Post by Mr. Dashbee on May 23, 2024 17:44:24 GMT -5
Posted today via the Wrestling Newz Update:
NICK ALDIS OUT AS WWE SMACKDOWN GENERAL MANAGER
Earlier today there were rumors that WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was out of a job, as he was removed from that role, effective immediately. Many believe hat he will be replaced by one fo the most popular SmackDown General Managers in WE history--one who loved to book you in either a tag team match [playa], or make you go one-on-one with da legendary zombie man.
Sources within TKO Group Holdings [NYSE: TKO] are confirming the first half of that report, that Nick Aldis has indeed been removed from his role on SmackDown, and also of his producing duties within WWE. He has been moved to a new division of TKO, or as they put it, Aldis has been "reallocated."
Stay tuned for more information on this developing story.
Post by Mr. Dashbee on May 25, 2024 2:32:31 GMT -5
From the desk of.... Nick Aldis
I appreciate everyone checking on me, but I must provide clarification on the things I am hearing. Contrary to what many might believe, I was not "ousted" as the WWE SmackDown General Manager. I have not been released. I did not have a falling out with Triple H. In fact, the truth is quite the contrary. TKO approached me with a tremendous opportunity to lead "USA vs the WORLD," a new product made for streaming, television, and PPV. As a benefit to our relationship with the UFC, we have entered into an exclusive contract with ESPN and ESPN+ with regards to global distribution of UVTW. And as the President of this new brand, I am excited to share with you a little more about what you can expect moving forward.
USA vs the WORLD will provide the greatest athletes in the world an opportunity to answer address an age old elephant in the room. The world of professional wrestling revolves the United States of America, quote possibly deservedly so.
Or, quite possibly not.
Now we get to find out. We have gone to great lengths to acquire the best talent possible. Some were under contract to other organizations. One was no longer walking God's green earth. But all have been signed to exclusively compete in our intense competition from beginning to end.
The strongest pillar of UVTW our competition to truly find out who would win the battle of USA vs the WORLD. There will be two groups of competitors--one comprised of six men from the United States, and one comprised of men from all over the world. In the end, one man will represent the USA, and one will represent The World. And of those two, one will emerge victorious, and answer the question of who would win in the battle of USA vs the WORLD.
In order to guarantee partial decision making, I have called upon an old friend and tag team partner to oversee the US side of the tournament. Like myself he is a multi-time world champion. Like myself he is a former world tag team champion. In fact, he held the TNA World Tag Team Championships...with me as his tag team partner.
I am pleased to announce Nuufolau Joel Seanoa as the man heading up the US side of the competition. Of course, we all know him better...as Samoa Joe.
Post by Mr. Dashbee on May 26, 2024 2:12:13 GMT -5
LIVESTREAM: DECLARATION OF BLOCK PARTICIPANTS
Nick Aldis: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this live stream for USA vs the WORLD, where we will reveal the blocks for the USA, and for the WORLD. Six competitors in each block will compete over 5 matches, and the winner of each block will represent their background and go one-on-one to determine who is superior--the United States, or the World.
Samoa Joe: As Nick previously revealed, he and I are heading up our respective divisions, selecting the six competitors and one injury alternate. Nick will go first with the international competitors--
NA: The WORLD.
SJ: [glares at Aldis] --and I will then reveal the members of the winning division, the U S of A. Nick?
NA: [towards Joe] Well, we'll see about that. [back to camera] Now then, here, in no particular order, are the six competitors for The WORLD: First, from Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan, the legendary Hall of Famer, The Great Muta. From Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, Finn Balor. From Alkmaar in the Netherlands, Aleister Black. From Birmingham, England ,30-year old 17-year veteran "The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne. Hailing from Ecatepec, Estado de México, Mexico, Pentagón Jr. And finally, from Bulgaria, the mighty Rusev. The alternate for the WORLD? From Docking, Norfolk, England, [Joe glares over at Aldis], ME -- Nick Aldis.
SJ: Oh, that's cute.
NA: Excuse me?
SJ: Now, for the USA. Also in no particular order: From Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Hall Of Famer "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. From Halifax, Virginia, "Hangman" Adam Page. From Chicago, Illinois, Montez Ford. From Van Nuys, California, Brody King. From Atlanta, Georgia... Charlie Dempsey.
NA: Hold on a minute--
SJ: I know, it's crazy, right? His father might be from Blackpool, and he has tons of Blackpool in him, but the man was born in Atlanta.
NA: [mumbles to himself]
SJ: Our alternate will be Dayton, Ohio's own Wes Lee, because the sixth and final competitor for the USA? From Huntington Beach, California, The Samoan Submission Machine -- ME -- Samoa Joe!
NA: [smirks]
SJ: That's right, Nick. I'm no alternate. I'm leading from the front.
NA: And here I was, hoping for a showdown with you.
SJ: [laughs] I'm confident enough to enter myself into the competition. I'll see you in 6 matches, pal.
NA: Six?
SJ: Of course--I'm winning my block, and then winning the finals, Nick.
[Samoa Joe gets up and leaves, with Nick Aldis looking perturbed.]