In August of 2021, Kiera Hogan made her AEW debut on their Dark program, widely praised. Prior to AEW, Hogan made a name for herself on the indies and at IMPACT wrestling, where she was a two-time knockouts tag team champion. Since her debut, Hogan has shown up on Dark and Dark: Elevation and Dynamite. According to PWInsider, Hogan is not signed to an exclusive deal and can take bookings elsewhere. Recently, Hogan sat down with Mickie James, Lisa Marie Varon, and SoCal Val for a GAW TV interview. When asked about her feelings in this interview, Hogan said: “I feel like there are a lot of moving parts going on at AEW right now, so I feel like many things are getting lost in the shuffle, and I feel like I am one of those things. However, I am just trying to stay positive and focus on what I can control, which is just staying ready whenever that opportunity presents itself. I am excited because NWA, I still can make indie bookings under my contract and do things that honestly I can do because of my contract, so I can still work and go out and things, and with the time that I do have off, I can focus on myself and working out and my move set and going to training or getting bookings.” Her time as a solo performer in IMPACT and as part of her tag team, Fire N Flava, with Tasha Steelz, were both fondly remembered by Hogan in that interview. Hogan made the following statement: “My time at IMPACT, I grew so much in those four years that I was there, and I still feel in my heart that I am not done there because of how I left, but at the end of the day, it was my choice. I love IMPACT so much. It is such a family, and I miss my sisters, and I miss my family. I miss all the stories that I was involved with and how interesting everything got and how different stories fed into different stories with these people even though we had never, ever connected before.” Although Hogan has such fond memories of her time at IMPACT, she feels like she has hit a plateau. “I got to a point where I felt like — everything was going well for me at IMPACT, but I felt like I had plateaued. I am like, ‘Something needs to give, Something needs to change. I need to — my move set, Something. I feel like Something internally needs to get going. Something is stopping.” Kiera Hogan is a young, aspirational talent with great potential. When it comes to the future of her partnership with AEW and whether or not she will return to IMPACT, time will tell. #AEW #Impact #KieraHogan

Since her defeat, Deonna Purrazzo has been missing from the Impact Zone. Week after week, the anticipation for her return continues to build. Now, the wait is over. The Virtuosa sat down with Gia Miller to discuss her next move and future within the Knockouts division. However, more questions seemed to rise than answers being received. As Matthew Rehwoldt accompanied her, she was asked about her future return and seemed to have no interest in answering. “Not every person has a match every single week [Gia] – I do not know,” Purrazzo said. When asked for an explanation for her absence, she laughed and stated, “No, you and anyone else – you do not deserve anything from me, okay?” The two-time Knockouts Champion talked about knowing what it is like to lose, stating: “But I am also The Virtuosa – I possess the ability to analyze my mistakes and correct them moving forward. So, it does nothing for me to sit here and tell you what has been going on in my life, what is going on in my head. [Gia] and Mickie James and all of the Impact faithful are just going to have to wait and see what my next moves are, okay? Okay!” As we await the next moves from The Virtuosa, The Knockouts tag team division continues to thrive with the addition of the current Knockout World Tag Team Champions, The IInspiration. They faced off with The Undead Bridesmaids with only two days until their title defense at Turning Point. After their victory, Decay appears to claim something they desire: The Knockouts World Tag Team Championships. Will we see Rosemary and Havok bring those championships back home to Decay, or will The IInspiration retain? Another match added to Turning Point involves Jordynne Grace defending her Digital Media Championship against current #1 contender, Chelsea Green. Green made it very clear she will do anything to get that title, while Grace has no problem with the challenge. Tune in tomorrow on Impact Plus to watch all the Knockout action at Turning Point Live in Las Vegas. #deonnapurrazzo #Impact #TheIInspiration

Rebranding for a company can be a nerve-wracking experience. Aside from the obvious hazards and costs, there is also the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Some places decide against it, but others take it and run, enter Vixens Wrestling Revolution. For not long, VCW has set itself up as a force in Texas for indie wrestling and women specifically. Born from the Vixens Division of Renegade Wrestling Revolution, VCW, even in its infancy, has already made a name for itself in Texas and throughout the world thanks to the incredible and diverse talent that has passed through its doors. Rising stars such as Thunder Rosa, Red Velvet, Sonny Kiss, Insidious One, Hyan, Current Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Rok-C, and Raychell Rose have all graced the ring. As if those names were not enough, the name of the current Vixens Division Champion should ring a bell: Nyla Rose, currently of AEW fame. This is a transitional time for VCW, as they are moving from a division in a promotion to its own, free-standing organization. Changes include moving the current Vixens Division Championship to be their top title and introducing a second title, the Genesis Championship, launched in early 2022. VCW also brings in tag team championships, making them a one-stop-shop for women’s wrestling and their fans. As if this news was not enough to get you excited about VCW, the next show, called New Wave, on January 15, 2022, in Houston, TX, should! There is also a long history of incredible bouts from earlier shows, including: Raychell Rose vs. Nyla Rose vs. Amber Rodriguez Red Velvet vs. Insidious One Rok-C vs. Raychell Rose vs. Insidious One Rok-C vs. Sonny Kiss Women that have been announced for the New Wave card include: Alejandra the Lion Rache Chanel Amaris Blair Claudia Solis Black Widow Delilah Doom Amber Rodriguez, the Mad Esthetician Laynie Luck Jazmin Allure The card for New Wave is stacked with more women to be announced in the coming months. You should keep an eye on Vixens Wrestling Revolution, even though it is still in its infancy! For more information, you may follow Vixens Wrestling Revolution on social media, including Twitter and Instagram (@VWRProWrestling) and Facebook (VWRProWrestling). Match Links: Raychell Rose vs. Nyla Rose vs. Amber Rodriguez Red Velvet vs. Insidious One Rok-C vs. Raychell Rose vs. Insidious One Rok-C vs. Sonny Kiss ** feel free to contact VWR at VWRProWrestling@gmail.com for any inquiries about match footage and if you are interested in supporting them in any way. Thank you to Jacob King, General Manager, for supplying the company’s history for this article. ** #Indies #VixensWrestlingRevolution

Japanese pro wrestling legend Bull Nakano spoke with Oricon News, describing how she was hospitalized last year with liver disease after years of alcohol abuse. In July 2020, the former WWE Women’s Champion was hospitalized with cirrhosis after experiencing symptoms such as flaky skin, loss of hair, and her abdomen swelling with ascites. Nakano stated that she was forced to wear diapers at work after coughing up excrement. “I was told a long time ago that I would have to be hospitalized for treatment,” said Nakano. “However, I could not stay in the hospital for a long time due to my work, so I stopped going to the hospital. Eventually, though, I started coughing up excrement and had to wear diapers at work.” According to the Japanese article, Nakano would empty three bottles of 750ml shochu a day during her active pro wrestler years. She explained how her health had been significantly enhanced since she stopped drinking. “Until now, I could not imagine a life without drinking,” Nakano admitted. “But after I was hospitalized and did not drink for about two months, I did not have the desire to drink anymore even after I left the hospital. Quitting drinking made my body healthier, and I was able to live a more regular life. I can make good use of my time from morning tonight, and that is just a good thing.” Nakano added, “I thought to myself, ‘If I continue like this, I will become an alcoholic.’ There was not a day that went by that I did not drink, and I had no intention of quitting, so if I had not had cirrhosis of the liver, I would still be drinking. I quit drinking when my health deteriorated, but I still love to drink… (laughs). (laughs) Even if I had become an alcoholic, I probably would not have known it myself.” Nakano blamed fellow pro wrestlers for drinking alcohol underage. “I was underage when I started so that I could not drink, but there were times in my life when I was forced to drink, and there were also times when I was forced to drink because I was under pressure, so that is how I was trained and became stronger.” #BullNakano #womenswrestling #WWE

Women’s Wrestling Talk catches up with Impact Knockout Champion Deonna Purrazzo and she talks about the advice Madison Rayne gave her, who she wants to face and her plans on how she will break Taya’s record. #ImpactWrestling #womenswrestling #deonnapurrazzo #wrestling #womenswrestlingtalk

Meka Goodman, now 35 years old, has been a wrestling fan since she was 11 years old. Meka was born in Mississippi, but she was raised in California. She graduated from both the University of Texas at Arlington and Prairie View A&M University. Meka has been writing since she was nine years old, and she is eager to contribute her talents to the world of wrestling. Family is Meka’s most vocal supporter. Meka has appeared on podcasts and moderated several wrestling-related communities on Instagram, Twitter, and Clubhouse. Meka is pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice and enjoys traveling and cooking. Twitter: @MeekthaMage Instagram: @MeektheMage

The current and 4-time Knockout Champion, Mickie James, defends her title against the winner of the Knockouts Knockdown tournament, Mercedes Martinez. The two will go face-to-face at Turning Point this Saturday in Dallas, Texas. After defeating Knockouts veteran Madison Rayne, The “OG Badazz” decides to show up and declare her shot. Martinez gives James her credit and props in the ring and recognizes her influence on women’s wrestling. However, Martinez has made it very clear that the only thing she is focused on is winning that Knockouts championship. On the latest episode of IMPACT!, Martinez faced Rayne and picked up the win. As Rayne attacks Martinez with a chair, James comes to help Martinez. As the Turning Point opponents go in for a hug, Martinez takes the opportunity to display that she is here for success, no friends. Credit: Impact Wrestling This match displays women’s wrestling history and gives a dream match to many fans. Each of these women has made their mark and continue to push the mold of how women are viewed within the world of wrestling. Equally important, James is a 10-time champion, holding 6 WWE Women’s Championships and currently reigning as Knockouts Champion. Martinez has traveled worldwide, dominating her competition and making history, becoming the first-ever 3-time WSU Champion. No matter who wins, many competitors have their eye on that championship. Here are five women I believe should be next in line for a Knockouts Championship opportunity. Tasha Steelz Credit: Impact Wrestling Personally, one of my favorite Knockouts. She is a wildcard in the division and, as champion, would be even more dangerous to any opponent that comes her way. All in all, Steelz and Martinez already have history from Knockouts Knockdown, as Steelz remains vocal on a dream match with James. Jordynne Grace Credit: Impact Wrestling As the current Digital Media Champion, there is no denying the talent and domination Grace displays in the ring. She has proven over and over again her power no matter the opponent. Furthermore, her intergender match skill is some of the best we have seen, and becoming a double champion could be soon. Rachael Ellering Credit: Impact Wrestling A powerhouse who dominates in singles and tag team divisions. That gives her even more experience in the division and quite the edge in the field of competition. Being a former champion, she knows what it takes to reach the top. In addition, her impact with the fans goes unnoticed and can give her even more motivation going forward. Savannah Evans Credit: Impact Wrestling In a short time, Evans displays her power over the Knockouts division. At this point, I am terrified. I would love to see Evans team with Steelz and go after those Impact Knockouts tag team championships. She recently defeated Ellering on the latest episode of BTI and continues dominating her competition. Tenille Dashwood Credit: Impact Wrestling Currently traveling the world, we have not seen Dashwood in a while. This could be the perfect time to come back and go after that Knockouts Championship. No matter if she is present or not, her influence in Impact is felt every week. All in all, the anticipation of her return continues to build as we wait for her next move. #RachaelEllering #JordynneGrace #SavannahEvans #ImpactWrestling #MadisonRayne #MercedesMartinez #TashaSteelz #MickieJames #TenilleDashwood

Wrestling fans have taken notice of Chelsea Green recently. She has made a name for herself in the professional wrestling world, appearing regularly in IMPACT Wrestling, the NWA, and Ring of Honor. Green has been taking names since 2014, and now it appears that she has her sights set on a new place to excel: All Elite Wrestling. In a recent interview with WrestlingNews.co, Green took the time to speak about AEW and fellow Knockouts Mickie James and Deanna Purrazzo. Credit: WWE On AEW, Chelsea said: “I guess the one promotion that I have not gone to is AEW. It is not crazy to say. I have done. I have done everything else. However, I have yet to step into the official AEW ring. I was at all in. The only females match on the card. Nevertheless, I think it is time to explore that option, something I have not explored for the past kind of six months. Moreover, who knows, maybe 2022 Is my year.” However, despite the lack of clarity in the statement, the looming possibility for outstanding matchups is exciting if this is true. To say that the prospect of Chelsea Green vs. Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, fighting is fascinating is an understatement. When speaking of her fellow knockouts, she said about Mickie James: “Never say never. Mickie and I, we want it. We want it. I think you all got a glimpse of that in April. At some point, we will do whatever it takes to get that matchup.” Does Chelsea have her sights on the Knockouts Title once again? Will we get one more Green/James banger? Only time will tell. Credit: WWE As for Deanna Purrazzo, she spoke about reuniting with The Virtuosa. “I think Deonna, and I have unfinished business together as a team. We never explored that as much as we wished we could have. That is going to happen in some fashion. Whether it is IMPACT or not, I do not know. Now the world is our oyster with the independent scene, and it is booming. Maybe you will see it at Warrior Wrestling or GCW or IMPACT or NWA. Deonna and I are going to go down fighting for that tag team to happen.” Deonna and Chelsea have a storied history with one another, both inside and outside the ring, and are worthy of one more match! Chelsea Green currently reigns supreme as the number one contender for the IMPACT Digital Media Title. On Tuesday, Green beat out Alisha, Jake Something, and Matthew Rehwoldt to claim the contender spot, and with that, her shot at Jordynne Grace and the title. The match does not have an official date yet, but Grace knows her opponent is looming. Do you think Chelsea is the following Digital Media champion? How are you feeling about Green joining the ranks of AEW? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. #AEW #ChelseaGreen #Impact

On the latest episode of the Battleground Podcast, Booker T announced his plans to honor Harlem Heat’s old manager, Sensational Sherri Martel, at his Reality of Wrestling promotion. “Sherri was well before her time as far as females in professional wrestling, being able to go out there and do it the way she did. She would throw caution to the wind. She was great at psychology as well. She was a real worker. I know for myself, I always put her on a pedestal, on a mantle so high just because she was Harlem Heat’s, what I call, legitimize.” He added: “I do not think we would have been what we were and whom we were without Sister Sherri being right there. So many times, we tore it up, burned it up, and left it in chaos. People would want to kill us. There were so many great times. She would be proud of the groundwork that she put down as far as what we are seeing right now with the ladies going out there doing it the way they are. I am going to create a ‘Sherri Martel Classic’ with Reality of Wrestling sometime very, very soon, so be on the lookout for that.” The WWE Hall of Famer considered Martel to be the best, despite her issues. “She was the best, but Sherri had her issues. She had her demons. That is what we talk to young people about today as far as it is out there. You got to be real. That is why I put my story out there, ‘From Prison to Promise.’ I do not want anybody to think I am perfect. I do not want anybody to think that they cannot make mistakes and then overcome those mistakes and become great. They got to know it. They got to know the truth. That is what Sherri was all about. I was there with her all the way ‘till the end. She was truly one of the great managers of all time, if not the greatest manager in the history of the business.” Martel, whose real name is Sherri Schrull, was a massive part of the success of Booker and his older brother Stevie Ray in WCW and Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, and Ted DiBiase in the then-WWF. Her career ranged from the 1980s until she died in 2007. Martel was a true trailblazer in women’s wrestling and one of the best managers in wrestling history. In 2006, she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, recognizing that her career is never a terrible thing. At Women’s Wrestling Talk, we are looking forward to Reality of Wrestling’s Sherri Martel Classic. In the meantime, check out our top five Sherri Martel moments below. #SherriMartel #WWE

Women’s Wrestling Talk catches up with Kiah Dream and talks about training with D-Von Dudley, her thoughts on diversity and black culture, the surprising way she met her NXT beau as well as her plans to get signed herself. #womenswrestling #womenswrestlingtalk #wrestling