laughs for his entrance. Bennett opted to mime his normal entrance with Maria even though Maria was not there.

Kiera Hogan Talks Her Last Name, Conflict With Tessa Blanchard

“The Girl on Fire” Kiera Hogan is just 3 years into her wrestling career but is already being called the future of Impact’s Knockouts division by some of her fellow wrestlers.

The 23-year-old was featured on a recent Impact Wrestling media conference call. She spoke on several topics including her last name and Tessa Blanchard’s appearance at the Redemption PPV during her match.

Hogan, who uses her real name as a performer, seems comfortable addressing her famous last name. She was asked if she had any reservations about entering the pro-wrestling world with the last name “Hogan”.

“I knew this question was coming,” Hogan joked. “My real name is Kiera Hogan, it’s on my license, it’s on my birth certificate, I’m a real Hogan.”

She continued to say that when she first started in the business she was a ring announcer and simply decided to go by her real name. When she began her in-ring career, Hogan decided she didn’t want to separate her announcer character and in-ring character so that she could show her evolution.

In an interview she gave to Interactive Wrestling Radio last month, Hogan was asked if she’d ever considered doing an angle where she portrayed Hulk Hogan’s daughter.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it. I’ve actually had a conversation with Brooke Hogan about it. She got a hold of me and was like, ‘We should be sisters or something!’ I was like, ‘That would be so cool!’ My real name is Kiera Hogan. That is my real real name. When I got into wrestling, I was like, ‘That works. I already am a Hogan!”

As the conversation turned to other Knockouts in the division, a twinge of jealousy could be detected from Hogan. In particular, Hogan seems to feel disrespected that Tessa Blanchard stole the spotlight away from her at Redemption. Blanchard came in to do guest commentary during Hogan’s match with Taya Valkyrie.

“I was just so overwhelmed and then here comes 3rd generation Tessa Blanchard walking in,” Hogan said. “It did overshadow what I was doing, which she has accomplished way more than I have, I’ll definitely give it to her there, but it was my moment. I felt like this was my moment why did she have to come in and overshadow me?”

Blanchard recently gave an interview to ImpactWrestling.com, insinuating she plans to skip to the front of the line in the Knockouts division. Perhaps, we could see Hogan and Blanchard meet in an Impact ring sometime in the future.