Tuesday 1/5 Torch Today – Big SD & TNA tapings (Reports Wanted), WWN Academy Open House, Ambrose on ESPNews, Dudleys DVD content, Rock/Under Armour announcement, Jake Roberts doc release, Batista movie pic, Chikara profiled, 2016 Melby Award recipient, NJPW History, Video – Free EVOLVE match

TORCH TODAY – Tuesday, January 5, 2016

– WWE’s first Smackdown TV taping for USA Network is tonight in Laredo, Texas. Included will be Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for the IC Title and Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for the Divas Title.

John Cena is also scheduled along with WWE World Hvt. champion Roman Reigns, U.S. champion Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt & The Wyatts, Sheamus, and Dolph Ziggler. (TORCH READER ALERT: We’re looking for a report sent to pwtorch@gmail.com)

– IC champion Dean Ambrose is scheduled to appear on tonight’s edition of ESPNews SportsCenter for the weekly segment with Jonathan Coachman in the 9:00 p.m. EST hour.

– TNA Impact officially debuts on Pop TV tonight with the finals of the TNA Title tournament, Bobby Roode defending the King of the Mountain Title, and a six-Knockouts tag match.

Ahead of the debut, D.J. Zema talked to CBS Pittsburgh about his role in TNA, recovery from past health issues, and looking forward to a new era for TNA.

The event will be delayed by a few hours from the taping in Bethlehem, Pa. (TORCH READER ALERT: We’re looking for correspondence at the taping sent to pwtorch@gmail.com)

– WWNLive announced the official launch of their “WWN Academy” tonight in Hudson, Florida. The “open house” is scheduled for 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST with information on how to train to be a pro wrestler.

– At MMATorch.com, Ronda Rousey has been announced as a future host of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. (Read the Details)

– The full content listing for WWE’s upcoming DVD release on The Dudleys has been reported by WrestlingDVDNetwork.com. The three-disc release scheduled for April includes a handful of Blu-ray extras.

– “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson is partnering with Under Armour for a new product in health & fitness. Rock is describing it as a game changer for the industry.

https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/684444107062833153

– With all of the interest in New Japan this week because of the “Wrestle Kingdom” Tokyo Dome Show, it’s a good time to learn about the history of NJPW through a well-researched book, “Lion’s Pride.”

If #njwk10 piqued your interest, today is the LAST DAY you can pick up the book at 50% off on Kindle. Don't delay! https://t.co/gKdGiOb4fU

— Lion's Pride (@lionspridebook) January 4, 2016

– DDP announced that “The Resurrection of Jake Roberts” documentary will be released on iTunes on January 12. The movie was previously screened at film festivals and promotional events in 2015.

RT @steveaustinBSR THE WORLD PREMIER @JakeSnakeMovie JAN 12 2016 Exclusively on iTunes Preorder NOW USA CANADA UK https://t.co/7DoCorpB8A

— DDPYOGA.com (@DDPYoga) January 4, 2016

– The CBS Philadelphia affiliate profiled Chikara ahead of their new season that begins on January 30 in Philly. Included are quotes from Mike Quackenbush on Chikara’s type “performance art” and Kimber Lee winning the CHIKARA Title on their last show.

– The first look at Dave Bautista’s character in “Warrior’s Gate” has been released. The movie is scheduled for release later this year.

– The Tragos/Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame announced Dave Meltzer as the recipient of the 2016 Jim Melby Award for wrestling journalism. PWTorch editor Wade Keller received the honor in 2015. This year’s Hall of Fame class also includes Chael Sonnen. The HOF weekend takes place July 14-16 in Waterloo, Iowa.

– WWNLive released a free match of Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann vs. Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams from EVOLVE 43 in May 2015.