Various: Hidden Gems, Billy Graham Update, Taz ECW Title Anniversary, Indies

WWE Network Hidden Gems Addition

This week’s addition to WWE Network’s Hidden Gems series is United Kingdom themed, featuring four classic matches.

The first gem is from a September 13, 1981 event from AWA featuring a singles match of Billy Robinson vs. “The Crippler” Ray Stevens.

AWA 09/13/1981 – Colliding With The Crippler

Wigan, England’s most notorious submission specialist, Billy Robinson battles Ray ‘The Crippler’ Stevens in this bout from the AWA

The second gem is from an September 13, 1981 event from Championship Wrestling from Florida featuring a NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship match of Gerald Brisco vs. Les Thornton (c).

Championship Wrestling from Florida 09/13/1981 – Britain Versus Brisco

British mat technician Les Thornton puts his World Junior Heavyweight Championship on the line against WWE Hall of Famer, Gerald Brisco.

The third gem is from an October 9, 1981 event from Stampede Wrestling featuring an Eight-Man tag team match of Davey Boy Smith & The Hart Brothers vs. J.R. Foley’s Army.

Stampede Wrestling 10/09/1981 – North of the Border

It’s Eight-Man Tag Team warfare as Davey Boy Smith joins the Hart Brothers to face J.R. Foley’s Army from Stampede Wrestling.

The fourth and final gem is from a June 8, 2017 NXT Live Event from WWE featuring a WWE United Kingdom Championship match of Mark Andrews vs. Pete Dunne (c).

NXT Live Event 06/08/2017 – For Pete’s Sake

The most prized possession in the UK is up for grabs as Pete Dunne defends his WWE United Kingdom Championship against Mark Andrews.

Billy Graham Health Status Update

As noted before, “Superstar” Billy Graham was rushed to a hospital earlier this week due to health issues related to pneumonia.

In an update to Graham’s health status, PWInsider reported Graham was released from the hospital earlier today and is currently resting at his home in Arizona. It was also reported Graham is currently taking antibiotics to help treat his illness.

Taz Comments on 20th Anniversary of His First ECW Championship Victory

Taz reflected on Twitter about today being the 20th anniversary of his first ECW World Heavyweight Championship victory. Taz defeated Shane Douglas for the belt at ECW Guilty as Charged 1999 event in Kissimmee, Florida.

20 years ago today I won my first major world championship. I would like to thank @TheFranchiseSD for the match and his creativity.
Thank you to @HeymanHustle for the special opportunity.
Lastly, thank you to all of the ECW fans worldwide. #SURVIVE

— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) January 10, 2019

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Impact Wrestling reportedly has recently signed Melissa Santos to a contract with the company, according to PWInsider.

SiriusXM NFL Radio host Alex Marvez is currently rumored to be signing a contract with All Elite Wrestling for a commentary role in the company, according to Wrestling Observer Radio. Marvez was one of the hosts of AEW’s “Double or Nothing” rally this past Tuesday. Fueling speculation of a deal being reached soon is Marvez recently added AEW related info to his Twitter bio.

ROH announced a new match for the card of their January 13th Honor Reigns Supreme 2019 event in Concord, North Carolina:
– Women of Honor Championship Street Fight – Jenny Rose vs. Kelly Klein (c).

Major League Wrestling announced a new match for the card of their February 2nd MLW Superfight event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– Aerostar vs. Rey Horus.