Former Wrestler Nigel McGuinness brings his acclaimed documentary to a town near you
Eros Comedy presents ‘The Last Of McGuinness’, a film by Nigel McGuinness UK/Ireland Tour
Nigel McGuinness was on the brink of wrestling superstardom… And then he wasn’t.
The Last Of McGuinness is a powerful, poignant documentary chronicling the farewell tour of Nigel McGuinness, considered by many to be one of the greatest British pro wrestling exports of all time. Directed and edited by Nigel himself, it doesn’t pull any punches depicting the wealth of conflicting emotions of a man trying to come to terms with the end of his career. From the US to the UK and back again, it also provides a unique and honest insight into the life of an independent wrestler. An incredibly moving film, regardless of whether you’re a wrestling fan.
“Unflinching in depicting Nigel’s pain, frustration and, quite often, bitterness. Give “The Last of McGuinness” a try. Nigel's heart, hopes, sadness, frustration and ultimately his redemption are all over this film.” Mick Foley, WWE Hall Of Famer
“You're a depressing sod, aren't you?” CM Punk, WWE Superstar
Tickets on sale now. Price includes an exclusive live Q&A with the Ring Of Honor and TNA star, as well as a meet & greet with autograph and photo opportunity.
Sunday 26th May – The Comedy Store, Manchester
Monday 27th May – The Classic Grand, Glasgow
Tuesday 28th May – The Stand, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Wednesday 29th May – The Glee Club, Birmingham
Thursday 30th May – The Garage, London
Monday 3rd June – The Empire, Belfast
www.eroscomedy.com
www.famemagazine.co.uk/2012/03/wrestler-nigel-mcguinnes-exclusive-interview/
Fame will be at the Belfast showing, why not say to us and look out for our exclusive follow up interview with NIgel himself.
By Phil Allely
Showing posts with label uk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk. Show all posts
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Sunday, 24 February 2013
William Regal: I'm celebrating my 30th year in wrestling on the UK 2013 Raw Tour
William Regal: I'm celebrating my 30th year in wrestling on the UK 2013 Raw Tour
BY Phil Allely
WWE superstar William Regal has revealed he is set to celebrate his 30th year of wrestling by participating in the upcoming UK/Ireland tour.
Regal (Darren Mathews) is currently a commentator of WWE show NXT and has had a memorable in-ring career to date. The 44 year old has overcome battles with drugs, illness and heart issues to become a very valuable part of the WWE family.
Many fans would love to see Regal take his mic work to either Smackdown or Raw and inject some of his humour and knowledge into those programes too. Fans have also been vocal about the fact that the veteran has been taken off the active roster (unless he is needed to fill-in for an injured star).
Those UK-based fans will be relishing this new announcement by Wiliam on twitter 'I've been told I will be on the UK Raw tour this April. Spoil yourselves and come see my almost 45 year old carcass in trunks. I'm thinking of having a 30th year anniversary (it will be 30 years since my first match this coming August) T Shirt made for this tour.'
Veteran Regal worked his way up from low-paying UK shows in the golden age of ITV wrestling, to taking up an offer by WCW, there he made a name for himself with countless hard-hitting matches against many of the companies top names. His feud with Ireland's Fit Finlay and Chris Benoit are stuff of legend.
Regal progressed to the WWE where various substance abuse problems unfortunately halted his progress. Regal did however get the opportunity to return to WCW and rebuild his career. This time when WWE came calling again he was fit and ready to join their roster. Although he has never won a world title Matthews has held gold in in the WWE, WCW and for UK promotions. Many of his matches have gone down in the history books and he is still a very valuable member of the roster.
You can catch up with William Regal on WWE NXT shows and as part of April's WrestleMania Revenge UK/Ireland Tour.
Friday, 14 September 2012
TNA Announce British Boot Camp TV Series
Aspiring UK wrestlers pursue their TNA Wrestling dream on Challenge TV
First non-game show commission for Challenge TV backs Sky’s commitment
to home-grown entertainment content
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp starts December 2012 (6x30mins episodes)
Challenge TV today announces TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp a new series which marks the channel’s first full commission with TNA Productions. The thrilling six-part entertainment series follows four aspiring professional British wrestlers, who are trying to make it big in the ultra-competitive world of American impact wrestling.
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp will go behind-the-scenes of TNA Wrestling’s search for a UK superstar. Exclusive to Challenge TV, the series documents the story of four aspiring home-grown wrestlers as they pursue a professional wrestling contract with TNA Wrestling.
Challenge viewers will experience the triumphs and tribulations of Manchester-based female tag-team wrestling twins Hannah and Holly Blossom, along with two male wrestlers Marty Scurll and Rockstar Spud from Cambridge and Birmingham, as they embark on their ambition to join TNA’s wrestling roster. Cameras follow them as they travel from their homes in the UK to the USA, get trained and mentored by famous names from the world of UK and US wrestling, and meet TNA’s President Dixie Carter.
The finalists will enter the TNA developmental system, to hone their wrestling skills, and be put to the test by legendary British wrestlers and current TNA stars including Rollerball Rocco and Hulk Hogan. Culminating with a match at the TNA Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida, they compete to impress the judges and Dixie Carter. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the professional wrestlers. At the end of the series the successful candidate(s) will get signed to a contract by TNA and have the chance to appear in front of a home crowd on the TNA World Tour which travels to London’s Wembley Arena in January 2013.
“TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp really is compulsive viewing,” adds Dominic Wilkins, Acting Director of Challenge TV. “TNA Wrestling has a huge fanbase in the UK and it’s great to be able to commission exclusive original content which cements Challenge TV as the UK home for TNA Wrestling. This series will provide unmissable entertainment content which resonates with our viewers.”
John Jelley, Sky Commissioning Executive for factual and features said: “We are confident that this show’s focus on four of Britain’s most promising wrestlers will inspire Challenge’s passionate TNA fans, and draw in a new audience to professional wrestling, as we track their daunting journey from the UK, through TNA boot camp to the high pressure finale in Florida.”
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp marks Sky’s first non-game show commission for Challenge TV since it re-launched on Freeview last year. It aims to compliment the burgeoning success of the TNA Impact series which is one of the top performing series on the channel and aims to enhance the channels late night male-skewed audience. The series supports Sky’s commitment to increase its investment in home grown content to £600m by 2014, and will let viewers see first-hand what it really takes to become one of the superstars of TNA Impact Wrestling.
For further information visit: www.challenge.co.uk
www.impactwrestling.com
By Phil Allely
Friday, 20 January 2012
Monday, 22 August 2011
Impact Wrestling on Challenge TV
Impact Wrestling meet the Challenge of UK TV
By Phil Allely
Due to record TV ratings in the UK and Ireland TNA’s flagship television show Impact Wrestling is moving to Sunday nights from this week (August 28th).
Impact Wrestling has already doubled its audience since moving to cable channel Challenge earlier this year. It has since become the most watched weekly wrestling show on British television in the last 10 years.
This move to Sunday nights (at the earlier time if 9pm) is all down to its loyal band of UK/Irish fans who have used Social Media to lobby for Impact Wrestling to be shown on a day closer to its US airing on a Thursday night.
Andy Barton, IMPACT WRESTLING’s Executive Vice President, said: “We’re thrilled with the success we’ve been enjoying in the UK and were determined to reward the fans by giving them exactly what they’ve been asking for – IMPACT WRESTLING earlier in the week.”
“Sunday nights will never be the same again!”
Barbara Gibbon, Sky’s Director of Production for Sky Entertainment Channels, added: “We are delighted to be working with IMPACT WRESTLING at this exciting time.”
“British and Irish fans are among the most ardent in the world – and we are thrilled to be able to bring them all the latest action on Challenge.”
A repeat of the episode will then be shown every Tuesday at 10pm in IMPACT WRESTLING’s current slot.
Companion show TNA Xplosion recently moved to a prime time slot on Challenge and is broadcast every Wednesday night at 10pm. IMPACT WRESTLING’s monthly PPV events will also continue to go out on a Wednesday night at 10pm, with Xplosion moving to midnight on Tuesday on those weeks.
Challenge is part of Sky TV and can be found on Sky channel 125, Freeview channel 46 and Virgin Media channel 139.
With so many online sites releasing spoiler results a move closer to broadcast day will always appeal to diehard wrestling fans. This dedication to UK/Irish fans will certainly appeal to them.
IMPACT WRESTLING will be touring the UK in January 2012 with shows in Nottingham, Manchester and London. To buy tickets go to www.gigsandtours.com
By Phil Allely
Due to record TV ratings in the UK and Ireland TNA’s flagship television show Impact Wrestling is moving to Sunday nights from this week (August 28th).
Impact Wrestling has already doubled its audience since moving to cable channel Challenge earlier this year. It has since become the most watched weekly wrestling show on British television in the last 10 years.
This move to Sunday nights (at the earlier time if 9pm) is all down to its loyal band of UK/Irish fans who have used Social Media to lobby for Impact Wrestling to be shown on a day closer to its US airing on a Thursday night.
Andy Barton, IMPACT WRESTLING’s Executive Vice President, said: “We’re thrilled with the success we’ve been enjoying in the UK and were determined to reward the fans by giving them exactly what they’ve been asking for – IMPACT WRESTLING earlier in the week.”
“Sunday nights will never be the same again!”
Barbara Gibbon, Sky’s Director of Production for Sky Entertainment Channels, added: “We are delighted to be working with IMPACT WRESTLING at this exciting time.”
“British and Irish fans are among the most ardent in the world – and we are thrilled to be able to bring them all the latest action on Challenge.”
A repeat of the episode will then be shown every Tuesday at 10pm in IMPACT WRESTLING’s current slot.
Companion show TNA Xplosion recently moved to a prime time slot on Challenge and is broadcast every Wednesday night at 10pm. IMPACT WRESTLING’s monthly PPV events will also continue to go out on a Wednesday night at 10pm, with Xplosion moving to midnight on Tuesday on those weeks.
Challenge is part of Sky TV and can be found on Sky channel 125, Freeview channel 46 and Virgin Media channel 139.
With so many online sites releasing spoiler results a move closer to broadcast day will always appeal to diehard wrestling fans. This dedication to UK/Irish fans will certainly appeal to them.
IMPACT WRESTLING will be touring the UK in January 2012 with shows in Nottingham, Manchester and London. To buy tickets go to www.gigsandtours.com
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Interview With Jeremy Borash
http://www.sportvibe.co.uk/ interview with Jeremy Borash.
However across the pond in the United States wrestling is a billion dollar industry and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) are making a real impact on the wrestling scene competing with the likes of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
This modern day company is a far cry from the wrestling witnessed by British fans in the 70’s. Today the wrestlers are some of the finest athletes in sport, putting their bodies on the line all for the entertainment of the raucous crowds.
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/articles/other/jeremy-borash-on-why-wrestling-can-be-a-uk-success/
The company was founded in 2002 and one man that has been there from the start is ring announcer Jeremy Borash. Given the role of interviewing wrestlers, geeing up the crowd and creating a pulsating atmosphere, Borash is a core member of the successful company.
“I was the first employee in the company and have seen an idea born on a boat,” Borash said. “Nine years down the line, we are seen world wide across all four corners of the globe.
“Not everyone has the experience of being able to take an idea like that and seeing it through all the way. I will always have a huge place in my heart for TNA, I feel like I have helped give birth to this idea.”
TNA have toured over in the United Kingdom for the last three years, each time there have been sell-out crowds in all the arenas they have performed in.
The 36-year-old ring announcer believes that one day in the not to distant future we will see an episode of TNA’s flagship show IMPACT! or even a PPV (Pay Per View) filmed in the UK.
“I would love to say yes and we will be able to film an episode of IMPACT! in the UK tomorrow,” Borash continued. “When it happens it will be the greatest IMPACT! ever, I know that because the crowd would be insane.
“There is a lot of work to make that happen, but when we’re ready it will happen, and I can’t wait. The Wembley Arena show and M.E.N show we did during our last tour will be incredible on PPV.”
At the moment, not just in TNA, but also in rival promotions, there are a number of British wrestlers plying their trade in the States. However the World Championship is the one belt that has eluded the Brits over in America, but Borash doesn’t think it will be long before we see a British grappler hold the main title in TNA.
“It should have already happened,” the 36-year-old continued. “There is great talent that we have and more that we are yet to discover.
“Desmond Wolfe is incredible, Doug Williams is excellent. Magnus is only 24-years-old, he can already talk and if I was to pick the next huge breakout star in this business Magnus has got it, he has everything
“Just the experience he has already got at such a young age. I remember his first night when he came out at Wembley, none of us knew what to expect, but now we do it is just a matter of watching him soar.”
Away from the ring, Borash is a regular user of Twitter and revealed a surprising person that he follows from the British sporting world.
“The most famous person I follow on Twitter is Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor,” Borash revealed. “As far as I’m concerned he is tops, he’s the man. My dream is that one day I will be able to say the numbers ‘180’ and I will say it like it has never been said before.
“My first introduction to darts was 10 years ago over in England, and the announcers would hook me on it with the crowd and everything.
“I brought darts over to the states and showed the guys in the locker-room, and they are hooked, they watch it and say ‘this is amazing’ and that type of crowd reaction is something you only get in the UK.”
Many Brits may not have embraced wrestling yet, but darts is a prime example of how the British audiences love to be entertained and there are many similarities between the two sports with all the razzmatazz to get the crowds involved in the action.
If TNA keeps growing across the pond and during their arena tours of the UK, there is no reason why the sport can’t become as successful on these shores.
However across the pond in the United States wrestling is a billion dollar industry and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) are making a real impact on the wrestling scene competing with the likes of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
This modern day company is a far cry from the wrestling witnessed by British fans in the 70’s. Today the wrestlers are some of the finest athletes in sport, putting their bodies on the line all for the entertainment of the raucous crowds.
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/articles/other/jeremy-borash-on-why-wrestling-can-be-a-uk-success/
The company was founded in 2002 and one man that has been there from the start is ring announcer Jeremy Borash. Given the role of interviewing wrestlers, geeing up the crowd and creating a pulsating atmosphere, Borash is a core member of the successful company.
“I was the first employee in the company and have seen an idea born on a boat,” Borash said. “Nine years down the line, we are seen world wide across all four corners of the globe.
“Not everyone has the experience of being able to take an idea like that and seeing it through all the way. I will always have a huge place in my heart for TNA, I feel like I have helped give birth to this idea.”
TNA have toured over in the United Kingdom for the last three years, each time there have been sell-out crowds in all the arenas they have performed in.
The 36-year-old ring announcer believes that one day in the not to distant future we will see an episode of TNA’s flagship show IMPACT! or even a PPV (Pay Per View) filmed in the UK.
“I would love to say yes and we will be able to film an episode of IMPACT! in the UK tomorrow,” Borash continued. “When it happens it will be the greatest IMPACT! ever, I know that because the crowd would be insane.
“There is a lot of work to make that happen, but when we’re ready it will happen, and I can’t wait. The Wembley Arena show and M.E.N show we did during our last tour will be incredible on PPV.”
At the moment, not just in TNA, but also in rival promotions, there are a number of British wrestlers plying their trade in the States. However the World Championship is the one belt that has eluded the Brits over in America, but Borash doesn’t think it will be long before we see a British grappler hold the main title in TNA.
“It should have already happened,” the 36-year-old continued. “There is great talent that we have and more that we are yet to discover.
“Desmond Wolfe is incredible, Doug Williams is excellent. Magnus is only 24-years-old, he can already talk and if I was to pick the next huge breakout star in this business Magnus has got it, he has everything
“Just the experience he has already got at such a young age. I remember his first night when he came out at Wembley, none of us knew what to expect, but now we do it is just a matter of watching him soar.”
Away from the ring, Borash is a regular user of Twitter and revealed a surprising person that he follows from the British sporting world.
“The most famous person I follow on Twitter is Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor,” Borash revealed. “As far as I’m concerned he is tops, he’s the man. My dream is that one day I will be able to say the numbers ‘180’ and I will say it like it has never been said before.
“My first introduction to darts was 10 years ago over in England, and the announcers would hook me on it with the crowd and everything.
“I brought darts over to the states and showed the guys in the locker-room, and they are hooked, they watch it and say ‘this is amazing’ and that type of crowd reaction is something you only get in the UK.”
Many Brits may not have embraced wrestling yet, but darts is a prime example of how the British audiences love to be entertained and there are many similarities between the two sports with all the razzmatazz to get the crowds involved in the action.
If TNA keeps growing across the pond and during their arena tours of the UK, there is no reason why the sport can’t become as successful on these shores.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
TNA Impact! in the UK update
UK: Don't miss iMPACT while we wait for a new timeslot on Sky. Log onto TNAondemand.com, launch the player and click the iMPACT UK button!
Friday, 18 June 2010
TNA Slammiversary Review
TNA Slam it home for the 8th time
by Phil Allely
Hot on the heels of the move back to Thursday nights and the (as yet) unfulfilled 'big' company announcement by President Dixie Carter, Slammiversary still delivered a decent series of matches and story progressions for TNA, but unfortunatley saw the the roster lose yet another long-serving Knockout from their once standout womens wrestling division.
TNA have had their fair share of ups and downs over the last eight years and Slammiversary only proved too highlight the good and bad points todays product delivers.
Kurt Angle took Kaz to wrestling school in the opener, Kaz losing his #10 world title contender spot with relative ease as Kurt unleashed a full arsenal of German suplexes, high-risk moves and spots, before latching on an ankle lock for the win.
Doug Williams is a great man to carry the flag for the UK, but his mat-based ring style doesn't blend well with many of the X Division Title contenders he defends against. Brian Kendrick proved to be yet another positive tick on his win collumn, as Williams brought the high-flyer down to earth, defeating him with a nice ddt to retain his gold.
A bloody Roxxi saw her recent trumphant TNA return end as quickly as as it started next, losing a career versus Knockouts title match to champion Madison Rayne. The always dependable Roxxi was visibly emotional at her loss and subsequent journey back into the world of low paying indy wrestling.
High-spirited newcomer Jesse Neal then defeated Brother ray via spear when a debuting Tommy Dreamer distracted Ray, the former ECW favourite turning up and interuptions from Brother Devon and shannon Moore were probably the better parts of this brief match-up.
Former tag team champs Matt Morgan and Hernandez then turned up for a spin on the old fake injury/playing possum angle, Morgan faking a neck injury and Hernandez beating him down brutally anyway. Supermex lost by DQ, but won a serious slice of revenge in doing so, ref Brian hebner saw some unplanned action too.
Abyss and Desmond Wolfe had a very enjoyable Monsters Ball brawl, with a bevy of weapons including barbed wire helping proceedings plow on wiith ease. Blood, violence and a surprise (to some) Chelsea turn on Wolfe in favour of Abyss, saw the Monster hit a hard 'Black Hole Slam' to put Wolfe down for the three count.
In a shocker Ric Flair impersonator Jay Lethal pinned AJ Styles in their challenge match, the bout was chock-full of great moves, counters, blocks and near falls, however this wasn't AJ's night. The finish saw Lethal pinning Styles and an irate Ric leaving wiith new pal Kaz.
Jeff Hardy & Mr Anderson's oddball team (self dubbed the Enigmatic A**holes) were up up next and opponents Beer Money Inc. were their prey.
Storm & Roode may be TNA's best regular combo, but team EA were able to easilly overcome them, it was give-and-take a lot of the way, before the faces stole the win with a good looking Anderson 'mic check' finisher on Roode.
World Heavyweight Championship challenger Sting is undeniably a living legend and deserves his spot on the TNA roster, however even wiith an age and stye difference, allowing champ RVD and himself share the bumps worked well.
The reliable Sting was able to rise to the challenge of the gifted opponent he was presented with, yes Jaff Jarrett did get involved, but that really couldn't distract too much from the quality main event on offer.
RVD overcame some stiff baseball bat shots to hit a beautiful five star frog splash & put The Stinger away, savouring the adoring crowds roar as he did so.
Slammiversary may not have been as ground breaking as we expected surprise-wise (according to Dixie that's to come soon), but it did boast a few fair-good bouts, progress storylines, gave hope to young roster members and showcased the benefits of having a man the calibre of Van Dam as champ. More savvy fans will be wondering if Tommy Dreamer appearing means an ECW style invasion is part of the company's masterplan too.
Eight years on TNA is a company this reviewer is proud to have watched grow, where they go next, who know's but with Hulk Hogan on board, Flair attempting to revive The Horsemen and a certain Mr Monday (ok Thursday now) Night on top, it's all looking good and been one heck of a ride so far.
by Phil Allely
Hot on the heels of the move back to Thursday nights and the (as yet) unfulfilled 'big' company announcement by President Dixie Carter, Slammiversary still delivered a decent series of matches and story progressions for TNA, but unfortunatley saw the the roster lose yet another long-serving Knockout from their once standout womens wrestling division.
TNA have had their fair share of ups and downs over the last eight years and Slammiversary only proved too highlight the good and bad points todays product delivers.
Kurt Angle took Kaz to wrestling school in the opener, Kaz losing his #10 world title contender spot with relative ease as Kurt unleashed a full arsenal of German suplexes, high-risk moves and spots, before latching on an ankle lock for the win.
Doug Williams is a great man to carry the flag for the UK, but his mat-based ring style doesn't blend well with many of the X Division Title contenders he defends against. Brian Kendrick proved to be yet another positive tick on his win collumn, as Williams brought the high-flyer down to earth, defeating him with a nice ddt to retain his gold.
A bloody Roxxi saw her recent trumphant TNA return end as quickly as as it started next, losing a career versus Knockouts title match to champion Madison Rayne. The always dependable Roxxi was visibly emotional at her loss and subsequent journey back into the world of low paying indy wrestling.
High-spirited newcomer Jesse Neal then defeated Brother ray via spear when a debuting Tommy Dreamer distracted Ray, the former ECW favourite turning up and interuptions from Brother Devon and shannon Moore were probably the better parts of this brief match-up.
Former tag team champs Matt Morgan and Hernandez then turned up for a spin on the old fake injury/playing possum angle, Morgan faking a neck injury and Hernandez beating him down brutally anyway. Supermex lost by DQ, but won a serious slice of revenge in doing so, ref Brian hebner saw some unplanned action too.
Abyss and Desmond Wolfe had a very enjoyable Monsters Ball brawl, with a bevy of weapons including barbed wire helping proceedings plow on wiith ease. Blood, violence and a surprise (to some) Chelsea turn on Wolfe in favour of Abyss, saw the Monster hit a hard 'Black Hole Slam' to put Wolfe down for the three count.
In a shocker Ric Flair impersonator Jay Lethal pinned AJ Styles in their challenge match, the bout was chock-full of great moves, counters, blocks and near falls, however this wasn't AJ's night. The finish saw Lethal pinning Styles and an irate Ric leaving wiith new pal Kaz.
Jeff Hardy & Mr Anderson's oddball team (self dubbed the Enigmatic A**holes) were up up next and opponents Beer Money Inc. were their prey.
Storm & Roode may be TNA's best regular combo, but team EA were able to easilly overcome them, it was give-and-take a lot of the way, before the faces stole the win with a good looking Anderson 'mic check' finisher on Roode.
World Heavyweight Championship challenger Sting is undeniably a living legend and deserves his spot on the TNA roster, however even wiith an age and stye difference, allowing champ RVD and himself share the bumps worked well.
The reliable Sting was able to rise to the challenge of the gifted opponent he was presented with, yes Jaff Jarrett did get involved, but that really couldn't distract too much from the quality main event on offer.
RVD overcame some stiff baseball bat shots to hit a beautiful five star frog splash & put The Stinger away, savouring the adoring crowds roar as he did so.
Slammiversary may not have been as ground breaking as we expected surprise-wise (according to Dixie that's to come soon), but it did boast a few fair-good bouts, progress storylines, gave hope to young roster members and showcased the benefits of having a man the calibre of Van Dam as champ. More savvy fans will be wondering if Tommy Dreamer appearing means an ECW style invasion is part of the company's masterplan too.
Eight years on TNA is a company this reviewer is proud to have watched grow, where they go next, who know's but with Hulk Hogan on board, Flair attempting to revive The Horsemen and a certain Mr Monday (ok Thursday now) Night on top, it's all looking good and been one heck of a ride so far.
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