DDT’s Konosuke Takeshita announced he would be heading to AEW for a tour in April.
During today’s DDT event, Takeshita announced to the crowd that he would be leaving Japan for a tour in the United States after April 10. He specifically brought up that he would be going to AEW during the tour.
Take: After 4.10, I'll be going to America for a tour. Of course, it'll be at #AEW . I won't be going just to wrestle, it'll be a challenge for Konosuke Takeshita against the world. Until 4.10 please give me your support here.#ddtpropic.twitter.com/NnuJcdCjDh
— DDT Pro-Wrestling (English) (@ddtproENG) March 27, 2022
It was announced earlier this month by AEW’s vice president of talent relations Christopher Daniels that AEW and DDT had reached an agreement that would see DDT talent go to AEW.
Takeshita has previously wrestled in AEW before, appearing on AEW Dark: Elevation last April. He also appeared at AEW’s The House Always Wins house show back on April 9, where he teamed with Kenny Omega, Michael Nakazawa and The Young Bucks in a losing effort against Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Rey Fenix) and Matt & Mike Sydal.
Takeshita had most recently been DDT’s KO-D Openweight Champion, but lost the title to Tetsuya Endo on March 20.
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 talking weekend news, New Japan Cup, Smackdown, Rampage, UFC and other notes.
As noted, Christopher Daniels, the AEW Vice President of Talent Relations had a video play at the DDT 25th anniversary show today at Sumo Hall announcing talent trading with the two promotions. The deal will also include more back-and-forth with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. This does not in any way impact the New Japan/AEW relationship and a number of AEW wrestlers will be appearing on tonight’s New Japan show in Tampa.
Jonathan Gresham won the Progress title over Cara Noir today in London. Noir had been champion for 26 months. Gresham is the first American to win the Progress title. It’s also notable since Gresham is essentially AEW talent if he’s ROH champion, and Progress’ shows stream on Peacock.
This week’s ROH TV show aired highlights of Jonathan Gresham ROH title matches. They aired the match he won the title from Jay Lethal, as well as defenses against AJ Gray from Los Angeles, Adam Priest from Alabama, Chris Sabin from Impact, 2 Cold Scorpio from GCW and Josh Alexander from Terminus. Next week’s TV show will air more Gresham matches from around the world.
As far as things that made the top 20 most searched items this week, the list was longer than usual:
For today, Gable Steveson had 20,000 searches this morning so he was in the top 20 as of earlier in the day, not sure if he will end up top 20.
Yesterday, the UFC show was No. 10 with 200,000 searches, with the most searched character being Paddy Pimblett.
Scott Hall’s name was searched for 4 million times during the week. It was No. 2 on Sunday and No. 1 on Monday. For a comparison, the deaths of Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and Roddy Piper were all about 500,000. There has been nothing pro wrestling related in recent memory to hit that number.
Last night’s UFC show in London was being talked of as the show of the year. Dana White announced that they were giving nine $50,000 bonuses, for everyone who won via finish last night.
White also said the promotion will likely introduce yet another UFC interim heavyweight championship because Francis Ngannou will be out until the end of the year due to knee surgery.
We’re looking for reports from the WWE shows tonight in Huntsville, AL and Moline, IL, as well as any dark matches from Charlotte on Friday night and the New Japan show in Tampa to [email protected]
Ronald Cadman, better known as Caveman Broda, a longtime independent wrestler out of Winnipeg, passed away. The CWE promotion announced the death. Chris Jericho told the story that Broda, who was named after the late Bruiser Brody, was the first guy ever to give him a kneedrop off the top rope. Cadman was 68.
WWE results from Springfield, IL last night: Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens won three-way over Street Profits and Chad Gable & Otis, Liv Morgan b Doudrop, Miz b Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor b Damian Priest-DQ in a U.S. title match, Omos b R-Truth, A.J. Styles b Austin Theory, Becky Lynch b Rhea Ripley
Ripley replaced Bianca Belair based on Monday’s storyline over Belair going to the hospital. Jeff Jarrett appeared on Miz TV. Jarrett is a co-owner of the minor league baseball team in the city (thanks to the Mad Conservative Crimefighter and Robert F).
WWE results from last night in Johnson City, TN: Sasha Banks b Natalya-DQ when Shayna Baszler interfered, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs b Los Lotharios, Sasha Banks & Naomi b Shayna Baszler & Natalya, Aliyah b Sonya Deville, Usos retained the tag titles over Viking Raiders, Sheamus & Ridge Holland and Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss, Roman Reigns b Drew McIntyre to keep Universal title (thanks to Joshua Hooven).
In the New Japan Cup, Tetsuya Naito beat Jeff Cobb and Kazuchika Okada beat CIMA, so there will be an Okada vs. Naito semifinal this coming Saturday in Osaka. The other semifinal will be decided tomorrow (the show starts 2 a.m. Eastern and 11 p.m. Pacific) will be the winners of Shingo Takagi vs. Hiromu Takahashi and Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Luke Hawx suffered a legit concussion at the Crockett Cup tournament in Nashville in the match with Odinson & Parrow in the first round. His son P.J. Hawx worked in the next round of the tournament. Hawx has been working at the wrestling coordinator for the show “Heels” and Starz which is filming season two right now. C.M. Punk was filming season two this past week.
Tom Lawlor retained his Strong title today in Tampa over Clark Connors.
WWE
Miz and Dolph Ziggler will be on an episode of FOX’s Master Chef Junior this season.
Rey Mysterio was at the Indy Car race at the Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. He went for a ride in the two-seater car with legendary race car driver Mario Andretti (thanks to Barry Werner).
A horse named Rated R Superstar won the sixth race at the G3 Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Race Park.
Other Notes
PFL results from Friday night’s Challengers Series show:
Bruno Miranda b Carson Frei TKO 1:20 round three
Damir Ferhatbegovic b BJ Bland via KO in 2:19 of round one
Michael Dufort b Arut Pogosjan via second round submission
Yanal Ashmourz b Dennis Hughes via straight 30-27 scores
Wrestle Pro from last night in Rahway,NJ: Grim Reefer won three-way over Matt MacIntosh and Action Andretti, CAQ Unshackled b Colton Charles, Vegas b CPA, Freya the “Slaya b Ashley D’Amboise, Tony Vicinta b Shawn Donavan, Bear Country b Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson, Fallah Bahh six-way over Traxx, GKM, Lukas Finnegan, Justin Corino and Aaron Rourke to win the Silver title, Jay Lethal b Kevin Matthews, Tony Nese b Bobby Wayward, Barry Horowitz b Joey Janela in a street fight.
There were a few wrestling mentions on “Billions” on Showtime this pas week. One line was a character saying, “So you’re putting me in a Ken Patera full nelson,” and another said, “I feel like I’m in They Live and I’m about to go Rowdy Roddy Piper on someone’s ass.”
Horror Slam Wrestling from Friday night in Brownstown, MI: Malcolm Monroe III b Remington Rohr, Chuck Stein b Mad Man Pondo, Hoodfoot Mo Atlas b DBA, Jimmy Lloyd b Joe Bateman, Jimmy Lloyd won over Malcolm Monroe III, Hoodfoot Mo Atlas & Chuck Stein to win tournament, Mickie Knuckles b Randi West to win Divine title, Sea Lawhorn b Hello Hardbody (thanks to Leonard Brand).
Cinta de Oro, who was Hunico and later the second Sin Cara in WWE, wont he vacant Crash world heavyweight title in a tree-way over Lince Dorado and Penta on Friday night in Tijuana. El Hijo del Vikingo was champion, but had to vacate it when AAA and Crash broke up their relationship. Announced the next show are Marty Scurll, Travis Banks, Erick Redbeard and Jonah.
Saladine Parnasse retained his KSW featherweight title yesterday beating Daniel Rutkowski via fourth round submission at 1:07 of the round. The show also featured Richard Prasel, a former goalkeeper for Chelsea, beating Michael Kita via TKO at 2:00 of the second round and former Olympic wrestling medalist Damian Janikowski won over Tomasz Jakubiec via knockout from a punch at 3:42 of the first round.
Christopher Daniels made the announcement via video on DDT’s 25th Anniversary show from Tokyo on Sunday. The deal will involve top talent from DDT traveling to the United States to wrestle for AEW.
“This is Christopher Daniels and I am the vice president of Talent Relations for All Elite Wrestling. I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to DDT on their 25th anniversary. I would like to also announce that AEW and DDT have come to an agreement to bring DDT’s wrestlers to the United States of America. I, for one, am looking forward to introducing the top talent from DDT to the American wrestling fanbase.”
🎉Announcement! 🎉
AEW's VP of Talent Relations Christopher Daniels has a message! @facdaniels
— DDT Pro-Wrestling (English) (@ddtproENG) March 20, 2022
AEW’s Michael Nakazawa wrestled on Sunday’s DDT show as well, losing in an “I’m Sorry” match to Sanshiro Takagi, who is also president of the company. Nakazawa revealed after the match that he and Kenny Omega reached a deal for AEW and DDT to work together.
Shingo Takagi is this year’s Tokyo Sports MVP Award winner.
Takagi, who has spent most of the year as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, commented after winning.
“Thank you for voting me as MVP,” he said upon accepting the award (via NJPW’s website). “I don’t have the time here to really express how I feel, or how happy I am at the award, but to hear that the nominations were mainly for me and Keiji Muto, that shows that [the Yamanashi prefecture] is churning out the best in Japan and the world, and that’s pretty cool in my book.”
The two nominees for the award included Takagi and Keiji Muto, with Takagi winning the first round with a majority of 14 votes. Muto, along with Go Shiozaki, won the Best Bout award, which took place in Pro Wrestling NOAH back on February 12 of this year.
Naomichi Marufuji captured the GHC Heavyweight Championship at this morning’s CyberFight Festival 2021 event.
Marufuji defeated Keiji Mutoh in the main event, pinning Mutoh after a knee strike. Mutoh held the title for 114 days, defeating Go Shiozaki at NOAH’s Destination 2021 event back on February 12.
This marks Marufuji’s fourth reign as GHC Heavyweight Champion, tying Takashi Sugiura and Shiozaki for the most title reigns.
After his title win, Marufuji cut a short promo saying to keep your eyes on him, Mutoh, and the top champions in DDT (Jun Akiyama) and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (Miyu Yamashita). Both Akiyama and Yamashita then came out and cut short promos with Yamashita closing the show by saying the three champions will move forward.
The GHC Heavyweight title match was the third of three main events that took place at CyberFight Festival, a supercard featuring wrestlers from Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling that took place at the Saitama Super Arena. Akiyama retained the KO-D Openweight title, defeating HARASHIMA. Yamashita defeated Yuka Sakazaki to retain the TJPW Princess of Princess Championship.
Konosuke Takeshita, who holds the unique distinction of nearly winning the Rookie of the Year award while still in high school, appeared on tonight’s AEW house show in Jacksonville.
Takeshita was in for these tapings while taking a break from Japan and is scheduled on a few more shows. He was at the tapings yesterday and worked but the matches were taped with no fans. Many have talked of him as the best young heavyweight in Japan.
Takeshita, who once had thoughts about going to the Olympics in the decathlon, is one of the top stars of the DDT promotion in Japan, where he’s held their top prize, the KO-D Openweight championship, on four occasions.
In 2013, while still in high school, Takeshita was named Rookie of the Year in Japan and lost by four points in the Observer balloting that year to current New Japan star YOH. In 2014, a match with he and Tetsuya Endo vs. Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi was named Japanese independent match of the year. More recently, he’s had two high-profile singles matches with Jun Akiyama.
A look at the career of 80s star Hacksaw Butch Reed, who passed away this past week, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We look at all of his titles won, sports career before wrestling, what was and wasn’t exaggerated about him, how he got started in wrestling, how fast it was that he was moved to star status, including main eventing at the key wrestling arenas in the country very early, the role Dory Funk Jr, made in his career, how he was booked, a super tag team with Skip Young that few outside of Florida ever saw, feuding with the biggest names on top, his matches with Ric Flair up and down the state of Florida, his sellout with Flair in St. Louis, runs in Georgia and his move to Mid South, his Mid South runs, the high point of his career, his feud with JYD, his Superdome main events, his face and heel turns, his biggest angles, his fight with John Nord and his departure from Mid South, his meeting with Slick, heading to WWF as The Natural Butch Reed, and his WCW run as part of the tag team of Doom with Ron Simmons, life after wrestling and his feelings on Will Hobbs.
Also in this issue:
Nick Khan’s talk about things WWE is doing to try and get new fans, a look at the aging of the sports audience and how wrestling fits in, update on Braun Strowman, update on John Cena TV series, son of 90s star starting in WWE camp, WWE star talks having a stroke, WWE star gets stalked, experience of being in the Thunderdome and what they look for, how WWE & AEW did compared to sports this past week, international rtings news, more on COVID’s effect onWWE, big matches coming on upcoming shows, WWE market value and most-watched shows on the WWE Network this past week.
Bellator’s new broadcast deals in the U.S. and the U.K., as well as main events for the first shows in April, and look at the light heavyweight tournament.
New Beginning in Hiroshima and the Castle Attack cards for New Japan.
Most-watched televised pro wrestling matches in history, including Hogan vs. Andre and Rikidozan vs. Destroyer.
Preview the next two WWE major shows.
Saturday’s UFC event with the potential knockout of the year.
Gina Carano losing her job in “The Mandalorian” on the anniversary of her landmark fight with Julie Kedzie.
A feature looking at the best matches of top wrestlers of 2020.
Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.
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 talking NXT Takeover and the rest of the news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
NXT Takeover is tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern for a show slated on the WWE Network:
MSK (formerly the Rascalz) vs. Grizzled Young Veterans for the Dusty Rhodes tournament and likely a title shot at Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch. Should be a good mach. GYV are very solid workers and MSK are very good in a different way. MSK were listed as -200 favorites, which makes sense.
Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart vs. Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai for the women’s Dusty Rhodes tournament. The winning team faces Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax soon. Moon & Blackheart are the -200 favorites.
Johnny Gargano vs. Kushida for the North American title. On paper, this match should be excellent. It’s Kushida’s first real major match and against a guy who always delivers on the big shows. Gargano is listed as a -275 favorite.
Io Shirai vs. Mercedes Martinez vs. Toni Storm for the women’s title. Also should be good. Shirai is -300 while Storm is +260 and Martinez is +525 in the odds.
Finn Balor vs Pete Dunne for the NXT title. This could be another main event classic and will probably be a long match. Balor is a -500 favorite to retain
51-year-old Hall of Famer Jun Akiyama becomes the second 50-plus year old Hall of Famer (Keiji Muto on Friday being the other) to win a Japanese major title. Akiyama beat Tetsuya Endo on today ‘s DDT show in Kawasaki to win the KO-D title
Raw tomorrow will have a gauntlet match with Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Jeff Hardy, Miz, A.J. Styles and Randy Orton.
Regarding the suicide death of Tom Cole on Friday, his older brother Lee Cole has an interview.
Regarding Google searches, last night’s UFC PPV did 700,000, which is low end for a PPV show. It was the most searched topic on the Internet yesterday that didn’t involve Valentine’s Day or the Trump impeachment. Searches were heaviest for the main event, as well as for Kelvin Gastelum, Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber. The only other combat sports related item to crack the top 20 on any dates this week was Gina Carano at No. 1 on Wednesday with 2 million searches.
We spoke about the Ariel Helwani/Dana White stuff on today’s show.
Chigusa Nagayo, the most popular Japanese woman wrestler of all-time, along with Kyoko Inoue and Mima Shimoda are all booked in a Rumble style Battle Royal in Stardom’s 3/3 show at Budokan Hall.
UFC
Last night after his PPV win over Maki Pitolo, Julian Marquez in his post-match interview asked Miley Cyrus to be his Valentine. She then wrote,”Shave an MC into your chest and I am yours. Happy VDay and congrats my love.”
AEW
Fulham, the U.K. soccer team Tony Khan is in management of, beat Everton today at Goodison Park, Everton’s home field. The key to that is Everton had won 22 straight home games over Fulham and had 23 wins and four ties in the previous 27 games on Everton’s field The last time Fulham won on Everton’s field was in 1961.
Miro was in the booth Friday night for the debut of his Fan Controlled Football team
OTHER NOTES
Two different NWA world title matches with Ric Flair vs. Butch Reed. One was the Florida television match which saw Reed as a guy not thought of at that level and then beating Flair on TV which set up all the house show title matches. The other was from 1985 Mid South Wrestling. (thanks to Paul Sosnowski and Ross Blair)
Dan Lambert, the ATT owner who did angles with Bobby Lashley for TNA a few years back and was a top level heel manager, will be on Wednesday’s MLW show doing fight analysis. The idea is he’ll be a heel announcer for Team Filthy and will manage King Mo in his match with Low Ki also on Wednesday.
Stardom results from yesterday at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo: Utami Hayashishita & Momo Watanabe won three-way elimination mach over Saya Iida & Ruaka and Lady C & Gokigen Death, Maika & Natsupoi & Himeka b Konami & Natsuko Tora & Saki Kashima, Bea Priestley d Saya Kamitani 15:00, Mayu Iwatani & Rin Kadokua b Tam Nakano & Unagi Sayaka, Syuri b AZM to keep the SWA title, Giulia b Starlight Kid to retain the Wonder of Stardom title
Stardom results from today at Korakuen Hall: Gokigen Death b Lady C, Momo Watanabe b Ruaka, Saki Kashia & Natsuko Tora b Syuri & Natsupoi, Mayu Iwatani b Unagi Sayaka, AZM & Mei Hoshizuki b Starlight Kid & Saya Iida,Saya Kamitani won four-way over Utami Hayashishita,Giulia and Tam Nakano, Himeka & Maika won the Goddesses of Stardom titles over Bea Priestley & Konami) (thanks to Tomi Yamada and Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Pro Wrestling Australia from Friday night on FITE TV from Sydney before a sellout crowd: Robbie Eagles b Jessica Troy-DQ, Unsocial Jordan & Belinda Pierce b Shazza McKenzie & Big Fudge, Sam Osborne b Steph De Lander, Kingley b Jack Bonza, Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis b Matty Walhberg & Ricky South, Lyrebird Luchi b Mick Moretti, Charlie Evans own over Will Kiedis, The Rhys Angel and Matt Diamond, Paris Da Silva & Jude London b Michael Spencer & Kia Drake in a ladder match to keep the tag titles. Next shows are 2/27, Black Label on 3/12 featuring Caveman Ugg defending the PWA tile against Ricky South. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Pale Pro Wrestling from Friday night in Arlington, TX on the Title Match Network: Prince Ahmed & Gideon Vain b Adorable Eddie & Wildcard, Chandler Hopkins b Mecha Wolf 450, Gino Medina b Isaiah Broner, Will Allday b Icon Lee, Magnificent Malico b Niles Plonk in a beer chugging contest, Nobe Bryant b Beastman Husk, Aski the Mayan Warrior b Justin Taylor, Myron Reed b Ryan Justice, Cam Cole b Mike Bennett to keep the Reality of Wrestling title, Sam Adonis b Psycho Clown in a no DQ match using a low blow.
Fox 19 in Cincinnati aired a segment Friday about the Northern Wrestling Federation Bonekrushers wrestling camp. (thanks to Brian Henke)
Tokyo Joshi Pro had a lottery on YouTube to determine the first round of its tag team tournament which took place on 2/20 at Narimasu Act Hall in Tokyo and aired on DDT Universe.
Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe vs. Pom Harajuku & Haruna Neko
Yuki Kamifuku & Mahiro Kiryu vs. Moka Miyamoto & Arisu Endo
Yuki Aino & Nodoka Tenma vs. Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki
Sakisama Mei Saint-Michel vs. Raku & Marika Kobashi
On 2//21 at the same venue
Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh face the winners of the first match
Hikari Noa & Sena Shiori meet the winners of the second match
Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao meet the winners of the third match
Suzume & Mirai Maiumi meet the winners of the fourth match (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
Ron Simmons was announced as a guest of WrestleCon.
Tokyo Sports has announced their annual awards, with Tetsuya Naito winning top honors.
This year’s MVP award goes to Naito, who defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at Wrestle Kingdom 14. He held those titles for most of the year, minus a short EVIL run with the titles during the summer.
The Okada/Naito bout from January 5 won Match of the Year. This marks the eighth time Okada has won the award, tying with Kenta Kobashi, The only person who has won the award more times is Genichiro Tenryu with nine.
Hiromu Takahashi, who returned from a major neck injury, won the Fighting Spirit award.
Stars from other promotions won the rest of the awards. Current GHC Heavyweight champion Go Shiozaki won the Outstanding Performer of the Year. DDT star Tetsuya Endo won the Technique award. Giulia from Stardom won the Women’s Wrestling Grand Prize, while Takashi Sugiura & Kazushi Sakuraba won Tag Team of the year.
An in-depth look at WWE finances and the company going forward is the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Our lead story not just looks at the investors call this week, but goes through financial details and what they mean from the call, and looks at the landscape as well as things said that were misleading.
The new issue also covers:
TV ratings, streaming, value of the Thunderdome setting, Nick Khan’s debut on the call and his main comments, Vince McMahon talks his new management team, WWE numbers, new programming, plight of furloughed employees, company market value, cutbacks in expenses, Saudi Arabia, costs going up next month, how many people view the free tier of the WWE Network, Vince talks ratings, network subscriptions in the U.S. and abroad, how much money the company makes from television, and unique notes about merchandise sales.
Daniel Bryan’s statements regarding his career, how much longer he wants to do this, what he’s said about his own athletic ability, where he can be valuable and Roman Reigns’ opponens.
Hell in a Cell, a look at Survivor Series, changes from last year, the top of Raw, Money in the Bank, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Khabib Numragomedov’s last fight, Dana White talks if he will retire, Khabib says he will, plus UFC 254 with match-by-match coverage and poll results.
WWE talent and Twitch and comments by Paige, update on Thunderdome location after the end of November and why they have to move, we update the latest COVID outbreak in WWE, why Matt Riddle got a name change, brutal WWE match this past week, where wrestling stands in sports ratings, Canadian and U.K. ratings, donors to Trump and Biden’s campaign,why little was announced ahead of time for Smackdown, new names for lots of WWE talent, what former wrestler is WWE trying to keep from using his WWE name, and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Impact’s Bound for Glory. We look at the situation with Kylie Rae, the injuries, Ken Shamrock in the Hall of Fame and his relationship with Dwayne Johnson, Mick Foley and Bret Hart, Shamrock’s background plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
TripleMania press conference, the matches announced, the unique new promotional tie-in with Marvel and the first show announced with no date and why.
Detailed look at the television business, with ratings breakdowns in every segment for Wednesdays and every category for other shows, 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.
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 talking Raw, as well as the latest wrestling and MMA news, as well as Kyllie Rae, Best of the Super Juniors and more. You can also send in questions to the show to [email protected]
Friday’s Smackdown show on FOX did a 0.7 rating in 18-49, which is the key number and aside from the draft show, it’s the first time it reached that level since the pandemic. There are some external reasons, lack of sports competition and a lot of the network shows that would be on the air right now haven’t had new episodes aired yet due to COVID. But the key is still that Smackdown’s angles are clicking with the Roman Reigns storyline and a few of the others. With the exception of Shark Tank on ABC, Smackdown had more viewers 18-49 than any show Friday night on television.
Raw tonight has Jeff Hardy vs. Elias in a guitar on a pole match, New Day vs. Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match and Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax vs. Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke in a non-title match. Tonight’s NFL game has the New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are a marquee team this year but the Giants are 1-6.
AEW’s Countdown to Full Gear show is scheduled to debut on Friday night at 11 p.m. on TNT. That will likely be promoted on Wednesday’s show.
Jon Jones sent out a video of him with a shotgun chasing away someone in a car outside of his home. The video doesn’t show what Jones claimed was him coming out of his garage and chasing the person with a shotgun. Jones wrote, “Next time you try to rob someone, make sure you’re fast enough to outrun them. He’s lucky I’m smart enough not to shoot a man when he’s retreating. People, I know times are getting hard but your life isn’t worth a few material possessions.”
Both DDT and Dragon Gate have a major show late tonight/early tomorrow from the Ota Ward Gym in Tokyo. DDT’s Ultimate Party show starts at 12:30 a.m. Eastern on DDT Universe with some major stories in play including a generational battle with Jun Akiyama vs. Konosuke Takeshita. The main event is the KO-D Open weight title with Tetsuya Endo vs. Daisuke Sasaki, the Universal title has Chris Brooks vs. Yuki Ueno, Cima & Soma Takao vs. Harashima & Naomichii Marufuji and MMA legend Shinya Aoki defends the Extreme title against Sanshiro Takagi.
Dragon Gate’s Gate of Destiny, the annual November big show from the Edion Arena in Osaka starts at 3:30 a.m. Eastern. Top matches are:
Kaito Ishida vs. Keisuke Okuda for the Open the Brave Gate title
Jason Lee & Kota Minoura vs. Genki Horiguchi & Susumu Yokosuka for the Open the Twin Gate titles
Diamante & Kazma Sakamoto & Takashi Yoshida defend the Open the Triangle Gate titles against Naruki Doi & Punch Tominaga & Ryotsu Shimizu
Eita vs. Kzy for the Open the Dream Gate title
WWE
WWE and My Custom Sports Chair are partnering to offer custom folding Adirondack Chairs at www.MyCustomSportsChair.com There will be chairs of HHH, Roman Reigns, John Cena The Rock, Undertaker, Steve Austin, Ric Flair Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
Barack Obama tweeted Dewey Foley, Mick’s son, today, to thank him for voting for Biden and told him that his vote will make a difference..
Tim Means is replacing Robbie Lawler for a fight with Mike Perry on 11/21. I’m not sure why UFC is booking Perry given his behavior including his ex-wife’s attempting to get a protection order against him.
Khalil Rountree Jr., who had announced his retirement, announced that he is no longer retired and has signed a new contract with the UFC and will return early next year.
Cynthia Calvillo, who was to face Lauren Murphy on 10/24 before she tested positive for COVID, was reported by ESPN to face Katlyn Chookagian on the 11/21 PPV show.
Chookagian is coming off her first round knockout loss to Jessica Andrade.
Giga Chikadze vs. Jamey Simmons has been added to Saturday’s UFC show in Las Vegas.
Abdul Rzak Alhassan vs. Khaos Williams has been added to the 11/14 UFC show in Las Vegas.
AEW
The company has launched an AEW Games Twitter account and has announced a major announcement on 11/10 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. This is likely the first video game announcement.
MISCELLANEOUS
Impact tomorrow night on AXS TV:
Chris Bey vs. Trey Miguel
Ethan Page vs Doc Gallows
Rich Swann & Eddie Edwards vs. Ken Shamrock & Sami Callihan
Su Yung vs. Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockouts title
Bellator has a show on Thursday at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports network with four TV bouts:
Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 no contest) vs. Killya Mota (12-1)
Austin Vanderford (9-0) vs. Chris Curtis (22-8)
Tyrell Fortune (8-1, 1 no contest) vs. Said Sowma (6-1)
Melvin Manhoef (31-14-1 2 no contests) vs. Corey Anderson (13-5)
Keri Melendez, the wife of Gilbert, will face Emilee King on the 11/12 Bellator show.
The North American Wrestling Alliance announced a weekly Thursday night show on FITE TV starting on 123/19 with an iPPV from Daytona Beach, FL. The show will feature the Hercules Cup, named after the late Hercules Hernandez. Paul Roma is part of the company and Hernandez & Roma formed the tag team Power & Glory in WWF. The top names announced for the show are Gangrel, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Johnny Swinger and Kahagas.
Pearl Gonzalez, who was scheduled to headline the 11/20 Invicta show on Fight Pass against Erin Blanchfield for the vacant flyweight title, has pulled out due to testing positive for COVID.
DDT and Pro Wrestling NOAH will soon merge into one promotion.
A press conference was held this morning to announce the merger of the two companies into one promotion, which will be called CyberFight. The promotion will be named after DDT and NOAH’s parent company, CyberAgent. These changes will go into effect on September 1.
Both promotions, as well as Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling and GanPro, will continue to operate as separate brands within the promotion. Sanshiro Takagi, who recently took over as president of Pro Wrestling NOAH in January, will serve as president of the new promotion with NOAH star Naomichi Marufuji and DDT star Akito serving as EVPs.
In the press conference, Takagi stressed that the in-ring content of both promotions will remain the same. He said that the move to merge the companies is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to streamline costs.
Takagi also said that one of the goals of the new company is to run a Tokyo Dome event.
How COVID-19 has affected UFC and WWE this past week when it comes to show changes and decisions is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We talk about WWE recovering from its outbreak and UFC losing major fights, as well as the details of the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal fight coming together, the Gilbert Burns positive test and nature of who else tested positive, Burns explanation of his test failure, PPV numbers, more on UFC’s testing and its business deal in Saudi Arabia, WWE & AEW reactions this past week, who still hasn’t returned to television and Ric Flair’s situation being a regular television performer. We also talk about Renee Young and Jon Moxley and WWE rules on masks.
The new issue also covers:
We go through all the details of Fyter Fest and the Great American Bash, positives and the negatives of the ratings, every demo looked at, every quarter hour and match looked at and what it says, Paul Levesque talks the competition, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
WWE schedule over the next two months, certain changes and key reason why and more.
The Rey Mysterio/WWE situation as far as contract, why he was still used while no longer on contract, the deal in place, lots more on the “eye for an eye” stip, plus updating Extreme Rules.
Update the start of wrestling with fans with New Japan, who isn’t there and why, the rules in place for fans plus coverage of the New Japan Cup.
A new documentary about a wrestling icon being worked on, wrestling TV shows listed to Emmy voters and what they say, more on the Saudi Arabia situation, Smackdown’s role on FOX and why it’s valuable, WWE announcement coming, Canadian, U.K. and Sports ratings for the past week, ex-WWE stars sign for major representation, current WWE market value and most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Update on Matt Riddle’s situation with a time line.
New Japan’s Lion’s Break show, the concept and the talent.
Why COVID has slowed down a process that all sports leagues were hoping would change regarding ratings and the problem with the new system that goes into place sometime next year.
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.
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The guests for the special PPV edition of The Bump on Sunday will include Seth Rollins, Hardcore Holly, D-Von Dudley and NBA star Kenny “The Jet” Smith. There will also be a watch along during that show that will feature Robert Roode, Mick & Noelle Foley, Drake Maverick, Keith Lee, JBL, and Sonya Deville.
Tegan Nox spoke to Newsweek about coming out as a lesbian on Instagram recently: “My life has always been a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation, but I felt like it was the right time, especially when you’ve found the right one you’re in love with. It was the right time to do that. The reaction has been great. There are a few people who obviously don’t agree with that, but 99 percent of the reactions have been positive. I’ve got texts coming through from so many colleagues and friends. It was nice. It’s great to see that there are so many nice people in the world.”
Cody spoke to talkSPORT about ratings discussion, primarily that of NXT and AEW’s: “It’s really easy to get caught up in the weeds with like ‘for X amount of weeks we beat WWE in the ratings’ or get into this wild demo discussion – if you ever catch me tweeting about the demos, please just delete my account.”
PWInsider is reporting that the state of Pennsylvania is filing a motion to revoke the February 2020 parole of Tammy Sytch following her July 13 arrest.
Tokyo Joshi Pro and DDT will air events on FITE PPV this weekend, both with English and Japanese commentary. Sonny Onoo, Dan Madigan, and Rob Hochmann will be on English commentary.
EC3 spoke to WrestleZone, saying that he’ll go where he has the best opportunity.
Kyoko Kimura, mother of Hanna, has filed a complaint with the Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization.
ROH has posted a preview of their tribute to Hana Kimura that will air on their television show.
Jeff Katz has uploaded WRP matches with his own audio commentary.
Jun Akiyama confirmed this morning that he will be moving to DDT, leaving All Japan Pro Wrestling for the time being.
Tokyo Sports reported that Akiyama would transfer from AJPW to DDT for the rest of the year. The report uses the word “rental” to describe the move. Akiyama will be considered a DDT talent, at least through the rest of the year. He wrote in a tweet that he felt it was time for AJPW to change, and that he would like to add his pro wrestling to the DDT roster.
DDT has since announced that a press conference between AJPW, DDT and Akiyama would be held on June 27.
Akiyama has already been wrestling for DDT for the last couple of months, appearing on their DDT TV Show cards that have been taking place during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Akiyama started his career with AJPW in 1992 and continued to wrestle there until 2000, when he joined Mitsuharu Misawa to form Pro Wrestling NOAH. He jumped back to AJPW in 2012 and has remained there ever since.
At one point, he had taken control of the promotion, becoming president in 2014. He stepped down from the position last July and the current president, Tsuyoki Fukuda, assumed the role on October 10.
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.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our weekend show with Garrett Gonzalez and I talking all the latest news is up on the site right now.
As far as Google searches go, UFC was No. 3 in the U.S. yesterday with 500,000. Given what was happening in the U.S. yesterday that’s kind of amazing. Plus, in the previous period, a weak Fight Night would hardly do low level PPV numbers. Conor McGregor was No. 10 on Thursday with 200,000. Neither Mike Tyson or Jon Jones cracked the top 20 this week.
The peak number of AEW’s Battle Royal on Wednesday topped 1 million total viewers and 500,000 in 18-49 from the point of Orange Cassidy coming in and the finish. Tony Khan came up with the storyline for the match of Cassidy getting destroyed early, disappearing and coming back at the end. Cody and Khan came up with the detail work on the match and the producers were Christopher Daniels, Colt Cabana and Billy Gunn. The Battle Royal actually beat the Mike Tyson segment.
The number being listed for Friday’s Smackdown show of 2,150,000 viewers could be misleading. Fast nationals cover all FOX stations in the time slot. Some stations pre-empted Smackdown for coverage of the riots, which obviously would do far more viewers. They are counted in the fast nationals as Smackdown. How significant that changes the actual number won’t be known until tomorrow at the earliest.
WWE
When appearing in the Battle Royal on Friday night, it was Dolph Ziggler’s 500th televised match as a singles wrestler since November 2006. He became the first person to have that many singles matches on television since that time. Randy Orton and The Miz are the only other two who have topped 400 (thanks to John Finnegan)
The WWE Network released “Sting: The Lost Tape” with some 1995 backstage footage from WCW today.
Louis Dangroor of WrestleTalk had mentioned Dominik Dijakovic coming up to the main roster on Thursday before we noted he’d be coming to Raw on last night’s show.
AEW
A match with Clutch Adams was removed from AEW Dark by Cody after someone dug through Adams’ social media and found that seven years ago, when he was 19, he wrote two homophobic stupid remarks about Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys
MISCELLANEOUS
Regarding last night’s show and the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Lee Evans and Australian Peter Norman were the guys who held up the gloves in the protest that was the brainchild of Dr. Harry Edwards. (thanks to Duncan Hope)
Canadian Wrestling Elite last night in Winnipeg ran a show that was witnessed by 1,800 fans live streaming for the Straight out of Quarantine tag team tournament: A.J. Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle b Adrien Burton & Cory Diamond, EZ Ryder & Dick Blood b Mike Mission & Tyler James-DQ, Mentallo & Johnny Malibu b Danny Duggan & Kevy Chevy, Rob Stardom & Bobby Collins b Samuel & Zamil, Kevin Cannon b Wildman Firpo, Rob Stardom & Bobby Collins b EZ Ryder & Dick Blood, A.J. Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle b Mentallo & Johnny Malibu, Dragnell b Chad Daniels, Rob Stardom & Bobby Collins b Kevin O’Doyle & A.J. Sanchez to win the tournament. They are running a show in front of a live crowd on 6/12 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar.
DDT has announced five shows from 6/14 to 6/28 with limited seating for fans at the shows. The first show is 6/14 in Itabashi.
The Big Audio Nightmare has returned for episode 400!
Myself and Mike Sempervive are back to guide you through the pandemic affected Japanese wrestling scene including Wednesday’s breaking news from NJPW president Harold Meij on the roadmap for their return to the ring.
We also take a look at last week’s head scratching NOAH shows, another Masato Tanaka classic in DDT, and our NJPW archive rewatch of Bob Backlund vs Anotnio Inoki for the WWF Title from 1979.
DDT’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Peter Pan, has been cancelled.
The company made the announcement this evening via social media. The statement said that due to the spread of COVID-19, the event would have to be canceled.
DDT is currently looking at alternative dates. President Sanshiro Takagi wrote on Twitter that a replacement date is undecided, but it will be held.
The event, which was scheduled for June 7 at the Saitama Super Arena, was to feature an appearance from Kenny Omega. He had been announced in late February, shortly before the spread of COVID-19.
Over the last few weeks, Japan has been dealing with a rapid increase of COVID-19 in the country. A nationwide state of emergency has been declared, with people being encouraged to stay at home.
As a result, a number of promotions have cancelled their upcoming schedules. AJPW earlier this month canceled the annual Champion Carnival tournament. Pro Wrestling NOAH announced this morning that all of their events for the month of May have been canceled as well.
