The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), under the new management of Billy Corgan and Dave Laguna, has seen the once most powerful wrestling banner-head in the world return to its greatest heights since it was last part of TNA/IMPACT Wrestling in the early 2000s. They promotion held it’s first PPV, NWA 70, this past fall and next January they have announced their next event, NWA New Year’s Clash, that will see all three of their titles defended. Yesterday, the NWA made an announcement that Hollywood actor-turned-indie wrestling star David Arquette would be taking part in the New Year’s Clash as well.
We are pleased to announce that @DavidArquette will be appearing and wrestling at #NWAPopUp on January 5, 2019 in Clarksville, TN.
Tickets and a very special meet and greet on sale now https://t.co/yuw3haHbfc pic.twitter.com/gB56h9zSoD
— NWA (@nwa) December 18, 2018
For many, the memory of David Arquette winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 2000 during the cross promotion for the WCW movie Ready to Rumble is still a sore spot, and as expected, the vitriol for announcing such a “joke” was strong from many still sore from WCW’s decision to put the prestigious Big Gold around the Hollywood actor’s waist.
@nwa legitimacy just died. Thought we’d finally get a legit old school wrestling promotion to follow. Yes I traveled 5 hrs to #nwa70 and had high hopes
— “No Pity” Smitty (@teamsmitty5) December 18, 2018
And with that…The NWA resurgence dies as suddenly as it started.
— Hammond Eggert (@BTBufordK) December 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/GMatt1024/status/1074991207862935553
But it’s clear that all those opposed have not followed David Arquette’s return to pro wrestling in 2018, as he has shown a dedication and love for the sport, training properly in preparation, and working for many respectable promotions, including Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, IMPACT Wrestling/Border City Wrestling, and Game Changer Wrestling. From his tag team matches alongside RJ City to his deathmatch with Nick Gage, those who have witnessed Arquette’s run in 2018 have shown nothing but respect for his lifelong dream coming true, as he’s proven to be a capable wrestler with a sense of fun and comedic timing that has been entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable.
But while NWA’s Dave Laguna responded diplomatically the many negative comments on the announcement, David Arquette himself decided to fire back at his naysayers on Twitter:
“I love all the hate I’m getting here. It baffles me that these people can love wrestling just like I do but I’m a joke in their eyes. That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing. 8 months of training. Two surgeries, 3 broken ribs, traveling across the US, getting stiffed by promoters, helping shine a light on talent I believe in that aren’t getting recognized, doing little things I won’t mention to give back to both wrestling and individual wrestlers and I’m the asshole? Wrestling is for the people and by the people. I may have grown up in Hollywood but I’m not some stuck up punk. I had and opportunity to be a part of WCW when I was in my 20’s to travel with some of my heroes in the ring and I took it. I’m done apologizing. Now I just want to kick some ass so any of you bitches have a problem with me I’ll see you in Tennessee or wherever I’m wrestling and we can settle it like men.”
You can read Arquette’s full rant on this thread:
https://twitter.com/DavidArquette/status/1075057976501661697
