BREAKING NEWS: NBCUniversal/Charter Negotiations Could Affect WWE

According to Variety, NBC Universal are in a carriage-negotiation standoff with Charter that has a probability of seeing millions of customers lose access to channels owned by NBCU starting January 1st. The reason being is that Charter have rejected a package price for NBCU's channels that are similar to those paid by other cable and television distributors. It is due to that, that negotiations have come to a halt.

The results of this was a marketing campaign to pressure Charter's customers into calling them and ask to take a more flexible negotiation stance. If a deal does not come to fruition, there will be a total blackout of NBC Universal-related programming starting January 1st of 2017. The channels affected are as follows:Bravo, E!, Syfy, USA, MSNBC, CNBC, and Oxygen. 

When reached for comment by Variety, this is what NBC Universal had to say:

"NBCUniversal values its partnership with Charter Spectrum, our third largest distributor. Charter Spectrum has been unyielding in its demand for terms superior to those agreed to by the rest of the industry, including larger distributors. Given this position, we feel the responsibility to inform viewers that Charter Spectrum may drop NBCUniversal’s networks at the end of the year, including NBC, Telemundo, USA, Bravo and hit shows including the #1 show on TV—Sunday Night Football, WWE, the Golden Globes, This is Us and more." 

(SOURCE: http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/nbcuniversal-charter-1201949840/) 

Understandably, this is a huge story for pro wrestling as well, knowing that WWE is the leading promotion in all of the world and this blackout if it were to happen, could drastically cut down most of WWE's viewership for RAW and SmackDown Live, which both are on the USA Network. Seeing how ratings have been lately for World Wrestling Entertainment, they cannot afford a loss as big as 2 million viewers or even more, given that Charter is the third largest distributor and a large part of the United States has Time Warner Cable. 

We will keep you updated on this story as things continue to unfold....... 

All Time Low - Wrestlers Whose Lives Were Ruined because of Drugs

This is not meant to be solely wrestling related, it's meant to send a message.

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“Drugs take you to Hell, disguised as Heaven.” - Donald Lyn Frost

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All Time Low - Wrestlers whose lives fell apart because of Drugs.

•Umaga - The Samoan Bulldozer, as many know him as, was a beast in the WWE in about late 2007’s to 2009.  Many intercontinental title reigns are in his name, many great moments and great matches also present themselves when on the topic of Umaga, the man was at a high in his career.   Unfortunately,  drugs and substance abuse formed a massive roadblock in Umaga’s path to success, when he was found dead at age 38.  What this man’s career could have been, well, we will never really know.

•Lance Cade - Lance Cade didn’t do much in his short career, which is very unlucky.  He did however have a few reigns as tag team champions with Trevor Murdoch, and was involved in the Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho storyline in 2008.  Lance was found dead at the age of 29, his death was ruled as Substance abuse.

•Scott Hall - Scott Hall was one of the main attractions in the WWE/F in the early 90’s.  He was a bad guy who people treated as a good guy.  He put on classics with the likes of Shawn Michaels.  The Intercontinental Title ladder match at Wrestlemania was one of his best and remains a frequently watched match even to this day.  After a transition from the WWF to WCW and then back to WWF (Now the WWE), Scott was in bad shape.  Scott is one of the more lucky on this list, abuse of drugs did not kill this man, but ended his career, and put a permanent stop to his super stardom.

•Test - Test’s WWE career was not very memorable.  Of course he had his fair share of notable storylines including one with Stephanie McMahon in which they were going to get married but because Triple H had drugged her and already married her, yeah, it was confusing.  It seemed as if Test was on the way to being something huge.  He had the right look, could talk, and was everything Vince wanted, but could he have really ever been something?  Countless suspensions because of WWE’s wellness policy tarnished Test’s record.  Neighbors of Test became suspicious when they saw Test sitting in one position for multiple hours, after a phone call, police arrived to Test’s house to find him dead.  His death was ruled as Drug and Substance Abuse.

•Curt Hennig - Curt Hennig, Mr. Perfect, was just that, perfect.  The perfect build, the perfect promo skills, he had everything a WWF/E champion needed, but yet he was went unrealized his entire career.  Although he is looked at today as one of the best Intercontinental champions ever, he never captured the brass ring.  In the early 80’s Hennig made his mark on the wrestling world as he entered the WWF as Mr. Perfect.  He went back to his roots in AWA before returning again to the WWF in the late 80’s, which is when his infamous undefeated streak took place.  Years later in 2003, after on and off relations with the WWE, Hennig was found dead in his home in Tampa, Florida.  His death was ruled as Cocaine Intoxication.

•Kerry Von Erich - The Von Erich name is one of tragedy.  Death seemed to greet the family name quite frequently.  Upon the death of Jack Adkisson, five of the Von Erich sons preceded him in death, three of these deaths were by suicide.  Most notable of these were Kerry.  Putting on classics with the likes of Ric Flair, Kerry was at a high in his wrestling career.  Unfortunately, drug and substance abuse after the amputation of his foot, led to Kerry’s suicide and cast a dark shadow over the world of wrestling in the early 90’s.

•The British Bull Dog - The British Bulldog was a major draw in the early 90’s when he’d fight the likes of Bret Hart.  He won the European championship but didn’t see much more after that.  Bulldog was a known user of Growth Hormones and Steroids.  Eventually after using them too much, Bulldog had a heart attack that led to his death.  

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Credit to Whatculture for some of the information

Bobby Roode is the No. 1 Contender for the NXT Championship

NXT TakeOver: San Antonio is going to get insane, especially with the main event already set in place. The biggest clash of the event will be headlined for the NXT Championship, with champion Shinsuke Nakamura taking on his newest challenger, Bobby Roode. 

Roode is one of the most over talent on the roster, and it only makes sense that he challenges for the championship. He won the contendership spot by defeating Tye Dillenger, Andrade "Cien" Almas and Roderick Strong, in a very entertaining match. 

The final two participants turned out to be Tye Dillenger and Bobby Roode, and just when it seemed Dillenger was going to get revenge from TakeOver: Toronto, Roode turned the momentum in his favor and won his prize, a main event spot in San Antonio. 

This is going to be an exciting match up between two of NXT's top stars, and both of them are over as hell. It'll be an exciting match up, and provide some fresh atmosphere when they clash. 

In my opinion, I believe Nakamura should retain the title, in order to have a proper ending to his rivalry with Samoa Joe. This way, Roode will have more exposure and support to come back to the main event scene. 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming main event of TakeOver: San Antonio? 

It's official #NXTTakeOverSanAntonio shall be #Glorious....... pic.twitter.com/2PmGhCr575

— Bobby Roode (@REALBobbyRoode) December 22, 2016

TOPIC: Kurt Angle wants to wrestle Seth Rollins?

According to an article posted by Inquisitr, the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist and former World Heavyweight Champion in both WWE and TNA is not only eyeing a return to World Wrestling Entertainment, but is also having a specific goal in mind as to who he wants to wrestle with in that very ring. Kurt Angle made it very clear who he was thinking about facing in an interview he conducted with Title Match Wrestling. Here is a quote from that very in-depth discussion:

"I wanted [to wrestle] Daniel Bryan, but unfortunately I don’t think he’s able to go anymore. But I’d say, right now, on that roster, Seth Rollins is the guy. I watch how he is, what he does, his style, his ability in the ring… Right now he’s one of the best in the world. There are other wrestlers that I wanna wrestle: Rusev, Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns. But right now, I think that Seth Rollins has the bullseye on his chest, and he’s the guy that raises expectations." 

Although he did mention a few other names who are in that proverbial list of professional wrestlers that he wants to step in the ring with, it seems like "The Architect" Seth Rollins is on the very top of that list. It would certainly be an intriguing clash of styles, as you have a wrestler regarded as one of the best to ever step in a ring trading holds with a man who a multitude of fans believe to be one of the most exceptional wrestlers in this modern age. "The Man" vs "The Wrestling Machine" could be a money match in Vince's company.

So, what do you all think of this revelation? Would you pay to see what could be match of the year? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to continue reading our site for more wrestling news, rumors and reviews! This is the Local Hero signing off. Goodnight everybody!

[VIDEO HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_YWwZe1YIQ]

[INQUISITR ARTICLE HERE: http://www.inquisitr.com/3811870/kurt-angle-says-he-wants-to-wrestle-seth-rollins-when-he-returns-to-wwe/]

Name Change For Smackdown's Championship??

Back when both the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship were combined into one major championship they were known as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

The name was kept this way for months. People who held this title include, Sheamus, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Triple H, and Dean Ambrose. But, a few months ago the two brands separated once more. When this happened they changed the name again. The name stayed this way for almost 5 months!

Well, another name change has occurred. Current WWE Champion (the new name) AJ Styles, was the receiver of a new championship name! The name of WWE Championship has returned after being retired a few years back. Will the name change stay?

Eh, probably not.

This has been Edgin.. And until next time, Peace!

Follow RHP On Twitter: @RestHoldParty

The Undertaker Expected To Make Appearance on SmackDown LIVE! Tonight

With SmackDown LIVE! getting prepared for the ultimate WWE World Heavyweight Championship match, between challenger, the beast James Ellsworth, and Champion AJ Styles, SmackDown has a chance of getting much more hectic. Multiple reports have spotted WWE Icon, the Undertaker, backstage at last night's RAW in Austin, Texas. Tonight's SmackDown LIVE! will be in Houston, Texas, and according to multiple reports, Undertaker is not only expected to be backstage, but also make an appearance on the show. 

This is Undertaker's first appearance on WWE TV since the November 15th. 2016 episode of SmackDown LIVE!. As SmackDown went off the air, he told the men as Team Blue that were going to enter Survivor Series 5 days later, that if they lost, they all would face the wrath of the Undertaker. However, Team Blue did pull out the victory (in the men's elimination match) at the event, so that leaves the audience questioning what Undertaker would be doing, making an appearance on SD LIVE! It certainly isn't to congratulate them on their hard work.

So this had me thinking, what could Undertaker's reason for being on the show be? Then it came to my mind, as well as the minds of other reports. The Undertaker is coming back...

For AJ Styles.

Let's think about it logically here, how many serious contenders for the title does AJ Styles have right now on SmackDown LIVE!? Or faces, for that matter. Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Shane McMahon are the only ones that come to mind. Not a lot. So why not bring back the Undertaker, who is working his way back up to full health, to fight Styles for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, at the Royal Rumble? Headlines, headlines everywhere. Money for the WWE. A dream match fans have been waiting for. Why not at the event that kicks off the Road to WrestleMania, the event that has a history of making great matches, the Royal Rumble?

In San Antonio, Texas, Undertaker's homestate. Connection? I think so.

The feud could easily start tonight. Let's say James Ellsworth gets so close to taking the belt from Styles, but AJ powers through and wins the match. As he's celebrating, GONG! Lights go out for a while, lights come back on and the Undertaker is standing behind Styles, and attacks him with a chokeslam, Tombstone, and makes his message clear to Styles.

Or just cut a promo with Undertaker laying out the challenge to Styles for the Rumble, for the belt. But I like my way better.

What do you guys think of this news? Different ideas for the appearance? Let me know in the comments!

RUMOR: Finn Balor to return before WrestleMania

A former NXT Champion and the first ever WWE Universal Champion could be returning sooner rather than later to World Wrestling Entertainment, according to Wrestling News World. That's right ladies and gentlemen, Finn Balor could be on his way back to the WWE before the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania! He has been rehabilitating a torn labrum since Summerslam 2016, where the injury occurred due to a powerbomb on the barricade from his opponent Seth Rollins.

His initial timetable for a return was for him to come back at the Show Of Shows, but it has been speculated and reported by multiple outlets that his rehabilitation is running ahead of schedule. "The Demon King" seemed to confirm this himself in an interview with Sam Roberts, where he had this to say:

"Yeah, [the sling came off]. Like down here, I feel real good, but I've got to be real careful. The target's WrestleMania. There's talk it could be sooner, but really that's the hard target. And that's what I'm aiming for right now." 
[SOURCE: http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/1205/619989/finn-b225lor-on-his-target-wwe-return-date/] 

The original plan for the push of Finn Balor was to become the face of RAW after winning the universal championship, but obviously those plans were nixed after his unfortunate injury. There are plans to give him a major push upon his return to WWE television, but as this business is, plans and bookings are subject to change at any time.

SOURCES: http://uproxx.com/prowrestling/wwe-finn-balor-injury-return-timetable/ http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/update-finn-balor-return-wwe-wrestlemania-33/ http://www.inquisitr.com/3769049/wwe-news-finn-balor-reveals-his-target-return-date-to-wwe/ http://wrestlingrumors.net/when-could-finn-balor-be-back-in-the-ring/

WWE TLC 2016 Match Card And Predictions

Chairs Match.
Kalisto vs Baron Corbin.
Prediction: Baron Corbin.

No DQ Match.
Nikki Bella vs Carmella.
Prediction: Nikki Bella.

Tag Team match for the Tag Team Championships.
Heath Slater & Rhyno vs Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt.
Prediction: Heath Slater & Rhyno, Randy betrays Bray.

Tables Match for the Smackdown Women's Championship.
Becky Lynch vs Alexa Bliss.
Prediction: Becky Lynch.

Ladders Match for the Intercontinental Championship.
The Miz (W/Maryse) vs Dolph Ziggler.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler.

TLC Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose.
Prediction: AJ Styles, James Ellsworth turns heel and helps Styles.

Follow RHP on Twitter: @RestHoldParty

BREAKING NEWS: TNA KEEPS BIG STAR TO THE COMPANY

Dixie Carter recently came out saying that Jeff Hardy signed a new deal with TNA, his previous deal was expiring in a couple of months, that ended the rumors that were saying that Jeff Hardy aka Brother Nero will return to the WWE. We will probably have more information on this, soon.