|
R.I.P. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea)
The TWF acknowledges the passing of former XCW wrestler, and professional wrestling icon, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. Hogan's flamboyance, huge body, and distinctive blonde horseshoe moustache and bandanas made him one of the most imitated professional wrestlers in history. As the world's most famous wrestling personality, Hogan played a key role in establishing XCW as one of the premier wrestling promotions of the early-2000s, a time that he looked back on with much pride and fondness. Hogan's legacy is complicated by his infamous backstage politicking and his racial comments. As a wrestling icon however, Hulk Hogan is "immortal". R.I.P. Paul Bowen
The TWF is saddened to report the passing of Paul Bowen, who passed away earlier this week. Bowen was among the very first referees in the company's history, and he quickly became one of the senior officials in the company. He was well-known as a trainer, and stepped down as one of the senior officials to become the coordinator of the TWF's first development company, BCW, in 2005, maintaining that role until the TWF split from the company in 2008. Bowen was inducted into the TWF Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2008 in recognition of his time as referee, and for his impact as a trainer, with several wrestlers citing him as a key influence in their training, particularly thanks to his athletic background. The TWF passes on it's condolences to Paul's family and friends. R.I.P. Jean‐Claude Van Slam
The Total Wrestling Federation is heartbroken to confirm the passing of Jean‐Claude Van Slam, who passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident on 2024‐10‐16. JCVS joined the TWF in 2001 and quickly established himself as one of the most entertaining talents on the roster, with an unforgettable style that married his martial arts background with a daredevil nature. A member of the TWF Hall of Fame's Class of 2003, JCVS's pinnacle was defeating The Assassin to become TWF World Champion in 2008. His retirement match against Blade at Summer Break XI remains one of the bloodiest battles in TWF history. JCVS's last match was teaming with his old friends Marz, Mr. BIG, and NJS and his former Dreem Team partner The Vamp for a 10-Man Tag Team bout at Collision Course in 2016. The TWF extends it's condolences to JCVS's family and friends. R.I.P. Jean‐Claude Van Slam
TWF Owner and CEO, and a friend of Jean‐Claude Van Slam for over 25 years, Mr. BIG, has issued this statement: "JCVS was a true Hall of Famer. His wrestling accomplishments speak for themselves. I will never forget the roar of the crowd when he hit the Five Star Frog Splash at Collision Course in 2016. He hadn't been a full-time wrestler in six years, but the crowd still knew what a phenomenal wrestler he was. What he accomplished in the ring was one thing, but his Hall of Fame career was strongest away from wrestling. A relentless champion of those less fortunate, very few weekends would go by without hearing of him giving his time up for a cause close to his heart. JC adored his family, and my heart aches for those who have lost a son, brother, and an uncle. I will miss you, my friend. RWA Forever." R.I.P. Terry Funk
The Total Wrestling Federation is devastated to learn of the passing of former TWF Chairman, Terry Funk, who has passed away at the age of 79. His role in the TWF is ultimately a footnote in the career of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all‐time, a man who sold out buildings across the world in six decades. The TWF was looking forward to seeing Terry at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, where he was to be the guest of his great friend, Mick Foley. The TWF extends its condolences to his family and friends. 2023 Hall of Fame Class Announced
The TWF is delighted to announce the 2023 class of Hall of Fame inductees: wrestlers "New School" Jack Beam, Matt Aish, The Celtic Warrior, and Mick Foley; builder Abigail Bishop. The announcement of the induction speeches will follow in the coming days. The 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air live on Friday Fury on 2023‐08‐25, with a ceremony emanating from The Derwen Hotel, on the site of the venue of Summer Break XXIV (and the home to the TWF Hall of Fame building), The Bridgend Dome. Statement on Total Wrestling Federation and Paramount Global
Earlier today, the TWF completed the purchase of the 10% stake in the ownership of the company that was previously held by Paramount Global. Paramount Global purchased their stake in January 2022, as part of the renewal agreement for Channel 5 to remain the home of Grit BasH in the United Kingdom. The Total Wrestling Federation returns to being a 100% privately limited company. Both parties are keen to stress that there will be no change to the relationship between them, and the TWF remains proud that Grit BasH is the flagship programme of Channel 5. R.I.P. Scott Hall
The TWF sadly joins the wrestling world in acknowledging the passing of Scott Hall at the age of 63. The most influential wrestler to never hold a world championship, Hall inspired millions as Razor Ramon, and his shocking appearance on the 1996‐05‐27 edition of WCW Monday Nitro ‐ informing a stunned crowd that they "don't know why I am here" ‐ led to the birth of one of the most influential stables of all‐time ‐ the New World Order (nWo). The nWo spawned an affiliate in the XWF, the villainous nWo Sickness, and inspired one of the TWF's most beloved groups, the Z‐Pack.
TWF Renews Channel 5 Deal
The TWF and Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd. are delighted to announce a renewal of the agreement to air Grit BasH on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom through January 2026. Channel 5 will continue to air the show live, and in UHD, as well as remaining the home of Meltdown and Overload. The new agreement also allows the TWF to create documentaries that will be initially exclusive to Channel 5, as well as the forthcoming Paramount+ streaming service. |