The fledgling Wrestling Entertainment Series (WES) has announced its new card for its debut show in Nottingham, UK, and ex-UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem is still in the main event — he just has a new opponent.
When the WES UK show was originally planned for June 4, Overeem was advertised to face Adam Scherr (known as Braun Strowman during his stint in WWE) to determine the promotion’s inaugural world champion. When that date fell through due to logistical issues around the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, the card was rescheduled for July 9, remaining at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
It was reported at the time of the postponement that some of the talent promoted for the show would not be able to make the new date, and that appears to be the case as the card is now much different. The changes start at the top, with Overeem now slated to step in the ring against former Impact World Champion Moose.
Another title match pitting Lina Fanene (Nia Jax during her time in WWE) vs. C.J. Perry (Lana while in WWE) is a holdover from the original card. All other matches now being advertised are new:
- Legion of Pain vs. BT Gunn and Kez Evans (World Tag Team Championship Match)
- Steph De Lander and Anastasia vs. She Wolves (Women’s World Tag Team Championship Match)
- Samuray del Dol vs. Lince Dorado
- Dean Muhtadi vs. Damo Mackle
- Eric Young vs. Zac Zodiac
- Levis Valenzuela Jr. vs. Jody Fliesh
The last two matches on the above list will be shown on a free live pre-show, with all others airing on pay-per-view.
Overeem’s continued involvement is the most intriguing part of the event. The 42-year-old MMA fighter raised some eyebrows when he was first revealed as a headliner by the WES, given that he’s been outspoken about his disdain for pro wrestling in the past.
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The brainchild of Gzim Selmani and Sunny Dhinsa, known as the Authors of Pain while working for WWE and now calling themselves the Legion of Pain, the WES has a mission statement dedicating itself to becoming “a global brand in the sports entertainment and professional wrestling industry.” Tickets are on sale now, and the PPV will be available internationally through FITE.tv.