Author: Bryan Rose

Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.

NJPW World Tag League live results: The tournament begins

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Just as we finish with one tag team tournament, another begins.

New Japan starts their World Tag League tonight in Kanagawa. Much like the last tournament, blocks have been eliminated for this year’s tag league. Instead, everyone will fight one another, with the top two winners advancing to the finals on December 9.

Tournament matches tonight include The Guerillas of Destiny vs. Togi Makabe and Toa Henare, Chuckie T & Beretta vs. Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page, Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata and David Finlay & Juice Robinson vs. Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino.

A ten man tag team match will headline in the main event. The CHAOS contingent of Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, YOH and SHO will take on Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, BUSHI and Shingo Takagi.

Join us for live coverage starting 4:30 a.m. EDT. There will be English commentary.

**********

Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin defeated Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura

Good opener. Cobb and Elgin gel well as a team. Both Uemura and Tsuji looked good; the former stood out more in this match than in others I’ve seen him in. Cobb got the win for his team after pinning Tsuji with the Tour of the Islands.

Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi defeated Tomoaki Honma and Ren Narita

Taka Michinoku, who’s in a middle of a scandal in Japan, accompanied Zack Sabre Jr. to the ring and cut his usual promo.

This was very much like the previous match, though this felt longer. Honma’s fine in these tag matches but he comes off as slow at times, which is pretty sad. But it’s also a legit miracle he’s still wrestling after being paralyzed for a short period.Taichi controlled the last few minutes of the match, busting open Narita’s nose. He then struck him with a kick to the temple for the win.

Minoru Suzuki, Takashi Iizuka and Desperado defeated Killer Elite Squad and Yoshinobu Kanemaru

Both teams brawled to start things off. Iizuka took to bit both Archer and Smith. Archer went to chokeslam Iizuka but he managed to escape by biting Archer’s hand. Kanemaru and Desperado, the current IWGP Jr. tag champions, battled one another as well.

KES had the killer bomb on Suzuki but Iizuka broke it up. Kanemaru came in with an enziguri on Suzuki, but he quickly cut off Kanemaru and pinned him with the Gotch piledriver. This was okay, but only interesting because of the Suzuki-gun interfighting.

World Tag League: David Finlay & Juice Robinson defeated Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida

This was worked like a slightly better version of the opener. The young lions looked great — Yoshida definitely has something and Umino is the best overall young lion in the promotion right now so they gel well here. 

Umino went off on both Finlay and Juice with strikes. The two countered with a double flapjack. Finlay then hit the stunner for the win, right as Juice took out Yoshia with a crossbody off the top rope.

World Tag League: Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi defeated Tencozy

I liked this match. These four haven’t been around much this year, so this was a nice highlight reel for them. Nakanishi was thrown into the barricade as Nagata had Kojima in the armbar. He took out the returning Tenzan and speared Kojima. He then connected with the exploder suplex for the win. This was fun.

World Tag League: Best Friends defeated Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi

This was very fun, the best match of the show up to this point. Chuck Taylor and Hangman Page in particular were great here. Beretta was right behind them and Yujiro, well, he was there.

Page powerbombed Chuckie T and tagged in Yujiro, who went for the Tokyo Pimps on Beretta. Chuckie T pushed Hangman off the top rope and the two ended up hitting Roppongi Vice’s old finish, the Strong Zero, for the win.

World Tag League: Guerillas of Destiny defeated Togi Makabe and Toa Henare

This was just…there. It was fine, but it felt like just two teams having a wrestling match for 90% of the bout. The last 10% was at least pretty heated.

Makabe made a comeback and tagged in Henare as they did a double ten count in the corner. Loa fired back and hit a blue thunder bomb. Makabe came in and hit the ropes, which allowed Jado to strike Makabe with the cane. Loa blocked the gun stun and hit a samoan drop. Loa came back with a big lariat and connected with the sitout piledriver for the win.

Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI and Shingo Takagi defeated Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and Roppongi 3K

This was pretty good, but felt like a shorter version of the usual ten man tag matches they do on these tours. Nothing wrong about it, solid overall, but nothing you need to go out of your way to see.

Sure enough, things get crazy not that far into the match as LIJ quickly takes things to the outside. Once things settled down, LIJ began working over Yano, who was up to his usual antics. Okada came in and ran wild, doing a million things at once and taking out most of LIJ.

SHO and YOH are tagged in and take on BUSHI, then Naito. EVIL takes guard as Naito eventually picks up the win with the Destino on YOH.

All of LIJ cut a promo in the ring, with Naito doing the LIJ roll call (twice, as he forgot to include himself in the first) to close out the show.

Current World Tag League Standings:

David Finlay & Juice Robinson: 2
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi: 2
Best Friends: 2
Guerillas of Destiny: 2
Togi Makabe & Toa Henare: 0
Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi: 0
Tencozy: 0
Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida: 0

VIDEO: ‘WWE Day Of’ with Becky Lynch

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Here is a video of a new WWE digital series, WWE Day Of, which features Becky Lynch responding to her Survivor Series fate.

In the video, you can see what happened the day following Raw, when a punch by Nia Jax gave Becky Lynch a broken nose. She was set to compete against Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series this Sunday, but the injury changed things. In the video, you can see Lynch being called to a closed door meeting. It is there that she learns that WWE medical staff would not clear her in time for Sunday.

The video also says that she was given the task of naming her replacement. On SmackDown this past Tuesday, Lynch named Charlotte as her replacement, telling her to make Rousey tap out. The two then hugged despite feuding with one another for the last few months.

It isn’t known how long Lynch will be out of action.

Nick Diaz reportedly close to finalizing UFC return

Posted on by Bryan Rose

After four years, it appears that Nick Diaz may be making a return to the octagon next year.

Brett Okamoto of ESPN is reporting that Diaz is close to finalizing to return to the UFC at UFC 235, which is scheduled for March 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada. If both sides agree, Diaz will face Jorge Masvidal in a welterweight bout. The report says that Masvidal told ESPN this week that he had been offered the fight, but wasn’t sure if Diaz would accept.

Diaz last fought for the UFC back at UFC 183 in January of 2015, losing to Anderson Silva by unanimous decision. The result was overturned after Silva tested positive for drostanolone and androsterone. Diaz also tested positive for marijuana and suspended Diaz for 18 months. He was again suspended after missing three drug tests out-of-competition.

Masvidal also hasn’t fought in a while. He’s been out due to injuries as well as taking part in a Spanish-language reality show.

VIDEO: ‘Fighting with My Family’ movie trailer

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Here is the trailer for the upcoming movie Fighting with My Family.

The movie will tell the story of Saraya Bevis, better known as Paige, and her journey to becoming a WWE superstar. It will show Paige living with her family, all wrestlers including her father Ricky Knight and her mother Saraya. The trailers shows both she and her brother Zak try out for WWE, as well as Paige’s journey to becoming women’s champion.

The film was announced back in 2017, with the Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions and WWE Studios on board as producers. It stars Florence Pugh as Paige, Jack Lowden as Zak, Nick Frost as Ricky Knight and Lena Headey as Saraya. Thea Trinidad (now Zelina Vega) also makes a cameo as AJ Lee, who Paige beat for the Divas championship in her debut.

Fighting with My Family is set for release next February It will be distributed through MGM.

Updated SmackDown teams for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Most of the SmackDown teams have been set for this Sunday’s Survivor Series elimination matches.

With Daniel Bryan receiving a big opportunity to face AJ Styles for the WWE title on SmackDown (and later winning it), GM Paige removed Bryan from the match, making The Miz the sole capitan for his Survivor Series team. After Jeff Hardy defeated Andrade Cien Almas, Miz decided to add Hardy to the team, once again completing the team. He wanted Rey Mysterio off the team, so Paige made a match where if Miz could defeat Mysterio, he’d be removed. Mysterio won after a crucifix roll up, solidifying his spot.

That officially makes the Survivor Series elimination match The Miz, Shane McMahon, Samoa Joe, Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio of SmackDown taking on the Raw team of Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Finn Balor and Bobby Lashley.

Meanwhile, The Usos finished off their team by adding Sanity, The Colons and Anderson & Gallows. They, alongside the New Day, will take on Raw team of Bobby Roode and Chad Gable, The B-Team, The Ascension, The Revival and Lucha House Party.

Survivor Series will take place this Sunday, November 18, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Daily Update: Jim Ross, UFC 232, more UFC notes

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Crown Jewel

WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia ended up being almost as much of a mess as most expected it to be. A tag team main event with the combined age of 206, two of the promotion’s biggest stars pulling out of the show, Hulk Hogan returning to WWE television without the company really promoting it in advance, Brock Lesnar once again becoming Universal Champion, and Shane McMahon winning the World Cup tournament were the most notable moments from a show that is on the list of the most controversial events in WWE history.

WON NEWSLETTER: November 12, 2018 Observer Newsletter: WWE Crown Jewel review, more

The fallout of Crown Jewel is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Look at the returns of Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar’s new contract, Shane McMahon’s World Cup win, the stock price, network cancellations, and Renee Young on tour.

Look at Survivor Series and TLC plans, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Read the run down of the UFC’s schedule for the first three months of 2019, including the ESPN strategy to get people to subscribe to ESPN+, and plans for matches on the early shows of the year.

Also look at WrestleKingdom 2019, with the lineup announced, other matches expected, the tag team tournament, plus full coverage of Power Struggle with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.

Read coverage of the end of the overrun and what it means, WWE buying tape library, WWE stars get married this past week, Hulk & Linda Hogan TV special, new NXT Takeover match, details on the WWE tryouts in Germany and notes on those who were there.

Look at the career of Jose Lothario, one of the biggest stars in the history of Texas wrestling.

Run down UFC 230, including PPV numbers, TV numbers, lessons of the show, plus match-by-match coverage with poll results.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Becky Lynch responded to the blood (and subsequent injuries) on last night’s Raw on Twitter by simply stating “Irish war paint.” WWE did post the video of the closing moments of Raw on YouTube, but edited the video to make it black and white after Lynch was busted up.
  • She also, in storyline, felt disrespected by a interviewer during the European tour last week.
  • John Cena is appearing in a number of commercials for Skyy Vodka.
  • Today is the 13th anniversary of Eddie Guerrero’s passing.
  • Edge & Christian’s podcast now has a home on Westwood One. Their next show will feature both Nita Strauss and Shawn Michaels.
  • The poster for this year’s NXT TakeOver: WarGames has been released.

Pro Wrestling

  • Jim Ross wrote on Twitter: “I’m reluctantly heading to #LAX this week for my final voiceover session with @AXSTV as these 3 shows will take us to the end of the year when my contract ends. Thanks @Adamswift34 @dannyzack & the entire crew.” Dave Meltzer reported in last week’s Observer that due to a contractual issue, he’ll miss shows that will air from 12/31 through 3/31, when his WWE contract expires.
  • The first Pro-Wrestling All Star Battle match has been announced. NOSAWA and Kaz Hayashi will team up to take on the team of Mil Mascaras (76) and Dos Caras (67).
  • ROH has officially announced Matt Taven vs. Dalton Castle for Final Battle, which is taking place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on December 14.
  • MLW announced today that Rush vs. MJF is set for Never Say Never on December 13.
  • Darby Allin has challenged Kassius Ohno to a match at EVOLVE 117 on December 15.
  • Happy birthday to Hiroshi Tanahashi, who turns 42 today.
  • Nick Jackson posted an interesting picture on Instagram earlier today.
  • Eric Bischoff took part in a TED talk on Monday talking about the wrestling business.

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: TNA Turning Point 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

Raw men’s teams set for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The men’s teams for key Survivor Series elimination matches have now been set following tonight’s episode of Raw.

The final two participants in the Raw Survivor Series men’s team are Finn Balor and Bobby Lashley. After beating Dolph Ziggler, Stephanie McMahon added Balor to the match backstage. Later on, Bobby Lashley defeated Elias by count out after Lio Rush prevented Elias from beating the ten count. The two join Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler in representing Raw.

The show started off tonight with a tag team battle royal that would determine the captain of the team. It was abruptly ended when Braun Strowman came out and destroyed everyone in sight. The battle royal did take place later on in the show, with Chad Gable and Bobby Roode scoring the win. They will captain the team of The B-Team, The Ascension, Lucha House Party and The Revival.

Survivor Series will take place on November 18, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. 

Cody Rhodes out of ROH Global Wars match, will undergo MRI

Posted on by Bryan Rose

An injury has put Cody Rhodes out of tomorrow’s IWGP United States title match at ROH Global Wars.

Rhodes made the announcement today on his Twitter account, noting that he would not be able to make his title defense against Beretta tomorrow in Toronto, saying that a replacement would be named.

“Sadly folks I will not be able to wrestle tomorrow in Toronto” he wrote. “I will still be at the pre-show meet/greet to say hello to everybody. ROH & I will find a suitable replacement for the match. I’m extremely sorry. I’ll be able to confirm the extent of the issue after an MRI this week.”

Rhodes also described how the injury happened on 11/9, saying he felt a pop in his knee as he was teasing tossing a t-shirt into the crowd.

“Going from one side of the crowd to the other last night, teasing a t-shirt toss of all things…heard a loud POP in my knee,” he wrote. “Terryfing (sic). Hoping it was just a lil’ meniscus and Sunday I can still deliver.”

Cody and Beretta had been building the feud during the last New Japan tour, with Beretta issuing a challenge to Cody for the championship during a Road to Power Struggle event.

RevPro British Heavyweight title match set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A rematch from earlier this year has been made official for Wrestle Kingdom 13.

At today’s RevPro Uprising event in London, Tomohiro Ishii defeated David Starr to retain the British Heavyweight title. Following the match, members of Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Taichi, Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr.) came in and put the boots to him, unable to defend himself. Zack Sabre Jr. then appeared and said he was invoking his contractually obligated rematch, and this time he wanted it at Wrestle Kingdom 13.

Sabre lost the championship to Tomohiro Ishii back on April 6 at RevPro’s WrestleCon show in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ishii then lost the title to Minoru Suzuki during the Strong Style Evolved UK tour in Manchester in July. Ishii regained the championship last month during a RevPro/New Japan Global Wars event back on October 14. Ishii most recently defended the title at Power Struggle, where he defeated Suzuki to retain the championship. 

Wrestle Kingdom 13 will take place at the Tokyo Dome on January 4.

Joey Ryan says surgery ‘likely’ following torn pectoral muscle

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Joey Ryan has pulled himself from dates this weekend following a torn pectoral muscle.

During tonight’s MLW television tapings in Chicago, Ryan came to the ring for a scheduled tag match with his arm in a sling. Despite being injured, he and Swoggle ended up defeating the Dirty Blondes. Following the bout, Ryan took off his sling and revealed that his arm was black and purple, saying that he had torn his pec and surgery was likely.

On Twitter, Ryan posted a picture of the injured area, saying “Had a blast teaming with @wwehornswoggle tonight in Chicago but it’s true; I tore my pec (heard it’s going around) last night in Austin. Unfortunately, I need to pull off [Pro Wrestling After Dark] & [Southside Wrestling] for the rest of the weekend so I can see my doctor & figure out the severity of it.

Ryan is referring to Triple H, who tore his pectoral muscle during Crown Jewel last Friday. He underwent successful surgery the following Tuesday.

NXT Women’s title match set for TakeOver: WarGames

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler will go at it once again at NXT TakeOver: WarGames, this time under a new stipulation.

Baszler, flanked by friends Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, was being interviewed by Cathy Kelley. She brought up Sane possibly invoking her rematch clause, which Baszler didn’t seem fazed by. NXT GM William Regal then came came in, which caused Duke and Shafir to be on guard. Regal said that in fact Sane had in fact invoked her rematch clause, and this time it would be contested in a 2 out of 3 falls match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.

Sane lost the title to Baszler at WWE Evolution last month after passing out from the kirifuda lock. The loss wasn’t without controversy as Duke and Shafir made their debut on television, attacking Sane and helping Baszler score the submission win.

NXT TakeOver: WarGames will take place on November 17 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 

NJPW reveals participants for World Tag Leauge 2018

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The lineup for this year’s World Tag League has been revealed.

No real surprises were announced for this year’s tournament — save for the Young Bucks, anyone you’d think would be in here is, including current champions Guerrillas of Destiny. Like this year’s Super Jr. Tag League, this year’s tournament has no blocks and everyone will battle it out, with the top two teams with the most points facing off on 12/9 in Iwate.

A most interesting combination will be teaming during the tour as Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi are joining forces for a number of dates in six man and eight man tag bouts. The two have been teasing an alliance of sorts for the last few months.

Shows that will air live on New Japan World include 11/17 (opening day, CHAOS vs. LIJ ten man tag), 11/18 (Cobb & Elgin vs. SANADA & EVIL, will also air for free), 11/25 (SANADA & EVIL vs. Taichi & Sabre), 11/29 (Tanahashi/Okada/KUSHIDA vs. White/Fale/Ishimori), 11/30 (Tanahashi/Okada/KUSHIDA/Romero vs. White/Fale/Ishimori/Gedo), 12/2 (same as 11/30), 12/6 (same as the two prior shows), 12/7 (Yano & Ishii vs. Guerillas of Destiny) and 12/9 (finals). The first two shows and the last four shows on the tour will have English commentary. A full listing of matches can be found on New Japan’s website.

The list of tag teams for this year’s World Tag League are:

  • Togi Makabe & Toa Henare
  • Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi
  • Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino
  • Juice Robinson & David Finlay
  • Michael Elgin & Jeff Cobb
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano
  • Beretta & Chuckie T
  • Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
  • Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka
  • Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi
  • EVIL & SANADA

AWA Team Challenge Series’ pilot coming to WWE Network tomorrow

Posted on by Bryan Rose

What is being billed as a pilot for the AWA’s infamous Team Challenge Series will be the WWE Network’s Hidden Gem tomorrow.

WWE Network News reported that a unreleased 39 minute Team Challenge Series pilot with a date of 10/23/1989 will be uploaded to the network. The description reads: “Witness this unreleased home video pilot from the dying days of the AWA, as they unleash the infamous team challenge series.”

The Team Challenge Series was one of the last big angles the AWA ran, starting in the fall of 1989 through the summer of 1990. The roster was split into three factions: Larry Zybysko’s Legends, Baron von Rasche’s Blitzers and Sgt. Slaughter’s Snipers. Col. DeBeers took over Slaughter’s team when he left for the WWE the following year, renaming them the Diamondcutters.

Former jobber Jake Milliman ended up winning the series for Larry’s Legends, last eliminating Col Debeers in a battle royal for a (kayfabe) one million dollar check.

WWE reveals SmackDown Survivor Series teams

Posted on by Bryan Rose

More announcements on tonight’s episode of SmackDown continue to shape things up for Survivor Series later this month.

Shane McMahon and Paige started off the show by officially announcing that AOP would take on The Bar in a battle of tag team champions. They also named Daniel Bryan and The Miz as co-captains for the men’s Survivor Series team, with Shane McMahon also announcing himself being a part of the team.

Throughout the show, there were a couple of matches that helped flesh out the rest of the SmackDown men’s team. Rey Mysterio defeated Andrade Cien Almas while Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy to advance.

There was also a tag team Survivor Series elimination match announced, pitting Raw tag teams against SmackDown teams. The Usos defeated The New Day to become the captains of the SmackDown team, then asked the New Day come to join them on the team. They accepted.

Paige later came out and introduced the SmackDown women’s team. Naomi, Carmella, Sonya Deville, Asuka and Charlotte Flair were introduced as the blue brand’s team. Noticeably, Charlotte didn’t come out when her name was announced, playing into last week’s angle where she didn’t want to be team captain. Mandy Rose, who is normally associated with Sonya Deville, was mad that she wasn’t picked for the team and brawled with Naomi, who called her out.

Here is the current card so far for Survivor Series, which will take place at the Staples Center on November 18:

  • Universal champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE champion AJ Styles
  • Raw women’s champion Ronda Rousey vs. SmackDown women’s champion Becky Lynch
  • Intercontinental champion Seth Rollins vs. United States champion Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Raw tag team champions AOP vs. SmackDown tag team champions The Bar
  • Men’s Survivor Series elimination match: Team Raw (Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, TBA and TBA) vs. Team SmackDown (The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Shane McMahon, Rey Mysterio and Samoa Joe)
  • Women’s Survivor Series elimination match: Team Raw (TBA) vs. Team SmackDown (Carmella, Asuka, Naomi, Sonya Deville and Charlotte Flair)
  • Tag Team Survivor Series elimination match: Team Raw (TBA) vs. Team Smackdown (The Usos, The New Day, TBA, TBA and TBA)

Daily Update: SmackDown notes, Tetsuya Naito, Taka Michinoku

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

Smackdown, 205 Live and Mixed Match Challenge were taped earlier today in Manchester, England (TJP vs. Gran Metalik, Buddy Murphy vs. Mark Andrews, Bobby Lashley & Mickie James vs. Finn Balor & Bayley and R-Truth & Carmella vs. Jimmy Uso & Naomi) and there was a Raw house show in Leeds, England.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Evolution

An incredible amount of devotion from all involved resulted in WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view being a special night and a strong contender for the company’s best show of the year. Evolution wasn’t just an event that was worthy of its place in history — it elevated it. The wrestlers who competed in the ring, everyone involved with putting the PPV together, and the fans in attendance all worked in unison to make Evolution a show that exceeded all reasonable expectations.

WON NEWSLETTER: October 29, 2018 Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns diagnosed with leukemia

Look behind-the-scenes at the decisions regarding Crown Jewel as the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Find out about the decision making process, how the last week went down, why the show almost didn’t happen, negative media reaction, why WWE can survive negativity more now than in the past, what happened with John Cena, Daniel Bryan and Hulk Hogan, and different plans thrown out for Bryan vs. A.J. Styles and why they didn’t happen.

Read full coverage of WWE Evolution with notes on the business, notes on mainstream interest, match-by-match coverage with star ratings as well as poll results from the show.

Go in-depth on WWE business. Look at where the declines took place that led to the stock falling, and what is and isn’t significant about them. Look at the network numbers and compare the post-WrestleMania drop with last year.

Look at the house show business, including Vince McMahon’s comments on the decline, as well as a breakdown on the merchandise business, NXT ticket sales and full 2018 attendance numbers for the main brands and for NXT.

Also look at WrestleMania tickets, WWE content production, a Roman Reigns story, more on Reigns’ diagnosis, the WWE/Evolve relationship, changes to Evolve through usage of WWE talent, plans for the next Takeover show, injury updates.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Here’s the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown from Manchester, England: Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe for a spot on SmackDown’s Survivor Series men’s team, Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas, Becky Lynch issuing an open challenge and The New Day vs. The Usos to determine the captains for a Raw tag teams vs. SmackDown tag teams match at Survivor Series.
  • AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan defeated Randy Orton & The Miz in a dark match main event at today’s tapings.
  • Edge & Christian and The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) will appear on the season finale of WWE Ride Along.
  • WWE Network News reported that collections on the nWo and WWE’s Matches of the Year from 2018 are scheduled to be added to the Network in December.
  • 2K released two new content packs today for WWE 2K19. One is a “Woooo! Edition Pack” that unlocks Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, new attire for Ric Flair and Charlotte and the 1983 Starrcade arena. The other pack, “Ronda Rousey & Rey Mysterio Pack” lets you play as both wrestlers plus also unlocks new Towers: Ronda Has Arrived and Rey Returns. Both are available now for $7.99.
  • WWE is looking for a creative writer’s assistant.
  • Over the weekend, WWE uploaded a nine-minute behind-the-scenes video from Evolution.
  • Sportbible talked to Nia Jax about Roman Reign’s battle with leukemia.

Pro Wrestling

  • In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Tetsuya Naito revealed that he was offered a WWE contract after Dominion this past June, but turned it down. “I didn’t even give it thought,” he told them. “This New Japan ring is already the world’s number one stage. The fans know this. That’s why I think we should focus on our home crowd before looking international.”
  • Taka Michinoku is facing a scandal in Japan after Japanese magazine FLASH revealed that he has been having an extramarital affair for the last eight years. Michinoku took to Twitter to apologize for his actions. New Japan has not commented on the matter yet. Kaientai Dojo (which was founded by Michinoku back in 2002) have responded to the report, saying that they would take appropriate action.
  • Matt Jackson tweeted about The Young Bucks not being on NJPW’s World Tag League tour: “Truthfully we were never even offered the tour. But yes, it wouldn’t make sense to leave our families for close to 4 weeks during the holidays for many reasons; finances only being one amongst many.”
  • NJPW released the official poster for Wrestle Kingdom 13. It features Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Kazuchika Okada, Jay White, KUSHIDA, and Kota Ibushi.
  • Masato Yoshino vs. PAC for the Open the Dream Gate championship will take place on 12/4 at Korakuen Hall.
  • Impact Wrestling is partnering with House of Glory for Culture Clash 19 in Queens, New York during WrestleMania week.
  • This week’s episode of Being the Elite was filmed on the Jericho cruise and includes an appearance by “H” at the end.
  • The latest Ten Pounds of Gold looks at everything from the NWA 70th anniversary show, including the 2 out of 3 falls main event.
  • Mauricio Rios, who most recently was an executive at Telemundo, has been named VP of programing and acquisitions for the El Rey network.
  • MJF will defend his Middleweight title against Marko Stunt, Kotto Brazil, and Jason Cade in a four-way ladder match at the second night of MLW’s tapings in Miami, Florida next month. The tapings are being held on December 13 and 14.
  • Today is NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis’ 32nd birthday.
  • Here is a trailer for the third night of PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles.

UFC/MMA

  • Ben Askren talked to FloCombat about the reported match between he and Robbie Lawler that is said to be taking place in January. He said that he’s a bad matchup for anyone, including Lawler.
  • Paige VanZant will face Rachael Ostovich in a flyweight bout on January 19, the first show to air on ESPN+.
  • Belal Muhammad vs. Geoff Neal has also been added to the 1/19 card.
  • Chad Mendes vs. Alex Volkanovski has been added to the UFC 232 card in Las Vegas.
  • Anthony Johnson, who hasn’t fought since April of 2017, is expressing interest in returning to MMA, but only if he gets to face Jon Jones for the heavyweight title.
  • Ali Abdelaziz told Ariel Helwani that Khabib Nurmagomedov only has one fight left in his UFC contract.
  • Sage Northcutt, who has been a free agent since July, is headed to a ONE press conference this Friday.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: AAA When Worlds Collide

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