On the post-Raw edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that at least four WWE wrestlers have COVID-19 or are recovering from it.
That number includes Drew McIntyre, one “big star” who just returned from having it, one wrestler on SmackDown who was scheduled for last Friday and then was taken off the show, and one NXT wrestler.
Meltzer speculated that others will likely be kept away from TV due to contact tracing. He didn’t know anyone else on Raw that had it, but noted there was obviously a skeleton crew on Raw last night which necessitated the return of Triple H. He said that he wasn’t sure if Kofi Kingston does have a broken jaw as was announced on the show.
Meltzer said McIntyre tested positive on Sunday as part of WWE’s precheck measures before TV and that he is experiencing mild symptoms. The belief it that he didn’t it have it last Monday during the Legends edition of Raw in which Goldberg challenged him to a match for the Royal Rumble.
After testing positive for COVID-19, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre gave an update on his condition on tonight’s episode of Raw.
In a video that aired on tonight’s Raw, McIntyre said he’s fortunate that he isn’t experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. McIntyre urged everyone to wear their masks, practice social distancing, and take COVID-19 seriously.
“I wish I could have been there with you all tonight in the ThunderDome, but unfortunately, as I’m sure you’ve heard already, I’ve tested positive for COVID-19,” McIntyre said. “I’m one of the fortunate ones with no symptoms, but I assure you COVID should not be taken lightly. Don’t think you can’t catch it, because you can. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody. And the only way we’re going to be able to stop this thing is by working together. So please — wear your mask, follow social distancing guidelines. It’s not just to protect you, it’s to protect everyone and their loved ones. I’ll see you all really, really soon. But until then, stay safe.”
WWE announced on Monday afternoon that McIntyre is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. McIntyre vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match had originally been set for tonight’s Raw. WWE had also announced that — after last Monday’s Raw ended with Goldberg confronting McIntyre and challenging him to a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble — McIntyre would address Goldberg’s challenge on this week’s show.
The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Drew McIntyre has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed in quarantine,” WWE announced on Monday afternoon. “Check back to WWE.com for more updates as they become available.”
McIntyre had been set to face Randy Orton in a non-title match on tonight’s episode of Raw. WWE had also hyped that McIntyre would address the challenge that was issued to him by Goldberg on last week’s Legends Night edition of Raw. The main event segment of last week’s Raw saw Goldberg make his return to WWE television and challenge McIntyre to a WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble.
After McIntyre retained the WWE Championship against Keith Lee last week, Goldberg confronted McIntyre and challenged him to a title match at the Royal Rumble. The episode ended with Goldberg shoving McIntyre down to the ground.
The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31.
This is the first time that WWE has publicly announced that a member of their roster has tested positive for COVID-19.
Nick Jackson has revealed that he had COVID-19 last fall.
On Instagram, Jackson went into detail with his battle against COVID-19 and wrote about his struggles with the disease:
Crazy to think there’s still COVID deniers out there in the world. I had a pretty bad case of COVID in early September that kept me bed ridden for nearly 3 weeks. I couldn’t taste or smell for 2 in a half months. At one point my whole body had hives in it and my doctor said that it was definitely from COVID. Matt had to do the majority of the work in matches once I returned safely because I couldn’t catch my breath. My cardio is finally back but it took months to finally feel like myself again. Let’s protect each other and wear [a] mask.
Since returning from his COVID-19 battle, Nick and his brother Matt have continued to be a major part of AEW’s tag team division. They won the AEW Tag Team titles from FTR at AEW Full Gear on November 7. In recent weeks, they have faced off against the likes of Top Flight, The Acclaimed, and The Hybrid 2.
A look at the death, unique lives and careers of Jon Huber and Danny Hodge is the focus of what is the best issue of the Observer in more than a decade.
Details surrounding the Huber health crisis and death, words from his wife, how he got started in wrestling, my own personal thoughts regarding my interaction with him, his leaving WWE for AEW, his WWE run with The Wyatt Family, what were the plans for the Bludgeon Brothers to imitate and how it fell through, the match that changes his WWE focus, the background of his big decision, what match was scheduled for him that fell through, how his AEW term played out with his biggest matches, why the death became such a huge news story, the story behind and coverage of the tribute show and more.
The iconic figure of Danny Hodge with what should be a movie script, covering growing up in a small town known for wrestling, his unique childhood, his developing his legendary grip strength, his unbelievable credentials as a wrestler, MMA, street fights, the auto accident that ended his career, his biggest pro wrestling matches, his boxing career and why people will talk about him as his records every year going forward.
Also in this issue:
Preview the Wrestle Kingdom shows this week, covering the matches and the stories behind the matches, as well as how the restrictions have changed things.
Update the Royal Rumble including a gimmick match being talked about, new WWE show, top 25 WWE matches of the year, U.K. and Canadian ratings as well as where pro wrestling ranks in sports ratings, market value of WWE as well as the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
2020 Wrestling Observer Awards ballot.
Television stations that carried wrestling and MMA in 2020 and how they did, and how wrestling did in comparison with the station’s usual programming.
Detailed look at the television business, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
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.
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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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight. We’ll be covering the Tokyo Dome show as well as the weekend news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
Tonight is the first night of Wrestle Kingdom. It starts at 2 a.m. Eastern time with these matches:
22 man Rumble which will go down to four men, and those four meet in the opener tomorrow night for the KOPW title.
Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo- winner faces Taiji Ishimori on Tuesday for the IWGP jr. title
KENTA vs. Satoshi Kojima for the U.S. title briefcase
Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. defending the IWGP tag titles against Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Great O’Khan
Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP & IC heavyweight titles
We have a preview up on the site with Kevin Kelly talking about both Dome shows as well as New Japan going forward.
Kevin Kelly will be in Japan through mid-February so all the major shows this week as well as on the New Beginning tour will have live from the building English language commentary.
Jack Curtis Jr., a wrestler and later promoter in the state of Mississippi and Louisiana, passed away yesterday at the age of 85. He wrestled in the 60s and 70s for Leroy McGuirk, and later promoted and then became the events coordinator for Bill Watts during the heyday of Mid South Wrestling. (thanks to Matt Riviera)
For those who think Ryan Garcia may have star power, there were 1 million searches for him which puts him second for the weekend behind Ohio State. The only other combat sports reference this past week was Brodie Lee on Wednesday night with 100,000, which also makes the first time since I think week one that anything on AEW Dynamite cracked the top 20 searches for the day in the United States.
WWE
Mick Foley wrote this update about testing positive for COVID: “I tested positive for the coronavirus following a December 12 virtual signing. As soon as I learned that I had been exposed and even before the test result, I began isolating in a hotel room – and have been here for 19 days. I am no longer contagious and will be checking out tomorrow. Fortunately, my symptoms were not too serious – body aches and headache for a few days, followed by loss of my sense of smell and just within the last few days, my hearing has been affected. Worse than the physical symptoms was missing the holidays with my family – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s. I tried to do my best to be safe these past ten months, but looking back on it, there were a number of occasions where I did let my guard down. Since mid-March, I have only done four virtual signings, two personal appearances, two guest appearances on reality shows and my appearance on WWE Raw at The Undertaker’s farewell. In 2019, I flew 150,000 miles on Delta Airlines – in addition to tens of thousands more on other airlines. In 2020, I flew less than 10,000. Still, there were several occasions where I could have been more careful. Moving forward, I will do my best to do better. I hope all of us can do a little better for as long as it takes to put this terrible pandemic behind us. I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers that I have always received on social media. I’m lucky… things could have been worse.In a little bit of good news, enthusiasm on Cameo in December resulted in my being able to donate $5,000 to the Daniela Conte Foundation – a foundation created by the parents of a very special little girl who was lost way too soon. To learn more about Daniela and the foundation formed in her honor, you can check out my Facebook post from December 23rd“
UFC
Markus Perez will be replacing Isi Fitikefu against Dalcha Lungiambula on the 1/20 show. Fitkefu suffered an injured left elbow while training with Robert Whittaker.
AEW
The top three wrestlers in 2020 for four-star matches were Tomohiro Ishii, Kenny Omega and Shingo Takagi. The top for five-star matches was Will Ospreay.
During the Outback Bowl, Indiana players were holding chairs over their heads and the ESPN announcers said this was like an ECW match and they were looking for kendo sticks and barbed wire (thanks to Barry Werner)
Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling has a show that will stream from Korakuen Hall tonight at 9:30 p.m. Eastern and 6:30 p.m. Pacific time with Stewart Fulton, Mark Pickering and Chris Brookes doing the English language commentary.
LFA on 1/29 at the Hartman Arena in Park City, KS (near Wichita) on UFC Fight Pass is headlined by Josh Fremd (6-1) vs. Bruno Oliveira (8-2) in a middleweight fight.
In the new season of Cobra Kai on Netflix, there are references to WrestleMania 3, Chris Jericho and a feud between the Hart Foundation and British Bulldogs (thanks to Joe Puccio)
The first episode of the ROH television show will be based around a documentary of how the company handled the pandemic, starting with the weekend of 3/13 and 3/14 when the crew was in Las Vegas for a PPV and television tapings and then, while there, the decision was made not to run. Before being shut down there was a Flip Gordon vs. Bandido and Jay Lethal vs. Mark Haskins match, and those matches have never aired but will air on the show this week.
Impact has an Impact+ special on 1/9 headlined by Moose vs. Willie Mack in an I Quit match plus the Super X Cup one-night tournament.
Stardom results from today in Shinkiba: Saki Kashima won three-way over Maika and Lady C, Tam Nakano & Sayaka Unagi b Saya Iida & Ruaka, Utami Hayashishita & AZM & Saya Kamitani b Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid & Gokigen Death, Momo Watanabe d Syuri over 15:00, Giulia & Himeka & Natsupoi b Bea Priestley & Konami & Natsuoko Tora. Matches coming out of this show are AZM vs. Gokigen Death, Syuri defending her SWA title against Watanabe, Priestley & Konami defending the Goddesses of Stardom titles against Natsupoi & Himeka and Giulia vs. Tora for the Wonder of Stardom title, which will be a no DQ match headlining the 1/17 show at Korakuen Hall (thanks to Tomi Yamada and Shannon Walsh at Wrestlingwithdemons.com)
Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa lost their All Japan world tag team titles to Kento Miyahara & Yuma Aoyagi in the company’s first show of the season yesterday at Korakuen Hall. Today’s main event saw Suwama retain the Triple Crown over Aoyagi.
Yusuke Okada showed up at today’s DDT show at Korakuen Hall. He had left All Japan at the end of the year when his contract expired.
Yasufumi Nakanoue won the Big Japan Strong title from Yuji Okabayashi and Takumi Tskamoto won the Deathmatch title from Minoru Fujita on yesterday’s Korakuen Hall show.
Game Changer Wrestling from Thursday night in Atlantic City: Tre Lamar b Levi Everett, 1 Called Manders b Ellis Taylor, Holidead b Willow Nightingale, Matthew Justice & Joshua Bishop d KTB & Shane Mercer, Treehouse Lee b Saieve Al Sabah, Atticus Cogar b Elayna Black, Lee Moriarty b Calvin Tankman, Shlak b 1 Called Manders in a death match, Jordan Oliver b ACH, Chris Dickinson won a Scramble mach over Effy, Allie Kat, Cole Raddick, Blake Christian and Mance Warner, G-Raver b Jimmy Lloyd in an I Quit match.
From Friday night in Atlantic City: Jordan Oliver b Tre Lamar, Ken Broadway b ACH, Chris Dickinson b Cole Raddick, Matthew Justice & Joshua Bishop b Effy & Aliie Kat, KTB & Shane Mercer won a scramble over 1 Called Manders, Charlie Tiger, Elayne Black, Ellis Taylor, Steve Scott and Levi Everett, Mance Warren b Calvin Tankman, Blake Chrstian b Lee Moriarty, Alex Colon b Atticus Cogar in a death match (thanks to Nick Mahmood)
Mick Foley has announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a tweet, Foley said that he had tested positive following a December 12th virtual signing event and has been isolated in a hotel room for the last 18 days.
“There were two people in the room with me, both wearing masks,” he said in a video attached to the tweet, explaining what had happened. “I did take my mask off so I could do a better job on the virtual signing, and one of the gentlemen ended up having symptoms later that night.”
Foley in the video said that he could have done a better job social distancing, mentioning how he had done four virtual signings during the pandemic and also appeared for The Undertaker’s Final Farewell at Survivor Series in November. He also said that the worst part of contracting COVID-19 was being unable to celebrate the holidays with his family.
It was also announced today that CMLL star Mistico and his girlfriend, Carolina Rodriguez, have also tested positive for COVID-19.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and myself, Garrett Gonzales is back again. Joining us is special guest Dr. Alex Patel to talk about COVID-19 and the latest on the vaccine for the first half of the show. We talk about what the next several months are going to look like, how long it will take for the vaccine to be distributed, the longlasting effect of the virus on our normal life, and much more.
Then, Dave and I discuss the recent passing of Dr. Alfonso Morales. We look at the AEW ratings from Wednesday night. We talk a little bit about the ROH PPV, which Dave hasn’t finished watching yet. And then we end the show talking about Paul Varlens and the UFC lawsuit.
Timestamps:
Start: Dr. Alex Patel
49:12: Life discussion
55:20: Dr. Alfonso Morales passes away
1:10:25: ROH
1:15:17: There’s a lot of content
1:27:35: AEW/Ratings
1:42:56: TLC discussion
1:43:24: UFC lawsuit
1:50:13: Paul Varelans, more COVID-19 discussion
Saturday’s main event featuring a battle of two heavyweights looking to earn a UFC title shot was canceled Friday due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Curtis Blaydes was set to face Derrick Lewis in the main event of the Las Vegas ESPN2/ESPN+ show, but Blaydes tested positive for the coronavirus according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. The fight is likely to be remade for the much maligned UFC 256 pay-per-view on December 12th but that is unconfirmed.
The new main event is former light heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith vs. Devin Clark. The fight will still be five rounds instead of their originally scheduled three. Smith is coming off back-to-back losses and defeats in three of his last four while Clark is looking for his third straight win.
The loss of Blaydes vs. Lewis is the just the latest main event to fall through for the company in recent weeks.
The aforementioned UFC 256 show lost featherweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson and then bantamweight champion Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling. In early-November, Islam Makhachev had to withdraw from a main event with Rafael dos Anjos with UFC getting Paul Felder to fill in five days notice. That was preceded by December 5th headliner Darren Till getting injured and needing to be replaced by Kevin Holland for a Fight Night main event against Jack Hermansson.
After news of positive COVID-19 tests at the WWE Performance Center on Friday came to light Tuesday night, there were questions as to whether fans who were scheduled to attend Wednesday’s NXT taping would still be allowed to do so.
Dave Meltzer is reporting that WWE has confirmed with those fans that they can attend as previously planned if they passed their required COVID-19 test. It’s unknown how many fans passed their tests, but there were initially scheduled to be 100 in attendance tonight. Fans were tested in Winter Park, Florida, Tuesday, part of the regular weekly procedure to attend.
There is still no additional news on the extent of the positive tests and how they will affect tonight’s Halloween Havoc show. Performance Center attendees on Friday were asked to quarantine for two weeks due to contact tracing, regardless whether they tested positive or negative,
This marks the second straight month there haS been COVID-19 issues at the Performance Center.
There was another COVID-19 breakout of sorts at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
Details are not known other than it happened on Friday and people who were there, whether they tested positive or negative, were asked to quarantine for two weeks due to contact tracing.
There have been reports that it includes people scheduled for NXT’s Halloween Havoc show Wednesday and that aspects of the show are going to have to be changed.
One source in WWE said nobody that is an NXT television regular has tested positive.
WWE has not responded for comment as of this writing.
As of now, there is still scheduled to be 100 fans at the tapings. Fans were scheduled to be tested for COVID-19 in Winter Park, FL, Tuesday night and if they passed, they would be allowed to attend the tapings which is the normal weekly procedure.
This would be the second outbreak in as many months in NXT, as it was reported last month that there were several positive tests that led to changes in NXT programming.
The capacity for both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 15 will be capped at 20,000 people.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, new NJPW President Takami Obari said that a limit of 20,000 people would be set for both nights. This is due to COVID-19 concerns. The Tokyo Dome ususally carries a capactiy of 50,000.
The company announced last week that they would once again run Wrestle Kingdom on two nights: on their usual January 4 date as well as the following day on January 5. Last year’s shows drew 40,008 and 30,063 respectively.
Obari, formerly CEO of NJPW of America, took over for Harold Meij as New Japan President after Meij resigned in September. Obari officially took over on October 23.
The next big show for NJPW takes place on November 7 with Power Struggle. The final major tour for NJPW prior to Wrestle Kingdom will follow on November 15 with two tournaments running at the same time, World Tag League 2020 and The Best of the Super Juniors 27. That tour will finish on December 11.
The Orange County Department of Health is investigating buildings WWE is running shows in as part of a wider investigation into COVID-19 hotspots in the county.
WFTV9 is reporting that The Orange County Department of Health is asking their COVID-19 strike team to investigate 17 businesses where COVID-19 may be spreading. The WWE Performance Center, Full Sail University, and the Amway Arena, all places WWE are currently holding events, are on the list.
WWE issued the following statement in response:
WWE is not open to the public, but rather operating on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance. As part of on-going weekly testing protocols, Aventus Labs have administered more than 10,000 PCR tests to WWE performers, employees, production staff and crew resulting in only 1.5 percent positive cases as compared to the current national average of more than 5%. Additionally, extensive contact tracing takes place and impacted individuals are placed in 14-day quarantine and then only cleared after they test negative.
There reportedly has been at least two COVID-19 outbreaks in WWE since moving all of their tapings to Florida, one in June and another in September. In the case of the latter, matches for Clash of the Champions had to be changed as a result, including the Women’s Tag Team title match between Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax vs. The Riott Squad and Bayley vs. Nikki Cross.
A look at the WWE draft is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. We look at the different moves made, why they were made, look at the depth charts with both brands to see what is and isn’t lacking, talk the return of talent, talent being kept apart, the whys behind some moves, and the rosters of both brands.
The new issue also covers:
The G1 Climax tournament, with match-by-match coverage of every show this past week, with star ratings and poll results. We look at the quality of shows, matches being built up, who have been the stars and best matches of the tournament.
The Cena wedding, how much Linda McMahon has donated to Trump’s campaign, lots of WWE injury updates, Lawsuit updates, Total Bellas notes, U.K TV ratings, new WWE documentary, how wrestling stacks up to other sports on TV, WWE filming an indie star for documentary, upcoming TV bouts, WWE market value, a new WWE book, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network this past week.
Saturday’s UFC show from Abu Dhabi and the ramifications of the top matches.
A feature on Len Rossi, one of the biggest stars in Tennessee and Alabama from 1958 to 1972, his career in the ring, his life after wrestling, his tag team partners and most well-known angles. It’s a look back at a unique era of pro wrestling and how Rossi was a key to change in a unique time.
The indictment of the former Alberto Del Rio on a sexual assault and kidnapping case.
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.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
For the weekend, Garrett Gonzalez and I will do a show late tonight covering the latest news from the past week. On Saturday, Bryan and I will do a show covering the G-1 final three days.
Tracy Smothers has been hospitalized with non-Hodgkins lymphoma on the left side of his stomach and right side of his lung. Best wishes to him in battling the disease.
The G-1 B Block finals are tomorrow at 4 a.m. Eastern from Sumo Hall:
Yuya Uemura vs. Gabriel Kidd
Toru Yano (3-5) vs. Yoshi-Hashi (1-7)
Hirooki Goto (4-4) vs. Juice Robinson (3-5)
Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-5) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (5-3)
Tetsuya Naito (6-2) vs. KENTA (4-4)
Sanada (5-3) vs. Evil (6-2)
If Evil wins, he wins the block. If Evil loses and Naito wins, Naito wins the block. If Sabre, Evil and Naito all lose, Sanada wins the block. If Sabre and Sanada win, and Naito loses, Sabre wins the block. Our G-1 weekend polls are for Wednesday’s show, the three shows this weekend, as well as tournament MVP and best match in the tournament, with thumbs up, down or middle, best & worst match for each show to dave@#wrestlingobserver.com
Saturday’s UFC show is an ESPN+ exclusive starting at 4 p.m. Eastern time
Said Nurmagomedov (136) vs. Mark Striegl (136)
Gadzhimurad Anitgulov (206) vs. Maxim Grishin (205.5)
Jamie Mullarkey (156) vs. Firas Ziam (156)
Jun Yong Park (185) vs. John Phillips (186)
Gillian Robertson (125.5) vs. Poliana Botelho (125)
Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Guram Kutateladze (156)
Thomas Almeida (146) vs. Jonathan Martinez (146)
Claudio Silva (171) vs. James Krause (171)
Jimmy Crute (206) vs.; Modestaa Bukauska (206)
Katlyn Chookiagian (126) vs. Jessica Andrade (126)
Brian Ortega (146) vs. Chan Sung Jung (146)
The promoters of last weekend’s Collective shows in Indianapolis are urging all fans and wrestlers who were at the shows to test for COVID-19 due to several wrestlers already testing positive.
205 Live tonight has Isaiah Scott vs. Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari in matches with Anthony Greene and Curt Stallion.
Bill Goldberg on Instagram teased the idea of a match with Roman Reigns. The two were to wrestle at WrestleMania.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bret Hart, Lance Storm and Trish Status have cameos on Corner Gas Animated that airs on 10/26 on CTV Comedy Channel in Canada. The episode will air at some point in the U.S. but the date isn’t finalized. Storm plays a former pro wrestler turned celebrity gardening podcaster while Bret Hart is his rival. Stratus voices the role of Shauna, a virtual home assistant.
Bu Ku Dao has signed with MLW. Bu Ku Dao wrestles in the Gulf Coast area.
Impact announced Heath, Rhino, Hernandez, Acey Romero, Larry D, Tenille Dashwood, Taya Valkyrie, Brian Myers, Tommy Dreamer and Havok as the first ten entrants in their Call Your Shot gauntlet, a royal rumble style match. The winner picks the title they want to challenge for.
CWE announced with Vincent unable to enter Canada, a tournament will be held on 11/6 in Winnipeg at the Holy Eucharist Parish Hall with Danny Duggan, Mentallo, Adam Knight, EZ Ryder, Kevy Chevy, Tommy Lee Curtis, Bobby Schink and Dragneel for the vacant title. They also announced a 10/26 show in Grand Prairie, Alberta and the Jackpot Grill Events Centre with former UFC star Mitch Clarke vs. Rich King.
Bare Knuckle boxing tonight on the BKTV app from Plant City, FL with former Strikeforce and UFC star Mike Kyle vs Bobo O’Bannon in the main event.
LFA on 10/30 on UFC Fight Pass from Park City, KS is headlined by Vanessa Demopoulos (5-2) vs. Lupita Godinez (4-0) in a strawweight fight and Aaron McKenzie (82-2-1) vs. Joe Giannetti (9-3-1) in a lightweight fight.
LFA runs tonight from Park City, KS on Fight Pass with Andre Petroski (185.8) vs. Aaron Jeffrey (18-2.) and Samantha Hughes (119.2) vs. Danielle Hindley (119.6) as the top bouts.
AAW on 10/29 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette, Park, IL has a few tickets left, 50 person capacity, masks and social distancing required, with Mance Warner & Jake Something vs. Hakim Zane &Karam, Ace Austin & Mad Man Fulton vs. Air Wolf & Angel Dorado, Matt Justice vs. Jake Crist as well as ACH, Fred Yehi, Manders and Trey Miguel.
The Expo Lucha panel events are now available on the Lucha Central YouTube page. This includes matches with stars like Juventud Guerrera, Rey Hours, Flamita, Black Taurus, Laredo Kid, Disco Inferno, Penta El Cero M, Rey Fenix, Jack Evans, Teddy Hart, Amy “Lita” Dumas, Brian Cage and others.
Longtime WWE Magazine writer Keith Elliot Greenberg did an interview with The Wrestling Estate to promote his new book about the indie revolution, and also shared some fun stories about Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, “Superstar” Billy Graham and Iron Sheik.
Despite originally being renewed for a fourth and final season, Netflix has cancelled GLOW.
Deadline reported that Netflix has reversed its renewal decision due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Netflix had originally committed to a fourth season of the show back in August of 2019.
“COVID has killed actual humans. It’s a national tragedy and should be our focus. COVID also apparently took down our show. Netflix has decided not to finish filming the final season of GLOW,” series creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch said in a statement. “We were handed the creative freedom to make a complicated comedy about women and tell their stories. And wrestle. And now that’s gone. There’s a lot of sh*tty things happening in the world that are much bigger than this right now. But it still sucks that we don’t get to see these 15 women in a frame together again.”
“We’ve made the difficult decision not to do a fourth season of GLOW due to COVID, which makes shooting this physically intimate show with its large ensemble cast especially challenging,” A Netflix spokesperson told Deadline. “We are so grateful to creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, Jenji Kohan and all the writers, cast and crew for sharing this story about the incredible women of GLOW with us and the world.”
The report said that over the last several months, Netflix had been finding ways to put the show back into production. But the season wouldn’t have premiered until early 2022, two in a half years after the premiere of season three. That plus the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the physical aspect of the show were the reasons for cancellation.
GLOW was loosely based on the real like Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling promotion that was run by David McLane that aired in syndication from 1986 through 1990. The Netflix show starred Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron. It earned fifteen Emmy nominations and won three.
