NEW ORLEANS, LA — John Bel Edwards won his second term as governor of Louisiana in a runoff election on Saturday. He defeated Republican Eddie Rispone.
The runoff was necessary after neither candidate broke 50 percent in last month’s election. The Washington Post reports that Edwards picked up 51 percent of the votes, beating Rispone by about 40,000 out of more than 1.5 million votes.
“We both agreed that the time for campaigning is over,” The Post quoted Edwards saying about Rispone. “And now our shared love for Louisiana is always more important than the partisan differences that sometimes divide us.”
SmackDown LIVE Superstar Rey Mysterio was recently a guest on Busted Open Radio with WWE Hall Of Famer Mark Henry & Co-Host David LaGreca. During the appearance, Mysterio talked about the evolution of pro wrestling and said that he doesn’t see himself wrestling for too many more years, but the opportunities WWE has given him brought out the desire he had when he broke into the business at age 14, as seen below:
You know, I’ve been able to not only see, but live, the evolution of this sport and like you said, man, there’s a huge difference from the time I broke in to 15 years later, to now another 15,” Mysterio said. “Because just this past month, my wife and I were sitting down and then Dominik joined us, it’s been 30 years since I’ve been doing this. If you think about it, it sounds like a long time but again, I started at the age of 14. I had my first opportunity at the age of 14, that’s crazy. Kids nowadays are in school, which I was at the time… I wasn’t forced to grow up faster than others, but it was my desire, it was my take that I wanted to be a part of this beautiful sport, that I started at a young age. You know, I got the opportunity and I ran with it, and it made me see things differently than other kids.
“But the evolution of this sport has been incredibly dramatic in the change, and I definitely don’t see myself doing this many more years longer, although the opportunity that I have gotten on my return with WWE, to be able to face guys like the caliber of Andrade, who is a third generation wrestler, have been incredible. So, that kind of brings that desire within me, that ‘Hey, I can still do this, I can still go.’ But of course, if I were to do this on a schedule that I was back in the day, that me and you were doing at the time Mark, I don’t think I could handle it.”
.@reymysterio gives an update to @davidlagreca1 & @TheMarkHenry about his in-ring career.#WWE #RAW #SDLive pic.twitter.com/enztc6LaW8
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) April 9, 2019
ACROSS AMERICA — More than a foot of snow has already fallen Monday in parts of the Northeast from a coastal storm that has put more than 50 million people under winter storm advisories, caused scores of flight cancellations and delays, and led to hundreds of vehicle accidents across the region.
The nor’easter could drop an additional 10 to 20 inches of snow by Tuesday morning from Pennsylvania to Maine, forecasters said. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service from Maine to the central and southern Appalachians.
Some areas of the Catskills, Berkshires and parts of Vermont and New Hampshire could see up to 30 inches of snow, forecasters said.
The storm’s timing hasn’t helped people traveling during the holiday period.
More than 400 flights into and out of the United States were canceled Monday morning, with more than 2,000 delays. Thousands of Thanksgiving travelers remain stranded in airports as the strong snowfall hits the Northeast and a dangerous storm soaks much of the West Coast.
State police in New York had responded to more than 550 storm-related crashes by 7 p.m. Sunday. The snowy conditions have also caused treacherous roads in New Jersey, with the storm having led to at least 275 crashes as of Monday morning.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told nonessential state employees to stay home Monday, and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy chose to close government officers for nonessential employees at noon.
The storm, named Winter Storm Ezekiel by the Weather Channel, began its journey across the country during the last week of November when it slammed into the West Coast as a bomb cyclone.
Winds of more than 100 mph gusted along the coasts of Oregon and California before continuing to a large portion of the Upper Midwest and the Plains.
The western part of the United States is still feeling the effects of the strong storm. In an area of northeast Los Angeles, nearly 9,000 customers lost power Sunday because of heavy snowfall, Southern California Edison said.
Here’s up-to-date Patch coverage of the snowfall happening now:
NJ Weather: 275 Crashes, Roads ‘Clobbered’ In NJ Snowstorm
MA Weather: Storm To Dump Another Foot Of Snow After Messy Break
NYC Weather: Storm Could Dump 4 Inches Snow On City
NWS Still Predicting Several Inches Of Snow Monday: CT Weather
Annandale/Maple Lake 43 Litchfield 28 106: Zayne Brown (AMLL) over Alex Joedeman (LITC) (Fall 5:35) 113: Aryan Payne (LITC) over Jed Wester (AMLL) (Dec 4-2) 120: Devin Steinhaus (LITC) over Jackson Bunde (AMLL) (MD 17-3) 126: Eddie Simes (LITC) over Shay McClory (AMLL) (Fall 0:30) 132: Jerry Simes (LITC) over Collin Vrolson (AMLL) (Fall 2:47) 138: Riley Hall (AMLL) over Corey Maxson (LITC) (Dec 5-1) 145: Sergio Martinez (LITC) over Ben Schuldt (AMLL) (Dec 8-6) 152: Adam Neuman (AMLL) over Bryce Penk (LITC) (MD 9-0) 160: Jack Klug (AMLL) over Isaac Cannon (LITC) (Fall 0:25) 170: Alex Klatt (AMLL) over Carter Block (LITC) (Fall 3:50) 182: Linus Brown (AMLL) over (LITC) (For.) 195: Daniel Luna (AMLL) over Ben Almazan (LITC) (Fall 0:19) 220: Kessler Kenning (AMLL) over Isaac Rick (LITC) (Fall 2:51) 285: Chase Liestman (LITC) over Cole Patch (AMLL) (Fall 1:12)
One week before last week’s WrestleMania 35 event from WWE, comedian John Oliver dedicated nearly an entire episode of his “Last Week Tonight” show on HBO to exposing WWE’s history of talent treatment. Oliver mentioned the fact that WWE classifies its workers as “independent contractors,” which ensures that the wrestlers do not receive the same benefits that they would normally receive if they were considered employees. Oliver encouraged wrestling fans to bring signs and start chants encouraging a change during WrestleMania 35. WWE responded by denying the statements that Oliver made during his piece, and he was also invited to attend WrestleMania so that he could see how their wrestlers are treated.
It was later reported that wrestlers in WWE had mixed opinions on John Oliver’s piece. Some supposedly believe that Oliver was spot on with his critiques but others apparently feel as if the comedian did not properly do the research beforehand. Matt Hardy talked to Fox News and gave some of his own thoughts on the matter. Hardy called certain aspects of Oliver’s piece outdated. For instance, Hardy claims that WWE has paid for every major surgery that he has had to undergo since working there. He also says that the locker room is far more professional now compared to how it was in the late 90s. Hardy says that WWE has always taken great care of himself, his brother, and the other wrestlers working for the company.
There’s a new documentary series airing on VICELAND right now called “Dark Side of the Ring,” which exposes some of the darker behind the scenes stories from pro wrestling history. Although Hulk Hogan stated that he did not think that the premiere episode based on Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth’s relationship was fair or accurate, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has praised the show online. Johnson put out a tweet today calling the series “captivating” and one that he can relate to given that his father and grandfather worked with some of the individuals involved in the episodes. The show currently airs on VICELAND and more episodes from the first season will be premiering very soon.
Highly recommend a gripping docu-series @DarkSideOfRing on @VICE. Hits home for me as all these tragic stories are from pro wrestlers who my grandfather, my dad and myself have all wrestled and became friends with over the years. Kudos to the filmmakers – a captivating watch.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 14, 2019
FARGO, N.D.—North Dakota State recorded a season-high four falls including an upset by Brandon Metz at 285 pounds as the Bison pinned Utah Valley 47-3 in a Big12 Conference dual before 383 spectators in the Scheels Center on Friday, Feb. 1.
NDSU (9-5, 4-3 #Big12WR) is scheduled to host South Dakota State (2-7, 1-4 #Big12WR) in a Big 12 Conference dual at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15.
Metz, a redshirt freshman from West Fargo, N.D., gained a quick takedown on No. 11-ranked Tate Orndroff (19-5, 12-3) and recorded his sixth fall of the season at 1:03 to earn his first win over a nationally-ranked wrestler in eight tries this season.
Metz improved to 13-10 overall this season including 4-8 in duals and 1-5 in the Big 12. His fastest pin this season came at 21-seconds against Northern Illinois on Nov. 8.
Metz tied fellow redshirt freshman, 149 Jaden Van Maanen, for the team lead in pins with 165 Andrew Fogarty. Van Maanen (15-9, 8-6) claimed his sixth fall at 1:58 over Cameron Haddock, while No. 17-ranked 133 Cam Sykora (18-5, 10-3) picked up his second pin at 3:12 and 174 Lorenzo De La Riva (15-8, 8-5) collected his second at 3:44.
North Dakota State University versus Utah Valley on Friday, February 1, 2019 in Fargo, N.D. Photo by Carrie Snyder
The bonus points didn’t stop there for North Dakota State. No. 9-ranked Brent Fleetwood (19-3, 11-1) recorded his third tech fall, 19-1 at 4:51 at 125, while 157 Luke Weber (8-2, 4-1), No. 21 165 Fogarty (15-3, 12-2) and 197 Cordell Eaton (16-7, 9-5) each collected major decisions. NDSU 184 Michael Otomo (9-8, 4-5) won by forfeit.
The lone win for banged up Utah Valley (9-10, 0-4 #Big12WR) came at 141 pounds where Dylan Gregerson edged Sawyer Degen by the score of 7-6.
North Dakota State scored over 40 points in a dual for the 11th time against Division I competition and the first since defeating Grand Canyon 45-3 on Feb. 7, 2016. The 44 points was the widest margin since Feb. 16, 2008, when NDSU defeated Portland State 47-0. The four pins are the most since the Grand Canyon win.
Scheels Center, Fargo, N.D. / Friday, Feb. 1, 2019
North Dakota State 47, Utah Valley 3 125—#9 Brent Fleetwood (NDSU) tech fall Josh Jensen (UVU), TF 19-1 4:51 133—#17 Cam Sykora (NDSU) fall Isaiah Delgado (UVU), 3:12 141—Dylan Gregerson (UVU) dec Sawyer Degen (NDSU), 7-6 149—Jaden Van Maanen (NDSU) fall Cameron Haddock (UVU), 1:58 157—Luke Weber (NDSU) major dec Spencer Haywood (UVU), MD 14-2 165—#21 Andrew Fogarty (NDSU) major dec Koy Wilkinson (UVU), MD 18-5 174—Lorenzo De La Riva (NDSU) fall Kyle Snelling (UVU), 3:44 184—Michael Otomo (NDSU) forfeit, FF 197—Cordell Eaton (NDSU) major dec Ashton Seely (UVU), MD 13-4 285—Brandon Metz (NDSU) fall #11 Tate Orndorff (UVU), 1:03
Attendance—383 Referee—Abram Ross
Check out Bison Wrestling at gobison.com and on Twitter.
Several new names have officially been announced as the latest signees for WWE’s NXT brand. The company announced today that three recognizable names have reported to the WWE Performance Center down in Orlando, Florida. One of the new NXT stars is KUSHIDA. His signing with WWE has been rumored for quite some time now. KUSHIDA was part of New Japan Pro Wrestling for several years but he left the promotion earlier this year. WWE announced that KUSHIDA had signed with the company during the recent NXT Takeover: New York event, and he has even competed in Full Sail already. He is expected to make his NXT TV debut in the near future, and he is now training with the rest of the NXT roster.
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We are proud to announce three new Superstars joining the @wwepc: @kushida_ts, @_garzajr and @theshanestrickland. For full story visit WWE.com or check out the @wwepc Instagram Story to hear from them.
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KUSHIDA is not the only person to sign with WWE this month. Two other big names from the independent wrestling circuit are now part of the company. Former MLW star Shane Strickland and Garza Jr. have also arrived at the Performance Center. All three of these men have been rumored to sign with WWE for a while. Strickland made a name for himself in Lucha Underground as Killshot. He had been bidding farewell to several independent promotions this month, leading to increased speculation about his future in the wrestling business. Garza Jr. is a Lucha Libre star who has competed in AAA, Impact Wrestling, and other promotions in the past. Expect to see these men make an impact in NXT as the months go by.
During SmackDown last night, Ember Moon made her official debut on SmackDown. Moon was moved over to the show as part of the Superstar Shakeup this year. It looks like Moon is wasting no time issuing some bold challenges. The former NXT Women’s Champion has now called out Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. Lynch made a joke referencing Alexa Bliss’ injuries, which were believed to have almost ended her in-ring career. Moon posted a tweet blasting Lynch for mocking Bliss and then said that she has no problem facing her in a match. As of right now, Lynch has not responded and she is currently feuding with Lacey Evans. Perhaps Moon will challenge Lynch for her titles at some point later this year.
I’m going to hit you that hard, Alexa will go out injured again.
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) April 17, 2019
Geez “Man”
It’s one thing to make idle threats as the glorified internet troll you are, but you mocking a near career ending injury is proving you are a bully. You are just scum that needs to be taken down a notch. I’ll happily oblige.
— Ember Moon (@WWEEmberMoon) April 18, 2019
BURNSVILLE, Minn — For the first time in his three-year Viking career, Augustana wrestler Lukas Poloncic has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Wrestler of the Week.
In the Vikings lone match last week vs. No. 1 St. Cloud State, Poloncic stepped in the circle vs. the nation’s No. 2 wrestler at 174 Lbs, Kolton Eischens. Trailing 3-2 entering the third period, Poloncic recorded two takedowns and went on to get the upset victory, 7-4.
The redshirt senior recorded the only three points for the Vikings on Thursday vs. the No. 1 Huskies. The Gillette, Wyo. native improves to 8-1 on the season and 7-1 in the NSIC.
Up next for the Vikings is the NCAA Super Regional V tournament which will take place this Saturday, Feb. 23 from Moorhead, Minnesota on the campus of Minnesota State University Moorhead. Super Regional V is made up of the nine NSIC wrestling institutions and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The top three finishers in each weight class will advance to the NCAA Championships on March 8-9 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.