AJ Styles was originally scheduled to be at a 1PW event in the UK, but no longer is… which has led to a confirmation of sorts that TNA, as rumored, will indeed be changing its taping schedule. Here’s a statement from 1PW, as posted on PWInsider.com:
“TNA have informed 1PW that starting up in March, their Impact! TV Tapings will be moved to Thursday and Friday nights. AJ Styles is now needed for their TV Taping April 18th in Orlando. 1PW has been working with TNA for the past several days to try to find a travel solution that would enable Styles to make it to Dopcaster for April 19th show time, but there is not one. Sadly Styles will not be able to attend Know Your Enemy now. 1PW remains on good terms with TNA, and we hope to see AJ Styles return to 1PW some time in the future.”
The rumor has been that the Thursday shows would air live every other week, with off-weeks’ shows being taped the following night, on Fridays. TNA’s rumored March 27-28 tapings coincide with pre-WrestleMania festivities down in Orlando AND ROH’s annual Mania weekend shows.
TNA is touring the UK this spring, with shows on Friday, 6/13 in Liverpoll at the Olympia, Saturday, 6/14 at the Coventry Skydome and Sunday, 6/15 in Brentwood. Shows are being promoted locally by Alex Shane who handled ROH’s UK events.
Kurt Angle, who holds the IGF version of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, will face Shinsuke Nakamura, who is New Japan Pro Wrestling’s recognized IWGP Champion, on February 16 at a NJPW PPV in Japan. Also set for the show is Styles vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Former TNA talent, and current contestant on Survivor Johnny Fairplay, told Ron & Fez on XM that he is signing a new TNA contract on Monday.
Last but certainly not least, Awesome Kong has announced that her mother recently passed away. Our condolences go out to her and her family and friends.
Credit: PWInsider.com
