Various: Giulia Reportedly to Leave Stardom After Next Month, Anthem Makes AXS TV Shakeup, Two Matches Announced for NJPW Sakura Genesis 2024

Feb 27, 2024

Giulia Reportedly Set to Leave Stardom After This March

As noted before, WWE is currently very interested in potentially signing Giulia once her current contract with Stardom expires at the end of March of 2024. Giulia is currently expected to join Rossy Ogawa’s new promotion in Japan to help with its launch before heading to WWE afterwards.

Tokyo Sports reported that their sources confirmed that Giulia will be leaving Stardom once her current contract expires at the end of this March.

It was reported that Giulia had informed Bushiroad officials in late 2023 of her intention to leave Stardom once her contract expired.

Giulia commented earlier today on Twitter about the report of her upcoming departure from Stardom stating:

“Free like a bird! It’s Giulia. As free as a bird.”

鳥のように自由に！ジュリアだもの。
As free as a bird. https://t.co/AFSvZYXuL1
— ジュリア=Giulia (@giulia0221g) February 27, 2024

Anthem Announces New President for AXS TV

TNA Wrestling’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment announced that they have recently made a magement shakeup at their AXS TV cable television network.

It was announced that they have named Andy Schuon as their new President of AXS TV and HDNET Movies.

Official press release:

ANDY SCHUON NAMED PRESIDENT OF AXS TV & HDNET MOVIES NETWORKS
Schuon Brings Decades of Experience to the Role, After Having Served as a Top Executive at Influential Music & Entertainment Companies Including MTV, VH1, REVOLT Media, CBS Radio, KROQ-FM Los Angeles, Warner Bros. Records, Universal Music Group, Live Nation, and More
LOS ANGELES (February 27, 2024) – Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. announced today that celebrated brand builder Andy Schuon has been appointed President of its widely distributed AXS TV and HDNET MOVIES television networks.
As President, Schuon will oversee all aspects of AXS TV and HDNET MOVIES. With decades of experience developing and leading some of the world’s biggest music and entertainment brands, and specifically as the head of programming or Chief Executive Officer of six cable networks—three of which he founded, Schuon is uniquely qualified to unlock the growth potential of AXS TV and HDNET Movies as platforms.
“Andy Schuon is a true trailblazer in this industry, and a driving force behind many definitive pop culture landmarks that have left an indelible impact throughout the world,” said Leonard Asper, President & CEO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment. “His reputation as a legendary brand builder is well-earned, and his breadth of expertise will be vital in ushering in an important era for both AXS TV and HDNET MOVIES.”
Over the years, Schuon, known for his passion for innovation and disruption, has significantly shaped the pop culture landscape. He is the co-founder of REVOLT MEDIA & TV, one of the most successful independently owned music and television brands. Schuon was Executive Vice President & General Manager of Warner Bros. Records, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming & Production for MTV, MTV2, and VH1 where he was the Executive Producer the VMAs, MTV Movie Awards, and created the first celebrity reality show “Rodman World Tour” with Dennis Rodman. In a massive programming stunt, Schuon moved MTV out of Times Square and into a summer rental: the MTV Beach House, a franchise that lifted ratings for the entire network and created extraordinary revenue every summer for years through integrated marketing opportunities and sponsorships.
As Chief Digital Officer and President, Artist Services, for Ticketmaster and Live Nation, Schuon guided strategy and management of digital assets, investments, and partnerships. He was President of Programming & Marketing for CBS Radio, where notably he oversaw the execution of the biggest single-client advertising deal in radio history, and spearheaded content and audience strategy for CBS Radio’s network of 185 stations across major markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. As founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pressplay, later known as Napster, Schuon played a crucial role in fundamentally changing how consumers access music online.
“Len Asper and I have been talking about the opportunity to leverage the reach of AXS TV and HDNET MOVIES for some time. I was thrilled when he asked me to lead these networks, and take them to new heights and new platforms” Schuon said. “Connecting content, especially music related programming, with audiences has been my life’s work. At a time when music moves at the speed of social media, we are uniquely qualified to be the voice of record in the video presentation of music across all platforms.”

NJPW Announces First Two Matches for Sakura Genesis 2024

New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced the first two matches for the card of their Sakura Genesis 2024 event, which takes place on April 6th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

The first match announced was an IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Nic Nemeth (c).

The second match announced was an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match of Winner of 2024 New Japan Cup vs. Tetsuya Naito (c).

Current card for NJPW Sakura Genesis 2024:

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match of Winner of 2024 New Japan Cup vs. Tetsuya Naito (c)
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Nic Nemeth (c)