Today’s wrestling news roundup is all over the place. There are some ups, some downs, and a lot of unexpected events. It includes Ric Flair being hospitalized, Adam Cole signing with WWE, and GFW stripping Alberto El Patron of their World Heavyweight Championship.
Ric Flair Hospitalized
A few days ago, word got out that “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair was sent to the hospital for routine procedures. Last night and this morning, however, the story is changing. According to TMZ (who has apparently confirmed with WWE on this story), Flair is hospitalized for an unspecified procedure that has the 16-time World Champion in a medically induced coma. Reports attribute the visit to heart issues, bacterial infections, and/or alcohol-related issues. No matter what the problem is, well wishes to Ric Flair. All of those involved with the wrestling industry have been showing their support on Twitter for the two-time Hall of Famer.
On Raw, Michael Cole announced that Flair underwent successful surgery, but no further updates have been announced.
Adam Cole Signs with WWE
In some brighter news, it seems like WWE has signed their latest former Ring of Honor employee in Adam Cole. At just 28 years old, Cole has already made a big name for himself throughout the independent circuit, but he is most known for his work in Ring of Honor. During his time in ROH, he has held the ROH World Championship three times, as well as the ROH Television Championship. He has also held numerous titles in other promotions like Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and more.
The signing of Cole seems to be part of a recent trend WWE has going with their signees over the past year. Roderick Strong and the recently debuted Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish are all known for their work in Ring of Honor, and it seems like Cole is going to be joining them in NXT. This might not even be where WWE stops, either. Rumors are saying that NXT could also be seeing the likes of Donovan Dijak and Lio Rush soon, which would keep NXT’s star power quite high if WWE looks to call up some current big names like Bobby Roode or Hideo Itami.
Global Force Wrestling Strips Alberto El Patron of the World Championship
When Alberto El Patron joined Global Force Wrestling (TNA at the time), he was immediately pushed to the top. In a title unification match, he would come out the victor and the face of the newly merged company. Shortly thereafter, there was an incident at an airport between him and his wife, former WWE Divas Champion Paige. El Patron was put on indefinite suspension, and now the company is looking to strip him of the World Championship, at least until he can be fully reinstated.
GFW has issued the following statement regarding the situation:
GFW has concluded its internal consideration of the events surrounding the suspension of Alberto El Patron. While it is apparent that initial reports unfairly characterized El Patron’s involvement in the incident in the Orlando airport, we are nonetheless disappointed with the manor [sic] in which he dealt with this situation; we expect more decorum from all on the GFW roster, especially the World Champion.
We have communicated with El Patron our decision to strip him of his championship title. No decision has been taken as to the date on which he will be reinstated to the roster, the conditions of which are a private matter between the company and El Patron.
Jinder Mahal to Accompany Debuting Fighter at UFC 215
It seems that Jinder Mahal’s reign as WWE Champion has gained him some positive press because it is announced that he will be accompanying Arjan Bhullar to his debut fight at UFC 215. Bhullar posted on his Instagram account to announce Mahal’s appearance for his undercard fight, which will take place on September 9. Mahal defends the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at SummerSlam on August 20 (this Sunday), so there is a chance he might not be going to the Octagon with gold around his waist.
