A new All Together event has been announced for May.
United Japan Pro Wrestling, an alliance of Japanese promotions featuring NJPW, announced early Tuesday in a press conference that an All Together event will be held on May 6 at Nippon Budokan. NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, Dragon Gate, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and Stardom will be participating.
All Together will be broadcast on Abema pay-per-view, with international details and English purchase information to follow.
The following matches have been announced:
Shota Umino (NJPW), Kaito Kiyomiya (NOAH) and Yuki Ueno (DDT) vs. Yuya Uemura (NJPW), Konosuke Takeshita (AEW/DDT) and Shun Skywalker (Dragon Gate)
Tomohiro Ishii (NJPW) and Daisuke Sekimoto (BJPW) vs. Jeff Cobb (NJPW) and Masa Kitamiya (NOAH)
Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW), Sanshiro Takagi (DDT), and Naomichi Marufuji (NOAH) vs. EVIL, Ren Narita, and Yujiro Takahashi (NJPW)
The full title of the event is All Together: United Japan Pro-Wrestling Inauguration & Noto Earthquake Benefit Event. A portion of the proceeds will go to those recovering in the Noto region of Japan from an earthquake that struck on January 1.
A second event will take place on June 15 in Sapporo that will focus on promotions unable to participate in the May event.
This week’s MLW Underground was taped in Philadelphia during February’s Superfight TV taping with Joe Dombrowski and Matt Striker on the call.
Last week, Lio Rush was announced as being in action this week, but it appears his match vs. Davey Richards has been postponed or plans have changed to air it due to Richards’ recent real life issues.
Real1 and Mance Warner issues
The trouble between Real1 and Mance Warner continued this week with the build-up to their four-way dumpster match next week that also includes Microman and Matthew Justice.
Real1 opened the show with his usual heat-invoking mic work against Microman, poking fun at his height, and poking fun at the Southern Psycho’s upbringing and hometown.
Warner was happy to take the bait and come out, bringing a chainsaw with him for good measure. He was joined by Justice wildly swinging a steel chair and even Microman who was hiding inside a trash can. This was all too much for Real1 as he darted out of the arena before Warner, Justice and Microman shared some beers on the stage.
Ricky Shane Page (w/ AKIRA & Raven) defeated 1 Called Manders in a hardcore match
This helped build the upcoming War Chamber match where these two will be on opposing sides. The Chamber match will also feature the rest of Page’s group, The Calling, against MLW Champion Alex Hammerstone and the rest of the Second Gear Crew. We saw a quick recap from last week of how Manders, Warner and Justice came to team with Hammerstone during the entrances.
Page picked a weapon from a blood-soaked operating table on his way to the ring, a signature of The Calling’s entrance,
Throughout the match, Raven was speaking to the announcers which could be subtly heard in the background as Manders and Page slammed and rammed each other into chairs inside the ring.
Page got spinebustered into thumbtacks and powerslammed into a wooden board in the corner, but after a break, he was back in control with a frog splash from the top rope. Manders then used his cowbell on Page before flooring him with a tough clothesline for a nearfall.
A table was set up which led to the innovative finish. Manders got hit with a chair and ended up underneath the table. Page was on the middle rope and came off with a senton through the table, crushing Manders underneath to pick up the pinfall victory.
Open The Twin Gate Tag Team Champions The Natural Vibes (BIG BOSS Shimizu & Kzy) defeated The FBI (Little Guido & Ray Jaz) to retain the titles
This was the MLW debut for The Natural Vibes, and it was an entertaining, fast-paced, yet short sprint of a match from the outset. Jaz looked good here with his size advantage and he kept up with the pace of the Dragon Gate crew, especially Kzy when he was in the ring.
Shimizu came in for the hot tag and took out the FBI with a big body block, a flapjack, and a chokeslam before Kzy came off the top with a big frog splash to pick up the pin on Jaz.
– Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas picked their Battle Riot numbers out of the traditional bingo tumbler but kept the close to the chest.
MLW Middleweight Champion Lince Dorado defeated Delirious to retain the title
These two have built up a small rivalry over the last few months being on the opposing sides of multi-man matches involving Microman and some of Cesar Duran’s hired luchadors. This week, they finally met one-on-one in a solid main event.
Lio Rush came out during the entrances and reminded us all that he is the best MLW Middleweight champion in history and joined the commentary table to heavily hint at a future title shot.
Throughout the match, he would taunt Dorado and try to distract him, including as the bell rang so Delirious tried a few roll-ups to catch him off guard but the champion kicked out.
Dorado came back to dominate the opening moments with a suplex, springboard armdrag, running headscissors and a dropkick. Delirious dropped Dorado back-first on the ring apron before contemplating using the title but dropping it in front of Rush.
Dorado’s back continued to take punishment as Delirious focused his attack with a backbreaker and a surfboard. Dorado came back with a springboard la quebrada.
The referee got in the way of Dorado which stopped his momentum in his tracks. Delirious then hit his Panic Attack running knee strike in the corner followed up by his Shadows Over Hell splash from the top rope, but the champion kicked out at two.
After a break, Dorado hit a springboard stunner and then a big plancha from the top rope to the floor. He then powerbombed Delirious back in the ring and put him away with his shooting star press finisher.
After the match, Rush got into the ring with the title (Delirious had dropped it in front of him) and reluctantly handed it to Dorado. As Dorado eventually got hold of his title, he turned to leave when Rush hit his bottom rope springboard stunner and then laid him out with a belt shot. Rush then left with the belt.
Before Underground went off the air, the cameras went to the back to see Davey Boy Smith Jr. chasing off Kane and Thomas as they had beaten down Thomas Billington and knocked his teeth out.
Next week:
Matthew Justice vs. Microman vs. Real1 vs. Mance Warner in a four-way dumpster match
Alex Kane vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. in a no ropes catch wrestling match
April 18th:
In a War Chamber match, MLW Champion Alex Hammerstone & Second Gear Crew vs. The Calling
The Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the world of Japanese professional wrestling, especially the news from a wild weekend of cheering crowds.
This week’s topics include:
Shota Umino’s disappointing performance against Tetsuya Naito and what it means
YOH’s breakout performance against Hiromu Takahashi
A preview of NJPW’s New Beginning in Osaka
A full review of Stardom Supreme Fight and a look at their upcoming shows
The Miyahara vs. Aoyagi classic for AJPW’s Triple Crown
Thoughts on recent NOAH, Dragon Gate, and DDT shows
Listen at the link below or wherever you get your favorite podcasts by searching for ‘Big Audio Nightmare.’
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including an update on Will Ospreay, more disturbing tweets from Kota Ibushi, NOAH vs. Dragon Gate booking issues, Sasha and Naomi, the women’s tag titles and what’s next, and so much more. A packed show as always so check it out~!
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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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio. We’ll be talking all the COVID related WWE & AEW news, Raw, MSG attendance and a lot more. You can also send questions related to the news of and the WWE policy changes to [email protected]
Bryan and I will be back doing a show again on Wednesday night after AEW. He has been unable to fly home from his vacation due to flights being canceled.
The Fightful story regarding WWE no longer testing talent for COVID has been confirmed by a number of people to us although WWE has not publicly commented on it. There is a ton to talk about regarding the weekend. While not confirmed, it is believed the company is following CDC recommendations and shortening the quarantine time from ten to five days, so those who tested positive and missed shows would be available for Day 1 provided the positive test took place Saturday or earlier are likely to be available for Saturday’s Day 1 show. One would need two negative tests on consecutive days with the first test allowed on day five, so basically six days in total.
Other new rules are that masks are mandatory backstage at all times and there will be fines imposed for not just WWE talent but anyone backstage. The company did recommend but not mandate everyone get a booster.
This is a list of talent advertised that did not appear at the WWE shows last night. On Raw at MSG, missing were Big E, Seth Rollins (who confirmed COVID), Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Queen Zelina and Bobby Lashley. On Smackdown in Tampa, those missing were Roman Reigns, Shinsuke Nakamura and King Woods. WWE officials have noted that not all of those missing tested positive. Some of them were pulled from the house shows this week because they are intent on not risking certain key people from this coming Saturday’s Day 1 show. One person noted that in particular they wanted to do everything possible to make sure Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman can do what is scheduled on Saturday because that leads in some form to WrestleMania. We were also told they are considering it fortunate that Smackdown was taped on 12/17 and that there is no Smackdown show this Friday. It will be a best of show on FS 1.
Raw tonight is from Detroit and they had the biggest advance of the week for tonight’s show. Announced include Miz and Maryse renewing their wedding vows, A.J. Styles vs. Omos (they did a match last night and it was said to be quick and painful with a bad finish), Damien Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler for the U.S. title, Mysterios vs. Street Profits with the winning team getting a tag title match at Riddle & Randy Orton at a future date, Randy Orton vs. Otis and Austin Theory vs. Finn Balor. Edge is on the show, likely to do something involving Miz.
The NFL game tonight is Miami vs. New Orleans, with both teams 7-7, so it won’t be disastrous to Raw at the level some of the recent games have been.
While not wrestling related directly, the band Phish postponed shows on 12/29, 12/30, 12/31 and 1/1 in MSG and will make up the dates in April. They made the call last Thursday feeling that they may have been forced to do so anyway and with every show being sold out, it would be a nightmare if capacity was cut. (thanks to Jeffer Sheehan)
We are looking for reports from Detroit tonight for the stuff not televised, whether it be dark matches or Main Event matches before Raw, as well as from Orlando tonight where the Smackdown brand has a show to [email protected]
Regarding SB Kento from yesterday’s Dragon Gate show, he is okay. He did have a knee injury that he came into the match with and was working limited, but he wasn’t injured in the match itself.
We’ve got a major story coming up later this week in the Observer regarding MSG and the crowd from last night’s show which was among the lowest in the last 83 years.
For those attending the AEW show on 1/5 in Newark, NJ, you will have to have proof of vaccination to attend, the same as for WWE and AEW shows in New York of late.
Regarding ratings, the Smackdown number for Christmas Eve will come out tomorrow morning. We were told by someone with access to market by market that the numbers are way down. This is due to Christmas Eve and you can really throw the number out as far as it meaning anything. Similarly, the Rampage number for Saturday, which will be out on Wednesday, you can throw out as far as meaning anything, due to the holiday and unfamiliar day and time. Raw ratings will be out early Wednesday. NXT numbers are scheduled to be out Wednesday and AEW numbers on Thursday. Similarly, next week’s numbers will also be delayed
Also wanted to send sympathies to the friends and family of Marcus Crane, who passed away yesterday. We were told he took a nap and never woke up.
Notes from last night’s WWE show in Tampa: Kofi Kingston b Sami Zayn, Xia Li b Shotzi, Ridge Holland b Mansoor, Usos NC Drew McIntyre & Sheamus (Sheamus turned on McIntyre) to keep the tag titles, Ricochet & Cesaro won three-way over Viking Raiders and Los Lotharios, happy Corbin b Rick Boogs, McIntyre b Sheamus in a street fight
Dark Elevation tonight taped in Greensboro:
Alex Reynolds & John Silver & 10 vs,. Brandon Scott& JR Miller & Fodder
Anthony Ogogo vs. Duncan Mitchell
Thunder Rosa vs. Dani Mo
Santana & Ortiz vs. Alexander Moss & Movie Myk
Tay Conti & Anna Jay vs. Emi Sakura & Diamante
Shawn Spears vs. Lee Moriarty
Matt Hardy vs. Darius Lockhart
Austin & Billy & Colten Gunn vs. Stu Grayson & Evil Uno & Alan Angels
OTHER NOTES
Very sad to hear the news that Beau James, a longtime Tennessee independent promoter and wrestler, is battling serious health issues and will be undergoing heart surgery next month. Jack Booth, his nephew and referee organized a benefit show last night for James’ Southern States Wrestling event in Kingsport, TN: Wayne Moxie d Marty Clay, Nate Diamond b Eric Porter, Brian Logan b Bob Mitchell, Ray Idol b Stan Sierra-DQ, Ricky & Kerry Morton & Wayne Adkins b Eric Darkstorm & Jason Kincaid & Johnny Youngblood. Tom Prichard, KC Thunder, Stan Lee, Joe Wheeler and Ricky Morton all gave speeches about their friendship and dealings with James, who is also a area wrestling historian and super knowledgeable about area history.
Dave Meltzer covers the state of emergency in Japan, the actual stats, shows canceled, when NJPW is set to return.
Lots more on the life of Brian Pillman, what Dark Side didn’t cover, his football career, contract disputes, booking idea if he stayed with WCW, children and legacy.
Also in this issue:
Match and wrestler of the week
AEW & WWE back on the road and details
A look at the next two major pro wrestling PPV shows
UFC coverage of Saturday’s show, next week’s show, new fights, new financial info
Most detailed look at ratings, what shows do people watch longest, what shows do they watch live or most on DVR, Segment breakdowns and and exclusive info on how the different shows are consumed
U.S. Olympic wrestling preview
The amazing historical story of a fugitive in a foreign country who held the biggest tag team title in the world, and his shocking death
Notes on AEW television schedule for the next six weeks
2016 Gold medalist talks WWE
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
WWE’s website has an article on Don Kernodle, who passed away yesterday at the age of 71.
PWInsider noted that on the recent episode of WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures, footage from WWC in Puerto Rico aired, marking the first time that footage has aired on broadcast TV. Footage featuring Kane in WWC also aired during his episode of Broken Skull Sessions.
WWE’s social media team won a People’s Voice Webby award. The Rock won a Special Achievement award “for his phenomenal use of social media to connect with people, to provide inspiration and motivation to millions of followers globally, and to serve fans with new and exclusive content from his wide range of ongoing film-and-TV projects.”
The Miz spoke to The New York Post on working with Bad Bunny at WrestleMania. “Not only was I happy about that match, I was ecstatic about the match,” he said. “Not only was I ecstatic, but the reason was also when I looked at Twitter before the match, people were crapping all over it, saying, ‘We don’t want this match, this match shouldn’t even be happening.’ After the match, people were saying it was the match of the night. People are talking about it to this day and it happened a month ago.
Lanny Poffo commented on the Randy Savage documentary that aired on A&E recently. “I want to say that 75% of the A&E Biography episode on Randy was great, 20% of it was lousy, and 5% was just horrible,” he wrote. “The people responsible for the 5% are Stephanie Bellars (Gorgeous George, Frankenstein, whatever) and Bubba the Love Sponge. These are two people that speak with authority with absolutely no validity. Bubba, for instance, speculated on who Randy loved all his life, yet he wasn’t even on Randy’s Christmas list, so how was he going to know that?”
Dragongate announced that Ben-K has tested positive for COVID-19. Naruki Doi, who wrestled Ben-K on May 14, has not tested positive. Both have been removed from the King of Gate 2021 tournament and have forfeited their remaining matches.
We have an update with more info on a number of COVID cases involving pro wrestling including more on Chris Jericho, Nick Jackson, Drew McIntyre, Mick Foley, Les Thatcher and more. We look at what Paul Levesque said about the COVID issue, Jericho talking about getting it in September, Nick Jackson, and more on others in the industry.
Also in this issue:
We also have our 2020 Business Year in Review issue talking about the biggest crowds, the biggest PPVs, how the year was totally different from any other, UFC business history and more.
Every major promotion, why this year is so hard to evaluate, what you can’t learn from the past year and can, how things look going into the new year, and issues going forward for every company.
Raw, Smackdown AEW and NXT and compare how they are doing now with one year ago, and where things will be in one year if the current direction doesn’t change.
How much money Linda McMahon donated to Trump’s re-election and funding of the recent attempt to take over the capitol.
Royal Rumble update, how much money top stars can earn from doing social media advertising, Update on WWE’s new A&E documentaries for this year, biggest Wednesday drawing card, more on the next TV special for India, new stars from India debuting including two giants, Dusty Rhodes tag tourney news, the next Takeover show, Injury updates, Lita talks about when she was threatened with being fired, Ricochet contract notes, U.S. sports ratings, U.K. and Canadian TV ratings, New NXT stars, movie star teases working with WWE, Upcoming WWE television shows WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Vince McMahon’s lawsuit against Oliver Luck and Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon. We look at McMahon’s complaints as well as what others involved said including some day-by-day looks at aspects of the XFL and its death.
How COVID has changed Japanese wrestling along with new restrictions and what they mean and how they relate to wrestling and the New Japan big show lineup over the next several weeks.
List of the 20 biggest crowds for pro wrestling ever in the country of Canada and notes about business peaks.
Rundowns of the major television shows.
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.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett Gonzales and I have a new show today talking with Court Bauer about the business of running wrestling right now, streaming and linear television rights, WWE, MLW, AEW and more, plus we talk about this week’s wrestling news.
Smackdown tonight has Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio vs. King Corbin and a contract signing for the Roman Reigns vs. Adam Pearce title match at the Royal Rumble. For 205 Live, they will have two Dusty Rhodes tag tournament matches with Killian Dain & Drake Maverick vs. Curt Stallion & August Grey and Joaquin Wilde & Raul Mendoza vs. Samir & Sunil Singh.
UFC tomorrow from Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
ESPN+ at Noon Eastern time:
Jacob Kilburn (145) vs. Austin Lingo (145)
Sarah Moras (136) vs. Vanessa Melo (136)
David Zawada (170) vs.; Ramazan Emeev (171)
Carlos Felipe (264) vs. Justin Tafa (265)
Wu Yanan (136) vs. Joselyne Edwards (135)
Phil Hawes (186) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (186)
ABC TV at 3 p.m. Eastern:
Punahele Soriano (186) vs. Dusko Todorovic (186)
Joaquin Buckley (185) vs. Alessio Di Chirico (186)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs. Li Jingliang (171)
Carlos Condit (171) vs. Matt Brown (171)
Max Holloway (146) vs. Calvin Kattar (146)
The second week of Go Big Show, which features Cody Rhodes, did 991,000 viewers and 0.29 in 18-49. That held up very well from the first week. It was No. 20 overall but No. 4 among non-news shows behind two NBA games and Jersey Shore Family Vacation.
For this coming weekend, New Japan has a streaming show at 4 a.m Eastern time from Korakuen Hall with Kevin Kelly announcing live and Dragon Gate has a show from Kobe with only Japanese language announcing at 3 a.m. on early Sunday.
Dragon Gate star Naruki Doi underwent elbow surgery earlier today.
WWE
Regarding reports of WrestleMania being moved from 3/28 to 4/11, this is definitely something under consideration. It’s been talked about for weeks.
A press conference for the Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier bout takes place this coming Thursday at 8 a.m. Eastern time
George St-Pierre on Sportsnet yesterday talking about fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov and more at the 1:01:00 mark. (thanks to Steve Khan)
UFC reached a distribution partnership with Zappos.com, which will become the exclusive wholesale manufacturer and distributor of officially licensed UFC merchandise sold at retail in the U.S. Zappos.com will officially license UFC fan gear and lifestyle apparel.
Eryk Anders vs. Darren Stewart has been slated for the 3/13 show.
Modestas Bukauskas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk has been added to the 3/27 show.
Nate Landwehr vs. Julian Erosa has been added to the 2/20 show.
AEW
The company officially announced its planned March date in Newark, NJ was moved to 9/15. This was obvious because right now there are no plans to leave Jacksonville any time soon.
OTHER NEWS
Jacob Fatu vs. ACH for the MLW title will headlined Wednesday’s MLW Fusion television show.
Former WCW announcer Sonny Onoo said that his motorcycle that was originally made for Randy Savage was stolen.
Ignite Wrestling has a fifth anniversary show on 1/23 in Vero Beach, FL at Noon at the Walking Tree Brewery. This will be a TV taping for Ignite’s Roku Twitch, Powered4TV and YouTube channels.
Progress is planning to do four days of TV tapings starting 1/24 in London with empty arena shows.
A look at what happened in the last two months of the life of Jon Huber is the lead story in this week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer. We look at how the situation was handled, when the talent found out, why Huber didn’t get a lung transplant, and a look at comments from a number of people in WWE in particular as well as Jim Ross and Amanda Huber’s extensive writing on the subject.
Also in this issue:
Extensive coverage of Wrestle Kingdom and New Year’s Dash. We have match-by-match, star ratings and poll results. We also have business notes, the story of Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega, the effect of COVID on the show and of wrestling in Japan going forward, Jay White, goal of Hiromu Takahashi, the new main event programs and international television news.
Full year television notes, Linda McMahon’s donations to Donald Trump, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, next Takeover show, A&E documentary notes, update on Damien Priest and others earmarked for Raw & Smackdown, lots of booking notes, new WWTV deals, Sonya Deville return, Hulk Hogan talks, head of a rival promotion sets up WWE production person’s engagement, amateur wrestling standout about to start training with WWE, how wrestling shows this past week did compared to sports, international television ratings, who was creative told a few years ago not to even think of ideas for, upcoming TV bouts, WWE market value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
A story on Irwin Rivera, the UFC fighter who is being accused of stabbing two of his sisters.
A story on Bobby Davis, one of the first of the modern managers.
What wrestlers had the most four star matches in 2020, as well as in history the top 25 of all-time.
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.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering Drew McIntyre’s COVID test positive, Raw, and the rest of the pro wrestling news. You can send e-mail questions to the show to [email protected]
Obviously the big story of the day is that Drew McIntyre tested positive for COVID and is being quarantined, so won’t be at the show in St. Petersburg tonight. He will be doing an interview, likely from his home. HHH will be on the show. There is at least one other person on the roster who tested positive although the one we know of is on the Smackdown brand and it was last week and the person was pulled from the show beforehand.
Tonight’s Raw was to be built around McIntyre, both wrestling Randy Orton and doing a segment where he would accept the challenge laid out by Bill Goldberg. So obviously that all has to change. Raw is going against the college football national championship ame with Ohio State vs. Alabama head-to-head on ESPN. The show probably would have gotten killed because the game tonight was expected to do a bigger number than NFL games do. But with the news that broke the curiosity should lead to a noticeable increase in viewers from what the show would have done.
Because they need something big with the game on and the McIntyre match out, they look to be building the show around Orton vs. HHH in a confrontation.
The lawsuit that has been going on for years between Jeff Jarrett and Anthem over the Global Force Wrestling tape library was settled out of court on Friday according to PWInsider. The terms of the settlement were sealed.
New Japan has a press conference at 1 a.m. late tonight to announce the plans for now until mid-February. They would likely announce when the big matches that were set up at New Year’s Dash and the Tokyo Dome, like Kota Ibushi vs. Sanada for the IWGP title, Shingo Takagi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Never title, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi for the IWGP tag titles, Hiromu Takahashi vs. Sho for the IWGP jr. title and Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP jr. tag title will be taking place. They are three different major shows so these matches will be spread out over those cards.
Dragon Gate has two Korakuen Hall shows on its streaming service both starting at 4 a.m. Eastern both tomorrow and Wednesday morning. There will be English language commentary on both shows with Jae Church. With the 8 p.m. curfew (6 a.m.) it means these shows have to be fast-paced.
Tuesday’s show:
Ryo Saito & Boktimo Dragon vs. Don Fujii & Kennichiro Arai
Ultimo Dragon & Masaaki Mochizuki & Yasushi Kanda & Gamma vs. Eita & Kaito Ishida & Hyo & Hip Hop Kikuta
Keisuke Okuda vs. Punch Tominaga
Shun Skywalker & La Estrella & Dragon Kid vs. Yamato & Shuji Kondo & Kagetora
Susumu Yokosuka & Genki Horiguchi & Kzy vs. Takashi Yoshida & Kazama Sakamoto & SB Kento
BxB Hulk & Kai defend the Open the Twin Gate titles against Kota Minoura & Jason Lee
Wednesday’s show:
Don Fujii & Shuji Kondo & Gamma vs. Yasushi Kanda & Kennichiro Arai & Kagetora
Shun Skywalker & Kota Minoura & Jason Lee & La Estrella vs. BxB Hulk & Kai & Kaito Ishida & Hip Hop Kikuta
Yamato vs Dragon Kid
Takashi Yoshida & Kazama Sakamoto & SB Kento defend the Open the Triangle Gate titles against Kzy & Susumu Yokosuka & Genki Horiguchi
WWE
WWE will be represented at the first-ever all-digital CES conference. Tomorrow at 7:30 a.m., Stephanie McMahon will be joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. At 1 p.m., Stephanie McMahon will do another session and CFO Kristina Salem will be doing a presentation at 2 p.m. Brian Flinn, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer was to be joined by Drew McIntyre at 3:35 p.m.
Dwayne Johnson announced the launch of a new energy drink called ZOA that will be marketed starting in March. Johnson, business partner Dany Garcia, Dave Rienzi and John Shulman announced the drink.
UFC
This is the story we were talking about on last night’s show regarding the death of Dr. Payman Somani of “The Doctors” show. It was not a show in Las Vegas, but a show at the Honda Center headlined by Chuck Liddell vs. Keith Jardine in 2007 that my wife sat next to him at.
AEW
Some notes on Wednesday’s show. The previously advertised Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa match is not on the show. There is a match involving The Elite. The tease is it will be Kenny Omega & Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson. Nick Jackson was injured last Wednesday legit.
OTHER NOTES
We don’t have any update on Les Thatcher who has been battling COVID and pneumonia. Our best wishes to him and everyone battling health issues at this time.
The New Day on their WWE Network podcast did a show on Brodie Lee, who was very close to all three of them. Big E and Brodie Lee were like best friends. Big E had a tough time getting through it. Other WWE stars who were friends of his also appeared.
A quick reminder that I’ve got two books that are both available at www.amazon.com which are the 1997 and 1993 Yearbooks. These are compilations of Observer issues and stories from those years with every major story of those years in detail including a number of major bios.
Sports Illustrated has a feature on the Masked Republic brand, and in the story they note that Rush and Dragon Lee, who they represent, are expected to be finalizing their ROH deals as early as next week.
This article notes that 80 percent of Japanese are right now in favor of either postponing or canceling the summer Olympics.
Mil Muertes debuts on MLW on Wednesday. In the release, they acknowledge his Muertes Lucha Underground storyline and that he was five-time IWA champion in Puerto Rico as Ricky Banderas.
We look at New Japan’s road to the Tokyo Dome and the first group of major shows in 2021 as the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We look at the realities of business, the set up, the announced matches, and the last few shows leading up to the Dome events. We also have complete coverage from the Budokan Hall show and Super J Cup.
The new issue also covers:
TLC show, Smackdown live and taped shows, new television shows being considered, WWE Network special offer, Bill Goldberg talks who he’d like to wrestle, details on a new contract negotiation, more about wrestlers being sent for regular training, upcoming NXT matches, Hall of Fame, injury updates, new signing, new TV show, international ratings, how WWE & AEW fare compared to sports programming, new TV character identified, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
UFC monopoly lawsuit and its ramifications on both the MMA and pro wrestling business regarding competition, ability to hold people to long-term contracts, and competitor pay, and the kind of money we are talking about and why.
A bio of Dr. Alfonso Morales, the legendary Lucha Libre and boxing announcer, who passed away this past week. We look at his background and legacy and why he became so good at what he did.
Major lawsuit involving Lucha Underground and AAA and money figures for streaming content that AAA has received.
UFC 256, with the background of the show, match-by-match coverage and the stories behind the show.
TripleMania, with business notes, popularity, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and the story behind the show.
Tokyo Sports awards for 2020 covering Japanese wrestling, as well as a history for some of the major awards.
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.
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 TLC and the latest wrestling news. You can also send email questions to the show to [email protected]
For those interested in updated front lines info on COVID and how it affects sports and the next few months of our real lives, Dr. Alex Patel joined us on Friday night as part of a show with Garrett Gonzalez and me, plus we talked a lot of wrestling news. We’ve gotten a great deal of feedback from people both in and out of wrestling on this episode. It’s not necessarily the best news, but it’s best to have honest news from someone in the front lines.
TLC starts today at 6 p.m. Eastern with the preshow and 7 p.m. for the main show. Just announced is a pre show match with Daniel Bryan & Big E & Otis & Chad Gable vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro & Sami Zayn & King Corbin.
Drew McIntyre vs. A.J. Styles in a TLC match for the WWE title. McIntyre has delivered every time out of late and while damaging, WWE has a very good track record of TLC matches being strong, and Styles is one of the best out there. Five Dimes has the odds at -565 favoring McIntyre to retain.
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a TLC match for the Universal title. Owens has gotten destroyed in every angle. I don’t know if that’s reverse psychology making you think they can’t be beating him down this much and him losing at the PPV, since going in nobody expects him to win. Owens is likely going in “injured” for all the beatings, which could help the drama aspect. Reigns is at -1500 (a 15-to-1 favorite).
Randy Orton vs. The Fiend. They are doing a gimmick match called a Fire Fly Fun House Inferno match. What that actually entails has been kept secret. Fiend had been heavily favored all week, and still is but the odds are down to -195.
Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown women’s title. Banks is a -305 favorite.
There are no odds listed for New Day defending the Raw tag titles against Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin. It should be a good match, however. They’ve had so many matches without changing the titles that one would think it’s at least possible. There has also been a tease of Alexander vs Benjamin, but that feels way too early to happen here and looks like something a long ways down the road
There were no odds on Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax vs. Asuka & ? for the women’s tag title. As noted earlier today, unless there is a late change, Charlotte Flair will be the partner. I could see a tag title change. Flair’s return should have impact.
We’re looking for your thoughts on this show as well as Friday’s ROH Final Battle show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected]
Ben-K suffered a concussion and was knocked out cold in his Open the Dream Gate title match with Shun Skywalker earlier today. The match kept going with him just laying there and he took several moves while knocked out. This wasn’t handled well at all. He is said to be okay.
The Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith boxing match last night did 1.2 million Google searches. UFC’s show last night was No. 13 with 100,000. The only other combat sports related thing to chart over the past week was Conor McGregor at No. 4 on Monday with 200,000 for his keeping a gym in Ireland alive for at least a few more years where he knew the owner and due to COVID and expenses was going to have to shut its doors.
Charlotte Flair was secretly training in Los Angeles this past week.
New Japan World has a live show tomorrow morning at 4:30 a.m. from Korakuen Hall:
Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yota Tsuji & Yuya Uemura & Gabriel Kidd
Juice Robinson & Toa Henare vs. KENTA & Yujiro Takahashi
Zack Sabre Jr & Taichi & Douki vs Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa & Chase Owens
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kazuchika Okada & Tomoaki Honma vs. Will Ospreay & Jeff Cobb & Great O’Khan
Tetsuya Naito & Sanada & Bushi vs. Jay White & Evil & Dick Togo
Looking at this card, I can see them start focusing on a KENTA vs. Robinson direction, likely for the Tokyo Dome, now that they’ve gotten the KENTA vs. Brody King match out of the way.
Jake Paul claimed to TMZ that he’s got $50 million in backing to offer Conor McGregor for a boxing match. Paul claims that McGregor has been radio silent since they made him an offer. There’s also been talk in recent days regarding Paul vs. Michael Bisping.
WWE
A story on Zachary Green (formerly Zachary Wentz) from the Lima News on his WWE signing. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions with Drew McIntyre debuts after the PPV today.
UFC
Stephen Thompson suffered a knee injury in last night’s win over Geoff Neal but still was able to win the fifth round and the fight. He came to the press conference in crutches but didn’t know the extent of the damage.
Raoni Barcelos vs Raphael Assuncao in a bantamweight fight is set for the 2/27 show according to a report from Sherdog.
OTHER NEWS NOTES
Stardom had a PPV show earlier today from the Edion Arena in Osaka: Saya Iida won the Future of Stardom title over Maika and Saya Kamitani, Natsuko Tora & Konami b Riho & Ruaka, Himeka & Natsupoi b Bea Priestley & Saki Kashima, AZM b Mei Hoshizuki to keep the High Speed title, Tam Nakano & Mina Shirakawa & Sayaka Unagi b Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid & Gokigen Death to retain the Artists of Stardom title in an elimination match, Giulia d Syuri in as Wonder of Stardom vs SWA title match with it ending as a 30:00 draw and neither title changing hands, Utami Hayashishita b Momo Watanabe to retain the World of Stardom title (thanks to Shannon Walsh and Pro Sports Extra)
A story on Ty Evans, whose father was a pro wrestler, who is now playing football at Ball State University. (thanks to Barry Werner)
Future Wrestling Alliance in Sydney was going to run Friday night, but Sydney got an uptick in cases. Early Friday the promotion said they were still running but asked anyone who had been in the Northern Beach districts to stay away, as that area is going through a localized lockdown. Then they announced later in the day that they were not allowing fans. Then at 7 p.m. they announced the show was off because two of the wrestlers had informed them they had contact with people in that area which was a COVID cluster.
BCW on Saturday night in Melbourne, Australia: Cletus b Ritchie Taylor, Sketch b Zhan Wen, Mick Moretti d Adam Brooks 30:00 draw, Gore b Tome Filip, Gabriel Wolfe b Mad Dog in a hardcore match. Apparently the main event had a big problem. Mad Dog tried to do a leg drop on a flaming table but his leg caught fire and Wolfe didn’t notice and tried to keep the match going. but they ended up just stopping the match and awarding it to Wolfe. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Kevin Sullivan, Justin Credible, Jimmy Hart, The Nasty Boys, Afa Jr. Alofa, Amber Nova, Teal Piper and others who were advertised on the NAWA show last night in Daytona Beach at the Ocean Center did not appear for a variety of reasons. They announced another set of shows on 2/13 and 3/21 at Dorton Arena in Raleigh.
Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling from last night: Jenna Lynn b Danni Bee, Promise Braxton won Diamonds Division title over Rock-C and Hyan (thanks to Shannon Walsh and Pro Sports Extra)
KSW results from Lodz, Poland last night:
Phil De Fries (19-6) b Michal Kita (20-12-1) via TKO from punches at 1:00 of the second round to keep the heavyweight title
Marian Siolkowski (22-8-1) b Roman Szymanski (13-6) via knockout from a liver kick at 1:04 of the fourth round for the vacant lightweight title
Borys Manikowski (22-8-1) b Artur Sowinski (21-12) via decision on scores of 30-26,k 30-25, 29-27
Antun Racic (25-8-1) b Bruno Santos (9-2) via straight 48-47 scores to keep the bantamweight title.
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.
With a huge feature on the crazy story of the original Hollywood Blonds tag team with the death of Jerry Brown, we’ve got a double issue this week of the Observer up on the site right now.
Our lead story looks at this year’s G-1 tournament looking at every card, the stories going into the card, the restrictions, the odds, and the new Will Ospreay, start time for every show, complete lineups, comments by Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley regarding this year’s new format.
Also in this issue:
Update on WWE Clash of Champions, with the matches announced, updates on titles not yet announced with matches and keys to the show.
The situation with Matt Riddle and Samantha Tavel.
Daniel Cormier getting COVID and a new UFC product being pushed.
Changes at the USA Network, Sasha Banks with a major acting gig, Update on Jeff Hardy, details behind the Paul Heyman/Roman Reigns pairing, new contracts signed in WWE, wrestler teases gimmick change, Mandy Rose angle, law being talked about reglated to the Sonya Deville incident, Retribution update, this coming week’s WWE television, Randy Orton new business, Ivar injury update, Ronda Rousey update, Next NXT Takeover, weird TV moment, Sports & International ratings, Jimmy Jacobs talks WWE protocol and Vince McMahon, injury update, movie with WWE performers, market value of WWE and the most-watched shows on WWE Network.
This past week’s UFC show with the stories behind the show and match-by-match coverage.
New Japan’s last show this past week before G-1, held at Korakuen Hall, with the matches and angles and what is being pushed.
Our huge feature covers the life and career of Jerry Brown, who teamed with Buddy Roberts to form the Hollywood Blonds, one of the greatest heel tag team acts of all-time. This major feature looks at their beginnings, their heyday in Quebec and Florida, places they went, who they faced, as well as the other territories they went, championships they held, the second version of the Hollywood Blonds people don’t remember, the mentality of the act and some crazy Jerry Brown stories, with lots of comments from Bill Watts, who put the team together.
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
We have a number of weekend shows up on the site including Bryan Alvarez with Lance Storm on Friday, Garrett Gonzalez and I with Rich Swann on Friday, and Bryan and I from last night talking G-1, UFC and Smackdown.
Last night’s UFC had 1.1 million searches putting it No. 3 behind the California Earthquake and Boston Celtics. That’s the PPV level having to do with Colby Covington, for better or worse. The key topics were Covington and his phone call from the president, Donald Cerrone and Khamat Chimaev (who finished the day in the top 20 meaning people are seeing him as a star). The only other combat sports thing in the top 20 during the week was Floyd Mayweather on Wednesday at No 13 with 200,000 stemming from rumors of the idea he will do a boxing match with Logan Paul. There is no contract signed for such a match although there have been talks. The idea is preposterous on multi-levels.
All Japan has a show live tonight at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time with Champion Carnival matches from Korakuen Hall of Suwama vs. Zeus, Jake Lee vs. Kuma Arashi, Kento Miyahara vs. Yuma Aoyagi and Shuji Ishikawa vs. Shotaro Ashino. It’s live on All Japan’s streaming service.
Dragon Gate also has a major show at 2 a.m. late tonight Eastern time from the Tokyo Ota Ward Gym. It’s live on the Dragon Gate streaming service with a six-way cage match with a ton of stipulations with Yamato, Big R Shimizu, BxB Hulk, Kai, Eita and Masato Yoshino. There are also multiple title matches:
Kaito Ishida defends the Open the Brave Gate title against Yosuke Santa Maria
Gamma & Ho Ho Lun & Kagetora & Yasushi Kanda vs. Keisuke Okuda & Problem Dragon & Punch Tominga & U-T
Don Fujii & Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Shuji Kondo & Ultimo Dragon
Naruki Doi vs. Kzy
Ben K & Strong Machine J & Dragon Dia defend the Open the Triangle Gate titles against Diamante & Kazma Sakamoto & Takashi Yoshida
Jason Lee & Kota Minoura defend the Open the Twin Gate titles against Dragon Kid & Susumu Yokosuka
Six-way cage match. People enter at different intervals. There are different stips involving winning as well as the last guy left.
There will be a Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions show on Sunday after the Clash of Champions PPV with Kurt Angle as the guest.
WWE
Names announced so far for the Gauntlet Eliminator on Wednesday’s NXT show for a shot at Finn Balor’s title at the 10/4 Takeover are Timothy Thatcher, Cameron Grimes, Kushida and Kyle O’Reilly. I would say any of the four would be a major surprise to be in the main event against Balor of a Takeover show, and all of the four would probably deliver a good match.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mission Pro Wrestling from Friday night in Buda, TX for a show put on by Thunder Rosa: Avery Taylor b Alex Gracia, Killer Kate & Promise Braxton b Jenna Lynn& Vert Vixen, Madi Wrenkowski b Red Velvet, Big Swole b Rosa Negra, Elayna Black b Rachelle Rose, Jenna Cide b Rok-C, Thunder Rosa b Lindsay Snow to retain the NWA women’s title (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
Toa Henare announced that his first show put on by his wrestling school will be on 2/27 in Whanganui, New Zealand. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Warrior Wrestling from last night in Chicago Heights, IL before about 200 fans. It was really cold last night which held down the crowd, but also showed the difficulty in running weekly in this day and age: Garrison Creed b Jordan Cross, Sam Adonis b Jake Something, Beast Man won over The Sign, Icon Lee, Dani Mo, Jack Griffin and Dan the Dad,Lee Moriarty b Tre Lemar, Ace Austin & Mad Man Fulton b Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku in an Impact vs. MLW match, Kimber Lee b Jordynne Grace, Alex Shelley d Jonathan Gresham with a double pin finish that didn’t seem to work, Luchasaurus & Tay Conti b Chris Bey &Rae Lyn, Trey Miguel won three-way over Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz to earn a title match, Brian Pillman Jr. b Warhorse to keep the Warrior title (thanks to Lance LeVine and Shannon Walsh)
Adam Brooks vs. Havoc headlines to Riot City Wrestling on 10/10 in Adelaide, Australia.
The Pro Wrestling Darwin promotion in Northern Australia is closing because the owners are moving to Perth.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Friday night in Omaha: Omar Pachecco b Logan Ocean, K-Dos b Ryan Monroe, Duke Cornell b Moonshine Russell, Pat Powers b Xander McIntosh, Pat Powers b Nicky Scent-COR, Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels b Purule & Mack Riggs, The Carver b Brett Bishop, Branden Juarez b Jack Darling-DQ. Next show is 10/10 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
A couple of notes regarding masks. Rich Baker’s family at [email protected] are doing Lucha Libre COVID masks that look really cool. Pro Wrestling Revolution also has Lucha COVID masks that are cool.
The most in-depth look at WWE business is the focal point of this week’s double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
WWE set an all-time record for profits even while having no revenue from arena shows or live event merchandise. We go through the key places the cost savings came from and how reliant the company is now on television money. We also have notes on investors grilling Vince McMahon about the declining ratings and the firing of Paul Heyman and his responses.
The new issue also covers:
Huge growth in June of the WWE Network, the reasons it happened, and whether or not it’s sustainable. We give a realistic reason for the growth as well as a WWE-speak version. We look at the change in marketing strategy and the early returns from this change; We look at where analysts were wrong about profitability, how the stock price rose, and why the rising level wasn’t that much because of many analysts long-term concern and why.
The difference in tax rate, current market value of the company, why the big talent cuts played no part in these profits and how the profits should go once that talent that was let go is no longer being paid.
What the company is now talking about doing with all the extra cash on hand because the pandemic greatly helped short-term business.
Where the stock price really should be based on the sure-fire profits through 2024, and why it’s still much lower. We also look at the Raw and Smackdown numbers for quarter two, how they compare to last year, and break through just the numbers to look at the impact of wrestling on the USA Network both last year and this year.
More changes in the WWE Network strategy, updates on WrestleMania in Los Angeles, how soon Vince McMahon thinks before ratings turn around, building new stars, Vince’s reason why AEW numbers are holding up better than Raw or Smackdown, safety measures, and even the WWE Hall of Fame.
The health of Antonio Inoki and look at his disease.
The merger of several Japanese companies and what it really means.
We also look at long-term WWE stock analysis.
Update on Rey Mysterio and WWE, WWE hires a new major executive from NBC, Update on people furloughed, departure of Kairi Sane, constant booking plan changes, Randy Orton talks philosophy of wrestling, Lance Storm talks his own status, Xavier Woods wants non-wrestling gig, Kurt Angle talks his retirement, where wrestlnig stands in sports ratings, update on U.K. ratings, strange Bruce Prichard/Nick Aldis story, return of Kyle O’Reilly as well as the most watched shows on the WWE Network.
A feature on Regis Philbin and his long association with pro wrestling. We look at where it started, where it didn’t take place, how Philbin started using WWF talent and what segment nearly ended it.
New Japan’s Sengoku Lord show with match-by-match coverage, business notes, poll results and star ratigns. We also look at the history of pro wrestling at Jingu Stadium, why New Japan booked a stadium show with such little advance time, the creation of the new KOPW title, and the famous world champion vs world champion match at the stadium in 1994.
This past week’s UFC show, the final event of the Abu Dhabi Fight Island series.
The career of Zoltan Boscik, one of the great technical wrestlers of the 60s and 70s and a television regular. Despite being less than 150 pounds and having nothing of an impressive look, Boscik was a two-time British lightweight champion and a regular world title contender.
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 is on the site right now, talking about Rollerball Mark Rocco, WWE financials, different tournaments, WWE draft and Eric Bischoff. We will have a new show after Raw tomorrow night.
Both Japan and Australia who seemed to have a handle on COVID-19 and started easing restrictions, have had recent outbreaks. Since their recovery was far ahead of ours, this is not a good sign. Here is a story on Japan.
The famed Shoney’s in Acworth, GA that Scott Steiner owned announced today that it is closing, with COVID-19’s effect on business being the cause.
Trevin Giles, who collapsed backstage prior to his scheduled fight with Kevin Holland on the UFC show, at first thought to be due to nerves, was diagnosed with a heart irregularity. Joanne Calderwood, who was also hospitalized after collapsing backstage after her loss to Jennifer Maia, was released from the hospital and is resting at home. Apparently when she collapsed, her coach/fiance John Wood was right there and caught her before she hit the floor or she could have been injured from the fall.
Dana White said that Maia, with her win, will get a shot at flyweight world champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Eita captured the Open the Dream Gate title beating Naruki Doi in 31:46 on today’s show in Wakayama that is up on the Dragon Gate Network. The tag titles also changed hands with Kota Minoura & Jason Lee winning the titles from Kazma Sakamoto & BxB Hulk.
WWE
Roman Reigns will be appearing on The R-Truth Game show on the WWE Network. So if you read people teasing Roman Reigns return to WWE television is imminent, it’s misleading clickbait.
During last night’s Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins NHL game, the league paid tribute to local heroes in each of the Eastern Conference cities. For Tampa Bay,one of the names listed was Thaddeus Bullard, which is the real name of Titus O’Neil. O’Neil noted that this was done due to his work and support of “We Skate for Black Lives,” a local campaign he was involved with.
UFC
Nick Diaz, who is still on the roster but hasn’t fought in forever, turned 37 today. In 13 years he may look back and realize the opportunity was there to be set for life and then some, and then again, maybe he won’t care about that at all.
Mike Perry, after all his issues, tweeted this last night: “I want to be a better role model for my family. First for my unborn son. My Queen and for myself, so I can earn the respect I deserve. To my sponsors and my bosses at UFC, I want to apologize for how my actions have impacted our relationships. I will be better all around.”
Tanner Boser, who has won two fights by stoppage in the last few weeks, is slated to face Andrei Arlovski on the 10/3 UFC show.
AEW
PWInsider has reported that Chris Jericho has applied for a trademark for the term “Demo God”.
The AEW women’s tag team tournament starts tomorrow on a YouTube show that will be released at 7 p.m.
MISCELLANEOUS
One of the U.K.’s top heavyweights of the last 30 years, Tony St. Clair went through a horrible 24 hour period. His wife, who had been battling cancer for two decades, passed away, and then Rollerball Rocco, his best friend since before they both started in wrestling, passed away.
Nothing this past week made Google searches. This would be the first UFC show since the pandemic to have not cracked the list so it likely had the least interest. Nothing in pro wrestling, MMA or boxing over the past week was of any significant mainstream interest.
ROH has put up a job listing for a Graphic Designer
IPW results from last night in Auckland, New Zealand: Charlie Roberts b Hours, Vinny Dunn b Sam Black, Will Stone b Zac Hyde, Falcon Kidd b Marcus Kool, Sir Mr. Burns won four-way over Matty Short, Liger and T-Rex, Candy Lee b Frankie Quinn to keep women’s title, Jake Sheehan b Jamie Tagataese to win the New Zealand heavyweight title in a fans bring the weapons match.
FS1 tonight at midnight (9 p.m. Pacific) is airing Roller Games with the Los Angeles T-Birds. I believe this is the 1990 Alligator Pit season as opposed to the popular version from the 60s and 70s but i’m not sure of that. But FS2 aired it last night as well.
Adelaide Championship Wrestling returns on 8/22 (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
A story on George Kittle’s garage and that he has WrestleMania chairs. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.
A detailed look at how the pro wrestling and MMA industry has changed in just one week is the subject of our in-depth lead story.
We cover:
Steps taken, made, executed, and constantly changed, from WWE, UFC, AEW and every other company.
Which companies can afford the lockdown the best, and which companies are threatened the most.
WWE, why they chose to do WrestleMania now on tape, why the move made little sense.
Why UFC was forced to shut down shows and the steps they took to avoid it.
What AEW said and what it actually meant.
The dangers from doctors on doing shows right now.
Latest ideas for WrestleMania, revenue lost by not doing the show now, just how fast decisions were changing, pro wrestling vs. MMA in an empty arena, styles vs. styles in an empty arena, what does and doesn’t work, ideas to make the show more entertaining, what is and isn’t finalized for WrestleMania, and update on other planned WWE events.
We also cover:
WWE training, who were brought to the WWE & AEW taping, what was said to those working there, Dana White’s memo to the staff, why UFC had it harder to keep shows going than pro wrestling, UFC’s economic realities, different reactions of talent about shows continuing, new dates for major shows, next shows on UFC schedule, ESPN plans, Japanese government reaction, updates on Japanese shows, XFL ending the season, how the first season leaves the XFL in its quest to make it, Bellator’s reaction, MLW’s reaction, Impact’s reaction, NWA’s reaction, Independent shows, WrestleCon, U.K. groups, Mexico and other U.S. indies.
AEW’s live television show, the in and out of character remarks, Cody and Tony Khan’ reactions, and show things were handled
A look at the career of Jushin Liger, his historical status, his early career, his becoming the best wrestler in the world, his debut with the character, who was first pegged for the role, his debut with the gimmick, his U.S. arrival in WCW, his one MMA fight, and his list of credentials.
Why WWE stock hasn’t collapsed, Shane McMahon’s income, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios’ severance packages, update on The Revival, WWE threatens small group on a frivolous case, WWE legend selling his home, last several weeks of Canadian TV ratings, Jerry Lawler talks empty arena matches, latest WWE tryout, Sonya Deville talks storyline she wanted, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Full coverage of the UFC’s empty arena show in Brasilia, Brazil with the stories coming out of the show and match-by-match coverage.
A feature on the worst weekend in the history of the business when Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son. We look at the Reelz television show that just came out covering the crime as well as a look at the Viceland story coming this week. We talk about different theories, the death of Eddy Guerrero, CTE, steroids, xanax and more, WWE reaction, drug testing questions and problems and much more.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
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
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking about various wrestling subjects, WWE, AEW, Japan wrestling starting back and more with Wrestling Observer Radio. We’ll also be taking questions for the show to [email protected].
I did a show last night with Garrett Gonzalez, talking everything going on with pro wrestling and MMA, Friday’s Smackdown, WrestleMania card updates as well as the Dark Side of the Ring episode on Chris Benoit.
WWE was taping NXT shows today at the Performance Center. They are taping a few weeks of Raw, including the Raw after WrestleMania, over the next two days, and then taping WrestleMania on Wednesday and Thursday. AEW is taping on Wednesday. The show has Cody vs. Jimmy Havoc, a face-to-face with Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho, Luchasaurus vs Wardlow and Best Friends vs Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix in a street fight. No word on if they will tape more than one show this week.
As you can imagine, there has been nothing all week from combat sports that cracked the most searched stories on Google other than the death of Roger Mayweather, the uncle and former trainer of Floyd, at the age of 58 on Thursday. The change in WrestleMania did not register to the general public as a story.
Today’s Dragon Gate show is up in English, an empty arena show that people are saying was the best empty arena show to date.
J’Den Cox, a world champion who has a solid shot at the Olympic medal, said today in a question from Jordan Burroughs, that if he made the team, the way things are right now, he would not compete.
Kento Miyahara goes to break Mitsuharu Misawa’s Triple Crown title defense record tomorrow at Korakuen Hall when he defends against Suwama.
Stardom holds its one-night Cinderella tournament on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall which will air live and free on YouTube. The first round has:
Momo Watanabe vs. Starlight Kid
Jungle Kyona vs. Giulia
Konami vs. AZM
Syuri vs. Jamie Hayter
Tam Nakano vs. Saki Kashima
Saya Kamitani vs. Natsuko Tora
Maika vs. Utami Hayashishita
Mayu Iwatani vs. Hana Kimura
Pro Wrestling NOAH returned yesterday.
I want to make mention that this weekend was the fifth anniversary of the death of Hall of Fame wrestler Perro Aguayo Jr., and today is the third anniversary for the death of Jan Ross. Jan was one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet.
For a wrestling trivia note, this week is the 36th anniversary of the Ric Flair-Harley Race NWA title changes in Singapore which were supposed to be kept secret.
PWA did an empty arena show on Friday in Melbourne, Australia: Mick Moretti b Xena, Jimmy Townsend & William Preston won over Aaron Jake, Bel Pierce, Joseph Farrah, Rhys Angel and Silvio Milano, Jude London b Donnie Mako,Sam Osbourne b Steph De Lander, Jimmy Townsend & William Preston b Backman, Paris DeSilva b Kai Drake, Ricky South b Jack Bonza 2/3 falls, Mat Diamond & Robbie Eagles b Carter Deems & Matty Wahlberg (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Even as late as nine days ago, before WrestleMania was canceled, someone I know whose business was connected with WWE was looking to book some hotel blocks in Tampa but wanted the proviso that they could cancel if the show was canceled and the hotels would not allow that. They ended up not booking.
The annual Roller Derby Reunion which was to take place from 4/24 to 5/3 in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town, has been moved to 9/25 to 10/4.
We’re looking for your thoughts on AEW Revolution, as well as today being the final day for our poll on WWE Super Showdown. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match of each show to [email protected]
We’re looking for reports on last night’s WWE Raw show in State College, PA, as well as reporters from tonight’s Raw show in Salisbury, MD and Syracuse, NY to [email protected]
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.
An update on the WrestleMania card after Super Showdown with 11 currently decided upon matches and five or six others in discussion is covered in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The lead story updates how the coronavirus has affected Japanese pro wrestling as well as Japanese culture. We talk about sports and entertainment cancellations, the shows new Japan Pro Wrestling has canceled, the prospects for this year’s New Japan Cup, an update on Stardom,DDT,Dragon Gate, All Japan, NOAH and other Japanese companies on what shows are on and off. We look at if New Japan can still save the New Japan Cup, history of New Japan Cup winners vs. G-1 winners taking the IWGP title, an a breakdown of the original tournament plans.
The new issue also covers:
Plans and background of the coming WrestleMania, as well as Super Showdown coverage with match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
A feature on Manabu Nakanishi’s career and coverage of his retirement show this past week. We look at the difference between Nakanishi and Jushin Liger, Nakanishi’s amateur wrestling days, Nakanishi’s shoot fighting days, Nakanishi in WCW, the Nakanishi heyday and the past decade. We note the major surgery that nearly ended his career ad slowed him down, and some of the all-time greats comment on Nakanishi.
The major matches in the New Japan ring over the past week.
WWE television deals, WWE Network price change, XFL ratings, Samoa Joe suspension, New WWE international signing, WWE injury updates, Canadian TV ratings, Ric Flair’s 71st birthday, how much Raw has fallen in four yeas, Edge’s return,NXT Takeover notes, Evolve news for WrestleMania week with WWE talent, Australia tour, stock value, most-watched shows on the WWE Network as well as a look at every WWE arena event over the past week with business notes and highlights.
A preview of the AEW PPV and full coverage of the UFC show in Auckland, New Zealand.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
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.
The 2019 Wrestling Observer Awards issue will be out on Thursday, traditionally one of the biggest issues of the year.
Due to the coronavirus, Dragon Gate has officially canceled all of its shows until their 3/14 show in Kariya. These cancellations have been extremely costly to a number of companies in Japan, and too long without being able to garner live gate money can put those companies into serious financial jeopardy.
For the weekend’s Google Trends, WWE Super Showdown on Thursday was No. 7 for the day with 200,000, double what most of the Saudi Arabia shows do. For yesterday, AEW Revolution was No. 15 with 100,000, only the third time in its history (the previous being Double or Nothing and the first Dynamite) that the promotion has ever made the top 20 for the day. John Cena was No. 20 yesterday with 50,000.
WWE
There were a lot of complaints coming from the Saturday Smackdown house show in Elmira, NY, regarding Bray Wyatt not being there. He was advertised heavily in both local media and emails for the show as late as Thursday. After Super Showdown, they advertised him against Miz as the main event and the local TV commercial was built around The Fiend coming to Elmira. Leaving the show, his absence is what some people were talking about.
Erik of the Viking Raiders came back ill from Saudi Arabia and went home for a few days, missing the house show last night and tonight. The Raw side had Ricochet vs. Karl Anderson in the headline spot.
UFC
Anthony Hernandez vs. Islam Makhachev is expected for the 4/18 PPV at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
AEW
Here’s an interview with Alex Marvez talking about both AEW and the NFL and his being a wrestling fan growing up.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bellator has a press conference on March 9th at Viacom/CBS at 1515 Broadway at noon with Ryan Bader, Darrion Caldwell, Pedro Carvalho, Cal Ellenor, James Gallagher, Douglas Lima, A.J. McKee, Gegard Mousasi, Vadim Nemknov, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, Emmanuel Sanchez, Daniel Weichel and other guests.
EVOLVE at 7 p.m. Eastern tonight from Melrose, MA at www.wwnlive.com has Josh Briggs vs. AR Fox, Mansoor vs. Anthony Greene, Jake Atlas vs. Curt Stallion, Brendan Vink vs. Leon Ruff, Harlem Bravado vs, Stephen Wolf, Colby Corino vs. Joe Gacy, Liam Ruff & Adrian Alanis vs. Jon Davis & Denzel Dejournette, plus Brandi Lauren & Jessi Kamea in a tag team match.
BCW from Friday night in Melbourne, Australia: Juventud Guerrera b Cletus to win Battle Express title, Aysha b Vixsin, Nick Bury won Battle Royal, Mortar b Erika Reid to keep women’s title, The Preston Kindred b Super Crazy & Psicosis to keep BCW tag titles, Gabriel Wolfe b Mad Dog in a cage match to keep BCW title. The next shows in April will have Nick Aldis and Dalton Castle. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
BCW from last night in Sydney, Australia: Nick Bury b Gabriel Wolfe to win BCW title, Bee Boy won over Lucius Wolfe, Sketch and Jesse Hendy, Vinnie Vain b Djaysonic, Mortar b Aysha to keep women’s title, Mitch Waterman b Juventud Guerrera to win Battle Express title, Mad Dog d Mick Moretti via double pin, The Preston Kindred b Super Crazy & Psicosis to keep BCW tag titles, Super Crazy & Psicosis & Juventud Guerrera b The Preston Kindred & Vinnie Vain (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
As he does almost every year, Jim Duggan was at the Variety Club Iowa Children’s Charity telethon this past weekend. (thanks to Brian Henke)
Great North Wrestling Smiths Falls results (Feb 29) before more than 400 fans at the Gallipeau Center Theater in Smiths Falls Ontario: Blood Hunter and Scorpio managed by Blaze defeated Haku and Barbarian, Lufisto beat Jessika Black to become the new GNW Women’s Champion of Canada, Jeremy Prophet retained the Canadian Title over Sexy Eddy, Carl Leduc submitted Sykes, Stunning Steven & Harley Davison beat Colin Oliver and Bruiser, Paul Rosenberg beat Steve McDainel, Dean Danis beat John Dundee. Bianca Carelli’s was scheduled to appear but was injured on an event in the Toronto area Friday night getting a concussion, laceration requiring stitches and a swelled shut eye so her debut will be postponed. The next official GNW event is scheduled for Saturday Aug 8 at the Earl Armstrong Arena in Ottawa for the 13th Anniversary Show featuring The Hannibal TV Champion Davey Boy Smith Jr and all Titles defended.
