Various: NJPW & Stardom Reveal Wrestle Kingdom Week 2025 Schedule, Alex Shelley on “Speedball” Mike Bailey Being Best Wrestler Not Currently in WWE or AEW, Indies

Jul 3, 2024

NJPW & Stardom Reveal Full Schedule for Wrestle Kingdom 19 Week for January 2025

New Japan Pro Wrestling held a press conference earlier today in Tokyo, Japan. One of the topic discussed was NJPW and Stardom officially revealing their full events schedule for their Wrestle Kingdom 19 Week in January of 2025.

Full schedule of NJPW and Stardom events for Wrestle Kingdom Week in January 2025:

December 29 – Stardom Dream Queendom 2024 at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan
January 2 – Pro-Wrestling Matsuri fan festival at the Bellesalle Haneda in Ota City
January 3 – Wrestle Kingdom 19 Kickoff event at TBA
January 3 – Stardom New Year Dream 2025 at Tokyo Garden Theatre in Tokyo
January 4 – Wrestle Kingdom 19 at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo
January 5 – NJPW x AEW x CMLL x ROH x Stardom Wrestle Dynasty at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo
January 6 – New Year Dash 2025 at the Ota-ku Gymnasium in Tokyo

Alex Shelley Comments on “Speedball” Mike Bailey Being Best Wrestler Not Currently in WWE or AEW

A recent episode of the Respect The Craft podcast featured former TNA talent Alex Shelley as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Shelley’s thoughts about working in the indies and his current belief that “Speedball” Mike Bailey might be the best wrestler currently not working in WWE or AEW.

“I think Speedball’s just…I can’t put into words how highly I value him and how much respect I have for the guy. Being a part of REVOLVER is incredible in its own right, and the trust that’s been put in me to have all these title shots and carry these titles has been something that I don’t take lightly. It’s a very, very special company. It very much reminds me of this generation’s ECW in many ways. I think Speedball, pound for pound, might be the best out there right now that’s not in WWE or AEW. I just can’t put into words how hard he works and the sacrifices he’s made for pro wrestling. The fact that he’s just as skilled as he is and humble about it and open to learning more is just why he is what he is ..
He’s just the fucking best. If you haven’t seen him live, it’s a different ball game. So definitely come out to the show, definitely check it out.”

Following Shelley’s interview, Bailey responded on Twitter to Shelley’s praise calling him one of the best wrestlers in the world.

With all due respect for @AlexShelley313, this is untrue because everyone knows HE's the best. https://t.co/T6kuIyXuCB
— Speedball Mike Bailey (@SpeedballBailey) July 1, 2024

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that their TAMASHII brand will be holding a 8-Man Oceania Cup tournament event on August 16th in Sydney, Australia. It was also announced that tickets for this upcoming event will officially go on sale starting on July 4th.

TNA Wrestling recently announced that as part of their festivities for this year’s Slammiversary event in Montreal, Canada, the PCO Burger will be available exclusively at participating La Belle et La Boeuf Promenades Saint Bruno restaurants.

SoftGround Wrestling Uganda announced that they have recently signed a television deal with NBS TV in Uganda to air their events on the network.

Deadlock Pro Wrestling recently announced that due to Bryan Keith recently suffering an arm injury, he will be out of action for the company for the foreseeable future and as a result, they have vacated his DPW National Championship. It was also announced that more announcements regarding the status of the DPW National title will be made soon.

As noted before, Marigold and WWE talent Giulia has been out of action since this past May due to a right wrist fracture injury. Giulia recent provided an update on Twitter stating that the final test results for her injury will be available early next week and that will determine if she will be able to compete at Marigold’s upcoming Summer Destiny 2024 event on July 13th. Giulia stated “The final test results for his wrist injury will be available early next week. Today at the press conference, I wanted to proudly say, ‘I’m making a comeback!’ Sorry, we’re doing everything humanity can do… please wait a little longer. Everyone, pray! Sareee, you should pray too!”

Major League Wrestling announced one new match for the card of their Blood & Thunder 2024 event on July 12th in St. Petersburg, Florida: