With NWA’s massive weekend in the can, a definitive success it certainly was. Billy Corgan, of The Smashing Pumpkins and current owner and promoter of NWA, made some comments regarding the legendary Ric Flair’s appearance at NWA 73. And also in the news, an AEW star and legend in women’s wrestling announces her retirement at NWA EmPowerrr; as well as Brandi Rhodes makes headlines by removing a controversial Tweet.
Brandi Rhodes makes controversial statement on social media but then retracts it
As was reported by Wrestling Inc, Brandi Rhodes took to social media and spoke her mind recently in a tweet that reinforced the BLM issue that has swept the nation since the tragic death of George Floyd. And really, it has been a narrative in North America for generations and despite the fact that many applauded Brandi in her conviction (myself included), the Tweet was taken down.
Her tweet stated:
“…This might start some (poop emoji), but let’s talk. I see a lot of people complaining on here that there aren’t enough black talent featured in wrestling…YET…when black talent is out there busting it in main events and holding championships…where’s the love?? Am I just missing it?!…”
via: Brandi Rhodes /Twitter
I wonder though if her statements had anything to do with other promotions, as I feel the black talent in AEW is getting their justified cheers, as are the men in WWE. What I thought of immediately when I saw her comments, though, were of Bianca Belair. Despite the fact that WWE did their best to push her on the audience—even lying about her pops, as the crowd wasn’t with her one hundred percent. Yet Sasha was supported, even in her most recent role as heel.
In AEW, stars like Red Velvet and Jade Cargill seem to be adored and get quite a big pop if you ask me.
Perhaps Bianca Belair was simply a one trick pony, whereas all of these other aforementioned stars—Sasha Banks primarily—being legendary performers.
Regardless, Brandi has the right to speak her mind and on such an issue that is of utmost importance: equality.
Awesome Kong retires officially at EmPowerrr
And speaking of legendary performers, Awesome Kong who spent years wrestling in WWE and AEW retired after her performance at NWA Empowerrr—the all women’s event.
via: We Luv Wrestling /YouTube
She had been wrestling since 2002.
Billy Corgan speaks on the legend that is Ric Flair
And speaking of NWA, the promotion had two events in one weekend and the revolutionary Empowerrr was just the tip of the iceberg. NWA owner and promoter, Billy Corgan spoke with Metro, and made some statements regarding Ric Flair’s appearance, whose name is pretty much synonymous with the NWA’s history, and this is some of what he had to say:
“…I think that’s one of those situations where you just see where it goes. Ric Flair, I don’t know if there’s a bigger legend in wrestling, right? You could say Vince McMahon but Vince McMahon, although he has wrestled, he’s an owner and a personality first and a professional wrestler second, and I think he would agree with that. Ric is the most decorated story and probably most mainstream thing, to this date, in professional wrestling which is pretty incredible…He has so many opportunities and I think he should explore all these opportunities. I’m glad to be in business with him on this, of course I would love to have him back. My sense of it is it means a lot to him too. The NWA is where he made his name. When people think of the legend of Ric Flair, they often refer back to him as an NWA Champion…”
It was just poetic justice that he was there on such a monumental occasion. And this alliance between AEW, Impact, NWA and NJPW is just getting started. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
