World News
Where Next For WWE’s Released Stars?
There are more established stars on the ‘free agent’ scene in professional wrestling than there have been for quite a while. WWE has been in a ratings war with rival promotion AEW on Wednesday nights for quite some time, and that war is likely to intensify now several former WWE stars are now available for hire. Will AEW pick them all up, though, or are we more likely to see these fallen stars appear elsewhere? Will some of them leave the wrestling business completely? Let’s take a closer look and see if we can work out who will go where.
One thing we can say with confidence is that not all of them will go to AEW. The last thing AEW wants to be seen as is a place that’s full of cast-off WWE wrestlers. It’s true to say that a wrestling show is only as good as its lineup, but just like anyone who’s ever played slots knows, not every lineup is a winner. By the time some players realize that, they’ve already sunk too much money into an online slots game to have any realistic prospect of making that money back. AEW doesn’t mind a gamble – it’s proven that in the past by using a casino and online slots theme for its ‘Double or Nothing’ Pay Per View event, but it only gambles when it makes sense to do so. Picking up a whole raft of recently-released WWE talent probably doesn’t.
Let’s start off with the best-known and most surprising of all the releases, and work from there.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Gallows and Anderson are multiple-time WWE tag team champions, and until their release, they were part of ‘The Original Club’ on television with AJ Styles. They even had a role in the well-received ‘Boneyard Match’ between Styles and the Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. It was a surprise to see them released when you consider their name value, but perhaps not so much when you consider the financial side of the situation. Both men signed huge new contracts – believed to be worth $750,000 per year each – with the company last year to avoid the risk of them walking out when their current deals expired. The objective of the WWE releases was to save money, and so if they weren’t going to be used in a featured position, it probably makes more sense to let them go. We don’t think AEW is their likely destination for now, though – if AEW picks up a tag team, it will be The Revival. Gallows and Anderson were a huge deal in Japan before they arrived in WWE, and that’s where they’re likely to return to.
EC3
If WWE offered voluntary redundancy to any of the released performers, EC3 probably accepted it before Vince McMahon had even finished speaking. It’s been an open secret that he’s wanted out of his deal for a long time, and he was never used correctly on the main roster. He’s already started releasing promotional videos for his new character on Twitter and is understood to be in high demand on the indie scene and by every other promotion you could mention. He has a ready-made feud waiting with MJF in AEW, though, and we’d be surprised if he signed anywhere else.
Drake Maverick
We’re going to call WWE’s bluff on this release. Drake Maverick released a tearful video on social media after his release while still wearing a WWE t-shirt. He mentioned that he was being permitted to complete his scheduled cruiserweight tournament matches before his departure, and his video became a talking point on WWE NXT before his first tournament match was aired last week. There’s been a groundswell of support for Maverick ever since he released the video, and the smart money says that WWE will have a change of heart about letting him go. We think he’ll end up with a new contract, and he’ll stay put.
Sarah Logan
The release of Sarah Logan wasn’t really a shock. Aside from being used as cannon fodder in the ‘Riott Squad’ stable, she hasn’t done anything of note since signing a WWE deal. She was, however, immensely popular backstage. She’s also the wife of Raymond Rowe, who is one half of the Viking Raiders and wrestles under the ring name ‘Erik.’ Firing one half of a married couple while keeping the other isn’t really the WWE way, and several industry websites have suggested that a number of people have gone to bat for Logan since she was let go. We think that she, too, will be hurriedly re-signed to a new deal.
Lio Rush
This might be it for Lio Rush when it comes to wrestling, and that would be a huge shame. He’s made no secret of the fact that he’s lost his passion for performing as a wrestler during his WWE run, and he could never seem to stay out of trouble backstage. These days he’s far more interested in making music, and he can’t pursue that full time while under wrestling contract in WWE or anywhere else. As gifted as he clearly is in the ring, he’s always been limited by both his size and his attitude, and so we might have seen him work in the ring for the last time.
Heath Slater
Heath Slater has been one of WWE’s most consistent mid-card workers for more than a decade. He’s also a former member of the ‘Three Man Band’ stable – and there’s an interesting story to be told there. The other two members of the stable were Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre – both of whom have been released by the company in the past, worked hard on the independent scene, and then returned to the company in much better physical shape and won the WWE Championship. Slater, at 36, is still young enough to do that if he wants to. That might limit his options, though. If he signs with AEW, he can kiss goodbye to any dreams of coming back to WWE in the future, and so he’ll have to choose wisely. A stint with the NWA, Ring of Honor, or Impact Wrestling wouldn’t harm him. Impact might be the best bet of the three.
Zack Ryder
The biggest crime Zack Ryder ever committed in WWE was to get over without assistance from the head office. His YouTube channel made him popular with fans and briefly saw him elevated from jobber status to solid midcarder. Ryder has been a US Champion, an Intercontinental Champion, and, more recently, a tag team champion with Curt Hawkins. He’s a big guy with a great look and a lot of charisma, and he could be an asset to the right company. More importantly than all of that, he’s a very close friend of Cody Rhodes – and Cody is the guy who makes the majority of hiring decisions in AEW. He’s going to AEW, and we’re more certain about this call than we are with any of the others. He might even be able to get Curt Hawkins a job there at the same time.
As for the rest – time will tell. Rusev is the biggest name among the releases, but he’s understood to have had some sort of issue that’s kept him off television for three months already. Without knowing what that issue is, it’s impossible to say what his next move might be. Eric Young, Epico, and Primo were likely close to retirement anyway, and Mike and Maria Kanellis can breeze straight back into Impact Wrestling any time they like. It’s never nice to lose your job – but for these wrestlers, a lost job means a whole new set of opportunities.
World News
Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.
An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.
An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.
Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”
The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.
In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier
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World News
25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Returns to Miami
The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
“Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history. We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain. This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.”
The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
“We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we’re excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.”
In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months.
“This announcement underscores Greater Miami’s status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.”
The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide.
Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include:
July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024: First Round of Voting
Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement
Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting
For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/
World News
Raye and DJ Snake to headline Isle of MTV Malta 2024
MTV today announced that Isle of MTV Malta will return to the island’s il-Fosos Square on Tuesday, 16th July, with headlining performances from DJ Snake and RAYE. Promising huge, open-air sets, Europe’s biggest free Summer festival is held in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority and will broadcast on MTV DStv Channel 130 on Saturday, 14 September.
Headed to Isle of MTV Malta with a record-breaking six wins at this year’s BRIT Awards and over 3.5 billion streams to her name, double-platinum and five platinum singer-songwriter RAYE has seen a meteoric rise to global stardom over the past year. Having written for the world’s biggest artists including John Legend, Ellie Goulding, Khalid, David Guetta, Diplo, and Beyoncé, RAYE’s deeply personal debut studio album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ has been highly decorated – lead single “Escapism” catapulted to fame with hundreds of millions of cumulative streams, scoring RAYE her first UK No. 1 and several Top 10s across Australia, Norway, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, whilst continuing to dominate international Spotify playlists with over 30 million listeners every month.
Multiple platinum record holder and Billion Stream Spotify Club member DJ Snake is one of the world’s most sought-after DJs and producers. The Parisian powerhouse is responsible for global club anthems “Turn Down For What” (feat. Lil John), “Lean On” (feat. MØ) with Major Lazer and “Let Me Love You” with Justin Bieber, whilst his follow-up single “Taki Taki” united Selena Gomez, Cardi B and Ozuna was a worldwide hit that topped the Global Spotify Chart. With a following of 89M+ fans, an upcoming Summer of back to back shows, including Coachella, and a sold-out homecoming show in Paris next Spring, DJ Snake continues to excite dancefloors around the world, soon to include Malta’s il-Fosos Square.
“Once again we’ll be throwing the party of the Summer in true MTV style, against the ever-magical backdrop of il-Fosos Square.” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “With the incredible talents of DJ Snake and RAYE, plus the support of our longstanding partners at the Malta Tourism Authority, fans should expect another unforgettable Isle of MTV Malta show.”
“Isle of MTV Malta paints a vivid picture of Malta as the ultimate summer destination, beckoning travellers from every corner of the world where each day is a celebration of life under the Mediterranean sky. It is also a staple event in the summer calendar of the Maltese Islands, helping drive more and more travellers to visit Malta during the best time of the year,” said Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority.
“Isle of MTV Malta stands as a beacon of cultural vibrancy and international allure, transforming our island into a global stage where music, energy, and diversity converge. This electrifying event not only ignites the passions of music enthusiasts but also showcases Malta’s magnetic charm, captivating visitors with our rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It epitomizes Malta’s commitment to being a premier destination for unforgettable experiences, where every beat resonates with the pulse of our island’s spirit,” said Dr Gavin Gulia, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority.
“Isle of MTV Malta stands as a testament to our nation’s commitment to fostering unforgettable experiences and showcasing Malta’s dynamic appeal on the global stage. With its pulsating beats and star-studded lineup, this iconic event not only amplifies Malta’s reputation as a premier music destination but also fuels economic growth and fosters meaningful connections with visitors from around the world. It is a cornerstone of our tourism strategy, epitomizing Malta’s unwavering dedication to innovation, diversity, and excellence in the realm of cultural tourism,” said Hon. Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness of Malta.
Over its 15 editions, Isle of MTV Malta has brought tens of thousands of music fans to the square every year to enjoy show-stopping performances from the world’s biggest stars, including Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta and Alesso.
The festival will be followed by Isle of MTV Malta Music Week, a series of club nights and parties across the hottest venues on the island with various artists including Benni Benassi, Icona Pop and more from 16 -21 July.
Additional line-up and ticketing information to follow.
Tickets for Isle of MTV Malta will be available soon. Follow @IsleOfMTV on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to keep up with the latest news from the event.
World News
Coachella 2024: Billie Eilish & Friends, Kaskade, and Adriatique B2B BLOND:ISH Play Surprise Sets at Do LaB Stage on Saturday, April 13
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World News
Coachella 2024: Goldenvoice Surf Club ft. Bicep, Barry Can’t Swim, salute, Mia Moretti on Saturday, April 13
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World News
Iconic fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies aged 83
talian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his animal-print designs loved by showbusiness stars, has died at the age of 83, his company said.
Cavalli, who founded his label in the early 1970s, had been ill for some time. He is survived by his six children and his partner Sandra Bergman Nilsson.
“The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli’s family, his legacy remains a constant source of inspiration,” Sergio Azzolari, chief executive of Roberto Cavalli, said in a post on Instagram.
The designer died on Friday at his home in Florence, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Cavalli, who used bright colours and patchwork effects in his often revealing creations, was an extroverted art lover who wore tinted glasses and smoked a cigar.
He expanded into real estate and often spent evenings in his popular “Just Cavalli Cafe,” a nightclub in central Milan.
Giorgio Armani said he always had “enormous respect” for Cavalli even though his vision of fashion could not have been more different.
“Roberto was a true artist, wild and wonderful in his use of prints, capable of transforming fantasy into seductive clothes,” he posted on social media platform X.
A popular image of US model Cindy Crawford in July 2000 shows her descending Rome’s Spanish steps in a Cavalli-designed long slip dress depicting a tiger face.
“You will be missed and you are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me,” said Roberto Cavalli’s creative director Fausto Puglisi.
The Florence-based fashion group is owned by Auriel Investment SA, controlled by Dubai’s Hussain Sajwani who rescued it in 2019.
Cavalli’s funeral will be held in Florence on Monday, Italian media reported.
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