Ohio Valley Wrestling sold, new owner(s) announced Wednesday

[Big Red Machine]

Source: www.F4WOnline.com

Tuesday, 07 July 2015 10:07

Ohio Valley Wrestling, the brainchild of Danny Davis, which produced many of the biggest stars of modern wrestling including Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and, to a degree, John Cena and Dave Bautista, is being sold.

Davis, who started the promotion in 1993, announced the company was being sold to a private investor, who was not named. Several years after the company was founded, it became the main developmental territory for WWE with the help of Jim Ross and Jim Cornette.

"I have been searching for the perfect person to carry on OVW's legacy and I believe I've found them," Davis said in a post on their website Tuesday. The new owners will be announced at the company's television tapings Wednesday night at the Davis Arena in Louisville.

[Big Red Machine]

This will likely either be very exciting or a big let-down. Personally, I think it will be the latter. It will probably some of his former students and longtime top guys like Rob Conway, the Bashams, and Nick Dinsmore.

[cero2k]

This will likely either be very exciting or a big let-down. Personally, I think it will be the latter. It will probably some of his former students and longtime top guys like Rob Conway, the Bashams, and Nick Dinsmore.

I have a feeling that either TNA or GFW will be involved in some capacity

[Big Red Machine]

This will likely either be very exciting or a big let-down. Personally, I think it will be the latter. It will probably some of his former students and longtime top guys like Rob Conway, the Bashams, and Nick Dinsmore.

I have a feeling that either TNA or GFW will be involved in some capacity

GFW seems a lot more likely. I read the full press release and it reminds us that Danny Davis is a Memphis guy. Plus, I didn't think TNA and OVW were on good terms atm. It would be a decent source of TV-ready talent for Jarrett's roster.

[cero2k]

This will likely either be very exciting or a big let-down. Personally, I think it will be the latter. It will probably some of his former students and longtime top guys like Rob Conway, the Bashams, and Nick Dinsmore.

I have a feeling that either TNA or GFW will be involved in some capacity

GFW seems a lot more likely. I read the full press release and it reminds us that Danny Davis is a Memphis guy. Plus, I didn't think TNA and OVW were on good terms atm. It would be a decent source of TV-ready talent for Jarrett's roster.

Money talks, I just have a feeling one of these guys wants their own NXT

[Big Red Machine]

I have a feeling that either TNA or GFW will be involved in some capacity

GFW seems a lot more likely. I read the full press release and it reminds us that Danny Davis is a Memphis guy. Plus, I didn't think TNA and OVW were on good terms atm. It would be a decent source of TV-ready talent for Jarrett's roster.

Money talks, I just have a feeling one of these guys wants their own NXT

That seems like a pretty advanced step for Jarrett to take if he already has these talent-sharing agreements and doesn't even have TV yet. And I think buying OVW for their local TV deal is WAY too small-time for what GFW is supposed to be.

[Big Red Machine]

Some not-so-exciting follow-up

uly 11, 2015

A capacity crowd welcomed Ohio Valley Wrestling founder Danny Davis with a standing ovation and a thunderous chant of, “Thank You Danny,” as he said goodbye to the company he started 22 years ago.
Saturday on OVW television Davis announced longtime advisor, friend and on air commentator Dean Hill purchased majority ownership of Ohio Valley Wrestling. Hill, a retired Louisville police officer, started his career in professional wrestling in the 1980’s working security at the famed Louisville Gardens for USWA and Memphis Wrestling events. He became the “The Voice” of OVW in the early 1990’s. Hill said,” I’m the only guy who has been by Danny’s side since day one. It has been an incredible apprenticeship and now I will carry this legacy forward."

OVW launched in 1993 and eventually grew into the developmental training territory for both World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Total Nonstop Action (TNA) the two largest sports entertainment companies in the United States. The Louisville based company’s resume is unmatched. OVW mentored more than 150 athletes to professional wrestling’s national stage and produced the biggest stars of the last two decades including John Cena, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk and Randy Orton. Davis said, “Dean was right there through it all and it was important to me that the pillars of this company stay in place.”

OVW will continue to host weekly television tapings every Wednesday night and live events throughout the region. “Hustler” Rip Rogers will stay on board as the company’s lead trainer and Matt Cappotelli (WWE Tough Enough winner) will continue to oversee the beginners program. Davis will turn over day to day management and decision making to Hill immediately but maintain a minority ownership in the company. Davis said, “I can’t say thank you enough to Dean, to our fans and to the athletes who have allowed me to play role in their careers. Wrestling has been my life for 40 years. For me, the decision was not about money it was about continuing the OVW legacy.”

On the future Hill said, “This is OVW’s next great chapter. This is the place where headliners are made. We will recruit and groom new talent and tap into our unmatched alumni roster to produce the most exciting show possible.” Hill’s first night saw the reappearance of “The Pope Elijah Burke, TNA’s Rebel and many others. He said, “If you’ve ever dreamed of being a part of OVW act now.”

OVW TV airs every Saturday at 11am and 10pm on Louisville ION affiliate WBNA-TV. Knoxville fans watch OVW TV Saturday at noon on FOX affiliate WTNZ-TV. Archive shows are available on www.ovwrestling.com. OVW TV tapings take places every Wednesday in Davis Arena, 4400 Shepherdsville rd. Louisville, KY. 40218. Doors open at 6:30pm.