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Rob Van Dam and Sabu return to IMPACT Wrestling against World Tag Team Champions The Lucha Brothers in an Extreme Dream Match

 

 

TORONTO | NEW YORK – IMPACT Wrestling announced today that United We Stand on April 4 in Rahway, NJ will air as a live pay-per-view event exclusively on FITE.tv.

 

Kicking off at 11:00 p.m. ET, United We Stand will feature the returns of former World Champion Rob Van Dam and hardcore wrestling legend Sabu to IMPACT Wrestling, as they challenge IMPACT World Tag Team Champions Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, the Lucha Brothers, in an Extreme Dream Match.

 

“We are delighted to welcome two legends in Rob Van Dam and Sabu back to an IMPACT Wrestling ring,” said Ed Nordholm, president of IMPACT Wrestling. “Add thisto the list of other matches we have announced and United We Stand is becoming a dream night of action for wrestling fans all over the world made available through our partners at FITE.tv.” 

 

United We Stand will also present a Monster’s Ball to end all Monster’s Balls between two of the most intense, violent and hardcore wrestlers on the planet. Picking up where they left off after their barbed wire bat death match at Wrestling MediaCon last September in Manchester, Sami Callihan and Jimmy Havoc will battle in a dream hardcore encounter for the world to see. 

 

In other featured matches:

 

 

 

 

Tickets for United We Stand start at $40 and are available at IMPACTWrestling.com. The live pay-per-view event can be purchased on the FITE website www.FITE.tv or on the FITE app on all iOS and Android devices, or on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and FireTVboxes for $19.99 on a stand-alone basis or for $159.95 as part of FITE.tv’s “FITE FEST bundle of more than 30 events occurring through the April 3-6 weekend of wrestling festivities in the tri-state area. FITE.tv is a premium digital live streaming network that has presented over 1,900 live professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, boxing and other combat sports events since its launch in 2016. For more information about United We Stand on FITE.tv, visit http://www.FITE.tv.

 

A subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., IMPACT Wrestling will present United We Stand in collaboration with WrestlePro. Emanating from Rahway Recreation Center, the show will take place on the busiest wrestling weekend of the year, as virtually the entire professional wrestling world descends upon the New York metropolitan area.  

 

IMPACT Wrestling previously announced a collaboration with MLW for their respective events on April 4, coordinating schedules to ensure fans can attend both shows. 

 

Directions from Melrose Ballroom, which hosts MLW’s television tapings, to Rahway Recreation Center can be found below:

 

By Transit or Subway

 

By Car

 

Both routes will bring you to NJ Turnpike South to Rahway, NJ.

About IMPACT Wrestling

IMPACT Wrestling is one of the world’s largest wrestling entertainment properties, creating more than 300 hours of original content annually across television and other digital platforms. IMPACT Wrestling specializes in creating premium content, events, products, merchandise and music, as well as the management and promotion of professional wrestlers. Its highly successful flagship, IMPACT!, is broadcast globally, including Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Pursuit Channel and Twitchin the United States, Fight Network and GameTV in Canada, Sony ESPN in India, 5Spike and Fight Network in the United Kingdom, SuperSport in Africa, and MVStvin Mexico.

 

For more information visit www.impactwrestling.com.

About FITE.tv

FITE TV is the largest independent digital streaming platform for combat sports featuring over 1,000 pay per view events per year available a-la-carte. FITE is free to join through its downloadable apps for iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU and Amazon Fire TV. FITE streams live events from the MMA, Boxing and Pro Wrestling world to its 1.1M registered viewers. Available online at www.FITE.tv.

WRESTLING MEDIACON 2018 – FULL LINE UP REVEALED!

The full line-up for wrestling’s biggest ever media convention has been revealed.

Wrestling MediaCon 2018, presented by WrestlingTravel.org will see huge crowds of wrestling fans descend on the BEC Arena in Manchester on the weekend of September 8 and 9 for a unique experience of live wrestling shows, superstar panel Q&As, meet and greets, stalls and even a Hall of Fame ceremony.

Billed as “the best in wrestling and social media under one roof”, Wrestling MediaCon 2018 will star some of the grappling world’s biggest names including WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, former WWE superstar and D-Generation X/NWO alumni Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman and the stars of WOS Wrestling on ITV, as well as some of wrestling’s biggest names in YouTube, podcasting and print/digital media.

The event will also feature the return to British shores of top US promotion IMPACT Wrestling who will face the best of the UK in a special live wrestling event on the Sunday.

A two-day 16-man wrestling tournament starring the world’s top junior heavyweights – brought to you by leading UK promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling – is also part of the convention.

There will also be countless photo and autograph opportunities for fans to enjoy, a large selection of wrestling merchandise to peruse, as well as cosplay, live podcasts, a retro arcade gaming experience and much more.

Wrestling MediaCon opens for general admission at 11am on the Saturday and Sunday with early entry at 10am for VIP ticket holders on the Sunday.

Here is the full schedule for the weekend (times and names subject to change):

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Star names who will be meeting fans in the Convention Arena

Pat Patterson, Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman, Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, Dave Meltzer, Nick Aldis, Colt Cabana, Doug Williams, Moose, Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, WOS Wrestling Champion Rampage, Joe Hendry, Adam ‘Flex’ Maxted, Justin Sysum, Nathan Cruz, Don Callis, Dave Lagana, So Cal Val, Oli and Luke from WrestleTalk, The Cultaholic Team, El Phantasmo, Roppongi 3K (Sho and Yoh), Kyle Fletcher, Rocky Romero, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask, Chris Ridgeway, Kurtis Chapman, LAX, Bandido, Matt Sydal, Su Yung, Eli Drake, Sami Callihan, Trevor Lee, KUSHIDA, Flamita, David Starr, Dean Allmark, Findlay Martin and more!

Revolution Pro Wrestling British J Cup Tournament (Sat 5pm, Sun 1pm)

This thrilling tournament will feature 16 of the very best Junior Heavyweights from around the world competing over two nights to prove themselves as the best of the best.

Starring: KUSHIDA, Dean Allmark, Flamita, David Starr, Bandido, Tiger Mask, Rich Swann, Kurtis Chapman, Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, Kyle Fletcher, Sho, Yoh, Chris Ridgeway, El Phantasmo, Rocky Romero and Ryusuke Taguchi.

Live wrestling shows (times TBC)

From top UK promotions New Generation Wrestling and Defiant.

SATURDAY ONLY

Panel Show: Botch-a-Memia: The Absurdity of Wrestling (Saturday, 1pm)

What happens when you combine two of the biggest wrestling comedy brands into one ridiculous stage show at Wrestling Mediacon?

Wrestling Memes and Maffew from Botchamania combine like a gigantic Megazord of wrestling lunacy!

Panel Show: Internet Darlings 2: UK Boogaloo (Saturday, 2pm)

A team of the biggest wrestling social media personalities in the UK go into battle.

No wrestling subject will be off limits and nobody will be safe from their irreverent yet savage critique.

Starring Brian Zane (Wrestling With Wregret), Oli Davis (WrestleTalk), Luke Owen (WrestleTalk), Adam Pacitti (Cultaholic) and Maffew (Botchamania).

Panel Show: The Rise and Rise of British Wrestling (Saturday, 3pm)

Patrick Lennon (from The Daily Star’s Fightin’ Talk column) talks to a number of the key figures in British Wrestling from the last 30 years to find out the true story of the resurgence.

Live Interview: Sean Waltman Presents: Xpac 12360 Live with Pat Patterson (Saturday, 4pm)

Two of the all-time greats in conversation! The D-Generation X and NWO legend interviews one of the greatest minds in wrestling of all-time and Vince McMahon’s creative right-hand man.

Wrestling Media Hall of Fame (Saturday, 8pm)

Some of the most influential names in wrestling media will be honoured in a ceremony hosted by WOS Wrestling’s So Cal Val and Joe Hendry. Inductees are:

Dave Meltzer – Editor and founder of the industry’s leading weekly newsletter and wrestling Bible, The Wrestling Observer

Colt Cabana – American pro wrestler and pioneer of wrestling podcasts whose ‘Art of Wrestling’ podcast launched a new way for wrestlers to communicate with their fans

Martin Goldsmith – The man who singlehandedly convinced the WWF to expand into the UK in the late 80s/early 90s and helped bring Summerslam 1992 to Wembley Stadium

Findlay Martin – The former editor of Power Slam: Europe’s biggest and most influential wrestling magazine for 20 years.

After Party (Saturday, 10pm)

Hosted by Hooked On Events and their resident tune spinner, DJ Stevie C, the party will feature your favourite wrestling tunes and wrestling related music all night along with party games and maybe the odd special appearance too.

The party takes place in the Star Wars themed Cantina bar upstairs at Bowlers Exhibition Centre and is strictly Over 18s only.

Gold and VIP WEEKEND ticket holders gain automatic free entry with limited tickets also on sale for anyone else priced £5.

SUNDAY ONLY

Live interview: Inside The Ropes LIVE with special guest Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman (Sunday 11am)

This is a special exclusive early access show for VIP Platinum Ticket Holders as Kenny McIntosh from Inside The Ropes interviews the legendary D-Generation X star.

Live podcast: Colt Cabana and The Art of Wrestling (Sunday 12.15pm)

A live podcast with the King of the Wrestling Podcasts and a man who has wrestled for most of the major wrestling companies all over the world!

Panel show: WOS Wrestling with the stars of WOS hosted by So Cal Val (Sunday, 2pm)

WOS Wrestling is the name on everyone’s lips in the UK and this live panel will tell the story behind the production of the first primetime UK wrestling show in 30 years.

Moderated by WOS Wrestling commentator So Cal Val, you will hear from a number of the talent who took part in the show about their experience.

Panel show: WrestleTalk vs Cultaholic (Sunday, 4pm)

Two titans of wrestling YouTubers clash! For the first time ever the WrestleTalk and Cultaholic gangs will square off in a live stage show featuring the dreaded ‘SummerSlam Punishment’.

Remember, guaranteed entry for gold and VIP ticket holders.

IMPACT vs The UK live wrestling show (Sunday, 5pm)

The stars of IMPACT Wrestling from the USA face the best of British in an exciting all-action live wrestling show! Features matches including:

Eli Drake vs Joe Hendry

LAX vs Jody Fleisch and Jonny Storm

Sami Callihan vs Jimmy Havoc

Plus Matt Sydal, Moose, Su Yung, Trevor Lee, Eddie Edwards and more!

Live Interview: Inside The Ropes Live: The Observations of Dave Meltzer (Sunday, 6pm)

Kenny McIntosh from Inside The Ropes talks to the most influential wrestling journalist in history.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

NWA: Live Recording of Ten Pounds of Gold with Dave Lagana

Top British wrestling star and current NWA Champion Nick Aldis makes his first public appearance after defending the NWA Title against Cody at the massive US independent wrestling event All In

The Grapple Arcade

Play your favourite wrestling arcade games of yesteryear

UK Wrestling Cosplay Championship

Taking place over both days with heats and includes a grand final live on stage

The Belt Maker

Peter Ellis gives a live talk on the art of manufacturing wrestling championship belts

TICKET OUTLETS

www.wrestlingmediacon.com/buy-tickets and www.ringsideworld.co.uk

OFFICIAL CHARITY

Wrestling MediaCon is delighted to be partnering with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital as our official charity partner.

TORONTO | LONDON – IMPACT Wrestling has announced the company’s first live event in the UK in almost three years will stream live Sunday, Sept. 9 at 5:00 p.m. UK time (12:00 p.m. ET) exclusively on Twitch.tv.

IMPACT vs. The UK emanates from Wrestling MediaCon in Manchester. Tickets are on sale now from Ringside World at www.ringsideworld.co.uk.

IMPACT Wrestling’s official Twitch channel (www.Twitch.tv/impactwrestling) features exclusive monthly live events, original weekly live shows such as “Prestigious Tuesdays with Joe Hendry,” plus a 24-hour stream showcasing the past, present and future stars of IMPACT Wrestling, including memorable pay-per-view events, original series, weekly highlights and more.

Several matches have already been confirmed for IMPACT Wrestling’s return to Britain:

• LAX vs. Jody Fleisch & Jonny Storm (IMPACT Tag Team Championship)

• Barbed Wire Baseball Bat Death Match: Sami Callihan vs. Jimmy Havoc

• Eli Drake vs. Joe Hendry

• Su Yung vs. Lana Austin

• Rich Swann vs. Matt Sydal vs. Trevor Lee

IMPACT Wrestling stars Eddie Edwards and Moose are also confirmed to be in action.

Fans can watch IMPACT Wrestling every Friday night at 11 p.m. on 5Spike on Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media. The show is also repeated in prime time on Saturdays and Sundays on the recently launched Fight Network, which can be found on Sky Channel 455.

For more information, visit www.wrestlingmediacon.com and www.impactwrestling.com.

About IMPACT Wrestling

IMPACT Wrestling is one of the world’s largest wrestling entertainment properties, creating more than 200 hours of original content annually across television and other digital platforms. IMPACT Wrestling specializes in events, products, merchandise and music, as well as the management and promotion of professional wrestlers. The roster features such greats as Austin Aries, Johnny Impact, Eli Drake, Moose, Eddie Edwards, Sami Callihan, Brian Cage, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Matt Sydal, Rich Swann, the high-flying X-Division, plus the lovely and lethal Knockouts, including Tessa Blanchard, Su Yung, Allie, Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie. Its highly successful flagship, IMPACT!, broadcasts in more than 120 countries around the world, including Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Pop (a joint venture of CBS Corporation and Lionsgate) in the United States, Fight Network and GameTV in Canada, Sony ESPN in India, 5Spike and Fight Network in the United Kingdom, SuperSport in Africa and ranFIGHTING in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. IMPACT Wrestling also streams a 24-hour channel on Twitch.tv and is a top 10 sports video producer on YouTube with over 1.5 million subscribers, 36 million monthly views and 1.2 billion all-time views. IMPACT Wrestling launched the Global Wrestling Network (GWN) app in October 2017, showcasing over 3,000 hours of library programming and content from leading independent professional wrestling organizations around the world.

About Wrestling MediaCon 2018

Wrestling MediaCon 2018 will see some of the biggest names in pro wrestling and pro wrestling media come together for a weekend of non-stop wrestling action and interactive fun. Fans have the chance to enjoy a full weekend of live wrestling shows, meet and greets with the stars, panel interviews and fan Q&As, signings, stalls with stacks of wrestling merchandise including hundreds of rare items and much much more! Wrestling MediaCon 2018 will also feature the EXCLUSIVE return to Britain of LIVE action from IMPACT Wrestling – one of the world’s biggest wrestling companies on Sunday, September 9 – PLUS an incredible two-day tournament from Revolution Pro Wrestling – one of the UK’s most exciting promotions. Tickets are NOW ON SALE for Revolution Pro Wrestling’s live two-day tournament on September 8 and 9 from www.ringsideworld.co.uk. A host of special attractions at Wrestling MediaCon 2018 will include the first ever Wrestling Media Hall of Fame awards. And all of this takes place in three arenas over two days under one roof. This is your chance to be part of the ultimate live wrestling convention experience in the UK so don’t miss out!

Coming off what has been a solid couple months of tv shows some have been better than others what has been clear is the company under Don Callis & co is that they have found direction and the direction has lead them hear, Slammiversary is the most talked about Impact show In years now all they have to do is deliver. For me Slammiversary has always been their big show as it marks the anniversary of the company & it was the event in 2007 they made me a big fan of the company, Since then I’ve been in and out instead focusing on progress njpw & others in checking out impact a little while ago again I found that unlike Raw & smackdown Impact has the most focus.

Allie vs Tessa Blanchard

Tessa has now signed full time with impact and I suspect she will pick up the win here and the company will most likely try & build the division around her as Don Callis is a big fan. Allie has a decent personality and isn’t to bad in the ring I expect this to deliver as much as it can.

Jonny Impact vs Fenix vs Taiji Ishimori vs Petey Williams

Rich swann was part of this match but has suffered a concussion & is now replaced by Petey Williams. This has had no build on the tvs and in reality doesn’t really need one it should be a really good match, Fenix is the best flyer in the business not names Ospreay or ricochet. Taiji now a njpw wrestler is awesome too this could easily steal the show.

House of Hardcore Rules

Eddie Edwards vs Tommy Dreamer

This has had some good build with Eddie being obsessed with Sami callihan it has clouded his judgment and subsequently sent him loopy. While his friend Tommy tried to bring him back to reality it made matters worse and sent Eddie over the edge where he thought Tommy was sleeping with his wife. Despite most of this nonsense this should be a fun match despite his age Tommy knows exactly what he’s doing in matches like this & Eddie is one of the best workers in the company.

Hair vs Mask

Sami callihan vs Pentagon jr

This is the match in looking forward to most, it should be very heated & hard hitting Sami has been a great heel coming off his feud with Eddie Edwards & Pentagon is a personal favourite of mine. Both are great personalities who can work. The feud on tv has been entertaining  with Sami stealing his mask & subsequently walking around with it ever since now Penta want revenge and the smart money says he will get it!

5150 Street Fight

LAX vs The OGz

This has been the best thing on impact with the backstage segments leading to the in ring confrontation between Konnan & Eddie Kingston revealing he attacked Konnan and brought back the original LAX homicide & Hernandez to attack the new version of the duo. The street fight will give them freedom to do crazy spots and I fully suspect this match to go over great with the live crowd.

Knockouts Title

Su Young © vs Madison Rayne

Hopefully this one is quick as personally Rayne hasn’t showed to much on her comeback to the company. Youngs gimmick has seemingly gotten over with being a unread character. I expect a young victory here before she goes on to another feud.

X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

Matt Sydal © vs Brian Cage

Cage is one they are building he was on a undefeated streak before these two had a match on impact in which Kongo kong came in and got involved. Cage has to win Sydal will not be hurt by the loss but cage who only a month a go went on a tour to Japan which IMPACT showed a match from plus other events he had a buzz about him they can’t afford to lose that buzz again.

IMPACT CHAMPIONSHIP

Austin Aries © vs Moose

This has been a mixed build with Austin destroying moose verbally in every situation moose hasn’t been on the tv recently and that hasn’t helped his cause. Moose can be good in certain matches but he isn’t on Austin’s level so personally I’d like to see the champ retain. The match should be good & has the potential to be really good if the crowd gets invested with moose one way or the other.

Final Thoughts

The show should be good their won’t be many bad matches if any to be honest with some potential to have some great ones let’s hope everything delivers the way it should and the company can garner some real attention to itself. You can buy the show via the Fite app & if you do I hope you enjoy

Thanks for reading

Aaron Browne @aaron6785

Tonight is the go home show for slammiversary a important ppv for the company in the new era, IMPACT are slowly in certain wrestling circles getting a bit of buzz about them mainly for the storytelling heading in to this Sunday’s ppv lets see if tonight keeps the trend going.

Petey Williams vs Killer Kross

Kross beat Petey pretty easily with a modified choke the match was really a showcase to get Kross over as a monster which seeming worked as the crowd did boo him a bit at the finish. Petey had a little comeback with a codebreaker & a ddt but the bulk of the offence was for cross who hit a nice saito suplex before finishing with the choke. Winner Kross 4:52 **

Short pre tape with Madison Rayne telling us how her daughter wants to be a superhero like her mother when she grows up this was ok for what it was presenting Madison as whiter than white.

Desi hit squad vs KM & Fallah Bahh

The hit squad get the win after Bahh has his eyes raked while going for the banzai drop leading him to get rolled up. Bahh & km were pretty over with the crowd despite being a comedy team. Winners Desi hit squad 4:28 *

They showed a OGs and LAX segment recapping their feud and hyping their match for Slammiversary this has been one of the best built matches for the ppv.

Eli Drake vs Joe Hendry

Drake attacked him early after Joe showed a pre tape of himself mocking frames youtube channel, drake went for the gravy train finish but got rolled up, after the match Katrina celebrates with Joe while ignoring her boyfriend Grado. Winner Hendry 3:49 *¼

Andrew Everett vs Desmond Xavier was next up but the match never happened as Eddie Edwards came down with a Cain attacked them both & the ref before cutting a promo on Tommy dreamer There is going to be violence and there is going to be blood. I am going to make you bleed. I am going to feel your blood, your blood in my hands. I am going to taste your blood, Tommy.”

Edwards said “I am the true innovator of violence. At Slammiversary Tommy Dreamer — I am going to be your never-ending nightmare.” Edwards is a very good wrestler but this feud with the ageing Tommy dreamer isn’t doing anything for me.

Video package for the Pentagon jr & Sami callihan match this Sunday looking forward to that one!

Greg Osbourne vs sami callihan

Squash match Sami put Pentagon’s mask on him & superkicked him before hitting his finish for the win. After the match Penta came on the screen speaking in Spanish as ove ran down the ramp. Winner Sami 4:04 *

Allie & Kiera Hogan vs Tessa Blanchard & shotzi Blackheart

Allie hit a codebreaker to score the win on shotzi the match wasn’t much it was built to showcase Tessa & Allie for their match on sunday. Winners Allie & Kiera 7:03 *½

Moose & Austin Aries had a in ring confrontation they are the main event on Sunday for Austin’s TITLE, Austin attacked moose from behind gave him a low blow but moose recovered & sent him packing as the show closed.

Tonight’s IMPACT wasn’t the best as unlike the last two weeks there wasn’t anything in ring worth watching but every segment was evolved around Sundays ppv so it did it’s job in promoting it. I’ll be doing a preview & running down the card before Sunday see you then thanks for reading.

@aaron6785

For Immediate Release – July 17, 2018

Fight Network Launches in the UK on SKY and Freesat

Weekly IMPACT Wrestling show airs on Fridays at 1am and 9pm – as part of a compelling line-up of wrestling, MMA and combat sports from around the world

LONDON | TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced it has launched on Channel 192 on SKY and Channel 161 on Freesat across the UK.

“We are delighted to expand Fight Network’s global footprint to the UK,” said Peter Einstein, COO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., the parent company of Fight Network. “The UK is rooted in combat sports tradition, producing many world champions and memorable personalities over the years. Our diverse programming line-up will showcase premium combat sports content from around the world, while highlighting local stars and events, and we plan to bolster our schedule with more exciting content over the next few months.”

“Based on popular demand, we are excited to announce that IMPACT Wrestling fans in the UK can now watch our weekly show contemporaneous with its North American broadcast premiere, as well as replays in primetime,” added Ed Nordholm, president of IMPACT Wrestling.

Fight Network will broadcast on Showcase TV in the UK starting at 9:00 p.m. every night. As well as being found on SKY and Freesat, Fight Network on Showcase TV can also be viewed online, by visiting www.information.tv/showcase and pressing play on the Showcase TV icon.

Some of the featured programming on Fight Network in the UK will include:

• IMPACT Wrestling – Live weekly simulcast Fridays at 1:00 a.m. of IMPACT Wrestling’s flagship show with primetime repeats on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. IMPACT showcases top professional wrestling stars such as Austin Aries, Johnny Impact, Moose, Eli Drake, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Rich Swann, Matt Sydal, Brian Cage, local UK stars such as Grado and Joe Hendry, the high-flying X-Division, plus the lovely and lethal Knockouts, including Su Yung, Rosemary, Allie, Madison Rayne and Tessa Blanchard.

• Ultimate Challenge MMA – Based in London, UCMMA is one of Europe’s leading MMA promotions. Events deliver a bigger, faster and tougher experience with all the drama, glory and full contact fighting that UK MMA fans demand.

• Abu Dhabi Grand Slam – Coverage of grappling events from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, showcasing the best submission specialists in tournaments held around the world, including London.

• WGP Kickboxing – South America’s premier kickboxing league based in Brazil, featuring hard-hitting knockouts from some of the best strikers in the world.

• Wrestling at the Chase – Iconic professional wrestling series from St. Louis from the 1950s to 1980s, featuring past legends such as Ric Flair, Harley Race and Lou Thesz.

• Retrospective – Original Fight Network series highlighting combat sports fighters and personalities as they relive pivotal career moments.

• Xplosion – Weekly show from IMPACT Wrestling featuring exclusive matches only seen internationally, plus behind-the-scenes footage, original sitdown interviews and throwback matches highlighting memorable historical moments.

• British Boot Camp – Series documenting the careers of British professional wrestlers seeking a contract with IMPACT Wrestling, featuring next generation stars such as Rockstar Spud, Marty Scurll and Grado, as they train under the mentorship of legends such as Hulk Hogan and Sting.

Fight Network is currently available on cable, satellite and digital platforms in the U.S., Canada and select countries in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com.

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on cable, satellite and telco systems across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, as well as Roku and Apple TV devices across North America. Fight Network is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., a leading global sports media company. Fight Network also operates Dare to Defend, a non-profit organization aimed at addressing the issue of domestic violence and gender inequality, empowering women in the process.

The question of the next Universal champion is a very hot topic within the wrestling community. With WWE seemingly sticking to the idea of Roman Reigns to dethrone the beast even against the will of the fans. Furthermore we know who will most certainly be a Universal champion within the next year after gaining the money in the bank briefcase on the 17th June in Chicago but there seems to be no immediate plans for Braun Strowman. But with WWE’s cloudy booking there is no obvious favourite for who will be the new number 1 contender for the WWE Universal champion names like Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins have been branded about as contenders but again cloudy stop start booking makes this unclear. I will review each of the obvious contenders and maybe even a few surprises that WWE could take.

Roman Reigns

Well… here we go this guy currently the favourite to again take on Lesnar at Summerslam according to various reports. After a very soul draining wrestlemania 34 match in which the crowd payed very little attention in which Reigns got absolutely obliterated by Lesnar and even the result shocked everyone with Lesnar coming out on top and then another match at the greatest royal rumble inside a steel cage with a controversial finish. Since then Reigns has been on somewhat of a roller coaster ride. Defeating Samoa Joe in the main event of backlash and then going into a very boring and lacklustre feud with Jinder Mahal with the eventual match at money in the bank. But I think I speak for the many with Roman Reigns with saying it’s just boring and infuriating now. Roman no matter what they try will never be over with crowd. So what I say is if WWE really want to give Reigns the big title you might as well give him the title and see it fail. I think everyone is bored of both Reigns and Lesnar. Although the Reigns win will be booed out the building there’s always the Braun cash-in I guess? Sigh

Braun Strowman

Well Mr.Monster in the bank will definitely have a successful cash in the biggest question is when. The monster in my opinion should cash in either prior or during the match between Lesnar and Reigns. This is an idea that would make the monster look strong and it would save the match from the awful crowd with a massive pop for the monster. This is Braun’s time for a proper title run elevating him to the top of the company and cementing his monster gimmick as a serious gimmick after the last few months have seen him taking on a somewhat more comedic approach to the monster gimmick. But with the main event of summerslam looking to be Reigns v Lesnar this is a massive chance to get a brilliant pop and cement Braun Strowman as the main eventer we all know he is.

Bobby Lashley

After an expected return back to the WWE the Raw after Wrestlemania. But that was seemingly the start of his downfall after teaming up with the prior mentioned Braun Strowman at backlash to beat Zayn and Owens then going into an awful feud with Zayn but Lashley is seemingly on an upward trajectory with a feud with Roman Reigns in the works for extreme rules it seems as though things could be up for Lashley but it seems as though WWE creative have no further plans beyond Extreme Rules. Although it has been long rumoured and even teased by the advocate for Paul Heyman that Lashley could ultimately face Lesnar. It was even rumoured at one stage that part of Lashley’s contract to return to the WWE was that he would be guaranteed a match against Lesnar but that’s yet to be seen. Personally don’t see Lashley reaching the summit of raw anytime soon but who knows what could happen? Stranger things have happened.

Seth Rollins

WWE’s MVP of 2018. Seth Rollins has had a fantastic first half of 2018 making the best of a bad situation with the Jason Jordan tag team (oh my that feels longer than 6 months). Also Rollins had a great gauntlet match showing pinning both Roman Reigns and John Cena on the go home show before Elimination chamber. Also having a very decent showing in the Elimination chamber. But then since the Raw after wrestlemania that was the turning point for Rollins. Having great matches with The Miz and Finn Balor on the road to wrestlemania but this time Rollins was chasing The intercontinental championship. Then at wrestlemania Rollins won the intercontinental championship to become a grand slam champion defeating Finn Balor and The Miz having one of the better matches on the wrestlemania card. But since then Rollins has put on match of the night after match of the night at PPV’s and offering a intercontinental open challenge putting on some stunning matches. But he then subsequently lost the title to Dolph Ziggler on the Raw after money in the bank. But it doesn’t seem like Rollins will be entering the Universal title picture anytime soon even though he was my choice to be the one to conquer the beast.

Surprise Picks

Well this is a category of outsiders that WWE could spring a massive surprise with. Firstly they could pick Finn Balor the biggest victim of WWE’s inconsistent booking but Finn has been owed his rematch for the Universal championship. Also WWE could pick someone like Elias probably WWE’s biggest breakout star of late 2017 and 2018 WWE seem to be very high on him and hopefully they decide to give him a title run soon but maybe the Universal championship is too soon. Another surprise pick would be Kevin Owens he’s very long over due holding a top title and with getting some momentum back on his side he would be a very good choice for holding the top belt.

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@Lem_WWFC

These are not just words to describe any professional Wrestling career but of a performer whose legacy is forever etched in history. An individual whose career spanned over 20 years accumulated multiple championships reigns, from Stu Harts Infamous Stampede Wrestling and Universal Wrestling Promotion’s. His mostly recognisable with various championship run’s in the now defunct World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment. Since retirement his celebrated career is getting recognised as a double inductee in the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame as an individual as well as the rest of his family. If being immortalised in his home country wasn’t enough, he has had inductions into the Prairie Wrestling Alliance, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Cauliflower Alley Club Iron Mike Award and in the class of 2006 WWE Hall of Fame. The man we are talking about is the excellence of execution Bret The Hitman Hart.

 

Now one of the fastest growing UK Wrestling Events Promotions Kayfabe Events will be bringing the iconic wrestler for an unmissable 4 day tour this June. The 2018 Bret The Hitman Hart tour will firstly embark in Brighton on the 5^thof June then followed up in Cardiff on the 6^th.  Then joining us in the same venue he fought Bret in the early 1980’s on the 7^th in Oldham, will be Legendary World of Sport Wrestler UK No.1 Marty Jones. Then finally accumulating at Bush Hall in the nation’s capital on the 8^thJune. If all that wasn’t enough the tour will be hosted by the distinguished British wrestling manager, announcer and host of the hit Podcast Because WCW, Dean Ayass. Plus, not forgetting the tours official compere former head teacher turned professional wrestler the pride of Wales, Eddie Dennis.

 

Right now, you may be thinking who is Bret Sergeant Hart, what do I ask a man with an impressive career spanning over 20 years? We have you covered so carry on reading, while we look at some notable times in Bret’s personal and professional life.

 

Bret is the 8^thof 12 children for respected wrestler, Booker Stu Hart and his spouse Helen. He was firstly introduced to wrestling by observing his father train future Hall of Famers in the esteemed Hart Dungeon.  A few notable names to come through the Dungeon include Superstar Billy Graham, Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine, The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith and Jushin Thunder liger. Bret’s early start in wrestling came by handing out flyers before school, selling programmes and pulling out lucky numbers for his Dad’s Promotion Stampede Wrestling. Then at the tender age of nine, he began training as an amateur wrestler stating, ‘he started because that what his dad would have expected him to do’. With some major wins, his passion and desire for amateur wrestling dwindled as he was being pushed to compete in the commonwealth games. Then while studying film his grades began to fall, so he made the decision to drop amateur wrestling and begin training for a professional wrestling career at Stampede Wrestling.

 

In 1976, Hart started work in Stampede Wrestling initially as a referee. Hart would continue in Stampede as referee until an event 1978 in Saskatoon where Stu Hart had no other option but to use Bret has a replacement for a competitor unable to compete. Over the next several years, Bret spent time in Stampede acquiring some of the promotions top prizes including as a Tag Team Competitor with his brother Keith. While not competing in Calgary, Hart would be seen owning his craft in places like Britain with world of sport icon UK No.1 Marty Jones and with a performer with many numbers, Tiger Mask in NJPW. After an acquisition off several Stampede Performers in August 1984, Bret would get his call up to the World Wrestling Federation.

 

Bret’s first seven years in The WWF would be as a tag team wrestler, teaming with his brother in-law Jim The Anvil Neidhart as ‘The Pink and Black Attack’ The Hart Foundation. During this time the duo would reach the pinnacle of the tag team division winning the top prize of the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. Then at Wrestlemania 7, the team would receive a lost to the Nasty Boys, avertedly the duo would split up soon after. From here, Hart went on a singles path gaining some major success. The 1992 Summerslam event is the match which Bret declares as his favourite match of his storied career. This match came against the British Bulldog in the Bulldogs home country of England for Hart’s Intercontinental Championship. Hart lost his championship that evening but the contest still got voted Match of the Year from readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

 

 

Bret would then go on to win the WWF World Heavyweight championship, the King of the Ring and the Royal Rumble match. Bret would have notable feuds with the likes of Jerry the King Lawlor, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. This leading to the most controversial moment in sports entertainment the Montreal Screwjob. This has been highly discussed over the years with many questions fans still ask to this day, ‘Was this a Storyline?’

This event would lead Hart switching sides to WCW with a new $2.5 Million per year Lucrative contract giving him a lighter schedule and creative control on screen. Before Hart’s retirement in October 2000, he would achieve the honour of being 1 of 5 competitor’s to be a triple crown winner.

 

While competing in WCW, his brother Owen Hart was still in the WWF and as the Blue Blazer was scheduled against the Godfather for the Intercontinental Championship at the 1999 over the edge pay per view. While entering the arena his character would perform a pre-match stunt where he would get lowered to the ground from the rafters, but this time Owen tragically fell to his death. Bret would later on to go and say, ‘He wished he was with the WWF the night of Owen’s accident happened, as he would have discouraged Owen from preforming the stunt.’ As it stands Owen is not likely to be in the WWE hall of fame with rumour stating Martha’s, Owens Wife, is currently stopping this. Other performers have expressed their desire for this to take place including Mark Henry, in his 2018 Hall of fame speech he pleaded with Martha to allow WWE to induct Owen.

 

Since his departure from WCW, Hart has made sporadic appearances as the commissioner of World Wrestling All Stars and returns to The WWE 2005 onwards. Since retirement, Bret has not been in the greatest of health after suffering a stroke in 2002, numerous surgery’s due to years of abuse on his body through wrestling and a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2016, but since has been diagnosed cancer free.

 

We have only scratched the surface with this article on the excellence of execution Bret The Hitman Hart. There is so much more we could discuss like Notable Owen Ribs, the rivalry with Ric Flair, what was it like growing up being Stu Hart’s son and more in-depth the feud with Jerry Lawlor. Only way now to get your questions for ‘the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be’  is to be part of the 2018 Bret The Hitman Hart UK Tour, by getting your tickets now at http://kayfabeevents.com