SPRING IS WELL and truly sprung. And for many, it’s a time of rejuvenation and fresh beginnings. Even the wrestling landscape seems like it is going through a phase of renewal. WWE is ushering in what it refers to as its “new era,” while AEW feels like it’s been on a new course since Dynasty.
Elsewhere, from TNA to Tokyo, lots of promotions are freshening up their rosters, making new business moves, and putting their best feet forward as the weather gets warmer. With this in mind, today’s edition of the PWI Weekly looks at those people and places doing their own unique forms of spring cleaning.
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
After claiming the IWGP Global championship in February, Nic Nemeth added the AAA Mega title belt to his trophy case on April 27, capping off a prolific month that also saw him challenge (albeit unsuccessfully) for the TNA World heavyweight strap.
For the former Dolph Ziggler, this recent success must feel like sweet vindication after spending the last few years of his WWE career on something of a downward trajectory. Seemingly reinvigorated, Nemeth has been putting on matches across the globe that have showcased his unquestionable athletic prowess. The athleticism is, of course, nothing new for him. Tellingly, those bouts have shown an extra hint of motivation that sometimes can only come from starting afresh.
Being let go from any job can be a painful experience—and perhaps even more so when you have been working for the industry leader in a particular field. As many in wrestling have shown, such situations also create opportunities. Right now, Nic Nemeth is making the most of his.
A QUICK WORD ABOUT
With the Draft now in the books and WrestleMania fading from the rear-view mirror, WWE enters its (unofficial) “new season.” While some lamented the lack of major changes to the Raw and Smackdown rosters coming out of the WWE Draft, that was surely not the case for the NXT brand.
With the likes of Carmelo Hayes and Blair Davenport making full-time moves to the blue brand and Bron Breakker, Kiana James, and Lyra Valkyria heading to Monday nights, NXT is losing many of its biggest stars from the past year. Such is the nature of being WWE’s developmental brand.
Fortunately, we have seen a plethora of new and hungry talent on Tuesday nights, eager to fill the spots at the top of the NXT tree. Expect plenty of fresh and exciting matches on all three WWE shows in the coming months.
WE HEARD THAT!
“I’ve got a fun one. If we are talking fantasy booking, I’d love to be in the ring and hear that siren go off and have The Acclaimed come out and cut a promo on me and Eddie. And then we can do our thing.” — BRIAN MYERS, speaking with PWI’s Jason McVeigh
For the full interview with the TNA World tag team champions, check out the PWI blog entry: The System Works
FROM THE VAULT
When the above photo was taken in December 2020, Giulia was well on her way to becoming one of the biggest names in joshi wrestling. Her 220-day possession of the Wonder of Stardom championship (the “White Belt,” pictured above) helped solidify her status as one of Stardom’s elite. And though her reign would end just a few months later, Giulia was prepared for plenty more glory ahead.
Having now wrapped up the highly decorated portion of her career with Stardom—where she also held the World singles, tag team, and trios titles—Giulia’s next steps are being followed closely by fans around the globe. With upcoming matches at Pro Wrestling NOAH and the new Marigold promotion, rumors still suggest that the former Donna Del Mondo leader is headed for NXT in the not-so-distant future.