Tag: china

Daily Update: John Cena, WWE cuts, Eddie Edwards

Posted on by Bryan Rose

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WON NEWSLETTER: May 24, 2021 Observer Newsletter: AEW to TBS, Ospreay vacates IWGP World Heavyweight title

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer analyzes the WarnerMedia and AEW new deal, from the change of stations in 2022, quarterly specials both the good and bad and what they can’t be or they won’t work, how to tape so much content, the benefits and non-benefits of TBS vs. TNT, of a second show, how the second show idea came about, and for every action there is an equal or opposite reaction.

Also in this issue: 

  • Turmoil in New Japan, COVID issues, and first hints of what is going on behind the scenes as well as Ospreay drops title
  • Full coverage of WrestleMania Backlash, PPV numbers, next direction, poll results
  • A look at all the WWE cuts and background behind them, who was and wasn’t a surprise
  • Coverage of UFC 262, back story, where everyone goes next, all the business notes on the show
  • How AEW ticket sales are doing for all the events on sale now and what that tells us about where they stand and things stand
  • All the different questions that have come out of the talks to put together Georges St-Pierre vs. Oscar de la Hoya, plus freezing contracts, Jake Paul’s new deal and more
  • Lots more behind the scenes of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul including who was originally to finance the show
  • News on TripleMania, Omega vs. Andrade and other plans for Mexico’s big event of the year
  • A look back at what some would say was the biggest match ever in the Carolinas and step-by-step of building it, plus the unique story of the career of Don Kernodle, from a shoot match debut, the match that led to Starrcade and more
  • The story of Sergio el Hermoso & El Bello Greco, a landmark tag team and the glory days of UWA
  • The most complete look at TV ratings available, including who watches live, how long they watch and more
  • Match of the week and performer of the week
  • Pro wrestling legend to be inducted into sports Hall of Fame
  • What wrestling promoter sang backup for John Lennon

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • John Cena apologized in Mandarin on Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, for referring to Taiwan as a country in an interview promoting F9. Although Taiwan is self-governing, China has used its economic influence to monitor speech regarding Taiwan, which remains a sensitive political topic.
  • Deadline reported that along with the already reported cuts in digital, WWE Studios and its film, TV, and social media departments also saw layoffs today.
  • James Wortman, a content director with WWE, confirmed on Twitter he was part of today’s cuts. Adam Kirshner, a digital video producer in WWE, also was part of the cuts.
  • Axel Tischer, formerly Alexander Wolfe, spoke to Ringsiders Wrestling regarding his release, saying that his contract expired on June 15th and WWE opted not to renew it. He also said there were plans at one point for a Sanity reunion. “But going back to the plan, actually the plan before the pandemic hit was to bring SAnitY back together.” he said (h/t Post Wrestling). “But then the pandemic hit and then E.Y. [Eric Young] got released, and what I know is that not even Triple H knew about EY. The only thing — and E.Y., he said it in an interview, he [Triple H] was one of the first guys to give him the call and, ‘Sorry man, I didn’t know about that,’ and I don’t know this, just [guessing], they probably tried to rehire him but, as I can relate right now, there’s no animosity, there’s no hatred but it’s a sour pill to swallow that they kind of like deny you and you kind of think, ‘Okay guys, you don’t want to have me? F you.’ We’re all humans, we all feel.”
  • Kofi Kingston told The Daily Star that Randy Orton’s name has to be considered when talking about the best in the world right now in professional wrestling. “What Randy does is unique in that way – he does so much without doing anything at all, so I’d have to put him in the conversation as being one of the greatest. “To be able to last so long… he’s even more compelling now in a lot of different ways. So as a performer, you can’t have the conversation [about the greatest] without having Randy be in there, from the longevity alone. That doesn’t happen by accident.”
  • Drew McIntyre spoke to the Dallas Morning News ahead of fans returning to arenas in July.
  • Bronson Reed talked to Sports Illustrated and Metro following his North American title win on last week’s episode of NXT.
  • Jaxson Ryker did an interview with Wrestling Inc about his new association with Elias.
  • Tyler Bate spoke to Sports Bible following his Heritage Cup win on last week’s NXT UK, and also talked about wanting to face A-Kid in a 60 minute unlimited rounds match.
  • Guests for tomorrow’s episode of The Bump include RJ City, Sonya Deville, Shinsuke Nakamura, TikTok sensation “The Professor” Nick Harrison, and Dominik and Rey Mysterio.
  • A 2 out of 3 falls match between Mustafa Ali and Ricochet will take place on this week’s WWE Main Event.
  • Alexa Bliss’ pet pig, Larry-Steve, has passed away.
  • WWE had added Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Owens from the May 23, 2017 episode of SmackDown, and Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler from No Way Out 2012 to their YouTube channel.
  • Roman Reigns turns 36 today.

Other Wrestling

Daily Pro Wrestling History: First AEW Double or Nothing

CONTACT INFORMATION

WWE Network to launch in China in time for SummerSlam

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

WWE announced today that the WWE Network would be available for the first time in mainland China.

WWE and PPTV, a Chinese sports media streaming service that carries the company’s programming, will be partners in getting the Network into the final major country in the world it isn’t already in. The Network will be debuting on August 18th, in time for SummerSlam weekend.

“PPTV is a tremendous partner, and has been key in helping us engage with WWE fans in China and further establishing our brand in this important market,” said WWE chief revenue and marketing officer Michelle Wilson. “With this launch, WWE Network is now available in every market, reaching more than 180 countries around the world, delivering all our premium live events and an archive of action-packed, family-friendly entertainment that has thrilled WWE audiences for years.”

PPTV customers can download the PPTV App and watch WWE Network content via smart TVs, set-top boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, as well as on WWE’s Chinese language website and PPTV’s websites.

The news has led to a rise in the company stock, which at this writing was at $21.42 per share, up from $20.84 per share at the close of business yesterday.

WWE Shanghai, China, live results: Bin Wang makes his debut

Posted on by F4W Staff

Submitted By Chris King

– Cesaro defeated Sheamus

Cesaro won with a sharpshooter.

– Neville defeated Curtis Axel

Axel was a classic heel and played it well. Neville won with the Red Arrow.

– Braun Strowman defeated Goldust

This match was actually pretty good. Goldust started strong and got a lot of offense in, including some brawling on the outside. Back in the ring, Strowman gained control. He tried a kip-up and one point and failed, which got a little chuckle from the crowd. Strowman won with his bear hug.

– A video package played showing the recent tryouts that were held in China. The new Chinese signings then made their way into the ring and were introduced.

– Tian Bin (Bin Wang) defeated Bo Dallas

Obviously, Dallas played the heel, but was loved by a lot of the fans. There were several Bo-Lieve chants. Wang played his part well, and although it was clear that he’s still very new to this, he sold well and was believable. His offense was basic with strikes, a suplex, and he finished Dallas with a running powerslam. Dallas stayed down for a long time and played to the crowd afterwards, standing up, giving his thumbs up pose, and then falling down again. It was very entertaining.

– Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson and The Shining Stars in a triple threat match to retain their titles

Big E stayed on the outside, but remained one of the most entertaining parts of the match. It was a decent match, with the first few minutes spent playing to the crowd. New Day were tossing their t-shirts to fans. Standard stuff. Eventually one of the Shining Stars got the last t-shirt and wiped their armpit with it.

A few comedy spots in that match, and the crowd really enjoyed it. New Day got the win with a backbreaker/top rope double stomp combo.

– John Cena defeated Big Show

A ref was tightening the ropes before the match, a cue it was time for Big Show. I was shocked by the pop he got when his music hit. Show was pretty dominant for the most part. Towards the end, he had Cena in a chinlock or sleeper or something, and the ref raised Cena’s arm three times to check on him. Cena obviously kept his arm up on the third time, and eventually gained enough momentum to hit an AA. The match was decent.

– Roman Reigns defeated Chris Jericho

Jericho was out next to a very loud reaction. He cut a promo before the match. Reigns came out to face him, but Jericho refused to take off his scarf to start the match. He teased taking it off a few times, before Reigns got behind him and stole the scarf. He then put it on himself, and mocked Jericho’s teasing actions. He wiped the scarf on his armpit before throwing it into Jericho’s face. The ringside attendant then took the scarf away.

It was a good match. Reigns won with a spear after escaping the Walls of Jericho.

– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks to retain her title

Charlotte worked the back, Banks made comebacks, and to avoid a clear and decisive win, Charlotte won with a roll-up.

– WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match to retain his title

Great reactions for all. Owens wanted to be typical Owens by rolling out of the ring straight away to let the other two fight, but they lured him back in and started hammering him. They would pull one another off of Owens so they could have their turn to hit him — and that’s how they established heat between Zayn and Rollins. They each wanted to beat up Owens so badly that they got annoyed when the other got in their way.

Rollins hit a couple of suicide dives, Zayn hit his big tope dive, and there was a superplex/powerbomb tower spot that got a great crowd reaction. Owens hit a pop-up powerbomb for the finish.

The match was good, and Owens grabbed a mic afterwards. He said that he and Zayn obviously had their differences, but they started together years ago, and now here they are main eventing for WWE in China. “We made it!”, he said as he reached out his arm for a handshake from Zayn. As the two shook hands, the crowd cheered and applauded.

Then, the predictable boot in the gut from Owens. But before he could hit a move, Rollins came in, grabbed him and hit a pedigree on Owens. Owens went to the back as Rollins’ music hit. Rollins left Sami alone in the ring, and the show ended with Sami playing to the crowd.

WWE sign seven recruits from China to developmental contracts

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ahead of a live event in the country this weekend, WWE announced on Thursday morning that they have signed seven new recruits from China to developmental contracts.

“WWE is dedicated to finding the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world,” Triple H (real name Paul Levesque) said. “The seven athletes identified at WWE’s first-ever tryout in China will be given the opportunity to train at the WWE Performance Center, in the hopes of becoming the next big WWE superstar, while also helping to inspire future WWE superstars and continue the global success of WWE.”

WWE is looking to break into what has previously been an almost entirely untapped market for major professional wrestling in China. At a press conference in June that included John Cena speaking in Mandarin, WWE announced that they had reached an agreement with PPTV to air Raw and SmackDown in Mandarin in the country.

At that press conference, WWE also announced the date for Saturday’s live event and that they had signed Chinese wrestler Bin Wang to a developmental contract. WWE touted Wang as the ‘first-ever’ Chinese talent to sign a developmental deal.

Wang will make his WWE debut at Saturday’s live event in a match against Bo Dallas.

WWE provided information on the new signees:

  • Big Boa (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was named the 2016 Brazilian jiu-jitsu China Open Gi/No-Gi champion and represented China at the 2013 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships.
  • Gu Guangming (6-foot-8, 287 pounds) is an amateur boxer from Mudanjiang, ranking among the top amateurs in his weight class since 2012. He won the National Men’s Championship in his weight class in 2014.
  • Gao Lei (5-foot-10, and 320 pounds) is a champion in various Beijing traditional wrestling promotions and was the team leader of Mongolian University’s wrestling team. 
  • Zhao Xia (5-foot-4, 136 pounds) has trained in martial arts and is the co-founder of her own fitness studio. Zhao has multiple first-place finishes in various martial arts and fitness competitions, including the Second World Traditional Chinese Wushu Championship, Nike Challenge Competition and First China Throw Down: Battle on the Bund.
  • Wang Xiaolong (6-foot-3, 243 pounds) of Beijing has a background in basketball and dance, and he studied at the Shandong University of Technology and the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy for music production.
  • Yifeng (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) is an actor from Shanghai and a graduate of the Shanghai Theater Company. Yifeng was most recently featured in the movie “Lady and Tiger” in 2014.
  • Cheng Yuxiang (6-foot-2, 226 pounds) is an expert-level fitness trainer from Beijing, certified by the Beijing Zhuo Zhonghua International Fitness Academy. Cheng also participates in various Chinese boxing competitions across the country.

Video from the tryout is available to watch below:

WWE inks deal with China’s PPTV, signs Bin Wang to developmental

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Through the Hollywood Reporter, WWE announced a streaming deal with the Chinese service PPTV to air Raw, Smackdown, and PPV events in the country via Internet streaming starting on 6/28 with the shows airing a few hours after they air in North America.

Additionally, WWE announced the signing of their first Chinese-born talent, as well as a September 10th live event — their first event there in more than three years.

The WWE held a press event in Shanghai earlier today with Michelle Wilson, John Cena, Jay Li (Vice President and General Manager of WWE’s Shanghai office), Paul Levesque, as well as PPTV’s Stephen Zhang and Shanghai Expo’s Ding Hao present.

Up to this point, WWE had just a one hour edited version of Raw as its only television available in much of the country. The shows will air in Mandarin, and WWE will also debut a Mandarin language website.

PPTV and PPTV Sports will stream the shows on Smart TVs, set-top boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, as well as their websites.  There will also be specialized Chinese programming on those services.

On the in-ring side, Bin Wang is now under a developmental deal, the first wrestler of Chinese ancestry to be with the promotion. Often known as Wang Bin, he has been a regular undercard wrestler for Antonio Inoki’s IGF promotion in Japan. The Inoki group first reported on his signing with WWE Wednesday night and wished him well.  He starts this weekend with the promotion.

In conjunction with the news, WWE has reached a deal with Expo Group as live promoters, and announced a 9/10 live event at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai. 

The WWE and UFC have both been attempting to open up shop in China. For both groups, it has been a slow-moving and often frustrating endeavor.

“Today’s historic announcements further demonstrate WWE’s long-term commitment to China,” said Vince McMahon. “Partnerships with PPTV and Expo Group, as well as the signing of Bin Wang, will enable us to engage our fans in China like never before.”