Various: TNA Holding New TV Tapings This March, BLK Jeez Survives Shooting After Attempted Carjacking Incident, Sukeban News

Jan 12, 2024

TNA Announces Two New TV Tapings for This March in Philadelphia

TNA Wrestling announced earlier today that they will be holding a new set of Impact! television tapings on March 22-23 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It was also announced that tickets for this upcoming set of shows will officially go on sale starting in January 20th.

BREAKING: TNA Wrestling Returns To The 2300 Arena In Philadelphia For Back-to-Back Nights Of Action-Packed Pro Wrestling on March 22 and 23.

FULL DETAILS: https://t.co/Or8pt06xLp #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/ZDLcTzYZWE
— TNA Wrestling (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 12, 2024

NWA Announces BLK Jeez Survived Shooting After Attempted Carjacking Incident

The National Wrestling Alliance announced that BLK Jeez, real name Darnell Kittrell, was the victim of a recent attempted carjacking incident and he was shot during it. It was also announced that Jeez is currently recovering from the wounds he suffered from the shooting.

Official press release:

National Wrestling Alliance Star and Cancer Survivor Blk Jeez Survives Shooting, Attempted Carjacking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2024
PHILADELPHIA – National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star and cancer survivor Blk Jeez, legal name Darnell Kittrell, survived an attempted carjacking on Thurs., January 11, at approximately 7 p.m. in Philadelphia. Kittrell, who was in his vehicle, was approached by four masked men. In the course of the incident, one of the assailants shot Kittrell in the hip, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury.
Kittrell, who possesses a permit to carry a gun, used his legally registered firearm to defend himself and returned fire. The suspects fled the scene, and investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage for leads. Kittrell was taken to a local hospital and is recovering.
The incident presents another, unfortunate setback for Kittrell, who was scheduled to make his return to in-ring action Sat., January 13 at NWA Paranoia in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In Spring 2023, the competitor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a form of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow — and Kittrell’s courageous battle with cancer since has been one of resilience and determination.
In response to the terrifying carjacking and shooting, Kittrell expressed his gratitude for the early outpouring of support. He states: “I was looking forward to making my return this weekend. I would love to make the trip regardless of the soreness and pain that I’m in. However, my gut tells me to stay home with my family this weekend. I look forward to making my return at the next NWA event. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
NWA President William Patrick Corgan also wished Blk Jeez a speedy recovery, expressing anticipation for his return to NWA Signature Live Events. “We stand by Blk Jeez during this challenging time and wish him a swift recovery. His strength and resilience have inspired us all, and we eagerly await his return to the NWA ring. Our thoughts are with him and his family,” stated Corgan.
NWA Paranoia is scheduled for this Saturday at Revolution Live, located at 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The Signature Live Event is is set to begin at 7 p.m.. The matches are being recorded for broadcast on upcoming episodes of NWA Powerrr, as programming for the CW. Immediately following NWA Paranoia, the wrestling action continues with the late night co-promoted show NWA x CCW Via Revolution. The following day, wrestling fans can attend NWA Powerrr television tapings at WEDU Studios located at 1300 North Boulevard Tampa, FL 33607.

Sukeban News & Notes

Sukeban reportedly drew an attendance of over 2,000 for their Miami event on December 6, 2023 in Miami, Florida, according to PWInsider.

Mike Johnson reported that his sources spoken to in Japan stated that there have been investors from Japan who recently approached Sukeban officials about wanting to get involved in the company. Johnson reported that interest from potential new investors was due to the level of social media engagement and mainstream attention the company has received from The New York Times, Vogue, and other notable media outlets.

Johnson also reported that Sukeban officials are currently hopeful of being able to tap into a different audience for women’s wrestling at the same time there have been many positive trends in women’s sports. The idea reportedly being so that they can build their own original intellectual property and promote and license it through live sports rights, fashion deals, potential anime content, and other potential revenue streams for the company.

Johnson also reported that it is currently not known what sort of capital and funding Sukeban officials are currently seeking to raise from investors for the company.

In regards to Sukeban’s next event, Johnson reported that Sukeban officials currently have plans for their third event to take place this Spring in Los Angeles, California. Sukeban officials reportedly also recently held talks regarding potentially returning to New York City for another event in the future.

Those spoken to in Japan reportedly stated that Sukeban officials are also currently looking to sign more talent to the company and are paying a close attention to what talents may become available for signings in the upcoming months.