Author: Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade. In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.

Daily Update: NJPW in Kobe, Kenny Omega, Goldberg

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for reports on WWE Raw in Fresno, SmackDown in Rio Rancho, NM, NXT in Bethlehem, PA and Largo, FL and ROH TV tapings in Las Vegas to [email protected].

BELLATOR MMA AT 9 P.M. EASTERN SATURDAY FROM THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Spike at 9 p.m. Eastern time

  • Justin Linn (146) vs. Aaron Pico (144.5)
  • Adam Piccolotti (155.2) vs.  Goiti Yamaguchi (155.9)
  • Javy Ayala (265.3) vs. Roy Nelson (262.4)
  • Paul Daley (171) vs. Lorenz Larkin (171)
  • Benson Henderson (155.9) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freiere (156)

Taped for Spike on 10/6 for Bellator Kickboxing

  • Joe Palacios (146) vs. Malaipet Sasiprapa (144)
  • Jorina Baars (142.8) vs. Anmek Van Gestel (142.5)
  • Najab Idali (182.8) vs. Joe Schilling (185.2)
  • Raymond Daniels (169.7) vs. Karim Ghajji (169.3)
  • Kevin Ross (144.3) vs. Domenico Lomurno (143.4)

NJPW DESTRUCTION IN KOBE AT 3 A.M. EASTERN TIME AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC LAST SATURDAY/EARLY SUNDAY FROM KOBE WORLD MEMORIAL HALL ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Hirai Kawato vs. Katsuya Kitamura & Tomoyuki Oka
  • Ricochet & Ryusuke Taguchi & Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask & Jushin Liger vs. Taka Michinoku & Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi & Takashi Iizuka
  • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens
  • Baretta vs. Yujiro Takahashi
  • War Machine vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer for IWGP tag titles
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Kota Ibushi & David Finlay
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & David Finlay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Bushi
  • Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Evil & Hiromu Takahashi
  • Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson for U.S. title

Sunday we’re looking for reports from the WWE SmackDown house show in Las Cruces, NM and NXT in Amherst, MA.

WWE NO MERCY AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME SUNDAY FROM THE STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

  • Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for WWE title
  • John Cena vs. Roman Reigns
  • Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro & Sheamus for WWE tag title
  • The Miz vs. Jason Jordan for IC title
  • Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Emma vs. Bayley vs. Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks fro women’s title
  • Neville vs. Enzo Amore for cruiserweight title
  • Apollo Crews vs. Elias (preshow match at 7:30 p.m.)

Raw will be Monday night from Ontario, CA. Neither Brock Lesnar nor John Cena are being advertised for Raw this week even though both will be in Southern California the night before. SmackDown has a house show Monday night in El Paso, TX.

SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday night in Glendale, AZ.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 9/18/2017: Remembering Bobby Heenan

When someone passes away, whether it’s a celebrity or someone in our lives, a usual lament is that we didn’t appreciate them enough while they were alive. It’s typical human nature for us to not fully grasp how important someone is until they’re gone. But in the sadness that has surrounded the death of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, it’s clear that wasn’t the case with him.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:September 25, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: The deaths of Bobby Heenan and Otto Wanz

It’s a double issue this week of the Observer with major stories on Bobby Heenan and his career as well as Heenan behind the scenes, a story on the WWE Network and behind the different ideas they’ve talked about, as well as lengthy pieces on historical figures Otto Wanz and Ruben Juarez.

Look at Henan’s different roles in wrestling, how he got started, the WCW era, the AWA years, leaving WWE and why he may have never been brought back by WWE full-time.

Find out all the different ideas thrown out in the recent WWE Network survey, as well as the viability of some of them.

With Otto Wanz, look at his AWA title, his biggest career matches, how he got started in boxing and wrestling, a story regarding he and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the heyday of the CWA and how it was different from every other promotion in the world and what made it such a great territory to learn in, and what made him famous as a celebrity in Austria.

This issue contains details on the Vince McMahon/Kevin Owens angle, WWE bringing back the Starrcade name, the sale of WCW to WWF in 2001, the legacy of Starrcade, the first Starrcade, how Vince McMahon destroyed Starrcade and helped drive Jim Crockett Promotions out of business, the new Starrcade show, the next NXT Takeover show, more on Ric Flair, Ronda Rousey in WWE notes, Nikki Bella on Dancing With the Stars, Chris Jericho’s cruise idea in detail, and a Shayna Baszler update

Get an update on the Impact promotion and its move of TV to Ottawa, looking at the plans, the GFW name, the building they are going to, the pros and cons of moving, the situation with Jim Cornette, what happens to the ATT angle, and much more.

This issues runs down of the CMLL 84th anniversary show, the two mask vs. mask matches and match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

Also look at the New Japan Destruction in Hiroshima show, the angles, why King of Pro Wrestling looks like one of the best shows of the year, new lineup for Destruction in Kobe and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Subscribers clike here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: August 28, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Hall of Fame issue

In our largest one year inclusion in history, seven new members were named to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in a balloting of performers, front office people, reports, historians and some well known wrestling experts. Four of the newcomers were voted on by the largest voting panel to date and three others were chosen largely by lobbying from historians providing research as to why they clearly belonged.

Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • In an interview with WWE.com about the 20th anniversary of his debut, Goldberg continued to keep the door open for a potential return to the ring. “Hey, man, never say never, dude,” he said. “Stranger things have happened. I did sit [around] for 13 years and then suddenly appear back in the ring. Let’s just say it ain’t gonna take nearly the effort to get me ready again that it did last time. So, I’ll see you on the rebound for damn sure.”
  • Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai, and Raul Mendoza are all on the road with NXT for their first house shows outside of Florida on this weekend’s tour of New England.
  • Today is also Sane’s 29th birthday.
  • Apollo Crews vs. Elias is the pre-show match for tomorrow’s No Mercy pay-per-view.
  • John Cena appeared on yesterday’s episode of the Edge & Christian podcast to discuss his future in pro wrestling and his storyline with Roman Reigns.
  • TMZ asked Charlotte Flair about a potential match against Ronda Rousey, with Charlotte saying that Rousey knows where to find her. Charlotte said she’s not part of creative and doesn’t know if anything is set for a future match.
  • Country music star Darius Rucker visited Ric Flair as Flair continues to recover from his health issues.
  • Flair also appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show on ESPN Radio on Thursday to discuss last month’s health scare and how alcohol abuse led to the situation.
  • The Lapsed Fan podcast has parts one and two of their tribute to Bobby Heenan. Mike Mooneyham reflected on Heenan’s career in his latest column for the Post and Courier.

Pro Wrestling

  • Kenny Omega returns from his knee injury and defends the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship for the first time as he faces Juice Robinson at Destruction in Kobe overnight. It’s the last of NJPW’s Destruction shows, with most of the undercard being tags that will build to King of Pro Wrestling in October. War Machine will defend their IWGP tag titles against Guerrillas of Destiny and Killer Elite Squad in Kobe as well, and Trent Barreta will have his first singles match at heavyweight against Yujiro Takahashi. The show starts at 3 a.m. Eastern time.
  • NJPW World has parts one and two of a video interview with Omega about his return from injury.
  • ROH announced during last night’s Death Before Dishonor PPV that Omega would be on all four stops of their Global Wars tour in October. He had previously only been scheduled for the Chicago show on October 15th.
  • ROH also revealed that Supercard of Honor XII, their WrestleMania weekend show next year, will take place on Saturday, April 7th at the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.
  • The Ring of Honor tournament that will take place on Chris Jericho’s cruise next year will be for a future shot at the ROH World Championship.
  • PWG released the preview for the DVD of the third night of this year’s Battle of Los Angeles.
  • WDRB in Louisville has a story on OVW’s benefit show for Matt Cappotelli.
  • Celeste Bonin, who was formerly Kaitlyn in WWE, posted on Instagram that she was training in the ring for the first time in four years today at Main Event Training Center in Florida.
  • Yuji Nagata will face Zack Gibson at night one of RevPro’s Global Wars UK shows on November 9th. Rocky Romero vs. Bubblegum is set for the next night.

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Angle defeats Austin to win WWF World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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WWN events pulled from FloSlam schedule

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The relationship between FloSports and WWN, Inc. took another turn for the worse this afternoon.

Despite the ongoing legal situation, EVOLVE’s shows in Livonia, Michigan tonight and Summit, Illinois tomorrow had been scheduled to stream live on FloSlam — but that now won’t be happening. WWN’s Gabe Sapolsky announced on Twitter today that FloSlam won’t be airing tonight’s show.

“FloSlam is refusing to broadcast tonight’s EVOLVE event,” Sapolsky wrote. “We apologize, but this is their decision. Please contact them for customer issues.”

Sapolsky added that WWN is doing their best to get tonight’s show on their own website as soon as possible, which is how they used to offer events before their deal with FloSports began last year.

No WWN events are currently listed on the FloSlam schedule. IPW:UK’s Supershow 12, which will air on November 19th, is the only upcoming event currently listed.

News broke yesterday that FloSports had filed a lawsuit against WWN on September 15th in U.S. District Court in Travis County, Texas that asked for more than $1 million in damages. It alleged that WWN provided them with “just plain false” data on how many people were ordering events, causing FloSports to make a deal based on those numbers.

FloSports and WWN announced a five-year agreement in October of 2016, with shows from WWN promotions (EVOLVE, FIP, SHINE, and Style Battle) anchoring the streaming service’s content lineup since.

WWN attorney Samuel Heller released a statement earlier today claiming that FloSports was using the press to spread false statements about WWN. Heller also wrote that FloSports had failed to live up to their contractual obligations and that FloSlam is a mismanaged and failing platform.

UPDATE: FloSports confirmed that WWN events will no longer be available on FloSlam going forward: “Planned coverage of WWN events will no longer be available on FloSlam. This includes EVOLVE, SHINE, FIP, Style Battle, and ACW events. We know fans are excited about these events and we’re disappointed to share that we will no longer provide the coverage you deserve and expect. If you’d like a refund, please email [email protected] with the subject line ‘FloSlam Refund Request,’ and our team will assist you.”

Tonight’s EVOLVE show will be available on WWN’s website and they’re offering a $5 refund to FloSlam subscribers who purchase it if they send proof of their subscription.

WWE issues statement on Jinder Mahal promo from SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In response to criticism that Jinder Mahal’s promo from SmackDown — where he was scripted to mock Shinsuke Nakamura’s looks and race — has received, WWE issued a statement on the segment to the Washington Post last night.

“Just like many other TV shows or movies, WWE creates programming with fictional personalities that incorporates real world issues and sensitive subjects,” the company said. “As a producer of such TV shows, WWE Corporate is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”

The promo was the follow-up to a similar segment from the week prior where Mahal tried to prove that the fans will treat Nakamura the same way that they treat him because he also looks and talks differently.

Mahal’s comments this week included telling Nakamura that he always “rooks the same” and saying that the fans call him Mr. Miyagi (from the movie “The Karate Kid”) behind his back, which drew a “That’s too far” chant from the audience. WWE never uploaded a clip of the promo to their YouTube channel.

The statement was a response to some mainstream criticism the segment got, including the story that was being worked on by the Washington Post. The Washington Post article also included quotes from Dave Meltzer, who called the segment embarrassing for WWE and discussed the history of the foreign heel character in pro wrestling.

“Wrestling was always in its own little world,” Meltzer said. “Now everyone watches it, and you can’t get away with those kind of old tricks. The fan base will blame it on the company and not on the heel.”

Ric Flair admits to alcoholism, vows to never drink again

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In his first interview since last month’s health scare, Ric Flair detailed just how dire the problems were and how decades of alcohol abuse led to the situation.

Flair and Wendy Barlow, Flair’s fiancee and formerly Fifi the Maid in WCW, spoke to People magazine last week at the physical therapy center Flair’s recovering at in Georgia.

“The day he told me he had a stomach ache and it was really bad and he didn’t feel good and we had to go was the day that saved his life, because he was slowly dying,” Barlow said about the day she took Flair to the hospital. The years of heavy drinking led to organ problems and his bowel was “dying” before being put in a medically-induced coma and undergoing surgery.

Barlow noted that doctors told her that Flair only had a 20 percent chance of surviving the surgery. Flair said that he didn’t know how bad things were at the time, but Charlotte told him that a doctor told her to go see her father because he wasn’t going to make it.

Flair was able to survive the surgery, have a pacemaker installed, and get through the immediate dangers that he was facing. He’s started some physical therapy, but Tina Johnson, a senior editor for People, said that Flair has a long road ahead of him and can’t walk by himself yet.

Barlow credited her oldest daughter, the phone conversations she had with Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan’s support as helping her get through the scare. Hogan flew in and visited Flair in the hospital, with Flair reading a message that Hogan wrote to him: “The number of your days shall be filled. Now is the time to tell your story, now is the time to help millions of people. You are the greatest wrestler I have ever seen and have the honor to call a real friend. Love you my brother, you are ‘The Man.”

The video feature detailed Barlow previously trying to get Flair help for his issues with alcohol. He said that he knows that he’ll need to show people that he’s really changed his lifestyle, but he wants to do motivational speaking and teach others that they need to pay attention to what’s going on in their lives.

“I didn’t think I was an alcoholic, but obviously I was,” Flair told People. “I’ll never drink again. I never want to go through this again.”

The full video feature can be seen on People TV.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Fatal four-way main event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

SmackDown continued building to Hell in a Cell last night as Charlotte Flair returned to TV and Shane McMahon came back from his brief storyline suspension.

After being interrupted by Natalya, Charlotte set her sights on the Women’s Championship. Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Tamina wanted a shot as well, with Daniel Bryan making a fatal four-way number one contender’s main event between them.

Shane opened the episode by promising to get vengeance on Kevin Owens after his attack on Vince McMahon last week. Owens, appearing via satellite, apologized for his actions and blamed Shane for what he did.

Also on the show, Tye Dillinger stayed involved in the United States title picture after AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin never got started, Rusev got even with Randy Orton, and Jinder Mahal continued to make jokes about Shinsuke Nakamura’s race in a segment that WWE hasn’t uploaded to YouTube.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Shane McMahon vows to get vengeance on Kevin Owens

Randy Orton vs. Aiden English

Rusev gets even with Randy Orton

AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin for the United States Championship never gets started

Charlotte Flair returns to TV, Daniel Bryan makes a number one contender’s main event

The New Day vs. Hype Bros

The Hype Bros need to do something drastic to get back on the right track

Kevin Owens issues an apology

Dolph Ziggler copies some more entrances

Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi vs. Becky Lynch vs. Tamina for a title shot at Hell in a Cell

SmackDown fallout: Carmella keeps James Ellsworth on a short leash

SmackDown fallout: Charlotte Flair is ready to defeat Natalya again at Hell in a Cell

Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair set for WWE Hell in a Cell

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Charlotte Flair is back on television and is next in line for a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Charlotte pinned Tamina in a fatal four-way main event tonight to earn a shot at Natalya’s title at Hell in a Cell. The match also included Becky Lynch and Naomi.

Earlier in the night, Charlotte made her first appearance on SmackDown since her father’s health issues (though she’s been backstage at the show the last few weeks). She thanked everyone for their support, said that Ric Flair was making a comeback from his health problems, and that she’s learned that you have to make the moments count in life.

She was then interrupted by Natalya, who said that everyone is happy that Ric is doing better, but she wanted to focus on her “Celebration of Women.” That ended up being more of a celebration of Natalya until Charlotte challenged her to a title match, but Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Tamina all wanted a shot as well and Daniel Bryan made the main event official.

Another title match was also added to the Hell in a Cell lineup before SmackDown, with The New Day and Usos again set to face off with the tag titles on the line.

The recently opened Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan will host Hell in a Cell on October 8th. Here’s what the card looks like so far:

  • WWE Champion Jinder Mahal defending against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens in a Hell in a Cell match
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya defending against Charlotte Flair
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Usos

Daily Update: SmackDown tonight, Paige, Cris Cyborg

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

SmackDown and 205 Live are tonight in Oakland. A.J. Styles vs. Baron Corbin for the U.S. title is scheduled for the show.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 9/11/2017: Is the WWE main roster ready for Asuka?

With her vacating the NXT Women’s Championship and the storyline of both brands negotiating for her to join them, it appears that it won’t be very long until Asuka arrives on the main roster. That segment with her relinquishing the title aired on NXT TV last week, with there having been no announcement of how the next champion will be decided. But whoever it is, whether it’s someone currently in NXT or one of the Mae Young Classic finalists, they’ll have a difficult time living up to the standard that Asuka set.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:September 18, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon returns to TV, Mae Young Classic finals, more

The return of Vince McMahon for an angle with Kevin Owens and the copying of the Okada-Shibata spot is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. This issue has a run through of the next few WWE PPV shows.

Look at the mechanics behind it, the double standard involved and the WWE’s attempt to heat up the product as football season starts.

Read a full rundown of the Mae Young Classic finals including thoughts on all 32 competitors, who has signed, who is likely to be signed, and who isn’t likely to be signed. Plus, look at business notes on the tournament, both on where the shows stood in WWE Network ratings and public interest as compared with the early weeks of the cruiserweight classic, as well as some very interesting notes about what caused the peaks of interest.

This issues has an update on the condition of Big Show, why Asuka is going to Raw, WWE headed to India, Mick Foley’s knee replacement, Foley’s next book, Ric Fair’s next book, return of injured wrestler, market value of WWE, plus notes on the weekend NXT shows and the first show of the Raw overseas tour.

Coverage of UFC 215, what happened to Ray Borg, the judging of Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko, what Shevchenko did wrong, how close a fight it really was, plus business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

Check out New Japan’s first big show since G-1 ended, the Destruction in Fukushima, and what went wrong, why it went wrong and the main event booking, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including a breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

Subscribers clike here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: August 28, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Hall of Fame issue

In our largest one year inclusion in history, seven new members were named to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in a balloting of performers, front office people, reports, historians and some well known wrestling experts. Four of the newcomers were voted on by the largest voting panel to date and three others were chosen largely by lobbying from historians providing research as to why they clearly belonged.

Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Tonight’s SmackDown will feature Shane McMahon’s response to last week’s angle with Kevin Owens attacking Vince McMahon, AJ Styles will defend his United States Championship against Baron Corbin, Natalya hosting a “Celebration of Women” is advertised, and Jinder Mahal will continue his storyline with Shinsuke Nakamura.
  • 205 Live tonight has the final build to Neville vs. Enzo Amore at No Mercy and follow-up to Jack Gallagher’s heel turn from last week.
  • Dave Meltzer tweeted that the advance for SmackDown tonight isn’t strong.
  • The New Day defending their tag titles against The Usos is official for Hell in a Cell on October 8th.
  • After Paige posted a photo of the Performance Center on Instagram yesterday, WWE.com ran an article teasing that she’s preparing for her comeback and could be returning to either Raw or SmackDown. She tweeted today that she’s feeling great after her second day at the PC.
  • Nikki Bella (and her partner Artem Chigvintsev) finished with the fourth highest score on last night’s Dancing With The Stars premiere. Their performance ended with Bella throwing Chigvintsev over her shoulder and pinning him.
  • Jessica Solt, Bobby Heenan’s daughter, spoke to the Tampa Bay Times for an obituary on her father. The article notes that Heenan died of organ failures that were brought on by his battle with cancer.
  • WWE.com posted video of Kassius Ohno and Joe Coffey shaking hands after their match in ICW.
  • Charlotte and Ric Flair’s book “Second Nature” is out today. Bleacher Report ran a longform profile of Ric and Charlotte to promote the book.
  • IGN debuted the first gameplay trailer for WWE 2K18.
  • The South China Morning Post has an article on Tian Bing wanting to make pro wrestling famous in China.

Pro Wrestling

  • Ed Nordholm told the Ottawa Citizen that Impact Wrestling’s tagline is “Less Talk More Action.” The article states that the company hopes to get about 500 fans a night at the Aberdeen Pavilion for Bound for Glory and the subsequent TV tapings.
  • PWG announced that their next shows will be on October 20th and 21st as part of All Star Weekend 13. Ricochet tweeted that he won’t be at WrestleCircus’ first anniversary show on the 21st due to it conflicting with PWG.
  • PWG also uploaded the preview video for the DVD of the first night of this year’s Battle of Los Angeles.
  • WhatCulture announced today that several key staff members (Adam Blampied, Adam Pacitti, Ross Tweddell, Sam Driver, and Jack King) will be leaving the website to focus on other projects. Blampied was WhatCulture Pro Wrestling’s on-screen general manager and the promotion will reveal his replacement at their “Refuse to Lose” show on October 2nd.

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Rick Rude wins WCW International title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

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WWE Raw video highlights: The last stop before No Mercy

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On a show where Brock Lesnar and John Cena weren’t in the building, WWE finished building to No Mercy on last night’s episode of Raw.

Reigns fired his final verbal shots at Cena before their match on Sunday. Braun Strowman also sent a message to Lesnar by destroying Enzo Amore, which came after a taped interview with Strowman and Lesnar aired earlier in the night.

Elsewhere on the show, Bayley returned and was added to the Women’s title match at No Mercy, a six-pack challenge decided The Miz’s challenger at the pay-per-view, and WWE paid tribute to Bobby “The Brain” Heenan with an excellent video.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Kurt Angle makes a six-pack challenge main event

Kurt Angle tells Jason Jordan that sometimes it takes more strength not to fight back

Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss, Bayley returns

A three-team brawl breaks out

Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

Apollo Crews vs. Curt Hawkins

Michael Cole interviews Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman ahead of No Mercy

Roman Reigns takes his final shots at John Cena before Sunday

Asuka is coming to Raw soon

Dustin Rhodes vs. Bray Wyatt

WWE pays tribute to Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Braun Strowman attacks Enzo Amore

Gran Metalik vs. Neville

Six-pack challenge for an Intercontinental title shot

Raw fallout: Bayley’s good to go for Sunday’s Women’s title match

Raw fallout: Titus O’Neil breaks down Titus Worldwide’s latest additions

The Miz vs. Jason Jordan official for WWE No Mercy

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Jason Jordan will be challenging for the Intercontinental title on Sunday.

Jordan won a six-pack challenge on Raw tonight to become number one contender and get the title shot at No Mercy. He pinned Curtis Axel to win the match, which also included Bo Dallas, Elias, and Matt & Jeff Hardy.

The storyline with Jordan on Raw focused on him trying to prove that Kurt Angle wasn’t favoring him. Angle first made it a fatal four-way match between Jordan, both Hardys, and Elias, with Jordan then telling Angle to add Axel and Dallas to it when Miz said that Angle was giving undeserved opportunities to his on-screen son.

Jordan and Miz went face-to-face after the main event, then Jordan laid out Miz with suplexes when he went to punch him. But Miz was able to stand tall after Axel and Dallas attacked Jordan. Miz said that he’ll still be champion after Sunday, Angle will still be a terrible father, and Jordan will still be a bastard.

No Mercy takes place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday night. Here’s what the card looks like after tonight’s go-home show:

  • WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Braun Strowman
  • John Cena vs. Roman Reigns
  • Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Emma, and Bayley in a fatal five-way match
  • Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
  • Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose defending against Cesaro & Sheamus
  • Intercontinental Champion The Miz defending against Jason Jordan
  • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defending against Enzo Amore

Bayley returns, gets added to Women’s title match at WWE No Mercy

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Bayley is back in action, and she’s already getting her shot at the Raw Women’s Championship.

She returned after Nia Jax defeated Alexa Bliss in a non-title match on tonight’s episode of Raw. Sasha Banks had previously made her way out to stop Bliss from retreating, then went to attack Jax after the match. Jax threw Banks down before Bayley’s music hit, with Bayley, Banks, and Bliss briefly teaming up to take Jax down.

Bliss tried to make friends with them, but Banks and Bayley laid her out to close the segment. WWE then confirmed that Bayley had been added to what now is a fatal five-way match (which also includes Emma) for the Women’s title at No Mercy.

Bayley had been scheduled to challenge Bliss for the title at SummerSlam before suffering a shoulder injury in a match against Jax on the July 31st episode of Raw.

The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California will host No Mercy on Sunday. The updated lineup is:

  • WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Braun Strowman
  • John Cena vs. Roman Reigns
  • Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Emma, and Bayley in a fatal five-way match
  • Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
  • Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose defending against Cesaro & Sheamus
  • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defending against Enzo Amore

WWE Starrcade set for November 25 live event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though details are still sparse, WWE is reviving the Starrcade name for a SmackDown live event during Thanksgiving weekend.

The Greensboro Coliseum announced today that they would be hosting WWE Starrcade on November 25th, which would be the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The venue at least partially hosted the first four Starrcade events from 1983-1986, with the shows in 1985 and 1986 being split between the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina and The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia.

WWE has yet to indicate whether the show will air on the Network, but the timing of it would place Starrcade less than a week after Survivor Series and 22 days before SmackDown’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view.

A tentative card for the show was also listed by the venue, including two steel cage matches and appearances by The Hardys, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, and Ricky Steamboat:

  • WWE Champion Jinder Mahal defending against Shinsuke Nakamura in a steel cage match
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya defending against Charlotte Flair in a steel cage match
  • United States Champion AJ Styles defending against Baron Corbin and Rusev
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Usos in a tornado tag match
  • Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
  • Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler

Pro Wrestling Sheet had reported yesterday that WWE was considering reviving WCW show names for upcoming live events/specials.

Daily Update: Impact, NJPW Destruction show, WWE in Osaka

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

UFC SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS1 AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM THE PPG ARENA IN PITTSBURGH

  • Gilbert Burns (156) vs. Jason Saggo (156)
  • Uriah Hall (186) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (185)
  • Anthony Hamilton (255.75) vs. Daniel Spitz (244)
  • Tony Martin (156) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155)
  • Zu Anyanwu (263.5) vs. Justin Ledet (244.5)
  • Sergio Morales (171) vs. Kamaru Usman (169.75)
  • Gregor Gillespie (155.5) vs. Jason Gonzalez (156)
  • Hector Lombard (186) vs. Anthony Smith (186)
  • Mike Perry (170.5) vs. Alex Reyes (167.5)
  • Luke Rockhold (185.5) vs. David Branch (186)

The WWE weekend tour with the SmackDown brand ends Sunday in Shenzhen, China.

Raw will be Monday night in San Jose at the SAP Center. As of right now, neither Brock Lesnar nor John Cena are scheduled for the show, which features Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax in a non-title match. Very much unlike usual protocol to have two of the PPV main eventers not scheduled for the go-home Raw for No Mercy.

SmackDown and 205 Live are taped Tuesday night in Oakland. A.J. Styles vs. Baron Corbin for the U.S. title is scheduled for the show.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 9/11/2017: Is the WWE main roster ready for Asuka?

With her vacating the NXT Women’s Championship and the storyline of both brands negotiating for her to join them, it appears that it won’t be very long until Asuka arrives on the main roster. That segment with her relinquishing the title aired on NXT TV last week, with there having been no announcement of how the next champion will be decided. But whoever it is, whether it’s someone currently in NXT or one of the Mae Young Classic finalists, they’ll have a difficult time living up to the standard that Asuka set.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:September 18, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon returns to TV, Mae Young Classic finals, more

The return of Vince McMahon for an angle with Kevin Owens and the copying of the Okada-Shibata spot is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. This issue has a run through of the next few WWE PPV shows.

Look at the mechanics behind it, the double standard involved and the WWE’s attempt to heat up the product as football season starts.

Read a full rundown of the Mae Young Classic finals including thoughts on all 32 competitors, who has signed, who is likely to be signed, and who isn’t likely to be signed. Plus, look at business notes on the tournament, both on where the shows stood in WWE Network ratings and public interest as compared with the early weeks of the cruiserweight classic, as well as some very interesting notes about what caused the peaks of interest.

This issues has an update on the condition of Big Show, why Asuka is going to Raw, WWE headed to India, Mick Foley’s knee replacement, Foley’s next book, Ric Fair’s next book, return of injured wrestler, market value of WWE, plus notes on the weekend NXT shows and the first show of the Raw overseas tour.

Coverage of UFC 215, what happened to Ray Borg, the judging of Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko, what Shevchenko did wrong, how close a fight it really was, plus business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

Check out New Japan’s first big show since G-1 ended, the Destruction in Fukushima, and what went wrong, why it went wrong and the main event booking, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including a breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

Subscribers clike here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: August 21, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin to return, WCW Thunder canceled, more

Steve Austin this past week received medical clearance from Dr. Lloyd Youngblood to return to active wrestling in eight weeks, most likely at the October PPV. Austin, who had been on the sidelines since November and had neck surgery in January that put his career in jeopardy, got what was regarded as a cautious okay after exams on his neck on 8/10 and on his knees on 8/12. After the neck exam, Youngblood suggested he stay out another two months to be on the safe side. 

Subscribers click here to continue.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

Pro Wrestling

  • Though they haven’t revealed the city yet, GFW officially announced that this year’s Bound for Glory will be taking place in Canada on November 5th. The city, which is expected to be Toronto, will be announced on Monday.
  • Ratings for Impact were up a bit this week, with the show averaging 239,000 viewers after doing 227,000 the week prior. It also faced far weaker competition as last week went against the first game of the NFL season on NBC and Hurricane Irma coverage. Thursday’s Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals game averaged 8.08 million viewers on the NFL Network.
  • NJPW bounced back this morning with the second of their Destruction shows of the month taking place in Hiroshima. After Hiroshi Tanahashi retained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship over Zack Sabre Jr. in the main event, Tanahashi issued a challenge to Kota Ibushi. That match would seem set for King of Pro Wrestling in October. In another development for KOPW, Will Ospreay challenged KUSHIDA to a Junior Heavyweight title match before being interrupted by Hiromu Takahashi.
  • Rocky Romero also teased on the NJPW show that he’d be bringing in a junior heavyweight tag team called Roppongi 3K.
  • Revolution Pro Wrestling announced that this year’s Global Wars UK shows will be taking place in Bethnal Green on November 9th and Walthamstow on the 10th. Minoru Suzuki is the first wrestler confirmed for the shows.
  • Channel Guide Magazine interviewed Marty Scurll about working for ROH.
  • Eastern Daily Press ran a story on Jack Swagger ahead of his debut for WAW in Norwich.

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Lesnar vs. Angle in an Iron Man match

CONTACT INFORMATION

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Lio Rush makes his debut at NXT TV tapings

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: JJ Williams

Lio Rush arrived in NXT at tonight’s television tapings.

Rush made his in-ring debut against Velveteen Dream, who was formerly his tag team partner in their pre-WWE days. Rush got a standing ovation shortly into the match, but he lost when Velveteen Dream hit a hop-up elbow drop.

The match was a result of Rush being attacked by Velveteen Dream earlier in the night when making his first appearance in NXT. That attack stopped Rush from facing Aleister Black, and Velveteen Dream continued his storyline with Black by taunting him after defeating Rush.

WWE announced Rush’s signing as he reported to the Performance Center in August. He finished up his indie dates shortly before that, including having his final matches for EVOLVE, CZW, and MCW. Rush previously left Ring of Honor in April.

Another former ROH wrestler made their in-ring debut at tonight’s tapings as well, with Adam Cole having his first NXT match against Eric Young. Shane Thorne also returned to action as he teamed with Nick Miller against Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler in a dark match.

Daily Update: Jon Jones, NXT TV tapings, Shane Thorne returns

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 9/11/2017: Is the WWE main roster ready for Asuka?

With her vacating the NXT Women’s Championship and the storyline of both brands negotiating for her to join them, it appears that it won’t be very long until Asuka arrives on the main roster. That segment with her relinquishing the title aired on NXT TV last week, with there having been no announcement of how the next champion will be decided. But whoever it is, whether it’s someone currently in NXT or one of the Mae Young Classic finalists, they’ll have a difficult time living up to the standard that Asuka set.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:September 18, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon returns to TV, Mae Young Classic finals, more

The return of Vince McMahon for an angle with Kevin Owens and the copying of the Okada-Shibata spot is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. This issue has a run through of the next few WWE PPV shows.

Look at the mechanics behind it, the double standard involved and the WWE’s attempt to heat up the product as football season starts.

Read a full rundown of the Mae Young Classic finals including thoughts on all 32 competitors, who has signed, who is likely to be signed, and who isn’t likely to be signed. Plus, look at business notes on the tournament, both on where the shows stood in WWE Network ratings and public interest as compared with the early weeks of the cruiserweight classic, as well as some very interesting notes about what caused the peaks of interest.

This issues has an update on the condition of Big Show, why Asuka is going to Raw, WWE headed to India, Mick Foley’s knee replacement, Foley’s next book, Ric Fair’s next book, return of injured wrestler, market value of WWE, plus notes on the weekend NXT shows and the first show of the Raw overseas tour.

Coverage of UFC 215, what happened to Ray Borg, the judging of Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko, what Shevchenko did wrong, how close a fight it really was, plus business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

Check out New Japan’s first big show since G-1 ended, the Destruction in Fukushima, and what went wrong, why it went wrong and the main event booking, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including a breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows, plus results of the major league arena events held all over the world this past week, as well as notes on the various TV shows.

Subscribers clike here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: August 21, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin to return, WCW Thunder canceled, more

Steve Austin this past week received medical clearance from Dr. Lloyd Youngblood to return to active wrestling in eight weeks, most likely at the October PPV. Austin, who had been on the sidelines since November and had neck surgery in January that put his career in jeopardy, got what was regarded as a cautious okay after exams on his neck on 8/10 and on his knees on 8/12. After the neck exam, Youngblood suggested he stay out another two months to be on the safe side. 

Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • NXT is taping its next round of television episodes at Full Sail University tonight. Shane Thorne returned for his first match since suffering a knee injury in January as TM61 faced Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler. Triple H also did a promo thanking everyone for being there after Hurricane Irma and saying that the area is NXT’s home as well.
  • Shayna Baszler is backstage at tonight’s tapings.
  • WWE.com ran a story on Erica Wiebe, who won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2016 Olympics, visiting the Performance Center and being on the radar of WWE scouts.
  • WWE also has an interview with Shelton Benjamin about his return to the company.
  • UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was backstage at WWE’s house show in Honolulu, Hawaii last night and will be appearing on an upcoming video on Xavier Woods’ “UpUpDownDown” YouTube channel.
  • Some live reports from the show in Hawaii indicated that Kofi Kingston may have suffered a knee injury in a match where The New Day defended their tag titles against Dolph Ziggler & Baron Corbin, though Kingston was able to get through it and finish the match.
  • As Ric Flair continues to recover, he tweeted out a photo with Charles Barkley visiting him today.
  • The Miz passed Honky Tonk Man today to become the third-longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history in terms of total days. Pedro Morales and Don Muraco are ahead of him.
  • Kairi Sane did interviews with Rolling Stone and NBC Sports after winning the Mae Young Classic.
  • Matt Hardy thanked the fans for their role in bringing The Hardys back to WWE.
  • Today marks one year since TJ Perkins won the Cruiserweight Classic and became WWE Cruiserweight Champion.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Vince McMahon wins WWF title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

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Daily Update: Ronda Rousey, NXT TV tapings, Jon Jones

Posted on by Joseph Currier

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:September 11, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jeff Jarrett takes leave of absence from GFW, PWG BOLA reviewed, more

A look at GFW, the departure of Jeff Jarrett, and where things go from here with the company is the lead story in the new issue. Look at the talks of a sale, incidents that happened, future direction, the current television situation, why the tape library isn’t going to be sold, the new creative team, the current angles, Bound for Glory plans, Alberto El Patron, the future of Jim Cornette, Bruce Prichard and others and more.

Look at the Mayweather-McGregor business; looking at PPV in the U.S. and U.K., live gate, what mistakes were made, and the state of McGregor coming out of the fight.

Check out the next two WWE PPV shows, the Cena vs. Reigns program and Enzo Amore and the cruiserweight division.

Details on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament including the Keith Lee vs. Donovan Dijak match, the future of Ricochet and Matt Riddle and how the New Japan/WWE situation fits in, and why the usual rules of wrestling and crowds don’t seem to apply in PWG.

Get an update on John Layfield leaving SmackDown, The Mae Young Classic, how the Mae Young Classic did on the WWE Network, new WWE TV deal in Canada, Hurricane Irma and WWE events, what opposing lawyer in concussion suit asked for as part of a settlement, Samoa Joe injury update, Sami Zayn update, more on the situation with Baron Corbin, Nikki Bella on Dancing with the Stars, WWE running Christmas and New Year’s live shows, injury updates, Australia tour notes, and company value. 

Full coverage of the UFC Fight Pass event from Rotterdam, Holland is in this issue.

Examine the real numbers when it comes to cord cutting, as well as how many people have access to the key stations wrestling and MMA are on.

Get details on the ratings for all the national shows over the past week, including breakdown of who was watching all of the WWE shows.

Subscribers clike here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: August 14, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW turmoil, Hall of Fame candidates, more

The turmoil regarding the future of World Championship Wrestling continues with what apparently is a shake-up leaving Brad Siegel backing Vince Russo in complete control of the company. At the same time, the losses continue to escalate, with July’s losses estimated at $7 million, the most, by far, of any month in the history of a company now on track to lose close to $80 million over the course of this year. The main stories going around, seem to involve the prospective merger of AOL and Time Warner, and getting the company’s losses under control.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • WWE posted video of Ronda Rousey’s appearance on the red carpet prior to the Mae Young Classic last night. When asked if she would be doing more with WWE going forward, she said the night was about Shayna Baszler and that she doesn’t want to be the kind of friend who ends up talking about herself all night.
  • Rousey was also interviewed by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto after the event. She discussed how proud she was of Baszler and again said that she wanted to keep the spotlight on Baszler when not answering a question about what’s next for her.
  • The Las Vegas Review-Journal asked Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Becky Lynch how Rousey would fare in WWE.
  • Before the Mae Young Classic finals last night, Triple H posted a tweet welcoming Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler to WWE.
  • Stephanie McMahon tweeted that the book she was working on is now on hold.
  • Though Full Sail University will remain closed on Thursday in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, tomorrow’s NXT television tapings will go on as scheduled
  • The clip of last night’s angle with Kevin Owens attacking Vince McMahon has done well on WWE’s YouTube channel. It’s currently at 1,920,403 views as of this writing. WWE’s storyline update on Vince’s condition was that he refused medical attention and wouldn’t comment on the attack.
  • 2K sports detailed changes to the MyCAREER mode in WWE 2K18, including a free-roaming backstage area and a revamped promo system.
  • AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin for the United States Championship is set for SmackDown next week.
  • The New Day took a picture paying homage to Shawn Michaels after regaining the SmackDown tag titles last night.

Pro Wrestling

  • PROGRESS Wrestling is running an eight-woman tournament on October 2nd to determine a number one contender for their Women’s Championship.
  • PROGRESS also posted an FAQ about next year’s Wembley Arena show.
  • Alberto El Patron is suing a promoter in Mexico who booked him and other talent and allegedly refused to pay them.
  • Britt Baker will make her Women of Honor return at Global Wars in Pittsburgh on October 13th.
  • BBC ran a video story on Pro Wrestling: EVE.
  • The Guardian has a review of a documentary on the making of “Man on the Moon.”
  • Antonio Inoki urged nations to reduce the tension that is going on with North Korea.

UFC/MMA

  • The California State Athletic Commission overturned the result of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier from UFC 214 due to Jones’ drug test failure and the result is now listed as a no contest. There’s been no announcement from the UFC of what that will mean for Jones’ light heavyweight title. UPDATE: Cormier has been reinstated as champion.
  • Michael Bisping thinks that Jones should receive a lifetime ban for the second test failure.
  • Demetrious Johnson defending his flyweight title against Ray Borg has been rebooked for UFC 216 on October 7th.
  • Before the fight was rescheduled, Johnson said that he has no idea if he can trust Borg to show up for it after it was canceled prior to UFC 215.
  • Thiago Alves, who had been scheduled to face Mike Perry in the semi-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night show in Pittsburgh, is off of the card. Perry will now be facing Alex Reyes, and Ariel Helwani tweeted that Alves was stranded in Florida due to Hurricane Irma after deciding against leaving early to stay with his wife and child.
  • Dave Meltzer has an MMA-focused article on last night’s Mae Young Classic finals.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: John Cena wins WWE title at Breaking Point 2009

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

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