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The Scoop

Posted: Apr 19th 2020 By: Compiled by Oklafan Staff

News
Killer Kross attacked Tommaso Ciampa in the closing moments of NXT on USA Network, announcing his arrival by whispering "Tick Tock" to a fallen Ciampa. This was Kross' second quick appearance on NXT after last week he was shown in a vehicle as Johnny Gargano and Candice LaRae went back to their car following the main event match. His girlfriend, Scarlett Bordeaux, was with him on both occasions, but while last week we could quickly see her, this time we only saw her boots as she stood over Ciampa. Kross is also undergoing a slight name change as the word Killer is being dropped and replaced by Karrion. Kross was signed to a WWE deal in February.

Tuesday’s episode of "WWE Backstage" will have an all-women’s theme. Renee Young, Paige, Ember Moon, and Beth Phoenix will be the panelists for the show, and Natalya has been announced as a guest.

Several WWE Superstars and producers were released from their contract due to the cost-cutting measures that WWE has implemented due to COVID-19. This was the largest single-day layoff in WWE history. EC3, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Eric Young, Lio Rush, Drake Maverick, Aiden English, Zack Ryder, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Rowan, Heath Slater, Sarah Logan, No Way Jose, Primo Colon, Epico Colon, Rusev, Curt Hawkins, Deonna Purazzo, Aleksandar Jaksic, and referee Mike Chioda were among the on-screen talent released from their WWE contract on April 15th. This came just days after The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) were released. Also either furloughed or released were backstage personnel Kurt Angle, Billy Kidman, Mike Rotunda, Pat Buck, Fit Finlay, Shawn Daivari, Scott Armstrong, Sarah Stock, Shane Helms, Lance Storm, and Andrea Listenberger. There are rumors that all the producers were furloughed rather than released although that is not 100% confirmed. Employees at the WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT also got bad news with furloughs and layoffs going around.

In response to the WWE layoffs, many WWE wrestlers as well as other people in the wrestling community posted their thoughts, including:

Mickie James: To my brothers and sisters I’m sorry. Please remember. Life is change... it’s ever changing... A job can fill your bank account, but do what fills your soul! I love you. “When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl

Gerald Brisco: My heart breaks for all my Wwe wrestling family that was let go today so much talent and skill both in ring and staff are were dedicated to bringing you the best product possible. All will rebound can’t take talent away. Best to all.

Jim Ross: Daunting day for our business. @WWE folks released please realize this is not the end but can be your new beginning. Count the blessings that you have and persevere. Never give up!

Gail Kim: Today, so many of my colleagues lost their jobs.... it’s heartbreaking to watch and hear the news. I ask everyone to please take this virus seriously and follow the rules so that we can have this awful situation be dealt with quickly. I don’t want to see more. Please stay home

Paul Orndorff: Wish all of those who got released today from @WWE the best of luck down the road i'm sure good things will come for you.

Cameo, the platform which lets fans book a personalized video shout-out from their favorite talent, hosted a WWE panel during their Cameo Cares program last Saturday with 100% of the proceeds from orders benefitted COVID-19 causes. Saturday's panel was part of a three-day all-digital event which brought fans and top celebrities together from all around the world with Q&A sessions, games, improv comedy, and live concerts. Former ring announcer Lilian Garcia hosted Saturday's event entitled "Ringside with WWE", which included current and former WWE Superstars Bret Hart, Matt Hardy, Mandy Rose, Tommy Dreamer, Rey Mysterio, and Jerry Lawler.

Jake Hager suffered his first loss in All Elite Wrestling this week in a No Holds Barred Match against AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. The 30-minute main event match was recorded a few weeks ago in Jacksonville, FL at Daily's Place and Jim Ross did the voice over for the long match. Hager, thanks mainly to still being undefeated in his MMA career, had been kept strong in AEW but that run ended yesterday after a chair shot and a Paradigm Shift on the same chair, enough to keep Hager down for the three count. He made his AEW debut on the inaugural episode of "Dynamite" on October 2nd and aligned himself with The Inner Circle.

NWA announced that their "Crockett Cup" event scheduled for April 19th in College Park, GA has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact Wrestling uploaded a video of Adam Thornstowe talking about working at a hospital during the coronavirus pandemic. You can view it on Impact's Twitter feed by clicking here.

Pat Laprade and Bertrand Hebert’s book The Eighth Wonder of the World: The True Story of Andre the Giant was released on Tuesday, April 14th.

Tuesday night’s airing of "Dark Side of the Ring", which focused on Jimmy Snuka and the death of Nancy Argentino, scored 209,000 viewers, down from last week’s 226,000 viewers.

Jim Cornette is in the process of trademarking his own name for use in pro wrestling.

The wrestling world was rocked with the announcement of the death of legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel. Many wrestling personalities, past and present, used Twitter to pay homage to the greatest ring announcer of all time. "You weren’t someone until you heard Howard announce you. A championship win didn’t feel real until you heard him say “and the new!” His voice, his personality, and his positivity will be sorely missed. Thank you for everything...especially your friendship," Triple H wrote. Stephanie McMahon said it's already been a tough week for the WWE family and now they also lost their first ever employee. "Howard’s voice is iconic & recognized by generations of fans. He will be missed. Thank you for everything." One man who's had his name announced a lot by The Fink is Hulk Hogan. Hogan said that Fink was Team Hogan through the good times and bad times. "Even when I was on the outs Howard would call on a consistent basis to tell me to always keep my head up, it was 'never say never' and 'you and Vince will work it out.' My good friend RIP, I love you." The Iron Sheik also spent his fair share of his wrestling career with The Fink. In a typical all caps tweet, Sheik said that Fink always put him over and made him look like a legend. "He make me smile. Forever I love you Howard Finkel," Sheik wrote. Fellow Hall of Famer Jim Ross described Fink as the greatest ring announcer in the business and was sad to hear of the passing of his friend. "The Hall of Famer is now ring announcing in Heaven. No one was more loyal or loved pro wrestling more than The Fink," JR said. Former WWE and AEW champion Chris Jericho wrote, "Thanks Howard....for being the best wrestling ring announcer in history, a great employee for the WWE, a good guy and a loyal lackey! Hopefully you’ll announce my entrance into the great unknown when I join you someday." "First met Howard Finkel in 1993 when I started working with WWE," Jerry Lawler wrote. "Always the most helpful and genuine friend to everyone he came in contact with. My favorite day with Howard was when he and I attended a Cleveland Browns, New York Jets game together. Miss you, Fink!" Matt Hardy said that Fink was his main contact when he first started getting booked with Jeff as extras in the mid 90s. "Howard always took great care of us & had a soft spot in his heart for The Hardy Boyz," Matt said. Eric Bischoff said that Fink will always be the number one while Taz said that he was just a great guy always joking, laughing, and staying positive. "The greatest ring announcer ever, his iconic voice will live in pro wrestling history forever," Taz added. Tommy Dreamer kept in touch with Fink most than others and saw him once a month. Dreamer wrote that he loves him and he's crushed that he lost his friend, calling him the voice of professional wrestling. "I saw a voicemail after a day of training at OVW, it was my call up to Raw! Howard Finkel spoke as if announcing a new world champion at Madison Square Garden," Dolph Ziggler wrote. "I will never forget that and his 'Welcome to the Jungle' entrance is unmatched and sparked us all to have a great show!" Younger Superstars such as Big E and Johnny Gargano also spoke how Fink was a major part of their childhood. "He couldn’t have been sweeter to me any time I saw him backstage. I’m grateful to have known him," Big E wrote, while Gargano detailed the time he met Howard backstage for the first time at WrestleMania 33. "I walked up and as I said 'Hello, sir' and went to introduce myself, he burst out 'HELLO, JOHNNY!' I couldn't believe he knew MY name!"

Barry Windham recently suffered a stroke. Oklafan wishes him a speedy recovery.

Oklafan extends condolences to Marti Belle on the passing of her uncle Julio.

Oklafan extends condolences to Mike Iles on the passing of his 2nd cousin Emma on April 13th.

Oklafan extends condolences to Rick Styles on the passing of his mother, Connie on April 16th.
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RECENT RESULTS
April 13th
The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) defeated Cedric Alexander & Ricochet at the "WWE Monday Night RAW" live telecast in Orlando, FL

April 14th
Hernandez defeated Rohit Raju (w/ Gama Singh) at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Atlanta, GA. In other matches Fallah Bahh & T. J. P. defeated The Reno SCUM (Adam Thorstowe & Luster the Legend), The Rascalz (Dez & Wentz), and XXXL (Acey Romero & Larry D) in a 4-Way Tag Tem Match. (Both matches were taped for television on March 7th but didn't air until this date)

April 15th
Lance Archer defeated Colt Cabana in a 1st round match of the AEW TNT Title Tournament Match at AEW's "Dynamite" television taping in Norcross, GA. In other non-tournament matches, Sammy Guevara defeated Suge D, and AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defeated Jake Hager in a No Holds Barred Match.

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UPCOMING OKLAHOMA EVENTS
None.

The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission has rescinded all permits for wrestling shows and no new permits are being given at this time due to the state's current "Shelter In Place" guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
April 20th
MVP takes on Apollo Crews in a Money In the Bank Qualifying Match at the "WWE Monday Night RAW" television taping n Orlando, FL

April 24th
Tito Santana is scheduled for the Retro Championship Wrestling event in Totowa, NJ

April 25th
Isaiah James is scheduled for the Renegade Wrestling Revolution event in Houston, TX

April 26th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Gladstone, Manitoba, Canada

Chandler Hopkins is scheduled for the World Class Wrestling Association event in Springdale, AR

April 27th
Shane Douglas vs. Tommy Lee Curtis is scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Oak Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Also on the card: Phoebe!

April 28th
Shane Douglas vs. Marcellus Prime is scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada. Also on the card: Phoebe!

May 2nd
Chandler Hopkins is scheduled for the PPW event in Kingsville, TX

Sgt. Slaughter is scheduled for the Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling event in Belleville, IL

May 3rd
Tim Brooks, Johnny Mantell, Bill Irwin, James Beard, Rod Price, Chaz Taylor, Chandler Hopkins and Steven Dane are scheduled for the Dallas Championship Wrestling “GWF Reunion Show” event in Irving, TX

May 8th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in North Platt, NE

May 16th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in Beatrice, NE

May 18th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Regina Saskatchewan, Canada

May 19th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada

May 20th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

May 21st
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Morden, Manitoba, Canada

May 22nd
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada

Barrett Brown vs. Chris Bey is scheduled for the VIP Wrestling event in Haltom City, TX. Also on the card, DFW Women’s Champion Erica Torres defends her title against Allie Kat and Alejandra Leon in a Triple Threat Match, Gino vs. Jeff Cobb, Malico vs. Danhausen, DFW Champion Double D defends his title against Michael Tarver and Jerome Daniel Griffey vs. Lou Gotti.

May 23rd
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

May 24th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

May 25th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Blind River, Ontario, Canada

May 26th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada

May 27th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada

May 28th
Shane Douglas and Phoebe are scheduled for the Canadian Wrestling Elite event in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

May 30th
APW Gladiator Champion Sammy Guevara defends the title against Zane Zodiac at the Adrenaline Pro Wrestling event in Melbourne, Australia

June 5th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in McCook, NE

June 6th
Chandler Hopkins is scheduled for the Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment event in Salina, KS

June 12th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in Lincoln, NE

June 13th
Chandler Hopkins is scheduled for the Texas Wrestling League event in McAllen, TX

Rob Parker is scheduled for the Major League Wrestling event in Cicero, IL

June 13th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in Holdridge, NE

June 20th
Michael Barry vs. Meklakov in a Flag Match is scheduled for the Mid-States Wrestling event in Springfield, MO. In other matches, Matt Riviera takes on Alan Jefferson, Jason Jones & Jesse Inman face Nate Winchester & Johnny Lightning and Gary Gram takes on Niles Plonk.

June 26th
Barrett Brown and Gino Medina are among the stars scheduled for the SOAR Wrestling event in Richardson, TX

July 11th
Tony Atlas is scheduled for the Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling event in Quincy, IL

July 24th
Stephan Bonner takes on Matt Justice in a Hardcore Street Fight at the "Heavy Hitters 2" tournament in Sellersburg, TN

July 27th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in Union, IL

August 8th
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Assciation event in Two Harbors, MN

August 21st - 23rd
Brian Blade is scheduled for the Midwest Wrestling Association event in Chicago, IL

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AUTOGRAPHS & APPEARANCES
August 13th - 16th:
There will be a huge convention of former wrestling stars from 8/13 to 8/16 in Charlotte at the University Hilton. There will be a banquet hosted by Jim Cornette where they will honor The Road Warriors, the Von Erichs, The Rock & Roll Express, The Fantastics and Jimmy Valiant. Among those appearing will be Kevin Von Erich, The Rock-N-Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson), Bobby Fulton, Jimmy Valiant, Butch Reed, Stan Lane, Billy Jack Haynes, Steve Simpson and Ron Garvin.

September 6th
Sgt. Slaughter will be signing autographs at the "80's Toy Expo" at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

September 26th
The Honky Tonk Man, Zeus, Lex Luger, Jim Duggan, The Rock-N-Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson), Dutch Mantell, Larry Zbyszko, Sam Houston, Ted Arcidi, David Schultz, The Conquistadors, Haiti Kid, Sean Mooney, Mike McGuirk, Ivan Putski, Teddy Long, Tony Garea, The Ascension (Konnor & Victor), Dean Malenko, Terri Runnels, Bill Demott, The Blue Meanie, Crowbar, Bull James, Mario Mancini and many more will be signing autographs at "80’s Wrestling Con" at iPlay America in Freehold, NJ

November 27th - 29th
Dory Funk, Jr. is scheduled for the WrestleCade FanFest Weekend in Winston-Salem, NC

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UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
April 19th - Berto Del Rayo, Hillbilly, Jeff Starchild, Jesse White, John E. Stone, Ox Baker, Seth Allen
April 21st - Angelo Savoldi, Jay Hollywood
April 23rd - Blade [2nd], Terry Gordy, Tony Atlas
April 24th - Lance Von Erich, Lou Thesz
April 25th - Brett Stopp, Carl Fergie, Crash Davis, Eric Roberts, Zack Mason


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Most news & results derived from reports found on Gerweck.net, PWBTS.com, WrestlingFigs.com, MissouriWrestlingRevival.com, and various other wrestling news sites.