As expected after California announced a policy on gatherings of 250 or more people, PWG has postponed its March 29 show at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles.
“Out of concern for the safety of our fans and performers, and to comply with California’s new policy on gatherings of 250 or more people, Pro Wrestling Guerilla will be postponing our event, KOBE, previously scheduled for March 29, 2020,” the company told the Wrestling Observer. “While we do have a rescheduled date planned for KOBE, due to the fluidity of the global pandemic we will assess the situation and make an announcement as soon as possible. Tickets purchased for KOBE will be honored on the rescheduled date, however fans wishing for a refund can do so by contacting [email protected]. Thank you for your patience, and please stay safe/”
The show was scheduled to feature Bandido vs. Jonathan Gresham for the PWG title, as well as Dragon Lee vs. Flamita, Blake Christian, Alex Zayne & Tony Deppen vs. Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel, Jeff Cobb vs. David Starr, Caveman Ugg vs. Brody King vs. Black Taurus vs. JD Drake, Orange Cassidy vs. Mick Moretti among other matches.
In a move that was expected starting Wednesday night, WWE has announced that Friday’s edition of SmackDown on FOX will emanate from their Performance Center in Orlando, Florida instead of Detroit, Michigan’s Little Caesars Arena.
“Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance,” WWE said. “The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”
It was reported on Wednesday night that the episode wouldn’t be taking place in Detroit, leading WWE to release a statement denying that the show had been canceled but noting they were putting “contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are canceled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues.”
Those contingency plans had to be created due to the coronavirus health crisis spreading around the world, causing events in all walks of life to be canceled or postponed. Further complicating this scenario were NBA players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the COVID-19 virus in the last 18 hours, less than a week after playing a road game in Detroit.
As the company continues its build for what they hope is this year’s WrestleMania in Tampa, Florida, John Cena, Paige, and Jeff Hardy have all been announced for this week’s SmackDown. Cena will further his WrestleMania angle with “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, while Paige will confront Bayley.
Coincidentally, this Wednesday’s NXT on USA Network aired from the Performance Center as Full Sail University was unavailable for the week.
The day after the NBA suspended their season and other sporting leagues around the world continue to do the same, next Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite will not take place from Rochester, NY, as planned.
The question now is whether AEW will hold Dynamite from another location or cancel the show altogether. Johnson said the company still plans to hold a live Dynamite with information forthcoming. Twitter speculation was that an empty arena show in Jacksonville, FL, seemed the most likely ending spot.
The company is expected to release a statement Thursday about their decision.
Conversely, the wrestling world is waiting to hear whether Friday’s WWE SmackDown will take place in Detroit, MI, as planned after a local Detroit TV station reported the show was canceled. Moving the show to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL, appears to be on the table.
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.
One of the year’s biggest issues, our 40th annual awards issue is out this week. The issue covers these awards:
1) Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award for Wrestler of the Year; 2) MMA MVP; 3) Most Outstanding Wrestler; 4) Most Outstanding MMA Fighter; 5) Tag Team of the Year; 6) Best On Interviews; 7) Promotion of the Year; 8) Best Weekly TV show; 9) Pro Wrestling Match of the Year; 10) MMA Match of the Year; 11) U.S/Canada MVP; 12) Japan MVP; 13) Mexico MVP; 14) Europe MVP; 15) Non-heavyweight MVP; 16) Women’s Wrestling MVP; 17) Women’s MMA MVP; 18) Best Box Office Draw; 19) Feud of the Year; 20) Most Improved; 21) Most Charismatic; 22) Bryan Danielson Award/Best Technical Wrestler; 23) Bruiser Brody Award/Best Brawler; 24) Best Flying Wrestler; 25) Most Overrated; 26) Most Underrated; 27) Rookie of the Year; 28) Best Non-Wrestler; 29) Best TV announcer; 30) Worst TV announcer; 31) Best Major wrestling show; 32) Worst major wrestling show; 33) Best wrestling maneuver; 34) Most Disgusting promotional tactic; 35) Worst TV show; 36) Worst match of the year; 37) Worst feud of the year; 38) Worst promotion of the year; 39) Best Booker; 40) Promoter of the Year; 41) Best gimmick; 42) Worst gimmick; 43) Best book; 44) Best documentary
We have the top placings in every category as well as a list of winners of every award dating back to 1980.
The new issue also covers:
Coronavirus and an update on its affect on Japanese pro wrestling.
Young Bucks vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page match and compare it to great tag team matches of the past, in particular Misawa & Kobashi vs. Kawada & Taue from 1995 and Midnight Express vs Fantastics from 1988.
AEW Revolution with business notes, storylines, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Preview Elimination Chamber with early business notes and the current demand.
Folding of the Wrestle-1 promotion.
WWE and All Japan, WrestleMania ticket sales and secondary market interest, update on WrestleMania show, Jeff Hardy, John Layfield in the Hall of Fame, XFL ratings updates, Injuries and other WWE absences, notes on a new WWE wrestler who just had his first match this past week, Renee Young talks her situation and Jon Moxley, next MSG show, Notes on the Tampa Takeover show, company value, most-watched shows on WWE Network, and a rundown of all the WWE and NXT live events over the past week with highlights and business notes.
Saturday’s UFC show, looking at the key matches and stories, business notes and match-by-match coverage.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
All the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the 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
Tampa mayor Jane Castor on 102.5 The Bone FM spoke to Drew Garabo on the current situation regarding the coronavirus and WrestleMania’s status. She said that they are currently assessing the situation and that there will be an executive policy group meeting about large scale events in the area tomorrow.
The XFL announced that the Seattle Dragons/LA Wildcats game is still on for Sunday in Washington, but will be held without fans in attendance.
PWInsider reported that some WWE departments are rotating working at home in case they need to prepare the entire company to work outside of WWE’s headquarters in Stanford, Connecticut due to the coronavirus.
The company announced that they will be holding tryouts in South Africa, specifically Johannesburg, in May.
Other Wrestling
GCW’s The Collective issued a statement saying that they will continue with the idea of running their shows, which include Bloodsport and Joey Janela’s Spring Break, as scheduled during WrestleMania weekend unless they are forced to stop.
ROH also released a statement announcing that they’re proceeding as planned with all current events and activities: “Ring of Honor, home of the ‘Best Wrestling on the Planet,’ will be proceeding as planned with all current events and activities. ROH is mounting its 18th Anniversary (Friday, March 13th) and Past vs Present (Saturday, March 14th) shows this weekend in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town Live Casino. The safety and health of our fans, talents and staff are always of top priority and we are actively following information regarding COVID-19, known as Coronavirus. We are closely monitoring all information being made known by the government, the CDC and WHO to the public – as the situation continues to develop. ROH cares by being proactive in taking the utmost safety precautions as recommended for all live events and recommends that all fans take their own personal safety precautions as well. Additionally, fans are urged to contact [email protected] if they have any concerns about their health or safety at an upcoming event — and ROH will work with them to provide solutions. As the situation continues to be monitored, any necessary changes to the event schedule and/or resolutions will be provided expeditiously.”
Rush will face Bandido in a non-tournament match at ROH Pure Excellence night one in Columbus, Ohio on April 10. If Rush is still ROH World Champion after his title defense against Mark Haskins at ROH’s 18th Anniversary PPV, his match against Bandido will be a Proving Ground match.
Chris Bauer, Allen Maldonado, and former NFL star James Harrison have been added to the cast for Starz’s upcoming pro wrestling drama series “Heels.” Stephen Amell is starring in the show.
Dragon Gate has announced their own cancellations due to the coronavirus outbreak through March 22.
The Great Sasuke vs. Low Ki is now set for DEFY’s Fire from the Sky event on April 17.
MMA
Ohio governor Mike DeWine is soon issuing an order for there to limit mass gatherings in the state due to the coronavirus. UFC is scheduled to run an event in Columbus on March 28.
Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till is being worked on for UFC’s Dublin, Ireland event on August 15.
Brian Ortega has issued a full apology to Jay Park and the Korean Zombie following an altercation this past weekend.
“All AEW events are currently moving forward as scheduled. Of course, the safety and well-being of AEW fans, partners and talent is always our top priority, so we will continue to closely monitor the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19 and be guided by government officials, health organizations and venue management. AEW will update ticket purchasers if there are any changes to the event schedule, and we encourage everyone in the AEW family to be good to themselves – and each other – by taking preventative actions as recommended by the CDC and WHO,” the statement read.
Conversely, the Polish-based MMA KSW announced they are cancelling their March 21st show in that country. While not a household name stateside, the organization has strong attendance for their events.
The remainder of the New Japan Cup tour has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in Japan.
NJPW announced this morning that following a meeting by a specialist government taskforce, they have decided to cancel the rest of the New Japan Cup tour that was originally scheduled to resume on March 16 in Toyama. They will make announcements about cards after March 22 “upon careful monitoring of this developing situation.”
The company stated that they will announce refund procedures for the events “soon”. They will also continue to run programs on New Japan World featuring talent. NJPW last ran a show on February 26, a New Japan Road event.
The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a number of promotions cancelling events or running shows without an audience. Earlier today, All Japan Pro Wrestling cancelled shows that were scheduled to take place starting on March 13 through March 22.
The winner of the New Japan Cup tournament was scheduled to challenge Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental championships at Sakura Genesis on March 31.
We’re looking for your thoughts on both the Elimination Chamber and UFC 248 shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
We’re looking for reports on the TNA show on Friday in Atlanta, as well as NXT shows from Cleveland on Friday and Detroit on Saturday to [email protected]
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.
One of the year’s biggest issues, our 40th annual awards issue is out this week. The issue covers these awards:
1) Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award for Wrestler of the Year; 2) MMA MVP; 3) Most Outstanding Wrestler; 4) Most Outstanding MMA Fighter; 5) Tag Team of the Year; 6) Best On Interviews; 7) Promotion of the Year; 8) Best Weekly TV show; 9) Pro Wrestling Match of the Year; 10) MMA Match of the Year; 11) U.S/Canada MVP; 12) Japan MVP; 13) Mexico MVP; 14) Europe MVP; 15) Non-heavyweight MVP; 16) Women’s Wrestling MVP; 17) Women’s MMA MVP; 18) Best Box Office Draw; 19) Feud of the Year; 20) Most Improved; 21) Most Charismatic; 22) Bryan Danielson Award/Best Technical Wrestler; 23) Bruiser Brody Award/Best Brawler; 24) Best Flying Wrestler; 25) Most Overrated; 26) Most Underrated; 27) Rookie of the Year; 28) Best Non-Wrestler; 29) Best TV announcer; 30) Worst TV announcer; 31) Best Major wrestling show; 32) Worst major wrestling show; 33) Best wrestling maneuver; 34) Most Disgusting promotional tactic; 35) Worst TV show; 36) Worst match of the year; 37) Worst feud of the year; 38) Worst promotion of the year; 39) Best Booker; 40) Promoter of the Year; 41) Best gimmick; 42) Worst gimmick; 43) Best book; 44) Best documentary
We have the top placings in every category as well as a list of winners of every award dating back to 1980.
The new issue also covers:
Coronavirus and an update on its affect on Japanese pro wrestling.
Young Bucks vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page match and compare it to great tag team matches of the past, in particular Misawa & Kobashi vs. Kawada & Taue from 1995 and Midnight Express vs Fantastics from 1988.
AEW Revolution with business notes, storylines, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Preview Elimination Chamber with early business notes and the current demand.
Folding of the Wrestle-1 promotion.
WWE and All Japan, WrestleMania ticket sales and secondary market interest, update on WrestleMania show, Jeff Hardy, John Layfield in the Hall of Fame, XFL ratings updates, Injuries and other WWE absences, notes on a new WWE wrestler who just had his first match this past week, Renee Young talks her situation and Jon Moxley, next MSG show, Notes on the Tampa Takeover show, company value, most-watched shows on WWE Network, and a rundown of all the WWE and NXT live events over the past week with highlights and business notes.
Saturday’s UFC show, looking at the key matches and stories, business notes and match-by-match coverage.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
All the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the 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.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering Raw and the rest of the news. Our awards show is up on the site right now from Saturday night. You can send questions to tonight’s show to [email protected]
Wayne Bridges, one of the greats of British wrestling from the 60s through the 80s passed away yesterday at the age of 83. We’ll have a major story on him later this week in the Observer but he was a multi-time world champion who had big matches against the likes of Kendo Nagasaki, Mike Marino, Pat Roach, John Quinn and the other major heavyweights of that era. He worked regularly in New Japan and later the UWF in Japan and worked in North America in 1974-75. .
The stock market today was a disaster to say the least with the Dow falling below 24,000 due to fears brought on by the coronavirus situation is getting worse. All kinds of businesses and public gatherings are in jeopardy. WWE stock hasn’t dropped as bad as the market in general but it still closed today at $41.16 per share, down $1.54 per share.
Edge, scheduled to be on Raw tonight, has been advertised for a week for a confrontation with Randy Orton. In theory the advertised return of Edge should help the number, as should coming off last night’s PPV show. Angel Garza vs. Rey Mysterio will be on the show. Drew McIntyre will also wrestle.
Elimination Chamber had the usual level of WWE B PPV interest even with the lack of major stars and singles world title matches for both the men and women. It did 200,000 searches yesterday, good for fourth place. That’s well under the 2.1 million for the UFC show the night before, but well ahead of last week’s AEW Revolution show which did 100,000.
New Japan is expected to make a decision regarding starting back next Monday or not within the next few days.
WWE
The name of the Bruce Willis movie that Cathy Jo Perry (Lana) is in that we reported in the issue this week is called “Cosmic Sin.” The story is about humans and scientists fighting to save the human race from aliens attempting to take over the planet. Perry will play the best sniper and lead assassin fighting to save the human race.
The WWE Network debuts “WWE: The Day Of” on Friday covering the day of the recent Super Showdown show in Saudi Arabia.
NXT dates have been announced for 5/1 in Washington, DC at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, 5/2 in Bethlehem, PA at the Wind Creek Event Center and 5/3 in Poughkeepsie, NY at the Mid Hudson Civic Center.
AEW
Matt Cross and Britt Baker are starring in a movie called “Powerbomb” about an independent wrestler trying to break into the big-time but also thinking of leaving wrestling completely for his family. It will be released on DVD and VOD platforms on 4/14. Also in the movie are Gregory Iron, Dick Justice and Roni Jonah from the pro wrestling independent scene.
MISCELLANEOUS
The TV station Reelz on Sunday will be doing its Autopsy features on Chyna at 7 p.m. (this has aired before) and will premiere an episode on Chris Benoit at 8 and 11 p.m. Eastern The Benoit episode will also be repeated on 3/19 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
In a response to issues with the coronavirus, Combate Americas announced that shows on 3/13 in Tucson, 3/20 in Mexico City and 3/27 in San Antonio are being postponed until later in the year. Refunds for all shows are being given. They will also start running shows on 4/3 in a pro wrestling TV studio format until the problems are quelled.
MMA Fighting reported former UFC fighter Abel Trujllo has accepted a plea bargain to avoid felony charges in a child sexual exploitation case regarding promoting obscenity to a minor and sexual exploitation of a child. He was arrested in July after exchanging inappropriate sexual messages with a minor. The victim said Trujllo was sending her nude photos. She blocked him but months later he tried to contact her again. After a search warrant of Trujllo’s phone, he admitted he had multiple conversations with women under the age of 18 as well as having sent nude photos. His sentencing will be on 4/6.
Destiny Wrestling on 3/22 at Santino Marella’s Don Kolov Arena in Mississauga, ONT featuring Jordan Devlin, Trent Seven, Tyler Bate and Josh Alexander.
Cage Fury Fighting Championships on UFC Fight Pas on 3/21
Despite the coronavirus and concerns around it affecting business, sports, and entertainment events around the world, WWE announced Wednesday they are moving ahead with this year’s WrestleMania 36 in Tampa, FL.
“The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay. We remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, and like other entertainment properties in the U.S., there are currently no plans to cancel or postpone our upcoming events.”
The cancellation of major spectator events hasn’t hit the United States with cancellations or postponements even as new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to pop up daily including several cases in the Tampa Bay area. Major League Baseball said they have no plans to cancel or postpone games while the NBA and NHL have continued their seasons without issue.
The main concern is with travelers coming from around the world to the WWE’s biggest annual event plus all of the additional events throughout the week. As of this writing, there have been 80 reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States with nine deaths. 24 of those are travel related. More than 95,000 people worldwide have been affected with 3264 deaths, nearly all in mainland China.
When asked last Thursday about how the virus could affect WrestleMania, Stephanie McMahon had a similar response to the aforementioned statement, telling the Tampa Bay Times that, “The health and safety of not only our fan base, but also our superstars, really does come first. We don’t want to put anyone in a bad situation ever, regardless of the circumstance. Those are not risks worth taking.”
Recently, both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom canceled the majority of their March slate due to the virus.
Following recommendations made by the Japanese Ministry of Health concerning the coronavirus outbreak, NJPW has canceled all shows between now and March 15.
Eleven events are affected by the cancelations. Two are Anniversary tour events, one is NJPW’s 48th Anniversary show, and eight are New Japan Cup shows. NJPW wrote that further announcements will be made at a later date. They also noted that all ticket holders will be refunded.
In light of recommendations made on February 26 by the Japanese Ministry of Health connected to the new Coronavirus COVID-19, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has arrived at the decision to cancel all live events scheduled between Sunday March 1 and Sunday March 15.
Further announcements will be made at a later date. All ticket holders will be refunded. Please check njpw1972.com and social media in the coming days for details on the refund procedure.
NJPW has reached this difficult decision after careful consideration. Ultimately, the health and safety of our fans, staff and wrestlers is our highest concern. We remain deeply appreciative of your support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The following events are affected by today’s decision:
Anniversary Tour
Sunday March 1: Mito Municipal Gymnasium, Ibaraki
Monday March 2: Big Palette Fukushima
Anniversary Event
Tuesday March 3: Ota City Gymnasium, Tokyo
New Japan Cup
Wednesday March 4: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Saturday March 7: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
Sunday March 8: Baycom Gymnasium, Hyogo
Monday March 9: Kochi Prefectural Gymnasium
Tuesday March 10: ZIP Arena Okayama
Thursday March 12: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Friday March 13: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Saturday March 14: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
On February 18, NJPW had issued guidelines for fans regarding the outbreak. It was noted then that all shows were planned to go on as scheduled, but NJPW canceled all meet and greets at events until further notice, offered refunds for their March shows and asked fans not to attend if they felt unwell, and encouraged show attendees to wear surgical masks.
DDT Pro Wrestling also announced the cancelation of shows (for DDT, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, and Ganbare) between February 28 and March 8. As an alternative, DDT has announced four non-spectator DDT shows from their dojo and one non-spectator Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling show from the dojo that will air on DDT Universe.
Following Stardom making some big changes in their schedule and ONE Fighting announcing an empty arena show, New Japan Pro Wrestling has issued some new guidelines for fans as Japan struggles with the coronavirus outbreak.
The company said all future live shows will go on, but are advising fans that if they fell ill, they should stay home. They are also encouraging fans and their staff to wear surgical-style masks in addition to providing disinfectant spray at events.
The statement also said attendee health checks may be part of future shows and that fans that don’t feel well at shows may be asked to leave.
They also said that all meet and greets and autograph signings are canceled until further notice. They have events scheduled in Tokyo all weekend long.
