National Wrestling Alliance Star and Cancer Survivor Blk Jeez Survives Shooting, Attempted Carjacking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2024

PHILADELPHIA - National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) star and cancer survivor Blk Jeez, legal name Darnell Kittrell, survived an attempted carjacking on Thurs., January 11, at approximately 7 p.m. in Philadelphia. Kittrell, who was in his vehicle, was approached by four masked men. In the course of the incident, one of the assailants shot Kittrell in the hip, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury.

Kittrell, who possesses a permit to carry a gun, used his legally registered firearm to defend himself and returned fire. The suspects fled the scene, and investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage for leads. Kittrell was taken to a local hospital and is recovering. 

The incident presents another, unfortunate setback for Kittrell, who was scheduled to make his return to in-ring action Sat., January 13 at NWA Paranoia in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In Spring 2023, the competitor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a form of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow — and Kittrell’s courageous battle with cancer since has been one of resilience and determination.

In response to the terrifying carjacking and shooting, Kittrell expressed his gratitude for the early outpouring of support. He states: "I was looking forward to making my return this weekend. I would love to make the trip regardless of the soreness and pain that I'm in. However, my gut tells me to stay home with my family this weekend. I look forward to making my return at the next NWA event. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

NWA President William Patrick Corgan also wished Blk Jeez a speedy recovery, expressing anticipation for his return to NWA Signature Live Events. "We stand by Blk Jeez during this challenging time and wish him a swift recovery. His strength and resilience have inspired us all, and we eagerly await his return to the NWA ring. Our thoughts are with him and his family," stated Corgan.

NWA Paranoia is scheduled for this Saturday at Revolution Live, located at 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The Signature Live Event is is set to begin at 7 p.m.. The matches are being recorded for broadcast on upcoming episodes of NWA Powerrr, as programming for the CW. Immediately following NWA Paranoia, the wrestling action continues with the late night co-promoted show NWA x CCW Via Revolution. The following day, wrestling fans can attend NWA Powerrr television tapings at WEDU Studios located at 1300 North Boulevard Tampa, FL 33607. 

Contact: Joe Galli
Email: jgalli@nationalwrestlingalliance.com

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE

Established in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance is one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands worldwide. In 2017, internationally renowned recording artist William Patrick Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) acquired the NWA with the vision of reinventing the brand for the modern era while honoring its legacy from the 1980s. The NWA has expanded its programming, starting with the critically acclaimed Ten Pounds Of Gold docu-series, followed by weekly broadcasts of NWA Powerrr, available for free on the CW app.