Category: Daily Updates

Daily Update

Latest News

• UFC on ESPN+ 82 live results: Tom Aspinall vs. Marcin Tybura
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: The stage is set for Tribal Combat
• ROH Death Before Dishonor scrum notes: Athena, Tony Khan on company differences
• BCC vs. Lucha Bros vs. Best Friends added to AEW Dynamite

Latest Audio

• Wrestling Observer Live: Wrestling has never been better — enjoy it
• Wrestling Observer Radio: Is there a tipping point for wrestling television hours?

Latest Free YouTube Video

See Dave & Bryan in London

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• July 24, 2023 Observer Newsletter: Great week of wrestling matches, NJPW G1 Climax tournament begins

In this issue:

• Poll results from all the major shows plus Match of the week and Performer of the week
• Looking back on a week with some of the best matches of the year, story behind the matches and complications involved
• Week one G-1 Climax coverage, what stories have been told, where is business, what is and isn’t working and match-by-match coverage
• Coverage of TripleMania, including what really happened with Don Callis, the story behind Vikingo vs. Omega, as well as looking at the 8/12 show in Mexico City
• Tony Khan press conference coverage, update on All In with new ticket sales info and how close to records is the show, more PPVs question, longer Dynamite, Death Before Dishonor and more
• Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show and what is next for the participants
• Eric Young returns and Impact Slammiversary, as well as the return of Josh Alexander
• How many homes are the networks that carry wrestling in
• The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling and MMA television shows, with a lot of shockers in the weekly and daily standings. Including what show placed No. 7 for the week in network television, where the wrestling and MMA shows finished on cable, segment-by-segment, competition and more
• What promotion is killing it every week in ticket sales at the same arena
• Major talent jump to join his brother
• Documentary on the life of one of the biggest stars in history hits movie theaters internationally in the fall
• Major TV documentary on the Ali vs. Inoki fight, what was revealed and some new news being reported
• 75th anniversary of the birth of the NWA and the real story of its birth and growth
• How the public’s viewing has changed
• The Rick Steiner situation and how it was handled
• More on the Teddy Hart arrest and what he was in Florida for
• Notes on upcoming Impact TV shows
• Upcoming ticket sales for WWE & AEw shows
• Lots of new major UFC fights
• Iconic company set for a return in September
• Updated Money in the Bank and Forbidden Door PPV numbers
• WWE injury updates
• Dwayne Johnson reportedly sets an all-time money record
• Gable Steveson’s decision
• International TV ratings and streaming numbers

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

• May 22, 2006 Observer Newsletter: WWE & ECW, Bob Sapp

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Saturday Update

WWE

• Sports TV Ratings reports that last night’s SmackDown averaged 1.182 million viewers in the fast national ratings, which would be the best viewership for any SmackDown episode that has aired on FS1. The show was moved to FS1 last night due to women’s World Cup soccer being on Fox: “Am told in the preliminary fast nationals WWE Smackdown on FS1 (due to World Cup) averaged 1.182 million viewers on FS1. That’s up 31% vs. last FS1 episode. 448K for adults 18-49, up 37% vs. last FS1 episode”
• With SmackDown taking place in Orlando, several NXT wrestlers made brief cameo appearances. Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams, Tiffany Stratton, Wes Lee & Dragon Lee, The Creed Brothers, and Tony D’Angelo & Stacks were all on the show. Shawn Michaels appeared as well, giving his approval for Dominik Mysterio to defend the NXT North American title against Butch last night.
• WWE uploaded a post-SmackDown video where Rey Mysterio met up with Dragon Lee. Rey said he wants to be there when Dragon Lee fights against Dominik and wins the North American title.
• WWE NIL program signees the Cavinder twins attended SmackDown and were shown in the crowd.
• During an interview with The Messenger, Alexa Bliss spoke about how time away from WWE programming can be good for her character:
• Time away is always a good thing. When it comes to WWE, time away and reinventing a character and evolving yourself is the key to career longevity at WWE. So I always say, ‘Time away is such a good thing because it gives people the time to miss you.’
• When you’re being seen on WWE three or four times an episode, you don’t really have anywhere to go with your character. So whenever you take time off, it’s always a good time to evolve and to keep going. And I’ve already been probably six or seven different versions of myself. And each time it’s done well with merchandise sales, with bookings and all that stuff. So I don’t really like to go backwards with my work. I always like to go forward.
• Bliss also discussed her plans to return to the ring after she gives birth: “I probably won’t bounce back as fast as I hope. I’m going to get to working out and doing all that stuff and get to where I need to be, you know, to have time. [I’ll have] the first fundamental months with the baby before thinking about trying to rush back to work.”
• The LWO, IYO SKY & Bayley, and The OC appeared on The SmackDown LowDown.
• Contralona interviewed Gunther.
• WWE has a two-hour Playlist video on the rise of Jey Uso.
• Today is Shawn Michaels’ 58th birthday. Akira Tozawa (38) is also celebrating a birthday today.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• Will Ospreay praised Athena vs. Willow Nightingale from ROH Death Before Dishonor: “Willow Vs Athena match was one of the best Women’s matches I’ve seen American PPV/TV in recent memory. Proper epic main event aye. Loved it”
• Claudio Castagnoli spoke to Sports Illustrated about Wheeler Yuta working through a hamstring injury at Blood & Guts: “A lot of people pay good money to see us live. I’ll never give them less than 100% every single time I step through that curtain. That’s why I respect the BCC so much. Wheeler won’t say this, but he had a very hurt hamstring. He couldn’t run, but you couldn’t tell that during the match. Mox is energy and pure joy despite the pain, and it was inspiring to see Bryan [Danielson] working 10 minutes with a broken arm at Forbidden Door. Those are the people I want to surround myself with.”
• On Busted Open Radio, Daniel Garcia discussed his character development in AEW/ROH: “Oh, it’s been great (his character development). I feel like when I came into AEW, I feel like I was typecast a lot just as a technical wrestler and a lot of times, technical wrestlers get typecast as boring and I feel like being with (Chris) Jericho and being able to stay in the Jericho Appreciation Society has really allowed me to show more levels and layers to my character and what I can do as a performer so I’m really grateful for that.”
• QT Marshall, Harley Cameron, and Aaron Solo were guests on Talk is Jericho.
• Shop AEW released a new “Double Clothesline” T-shirt for MJF.
• The Under the Ring podcast has an interview with Eric Young.

Daily Update

Latest News

• Josh Alexander update, tag title match announced for Impact Wrestling
• GCW to make Korakuen Hall debut in October
• NWA Power results: The return of Matt Cardona, two title matches
• Seth Rollins: My back’s been ‘at me’ since 2019, trying to avoid surgery
• NJPW G1 Climax 33 night four live results: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tama Tonga
• PWG announces TWENTY: Mystery Vortex event

Latest Audio

• Figure Four Daily: Lance Storm talks Collision and NWA-TNA with multiple assaults
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: November 1983
• Bryan & Vinny & Craig & Shawn Show: NWA-TNA with the TRASH CAN INCIDENT, plus Granny!

Latest Free YouTube Video

See Dave & Bryan in London

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• July 17, 2023 Observer Newsletter: Bloodline angle makes history, loaded weekend preview

In this issue:

• Match and Performer of the Week
• The Bloodline saga comes very close to a first in the history of pro wrestling on television
• A look at the Trial of Roman Reigns, the Reigns vs. Usos feud, and the storyline that has caused WWE business to grow
• A preview of all the big matches of the weekend in three different countries, none of which are the U.S., with TripleMania, G-1, Miyahara vs. Nakajima and Collision
• Updated news on SummerSlam and Great American Bash and business notes on both shows
• The new AEW rules memo, what is and isn’t new and the reality of what this means to talent
• Full coverage of UFC 290 with two of the best fights of the year, a unique television situation and two title bouts
• Looking at the 2023 Wrestler of the Year award and the top candidates
• Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, the questions about the show and why the hope for it to be a success is the evolution of understanding fighting being low
• The most detailed look at the ratings of every major pro wrestling and MMA show of the past week, the analysis, competition, segment numbers and comparisons with one year ago
• Lots of injury talks regarding major stars
• Key husband and wife jumping promotions
• Mercedes Mone rivalry planned
• Update on major sports rights negotiations in the next few years
• The death of Michael Halac, the former Bruiser Mastino and Mantaur
• Wrestling magazine pioneer writer Ed Garea, The Phantom of the Ring, passes away
• Notes on the new women’s promotion
• RevPro Epic Encounters rundown
• Battle of the two best 18-year-old wrestlers in the world announced for next month
• Ticket sales for tons of big shows
• Kenny Omega talks the Tiger driver spot
• International TV ratings
• Lots of new major UFC fights
• Looking at the vacant UFC light heavyweight title situation
• World champion in UFC talks about how two years ago he supplemented his income driving for Uber Eats
• More major show dates fr WWE
• Backstage issue at WWE
• A look at all the major TV shows and WWE weekend show coverage

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

• May 22, 2006 Observer Newsletter: WWE & ECW, Bob Sapp

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Wednesday Update

WWE

• WWE uploaded a post-show interview with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley after Dominik defeated Wes Lee to win the NXT North American Championship last night.
• Ripley tweeted a photo of Dominik pinning Lee: “Split second before greatness! Words cannot describe the feelings running through my body…. So bloody proud of you @DomMysterio35”
• Finn Balor wrote about Dominik’s title win: “The proudest moment of my career. Congratulations @DomMysterio35”
• TMZ Sports asked Seth Rollins if he thinks the Hollywood writers and actors strike could bring more interest to WWE:
• I know it’s a difficult time for the actors and the writers. I believe they’re doing the right thing asking for what they deserve. I stand by them. But it is a fortunate part of not being part of a union that we’re able to still perform and, for our audiences and people who may not be familiar, now they get the opportunity to tune in and see what we’re all about.
• Rollins said that he thinks WWE is in a boom period: “We’ve never been hotter. Business is the biggest it’s ever been. The talent across the board is the best it’s ever been. Business is hot right now. We’re in a boom, I think. When we look back on it, it’s going to be a special time.”
• Denise Salcedo spoke with Cody Rhodes on the red carpet at the premiere of his Peacock documentary. The premiere took place in Atlanta last night. The documentary begins streaming on Peacock on Monday, July 31.
• To sell the storyline injury from Brock Lesnar’s attack on Raw, Rhodes was wearing a cast on his arm at the documentary premiere.
• Salcedo also interviewed Brandi Rhodes, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Diamond Dallas Page, and Kevin Patrick.
• ComicBook Nation has an interview with The Miz.
• Tommaso Ciampa was the guest on this week’s episode of Out of Character.
• Ciampa, Matt Riddle, and Shayna Baszler appeared on WWE’s The Bump this afternoon.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• Shark Week, which is the sponsor of tonight’s Dynamite, posted a video of the Blood & Guts cage being constructed.
• In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Jon Moxley discussed how excited he is for Blood & Guts:
• We’re going after the best, or at least the supposed best, in The Elite. The freaking company is named after them. Blood & Guts is our chance to plant our flag as the most dominant group in AEW.
• I’m f—ing excited as all hell to bring something very unique—our version of Blood & Guts—to those fans and all the history of pro wrestling in Boston. I don’t know if anyone in The Elite has ever wrestled in the TD Garden before.
• Samoa Joe told SEScoops about how he’s evolved as a performer:
• I think the biggest thing is, is I’ve learned, I’ve definitely learned to enjoy it more, especially, you know, as your career progresses, because a lot of times, you get very, very caught up in the moment, it’s almost overwhelming. But as time goes on, as you begin to kind of understand the flow of the crowd, the flow of the people and stuff, you know, you do definitely enjoy what you do a lot more.
• Aside from that, just having the ability to be able to work with young up and coming talent and to see them flourish and develop in the same ways that you did during your certain points in your career. It’s always cool to see that happen and be a part of that. It’s good energy, it’s good to see people becoming stars in their own right and it’s always fun to be there for the journey.
• Booker T spoke about Zilla Fatu’s (the son of Umaga) debut match for Reality of Wrestling:
• That was Zilla Fatu’s first match in front of a crowd, and you could tell he was very, very composed. He had that thing where we say in wrestling, if you feel like you’re going slow, move a little bit slower. He has that effect going on. His quickness and explosiveness was definitely there. You could feel his dad in the arena. I swear to god, you could feel his dad in the arena. I could see his dad sitting right there next to me. I could feel his presence in that arena on Saturday night, and I think Zilla felt a little bit of it as well.
• Nick Aldis tweeted after headlining Slammiversary against Alex Shelley: “#Slammiversary was a fantastic ppv start to finish and I was honored to be in the main event. It was a huge challenge following all the great matches on the card, and I felt we offered something totally different and unique. The future of @IMPACTWRESTLING is in good hands.”
• Kevin Kelly noted that he’ll be doing solo commentary for G1 Climax events that Chris Charlton can’t make: “I’m going to be flying solo on #G1CLIMAX33 events that Chris Charlton can’t make because of his schedule. With all block matches, that means everyone available to me has wrestled a #G1 match earlier that night. Not fair to them or you. Eddie Kingston will still be my guest on 8/9”
• TJP and Aria Blake announced that they’re now married.
• Britt Baker was a guest on Not Just Football with Pittsburgh Steelers player Cam Heyward.
• 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Stick to Wrestling podcast interviewed Matt Taven.

Daily Update

Latest News

• UFC on ESPN 49 live results: Holly Holm vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
• Elton Prince injured on WWE SmackDown
• NJPW G1 Climax 33 night one results: SANADA vs. Hikuleo
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Shotzi shaves her head
• Naomichi Marufuji to face Will Ospreay on 25th anniversary show

Latest Audio

• Wrestling Observer Live: How much wrestling is too much?
• Wrestling Observer Radio: A packed weekend, TripleMania preview with Larry Dallas

Latest Free YouTube Video

See Dave & Bryan in London

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

July 17, 2023 Observer Newsletter: Bloodline angle makes history, loaded weekend preview

In this issue:

• Match and Performer of the Week
• The Bloodline saga comes very close to a first in the history of pro wrestling on television
• A look at the Trial of Roman Reigns, the Reigns vs. Usos feud, and the storyline that has caused WWE business to grow
• A preview of all the big matches of the weekend in three different countries, none of which are the U.S., with TripleMania, G-1, Miyahara vs. Nakajima and Collision
• Updated news on SummerSlam and Great American Bash and business notes on both shows
• The new AEW rules memo, what is and isn’t new and the reality of what this means to talent
• Full coverage of UFC 290 with two of the best fights of the year, a unique television situation and two title bouts
• Looking at the 2023 Wrestler of the Year award and the top candidates
• Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, the questions about the show and why the hope for it to be a success is the evolution of understanding fighting being low
• The most detailed look at the ratings of every major pro wrestling and MMA show of the past week, the analysis, competition, segment numbers and comparisons with one year ago
• Lots of injury talks regarding major stars
• Key husband and wife jumping promotions
• Mercedes Mone rivalry planned
• Update on major sports rights negotiations in the next few years
• The death of Michael Halac, the former Bruiser Mastino and Mantaur
• Wrestling magazine pioneer writer Ed Garea, The Phantom of the Ring, passes away
• Notes on the new women’s promotion
• RevPro Epic Encounters rundown
• Battle of the two best 18-year-old wrestlers in the world announced for next month
• Ticket sales for tons of big shows
• Kenny Omega talks the Tiger driver spot
• International TV ratings
• Lots of new major UFC fights
• Looking at the vacant UFC light heavyweight title situation
• World champion in UFC talks about how two years ago he supplemented his income driving for Uber Eats
• More major show dates fr WWE
• Backstage issue at WWE
• A look at all the major TV shows and WWE weekend show coverage

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

• May 16, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Pride Total Elimination Absolute, Jim Cornette

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Saturday Update

WWE

• SmackDown averaged 2.16 million viewers in the fast national ratings last night, down from the 2.38 million last week’s Trial of Roman Reigns episode drew in the fast nationals. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.54.
• On SmackDown, Michael Cole gave a storyline update on Jimmy Uso after Jimmy was demolished by Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa last week. It was said that Jimmy will be out of action “for the foreseeable future” due to suffering ruptured rib cartilage in the attack.
• Montez Ford told USA Today about wanting a singles run in WWE: “As a kid, I’ve always had a dream to become WWE champion, and you can’t do that as a tag team wrestler. You can be a part of a tag team, but it’s just me out there. That’s always been a dream of mine, and that’s one of the things I’m always looking forward to, training for.”
• USA Today asked Seth Rollins about potentially defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Cody Rhodes: “I would love for Cody Rhodes [to] come try to take it from me. If he can survive Brock Lesnar, I would love for him to try to. I’m better than I’ve ever been; he don’t stand a chance.”
• A special WWE episode of the Weakest Link will air on NBC at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Monday night. Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, The New Day, Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and The Miz are appearing on the show.
• Pretty Deadly, Asuka, and The LWO appeared on The SmackDown LowDown.
• Sportskeeda interviewed Shawn Michaels.
• Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster and former MLB player John Kruk was a guest on WWE After the Bell.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• Ahead of competing in his first G1 Climax, Eddie Kingston was interviewed by NJPW’s website. Kingston was asked if he ever felt like his goal of wrestling for NJPW wouldn’t happen:
• Yeah. I felt like my career was over right before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, I thought ‘OK, that’s it, my career’s over.’ I’m… I’m not supposed to be here. I’ll get emotional saying this, but I’ve dreamed of this since I was 13 years old. (teary eyed) I’ve made a lot of mistakes. In life, not just in wrestling, and I never thought I’d be here. To be here now seems very surreal, so I just want to do good for the Japanese fans, for New Japan, and for the people I looked up to, for Hashimoto, Chono, Muto, Baba, Inoki, the Four Pillars and on and on. Jun Akiyama as well- I’ve been able to wrestle and team with him, and he gave me so much confidence.
• Kingston explained the lasting impression that he wants Japanese fans to have of him:
• The last thing I’d like to leave for them is that I never quit, I never stopped and I always brung it, no matter how I felt physically, mentally, emotionally- and I’m an emotional guy- I always kept fighting. I keep saying it, but I was born to fight. I’m American, but my father’s side of the family is Irish, and they were hard men. My Puerto Rican side- all females, but hard females, man. I was brought up to fight.
• NJPW’s website also spoke with Tetsuya Naito.
• QT Marshall told SEScoops that RJ City helps write AEW’s QTV segments: “When we do QTV, we have someone who helps us write the stuff, RJ City. Of course, I’m the leader. At the same time, I wanted to let the [group] show character. The more outrageous, the better. It’s giving the talent hopefully an outlet to present themselves.”
• Tomohiro Ishii will face Luke Jacobs at Revolution Pro Wrestling’s 11 Year Anniversary Show in London on Saturday, August 26.
• Impact Wrestling uploaded a video previewing tonight’s Slammiversary PPV.
• Mike Bennett appeared on AEW Unrestricted this week.

Daily Update

Latest News

• WWE NXT ratings up for Judgment Day appearance
• Trinity on WWE exit: ‘Nobody understands the magnitude of what happened’
• Seth Rollins responds to claims WWE World title is ‘consolation prize’
• NJPW announces Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2023 for Las Vegas
• Former WWE star Mike ‘Mantaur’ Halac passes away at 55
• North American title match set for next week’s WWE NXT
• Stacks frees Tony D’Angelo on WWE NXT, earns tag title match
• Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov set for WWE NXT Great American Bash
• Brian Pillman Jr. AEW’s contract reportedly expires
• Tyrus vs. EC3 World title match official for NWA 75

Latest Audio

• Wrestling Observer Live: Bryan’s history with Nick Wayne, WrestleMania in London, NXT TV report
• Figure Four Daily: Lance Storm on Wembley, Collision, NWA-TNA, Mantaur, more
• Big Audio Nightmare: NJPW G1 Climax 33 preview & predictions
• Pacific Rim: A unique perspective on the life of Adrian Adonis
• We’re Live, Pal: Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso, AEW Blood & Guts
• DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The original Trust Busters
• Bryan & Vinny & Craig & Shawn Show: Atrocious NWA-TNA from the week of 7/10/02, plus Granny and more!

Latest Free YouTube Video

See Dave & Bryan in London

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

• July 10, 2023 Observer Newsletter Roman Reigns pinned at WWE Money in the Bank, Droz passes away

In this issue:

• Match of the week and performer of the week for the past two weeks
• Full coverage of Money in the Bank, the story behind all the matches angles and finishes
• Eight confirmed matches for SummerSlam
• Ticket sales for SummerSlam and records already broken and other records on the verge of being broken
• Live gate for Money in the Bank and a breakdown of the multiple records set
• WrestleMania in London and an update on where that stands
• Total viewership for the show
• PPV numbers for the show and how it compares to other shows plus crossover with AEW Forbidden Door
• Story behind the results and angles on the show
• The life and times of Darren Drozdov, comments from wrestlers, family, friends and the story behind the accident that changed his life and how he battled back and ended up close with his family.
• His brief career in wrestling
• Jerry McDevitt removed from the MLW lawsuit and announces his retirement. A look back at the legendary attorney and his history with WWE
• What happened with Collision in week three. A detailed breakdown of what was one of the most important TV ratings of the year
• WWE & AEW quarterly business, viewership, house shows, what is up and what is down and why
• New Japan Strong at Korakuen Hall with four title changes and two brutal matches
• Full UFC coverage for the week and business notes
• Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year takes place
• The most detailed look at the ratings for all the major wrestling shows, including weekly rankings
• CMLL runs major event with Romero vs. Volador Jr., and notes on the debut of Mascara Dorada 2.0
• Stardom PPV coverage
• Notes on the Five-Star Grand Prix tournament
• Triple Crown title change and fantastic performance by Yuji Nagata
• Father and daughter appear on show together in Japan
• What companies in Japan have drawn the most fans so far this year
• One of the biggest tag teams of all-time having a special show
• Lots more on the Mildred Burke movie that was being filmed this past month and stories about Burke’s legend
• Grappl lists its fan voted best matches in history
• Matt Morgan talks back surgery
• Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame notes for 2023
• Stardom star coming to GCW and notes on the deal
• Kenny Omega talks AEW video game
• Updated ticket sales for All In and where it ranks on the all-time list
• Update on Forbidden Door PPV numbers
• Jon Moxley goal to become an historical first
• Omega talks Will Ospreay match
• Ticket sales to the upcoming WWE and AEW shows
• Jim Ross updates his condition
• Injury updates
• Streaming number updates
• Merch number updates
• International TV ratings
• Lots of gimmick fights being talked about
• ESPN announce new multi-part documentary
• Paul Levesque talks NXT Europe
• Plans for net year’s Mania
• Gable Steveson issues challenge for another sport he’s never done before
• Rundown of all WWE events this past week

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

• May 16, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Pride Total Elimination Absolute, Jim Cornette

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Wednesday Update

WWE

• WWE.com posted a tribute to Mike “Mantaur” Halac following his passing:
• WWE is saddened to learn that Mike Halac, better known to WWE fans as Mantaur, has passed away.
• Halac’s combination of size and charisma immediately captivated fans worldwide as he took to the ring in a giant bull head to highlight his half-man, half-minotaur persona.
• Halac spent time in both WWE and ECW where he faced some of the biggest stars of his generation like Bam Bam Bigelow, Razor Ramon, and Bret Hart.
• WWE extends its condolences to Mike Halac’s family, friends and fans.
• WWE broadcaster Megan Morant is donating a kidney to help save the life of her former boss’ wife. She wrote on Instagram yesterday:
• I’m still not really sure where to start with this post, but here’s my best try:
• Tomorrow I am donating my kidney.
• I’m sure you have lots of questions so here goes nothing: You see, back in November I learned that my friend @mstevenk needed a kidney. After chatting with him about kidney transplants at work, I was intrigued. I rushed home and spent the entire weekend reading kidney.org before telling Kirsh that I would gladly test for him. A few blood tests later, and I got a call that Kirsh and I were not a match.
• Instantly, I felt very sad. I wanted to help, but couldn’t. So I made a promise to myself: if the opportunity to donate a kidney ever comes up again in my life, I’ll do it.
• About a week later, on a group chat with my old work pals at the @patriots I learned that my previous boss’ wife was in kidney failure. It all felt meant to be. After 5 months of testing, and a few more months of waiting, the day has finally come. While Margrette and I also are not a blood type match, through the National Kidney Registry’s joint donor program, I will advance donate tomorrow and in return, Margrette will get a kidney to save her life.
• Throughout this whole process, Margrette has been an absolute rockstar. She remains extremely positive through her daily dialysis and continues to work in the nonprofit space to make life better for others all while enduring the pain and discomfort that is kidney failure. I feel so blessed to be in a position to help Margrette and her family. It’s truly the honor of my life, and it reminds me why we are all here: to help and be there for each other. While I’ve had my strong/brave girl face on this entire process, I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little nervous, so If you’re a person that prays, please keep us in your prayers tomorrow. I ’ll see you all on the other side! We’ve got our green nails on and we are ready to go! #DonateLife #kidneydonor #kidney
• Morant posted an update after the operation: “Everything went perfectly! I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and cannot thank you all enough for the prayers. I’m eternally grateful! We did it”
• Last Friday’s SmackDown ranked as the number one entertainment show of the week in the 18-49 demo: “For ratings purposes, WWE SmackDown was recategorized as an entertainment program beginning last week. In its first airing as such, SmackDown was the #1 entertainment show of the week among Adults 18-49 (0.76 rtg/986k viewers [in the demo]).”
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions is involved in the making of a new documentary on Andy Kaufman. The project is from documentarian Clay Tweel and is being produced by Campfire Studios, Seven Bucks Productions, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, and Fifth Season. The documentary is in partnership with The Andy Kaufman Estate.
• NXT’s Amari Miller posted a tweet about the importance of getting help with mental health when you need it: “During my depression stage, not knowing why I was changing, gaining weight, not getting along with people, trying to survive day by day. It is ok to ask for help!! Mental hospitals are not a sign of weakness!! I got the help I needed and I’m back healthy and happy inside &out”
• Grayson Waller, Chelsea Green, Sonya Deville, and Johnny Knoxville appeared on WWE’s The Bump this afternoon.
• Matt Riddle, Shayna Baszler, and Tommaso Ciampa will be on The Bump next Wednesday.
• Brock Lesnar turns 46 years old today, Sami Zayn turns 39, and Shane “Hurricane” Helms turns 49.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• GCW clarified that, while he’ll be appearing at the show, Jeff Hardy won’t be wrestling at their Friday, August 4 event in Detroit. It will be the first time Hardy has ever appeared for GCW.
• In an interview with the Daily Mail, Matt Hardy discussed the best moments he’s had in AEW so far:
• When I think about my greatest moments of AEW, I’m still really proud of that street fight we had where I ran over [Sammy Guevara], and me in the golf cart. That was a lot of fun with myself and Kenny Omega, Sammy and Jericho.
• The Stadium Stampede was a great thing. I really love the match with myself and Jeff and The Young Bucks at Double or Nothing a year ago, and then I enjoyed the Hardy Family Office. Especially when it was myself Isaiah and Marq Quen, and I feel like if was able to stay contained to the three of us, I think it would have been even better.
• But then it kind of got to that point where there were some guys that just they said, Hey, can we put them with you, Matt? You know a little bit of a rub, and you can come talk for him, whatever, and we ended up doing that. I think that watered it down a little bit.
• It’s going to be very funny once this contract stuff is done with Ethan, which we’re getting very close to the end game here, but I’ll make sure to make a comment about it because I’m never going to be in a contract story again at all, because I’ve done my fair share.
• Britt Baker is featured on the cover of PennStater magazine.
• Impact Wrestling has announced Lio Rush vs. KUSHIDA and Chris Bey & Ace Austin vs. Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster for this Sunday’s Slammiversary fallout TV tapings. The tapings are also set to feature Tommy Dreamer & former NHL player Darren McCarty vs. Champagne Singh & Shera.
• Chris Sabin spoke to Sports Illustrated about holding the X-Division title 19 years after his first reign: “I always thought the X Division was the future of wrestling. Now I get to show that with a new generation of wrestlers. This is a chance for a lot of the new guys to get a chance. And I can prove I can still hang with these younger guys, too.”
• MLW Fury Road 2023 will take place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 3. The show is airing live on Fite+.

Daily Update

Latest News

• Steve Maclin off Impact Slammiversary due to injury
• Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic set for UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden
• WWE SmackDown video highlights: Tribal Court
• Blind Eliminator tag team tournament semifinals set for AEW Dynamite
• Jey Uso issues challenge to Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown
• Maxxine Dupri graduation ceremony set for WWE Raw
• Women’s title match announced for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Latest Audio

• Wrestling Observer Live: What would you do with LA Knight?

See Dave & Bryan in London

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

• July 10, 2023 Observer Newsletter Roman Reigns pinned at WWE Money in the Bank, Droz passes away

In this issue:

• Match of the week and performer of the week for the past two weeks
• Full coverage of Money in the Bank, the story behind all the matches angles and finishes
• Eight confirmed matches for SummerSlam
• Ticket sales for SummerSlam and records already broken and other records on the verge of being broken
• Live gate for Money in the Bank and a breakdown of the multiple records set
• WrestleMania in London and an update on where that stands
• Total viewership for the show
• PPV numbers for the show and how it compares to other shows plus crossover with AEW Forbidden Door
• Story behind the results and angles on the show
• The life and times of Darren Drozdov, comments from wrestlers, family, friends and the story behind the accident that changed his life and how he battled back and ended up close with his family.
• His brief career in wrestling
• Jerry McDevitt removed from the MLW lawsuit and announces his retirement. A look back at the legendary attorney and his history with WWE
• What happened with Collision in week three. A detailed breakdown of what was one of the most important TV ratings of the year
• WWE & AEW quarterly business, viewership, house shows, what is up and what is down and why
• New Japan Strong at Korakuen Hall with four title changes and two brutal matches
• Full UFC coverage for the week and business notes
• Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year takes place
• The most detailed look at the ratings for all the major wrestling shows, including weekly rankings
• CMLL runs major event with Romero vs. Volador Jr., and notes on the debut of Mascara Dorada 2.0
• Stardom PPV coverage
• Notes on the Five-Star Grand Prix tournament
• Triple Crown title change and fantastic performance by Yuji Nagata
• Father and daughter appear on show together in Japan
• What companies in Japan have drawn the most fans so far this year
• One of the biggest tag teams of all-time having a special show
• Lots more on the Mildred Burke movie that was being filmed this past month and stories about Burke’s legend
• Grappl lists its fan voted best matches in history
• Matt Morgan talks back surgery
• Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame notes for 2023
• Stardom star coming to GCW and notes on the deal
• Kenny Omega talks AEW video game
• Updated ticket sales for All In and where it ranks on the all-time list
• Update on Forbidden Door PPV numbers
• Jon Moxley goal to become an historical first
• Omega talks Will Ospreay match
• Ticket sales to the upcoming WWE and AEW shows
• Jim Ross updates his condition
• Injury updates
• Streaming number updates
• Merch number updates
• International TV ratings
• Lots of gimmick fights being talked about
• ESPN announce new multi-part documentary
• Paul Levesque talks NXT Europe
• Plans for net year’s Mania
• Gable Steveson issues challenge for another sport he’s never done before
• Rundown of all WWE events this past week

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

• May 10, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Sakuraba, Brock Lesnar

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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Saturday Update

WWE

• Last night’s SmackDown was the highest-grossing WWE event to ever take place at Madison Square Garden. It was also the highest-grossing domestic SmackDown in WWE history.
• SmackDown averaged 2.38 million viewers in the fast national ratings last night, up from last week’s fast national average of 2.35 million. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.71 in the first hour and a 0.63 in the second.
• Our Andrew Zarian tweeted that WWE will consider running a smaller stage setup for future MSG shows: “WWE will be considering running a much smaller stage set up in the future at MSG. It will depend on early ticket sales.”
• LA Knight got a big reaction from the MSG crowd when he appeared during a pre-show segment with Hit Row.
• Solo Sikoa reflected on the Bloodline Civil War from Money in the Bank:
• Finally had some time to digest everything that happend last Saturday in London at #MITB. This will be a moment i will ALWAYS cherish and remember forever. To be in the ring with 3 of the very best in this business and better thing is we did it against eachother as family. I learned from all 3 of them since i started on the main and have taken every advice they have given me to be in this position. I have traveled the world with them and have main evented EVERY ppv with them and last Saturday we made history this night and main evented against eachother. So many emotions before and after. But i’m very thankful and happy i got to do it with family.
• This was my wrestlemaina moment i will never forget.
• The Daily Mail asked Bianca Belair if she feels more comfortable as a babyface on the main roster than she did when she was a heel in NXT:
• It’s funny because in NXT with the Bianca Belair there I found my groove then and I loved it. But then when I came to Raw and SmackDown I felt like I found another groove that was inspiring to others and I saw how it was touching others and it wasn’t just me impacting people inside the ring, I was impacting people outside the ring and that’s what stuck with me.
• I loved it and I still love it. So right now I feel like I’m a bit in between. I’m still in the groove I found when I got to main roster but there’s a little bit of the NXT Bianca Belair coming back. I feel like I’ve been playing by the rules, but then I’m seeing other people that aren’t and it’s like, wait a minute, hold up, let’s figure some things out.
• Zelina Vega told Wrestlesphere that being part of the LWO has changed her life:
• Stepping in with LWO has changed my life, not just my wrestling career, but just my life in general. My gosh, it’s a whole new form of person for me ‘cause I never thought I’d be a good guy, ever…it’s almost like pulling this whole new side out of me. And getting to train with Rey Mysterio is probably one of the things I never thought I’d be able to do. But, what an honor.
• Noam Dar tweeted that he won’t be doing a Supernova Sessions segment on NXT this Tuesday: “I thought I could gather the strength to show my face in front of the NXT universe on Supernova Sessions this Tuesday, but I simply cannot without MY NXT Heritage Cup. I am lost without it. I’m not me right now. Therefore, SNS this Tuesday is CANCELLED.”
• Inside the Ropes interviewed Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.
• Bianca Belair, Austin Theory, and Edge appeared on The SmackDown LowDown.
• “Heels” star Stephen Amell will be attending the July 17 episode of Raw in Atlanta.
• WWE uploaded a behind-the-scenes video from Money in the Bank.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• MJF posted a tweet claiming that he won’t be teaming with Adam Cole on Wednesday’s Dynamite: “Hey got some bad news. Was sooooooooo excited to wrestle Big Bill and Cage this week. Unfortunately I’ve come down with something and I’m violently ill. I wish my tag partner and close friend Adam all the best. Pray for me and my health. Love y’all”
• Cole then responded to MJF: “Max…STFU. You’re coming to TV.”
• MJF wrote back to Cole: “Guess it’s only cool when you get to do it. Ugh. Fine. You’re gonna wear the shirt though right?!?”
• In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Timothy Thatcher discussed his AEW match against Bryan Danielson that took place this February: “AEW, that was literally out of the blue. It happened because Bryan Danielson wanted to wrestle me. For me, that was reason enough to fly from Tokyo to Dayton, Ohio for a day and back.”
• Ahead of this year’s G1 Climax, Masahiro Chono passed the STF on to Shota Umino.
• Umino addressed whether he’s a member of Blackpool Combat Club: “[Jon Moxley is] doing some incredible things in AEW right now, love or hate them. There were a lot of people asking me these few weeks if I was part of Blackpool Combat Club, and the answer is that I’m not. I said it all in my backstage comments in Osaka, but me and Mox, it’s something that’s deeper than a babyface and heel fan opinion.”
• NJPW’s English-language website has an interview with SANADA. SANADA said appearing in AEW made him realize how important the IWGP label is: “I got to chat with CM Punk, and he was like ‘that belt is the coolest.’ You know, for a CM Punk to know who you are and what you’re doing, that speaks to how widely the IWGP Champion is known.”
• Brian Cage was a guest on Busted Open Radio.
• Beer City Bruiser spoke to Haus of Wrestling about his recent hip surgery:
• The best way to describe it is everything in my right hip was completely dead. The bone, the labrum was gone, the cartilage was gone. My femoral head was actually being absorbed into my pelvis bone. The doctor had said I had bone spurs on the head of the femoral, which is normal for any type of breaks or stuff.
• When he went in there, the reason it took the extra hour is because I had two particular bone spurs that were the size of his fist that were encapsulating the femoral head, and he had to take a chisel and chisel them out because they couldn’t move my leg to get the fake hip in. And he came out and told my wife, ‘I’m surprised the way that hip was when we went in there; I’m surprised he walked in here this morning.’

Daily Update

Latest News

• Malakai Black requested to be exclusive to AEW Collision
• Natalya calls WWE Raw match vs. Rhea Ripley ‘one of the top three’ of her career
• Darby Allin: Sting ‘doing great’ following ladder spot on AEW Dynamite
• WWE announces Money in the Bank broke all-time revenue record
• AEW announces Latin America & Caribbean streaming deal
• AEW Collision ratings drop for week three
• NJPW officially announces Wrestle Kingdom 18, reveals logo
• Multiple title changes at NJPW Strong Independence Day night two
• Motor City Machine Guns vs. Nick Aldis & Lio Rush set for Impact Wrestling

Latest Audio

• Wrestling Observer Live: AEW Collision ratings, WWE monster business, NXT and RAW highlights
• Bryan & Vinny & Shawn Show: Bryan almost quits after NWA-TNA 21 years ago this week, plus Granny

See Dave & Bryan in London

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

• July 3, 2023 Observer Newsletter: AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door recap, WWE Money in the Bank preview

In this issue:

• Fan reactions and poll for Forbidden Door
• Thoughts on the Omega-Ospreay and Okada-Danielson matches, as well as the difference in match of the years today with in the past that is concerning. We look at the Omega-Ospreay storyline, the business record that was set in Toronto as well as PPV numbers, theater numbers, what we learned, the Okada-Danielson finish and the situation with C.M. Punk.
• We have the biggest money live events in AEW history, match-by-match coverage, Danielson, Sting, Tony Khan and others talk after the show and more
• A look at Money in the Bank and its unique record that was quietly set
• Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show
• Business notes on the show
• What’s next for the top people on the show
• The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling shows this past week, talking competition, ranking, segment-by-segment, the unique change in the Raw audience this week as well as the low rating for AEW and notes on that
• Early Fantastica Mania notes
• 64th anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its legendary arenas that likely has had more shows than all but a few in history
• Notes on AAA’s next major show after TripleMania in Tijuana
• Stardom PPV notes
• Next Stardom PPV card
• Stardom Five-Star Grand Prix tournament
• Battle of two people who trained together as youths sells out standing room tickets at Korakuen Hall weeks ahead of time
• The new three Musketeers in New Japan and thoughts
• Update on this week’s New Japan major shows
• A look in detail about the movie “Iron Claw” about the heyday of the Von Erichs and the collapse of their empire along with thoughts on it
• One of the best wrestlers of the 90s and 00s goes into a sports Hall of Fame
• Outsports talks about the most powerful LGBTQ+ people in the sports world including many from both pro wrestling and MMA
• Notes on Ross Forman, who works backstage at Impact, making the list and his background and thoughts
• WWC 50th anniversary show draws huge crowd in Puerto Rico and rundown of the show
• Impact notes from the next few weeks of TV
• AEW video game notes
• Jim Ross update
• Danielson talks Okada
• Variety says AEW TV show deserves an Emmy nomination
• Upcoming ticket sales for all WWE & AEW shows
• Anthony Bowens felt crowd reaction was a real breakthrough, as does a reader who grew up in Chicago
• Ariel Helwani responds to Tony Khan
• What percentage of revenue did UFC fighters make last year
• Lots of new UFC fights
• Fighter rebounding from nearly fatal heart attack
• Lots of notes on Vince McMahon and WWE
• Notes on what happens with the new company, how much money Vince made WWE by staying and what percentage of the new company he will own
• Notes on ideas for changes in NXT and main roster shows
• WWE injury updates
• International TV ratings
• WWE top streaming segments for the week

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

• May 10, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Sakuraba, Brock Lesnar

Moderators needed:

We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Wednesday Update

WWE

• Josh Barnett responded to the NXT Underground match that aired last night: “Oh look, fake Bloodsport is back. Thank you for showing the world that this kind of thing has legs (we knew that already) and that even with 10x the money and production there is still only one Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport. #NXTUnderground #Bloodsport #NXT”
• During an interview with Inside the Ropes, Bayley was asked if she could follow in Mercedes Mone’s footsteps and wrestle in Japan: “I think what she’s doing is incredible, but I don’t know if I’d be able to do it. That Japanese style is intense. I’m a little too old for that. She can go ahead and do all that. She’s braver than I am. She’s way more athletic than I am. So she can do all that stuff, and I’ll support her the whole time. If something were to happen and I was able to go experience different things like that, we’ll see. But right now, my body will say no.”
• Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and boxer Alycia Baumgardner were guests on WWE’s The Bump this afternoon.
• McIntyre addressed his WWE status and apologized to fans for not being around recently: “I just want to apologize for everybody that I missed my dates, I missed the towns. You know, it’s not like me unless there’s a reason. Obviously, the rumor and innuendo is out there. What’s been going on with Drew McIntyre? What’s going on with the future? The future doesn’t matter. What matters is the present. And presently, Drew McIntyre is back. If you’re heading to a WWE show and Drew McIntyre’s there, you know you’re gonna get 110 percent. And finally, finally, finally I’m chasing that big moment with a title in front of live fans. So let’s make that happen finally.”
• Santos Escobar told Haus of Wrestling that he’d love to have Konnan in the LWO: “I would love that. Konnan is a very important person in my life and in my career. If that ever happened, I would be really, really happy.”
• Members of Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wrestling expressed support for John Cena’s call to bring WrestleMania to London. Co-chair Alex Davies-Jones said: “Whatever we can do to make the UK attractive to host wrestling on the world stage we are more than happy to help facilitate. We would use our contact and negotiating skills to try and reach out to WWE, making conversations happen to try and promote the UK as a premier destination for world-class wrestling.”
• Ring announcer Mike Rome was interviewed on Out of Character.

AEW/Other Wrestling

• WrestleTix estimated yesterday that 74,888 tickets have been distributed for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium.
• Wheeler Yuta spoke to Cageside Seats ahead of his match against Kenny Omega on Dynamite tonight. Yuta said he’s not feeling pressure with having to follow Omega and Will Ospreay’s match from Forbidden Door: “Honestly, I always just try to kind of do my own thing and focus on my own goals. Obviously, [following the Ospreay match] definitely adds to the excitement. It adds to the feel of it. Just like, how is Kenny gonna be able to bounce back after having such a classic match? So it definitely adds a whole ‘nother element to it, but I really just have to focus on doing the best that I can do… it definitely adds a little bit more in an air of excitement. I don’t think I’d say pressure. I’d say excitement for me.”
• AEW star Adam Cole turns 34 years old today.
• AEW revealed that Matt Menard & The Butcher will be Cole & MJF’s opponents in the Blind Eliminator Tag Team Tournament quarterfinals on tonight’s episode of Dynamite.
• A trios match with The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn facing The Blade & The Bollywood Boyz has also been added to tonight’s Dynamite.
• Renee Paquette made an appearance on Wilde On with Taylor Wilde.
• AEW congratulated Eddie Kingston on winning the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship.
• Due to a head wound that he suffered on night one, JR Kratos was pulled from NJPW Strong Independence Day night two. Kratos was scheduled to wrestle Oskar Leube on the show. Leube instead lost to Satoshi Kojima.
• Tiara James vs. B3CCA has been added to this Saturday’s MLW Fusion TV tapings in Philadelphia.