Various: Cain Velasquez AAA Update, TNT President on Network Expectations for AEW, Indies

Cain Velasquez Reportedly Competing at Both of AAA’s US Events

Cain Velasquez reportedly is currently scheduled to be competing at both of AAA’s United States events this year, according to ESPN. Sources close to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi confirmed that Velasquez will be appearing for AAA at their Invading NY event on September 15th at the Hulu Theatre in New York City, New York and their Invading LA event on October 13th at the Los Angeles Forum in Los Angeles, California.

Raimondi’s sources also stated that Velasquez did have talks with WWE in 2018 in regards to a potential deal with the company but those talks eventually fell through.

As noted before, Cain Velasquez revealed in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated that his current contract with UFC allows him the ability to continue his wrestling career for Lucha Libre AAA.

TNT President Comments on the Network’s Expectations for AEW

Variety held a recent interview with TNT President Kevin Reilly and one of the topics discussed included the network’s expectations for All Elite Wrestling’s upcoming weekly television series.

“All Elite Wrestling (AEW)” is going to be a sleeper. It’s very counter-intuitive to launch a new league at the height of the WWE. But I have a lot of reasons why it makes sense where the opportunity is. We’re not taking down the WWE but I think this is going to be surprising.”

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

As noted before, Hiromu Takahashi has been out of action for New Japan Pro Wrestling since suffering a neck injury at the G1 Special in San Francisco event in July 2018. NJPW officials reportedly currently have big plans for Takahashi’s return but still do not want to rush him back any time soon, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Jim Cornette recently announced that after he finishes his current commitments, he will be taking at least a year-long break from attending wrestling conventions and will also be cutting back on his appearances for wrestling events. Cornette also announced that his weekly podcast series will remain unaffected due to him being able to work on the show from his home.

FITE TV announced that NJPW Royal Quest, which takes place on August 31st in London, England, will be available to watch for New Japan subscribers 48 hours after the event ends. NJPW previously announced that FITE.TV was given the exclusive rights to air the event live as part of the broadcasting deal between both companies.

Several high level All Elite Wrestling officials reportedly had a meeting with TNT’s sponsors earlier this week in New York City, according to PWInsider.