Select Update: AEW, WWE, TNA News

• As noted on Fightful Select last night, the Renegades and Mercedes Mone have pushed working together for quite some time.

• We're told there is optimism that Charlette Renegade could be returning soon as well. She's was out of action all 2024 in AEW/ROH

• Fatal Influence is scheduled to work an upcoming TNA PPV, per PWInsider. We're told Jacy Jayne made a good impression upon her TNA appearance.

• Those that we've spoken to within WWE believe that more ID names are likely to be revealed around or after WrestleMania.

• Several sources within TNA claimed that the company has doubled TNA+ subscribers over the last year. Much in part to a number of the marketing names that were fired.

• Fightful has also heard what Wrestlevotes reported regarding NXT Stand and Deliver’s early start time. Initially, talent are dreading the call time for that show.

• When we inquired about misinformation reported regarding Gail Kim and TNA, we learned it was the rumors of Gail Kim and Ariel Sherner giving Carlos Silva an ultimatum to choose between them. We’re told that didn’t happen.

• Fightful is speaking with Steph De Lander about her upcoming book this week.

• Fightful will have a post-show minutes following AEW Dynasty next Sunday with Sean Ross Sapp hosting.

• The Weeknd has been announced as the artist for the WrestleMania song for the sixth straight year. While having a conversation with @Thewrestlingclassic’s Justin recently, Justin noted that Weeknd’s manager is a huge wrestling fan

• For WWE Smackdown, the security force featured Ethan Allen, Damien Corvin, Shreddy, Elijah, Tate Mayfairs, Kid Lykos, Joe Kessler, Daz Black, Myles Kayman, Kez Evans, Will Kroos, Rampage Brown and James Ellis.

• A number of live viewers for this week’s AEW Dynamite claim they couldn’t hear much of the promo work. We're told AEW is aware of the issues.

• AEW were very happy with how Collision ended up this week, as well as the buzz out of March Madness' lead in last week.

Luke Kurtis (full interview will be at this link)

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful recently sat down with Luke Kurtis, who has appeared in WWE, AEW, TNA, NWA, and OVW.  

Having spent four years in the business, Kurtis says he is still new to the industry. He believes he has reached a stage where he has integrated more into the business, rubbing elbows with the right people, and making his presence felt in multiple promotions.

Kurtis emphasizes the importance of being in different locker rooms to explore the best fit for his career. He tells Sean that he enjoys the presence of cameras and the storytelling aspect; he has also put in the groundwork necessary to gain recognition. His first notable television exposure came through Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he began appearing frequently.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Kurtis did not initially envision himself in the professional wrestling scene. Before wrestling, he worked as a welder. His wrestling journey began unexpectedly through his fiancée, Leila Grey,  whom he met when she was a bartender.. Their shared interest in wrestling led them to start training.

When Leila searched for "performance wrestling," they found a school in Miami where they began their training. However, the experience was not ideal, and Kurtis does not speak highly of his initial training environment. Eventually, he relocated to Orlando, believing it to be the mecca of wrestling due to WWE's presence. At the time, he was unaware of the independent wrestling scene and initially thought the path to success was straightforward—getting into NXT and the WWE Performance Center.

His realization of the broader wrestling landscape led him to OVW, a pivotal step in his career. After making an impression in his first two television matches there, he felt an immediate connection with the locker room. Unlike in Florida, where he struggled to fit in, the OVW community welcomed him, and he saw the opportunity to establish himself.

Kurtis and Leila moved to Kentucky after their first trip to OVW, determining it would be best for their careers. Kurtis said Leila was beginning to make waves in AEW, benefiting from her background in modeling and entertainment. However, Kurtis felt that OVW was crucial for his development, and Leila fully supported the move.

Since joining OVW, Kurtis has expanded his presence to major promotions, including WWE, AEW, and TNA. His appearances on SmackDown, Raw, and other wrestling programs have allowed him to build valuable relationships within the industry. He highlights the importance of networking in wrestling, emphasizing that relationships often determine opportunities.

Kurtis mentions that he has spoken with veterans like Jamie Noble, Shane Helms, Abyss, and Adam Pearce and says they have been instrumental in refining his craft. He notes the shift in WWE’s approach under Triple H’s leadership. Kurtis says even as an extra talent, he received detailed advice from Triple H, which has been invaluable..

Kurtis' amateur wrestling background has significantly influenced his professional style, though it initially posed challenges. The transition required him to adapt to unconventional elements in amateur wrestling, such as working from the shoulders and selling moves. Training at the New Japan Dojo in LA has further helped him blend strong style with his amateur background, making his wrestling more dynamic and authentic.

He shares how he can immediately recognize when someone has amateur wrestling experience based on their movement and technique. Despite facing experienced opponents, he has yet to meet someone who can match him toe-to-toe in the ring.

Kurtis expresses a deep appreciation for Strong Style, which he believes embodies the nature of professional wrestling. He enjoys the intensity and authenticity where matches rely on striking and submissions rather than traditional ring ropes and gimmicks. For him, this raw, hard-hitting approach is the purest form of wrestling, aligning closely with his background.

Follow Luke Kurtis on X at @CertifiedLukeK or on Instagram at @CertifiedLukekurtis.