Various: Roman Reigns’ Statement, James Storm WWE Return?, Indies

Roman Reigns Issues Statement Regarding Claims of Being a Customer to a Steroid Dealer

During a YouTube interview held last week by filmmaker Jon Bravo, recently jailed steroid distributor Richard Rodriguez revealed Roman Reigns was among the list of high profile customers who have purchased steroids from his former Wellness Fitness Nutrition company. Rodriguez claimed his company was part of a larger illegal steroid ring operation based in Miami. The company itself was raided by DEA agents last February.

On Wednesday, Roman Reigns issued an official statement denying any association with Rodriguez and claims of him purchasing illegal steroids. Reigns also stated he has passed all of his Wellness tests since being suspended for a Wellness violation in June 2016.

“I have never heard of Richard Rodriguez or Wellness Fitness Nutrition. I learned from the mistake I made nearly two years ago and paid the penalty for it. Since then, I’ve passed 11 tests as part of WWE’s independent drug testing program.”

James Storm Interested in Returning to the WWE

Sports Illustrated held a recent interview with James Storm and one of the topics discussed involved Storm revealing he is interested in returning to the WWE.

“My ultimate goal is to go to WWE. The WWE has such a grip on the world, it’s pretty amazing, and I believe I still have a lot to give.

I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. When I left Impact, I told people this isn’t my last stop, it’s just time for me to get on a new horse.”

Storm previously wrestled for the WWE as part of their NXT brand from October 2015 to December 2015 before returning back to Impact Wrestling due to them offering more money at the time.

Indie Wrestling News & Notes

New Japan Pro Wrestling announced Kenny Omega, “Switchblade” Jay White, and Henare have been recently added to their upcoming four-day tour of Australia. The tour will take place from February 16 to February 19 and will be the first time ever NJPW will hold a tour in the country.

Major League Wrestling announced the first round matches for their upcoming MLW World Championship tournament will be Tom Lawlor versus MVP, Matt Riddle versus Jeff Cobb, Jimmy Havoc versus MJF, and Shane Strickland versus Brody King. All four matches will take place during their February 8th show in Orlando, Florida.

EVOLVE announced one of the matches for the card of their April 5th show in New Orleans will be Daisuke Sekimoto & Munenori Sawa versus WALTER & Timothy Thatcher.