Various: Zack Sabre Jr. on Turning Down Offers with All Major US Promotions, Dark Side of the Ring Ratings, Indies

Zack Sabre Jr. Comments on Turning Down Offers from All Major US Promotions to Stay in NJPW

Following this past Wednesday’s G1 Climax 2023 event for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Hamamatsu, Japan, Zack Sabre Jr. gave his thoughts in a post-match press conference about him turning down offers from “all the major American companies” to stay in NJPW instead.

“Seven years. Seven years to get out of the block stage. I’ve won tournaments all over the world. For some reason, I couldn’t get out of the bloody block stage until now. Until now. You listen. This company’s desperate. Desperate for the Reiwa Three Musketeers to be the new face of this company. Well, guess what? They couldn’t make it. Who else? Who else is through? The Assassin? Willy No-Brains? I tell you what, mate. You’re not gonna be the first British G1 winner. Zack Sabre Jr. is. Who else we got? Giant Gonzalez? Hikukeo? Nothing inside. One of these idiots is joining us. How many more chances? How many more chances does this old guy need? The Musketeers, you’re talking about the changing of the guard. Behave. What New Japan needs has been staring them in the face for seven years. I turned down contracts with all the major American companies. I’ve dedicated my whole adult life to Japanese pro wrestling. You want to talk about dedication, who this company should get behind? I’m not even on the fucking posters for this tour. That changes when I win it. Right now, I’m reminding every single one of you why I’m one of the best wrestlers in the world. When I win the G1 Climax, I’ll prove that I am the best wrestler in the world.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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Dark Side of the Ring Ratings – Aug. 8, 2023 – Lowest of the Season

Tuesday’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring drew 115,000 viewers on VICE TV, down from last week’s 158,000 viewers.

It drew a 0.04 rating in the 18-49 demographic, down from last week’s 0.05 rating.

This episode focused on Marty Jannetty and was the season finale for Season Four.

Source: Wrestlenomics

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Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Mercedes Mone recently reflected on Twitter about this past Tuesday being the 13th anniversary of the debut of her wrestling career. Mone stated “13 magical years! Thank you wrestling world I love you forever ❤️“

Women of Wrestling recently announced that Season 2 of their WOW TV series will premiere on the weekend of September 16th on syndication.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre recently announced the full card of their 90th Anniversary Show on September 23rd in Mexico City, Mexico.

Thursday’s G1 Climax 2023 event for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Chiba, Japan featured Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, Will Ospreay, and Kazuchika Okada advancing to the Semifinals Round of this year’s G1 Climax tournament.

NJPW recently announced a new match for the card of their All Star Junior Festival USA 2023 event on August 19th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

• Matt Sydal & YOH vs. Shun Skywalker & BUSHI

Impact Wrestling recently announced that The Dudley Boys will be making an appearance at their Impact 1000th show on September 9th in White Plains, New York.

Impact also recently announced a new match for card of their co-promoted Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2 event on August 20th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

• Junior Heavyweight & X-Division Seven-Way Scramble match – Frankie Kazarian vs. Kevin Knight vs. Chris Sabin vs. BUSHI vs. Rich Swann vs. MAO vs. El Desperado

Impact also recently announced a new match for the card of their Emergence 2023 event on August 27th in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:

• Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship – Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans vs. The Coven (KyLnn King & Taylor Wilde) vs. Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush) vs. MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly) (c)

Major League Wrestling recently announced a new match for the card of their Fury Road 2023 event on September 3rd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

• “Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams vs. Ichiban

Prestige Wrestling recently announced a new match for the card of their The Respect Issue event on September 24th in Los Angeles, California:

• Titus Alexander vs. Rey Horus