The Cody and Brandi Rhodes-led reality series Rhodes to the Top has been renewed for a second season on TNT, according to Dave Meltzer.
First announced in March, the series debuted in September with six one-hour episodes focusing on the couple navigating their personal lives, the birth of their first child and backstage happenings in AEW.
Meltzer didn’t report any other details in terms of debut date or the number of episodes.
The first season averaged 360,000 viewers and a .15 rating in the 18-49 demo. After starting with over 400,000 viewers, it declined with every subsequent episode but two of the episodes aired on Saturdays instead of its usual Wednesday timeslot after Dynamite.
The show is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and Shed Media with AEW’s Tony Khan listed as an executive producer.
Aside from Rhodes to the Top, AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, Cody Rhodes is one of the judges on the competition program Go Big Show which also got picked up for a second season on TBS.
Rhodes to the Top, the reality show starring Cody and Brandi Rhodes, will premiere on TNT in September.
WarnerMedia announced this afternoon that the one-hour series premiere will take place on September 29 at 10 p.m. ET, following that week’s episode of Dynamite.
The show will center on the lives of Cody and Brandi Rhodes as they navigate their personal and professional lives, with one of the key storylines being the birth of their daughter, Liberty Iris. It will be a five episode run.
Cody is also set to be a judge on the second season of Go Big Show, which airs on TBS. Production for that show is set to begin this month in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rhodes to the Top is from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and is produced by Shed Media. The series is executive produced by Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon of Shed Media, Bernie Cahill and Jon Kanak of Activist Artists Management, and Tony Khan.
Cody and Brandi Rhodes (Cody Runnels and Brandi Runnels) have become parents for the first time, welcoming a baby girl into the world.
In an Instagram post on Friday morning, Cody announced that Brandi has given birth and both she and the baby are doing wonderful. The baby’s name is Liberty Iris Runnels.
“6lbs 12oz – Liberty Iris Runnels – Mother & Daughter are doing wonderful,” Cody wrote.
Cody and Brandi announced on an episode of AEW Dynamite last December that they were expecting their first child. On a Dynamite episode in February, Cody and Brandi revealed that the baby would be a girl.
It was announced in March that Cody and Brandi will be starring in a reality series called “Rhodes to the Top” that’s coming to TNT. The series will “take viewers behind-the-scenes as the powerhouse couple manage their ever-busier lives inside and outside the ring, all the while surrounded by a colorful and often hilarious motley crew of wrestlers, family and friends who both support and test them at every turn.” It will also cover Cody and Brandi becoming parents.
Cody and Brandi have been married since 2013.
Cody and the debuting Brock Anderson are facing QT Marshall & Aaron Solow in a tag team match on tonight’s edition of Dynamite. The episode has been taped in advance. Brock Anderson is the son of Arn Anderson.
A new reality series starring Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes is coming to TNT.
Announced on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, “Rhodes to the Top” will be centered around Cody and Brandi as they balance their personal and professional lives.
No release date was announced, but a press release stated that episodes will be 30 minutes long. Warner Brothers Unscripted Television is producing the series in association with Shed Media. AEW president Tony Khan is listed as an executive producer for the show.
In a statement attributed to both Cody and Brandi, the couple revealed what viewers can expect from the series: “Since the late 1960s, the Rhodes family has been in one spotlight or another. People think they know us, but this show is the first true look behind the curtain and beyond the ring.”
The couple announced on the December 16, 2020 Dynamite that they are expecting a baby. They held a gender reveal on the February 17th Dynamite and announced that they are expecting a daughter.
“AEW fans know Brandi and Cody inside the ring, and ‘Rhodes to the Top’ will peel back the curtain of their lives off the mat. Running a business together as the stars of ‘Dynamite,’ juggling friends and family, and introducing a new baby into the Rhodes dynasty is sure to be a wild ride,” Corie Henson, Head of Unscripted for TBS, TNT and truTV, said in the release.
Khan is also quoted in the release, adding that a third hour of AEW programming is set for TNT later in 2021.
“With our flagship show Dynamite and now Rhodes To The Top, in addition to our third hour of wrestling programming coming to TNT later this year, 2021 will be a historic year for AEW and our partnership with WarnerMedia,” Khan said.
A look at how WrestleMania tickets, the COVID situation, UFC running Jacksonville all tie together is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
We look at WWE’s attendance goals, foreign attendance, ticket prices, Super Bowl COVID spreading, Spring break, the WrestleMania card updated, Dana White’s decision to run a full house indoor show, his planned big card, why so many people UFC fighters have gotten COVID than wrestlers, as well as a look at the most recent COVID outbreak in NXT.
Also in this issue:
New Japan Cup with coverage of all the shows of this past week, with results, notes and star ratings for all the Cup matches.
WWE’s move to Peacock and the functions, Eric Bischoff Hall of Fame story, Charlotte Flair movie starring role, Tyson Fury vs. Drew McIntyre, WWE Network gift cards, how WWE & AEW did against sports programming this past week, Canadian WWE ratings, Danny Burch injury, new WWE signees, A&E schedule for WWE programming, UFC star talks going to WWE, WWE market value, most-watched shows on WWE Network and Paul Weight talks how WWE nixed his business idea.
Saturday’s UFC show, with the stories from the fight, future direction as well as match-by-match coverage.
A story that isn’t there now, but based on things being worked on that will greatly change all combat sports as well as pro wrestling and look at what changes can and can’t be done.
A major feature on Buddy Colt, one of the biggest pro wrestling stars of the 1970s, who passed away last week. We look at his career, his similarities with an all-time legend and the plane crash that led to the end of his in-ring career. We go into detail on the crash, the injuries he and the others had, his thoughts on the business, his interaction with Muhammad Ali, his breaking in Brian Blair and what he taught him, the first interracial match in Georgia, the death of Eddie Graham and the end of Championship Wrestling from Florida and much more.
More into detail on the ratings than any other source, we have how every segment on NXT and AEW did as well as how it did with different age groups, genders and more, plus a look at all other wrestling shows of the past week.
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Some WWE content on Peacock has been edited from their WWE Network versions. Most notably, a WrestleMania VI promo and match where Roddy Piper wore blackface for a match against Bad News Brown has been removed, as well as a Survivor Series 2005 segment where Vince McMahon used the n-word when talking to John Cena.
Mustafa Ali wrote on Twitter: “To clear some confusion, I am not getting surgery in the foreseeable future. I’ll be okay. Thanks.”
PWInsider is reporting that both WWE and Gabe Sapolsky have been removed from the Samantha Tavel lawsuit.
Young Rock on NBC last night scored 2,872,000 viewers, down from last week’s 2,955,000.
Lince Dorado announced that he was taking time off following the passing of his grandfather. “My grandpa has passed this morning,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thank you everyone who has reached out, shared, and donated. I’m devastated and will be taking time off to get my head straight. I love you pop!”
George Barrios, former co-President of WWE, is now a chairman of the board for Make-A-Wish.
Triple H commented on both The Great Khali and Kane entering the WWE Hall of Fame.
John Cena commented on Randy Orton’s recent episode of Broken Skull Sessions: I’ve known @RandyOrton for nearly two decades and have been vocal about his in-ring ability and natural talent. This was a great interview and an honest look at the man I know, hosted by @steveaustinBSR who has seen it all & done it all in @WWE. GREAT interview. @peacockTV”
A&E has released a trailer for their upcoming eight-part Biography event focusing on WWE legends that premieres on April 18. Those being profiled include Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Macho Man Randy Savage, Booker T, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Ultimate Warrior, and Bret Hart.
Kross also spoke to DAZN on TakeOver, his return from shoulder surgery, and more.
The Los Angeles Times has a story on Bad Bunny wrestling The Miz at WrestleMania.
WWE has filed a trademark for “Swing is in The Air”.
The Undertaker turns 56 years old today.
Other Wrestling
Cody Rhodes wrote on Twitter that there will be a special announcement from The Nightmare Family tonight on Dynamite.
Impact’s Hardcore Justice event on April 10 will have a start time of 3 p.m. EST, meaning it will run prior to WrestleMania.
Kaito Kiyomiya and Yoshiki Inamura (NOAH) vs. face Konosuke Takeshita and Yuki Ueno (DDT) is the first cross-promotion match announced for the Cyber Fight Festival event that will take place on June 6.
Canadian subscription service Crave has added the first three episodes of Dark Side of the Ring.
David Marquez wrote about a return timeline for the UWN Primetime Live series: “This is the question I hear the most, so here’s an update,” Marquez wrote on social media. “What we learned is a paywall does not work. No matter how inexpensive we think it may be for the public, it’s not going to be financially successful. I’m happy as a producer that we weren’t too much in the red but we definitely want to be in the black. So my team has been negotiating with broadcasters, streaming services and brands to cover the cost of the programming so you don’t have to pay to watch it. I can say we’re close to closing a deal and it’s my goal to be back on the air by this summer.”
Sting spoke to Bleacher Report on his street fight earlier this month at Revolution. “The cinematic was fun,” he said. “I would like to do more of those for sure, but I came out of it in shambles. It took its toll on me. It was two nights of filming and that was pretty tough. It can be taxing on the body especially at my age. It was 12 hours instead of being in the ring for 30-40 minutes. I love filming. I have done movies and TV, and I always have fun with that stuff. The tough part was all of the hours and the recovery time.”
Here is a clip featuring Britt Baker as a guest on this week’s Oral Sessions with Renee Young.
Cody and Brandi Rhodes revealed that they are expecting a baby girl on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
The gender reveal took place following a video promo by Brandi. She said that not even Cody knew the gender of their child, so why not do something special on Dynamite. She also stated that she misses the fans. The couple then came to the stage for the gender reveal. As pink pyro was fired, “It’s a girl!” appeared on the video wall.
Brandi and Cody first announced on the December 16, 2020 edition of Dynamite that they were expecting a child in 2021.
Brandi Rhodes serves as the Chief Brand Officer of AEW and has also appeared in a variety of roles as on-screen talent for the company. In addition to being an in-ring performer, Cody Rhodes serves as an Executive Vice President for the company.
The two met when both were under contract to WWE and later married in September 2013.
AEW Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes and Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes are expecting their first child. The couple made the announcement on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
A video aired showing Brandi and Cody decorating their Christmas tree. They then found a wrapped present at their front door. The gift box contained a pair of baby shoes and an ornament announcing the birth of their child, coming in 2021.
A camera cut revealed the family’s dog, Pharaoh, wearing a “Baby Security” bandana.
Brandi, along with Arn Anderson, accompanied Cody to the ring for his match against Angelico on tonight’s Dynamite. Cody was announced by ring announcer Justin Roberts as “future father.”
Cody and Brandi were married in September 2013.
In addition to their roles as AEW executives and wrestling accolades, the couple have branched out into other entertainment ventures.
Cody will serve as a judge on the upcoming Go-Big Show on TBS, which begins airing in January 2021. Brandi is a former cast member of the WAGS Atlanta show on the E! network.
The futures of Shaquille O’Neal, Jade Cargill, Cody and Brandi Rhodes still appear to be intertwined following Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
In a brief, pre-recorded sit-down interview, Tony Schiavone was with the NBA legend and also Brandi Rhodes whose presence was unexplained. After introducing them and listing off their accomplishments, Rhodes complained to Schiavone about how he introduced her but moved on.
O’Neal said he and Cargill go back a long way but didn’t appreciate what she did to Rhodes’ arm on a recent Dynamite when she Pillmanized it. Schiavone interjected and asked if that issue could be resolved on Dynamite which O’Neal said he wanted to see. He then said he was having fun with Cody on Twitter and didn’t mean any disrespect as he loves the family.
As Brandi got up to walk away, O’Neal said she should watch Cargill to get some pointers from her while she recovers. She accused O’Neal of disrespect, said she “was sick of this sh*t” and grabbed a cup of water Schiavone conveniently was holding, throwing it in O’Neal’s face before calling him “an overgrown a**hole.” The segment ended with O’Neal staring angrily into the camera.
The belief is that this is leading toward an eventual mixed tag between the Rhodes family, O’Neal and Cargill.
Three matches have been advertised for the AEW special.
Brandi Rhodes will be in action against The Dark Order’s Anna Jay. The Dark Order took Rhodes’s husband out of action on the August 22 edition of Dynamite. Mr. Brodie Lee defeated Cody for the TNT Championship that night. Cody was assaulted by Dark Order after and did a stretcher job.
Shawn Spears will face Matt Sydal. Both were participants in the Casino Battle Royale at All Out on September 5. Sydal eliminated Spears from the match before being tossed himself by Eddie Kingston.
Scorpio Sky, the fifth-ranked singles competitor in AEW, is also scheduled for tonight’s show. Sky will face Ben Carter. Carter made his AEW debut on the September 8 episode of AEW Dark in a losing effort against Ricky Starks. According to AEW’s website, Carter is a former Black and Brave Wrestling Academy student.
Our live coverage begins following the conclusion of tonight’s NBA playoff coverage on TNT.
**********
Jim Ross, Excalibur and Tony Schiavone were the broadcast team.
Chris Jericho entered and joined the commentary desk. Jericho milked the Judas reaction.
**********
Scorpio Sky defeated Ben Carter
This was a quality opener.
Carter is fundamentally sound and looks to be a pretty good athlete. They worked a slow pace and kept things simple.
They traded basic holds, including hammerlocks. Both appeared to be going after the other’s left arm. Sky used a leg sweep. Carter hit a deep arm drag. Sky rolled outside to collect himself. They traded dropkicks and chops before a commercial break.
Sky was working a chinlock after the break. Carter rolled to the apron and blocked a suplex back in. Carter hit a moonsault press into a reverse DDT for a two count. He followed with a standing shooting star for another two count.
Carter missed a moonsault off the post but connected with a tope con giro. Carter hit a frog splash for another two count.
Sky avoided a phoenix splash and hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Sky tried a fisherman buster but Carter blocked. Sky got the fisherman buster on a second attempt for a near fall.
Carter used a schoolboy for a near fall. Sky hit a double stomp, a big boot and a TKO for the pin.
Sky and Carter shook hands after the bout.
**********
They aired a hype video for Moxley, Hobbs & Allin vs. Archer, Cage & Starks on Wednesday’s Dynamite.
**********
Anna Jay defeated Brandi Rhodes
This was much better than it had any right to be given their combined in-ring experience level. The announcers put this over as a grudge match and they definitely worked it that way.
Brandi came out firing forearms and elbow strikes. Brandi hit a DDT on the apron.
Brandi hit a Thesz press and worked on Jay’s abdomen with strikes. Jay did a nice job selling.
Jay used her Queen Slayer rear naked choke but Brandi flipped it over into a cradle for a two count.
Jay cut Brandi off and hit some strikes before using a chinlock. Brandi came back with a slingblade.
Stu Grayson and Evil Uno ran in and took the ref. Brandi hit A Shot of Brandi but there was no ref to count the pin.
Jay used the Queen Slayer and Brandi passed out in the hold for the finish.
**********
Alex Marvez interviewed Scorpio Sky. Sky said he’s going after the TNT title.
Matt Sydal entered. Sydal and Sky buddied up to each other and put each other over. Sky invited Sydal out for drinks later and said Marvez could come with.
Sky was the best promo of this bunch and that’s not saying a lot.
**********
A video package for the TNT title match between Orange Cassidy and Brodie Lee aired. JR put Cassidy over strongly.
**********
Shawn Spears (w/Tully Blanchard) defeated Matt Sydal
They opened with some chain wrestling. Spears hit some chops. Spears teased a plancha but Sydal took him out with a leg sweep on the apron.
Sydal hit a leg lariat for a two count. Sydal worked an armbar before a break.
Sydal hit a top rope rana after the commercial break. Sydal hit some kicks and used a wacky cradle for a two count. Sydal hit a slice for a two count. Sydal hit a tornillo for another near fall.
Sydal teased the shooting star press but Spears cut him off. Spears hit a spinebuster for a two count.
They traded strikes. Sydal hit a jumping knee strike. Spears hit an ushigoroshi into a double down.
Spears went for a DVD but Sydal blocked. Sydal hit a hot shot and a meteora for a near fall.
Spears sat on a chair on the floor. Sydal hit a running knee and celebrated in the ring while Blanchard loaded Spears’ glove.
They did a couple of teases with the loaded glove before Spears finally connected with a punch and a C4 for the pin.
**********
Spears went after Sydal after the match but Sky ran in for the save.
The reasons behind Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale buying the XFL in bankruptcy court, the new WWE President and how television viewership of all the major pro wrestling shows has changed since the pandemic started are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer. Newsletter.
We look at the timeline of the XFL purchase, financials behind it, the goals, can the goals be achieved, why Dwayne Johnson is key, what Johnson is trying to do with the league that Vince McMahon couldn’t, and why this is such a difficult time to do so and why the interest level was what it was.
The new issue also covers:
WWE’s hiring of Nick Khan as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he comes from, his connection with wrsetling, his connections in sports, the value of his contract, and the specific strongest value he brings.
We go through every wrestling show with notes on viewership overall and in demos, who is losing and at what pace. We look at what is turning viewers away, what is keeping viewers, and what show actually has increased viewers in an age group and what this says, the key takes from the patterns of gains and losses.
The return of pro wrestling to Mexico City and the restrictions that have been put in place.
The issues with unionizing wrestlers as well as Equity on treatmet of women in U.K. pro wrestling.
Updates on the major U.S. pro wrestling shows over the next month.
The NBA playoffs affecting the AEW schedule in August and September.
Rey Mysterio and contract talks.
Notes on furloughed WWE employees, chaos backstage at WWE tapings, WWE developmental and NXT talent and training, News from the Saudi Arabia lawsuit, behind Raw Underground, update on WWE draft, NXT writers update, Canadian ratings, Ali talks his situation, new WWE sigings, upcoming TV matches, and the most-watched shows on WWE Network.
A feature on Rollerball Mark Rocco, the best U.K. wrestler of his era.
This past week’s UFC show.
The migration of the audience and what days they watch wrestling, and the one demo that is holding firm to Friday in a big way.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
This week’s episode of The Bump features Bret Hart talking about some of his most famous matches at SummerSlam. It also has Matt Riddle, Big Show, and comedian Gabriel Iglesias.
Paul Heyman reveals WWE 2K Battlegrounds’ game modes in a new trailer.
A 3 1/2 hour Best of Alexa Bliss video has been added to the WWE Network.
Beth Phoenix will be the guest on this week’s After the Bell with Corey Graves.
WWE has filed for the following trademarks: Pretty Deadly, The Hunt, Zack Gibson, Rinku, and Saurav.
In an interview with Newsweek, Adam Cole was asked if he’d like the chance to have a babyface run: “When I first started in my wrestling career, I was a babyface like a lot of people start, and I remember feeling so uncomfortable in that role. I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to act. Then I became comfortable when I got to play the part and the role of being the heel. When I really developed the Adam Cole character, that really helped me. Now I do. I think back on that time when I had no idea what I was doing. It was like a year or two into wrestling and still figuring everything out. I’m still figuring stuff out now, but I just have a much better grasp of who I am at least. Yeah, I think I would. I think I would love the chance to be in that babyface role. By no means would that babyface role mean the Adam Cole that you see now would change very much, but I do think it would be a cool challenge and something interesting for me to do to kind of be put in that role. I think it would be really fun.”
Brandi Rhodes spoke to TVInsider about the decision for AEW’s Women’s Tag Team Cup to be on YouTube: “With YouTube, it’s its own show. That means we are trusted enough to carry our own show and don’t have to be compared to men. We were also not restricted on time. So it’s really the dream scenario. Better than finding out when we are live and something went long, you may only have four minutes to put it out there. That’s really hard, especially when you are trying to introduce new women and put that kind of pressure on them. Being it’s our own show without the restraints and to be able to tell these stories how we want to is a really great situation.”
Brandi was also asked if she sees the tournament being parlayed into a women’s tag team division: “The tournament has been really well-received. When I last checked the first episode surpassed 500,000 views on YouTube, which is kind where people start paying attention and say, ‘This is really cool.’ On a success level, I think we’re doing well. I think it opens the door to possibilities for more. As far as the when, where and why, that isn’t something we’re not in any rush to do because we’re very new. To be able to do something like this and be successful this early is a really good sign.”
Jeff Cobb is teasing a major promotion announcing his signing. On Wrestling Inc. Daily, he said “Well, technically I’m a free agent until whatever group announces that I signed. I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I was going to make a decision but then this craziness kind of happened. So kind of just laying low until the company announces it, and then we’ll go from there. I want the company to do it so the company will get the recognition. I’d rather them do it that way so they can get the spotlight instead of me, and I’ll go from there.”
The US Patent and Trademark office has denied Cody Rhodes’ request for reconsideration for the trademark ‘Bash at the Beach’.
Two new segments have been announced for Wednesday’s AEW Fight for the Fallen.
AEW announced on social media Tuesday that Chris Jericho will have “something to say” on the show. He defeated Orange Cassidy at last week’s Fyter Fest event.
The Nightmare Sisters (Brandi Rhodes & Allie) will also be in action. The two have been teaming together in a storyline that involves QT Marshall being infatuated with Allie even though Brandi doesn’t necessarily trust her motives.
Other matches announced include The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) vs. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, and Marko Stunt); FTR vs. Lucha Bros; Cody vs. Sonny Kiss for the TNT title, and Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage for the AEW World title. The AEW title match was delayed one week after Moxley’s wife, WWE announcer Renee Young, tested positive for COVID-19.
This year’s Fight for the Fallen event will raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts.
The worst week in the pro wrestling industry since 2007 is looked back on in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We go through name after name, case after case, the culture, the situations, suggestions on changes and a history dating back to the 30s of women in wrestling’s plight. We look at Joey Ryan, the WWE talent, people fired from every company, companies restructuring, attorney letters, Jim Cornette, Sammy Guevara, Travis Banks, Marty Scurll, the U.K. culture, the legal aspect, the ugliness from the fan base, David Lagana, Michael Elgin, death of CHIKARA, and pretty much the only mainstream place that will touch the story.
We also look at the COVID outbreak in WWE. We look at how it happened, why AEW is at risk, the new taping schedule, the plans to return to shows with fans quicker than you think, how the AEW decision making went, how WWE is getting around the travel ban, the Orlando, the mask ordinance, and much more.
The new issue also covers:
The ending of WWE Backstage, the Tuesday night block and more.
Update on the New Japan Cup tournament with this coming week’s shows.
What was supposed to be a big deal and ended up going nowhere due to COVID, the Tessa Blanchard Impact title win. We talk about the ending, and why it happened the way it did.
Possible end of Undertaker’s career, where wrestling stood this past week in sports ratings, WWE gets new overseas deal, most-watched shows on WWE Network and WWE’s current worth.
This week’s UFC show that featured a guy with a destroyed knee winning one of he best fights of the year.
Next two weeks of Wednesday night wrestling.
Update on Extreme rules.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Sasha Banks spoke about why she responded to Sammy Guevara in the way that she did: “As you can see on social media, I left my comment out there, I made my statement. I don’t feel like I need to touch upon it any more than I did, but as a role model, I have to lead by example. I can’t show hate with hate. I only can show through education, dignity, and integrity.”
Nikki Bella wrote that the brain surgery her mother Kathy Laurinaitis underwent yesterday was successful: “Mama Bella had a very successful surgery! Can’t thank you all enough for your prayers, love, light and beautiful words! Can’t wait for my Mom to see how loved she is. It’s going to mean the world to her. Now prayers for her recovery! And thank you to the surgeons who took such incredible care of her. Can’t thank you all enough! Feeling very blessed and grateful right now. So relieved and happy. Can’t wait to squeeze my Mom! She’ll be in ICU for a few days but when I can she’s getting a really big hug and kiss! @mrjohnlaurinaitis thank you for being her and our family’s rock! We all couldn’t have gotten through today without you! Love you!”
This week’s guests on The Bump include Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross, Lana, Natalya, Ricochet, and Samoa Joe.
On The Bump, Alexa Bliss said that her podcast, “Uncool with Alexa Bliss,” would be launching later this summer.
Becky Lynch, as well as Rob Gronkowski, will appear tonight on the CBS show “Game On.”
Ravensburger announced the launch of WWE Legends Royal Rumble card game, set for release on July 26. It is available to pre-order on Amazon.
WWE has filed a trademark for “Wrestle War,” which is the name of a WCW PPV event held from 1989-1992, as well as “Bella Army.”
Other Wrestling
Weekly Bunshun wrote an article detailing Hana Kimura’s experiences working on Terrance House prior to her death. It features quotes from Kyoko Kimura, Hana’s mother. Kyoko said that Hana told her she was being forced by Terrace House to behave more obnoxiously on camera and the staff were the ones that instigated the ring outfit incident that led to the cyberbullying.
Brandi Rhodes will not be at tonight’s Fyter Fest events due to her and Cody’s dog, Colby Jack, dying. “I am sad to not be physically present for #FyterFest due to my personal loss,” she wrote. “But I am so proud of everyone at @AEWrestling for handling these unprecedented times so professionally & safely with the utmost regard for health and still delivering incredibly! Tonight will be GREAT!”
Eric Young’s first post-WWE appearance is set for July 25 for the Lariat Pro Wrestling Guild promotion. Luke Gallows has also been announced for the show.
Impact teased last night the return of one of Eric Young’s former personas, Super Eric.
Cody has filed a trademark for “American Nightmare,” while Billy Gunn has filed trademarks for “Colten Gunn” and “Sons of a Gunn.”
MMA
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has approved a number of UFC dates for August.
Angela Hill is slated to meet Michelle Waterson on the August 22 UFC card.
Dustin Poirier spoke to Ariel Helwani about his fight against Dan Hooker this past weekend.
Rhodes spoke at length about the Nightmare Collective storyline, saying that the concept and idea behind it all changed from the original idea of her managing Awesome Kong. She said there were never plans for a Nightmare Collective, as the idea was for her to manage Kong, who wanted a new look and wanted to cut off people’s hair.
However, Kong, as Rhodes put it, “wasn’t feeling great.” After a discussion, plans were then set in motion for the Nightmare Collective to form, which would include Mel and Dr. Luther. But things didn’t go as planned.
“I started to see that the music was not playing how I liked it,” she said. “I didn’t feel it.”
Rhodes said that she and audience members were on the same page with storylines that were going too fast without any explanation. She said that she made changes, making a series of videos explaining the storyline further and going as far as hiring the actress who played the therapist herself.
Her going to Cody’s aid last week, she said, was meant as the end of her involvement in the Nightmare Collective, though she explained the situation with Mel and Luther is still open.
“I’m good with it now,” she said. “I hope fans are good with it now. And I hope whatever goes on forward from that, they know that this is something that’s an open creative thing.”
Brandi also talked about speaking at the NATPE convention, what she wanted to do growing up, the Cody Rhodes strapping segment that took place last week on Dynamite and more.
AEW released their latest Road to show, focusing on their Dynamite event in Cleveland this Wednesday. You can watch the video below:
The first segment focused on Kip Sabian explaining why he and Penelope Ford have been attacking Joey Janela. He also talked about his upcoming match against Cody this Wednesday, saying that he knows Arn Anderson’s expertise, but he can’t wrestle the match for Cody.
The next segment focused on Private Party. They talked about growing up in Brooklyn, avoiding peer pressure and how they connected with one another as a team. They will be teaming up with Darby Allin to take on Chris Jericho, Santana and Ortiz.
The final segment focused on Brandi Rhodes speaking to a therapist about her recent change in attitude. She also talked about the other members of the Nightmare Collective, including Awesome Kong, Mel and Luther.
Also announced for Wednesday is Jon Moxley, who will be in attendance and will speak out after becoming the number one contender to the AEW title last week.
The Butcher & The Blade will also team up to take on The Young Bucks.
AEW announced late-Wednesday afternoon that Awesome Kong is out of tonight’s AEW Dynamite tag team match due to an undisclosed illness.
In her place and making her Dynamite in-ring debut: Brandi Rhodes. She will team with fellow Nightmare Collective member Mel (also making her Dynamite in-ring debut) to face Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida.
Rhodes has wrestled sparingly for AEW, pinning Allie at Fight For The Fallen and competing in the women’s Casino Battle Royale at All Out.
The Collective made their presence felt on last week’s Dynamite during the AEW women’s title match between Riho and Statlander, leading to Statlander losing the match. That angle also featured the official debut of Luther, a new member of the group who will accompany Rhodes and Mel.
Tonight’s Dynamite is the Bash At The Beach themed edition of the show in Miami, FL, as the group prepares to head out on the Chris Jericho cruise where next week’s Dynamite will emanate from.
The show will feature Kenny Omega/Hangman Page vs. the Young Bucks vs. Best Friends vs. Santana and Ortiz for a tag title shot, Darby Allin vs. PAC, Jon Moxley vs. Sammy Guevara, and Cody responding to MJF’s demands for a match.
