NEW

Northeast Wrestling, a New York-based independent promotion that typically books huge stars for its larger shows, has announced the main event of its August 27 show in Wappinger Falls, NY: Kurt Angle versus Cody Rhodes.

NEW has scored a major coup by signing up both Angle and Rhodes for the date. Angle's TNA contract ended in January, and since then, he's been able to pick and choose a very limited amount of independent dates around the globe. Rhodes, meanwhile, was released from WWE at his own request earlier this month.

This is the first independent match announced for the former Intercontinental Champion, whose no-compete clause expires on August 19.


Entitled "Wrestling Under the Stars V," NEW's largest annual show also boasts another first-time ever dream match in the semi-main event, when former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy takes on the legendary Jushin Thunder Liger. Also announced for the show are Matt Hardy, Mike Bennett, Kamaitachi, Sami Callihan, and appearances by Mick Foley and Jerry Lawler.

The event is also notable because it's running head to head with Ring of Honor's annual "Field of Honor" show at Brooklyn's MCU Park. Though the two shows are located about 100 miles apart, New York-area fans will have to decide which card looks more appealing. So far, no matches have been announced for the ROH show.