WWE has canceled tomorrow’s scheduled Raw and SmackDown tapings due to a developmental wrestler testing positive for COVID-19 who was at the NXT tapings this past Tuesday.
The plan is for all key members of the staff that works the shows as well as all the talent to be tested tomorrow, which would be the first COVID-19 testing the company has done.
Next week’s episodes of Raw (June 22) and SmackDown (June 26) will be taped on Wednesday, as well as 205 Live. NXT will also be taped on Wednesday.
WWE issued the following statement tonight regarding the positive test:
A developmental talent, who was last on site at WWE’s training facility on Tuesday, June 9, has tested positive for COVID-19. Since that time, no other individuals that attended the facility have reported symptoms. However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of the company’s performers and staff, all talent, production crew and employees on site at the training and production facilities will be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule.
We have a feature on systemic prejudice in the U.S. as the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Also in this issue:
The Dana White/Jon Jones story, explaning the economic realities, the economic fallacies and where things stand with both men’s arguments. We look at what does and doesn’t make sense economically, why Jones and Conor McGregor and all the top draws have lost value to UFC, plus exactly what both men have said about each other and where things stand.
The economics of what Jones has drawn in the past, and the numbers of recent UFC show.
The unwritten WWE rule about not criticizing other talent in a public forum outside of storyline-related reasons, why it was broken this past week, what was said, as well as looking at the ties beween the ownerships of the different wrestling companies with Donald Trump, statements released, and the key things no talent can say.
New WWE Network updates.
Upcoming guidelines for WWE shows, Paul Levesque talks COVID testing, notes on more WWE cuts, Vince McMahon sends out memo, original Gronkowski plans and why they changed and why now.
Upcoming Backlash and Takeover shows, an update on the XFL bankruptcy, how WWE is involved and more.
Update the Kairi Sane injury, Vince McMahon bio, Drake Maverick angle, people talked about for main roster, WWE hires new man t head the Middle East business, Kurt Angle talks why he’s not returning at this point to WWE, plus we look at the current market value of WWE and poll results, as well as WWE’s own track record.
Coverage of Saturday’s UFC show with the storylines and the business news, plus match-by-match coverage.
A large feature on the retirement of Stu Saks and the westling magazine era, the life and times and the glory years of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the death of the magazine business, how VinceMcMahon tried to kill it early, and the different stages of the magazine era.
A feature on the wrestling career, and life of Danny Havoc from many of the people who knew him best in the industry.
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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering a number of subjects including NXT Takeover. We also have a show up on the site covering last night’s UFC show and the rest of the news already up on the site.
NXT Takeover In Your House is tonight on the WWE Network with this lineup:
Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream for the NXT title – This match was taped last week in a parking lot. Since it was taped for a long period of time, with retakes and such, there is no reason it shouldn’t be a great match. In theory, since Cole has passed one year as champion, it would seem like he would lose. Dream was really over but he’s been hurt since the pandemic but most of their stuff is planned out in advance at this level.
Charlotte Flair vs. Io Shirai vs.Rhea Ripley for the NXT women’s title. On paper this should be very good, if not great. Flair vs Ripley was one of the best matches over Mania week and Shirai is better in-ring than either of them, so it should enhance the match. Ripley should pin Flair. That’s not a prediction, but that’s what should happen.
Keith Lee vs. Johnny Gargano for the North American title. On paper a strong match although the small heel/giant babyface is harder to work. That’s why I figure heavy involvement by Candice LeRae, or later Mia Yim, depending on the six-person match earlier.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Karrion Kross – It’s Kross’ debut so he’d be the favorite here. As noted, because of how good Ciampa’s Takeover matches have been, the pressure is on Kross because with anything but a great match people will start blaming him. But this is the biggest match of Kross’ career.
Finn Balor vs. Damien Priest – Similar, in the sense Balor’s job here is to make Priest look like a superstar no matter what the end result is.
Candice LeRae & Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez vs. Tegan Nox & Mia Yim & Shotzi Blackheart – Given that Takeovers are usually five bouts, and this was kind of thrown in late, there is probably a storyline reason for the match.
Mikaela Mayer, who was scheduled for Tuesday’s Top Rank boxing show in Las Vegas, the first boxing show in months, tested positive for COVID-19. The show will proceed as scheduled with her being pulled from the event. She had not shown any symptoms. Mayer was in the semi against Helen Jacobs. She wrote:
I am heartbroken to report that I will no longer be fighting on Tuesday’s Top Rank card due to a positive result in my COVID-19 test yesterday. it came as a complete surprise. I am currently asymptomatic and am quarantining at an off-site location per recommended guidelines. The rest of my team tested negative and they are all in good health. I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you and I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent, Helen Joseph, who worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone.
After two hard back-to-back camps, not being able to step into the ring both times, you can imagine how disappointed I am. However, these protocols were put into place for a reason and it’s more important to care about the health and well being of my team and the people at this event. So I am complying with the rules set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank to keep everyone safe.
UFC 250 did 1.5 million Google searches yesterday and it was No. 1 even on a heavy news day. Because UFC 250, also cracking the top 20 were Conor McGregor at No. 3 for his latest retirement, Sean O’Malley at No. 5 because he’s legitimately becoming a superstar, Cody Stamann at No. 8 because of the story of him fighting and winning a week after the death of his brother and Chase Hooper was No. 13. And Hooper lost but evidently he has a following.
Bruce Lee was No. 8 earlier today for the ESPN 30 for 30 on Lee that will be airing tonight and was pushed like crazy on the UFC show yesterday.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has a press conference at 11 p.m. Eastern tomorrow right after Raw. This will be to announce its return schedule. The belief is that they will be starting very soon, first with empty arena matches and then moving to half capacity matches.
WWE
The WWE will be taping tomorrow’s Raw tomorrow afternoon, followed by the 6/12 Smackdown show, along with Main Event and 205 Live. On Tuesday they’ll tape those same shows for 6/15 to 6/19. Wednesday will be the next two weeks of NXT being taped.
A better in Nevada put up $1 million on Amanda Nunes to beat Felicia Spencer. He risked it to win $166,666.70. This was the largest bet ever taken for an MMA fight by the William Hill Agency.
MISCELLANEOUS
Steph De Lander is donating her proceeds from WrestlerMerch this month to Black Rainbow, an Australian charity supporting gay Aboriginal people. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
EPW in Perth had its first day back of full contact training on 6/6.
Tuesday’s Impact show will have Michael Elgin vs. Ken Shamrock vs. Sami Callihan, Jordynne Grace vs. Taya Valkyrie for the Knockouts title, and Johnny Swinger & Chris Bey vs. Cousin Jake & Willie Mack. The show will also announce the future of the Impact title after Tessa Blanchard missed the tapings due to not being able to get out of Mexico.
Impact 60 after Impact will be a show airing X Division highlights.
New Japan Pro Wrestling is set to make an announcement soon in relation to future events.
The company announced this morning on social media that they will be holding an online press conference on Monday regarding future NJPW events. It will be held at 11:00 p.m. EST on NJPW World.
NJPW President Harold Meij previously detailed a roadmap that would eventually lead to the return of live events. He said that they would only consider running shows until Japan lifts its country-wide state of emergency, the number of new infections decline, and when matches can take place in disinfected and safe settings. The emergency decleration was lifted for all parts of the country on May 25.
All NJPW wrestlers and staff will undergo extensive health checks when live events resume. NJPW’s parent company Bushiroad also recently announced that both NJPW and Stardom rosters will undergo COVID-19 antibody testing.
Shows are expected to be held both in Japan and at NJPW’s dojo in Los Angeles. NJPW has not run any shows since February 26, a New Japan Road event.
An extensive story on the death of Hana Kimura is the focal point of this week’s double issue of the Wrestling Observer.
The story covers numerous aspects, from cyber bullying to the realities of reality shows, comments from those who knew her well, pro wrestling and much more. We look at everything from legislation being introduced, similar things with two reality stars in South Korea, and what happened on the show and after the show.
We look at why she was on Terrace House, her life as the daughter of a wrestler, her reality show story, what Terrace House is, what is and isn’t real, her death, the immediate reaction to her death in wrestling, cast members talk about the show, story of what happened the night of her death, reactions from wrestlers, reactions from politicians, as well as a look at her career in the ring.
The new issue also covers:
AEW Double or Nothing show, PPV numbers, poll results, what this says about PPV, wrestling in the previous depression, Stadium Stampede background, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and more.
More on WWE’s COVID-19 procedures at the last tapings, Matt Riddle to Smackdown, changes regarding usage of NXT talent on Raw or Smackdown, behind Drew Gulak signing new deal, what’s up with Nigel McGuinness, A.J. Styles to Smackdown, IC title tournament, Kairi Sane injury, Samoa Joe health update, Ric Flair talks new deal, highest sports ratings of the week, Canadian pro wrestling ratings, Ronda Rousey update, Drew McIntyre has words with Colby Covington, Next week’s TV, Seth Rollins talks Austin Theory, Becky Lynch update, value of WWE, and the most watched shows of the past week on the WWE network.
The ability of foreign wrestles and fighters to get into the U.S.
Safety precautions for the UFC shows in Las Vegas, what Nevada is mandating, as well as how the other major companies around the world are handling the situation.
AEW’s angle with Mike Tyson, the good and bad of it as well as notes on the coverage.
An update on the XFL bankruptcy and Vince McMahon.
Update the financial issues with DAZN.
WWE’s decision to follow AEW and use wrestlers as fans for the empty arena shows this pas week.
More on the death of Shad Gaspard and his memorial service.
Circumstances surrounding the death of Owen Hart including clearing up a lot of misconceptions that have been spread over the last 20 years.
WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
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
Stephanie McMahon posted a tweet today vowing to use her voice for anyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice: “‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends’ – MLK. I love and support my Black friends and colleagues. To everyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice, I will use my voice for you.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state will be moving to phase two of their reopening on June 5. Part of phase two reads: “Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.”
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Triple H spoke about the importance of the NXT Women’s Championship: “The NXT women’s title is one of the most meaningful ones in the business. That is a testament to all the women who played a role in that. The women in NXT, they’ve got something to prove. They’re really going out of their way to make a name for themselves.”
Ric Flair, JTG, Gallus, Drave Maverick, and Darren Young were guests on today’s episode of The Bump. The Street Profits have been announced for next week’s show.
A special edition of The Bump will air on Sunday featuring X-Pac, Mauro Ranallo, Keith Lee, and Mia Yim.
On The Bump it was revealed that, in storyline, Elias has been discharged from the hospital following the hit and run storyline on SmackDown last Friday.
Road Dogg will be this week’s guest on Corey Graves’ After the Bell podcast.
Edge will star with Kelsey Grammer and Denise Richards in “Money Plane,” an action movie that is due to be released on digital platforms on July 10.
Bushiroad said today in a statement that they are restarting live events in the wake of emergency orders being lifted across Japan. They also said that everyone in both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom will undergo antibody tests.
After it was announced that she’s coming to the promotion, Deonna Purrazzo will make her first appearance on next Tuesday’s episode of Impact. Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace will also defend her title against Taya Valkyrie on the episode.
Cash Wheeler announced that FTR will be auctioning off ring-worn items to raise money for Black Lives Matter charities on Friday and auctioning ring-worn items in support of Pride Month on Tuesday, with there also being items donated and signed by Sonya Deville. FTR plan on matching and donating any amount they raise with the auctions.
ROH stars will play Dungeons & Dragons on their YouTube channel this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Participants include Cheeseburger, Session Moth Martina, Beer City Bruiser, Joe Hendry, and Brawler Milonas.
Tim Sylvia wrote on Instagram that he is still having trouble from the broken arm he suffered when he fought Frank Mir back in 2004: :So my arm been giving me problems for over a year now. The screws are backing out from my arm break when i fought @thefrankmir my dr. Contacted the @ufc cause it was paid for by them the first time. Sort of under workman’s comp. The ufc says it’s not there problem and will not cover it. I don’t have insurance and it’s going to cost well over 10,000 dollars to get fixed. Any thoughts on what i should do?:
Game Changer Wrestling has announced plans to resume shows with fans in attendance starting in June.
GCW posted on their social media this afternoon that “The Wrld on GCW Part 2” will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana at White River State Park on June 20. Tickets will go on sale this coming week.
The company also posted details on safety protocols, both for wrestlers and fans attending the shows. Another post noted that White River State Park is “an outdoor, open-air location with 250 acres of event space.”
Fans will be requested to wear face masks, which will also be provided for no additional cost for fans in need. GCW is also asking for fans to respect other fan’s space, and people in attendance will be able to space out as general admission will be standing room only.
Additionally, ringside seating will be reduced by 50% . GCW says that will “stagger the configurement so there is a safe distance in front/in back/on either side of each group or individual”.
GCW also wrote that “no fewer than” 12 hand sanitizer stations will be on the premises.
The company has not run a show since March 20, when the second night of The Acid Cup was held at the Voltage Lounge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A story on the life of Shad Gaspard is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We cover the circumstances of his tragic death, notes from his family and friends, his acting career, his childhood, his thoughts about MMA, what world champion MMA fighter did he tell to pursue MMA before pro wrestling, and look at his wrestling career.
Whether Vince McMahon is doing an end-around to get out of paying people money owed and then restarting the league. We look at why the people he owes money to believe that is the case.
The new issue also covers:
A preview for Double or Nothing II.
Update SummerSlam, more on Ric Flair’s new deal, more on Drew Gulak leaving WWE, brand-to-brand changes, IC title tournament, key person in directing television shows leaving, Backlash update, In Your House update, Jim Cornette’s comments on Becky Lynch and Dana Brooke, Seth Rollins and Dana Brooke respond, Glenn Jacobs talks shutting down businesses, WWE star nominated for major sorts award, Lio Rush talks leaving WWE, Nikki Bella talks her back, sports ratings for the past week, Canadian ratings for recent weeks, top amateur star talks going to WWE, WWE market value right now and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Complete coverage of this past week’s UFC show.
A feature on the career of Kevin Randleman, the newest UFC Hall of Fame inductee, nothing his amateur wrestling days, his fighting days and his pro wrestling days. We look at his most famous fights and biggest pro wrestling matches.
A lot more looking back 21 years ago to the tragic death of Owe Hart. We look at comments by Martha Hart and Jerry McDevitt and go back through the legal proceedings.
The highest television rating for any pro wrestling match in history and the legend of Kim Il, a forgotten South Korean sports legend.
The movie “My Dad is a Heel Wrestler,” starring Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Full coverage of 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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our weekend show covering last night’s Double or Nothing and Hana Kimura is up on the site right now. We also have a new Observer Radio this weekend talking with Ross Hart about Owen Hart, Dynamite Kid and Stampede Wrestling history. We’re doing our poll on last night’s AEW PPV show, you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Some notes on Google trends over the past week:
AEW Double or Nothing was no. 10 yesterday with 100,000 searches. I believe that would be the second most in the history of the promotion.
On Friday, the No. 1 searched topic in the U.S.was Terrace House and Hana Kimura with 500,000, beating Joe Biden for the top spot in a close race.
On Wednesday, the No. 1 searched topic in the U.S. was Shad Gaspard at 1 million. No. 12 was Joe Rogan at 200,000 for his signing his contract with Spotify.
On Monday, the No. 6. searched topic was Shad Gaspard with 500,000.
It appears restrictions on foreign athletes coming to and leaving the U.S. will be dropped, unlike those of normal citizens, because it is necessary for the NHL, where so many of the athletes live outside the U.S., and to a lesser extent baseball and basketball. My presumption is that WWE will be considered with them as will UFC, and if so, so should AEW.
The third part of the Undertaker documentary airs today on the WWE Network.
Jessica Eye vs. Cynthia Cavillo has been reported by ESPN for the 6/13 show in Las Vegas.
MISCELLANEOUS
Vampiro will be wrestling for CWE in Canada on his first national tour from 10/17 to 11/9 including his first show in his original home city of Thunder Bay, ONT in more than a decade on 11/7.
NJPW released a video this morning with President & CEO Harold Meij providing a roadmap that will eventually lead to the resumption of shows. You can watch it below:
Meij first detailed why they have not conducted empty arena matches, as other promotions have since the spread of COVID-19. He listed three reasons they have yet to do this: to protect the health and safety of wrestlers and staff, venues being unavailable to use for NJPW events and NJPW’s own corporate social responsibility.
He went on to say that the first step towards resuming shows will be to hold empty arena events. However, Meij said that this will not happen until the following: when Japan lifts its country-wide state of emergency, the number of new infections decline, and when matches can take place in disinfected and safe settings. When events do resume, they will take place both in Japan and in the NJPW Los Angeles dojo.
The next step would be to welcome back fans with added measures. These steps will include extensive health checks on wrestlers and staff, thermographic temperature upon entry, and masks will be compulsory. Venues will be thoroughly disinfected and ventilated, and proper social distancing spacing will be implemented.
Meij ended the message by promising that NJPW won’t be beaten by the disease and urged every pro wrestling fan to come together and overcome this challenge.
The return of major shows in the U.S. and how the different companies are dong them is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We look at UFC’s plans, how the PBR handled their first event which was the first sports event back, what UFC’s plans are for May 23, lineups for the UFC shows, Dana White, doctors and others talk about UFC going back, the shows AEW and WWE is putting on, how the fighters are preparing differently, how UFC is handling backstage, how all three companies are handling testing, plus comments from other promoters.
The new issue also covers:
Preview Money in the bank, AEW Double or Nothing II, and update New Japan’s plans and cancellations. We also look at the AEW PPV scene, Big Japan needing crowd funding and going through all of the WWE released talent and look at their future prospects.
How COVID-19 has affected the ratings of every show, the variations and what lessons can be learned by the ratings drops.
Risks involving Roman Reigns, FOX airing a special head-to-head with UFC PPV, update on how WWE financials look with new information and stock value, Becky Lynch acting, New WWE TV show, WWE injury updates, wrestler who left the promotion apologizes for behavior, U.K. ratings, Matt Riddle talks heat and his meeting with Vince McMahon, Mike Bennett talks leaving WWE, When WWE tried to work with CMLL, Orlando Colon talks leaving and certain naievete, most watched sports on television, Paul Levesque selling stock, Next week’s TV, and most watched shows of the past week on WWE Network.
Supreme, the Southern California indie star who was one of the top stars of XPW, including looking back at his career, his FMW tag title run, and the famous ECW/XPW brawl at a PPV show.
Maryland commission ruling regarding the Kenny Omega match with Jon Moxley in Baltimore.
What happened to Hiroshi Hase.
Full coverage of 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.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
An announcement today by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh indicates there isn’t a good chance for SummerSlam being in Boston this year. He said that they don’t envision a point over the summer where it will make sense to have large gatherings. He announced that no parades and festivals will take place this summer or anything through 9/7. “If your event brings crowds together in close contact–like a concert, a road race, or a flag raising–you should start looking at alternatives now.”
In Australia,which has had only 97 COVID-19 deaths and many states are recording 0 per day now, the National Rugby League is set to resume on 5/28 but with no crowds. Australian Rules Football starts in June. In July, they are hopeful of events with crowds up to 100 people, and they may increase that in the event of no cases. But they are not looking at any big crowds for events until later this year. The aim is to have everything running by late July except for events with big crowds in one place. (thanks to Nathan Spurling)
Dana White said that the UFC will not impose any punishment on Jon Jones for his latest DUI guilty plea.
A survey by Kantar Sports MONITOR as published by Sports Business Journal said:
26 percent of sports fans said they will attend sports events as soon as they are allowed to
45 percent said they won’t attend until they are sure it’s safe
20 percent said they won’t attend until there is a vaccine
8 percent said they will no longer attend live sports events
The survey was done between 4/23 and 4/29 among 2,000 sports fans.
WWE
WWE announced its annual stockholders meeting that was scheduled for 5/14 is being moved to 6/11 due to stay-at-home orders in Connecticut.
FS1 will be airing WrestleMania III for the first time on U.S. television on Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
Stephanie McMahon Levesque followed her husband in selling 23,255 shares of stock on Wednesday for $1,029,963.90.
Michelle McCool in a New York Post interview said there was talk of Edge beating Undertaker at WrestleMania 24, but Edge said that it made no sense to do so. She said that she did know during the afternoon that Brock Lesnar was beating Undertaker and that Undertaker had no issues doing so.
www.BetOnline.ag odds for Money in the Bank
Drew McIntyre -600 vs. Seth Rollins +350
Braun Strowman -120 vs. Bray Wyatt -120
Bayley -450 vs. Tamina +275
New Day -100 vs. John Morrison & Miz +125 vs. Forgotten Sons +250 vs. Lucha House Party +500
Men’s MITB: A.J. Styles -120 vs. Aleister Black +175 vs. Daniel Bryan +450 vs. King Corbin +600 vs. Rey Mysterio +1000 vs. Otis +1400
Women’s MITB: Shayna Baszler -150 Nia Jax +300 vs. Lacey Evans +400 vs. Asuka +600 vs. Dana Brooke +700 vs. Carmella +1000
Lacey Evans will be appearing on the 5/15 episode of “Military Makeover” which airs at 7:30 a.m. Eastern that morning on Lifetime.
The WWE Network has released a three-and-a-half-hour “Kevin Owens’ Biggest Fights” special.
The William Hill Agency odds for UFC 249:Tony Ferguson -175 vs. Justin Gaethje +155
Dominick Cruz +190 vs. Henry Cejudo -220
About 55 percent of betting has been in favor of Gaethje and 74 percent for Cruz. However the big money gamblers have favored Ferguson.
Of the undercard, more total bets and more money has been placed on Michelle Waterson, who faces Carla Esparza, than anyone else on the show. Waterson is an underdog and has gotten 73 percent of a huge number of bets. However, the biggest money bettors are favoring Esparza.
Jussier Formiga vs. Alex Perez is planned for the 6/6 show.
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Ian Heinisch is being planned for the 6/6 show according to Combate.
Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai is being planned for the 5/23 show according to Combate.
MISCELLANEOUS
Lucha Fighter airs the finals of its tournament on the AAA YouTube page at 9 p.m. on Saturday night:
Lady Shani vs. La Hiedra in the women’s final
Dinastia vs. Laredo Boy in the minis final
L.A. Park vs. Pentagon Jr. in the men’s semifinal
Psycho Clown vs. Chessman in the men’s semifinal
Men’s finale
The Los Angeles Times has a story on the selling of Podcast One, the home of Steve Austin’s show. (thanks to Barry Werner)
This week’s ROH TV show will feature Marty Scurll matches with Kazuchika Okada (from the first All In show, which will be the first time that match airs on broadcast television) and Bandido.
A new photo book called “Through the Lens: Dwayne Johnson The Rock” will be released in September. Hiram Garcia, who is part of his Seven Bucks Entertainment team is the photographer for the book that will be released by Macmillan Publishing.
The IOC’s Olympic Channel will be releasing a documentary called “Rulon Gardner Won’t Die,” which comes out on 6/3. It tells the story of Gardener, who in 2000 scored one of the biggest upsets in Olympics history when he defeated Aleksandr Karelin of Russia to win the Olympic gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, and his life filled with tragedy, a near death experience, obesity, MMA and bankruptcy. (thanks to Barry Werner)
MLW on Saturday at 10 p.m. Eastern on Bein Sports has L.A. Park & L.A. Park Jr. & El Hijo de L.A. Park vs Psycho Clown & Psicosis & Nino Hamburguesa.
We’ve got one of our biggest news issues of the year out this week, a double-issue with a number of bios and history features, updates on all the major promotion moves when it comes to scheduling and WWE business notes.
The issue also covers:
Changes in the WWE schedule, why the company changed plans after just one week, who benefits the most, as well as AEW going back too taping and details of that. We also look at the next AEW PPV show, an employee complaints about WWE continuing, differences between what AEW, UFC and WWE are doing, what firing hurts the WWE perception and thoughts of people sitting it out, a doctor talks about what is needed to do these shows without a health risk and the WWE event schedule for the next few months.
A number of recent new WWE cuts, including some surprises, how the WWE dividend and Vince McMahon’s share fits into these cuts, projections for 2020 profitability if house shows don’t return for the rest of 2020, and why several people got cut.
The most in-depth coverage of WWE business, covering each department of the company, lots of Vince McMahon reaction to the numbers and the future, what McMahon said that is and isn’t true, the story behind the ratings and the story behind increases and declines across the board. Plus we examine the WWE network numbers.
Changes in the business going forward.
Joe Pedicino and pro wrestling, how he got in, his early innovative ideas, how Nigerian scram, his promotion of Global Wrestling, how it fell apart, stars who got breaks there and lie after wrestling.
Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, what is it all about and how much the XFL actually lost before it folded.
HHH’s thoughts on two-night WrestleManias going forward, A.J. Styles talks Gallows & Anderson losing their job, Roman Reigns update, Ronda Rousey update, Arn Anderson talks why Cesaro doesn’t get pushed, Canadian wrestling TV ratings, story on a surprise on Raw this past week who was canceled after the show started, update on Drake Maverick, the Smackdown announce team, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
PFL closing down for the year, why what they said publicly was somewhat misleading and why they are still paying fighters, as well as thoughts on shutting down.
A number of new stories on Howard Finkel, both people who helped out and people who bullied him and looking back on those situations.
The first UFC fighter announced COVID-19 positive.
Brawl for All, going behind the scenes, a look at the Dark Side of the Ring coverage, examining the coverage and looking back at the entire scenario.
Look back at the Jimmy Snuka/Nancy Argentino death case, look at Dark Side coverage and add a lot more that wasn’t covered.
A back-of-the-book feature on Dick Steinborn, who was a big star in the 60s and 70s, and his father Milo, one of the strongest men in the world and a wrestling promoter. We look at Milo’s amazing feats of strength, as well as both the positive and negatives of the legacy of Dick in pro wrestling.
Full coverage of 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.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking the latest pro wrestling and MMA news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected] We also have a show with Garrett Gonzalez and myself.
The only thing that has cracked the Google searches the past several days was Velveteen Dream with 50,000 searches on Friday putting him at No. 20.
The wrestler Cosmos (Rafael de la Torre), who was 52, and a longtime Southern California independent wrestler, was the second pro wrestler that we are aware of who has passed away from COVID-19. He passed away on Friday. (thanks to Kurt Brown)
WWE
Raw on Monday has the Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins contract signing.
An article on the Smackdown TV debut of Daniel Vidot of Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
The FS1 shows that will air this coming Tuesday has a special on John Cena at 7 p.m., HHH at 8 p.m., Undertaker at 9 p.m. and Shawn Michaels at 10 p.m. What we had previously listed for Tuesday is actually the 5/5 show with Ric Flair’s Best WrestleMania matches at 7 p.m., Edge’s Best WrestleMania matches at 8 p.m., Brock Lesnar’s Most Dominant Matches at 99 p.m. and Roman Reigns’ Beat WrestleMania matches at 10 p.m.
Just to clear something up regarding WWE wrestlers pay–talent when they sign can choose to be paid two different ways
Biweekly based on Downside Guarantee
Biweekly based on what they would normally draw between live event pay and merchandise and other royalties. If that figure at the end of one year is lower than downside, they get the difference made up in a check at the end of the year.
A story on Bray Wyatt from when he was a college football player at Troy University.
MISCELLANEOUS
Royce Chambers was the first competitor announced for the Colosseum show son 10/15 and 10/16 in Sydney, Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
The Mastermind Australia series has had four contestants choose pro wrestling-based topics. The topics chosen were Jim Barnett’s World Championship Wrestling, WrestleMania 2010-2019, New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWF: The Attitude Era (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
On a Friday Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and I remember WWE and Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ring announcer Howard Finkel, who passed away on Thursday at 69.
Dave has fond memories of Howard announcing in Madison Square Garden, particularly from the mid 70s to the early 80s. Every time WWE would tour northern California, the two would always speak and he was one of the first subscribers to the Observer newsletter.
From there, it’s the second WOR appearance with Dr. Alex Patel, a critical care doctor and wrestling fan from the Toronto, Canada, region. We talk about the latest on COVID-19 and its effect on MMA, pro wrestling, and the sports world in general.
FYI: Dr. Patel had to share space with his family during the interview and some of the background noise caused interference.
An on-screen WWE talent not on the in-ring roster has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement from WWE:
“A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19. We believe this matter is low risk to WWE talent and staff, as the individual and a roommate became symptomatic in the days following exposure to two people working in acute health care on the evening of March 26, after WWE’s TV production on a closed set was already complete. The employee had no contact with anyone from WWE since being exposed to those two individuals, is doing well, and made a complete recovery.”
Fightful first reported on Saturday that an employee had tested positive, referencing an internal WWE memo from last week discussing the positive test in which it lists the person’s name with their consent. From that memo: “Those of you who were potentially exposed would be cleared for travel by the evening of Thursday, April 9 at the latest, since the last possible exposure to any WWE talent personnel should have been at least 14 days prior.”
That was followed by Pro Wrestling Sheet getting the first confirmation from WWE. In their report, they said the person started feeling COVID-19 symptoms following going out to dinner with friends in the healthcare industry after the set of TV tapings that included WrestleMania. After a positive test, they went into quarantine and remain there, but are now cleared of the virus.
It’s unknown if the talent is an announcer, referee, or interviewer as they have not revealed themselves on social media or outside the memo.
