Gabe Sapolsky congratulated Ethan Page after officially being moved to the main roster: “Congrats to @OfficialEGO on his Raw debut! He was a key performer in the OG Evolve. We did some memorable stuff. Then we had a falling out. Then this past year we repaired the relationship like adults. Now I can be very happy to see him get what he has worked for.”
Jade Cargill and Trick Williams talked to 8 News Now Las Vegas following WrestleMania.
Matt Morgan, who was in OVW around the same time as Brock Lesnar, thanked him on social media.
The New Yorker has a story on Linda McMahon, comparing the similarities in her previous role as CEO of WWE to her current role as Secretary of Education.
John Cena on Danhausen: “One of my favorite #WrestleMania moments ever. So happy we got an updated photograph together.”
Jun Saito has pulled out of the AJPW Champion Carnival after suffering a orbital fracture of his right eye. He will forfeit the rest of his matches.
Kanji reflected on the one year anniversary of her match against Mercedes Mone: “To celebrate the return of @mercedesmone to @revprouk , here are some of the moments we all shared backstage after the show. There was a huge sense of community that Mercedes felt and she had to acknowledge it in a post match speech. The respect, loyalty and love we, as a roster, have for each other was so strong due to the support shown for me prior to going through the curtain. Everyone chanting and singing ‘Yes She Kanji’! It was so beautiful! And the applause when I came back after the match was deafening. Hugs, smiles and tears as everyone congratulated me on a huge milestone for British Wrestling. What a time to be alive. I’m so excited for whoever gets to experience this with her in July when she comes back, we have so many women who deserve this feeling and opportunity! And we’re so lucky Mercedes is happy and willing to come back and provide it. Thank you to the RevPro community! The fans, the crew, the wrestlers and Andy Quildan.”
The most detailed look at how the Pat McAfee angle developed, its goal, why so many in the company are unhappy with it, where it is leading, addressing the biggest WrestleMania questions, what CM Punk aid, where Paul Levesque and Ari Emanuel fit in, as well as an update on WrestleMania tickets compared to last year, discount offers cutting price back and more
Preview to AEW Dynasty, matches and business notes as well as updates on Double or Nothing direction and business, as well as All In at Wembley Stadium.
Favorites for WrestleMania and Dynasty
Lots of business notes on WrestleMania
Callum Newman wins IWGP title and review of Sakura Genesis, what we learned, business, Best of the Super Juniors and Dontaku notes
NXT Stand & Deliver. Match rundowns and stories as well as business notes on the show
Texts from Paul Levesque to Nick Khan released in discovery regarding Vince McMahon’s involvement in booking when talent was told McMahon was out and Levesques frustration at the time
A detailed look at TNA pulling talent from advertised indie events that they had previously approved and a better way of handling it
A look at the career of 60s and 70s star Flying Fred Curry, one of the major stars of The Sheik’s heyday running Michigan and Ohio, son of Bull Curry and nine-time world tag team champion.
The arrest of Alberto el Patron, lots more details and his history, shows he’s been pulled from, an ironic aspect of this story n a reality show in Mexico late last year
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the television shows of the past week, with comparisons with last week, last year, demos and other stats, male vs. female percentage
More stats regarding the audience at Arena Mexico shows as well as a look back on a major week last week.
Saya Kamtani has major goal for Stardom’s big show later this month
Japanese television in 1985 and who were the draws
Ric Flair upset over WWE costing him a major merchandise deal
Sports Business Journal gave an update on the timeline for when YouTube TV subscribers will get access to the ESPN app at no additional charge:
ESPN is set to air its first WrestleMania this weekend under the new pact with WWE, but sources tell SBJ that YouTube TV subscribers will still not be able to authenticate on the ESPN app in time for the event. Google is working through tech issues related to the authentication, sources added, and there remains an expectation that the problems should be solved ahead of SummerSlam.
Throughout WrestleMania week, ESPN will originate studio programming and live events from key locations across Las Vegas, including WWE World, Toshiba Plaza, Allegiant Stadium and Dolby Live at Park MGM. SportsCenter coverage will be led on site by Randy Scott, Gary Striewski, Treavor Scales and Joe Fortenbaugh, delivering live reporting, fan engagement and behind the scenes storytelling throughout the week. Scott, Striewski and Scales will explore WWE World and fan experiences across Las Vegas and will interview and talk with WWE Superstars on site, while Scales and Fortenbaugh will be positioned for post-match coverage and reaction throughout WrestleMania weekend. First Take will originate from Las Vegas as part of ESPN’s on-site coverage, featuring Shae Cornette, Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins live Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m. from Allegiant Stadium.
Coverage also includes No Contest Wrestling, hosted by O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, airing Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 during WrestleMania week, alongside the WrestleMania 42 Kickoff Show, Countdown to WrestleMania 42, Nights 1 and 2 of WrestleMania and the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Shannon Sharpe & Chad Ochocinco’s Nightcap podcast will be live on WrestleMania Radio Row at 2 p.m. Eastern tomorrow with Carmelo Hayes, Charlotte Flair, Jacob Fatu, Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, Nia Jax & Lash Legend, and more scheduled to appear.
On the Soder Podcast, Becky Lynch said that, when WWE wrestlers make outside appearances, people are surprised at how easygoing they are since wrestlers are not used to being catered to in WWE:
I mean this politely, we’re not catered to – at all. No. Maybe there’s a couple of folks, and as you get more into it, you put up with less sh*t. But we pay for our own gear, they’re not getting us gear. We buy our own gear. We buy our own rental cars. We buy our own hotels. We are in charge of booking those hotels and booking those rental cars. And I think that’s why, actually, when we go to work at other places, whether it be [Showtime show] ‘Billions’ or whatever, people are usually pleasantly surprised at how easygoing we are. Because we’re not used to being catered to. We don’t expect anything. We don’t expect anybody to look after us. Because we are standardly so self-sufficient.
CM Punk & AJ Lee took part in a GOAT Talk video for Complex. In response to a question about celebrities he’d like to see in WWE, Punk said he’s changed his mind on celebrity involvement and is now more open to it:
Dave Bautista, John Cena – I just want my friends to come back to work.
I get a kick out of seeing celebrities cross over, because it’s either the most spectacular car crash disaster. And there was a time where I probably was the most ardent like, ‘No, the purity of the sport of pro wrestling, blah, blah, blah.’ And now I’ve shed all that and I realize there’s a time and there’s a place for a little bit of everything for everybody.
I think Bad Bunny was a spectacular professional wrestler. This is the biggest, most recognized global pop star in the world. And he’s a fan, and he doesn’t just want to come and goof around. He took it seriously and he did it.
Honestly, it’s not the same without Bianca there. I miss her. I hope that she comes back soon. But at the same time, I also hope she’s living her best life, not having to go to work for a little bit. She’s busted her ass for so long. They’ve literally made her do so much and work so much, she deserves the time off.
I wish it was under better a circumstance, because that finger be looking nasty. Like, it’s shocked me that she’s been out for nearly a year from a finger injury – something that seems so small is something that’s so big. I’ve seen the photos, she’s sent me the photos, so thank you, Bianca. They’re pretty gnarly looking.
I just really hope that she comes back soon. Like, I really do, but that finger, it’s so fat. It’s so swollen. She’s doing rehab every single day and I’m looking forward to the day that she does come back. I don’t know how long that’s going to be, unfortunately, because you need your finger to bend in wrestling. Otherwise, you’re going to break it again.
Before he challenges MJF for the AEW World Championship on Dynamite, Darby Allin sat down for an interview on Close Up with Renee Paquette.
New TNT Champion Kevin Knight spoke with The Takedown on SI about his title defense against Claudio Castagnoli on Dynamite:
To go against a guy like Claudio is an amazing time because I’ve never had him one-on-one, only in multi-mans. And I’ve actually had to support him a few times in Mexico, you know, ‘El Jet’ is a little bit different when you cross the border.
So I know Claudio pretty well, I think I have speed and youth on my side. Claudio is a well, well oiled machine, there’s nobody like Claudio, so I’m gonna have to be on my A-game, be on my A-game and Claudio won’t know what hit him.
Andrade El Idolo will face Richard Holliday for Awesome Championship Wrestling in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 16.
The most detailed look at how the Pat McAfee angle developed, its goal, why so many in the company are unhappy with it, where it is leading, addressing the biggest WrestleMania questions, what CM Punk aid, where Paul Levesque and Ari Emanuel fit in, as well as an update on WrestleMania tickets compared to last year, discount offers cutting price back and more
Preview to AEW Dynasty, matches and business notes as well as updates on Double or Nothing direction and business, as well as All In at Wembley Stadium.
Favorites for WrestleMania and Dynasty
Lots of business notes on WrestleMania
Callum Newman wins IWGP title and review of Sakura Genesis, what we learned, business, Best of the Super Juniors and Dontaku notes
NXT Stand & Deliver. Match rundowns and stories as well as business notes on the show
Texts from Paul Levesque to Nick Khan released in discovery regarding Vince McMahon’s involvement in booking when talent was told McMahon was out and Levesques frustration at the time
A detailed look at TNA pulling talent from advertised indie events that they had previously approved and a better way of handling it
A look at the career of 60s and 70s star Flying Fred Curry, one of the major stars of The Sheik’s heyday running Michigan and Ohio, son of Bull Curry and nine-time world tag team champion.
The arrest of Alberto el Patron, lots more details and his history, shows he’s been pulled from, an ironic aspect of this story n a reality show in Mexico late last year
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the television shows of the past week, with comparisons with last week, last year, demos and other stats, male vs. female percentage
More stats regarding the audience at Arena Mexico shows as well as a look back on a major week last week.
Saya Kamtani has major goal for Stardom’s big show later this month
Japanese television in 1985 and who were the draws
Ric Flair upset over WWE costing him a major merchandise deal
— Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer Radio to talk about Raw, WrestleMania, Dynasty Alberto El Patron, crazy ratings stories, and hopefully some other promotions.
— The final Raw before WrestleMania is in Sacramento tonight. All the top stars on the Raw brand, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Paul Heyman, Gunther, etc are scheduled. Royce Keys put on social media he was going to the show since it’s not a far drive. No matches there were 11,279 tickets out the last time I checked earlier today, so it will be close to sold out.
— The Wrestling Observer will be out one day early this week because I’m going to WrestleMania.
— Tony Khan last night announced Claudio Castagnoli to challenge Kevin Knight on Wednesday for the TNT title plus MJF vs. Darby Allin for the AEW title in Everett, WA. Allin started his wrestling training in Everett, WA, under Buddy Wayne.
— For Thursday’s CMLL show at the Pearl, the main event has been changed from Mistico v.s Hechicero to a tag team with Mistico & Templario vs. Hechicero & Angel de Oro.
— AEW Dynasty did 20,000 searches on Google. It’s better than some AEW PPV shows and worse than others. The UFC show on Saturday topped 1 million.
— CMLL sold out Arena Puebla today with Mistico & Neon in the main event against Hechicero & Volador Jr.
— For this past week from Sunday through Saturday, CMLL sold 50,000 tickets to pro wrestling events in Mexico City, Puebla and Guadalajara. Aside from WWE at its hottest periods ever or WrestleMania or stadium show weeks like AEW in London, I don’t know of any promotion that has done that working in just three markets.
— Hechicero, who was not at the AEW show last night, had seven flights in 48 hours last week.
— The Grande Americano vs. Grande Americano angle on Saturday’s AAA show was great. Comedian Ojas de Huevos, who calls himself the Stevie Wonder of Mexico because he’s blind, ran down the Gable version. Gable went after him and with him being blind, Andrea Bazarte, the interviewer, who some know as Kaiser’s girlfriend (legit, but it was never used previously or said on television) tried to stop him and slapped him in the face. Gable was about to go over her when Kaiser ran down to attack Gable. The two continted to come out of backstage and fight multiple times the rest of the show. They have a mask vs. mask match on 5/30 at Arena Monterrey, or at least that was the plan a few weeks ago. Some media outlets brought up the idea that they fired Nino Hamburguesa for doing something physical with a fan but not Grande Gable. Of course the two things are completely different.
— TNA for Thursday’s live TV from Syracuse, NY has EC 3 vs. Eric Young, AJ Francis vs. KC Navarro, plus The System with Alisha Edwards and Mustafa Ali and The Hardys will appear.
— The Hardys will appear at WWE World on 4/17.
— Argentina Rocca, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history, was born on this day in 1921. Manuel Rivera, the original Dr. Wagner was born on this day in 1936. Stan Stasiak, who was WWWF champion for nine days as a transition from Pedro Morales to Bruno Sammartino in 1973, was born on this day in 1937. Diane Von Hoffman was born on this day in 1962. Sir Mo/Bobby Horne was born on this day in 1967. Don Duffy passed away 11 years ago today at the age of 80. Scott Norton made his pro wrestling debut 37 years ago today. (thanks to Tony Richards)
— Defy and Dragon Gate joint show results from Friday night in Portland, OR: Judas Icarus & Travis Williams & Evan Rivers b Ho Ho Lun & Kzy & Ben K, Adam Brooks b La Estrella, Yamato & Dragon Kid b Eddie Pearl & Ricky Gibson, Marina Shafir b Amira to retain the Defy women’s title, Madoka Kikuta & Kai & Ishin b Cody Chhun & Guillermo Rosas & Steven Borden Jr., Bryan Keith b Susumu Yokosuka to retain the Defy men’s title (thanks to Matt Farmer)
— For those going to Las Vegas this week, Larry Lawrence will be doing a wrestling related stand-up comedy show on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. local time at Area 15.
— For Saturday night’s UFC show, there were some unique judging scores. Reporters were 100 percent for Chris Padilla over MarQuel Mederos, most 30-26 and some 29-27. However, the fight was officially a draw as judge Derek Clearly gave Mederos round one and two and Padilla a 10-8 third due to a foul. Eliseo Rodriguez gave Mederos the second and third rounds. Solimar Miranda only gave Mederos the second round.
— El Elemental, the husband/boyfriend of Catalina wrote this regarding her leaving CMLL to AAA and regarding the idea he would as well: “I have received many messages and questions regarding my career, so I would like to set the record straight. I am focused, stable, and very comfortable at CMLL. I have no plans to switch promotions; my commitment is to continue growing and proving myself inside the ring. On a personal note, a few months ago I decided to end my romantic relationship with La Catalina. Consequently, I completely disassociate myself from any decisions she makes regarding her personal or professional life. We are each following our own paths, and I am fully focused on mine. This will be the only comment I make on the matter. I am grateful to the fans who have always shown their support. The rest will be settled in the ring. LET’S GO!”
— StrangleMania from Juggalo Championship Wrestling has announced this show for 4/17 at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas:
Vampiro vs. PCO vs. Big Vito in Vampiro’s latest retirement match
Matt Riddle vs. Cokane vs. Nic Nemeth vs. Caleb Konley with Vince Russo in Konley’s corner and EC3 as referee
2 Tuff Tony & Willie Mack & Rob Van Dam vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson & KENTA
Alice Crowley & Dani Mo vs. J Rod & ? with Katie Forbes as ref
The most detailed look at how the Pat McAfee angle developed, its goal, why so many in the company are unhappy with it, where it is leading, addressing the biggest WrestleMania questions, what CM Punk aid, where Paul Levesque and Ari Emanuel fit in, as well as an update on WrestleMania tickets compared to last year, discount offers cutting price back and more
Preview to AEW Dynasty, matches and business notes as well as updates on Double or Nothing direction and business, as well as All In at Wembley Stadium.
Favorites for WrestleMania and Dynasty
Lots of business notes on WrestleMania
Callum Newman wins IWGP title and review of Sakura Genesis, what we learned, business, Best of the Super Juniors and Dontaku notes
NXT Stand & Deliver. Match rundowns and stories as well as business notes on the show
Texts from Paul Levesque to Nick Khan released in discovery regarding Vince McMahon’s involvement in booking when talent was told McMahon was out and Levesques frustration at the time
A detailed look at TNA pulling talent from advertised indie events that they had previously approved and a better way of handling it
A look at the career of 60s and 70s star Flying Fred Curry, one of the major stars of The Sheik’s heyday running Michigan and Ohio, son of Bull Curry and nine-time world tag team champion.
The arrest of Alberto el Patron, lots more details and his history, shows he’s been pulled from, an ironic aspect of this story n a reality show in Mexico late last year
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the television shows of the past week, with comparisons with last week, last year, demos and other stats, male vs. female percentage
More stats regarding the audience at Arena Mexico shows as well as a look back on a major week last week.
Saya Kamtani has major goal for Stardom’s big show later this month
Japanese television in 1985 and who were the draws
Ric Flair upset over WWE costing him a major merchandise deal
— Garrett Gonzales and I will be doing the show tonight since Bryan Alvarez will be at AEW Dynasty in Vancouver. We’ll also talk about Smackdown which we both attended but haven’t talked about to each other yet, Collision, the WWE angles, and the rest of today’s news. Bryan and I did a show last night covering UFC, Smackdown, the TNA PPV show and other pro wrestling and MMA news.
— AEW Dynasty tonight in Vancouver, BC:
4 p.m. Zero Hour
Marina Shafir vs. Alex Windsor
Megan Bayne & Lena Kross defend the women’s tag titles against Maya World & Hyan
Jack Perry defends the National title against Mark Davis
5 p.m.
David Finlay & Clark Connors & Gabe Kidd defend the trios titles against Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong & ? (rumors to be Kyle O’Reilly who is from Vancouver)
Young Bucks vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Kazuchika Okada
Casino Gauntlet for the vacant TNT title. The first two entrants are Tommaso Ciampa and Rush. Nobody else is announced
Darby Allin vs. Andrade El Idolo for the title shot on Double or Nothing
Thekla defends the AEW women’s title against Jamie Hayter
Jon Moxley defends the Continental title against Will Ospreay
FTR defends the tag team titles against Adam Copeland & Christian Cage
MJF defends the AEW title against Kenny Omega
On paper, it looks strong. Maybe not Revolution level strong, but the key matches have had strong builds and most matches on paper look great. They had 8,699 tickets out as of last word. So it probably won’t hit 9,500 but it is the largest for a Dynasty show to date.
— We’re looking for your thoughts on both the AEW Dynasty show tonight as well as the TNA Rebellion show last night for our weekend polls. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected]
— Regarding WrestleMania ticket sales since Pat McAfee announced the ticket discount for Saturday and not Sunday, since Friday morning, the Saturday show has moved 1,265 tickets to 40,610 and the Sunday show, with no discount, has moved 1,452, to 42,769.
— Regarding Nikki Bella and participating in the match at WrestleMania, I was just told a few minutes ago, “it’s too close to call.”
— The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will air on ESPN Unlimited at midnight this coming Friday night.
— The new main event for the Mark Hitchcock Memorial show is Ricochet & Gates of Agony vs. Michael Oku, Kevin Knight and Mike Bailey on 4/16. Tony Khan had a strong P.R. week essentially adding the Gates of Agony, Bailey and Knight after TNA pulled Leon Slater out of the prior main event with Ricochet. The general rule in booking AEW talent is that they don’t like doing major AEW vs. AEW matches with the idea they want those exclusively for AEW television, but Khan allowed them to do that because of how the situation went. Other AEW talent on that show are Bandido, Lee Johnson, Blake Christian and Mark Davis.
— CMLL has added Persephone vs. Tessa Blanchard for the CMLL women’s title to its Thursday 3 p.m. show at the Palms in Las Vegas.
— For Google searches, there was actually a decent amount of traction over the weekend. UFC was the biggest. In fact last night’s UFC show was No. 3 among everything for the weekend with 1,115,000 searches. There were six UFC topics in the top 55 for the weekend, including Jiri Prochazka, Cub Swanson, Aaron Pico, Paulo Costa, Curtis Blaydes, Josh Hokit and several others. The Tyson Fury fight did 100,000. Conor Benn’s fight did 20,000. Gable Steveson did 10,000. Anthony Joshua did 20,000. WrestleMania did 10,000. The highest pro wrestling number was for La Catalina believe it or not. Others that trended with 2,000 were Rhea Ripley, Royce Keys and Danhausen. Pat McAfee did not.
— A couple of items at last night’s AAA show. Catalina did arrive and was presented as a big star, unlike in CMLL where none of the women really are and Persephone is the biggest star. She immediately was put in a feud with Flammer for the Reina de Reinas title. Penta retained the IC title over El Hijo del Vikingo. They were pushing hard the Grande Americano vs. Grande Americano feud with the last word we heard the mask vs. mask match will headline the 5/30 show at Arena Monterrey.
— There was controversy regarding the show last night. In the match with Grande Americano Chad Gable against Octagon Jr., Gable unmasked Octagon Jr. right in front of the referee. Octagon Jr. hid his face and Gable pinned him. Mexican wrestling rules dating back at least 60 years call for unmasking in front of the ref to be a DQ. This is actually one of the most foundational rules there are. WWE has decided to change that rule. The reality is that AAA fans today are mostly WWE fans and not as much AAA fans, as seen by the biggest reaction coming for WWE wrestlers. It’s not going to hurt business or anything, and we knew going in that WWE was going to change matches to American style, but this was a change a lot of people were very surprised and unhappy about. I mean, I’m sad to see the change but I also expect every Lucha Libre rule that isn’t the same as WWE to eventually change.
— Both AAA and CMLL sold out last night with 5,500 and 6,000 in Mexico City, respectively last night. This was the 15th sellout in the last 16 weeks for CMLL at Arena Coliseo (the only miss was a Saturday night where the Mexican national soccer team played in Mexico City before 83,000 fans, and even that show was almost sold out). I believe that is the best run in history for the 83-year-old arena.
— Friday night sold out Arena Mexico with 16,000 fans, as Hechicero beat Angel de Oro as the last two. Angel de Oro had pinned Mistico when they were the last three, clean, to knock him out of the tournament and the crowd was very surprised and unhappy about that. The main event was an elimination match with all the CMLL title holders except Mascara Dorada, who had already qualified last week. Besides Mistico, Hechicero and Angel de Oro, it had Templario, Neon, Niebla Roja and Stigma. On 4/24, Mascara Dorada and Hechicero will be joined by the winner of the match on 4/17 with all the Mexican national champions for a three-way Universal title tournament final.
— Last night’s UFC match with Josh Hokit vs. Curtis Blaydes is the leading candidate so far for fight of the year. It was an amazing slugfest, super exciting and the advantage went back-and-forth for three rounds with the most punches thrown in a heavyweight three-rounder in UFC history. Both were hospitalized, but Hokit was booked for a fight in nine weeks against Derrick Lewis. President Trump was at the show. According to Dana White, Trump specifically asked for Lewis to be on the White House show. So they immediately called Lewis, who agreed to it. They booked Hokit based on beating Blaydes, but with the beating he took, nine weeks is a tough turnaround. Of course getting on the White House show for many, if not most (and absolutely not all) fighters, is a big deal.
— Other bouts that have been highly recommended this weekend were the Arena Mexico main event and the Champion Carnival main event from today with Go Shiozaki vs. Yuma Anzai from All Japan. Young Bucks vs. Hechicero & El Clon from Collision was also great.
— Regarding Gable Steveson, while he clearly has the athletic talent, this is very quick to be signed by UFC. They probably had to because I think there was a really good chance he got an offer from MVP for the Rousey vs. Carano fight, and UFC, which has been interested in him, sped up the process. Rushing guys into UFC is a major risk.
— Dirty White Boy Tony Anthony turned 65 today. Cibernetico turned 51. El Terrible turned 50. Jackie Redmond, the WWE TV announcer, turned 39. Mighty Inoue was born on this day in 1949. Promoter George Culkin was born on this day in 1926. Joe Louis, the legendary boxer, who was involved in pro wrestling, died 45 years ago today at 66. Mike Von Erich died 39 years ago today at 23. Mary Jane Mull died 27 years ago today at 70. Great Goliath of Gordman & Goliath fame died 22 years today at 69. Balls Mahoney died ten years ago today at 44. Joe Pedicino died six years ago today at 70 (thanks to Tony Richards).
— Santino Marella was suspended by TNA as a cover due to undergoing sleep apnea related surgery.
— For Create-a-Pro on 5/11 in Melville, NY, the MJF vs. Nic Nemeth match that TNA cancelled is now Nemeth vs. Bear Bronson and Kris Statlander, Max Caster and Smart Mark Sterling will be on the show. MJF will headline in an open challenge for the AEW title if he’s champion.
— KC Navarro and EC3 will return to TNA for Thursday’s Impact. Impact and Collision will be going head-to-head because TNT is airing NHL playoffs on Saturday night.
— Neon & Xelhua headlined Arena Mexico tonight against Hechicero & Volador Jr. plus Star Jr. vs. Soberano Jr. Mistico & Neon vs. Hechicero & Volador Jr. headlines Puebla on Monday.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
WrestleVotes reports that The Usos’ new theme music has been “tabled” after the crowd reaction it received when it debuted on the March 30 episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden.
Nattie shared video of Jacob Fatu training at The Dungeon last night ahead of WrestleMania: “So proud of @jacobfatu_wwe and how hard he’s been working with us since last year. It’s awesome to watch him build and help others in the process.”
Trick Williams spoke to Sun Sport about his transition from NXT to the main roster:
Man, I have to just say, everything that they’ve asked me to do hasn’t been good, it’s been great. It’s literally been a home run.
Them allowing me to talk and do my thing, but at the same time, you know, taking what I do and sending it to the nebula – like Booker T said the other day – sending everything to the nebula, to the next level, that’s what Triple H is really good at.
He took my entrance that was already very good and made it spectacular and that’s what they do at the main roster, I think, better than anybody.
You know, if you learn how to do something with a little bit, then they can take a little bit and make it a lot, cause once they put their creative juices to it, it’s just gonna go crazy.
So I’m grateful for everybody who’s reached out and helped the whoop that trick experience. Triple H, Michael Hayes, Bruce [Prichard] – all of them.
Not right now, and not in a bad way. I don’t know. I feel like since I’ve come back from my injury, I’m very much just trying to stay in the moment and be present. Obviously, WrestleMania is heavy on my mind, but I’m not feeling any anxiety or pressure yet. I’m just kind of taking everything day by day and just preparing as best as I can. So no, I don’t feel pressure right now in this moment.
Jade Cargill responded to a fan who claimed that she is on PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs):
I was going to read you for filth. But it’s no point. Long story short. No, I’m not on anything. I have GREAT genetics and I work hard. You can look at my brother and see my genetics. This clip is when I found out about my neck issues which affected my lifting. I swear yall will try to discredit me for anything. I’ve ALWAYS been muscular. But I see you can use a meal plan.
Plus WWE drug tests us like crazy. Next subject idiot.
Yes, because me and Max have gone at it for years, way before AEW on the independents we were at each other’s throats. So to take that from him, somebody that is literally my polar opposite, would mean everything. But on the flip side, if Kenny Omega’s champion, that’s a first time ever match. Something that a lot of people never thought they’d see. I would never think I would’ve ever saw that. I was never in that realm at the time with Kenny and New Japan [Pro Wrestling] and everything like that.
To be world champion is everything because I feel this company has given me everything outside the ring and inside the ring. To be the face of this company I truly feel like you need to be that world champion so this week is pretty much do or die.
David Benoit was at Dynamite in Edmonton last night and shared backstage photos with Chris Jericho, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and Ricochet.
That match against MJF feels like what I’ve been preparing for my entire career. When I was banned from traveling to the US [due to immigration issues], I was always number-one on those lists of ‘the best wrestlers you’ve never heard of.’ Then I came to TNA, and I became ‘one of the best wrestlers you’ve kind of heard of.’ Now I’m where the best wrestle, fighting the champion.
MJF is in a great position right now in AEW. He’s the champion, he’s the number one guy. He is the best at what he does. There has never been a better MJF in history than MJF. I think that was a great first encounter. I have a feeling there will be more, and I feel like that was a very good starting point.
There have been bumps in the road but the truth is that Tony Khan and AEW have been good to GCW since day one, both publicly & privately. I am grateful and thankful that they continue to allow their talent to perform on our events.
First of all, Mercedes Mone – amazing. She’s always been loyal man. Always just coming back to us [House of Glory] and knowing her roots. That’s how I am. So, I love that more about her… Ever since she came up to our school when we were in the other venue, like a little bodega store in Queens, actually. She came by and she’s like, I want to go over this match with you and run some spots and work out with you guys. And we’re looking at her because at this point, she’s in NXT. What you doing here?
I don’t care what anybody says about her. You cannot work like this girl. This girl works. She comes in just to talk and chill, but decides to bring her wrestling shoes and her gear and trains and sweats, and then talks about wrestling. As someone that loves pro wrestling like her, I don’t see a reason not to be around her.
TNA issued a statement to The Takedown on SI regarding Slammiversary taking place in Boston after initially being planned for Long Island. In the statement, TNA confirmed that potential logistical issues presented by the World Cup played a factor in the June 28 PPV’s location:
We are super excited to bring Slammiversary to the Agganis Arena at Boston University for the first time ever.
We also are well aware, as the world likely is, of the logistical traffic issues expected in New York City in late June, particularly with the World Cup in the area, NYC Pride, New York Mets home games and so much more.
Shotzi Blackheart, Trevor Lee, Ikuro Kwon, Donovan Dijak, Bishop Dyer, Diego Hill, KUSHIDA, Lady Frost, and Austin Aries have been announced for CMLL & MLW’s interpromotional event at Arena Mexico on May 1.
In partnership with Nike, Japanese women’s wrestling promotion Sukeban will be holding a show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on May 19.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
Oh my gosh, no. No, no, no, no. That is definitely not in my future. Definitely not. I’m very, very happy with what I’m doing. I’m very happy to be, you know – think about this – for me, a little girl from New Bern, North Carolina. I just grew up in a very humble, middle-class family, an only child, great parents. Just one of those wonderful childhood kind of things. But never dreamed, ever that I would be in the president’s cabinet. Let alone the opportunity to serve twice.
Liv Morgan shared a new picture showing that the swelling has gone down on her forehead bump after the injury she suffered on Raw. She still has bruising on her forehead and nose.
Sid Vicious’ son Gunnar Eudy noted on Facebook that, because his father is a Legacy inductee, his family will not be doing an acceptance speech at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony:
There will be no acceptance speech because they are putting him in the legacy wing. We will just be in the crowd
We would have been honored to give a speech but at the same time I feel like his fans rather see a video package of him than two people talking that they don’t know
AEW’s social media highlighted Will Ospreay’s NJPW return at Sakura Genesis and post-show comments where Ospreay told United Empire that he could use some backup in his feud with Jon Moxley and the Death Riders.
Aminata, who has been out of action for five months due to a neck injury, tweeted about tonight’s matchup against TBS Champion Willow Nightingale: “No pressure, no noise… just me proving to myself that I’m still that woman.”
On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Paul Wight (Big Show) addressed his many face/heel turns and said he doesn’t think a giant like himself ever had to be World Champion:
Arn Anderson told me, ‘The dumbest thing you ever did is learn how to work.’ So any minute, I was able to be a good opponent for what we were doing. I knew that me, personally, I don’t think I should ever have been champion. You don’t need a giant to be a champion. You need a giant to be an obstacle for the upcoming champion. You need somebody, something, a wall, a mountain, something that has to be overcome so that the next talent can be on its way. There’s a damn good living to be made in that position. I think the last time I got the title was just because I had been five or six years in title matches all the time, hadn’t won the damn thing. ‘Well, he’s been in here while, we might want to put it on him, so get some validity out of it.’ But I was okay with that. I enjoyed that, because I look back at my career now, I got to help create some big, big stars. I was working early with Roman and working early with Cody. There are a lot of talents that I had a great [time with], Kofi and Woods and Cesaro. Big moment, Cesaro at WrestleMania, those are all good moments for me. I always understood that I’m not, and this is no way am I putting myself down. I’m not a leading man, I’m not Rock, I’m not Stone Cold. I’m not John Cena. I’m not the leading guy, I’m the funny sidekick, or I’m Thanos, the villain. That’s where I fall in, and that’s okay.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
The Butcher on social media: “Hi! Blade and I are very healthy and hungry. Can we please wrestle? Please book us wrestling companies! We’d like to stay sharp, get it! Sharp! Cuz we’re like knife guys or something.”
Trey Miguel on social media: “I’ve been consistent in therapy since November. It’s truly helped me mentally. For anyone that struggles, you’re never any lesser for needing help. I encourage anyone that needs or wants the help to get it. you’re not alone.”
Jonathan Gresham has been signed for Tournament of Survival XI.
PRODUCE Wrestling has announced that Marko Stunt has come to terms with the promotion for a multi-fight deal. He will wrestle on their debut show on June 29.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
— Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, Pat McAfee, Thursday ratings, WrestleMania, Best of the Super Juniors, Wrestling Dontaku, Sakura Genesis and more tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio.
— Paramount Skydance just received nearly $24 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia ($10 billion), Qatar and Abu Dhabi as reported today by the Wall Street Journal. This money was needed for the $111 billion purchase of WBD. They are now hopeful the deal closes by the end of July.
— WWE will announce what matches for WrestleMania will be on Saturday and what matches on Sunday on ESPN’s Get UP show at 9:35 a.m. tomorrow.
— The Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary will be released on 4/22. The trailer came out today featuring an interview with Hogan shortly before his death. Linda Hogan, Jimmy Hart and Kevin Nash were among those talked with for the documentary.
— For Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka on 5/3, Yota Tsuji faces Gabe Kidd for the global titel, Ren Narita vs. Oleg Boltin for the Never title, Aaron Wolf vs. Don Fale and Konosuke Takeshita & Shota Umino vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens. For 5/4, Callum Newman defends the IWGP title against Shingo Takagi, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Boltin defend the trios titles against Will Ospreay & Great O’Khan & Henare, Takeshita vs. Owens for the TV title and Mistico & El Desperado vs. Ichiban Sweet Boys.
— Raw tonight is from Houston with Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh, LA Knight vs Austin Theory, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Michin & B-Fab and CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Seth Rllins, Gunther, Jade Cargill and others are on the show. They had 12,673 tickets out earlier today.
— We’re looking for live reports from the show with any matches not on the Netflix show to [email protected]
— There isn’t really a lot to take out of the Thursday night ratings. AEW did not carry their audience gains over to Thursday and did a number lower than they’ve been doing on a more competitive Saturday. They did 373,000 viewers and 0.07 in 18-49. TNA in its regular time slot on AMC did 200,000 viewers, down about 20-23 percent from recent weeks, but stayed even at 0.05 in 18-49.
— MJF and Pat Buck did an angle Saturday night at the WrestlePro show in Rahway, NJ, to build to a match between the two on 5/31. Among those who wrestled on Saturday’s show were Scotty 2 Hotty and son Keagan Garland, Lady Frost, Dan Maff, Gates of Agony, Ricochet (beating Sidney Akeem) and Anthony Bowens beating Max Caster.
— We’re looking for your thoughts on NXT Stand & Deliver and NJPW Sakura Genesis, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to [email protected]
— Taka Michinoku was involved in an auto accident. He was coming home after a match and a car crashed into him. The airbag deployed and he took a hard hit to the face and was bleeding. An ambulance was called. His car was damaged enough that it didn’t work. He later said he suffered a concussion but he wrestled the next night.
— Tom Aspinall confirmed that he still hasn’t been cleared to start sparring after the eye pokes in his fight with Cyril Gane in November.
— Tony Khan will be appearing on Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo’s podcast tomorrow.
— Puebla tonight sold out hours ago with a main event of Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & BlackTiger plus Templario & Esfinge vs. Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja.
— There will be a 1980s wrestling convention in Parsippany, NJ at the PAL on 5/16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Names appearing are Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, Mil Mascaras, Koko B.Ware, Wendi Richter, Jacques & Raymond Rougeau, Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell, Demolition, Ken Patera, Tatanka, Nikita Koloff, Tito Santana, Tommy Rich, Tony Atlas, Boris Zhukov, Cheryl Roberts, Steve Keirn, Austin Idol, Johnny Rodz, Bugsy McGraw, Jimmy Valiant, Baron Von Raschke, Paul Ellering, John Laurinaitis, Dan Spivey, Jose Luis Rivera, Bill Apter and more.
— VICE ran a story on celebrities who are wrestling fans, listing Margot Kidder, Danielle Fishel, Vanesse Hudgens, Timothee Chalamet, Freddy Prinze Jr., Matthew McConaughey, and Cardi B.
— Brian Adias turned 66 today. Hall of Fame promoter Johnny Doyle, a longtime partner of Jim Barnett, was born on this day in 1909. Pampero Firpo was born on this day in 1930. Peter Maivia was born on this day in 1937. Dr. Sam Sheppard, famous for the TV series The Fugitive, who later became a pro wrestler and invented the mandible claws that Mick Foley and Bray Wyatt used, died 56 years ago today at the age of 46. Roberto Cruz aka El Solitario, one of the five biggest stars in Lucha Libre history, died 40 years ago today at the age of 39. Jack Veneno, the biggest star ever in the Dominican Republic and a national hero for his NWA title win over Ric Flair, died five years ago today at the age of 79.
— Lady Frost debuts in AIW on 5/15 in Cleveland at the Globe Iron.
— There will be a press conference at the Palladium Theater in New York on 4/15 for both the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano show on Netflix and the 4/17 Alycia Baumgardner vs. Bo Me Re Shin boxing match at the Theater in Madison Square Garden which will be the ESPN debut of MVPW, Jake Paul’s women’s boxing promotion.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
— We’ll be back with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight talking Smackdown, Sakura Genesis, Stand & Deliver and the rest of the weekend news.
— We’ll talk about the SmackDown angles tonight on the show. As noted all weekend, this was an Ari Emanuel call to Pat McAfee to do the angle and not something from the Paul Levesque side. Of those we heard from internally, they were not fans of it to say the least.
— Willam Haynes, Jr., the former Billy Jack Hayes, was ordered to stand trial for the murder of his wife in 2024. He was previously ruled mentally unfit to stand trial in May. He underwent more testing and KATU-TV reported the decision was made for him to stand trial in 2027 for the death of wife Janette Becraft.
— MJF said on the Late Night Grin podcast that he told Tony Khan they should do a documentary on the Wednesday night War with NXT, noting that they could have interviews with Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Relly and Swerve Strickland who were in NXT at the time.
— Billy Corgan’s NWA at the Crockett Cup this weekend announced a TV deal with the Sci-fi channel COMET. No other details were announced. Comet in 2025 averaged 92,000 viewers and an 0.03 in 18-49in prime time.
— The Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira UFC flyweight title match that was scheduled for the major show on 4/11 has been moved back to the May show. The new semifinal underneath Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Uhlbertg for the vacant light heavyweight title will be Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa.
— Regarding Dynamite, it was third in the first hour behind FOX News (which had a giant night with the Donald Trump speech) and the NBA and fourth in the second hour, also behind CNN. It was actually up in 18-49 and 25-54 from last week, down in 18-34 but still the second highest Dynamite in 18-34 so far this year.
— Will Ospreay on X said that he hadn’t returned to Japan because he wanted a break and didn’t know how his body was going to feel doing long flights like that since he lives in the U.K., and works full-time with AEW.
— Jon Jones was involved in an incident last night. Bryan Betran, who drove in a car said he was nearly hit three times by a truck even after revving his engine the first time. He flipped the person off and he proceeded to stop in the middle of the road, backed up and came into the parking lot. He said he thought Jones was carrying a weapon but said he just wanted the whole thing to blow over. Jones’ side is that the kid chased his car down for two blocks and tried to intimidate him and said he was proud of himself for standing up for himself and not allowing any bullying or intimidation.
— We haven’t heard much yet from the weekend CMLL shows, but from reports the top weekend matches were Callum Newman’s IWGP title win over Yota Tsuji and Yuto-Ice & Oskar vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa from Sakura Genesis. Stand & Deliver was also a lot better than most of the recent NXT big shows.
— I didn’t monitor it closely but Stand & Deliver about 30 minutes into the show had 133,000 viewers and was doing 147,000 to 158,000 about an hour in on YouTube. Those were only U.S. numbers but still far smaller than I would have expected.
— We’re looking for your thoughts on NXT Stand & Deliver and NJPW Sakura Genesis, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
— Really not much on the Google search stuff for this weekend. Everything was low. The UFC show did 50,000. Stand & Deliver did 7,000. Deontay Wilder had 10,000 searches. Pat McAfee, Lil Yachty and nothing from Smackdown thing from Smackdown even hit the top 350 for the weekend.
— WrestleCon announced that Ted DiBiase Jr. would be coming this year.
— The Global Wars show from 3/27 from Maple Leaf Wrestling which as a joint show with ROH is now up on Honor Club.
— Scott Teal has released the first volume of his history of Stl Louis book, which covers August 27, 1873 to 1927. Volume 1 looks at the origins of pro wrestling in St Louis, matches in bars, theaters, athletic clubs and eventually moving to the Coliseum and Municipal Auditorium. Volume 2, covering 1928-1936 will be out later this year and he will continue to release books covering St. Louis Wrestling until the end of the Sam Muchnick era on January 1, 1982. For more inf go to www.crowbarpress.com
— United Wrestling Coalition on 4/11 in New Egypt, NJ at the American Legion. It is not a wrestling show by itself, but also an 80s wrestling party which is family friendly..
— Diamond Dallas Page turned 70 today. Villano IV (Tomaz Mendoza Diaz) turned 61. Charlotte Flair turned 40 and Dominik Mysterio turned 29. Among other birthdays include John Tolos, born in 1931 and Sika Anoia’i, born in 1945. Among those who passed away on this day were former NCAA champion and 50s pro star Ralph “Ruffy” Silvestein, who was 66 when he died 46 years ago today. Sara Lee was 76 when she died 18 years ago today. New Zealand promoter Steve Richard was 85 when he died 11 years ago today (thanks to Tony Richrards)
— Announced for Maple Leaf Wrestling on 4/17 at the Palms in Las Vegas is Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Amazing Red vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz & Myron Reed, plus Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shotzi Blackheart and Michael Oku are on the show.
— Seth Rollins will be in the opening segment on Raw tomorrow.
The most detailed update on the Janel Grant case, with her new filing and claims, a look at those claims in detail, what is net for the case, the key thing regarding the future of the case and why it really comes down to the judges ruling, and timeline for all of this. We cover new cais and the arguments for and against binding arbitration or continuing the civil case.
Update on WrestleMania, the card as of this point, reasons for some of the new matches, when matches changed and why, as well as the business for the show, how far behind are ticket sales and interest in the show as compared to the same period last year.
Chris Jericho returns to AEW and as much detail as we have on the decision
AEW Dynasty update and updated major event ticket sales
The death of J Robinson, a college coaching legend and his connections with a number of key figures in pro wrestling, including the recruiting of Brock Lesnar by WWE and the politics behind why WWE waited an extra year to offer him a deal.
The most detailed look at the television ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including competition, comparisons with one year back, Raw vs. Dynamite and how close it has become, and more.
It’s CMLL tournament of champions month starting this week
Anniversary shows at Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo this week including a look back at the first show in each building
A look at the four title match show at ArenaMexico on Tuesday
A super hot match to watch on AAA
A look at Stardom’s biggest stipulation of the year and Yokohama Arena show
Current Tiger Mask retires
Best of the Super Junior tournament update
Largest crowd of the year for women’s wrestling in Japan
Hodge trophy winner looked at
Maple Leaf Wrestling announces new TV deal and a look at the weekend shows
Stabbing at a pro wrestling show
Very interesting political match will take place with TNA champion vs. AEW star
American gold medalist challenges UFC undefeated champion
Rebellion notes
Lots of injury updates and business notes
Wrestler complaining about AEW not booking them enough
Kenny Omega talks his and Kota Ibushi’s health
Brody King talks the chants
Tony Khan and his enemies
Kayla Harrison on why her next bantamweight fight will be her last and why she should never have fought at bantamweight to begin with
Crazy Dana White story
Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place and what are the issues
Fedor Emelianenko wants to return to combat next year
Nick Khan acquires TKO stock
Bret & Ross Hart talk Badnews Allen in WWE Hall of Fame
— The weekend schedule will be a show today with Garrett Gonzales talking about the news of the past week, and boy is this the week, and then our weekend show will be Sunday night covering news, Sakura Genesis, NXT Stand & Deliver, CMLL tonight and much more.
— Flying Fred Curry, the son of Wild Bull Curry, and a major star in the 60s and 70s, passed away today at the age of 82. He was famous for being part of the father-and-son tag team that turned Bull babyface and multi-time NWA tag team champion with Tony Marino.
— We will talk about the note from the lawyer of John Laurinaitis on today’s show.
— SmackDown tonight from St. Louis will have the answer to the mystery as to who is advising Randy Orton. Stories include will Carmelo Hayes be added to the U.S. title match at WrestleMania which is being teased, plus Rhea Ripley vs Michin, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Vakyria, plus Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu are on the show. They had 11,221 tickets out as of earlier today, so will have a big crowd.
— AEW Dynamite did 730,000 viewers and an 0.15 in 18-49 Wednesday night. It was sixth on cable, third in hour one behind the NBA and FOX News and fourth in hour two behind the NBA, FOX News and CNN. News numbers were huge.
— CMLL on 4/16 at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas has a 3 p.m. show with Neon & Mascara Dorada vs. Flip Gordon & Capitain Suicide and Ultimo Guerrero vs. Blue Panther. There is also a Mistico main event.
— New Japan Sakura Genesis takes place at 2:40 a.m. Eastern time tonight and 11:40 p.m. Pacific time. We’ve talked about the key things for tonight’s show, which has a strong top of the card. They will also be announcing the final two participants in the Best of the Super Juniors title tonight.
Kushida & Masatora Yasuda vs. Tatsuya Matsumoto & Taisei Nakahara
Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe vs. Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fiujita
Shingo Takagi & Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X vs. Jake Lee & Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young
Aaron Wolf & Toru Yano & Yoh & Master Wato vs. Don Fale & Douki & Sho & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Oleg Boltin defend the Never trios titels against Ren Nartia & & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
Konosuke Takeshita defends the New Japan World TV title against Shota Umino
Will Ospreay & Great O’Khan & Henare vs. Yuya Uemura & Taichi & El Desperado
Yuto-Ice & Oskar defend the IWGP tag titles against Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa
Yota Tsuji vs.Callum Newman for the IWGP heavyweight title
— Colby Covington has filed a lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal based on Masvidal attacking him outside a Miami Beach restaurant in 2022. On March 21, 2022, Covington claimed that he was leaving Papi Steak in Miami Beach and Masvida ambushed him without warning, punching him and giving Covington no chance to defend himself. Masivdal was arrested and plea bargained to misdemeanor battery and fined. Covington is looking for in excess of $100,000 in damages.
— CMLL has a big weekend. Tonight’s Arena Mexico show sold out early this morning. The top matches are Mistico & Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey defending the AEW trios titles against El Clon & Hechicero & Volador Jr., Flip Gordon vs. Mascara Dorada vs. Averno for the Universal title tournament, Neon vs. Templario and Thunder Rosa & Marcela & India Sioux vs. Olympia & Persephone & Princesa Sugehit. Rosa is expected to work regularly in CMLL and to sign a CMLL contract as well. She will continue to be under AEW contract as well. She wrote today that she will be wrestling in all the CMLL arenas this year. In the tournament match, it’s the first person to score a pin advancing to the tournament finals on 4/24. There will be tournament matches on 4/10 and 4/17 with those two winners also going to the final night which will be a three-way match.
— Arena Coliseo is sold out for the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in that building. It’s a loaded show with Mistico vs. El Clon vs. Soberano Jr., on top, plus Knight & Bailey vs Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja in a non-title match, El Hjio del Villano III & Villano III Jr. defend the Arena Coliseo tag titles against Los Calavera Jr. I & II, Rosa & Jarchita & Garra Negra vs. Keyra & Sanely & Zeuxis and Solar I vs. Xelhua.
— Mistico & Knight & Bailey have a non-title main event Sunday at Arena Mexico against Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Stuka Jr. Rosa & Jarochita face Persephone & Olympia as well.
— Puebla on Monday is expected to sell out with Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis Jr. vs. Black Tiger & Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero, plus Esfinge & Templario vs Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja in another non-title match.
— A correction from earlier today, Black Tiger in CMLL is the former Magnus, not the former Stigma. Also tomorrow night’s Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja vs. Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey match is not for Oro & Roja’s CMLL tag team titles.
— NXT Stand & Deliver from St.Louis tomorrow
Joe Hendry vs. Ethan Page vs. Ricky Saints vs. Tony D’Angelo for the NXT title
Jacy Jayne vs. Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey for the women’s title
Tatum Paxley vs. Blake Monroe for the North American title
Myles Borne vs. Johnny Gargano for the North American title
Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes vs. Rayo & Bravo for the NXT tag titles
Sol Ruca vs. Zaria
Hank & Tank & Shiloh Hill & EK Prosper & Wren Sinclair vs. Lexis King & Stacks Lorenzo & Uriah Connors & Arianna Grace
— UFC starts at 5 p.m. Eastern tomorrow from The Apex Arena in Las Vega and airing on Paramount +
Kai Kamaka III (155) vs. Dakota Hope (155)
Dionie Barbosa (126) vs. Melissa Gatto (125.5)
Azamat Bekoev (186) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5)
Alice Pereira (136) vs. Haily Cowan (136)
Lando Vannata (156) vs. Darrius Flowers (156.5) – Flowers missed weight and was fined 20 percent of hir purse
Alessandro Costa (125.5) vs. Stewart Nicoli (126)
Guilherme Pat (250.5) vs. Thomas Petersen (251)
Jose Delano (144.5) vs. Robert Ruchala (146)
Tommy McMillen (145.5) vs Manolo Zacchini (145)
Ethyn Ewing (135.5) vs. Rafael Estevan (136.5) – Estevan missed weight and was fined 20 percent of his purse
Abdul Rakhman Vakhyaev (206) vs Brendon Ribeiro (205)
Virna Jandiroba (116) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115.5)
Renato Moicano (156) vs. Chris Duncan (156)
— Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, the former Kane, is the Grand Marshal for the 35th Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway on 4/12
— Combate Global has a Mexico vs. USA show on 4/11 in Burbank CA on EstrellaTV, Samsung TV + and on YouTube. From this point forward all Combate Global shows will air on Saturday nights, meaning mostly head-to-head with UFC.
— Tiger Jeet Singh turns 82 today. Jeff Van Kamp, an early Lord Humongous, turns 64 today. Lance Storm turns 57 Alex Marvez turns 55. Aron Stevens turns 44. Tasha Steelz turns 39. The late Ron Starr was born on this day in 951. Marie LeVeau was born on this day in 1952. Russ Francis, a former NFL superstar and perhaps the best All-Around athlete in the last 60 years in pro wrestling, was born on this day in 1953. Former world champion Bobby Managoff was 84 when he passed away 24 years ago today. Chief Jay Strongbow was 83 when he passed away 14 years ago today. Bobby Whitlock was 68 when he passed away 21 years ago today. Butch Miller of the Sheepherders and Bushwhackers was 78 when he passed away three years ago today. (thanks to Tony Richards)
— Frankie Kazarian will be on Memphis Wrestling tomorrow and there are teases of Vince Russo on the show.
— Amy “Lita” Dumas will be a guest on 7/17 for the Reading Fightin Phils AA baseball game with the Altoona Curve on 7/17 in Reading. It is billed as a Tribute to Pro Wrestling Night.
— The Brooklyn Cyclones have a WWE Night on 7/17 where the first 1,000 fans attending will get a WWE replica championship belt.
A look back at the career of Dennis Condrey of Midnight Express fame
Update on WrestleMania, both the matches, business update the ticket demand at the present time
An updated look at AEW’s All In on 8/30 at Wembley Stadium as well as a look at the Dynasty show and ticket demand for the show
Coverage of El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, CMLL’s second biggest show of the year, with El Satanico’s retirement at 76, The Death Riders appear, the heavyweight title changes hands and Mistico returns
A look at the NCAA Division I tournament including a look back 79 years when future pro wrestling legends dominated the heavyweight division and how it ties into the most recent tournament. We also look at the rivalry that could define college wrestling for years to come between a coach and his former pupil, a guy who was in high school in December and wins the NCAA title in March, as well business notes on the show, both attendance and television ratings
A look back at Sid Vicious, Badnews Allen and Dennis Rodman’s pro wrestling days
Trying to explain the latest controversy in television ratings and how this related to pro wrestling
How ratings differ from a sports survey about wrestling fans
The most complete look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling television shows over the past week,including competition, demos and comparisons with one year ago, as well as competition in the time slot.
Notes on CMLL talent coming to WrestleMania week
Major injury to arguably CMLL’s best worker
Notes on the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its most famous arenas
Notes on tentative plans for a major mask vs. mask match
Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura tear it up in the New Japan Cup finals
Next major New Japan show thoughts with Ospreay’s returnh
Tanahashi talks goals to turn the company around
Kazusada Higuchi retirement notes
Thoughts on Satoru Sayama and his impact on pro wrestling
Aja Kongs 40th anniversary show
Gable Stevesn and RAF
Ted DiBiase Jr acquitted in his case
The end of CBS News Radio and what former WCW announcer was an anchor there
Notes on the announcing at the orignal When Worlds Collide AAA show
Lots of WrestleMania week show notes
FantasticaMania comes to the U.K.
Update on WBD sale to Paramount Skydance
Update on Revolution PPV buys
Jeff Jarrett becomes co-owner of a sports franchise
Jericho talks about working today
More on the Ali Revival Act
A list of a lot of PPV buy numbers for UFC
Ari Emanuel’s role in getting President Trump to stop the case against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.
Cody Rhodes is featured on the cover of the March/April 2026 edition of Cigar Aficionado magazine. He discussed how pro wrestling is a much healthier place financially than it used to be:
I’m blessed that it’s so much healthier now, in a sense…Everyone’s getting paid more than wrestlers were ever getting paid, which means you can take care of yourself more than every wrestler ever. You can have that great nutritionist, have that great trainer.
On The Nikki & Brie Show, Rhodes said there are three episodes of his “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast that will never be released because he was too drunk during the recording. They include interviews he conducted with Alexa Bliss and Big E:
I will apologize now. I’ve said this, so I’ll make no secret of it. I will apologize to Alexa Bliss, Big E, I’m not going to name the other one because she’ll go ham with it. But three of these episodes will never make it because of how deep those pours were.
It’s never their fault, it’s always my fault. I already have a lisp. So if you’re starting out that way and then you watch it, like, ‘I thought it was okay.’ It’s rough, it’s rough. So I wanted those to be better for them.
Drew McIntyre – who recently mourned the death of his cat Chaz – told Insight with Chris Van Vliet that he’ll never use the passing of CM Punk’s dog Larry as a way to get heat:
There’s one thing I never make fun of Punk for. When Larry was gone, my heart broke for him and AJ. Because those little guys are just full of love and nothing else.
Jacob Fatu and AEW’s Swerve Strickland were among those in attendance at this week’s training session at Nattie & TJ Wilson’s Dungeon. Nattie wrote about the four-hour practice:
Tonight was so fun! Another incredible week of work in The Dungeon. A four hour practice with 30 of my friends- pouring their heart, soul and SWEAT onto the mat. Energy matching energy. So proud of this group!
At Raw on Monday, Roman Reigns granted a Make-A-Wish by meeting a 12-year-old fan named Javion.
I’m just excited, I’m just excited for her present and for her future. That woman has worked her ass off and from many, many women that I’ve seen that came through Mission Pro, she was one of the ones who worked from the ground up to have the opportunities that she has in Mexico and in the United States.
And she hasn’t taken shortcuts, she keeps growing, she keeps learning and the one thing I love about her, she stays humble and she’s super professional. Something that I think is important in professional wrestling is to be professional and she’s one of those and I have so much respect for her.
Rosa added that she’s looking forward to an eventual match against Persephone:
And when the time comes for us to do this, I think it’s gonna be a banger because she’s mouthy, I’m mouthy, We have really good energy, we’re both from the border. She’s from El Paso, I’m from Tijuana, you know, so we both know what’s up.
Like I was saying earlier, if you were born in a border town, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. And as you can see, she was born in El Paso, she made it. I was born in Tijuana, I made it, so I know we can really, really do something amazing for everyone.
After Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X retained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles today, they were confronted by Kosei Fujita, who issued a challenge on behalf of himself and Robbie Eagles.
2 years ago today, I was granted my release. I put a plan together for myself and began to execute. It was the best thing I did for my life and career.
Idgaf how long it was going to take but I knew I was going to get sh*t done! I’ve sacrificed too much and after everything I went thru the last few years, I had a fire burning inside that I wasn’t going to let anything extinguish. But above all, my daughter gotta eat! And that she will, by any means!
2 years later, it’s amazing to see what I’ve been able to accomplish. It’s been such an amazing ride and to think that this is just the beginning, is so exciting.
A look back at the career of Dennis Condrey of Midnight Express fame
Update on WrestleMania, both the matches, business update the ticket demand at the present time
An updated look at AEW’s All In on 8/30 at Wembley Stadium as well as a look at the Dynasty show and ticket demand for the show
Coverage of El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, CMLL’s second biggest show of the year, with El Satanico’s retirement at 76, The Death Riders appear, the heavyweight title changes hands and Mistico returns
A look at the NCAA Division I tournament including a look back 79 years when future pro wrestling legends dominated the heavyweight division and how it ties into the most recent tournament. We also look at the rivalry that could define college wrestling for years to come between a coach and his former pupil, a guy who was in high school in December and wins the NCAA title in March, as well business notes on the show, both attendance and television ratings
A look back at Sid Vicious, Badnews Allen and Dennis Rodman’s pro wrestling days
Trying to explain the latest controversy in television ratings and how this related to pro wrestling
How ratings differ from a sports survey about wrestling fans
The most complete look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling television shows over the past week,including competition, demos and comparisons with one year ago, as well as competition in the time slot.
Notes on CMLL talent coming to WrestleMania week
Major injury to arguably CMLL’s best worker
Notes on the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its most famous arenas
Notes on tentative plans for a major mask vs. mask match
Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura tear it up in the New Japan Cup finals
Next major New Japan show thoughts with Ospreay’s returnh
Tanahashi talks goals to turn the company around
Kazusada Higuchi retirement notes
Thoughts on Satoru Sayama and his impact on pro wrestling
Aja Kongs 40th anniversary show
Gable Stevesn and RAF
Ted DiBiase Jr acquitted in his case
The end of CBS News Radio and what former WCW announcer was an anchor there
Notes on the announcing at the orignal When Worlds Collide AAA show
Lots of WrestleMania week show notes
FantasticaMania comes to the U.K.
Update on WBD sale to Paramount Skydance
Update on Revolution PPV buys
Jeff Jarrett becomes co-owner of a sports franchise
Jericho talks about working today
More on the Ali Revival Act
A list of a lot of PPV buy numbers for UFC
Ari Emanuel’s role in getting President Trump to stop the case against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.
Will never forget the afterparty of WM 2000. No one looked happy. It was like ‘um…did we just sh*t the bed with an overbooked mess of a show and desperately need to get back to 1-1 matches with huge personal issues?’ Big letdown that paved the way for the greatest Mania ever imo
That’s like a Tom Brady level. I would say he’s Tom Brady. Like, definitely GOAT status. He’s like soft-retired right now. I don’t know if he’ll ever come out of retirement. He’s a sicko, so he probably will, because he can never get enough – much like Brady. And he’s definitely, if you talk to wrestling fans and you say who’s one of the greatest wrestlers, bell-to-bell, all-time, GOAT, they’ll say Dragon.
I feel great. I’ve been cleared for a little while. I’m not 100 percent as far as performance-based — obviously I’m not lifting as much weight on my leg lifts and I’m not jumping just as high just yet. But, I mean, I can do everything, I’ve been in the ring several times training and practicing. I’m doing all kinds of different dynamic jumping stuff on my off days in the gym. I just trained legs today, I can train them fine. So I’m feeling good and excited. Have been waiting to come back. I’ve got three matches on the same day on Mania weekend. It just worked out that way.
The quad would’ve had me out for probably nine months anyways, and then I chose to get this right knee surgery and get a special, like, replacement on it. And that’s actually what kept me out longer. Because long story short, they botched it. I should’ve come back in November, and then I had to go back under the knife in November, and now I’m cleared from that surgery. When I found that out in October, I was pretty freaking devastated. I was like, ‘You got to be kidding me.’ Because the whole point of getting the one I got done in June on my right knee was so that when November came around, I didn’t have to get surgery again. I could be good to go instead of coming back and still having problems with my right knee.
Edmonton Journal published a story on Don Callis ahead of tonight’s Dynamite in Winnipeg. Callis reacted to the news that Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling has gotten a TV deal in Canada with TSN:
I think MLP getting a national television deal in Canada is gigantic news. It’s the first time since, I think, ’86 or ’89, since anyone has had national television in Canada in terms of a quote, unquote, independent (promotion). Of course, AEW is also on TSN, so I think it’s a great partnership.
I’m excited for Canadian fans that Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is back. I think Canada has great wrestling fans – I don’t want to speak or interact with them – but they are intelligent in terms of pro wrestling.”
This is why I tell whoever I can at ROH and even at AEW — don’t bother with these bumps. They are all risk — no reward. If you successfully take a bump in 2026 no one cares, But if you mess it up you could truly harm yourself! Don’t do it
Lady Frost will make her MLW debut at a TV taping in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12. She’s now under contract with MLW after her AEW deal expired at the end of March.
I’ll keep the same attitude that I have; I won’t change that regardless of the talk that comes out of it. And as I lead NJPW, I have to think about carrying all of Japanese wrestling and all of pro-wrestling worldwide. We have to change things, we have to keep moving into new areas, untested waters. If NJPW gets complacent, it gets left behind by WWE, AEW, CMLL, so part of protecting what makes NJPW great is by changing the way it does things, and to innovate. And that goes for the staff and the wrestlers too; I hope people disagree with me, and prove me wrong, if that makes things bigger and better for all of us.
A look back at the career of Dennis Condrey of Midnight Express fame
Update on WrestleMania, both the matches, business update the ticket demand at the present time
An updated look at AEW’s All In on 8/30 at Wembley Stadium as well as a look at the Dynasty show and ticket demand for the show
Coverage of El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, CMLL’s second biggest show of the year, with El Satanico’s retirement at 76, The Death Riders appear, the heavyweight title changes hands and Mistico returns
A look at the NCAA Division I tournament including a look back 79 years when future pro wrestling legends dominated the heavyweight division and how it ties into the most recent tournament. We also look at the rivalry that could define college wrestling for years to come between a coach and his former pupil, a guy who was in high school in December and wins the NCAA title in March, as well business notes on the show, both attendance and television ratings
A look back at Sid Vicious, Badnews Allen and Dennis Rodman’s pro wrestling days
Trying to explain the latest controversy in television ratings and how this related to pro wrestling
How ratings differ from a sports survey about wrestling fans
The most complete look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling television shows over the past week,including competition, demos and comparisons with one year ago, as well as competition in the time slot.
Notes on CMLL talent coming to WrestleMania week
Major injury to arguably CMLL’s best worker
Notes on the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its most famous arenas
Notes on tentative plans for a major mask vs. mask match
Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura tear it up in the New Japan Cup finals
Next major New Japan show thoughts with Ospreay’s returnh
Tanahashi talks goals to turn the company around
Kazusada Higuchi retirement notes
Thoughts on Satoru Sayama and his impact on pro wrestling
Aja Kongs 40th anniversary show
Gable Stevesn and RAF
Ted DiBiase Jr acquitted in his case
The end of CBS News Radio and what former WCW announcer was an anchor there
Notes on the announcing at the orignal When Worlds Collide AAA show
Lots of WrestleMania week show notes
FantasticaMania comes to the U.K.
Update on WBD sale to Paramount Skydance
Update on Revolution PPV buys
Jeff Jarrett becomes co-owner of a sports franchise
Jericho talks about working today
More on the Ali Revival Act
A list of a lot of PPV buy numbers for UFC
Ari Emanuel’s role in getting President Trump to stop the case against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.
— Garrett Gonzales and I are doing our Observer rundown and week in review show later this afternoon. The weekend show with Bryan will be Sunday night this week.
— A very good article with Bob Arum saying what is wrong with the new version of the Ali Act that just passed through the House of Representatives with almost no debate.
— Josh Alexander got the word today that the damage to his knee suffered in the trios title match from Fresno that aired on Sunday was severe enough that he will need major surgery, which takes place Wednesday. There is no time frame for how long he’ll be out of action until after the surgery, but it will be many months.
— AEW Dynamite on Wednesday night did 765,000 viewers and an 0.14 in 18-49. This is even more impressive since the show was expected to take a hit against the New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants baseball game head-to-head on Netflix. The show was headlined by Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland to get a title shot at MJF. It is the most viewers for an AEW television show since the show that had the 2024 Blood & Guts match. That was prior to HBO MAX airing the show, so it’s likely this was the most viewers the show has had in several years.
— SmackDown tonight is from Pittsburgh with Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. the Bella Twins and Kit Wilson vs. Jelly Roll. There were 10,745 tickets out for the show as of earlier today.
— A correction from today’s issue of the Observer. The AEW note regarding Spring BreakThru week and Playoff Palooza is incorrect. Shows in April will not be using those names.
— Orlando Weit, Muay Thai fighter who competed in UFC 2 in 1994, passed away on 3/20 at the age of 60. UFC 2 was on March 11, 1994, and they had a 16 man tournament. Weit won his first fight with devastating knees over Robert Lucraelli, but then lost in just 1:29 to judoka Remco Pardoel
— TNA Sacrifice is tonight from New Orleans:
Mike Santana vs Steve Maclin for TNA title
Leon Slater vs. Eric Young for X title
Arianna Grace vs Lei Ying Lee vs. Dani Luna for Knockouts title
Eddie Edwards vs Moose
Jeff Hardy & Vincent vs. Cedric Alexander & Briain Myers
Mustafa Ali & Tasha Steez vs. Trey Miguel & Jada Stone
Elijah & Home Town Man vs. AJ Francis & Frankie Kazarian
Mara Sade vs Eleyna Black no DQ
Tessa Blanchard vs. Jody Threat
BDE vs. Ryan Nemeth
As of earlier today they had 1,195 tickets out for the show.
— Arena Mexico tonight has Atlantis Jr. & Esfinge & Neon vs. Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja & Soberano Jr in the main event, plus Averno & Mephisto vs. Templario & Flip Gordon.
— Ian Carey’s odds for pro wrestling matches story for the week: Betting odds are available for TNA Sacrifice on 3/27. For Sacrifice, Mike Santana is now a -500 favorite against Steve Maclin at +300 in the TNA World Championship match. Santana had opened as a -350 favorite last week. Leon Slater has opened as a -280 favorite against Eric Young at +180 in the X Division Championship match. Moose is a -200 favorite against Eddie Edwards at +150. Frankie Kazarian and AJ Francis are -260 favorites against Elijah and The Hometown Man at +170. In a mixed tag, Mustafa Ali and Tasha Steelz are -175 favorites against Trey Miguel and Jada Stone at +130. Elayna Black is a -165 favorite against Mara Sadé at +120 in a No Disqualification match. In a triple threat match for the TNA Knockouts World Championship, champion Arianna Grace is a -400 favorite against Dani Luna at +250 and Xia Li at +300.
— Odds are also available for two matches scheduled for the 3/27 episode of WWE SmackDown. In what is essentially a pick’em, The Bella Twins are -125 favorites against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who are at -115. Giulia is a -260 favorite against Tiffany Stratton at +170 in the Women’s United States Championship match.
— As for the updated odds for WrestleMania, Roman Reigns remains a -500 favorite over CM Punk at +300 in the World Heavyweight Championship match. That line has not moved this week. Liv Morgan’s odds took a hit this week, as she is now a -220 favorite against Stephanie Vaquer at +155 in the Women’s World Championship match. Morgan had been a -500 favorite at most sportsbooks over the past couple of weeks. Rhea Ripley is a -300 favorite against Jade Cargill at +200. Ripley had opened as a – 325 favorite last week. Randy Orton is a -190 favorite against Cody Rhodes at +140 in the WWE Championship match. Orton had opened as a -200 favorite last week. Oba Femi is a -260 favorite against Brock Lesnar at +170. Femi opened as a -350 favorite last week. Becky Lynch has opened as a -500 favorite against AJ Lee at +300 in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match.
— Maple Leaf Pro is on Triller as a PPV tonight from Windsor, ONT, which is sold out with about 1,000 fans. for ROH/MLP Global Wars:
Athena vs. Taylor Rising for the ROH women’s title
Luke Gallows & Karl Andeson vs. Gates of Agony vs Bishop Dyer & Kaito Kiymiya vs,. Sheldon Jean & Bryce Hansen to determine the first MLP tag team champions
Ricochet vs. Rich Swann
Mascara Dorada & Bhupinder Gujjar & Psycho Mike vs. Jay Lethal & Blake Christian & Lee Johnson
Rohan Raju vs Stu Grayson for the PWA Championship
Red Velvet vs. Alice Crowley for the ROH TV title
Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Adam Priest & Tommy Billington
Michael Oku vs. Jake Crist vs. Cavernario Bsarbaro vs. Michael Allne Richard Cark vs. Ace Austin vs. Brent Banks
Tony Khan is at the show because it’s a combo ROH show.
— UFC tomorrow on Paramount+ is from Seattle starting at 5 p.m. Eastern time:
Alexia Thainara (115) vs. Bruna Brasil (115)
Ricky Simon (135) vs. Adrian Yanez (135)
Navajo Stirling (204) vs. Bruno Lopes (204)
Casey O’Neill (124) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (125)
Marcin Tybura (248) vs. Tyrell Fortune (259)
Chase Hooper (155) vs. Lance Gibson Jr (156)
Ignacio Bahamondes (155) vs. Tofiq Musayev (155)
Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Kyle Nelson (156)
Mansur Abdul-Malik (185) vs. Yousri Beigaroui (186)
Julian Erosa (145) vs. Lerryan Douglas (146)
Michael Chiesa (170) vs. Niko Price (170)
Alex Grasso (126) vs. Maycee Barber (125)
Israel Adesanya (186) vs. Joe Pyfer (186)
— PFL runs tomorrow at 10 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN 2 from Pittsburgh:
Lazaro Dayuron (135.8) vs. Jacob Thrall (135.4)
Alexei Pergando (146) vs. Julio Arce (146)
Ariane Lipski da Silva (125.8) vs. Sumiko Inaba (124.6)
Dalton Rosta (185.8) vs Impa Kasanganay (185.8)
Johnny Eblen (185.8) vs. Bryan Batte (186)
Rosta was a regular in AEW a few years back as part of the Paige VanZant, Dan Lambert angle. He didn’t wrestle any matches there but was a regular on the TV.
— RAF runs tomorrow night in Tampa with a main event of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas stemming from the brawl the two had a few weeks ago. There is one major match in a battle of Olympic gold medalists with Kyle Snhyder vs. 2024 gold medalist Akhmed Tazhudinov.
— Former UFC star Diego Sanchez, who came up with the “Yes” chant that Bryan Danielson saw him do, was sentenced to five years supervised probation after pleading guilty last month of shooting at or from a motor vehicle with no great bodily harm, a fourth-degree felony. He was arrested in July for allegedly leaning out of a car window when he was the passenger and firing a shot into the air while passing by a crash, Police followed him and arrested him. As part of the plea bargain, a charge for negligent use of a deadly weapon was dropped.
— Octagon turns 65 5oday. Charlie Haas turns 54. SoCal Val turns 40. Other birthdays include Cowboy Luttrall, who ran the Florida promotion with Eddie Graham, born in 1906, Handsome Johnny Barend of Hawaii fame, born in 1926, Swede Hanson born in 1933, Gordon Nelson, born in 1930 and Jerry Bryant, born in 1953 (thanks to Tony Richards)
— Insen WrestleFest II on 5/2 in Monroe, MI with Road Dogg, Carlito, Matt Riddle, Jimmy Hart, Angelina Love, Rhino, Trey Miguel and Rich Swann.
Full coverage of AEW Revolution, keys to the show, the returns and surprises, poll results and other business notes, thoughts on the matches
Notes on Tony Khan’s attempt to buy WWE in 2023 that came out this week
Updates on WrestleMania with confirmed matches, matches not announced but are on the schedule, the 31.6% off ticket sale, comparisons of demand for tickets with last year, potential matches and more on how matches were changed, as well as Steve Austin talks
AAA Rey de Reyes update, a look at the promotion and how it differs from WWE and CMLL and what comes next
A look at what happened in the ring when referee Dallas Edwards suffered a medical emergency in the ring during a match and the response issues
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the major television and streaming shows of WWE, AEW and TNA, demos, comparisons, competition numbers and placings
Claudio Castagnoli draws his first Arena Mexico sellout as CMLL world champion
Notes on the other major shows of the week in Mexico
Stardom Cinderella tournament finals and the top matches for the company’s biggest show of the year
Champion Carnival blocks
New Japan Cup notes
Manami Toyuota and never going to WWE and would it have mattered
Sareee talks her WWE stint
Kendo Kashin on Tadao Yasuda
45th anniversary of the Tiger Mask debut and the best woman wrestler in the world at that time is still holding a championship today
NCAA wrestling tournament notes
Ted DiBiase Jr. trial notes
Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW, TNA, Tokyo Joshi Pro, Rousey vs. Carano and more shows
Mistico sells out San Jose three weeks in advance and thoughts on the show
Former WWE champion in boxing match
Ricochet, Gates of Agony and Mercedes Mone in Europe
TNA new business deal
Ricochet Twitter controversy
Former AEW and WWE champion appears this weekend on one of the most-watched TV shows
AEW contract notes
Zuffa makes choice not to accept a commission regulation and will do it themselves
Gina Carano talks about how UFC tried to stop the Carano vs. Cyborg fight from happening
WWE in Saudi Arabia thoughts
WWE’s deal with Front Office Sports and some thoughts
Roman Reigns is appearing on “The Tonight Show” tonight, with Chris Pratt & Charlie Day and Ariana DeBose set to be the other guest. BTS are the musical act.
The ad-supported tier is now $8.99 per month (previously $7.99)
The standard plan without ads is now $19.99 per month (previously $17.99)
The premium plan with ultra HD is now $26.99 (previously $24.99)
The June 9 episode of WWE NXT will take place on the road from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts. Tickets are going on sale this Friday.
NXT referee Adrian Butler (Darryl Sharma) thanked Ricky Morton for spending time with the refs while guest coaching at the Performance Center this week:
Thank you @RealRickyMorton for coming back for a great week with us. Thanks for the amazingly kind words and spending time with the #WWENXT referees!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has wrapped up production on the third and final movie in his “Jumanji” franchise, which is set to be released in theaters this Christmas.
WWE ID wrestler Cappuccino Jones told Opinion City Podcasts that Sean “X-Pac” Waltman and Booker T have been two of his wrestling mentors:
Let’s be talking about Sean Waltman, X-Pac. He’s like one of my biggest mentors. I’ve learned so much from him. Really, he’s someone who really has taught me to just be myself, be an artist. You know, I’m an artist at heart, I think we all are. Wrestling’s an art form at the end of the day. He’s really good about reminding me that it’s – just be yourself, just be loose out there.
Booker T as well. I wrestle at Reality of Wrestling quite often. I’ve had so many matches there. And Booker T has so many good – he’s really good at the details. All these guys, Booker T, X-Pac – it’s no accident that they were stars for their whole careers.
WWE Vault uploaded a full Madison Square Garden house show from March 19, 1990 featuring Ultimate Warrior vs. Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart vs. Rick Martel, and more.
Today we released the last episode of the AEW Unrestricted podcast. I’ve been crying on and off about it for a few weeks, but I’m smiling listening to it this morning. It’s incredibly bittersweet, as I’m not going anywhere – this is just an end to one of the few projects I work on at AEW. Now I get those precious few hours back every week to put into being the best referee I can be.
On this episode I tell the story of how I accidentally became a podcast host for 7 years. It’s never something I expected, but I’m thankful for [Tony Schiavone] for picking me to be his cohost.
Thank you to [Alex Abrahantes] for filling in sooooooo many times at the last minute when Schiavone’s plate was overflowing.
Thank you to [Will Washington] for becoming the second full time host when Tony’s plate got too full. You’ve become one of my closest friends in the process.
Thank you to our wonderful producer Stacie. She was behind the scenes, involved in all 316 episodes. This podcast would not have happened without the glue and magic that was Stacie.
Thanks of course to @aew and @tonyrkhan for giving us a platform to tell stories.
Thank YOU so much for listening to AEW Unrestricted
Full coverage of AEW Revolution, keys to the show, the returns and surprises, poll results and other business notes, thoughts on the matches
Notes on Tony Khan’s attempt to buy WWE in 2023 that came out this week
Updates on WrestleMania with confirmed matches, matches not announced but are on the schedule, the 31.6% off ticket sale, comparisons of demand for tickets with last year, potential matches and more on how matches were changed, as well as Steve Austin talks
AAA Rey de Reyes update, a look at the promotion and how it differs from WWE and CMLL and what comes next
A look at what happened in the ring when referee Dallas Edwards suffered a medical emergency in the ring during a match and the response issues
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the major television and streaming shows of WWE, AEW and TNA, demos, comparisons, competition numbers and placings
Claudio Castagnoli draws his first Arena Mexico sellout as CMLL world champion
Notes on the other major shows of the week in Mexico
Stardom Cinderella tournament finals and the top matches for the company’s biggest show of the year
Champion Carnival blocks
New Japan Cup notes
Manami Toyuota and never going to WWE and would it have mattered
Sareee talks her WWE stint
Kendo Kashin on Tadao Yasuda
45th anniversary of the Tiger Mask debut and the best woman wrestler in the world at that time is still holding a championship today
NCAA wrestling tournament notes
Ted DiBiase Jr. trial notes
Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW, TNA, Tokyo Joshi Pro, Rousey vs. Carano and more shows
Mistico sells out San Jose three weeks in advance and thoughts on the show
Former WWE champion in boxing match
Ricochet, Gates of Agony and Mercedes Mone in Europe
TNA new business deal
Ricochet Twitter controversy
Former AEW and WWE champion appears this weekend on one of the most-watched TV shows
AEW contract notes
Zuffa makes choice not to accept a commission regulation and will do it themselves
Gina Carano talks about how UFC tried to stop the Carano vs. Cyborg fight from happening
WWE in Saudi Arabia thoughts
WWE’s deal with Front Office Sports and some thoughts
WWE uploaded the full gauntlet eliminator match from last night where Johnny Gargano became the new number one contender to NXT North American Champion Myles Borne.
Due to a scheduling conflict, Cody Rhodes did not appear on The Pat McAfee Show today. Rhodes was supposed to be on the show to address the angle where he was attacked by Randy Orton on SmackDown. His appearance is being rescheduled to a later date.
McAfee tweeted:
Good morning beautiful people Due to a scheduling conflict.. The @CodyRhodes conversation scheduled for today has been postponed to a later date
For Clash in Italy this May, WWE and On Location are offering an $11,500 per person premium ticket package that includes a private pasta making session with a WWE star.
In an interview with Undisputed, Matt Jackson of The Young Bucks gave his thoughts on the stipulation where Hangman Page is no longer able to challenge for the AEW World Championship:
The stipulation is interesting. Does this mean Hangman might have to drop into our world, find a partner, and go for the tag team titles? Perhaps the TNT title? He’s one of the best in the business at crafting a character and story, so I’ll leave it to him.
Deonna Purrazzo was at the New Jersey State House this week to help advocate for better education funding in her hometown of Jefferson Township:
I’m not just fighting for funding, I’m fighting for the programs that made me who I am.
The little girl in the cheer uniform…
The teenager in the stands…
The student in the classroom…
All of those versions of me were shaped by the programs in Jefferson Township.
I spent the last two days with @highlands_impact_aid_now fighting to make sure today’s students have those same opportunities. Because this isn’t just about funding, it’s about their futures too.
Royce Isaacs vs. Shane Mercer has been announced for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XV on April 17:
Power. Crushing Force. Brute Strength. They say Martial Arts is all about ‘technique.’ But what happens when the technique fails because your opponent is so strong they simply pull your arm out the socket? A battle of violent force – powerhouses Royce Isaacs takes on Shane Mercer at Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport XV!
All three members of Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) have signed with MLW and will be using “GBOT” as their faction name.
Joe Coffey spoke to The Takedown on SI:
We are the GBOT. It stands for a lot of things, but it’s Glasgow Boys on Top. We’re from Glasgow, and that’s the mentality we have. I’ve done my time, just playing my part and being a good soldier. You know, Killer Kross, I’m not really interested in him. I’m interested in what he’s got around his waist [the MLW World Heavyweight Championship], to be honest.
But, like him, we have a familiarity, GBOT. It means one thing: I’m not here to just play a part. I’m here to really establish myself and who I am, because before my time for the past couple of years that I’ve had in other companies, I was a world-traveling superstar. I was wrestling people from Hall of Famers to world champions. I’m not here just to make up any numbers. I’m here to show what Joe Coffey is all about and what I can do, and I’ll be leaving my mark as well.
