New Major Promotion

Source: Pwinsider.com

A new wrestling promotion is starting up out of Florida. The promotion, which has quietly been putting together a business plan, is said to have major financial backing. The new promotion is already signing wrestlers up, and along with the contracts, are having them sign confidentiality agreements.

There is no name known for the promotion at this time, but it is known that they will not actively do anything until the fall. A full promotional launch is expected at the beginning of 2011, As of this time, there is no information of TV deals or TV tapings.

Businessman Peter Karoftis is said to be the main backer for the promotion. Karoftis previously worked with Sterling Equities, which is a New York-based investment firm that owns The New York Mets organization, the SNY cable network, and several real estate and investment companies. Karoftis, along with Florida independent wrestler Sean Davis are said to be the core of the company right now.

Also working with the company are Kevin Kleinrock (Viva La Lucha, Wrestling Society X), Cody Michaels (WSX, XPW) and Mister Saint Laurent (longtime Florida promoter). Kleinrock will be working production, while it is expected that Laurent will work on the creative end. Laurent has previously promoted the "I Believe In Wrestling" company, and there may be a crossover between the new company and the "I Believe In Wrestling" talent and wrestling school.

As of this time, the only confirmed name to sign with the company is Sean Waltman. Many wrestlers asked about the company have declined comment, due to the confidentiality agreements.





This should be interesting.....vader is said to have signed on to......competition is great! May however set ROH lower down the ladder but the more promotions the better!

chordtype

Call me cynical but I can see this flopping.

I really have no desire to see Vader in 2010 apart from watching his matches from the 90s. Who of any note could they have signed up?

Degag

They are going to have to sign wrestlers alot* bigger than X-pac and Vader to make any impression.

*I can't emphasise this word enough!

barura

Is it me or do these guys not follow any of the wrestling forums/boards/use common sense?

New faces, good matches and a creative team that doesn't want to jerk off washed up wrestlers egos.

But what do I know, eh?

gimmick

Did Heyman debut at Victory Road? If not, perhaps he is the brains behind the operation?

If there is a new promotion, I can see it pillaging the likes of DGUSA, ROH and PWG for talent and also the likes of Road Dogg and other such washups as well.

geeky

gimmick wrote: »

Did Heyman debut at Victory Road? If not, perhaps he is the brains behind the operation?

If there is a new promotion, I can see it pillaging the likes of DGUSA, ROH and PWG for talent and also the likes of Road Dogg and other such washups as well.

Road Dogg vs Danielson FTW!

I'd be pretty surprised - and glad - if this one got off the ground. Wrestling isn't a particularly profitable business historically unless you're the WWE!

chordtype

gimmick wrote: »

If there is a new promotion, I can see it pillaging the likes of DGUSA, ROH and PWG for talent and also the likes of Road Dogg and other such washups as well.

Don't give them ideas.

This promotion could have Jesus (that's the character from the Bible and not Carlito's mate) wrestling for them every week and unless they have good tv they are going nowhere. I doubt any of the major networks will want a new wrestling show let alone to put it on at a good time.

http://www.gerweck.net/legends.htm shows all the free agents in wrestling today.some reasnably good names names in there to

here is just a few:

Armando Estrada
Batista
Booker T
Big Daddy V
Bryan Danielson
Charlie Hass
Consequences Creed
Kenny Dykstra
Kevin Thorn
Mdogg 20
Paul Burchill
Petey Williams
Puma
Shelton Benjamin
Steiners
Sanjay Dutt

and the one and only Zach Gowen

gimmick

I take issue to that link above saying legends!! Kevin Thorn a legend? Mdogg20 the gymnast ?

waltersobchak

They need Maven that'll equal ratings...

gimmick

And Daniel Puder and Daniel Rodimer. Yup, a raging success awaits if they are all hired.

waltersobchak

Joking aside, logically in 2010 who could be the draw for any upstart promotion? TNA have proved, nobody.

Machismo Fan

waltersobchak wrote: »

Joking aside, logically in 2010 who could be the draw for any upstart promotion? TNA have proved, nobody.

The only thing TNA have proved is that incompetence won't get you anywhere.

JP Liz V1

Wasnt JBL rumoured to be involved in a new promotion?

jaykhunter

I don't wanna poo-poo this new 'major' promotion, but I really don't see anyone who's not on WWE or TNA can make a difference/dent in the pro-wrestling business -- i sincerely doubt that even the best of the ROH talent will have joined. I'd imagine it'll be something like American Wrestling Rampage (stars like Eugene, Heidenreich, Bagwell etc) ...I can't see it working on TV; it'd bomb after a few weeks; much like Hulk Hogan's Celeb Wrestling -- but without the celebs!!

Anyway, best of luck to them, i hope it becomes profitable and gives more wrestlers a job.

Machismo Fan wrote: »

The only thing TNA have proved is that incompetence won't get you anywhere.

TNA have proved that ex-WWE stars don't = ratings; that star power only lasts a month or so without proper booking. But this sounds like rejects from TNA..... If TNA announced X-Pac and Vader as the new cornerstones/big names of their show, we'd be giving out holy hell. I'm so grateful X-Pac is off TNA TV.

ROH have been doing great work, churning out new stars and great booking, but it's barely moved upwards either. I don't believe there is room for a third major promotion. But hopefully they prove me wrong.

MTV2 also are begining to broadcast a lucha show in the U.S.A called "Masked Warriors"

http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/537020/lucha-libre-usa-masked-warriors-premieres-july-16-at-10pm-on-mtv2.jhtml#id=1643434

The above link is a video advertising the show.

Wrestlers scheduled to appear are Marco Corleone (Mark Jindrak), Lizmark Jr., Mascarita Dorada, Octagoncito, Charly Malice (AAA's Charly Manson), Tinieblas Jr and mini talents. The Minis will be heavily featured in early episodes


WOuldnt be big into Lucha Libre.....although different i prefer a far more hard hittin style

jaykhunter

My biggest problem with Lucha Libre is that it's too obvious that it's a performance, and the wrestlers are helping each other out. I like more realism in my wrestling. Outside the ring, no problem. But inside, it should look like they're trying to actually beat each other; i.e. a competitive match.

flahavaj

jaykhunter wrote: »

My biggest problem with Lucha Libre is that it's too obvious that it's a performance, and the wrestlers are helping each other out. I like more realism in my wrestling. Outside the ring, no problem. But inside, it should look like they're trying to actually beat each other; i.e. a competitive match.

You have to watch Lucha with a whole diferent minset to American wrestling or Puro. Its generally accepted that lucha is more if a performance, almost like a dance. Theres still a clear face/heel divide, even more so than in any other form of wrestling but you'll rarely see them work stiff or even use many strikes unless its a huge blood feud. I still find it very very strange and hard to watch at times. I'm often left scratching my head just as often as I'd be blown away by the style tbh.

jaykhunter

flahavaj wrote: »

You have to watch Lucha with a whole diferent minset to American wrestling or Puro. Its generally accepted that lucha is more if a performance, almost like a dance. Theres still a clear face/heel divide, even more so than in any other form of wrestling but you'll rarely see them work stiff or even use many strikes unless its a huge blood feud. I still find it very very strange and hard to watch at times. I'm often left scratching my head just as often as I'd be blown away by the style tbh.

You're absolutely right, Flah, but my brain can't accept it! That's not rasslin' to me!

EdK

TNA havn't necessarily proved that ex WWE stars don't equal ratings, They have proved that flavour of the month booking as well as shockingly bad advertising and promotion can't bring you any success

You can't just sign a guy and expect fans to flock in without anyone knowing, I refuse to believe TNA have that roster and can't draw any better than a 1.0

They need to SERIOUSLY invest time and money in the advertising and promotional side of their business

As for this new promotion there are very few viable free agents left in wrestling if they want to be suceessful they'll have to build and establish their own stars

waltersobchak

PWInsider.com

Seven names have been confirmed as signing with the upstart Florida promotion being run by Sean Davis: Booker T, Paul London, Rocky Romero, Sonjay Dutt, Super Crazy, Hijo Del Rey Misterio and 2 Cold Scorpio. There are reportedly some younger talents who have also signed, but they remain unconfirmed. Also unconfirmed is the rumour that some big-name Ring of Honor talents have signed with the new promotion.

The contracts reportedly to not kick in until October, which suggests that the project will get underway then. No dates or locations have been set for tapings yet. The plan as it stands is to expand beyond Florida and to try and get a national TV deal, though those involved realise that the deal won't happen overnight. Indications are that the promotion does not intend to buy a TV slot, a move that has killed off several new promotions.

Reports say that the secrecy around this promotion is due to the promotion not wanting there to be a big buzz around it. That buzz would leave fans anxious for the promotion to start while they are still building the infrastructure of the company. One big thing that is rumoured is a benefits package for wrestlers that includes full medical coverage and a 401k, as well as stock options. This package was something Milton Wilpon wanted after hearing the stories from older talent on how they were treated

geeky

PWINSIDER wrote: »

PWInsider.com

Seven names have been confirmed as signing with the upstart Florida promotion being run by Sean Davis: Booker T, Paul London, Rocky Romero, Sonjay Dutt, Super Crazy, Hijo Del Rey Misterio and 2 Cold Scorpio. There are reportedly some younger talents who have also signed, but they remain unconfirmed. Also unconfirmed is the rumour that some big-name Ring of Honor talents have signed with the new promotion.

I have zero interest in seeing Booker T wrestling in this day and age (his campaign to conquer Hollywood ended quick!), and amn't particularly enthused by Paul London either. Unfortunately, I don't know the other names mentioned - can anyone point to promotions/matches that would give an idea of what to expect?

PWINDSIDER wrote: »

The contracts reportedly to not kick in until October, which suggests that the project will get underway then. No dates or locations have been set for tapings yet. The plan as it stands is to expand beyond Florida and to try and get a national TV deal, though those involved realise that the deal won't happen overnight. Indications are that the promotion does not intend to buy a TV slot, a move that has killed off several new promotions. Reports say that the secrecy around this promotion is due to the promotion not wanting there to be a big buzz around it. That buzz would leave fans anxious for the promotion to start while they are still building the infrastructure of the company.

The fact that they're not talking this up so much, perversely, is probably a sign it's more likely to get off the ground. A nice contrast with TNA's regular 'huge' announcements.

PWINDSIDER wrote: »

One big thing that is rumoured is a benefits package for wrestlers that includes full medical coverage and a 401k, as well as stock options. This package was something Milton Wilpon wanted after hearing the stories from older talent on how they were treated

If there's a shred of truth in this, they deserve a lot of credit, and their success would also give a much-needed boost to wrestling's legitimacy.

chordtype

waltersobchak wrote: »

PWInsider.com

Seven names have been confirmed as signing with the upstart Florida promotion being run by Sean Davis: Booker T, Paul London, Rocky Romero, Sonjay Dutt, Super Crazy, Hijo Del Rey Misterio and 2 Cold Scorpio. There are reportedly some younger talents who have also signed, but they remain unconfirmed. Also unconfirmed is the rumour that some big-name Ring of Honor talents have signed with the new promotion.


Reports say that the secrecy around this promotion is due to the promotion not wanting there to be a big buzz around it. That buzz would leave fans anxious for the promotion to start while they are still building the infrastructure of the company. One big thing that is rumoured is a benefits package for wrestlers that includes full medical coverage and a 401k, as well as stock options. This package was something Milton Wilpon wanted after hearing the stories from older talent on how they were treated

The benefits package is something that should draw a lot of guys in. As much as I cant see it I would like another company to become successful. Some of the guys in that list have talent but look at the age of them.

jaykhunter

geeky wrote: »

Unfortunately, I don't know the other names mentioned - can anyone point to promotions/matches that would give an idea of what to expect?

Of the other names, I only care about Sonjay Dutt. Here's my favourite Dutt match - A ladder match with Jay Lethal. Bear in mind it showcases TNA's biggest problem - stupid booking, but it's still a great match DESPITE it! The dude's in-ring character has a lot of eccentricities and is a fantastic X-D wrestler. Skip to 4:30 for the match to start

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6t2w9_no-surrender-ladder-match-jay-letha_sport

chordtype

Rocky Romero is grossly underrated IMO. His style is quite similar to Low Ki's and he does some awesome submission moves.

2nd Row Donkey

geeky wrote: »

I have zero interest in seeing Booker T wrestling in this day and age (his campaign to conquer Hollywood ended quick!), QUOTE]

He didn't say that .... Tell me he didn't just say that!




Sorry, couldn't resist!:D

Balasubbie

Sean Waltman has Hep C. Who, in their right, health-conscious mind, would get into a ring with'im, knowing this? I call _____NEWZ!!!______

Insect Overlord

Balasubbie wrote: »

Sean Waltman has Hep C. Who, in their right, health-conscious mind, would get into a ring with'im, knowing this? I call _____NEWZ!!!______

Unless they're exchanging bodily fluids, I doubt they've too much to worry about

Balasubbie

Insect Overlord wrote: »

Unless they're exchanging bodily fluids, I doubt they've too much to worry about

A drop of his blood is hazardous and yes, he can be stopped from blading but if he's cut hardway, it's a different story.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17052278

Fourth line from bottom, second across from left.

jaykhunter

Balasubbie wrote: »

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17052278

Fourth line from bottom, second across from left.

Interesting article. It just says that contact sports is a cause found in previously unidentified Hep C patients though?

Hep C isn't that serious initially, most get chronic infection and about a quarter of them get cirrhosis (irreversible liver damage) much later in life. Although treatments for it are pretty good and make living with Hep C quite manageable. But I'd have to imagine that having such a blood-born disease would black-ball anyone in contact sports. I can't imagine anyone wanting to wrestle him knowing his condition.

Gerard.C

I cant see this taking off with that roster in all honesty. Booker T isnt going to draw many viewers, and he's the only big name they seem to have. Unless they get a savage undercard and a pile of money. You'd never know

Bounty Hunter

I wish this promotion all the success possible. Them not talking themselves up too much and especially employing a benefit package for wrestlers which includes full medical coverage is something I like and since there is a confidentiality thing going who knows who they could get on their roster so I wouldent jump on the lil bits of info about old wrestlers and run them down just yet.

Highly unlikely but imagine they raided the Indies and maybe even Mexico/Japan then brought in some of those mentioned like Booker plus some unexpected faces like (even more unexpected) Muhammad Hussan or Monty Brown before finally topping it all off with a big current name in the states like Batista.

gotta be pessimistic unfortunatley and as said i wouldent expect anything like mentioned above but I want to think another wrestling company can succeed and honestly do think that with simple logical booking or marketable performers who are promoted well one can.

Balasubbie

jaykhunter wrote: »

Interesting article. It just says that contact sports is a cause found in previously unidentified Hep C patients though?

Hep C isn't that serious initially, most get chronic infection and about a quarter of them get cirrhosis (irreversible liver damage) much later in life. Although treatments for it are pretty good and make living with Hep C quite manageable. But I'd have to imagine that having such a blood-born disease would black-ball anyone in contact sports. I can't imagine anyone wanting to wrestle him knowing his condition.

Aye, it's not the best source available but sufficed in proving that it's possible to contract it through contact performance. I know it would be do-able for Waltman to perform given his condition but, I don't see any major promotion,especially, a start-up, going so far out of their way to compensate and accommodate a performer that is, at least, eight years
past his prime and doesn't even have the rights to either of the names
that's given him the little name recognition he'd still have and of course,
a potential health risk to the rest of the roster.

Ridley

Machismo Fan wrote: »

The only thing TNA have proved is that incompetence won't get you anywhere.

To be fair, they have managed to get their foot in the door when it comes to gaining/maintaining an audience that channel executives like. Even if that foot belongs to Dixie Carter armed with a bible in one hand and an encyclopedia under the other.

jaykhunter

anyone hear anything more about what wrestlers are signed to this new promotion. TSlay said a lot of ROH talent are gonna go there...

if anyone comes across of a list of the wrestlers signed that'd be awesome

Bounty Hunter

jaykhunter wrote: »

anyone hear anything more about what wrestlers are signed to this new promotion. TSlay said a lot of ROH talent are gonna go there...

if anyone comes across of a list of the wrestlers signed that'd be awesome

there was talk in the News thread of a number of TNAs roster becoming disalussioned and either targetting this new promotion or WWE for moves de to being in their eyes being underutilised at the moment...

Dare 2 defy wrote:

Source: PWtorch

Sources in TNA have estimated that between 10 and 15 wrestlers on the TNA roster are considering their options between the proposed Wilpon promotion in Florida and pursuing a potential opportunity in WWE. Mid-to-upper tier TNA wrestlers in that group are believed to be considering WWE, while wrestlers not utilized by TNA are believed to be feeling out the proposed Wilpon promotion.

The recent emphasis on another brand (ECW) over the company's current roster, A.J. Styles recently expressing frustration with TNA decision-making, and Samoa Joe's outburst on TNA staff members paints the picture of a dissatisfied and frustrated locker room.

TNA wrestlers on the roster under the age of 35 are said to be strongly considering their options, especially after being loyal to the promotion during its growth stage and believing they're being passed over in favor of former stars.

Styles captured that feeling in an interview earlier this week when he talked about TNA putting the TNA World Title on Rob Van Dam right after RVD joined the company "from WWE." Styles said in the interview that he didn't understand the decision and said it sent a message to him that he's "just another guy."

Regarding the idea that some TNA wrestlers might pursue a WWE opportunity, Evan Bourne is an example of a wrestler who most people five years ago never would have believed would be in main event programs on WWE TV. Bourne has found success in WWE this year being spotlighted on Raw despite being a smaller, "X Division size" wrestler.

Syferus

Ironically Bourne's star has been very much on the wane lately with his last two contibutions being squashes to the Nexus and the Miz so his 'success' may not be all that encouraging to others thinking of taking the plunge.

Vince135792003

Syferus wrote: »

Ironically Bourne's star has been very much on the wane lately with his last two contibutions being squashes to the Nexus and the Miz so his 'success' may not be all that encouraging to others thinking of taking the plunge.

His time may come. Plus financially one would think he's doing ok.

Not everyone can be pushed to the top all at once. If that was the case nobody would be seen as special.

Nexus and The Miz are getting their push now so it makes sense that he would be beaten. In fact Miz is the classic case of guy guy who has gone from the very bottom of the WWE right up to the top. It just takes time if you have the talent.

Machismo Fan

The on and off nature of Bourne's push will do him no good though. Two months ago he was one of the hottest things on the roster, beating Jericho and looking great in that tag match but now he's no better off for it. He was just the flavour of the month.

Vince135792003

Machismo Fan wrote: »

The on and off nature of Bourne's push will do him no good though. Two months ago he was one of the hottest things on the roster, beating Jericho and looking great in that tag match but now he's no better off for it. He was just the flavour of the month.

They do it to everyone at 1 time or another. I don't like it and it makes getting guys over even harder. At the same time, he'll be fine. If they want to elevate him he has the in ring talent.

As well as that, the WWE are pushing alot of new guys but you can't push everybody all at once. So if Nexus, Sheamus and The Miz are the wrestlers they want to focus on and push well then it makes sense for them to be beating lower and middle card guys.

Syferus

Vince135792003 wrote: »

His time may come. Plus financially one would think he's doing ok.

Not everyone can be pushed to the top all at once. If that was the case nobody would be seen as special.

Nexus and The Miz are getting their push now so it makes sense that he would be beaten. In fact Miz is the classic case of guy guy who has gone from the very bottom of the WWE right up to the top. It just takes time if you have the talent.

Regardless, you don't have Bourne squashed (twice!) if you've got plans for him - you can make two wrestlers look good and still have one win cleanly. Bluntly, Bourne looked like an acrobatic jobber the last two weeks.

On the Nexus squash, there are enough jobbers on the WWE roster than to have someone you want to do something with in the 7 v 7 match so Bourne featuring in that match really doesn't bode very well for his future.

Bounty Hunter

on the topic of the new promotion, anyone want to hazard a guess at who might fall into the catagory of dissilusioned TNA superstar that might be looking at this promotion as an option

waltersobchak

AJ Styles and Samoa Joe perhaps:pac:

Machismo Fan

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

on the topic of the new promotion, anyone want to hazard a guess at who might fall into the catagory of dissilusioned TNA superstar that might be looking at this promotion as an option

That report seemed to paint a picture that the entire roster wants to jump which I just don't see as realistic. The likes of Homicide should seriously consider it. A lot of the roster are tied into contracts, if reports last year are to be believed AJ's going to be in TNA for at least another four years.

Vince135792003

Syferus wrote: »

Regardless, you don't have Bourne squashed (twice!) if you've got plans for him - you can make two wrestlers look good and still have one win cleanly. Bluntly, Bourne looked like an acrobatic jobber the last two weeks.

On the Nexus squash, there are enough jobbers on the WWE roster than to have someone you want to do something with in the 7 v 7 match so Bourne featuring in that match really doesn't bode very well for his future.

I was listening to a show today where in 1966 in St. Louis, a young Harley Race jobbed out to a wrestler called "Moose" in 3 minutes!


In the end Harely still made it. Bourne will too in time I believe, albeit on a much lesser scale.


In regards the new promotion, I hope it goes well and hope the owners have alot of patience and money.

Bounty Hunter

and 5 months later I bump.

Anything ever happen with this? did it die before it ever got off the ground or what? even this thread just died without any talk of it not happening. As i said before the idea of them employing a benefit package for wrestlers which includes full medical coverage is something I really liked but im guessing its (the promotion itself not this approach to it) now off the table or is it?

Machismo Fan

Bounty Hunter wrote: »

and 5 months later I bump.

Anything ever happen with this? did it die before it ever got off the ground or what? even this thread just died without any talk of it not happening. As i said before the idea of them employing a benefit package for wrestlers which includes full medical coverage is something I really liked but im guessing its (the promotion itself not this approach to it) now off the table or is it?

Apparently it's considered dead before it could even begin.

Dean820

It was supposed to start in September and then I heard they put the start date back to January...as in now. I guess its not gonna happen.

Sirsok

Sirsok wrote: »

Source: Pwinsider.com

As of this time, the only confirmed name to sign with the company is Sean Waltman.

Thats what happened.