Simone Johnson is officially beginning a career in professional wrestling.
WWE announced today that Johnson, the 18-year-old daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, has begun training at the company’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. WWE wrote that Johnson is on the path to becoming the first fourth-generation wrestler in their history, joining The Rock, her grandfather Rocky Johnson, and her great-grandfather Peter Maivia.
“It means the world to me,” Johnson told WWE.com. “To know that my family has such a personal connection to wrestling is really special to me and I feel grateful to have the opportunity, not only to wrestle, but to carry on that legacy.”
“Simone Johnson’s unbridled passion and incredible drive has earned her a coveted spot training with the elite athletes from around the world at the WWE Performance Center,” Paul “Triple H” Levesque said. “Not only does Simone now have an opportunity to cultivate and display her passion for WWE within the Performance Center, but she’ll carry on the tradition of her incredible family lineage while creating her own impact as WWE’s first fourth-generation Superstar.”
In an interview with Good Morning America in 2018, The Rock spoke about Simone wanting to become a wrestler. “I said, ‘Honey, whatever your passion is I support that,’ And wrestling was good to me. I started my career in Madison Square Garden, so bring it on. She’s going to be a champ.”
Johnson had already done some training at the Performance Center prior to officially joining WWE.
“Simone knows she has a lot to learn,” NXT head coach Matt Bloom said. “She’s hungry to learn and picks the coaches’ minds, and the veteran Superstars’, as well. She’s not going to rest on her laurels. It’s been a short time, but she’s been crushing it.”
“Simone is a wonderful girl,” NXT assistant head coach Sara Amato said. “She’s like a sponge, it’s pretty amazing. She knows what it takes to succeed and all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into it. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”
Cathy Kelley will interview Simone at 3 p.m. Eastern time this Wednesday. It will stream on WWE’s digital platforms.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said Tuesday that he will make an announcement Friday that he wanted to “tell UFC fans and MMA community first.”
Johnson was on an Instagram chat with UFC president Dana White talking about this Saturday’s UFC 244 pay-per-view in which he will present the winner of Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal with the “BMF” belt, a ceremonial championship created for this fight only.
At the end of the talk, he said he will make the announcement Friday at a UFC press conference. The company has yet to formally announce a time or location.
Johnson is an Endeavor client, the company that owns UFC. A longtime UFC fan, the idea for Johnson to present the belt to the winner of Saturday’s main event came up from Masvidal on social media.
The announcement could be associated with Athleticon, a three-day event next October in Atlanta, GA, that will focus on athletics, fitness, and entertainment. In this CNN article, it mentions “competitive athletic events” which could mean a UFC event considering Athleticon is held over a weekend.
It is not expected the 47-year-old will announce he is going to fight in the UFC.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is returning for SmackDown’s 20th anniversary celebration.
In a tweet today, Johnson announced that he’ll be making an appearance on SmackDown’s FOX premiere this Friday (October 4): “FINALLY…I come back home to my @WWE universe. This FRIDAY NIGHT, I’ll return for our debut of SMACKDOWN! LIVE on @FOXTV. There’s no greater title than #thepeopleschamp. And there’s no place like home. Tequila on me after the show #IfYaSmell #Smackdown #RocksShow #FOX”
SmackDown first debuted in 1999 and was named after one of Johnson’s catchphrases.
Appearances by Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Lita, Mick Foley, Booker T, Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus, Goldberg, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Mark Henry, Ric Flair, and Sting have also been advertised for the SmackDown on FOX premiere.
The episode is taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Friday, where Johnson made non-televised appearances before and after an episode of Raw in February 2017. Filming for “Fighting with My Family” was being done at the Staples Center that night.
Here are the matches that have been announced for Friday’s SmackDown on FOX premiere:
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Brock Lesnar
Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon in a ladder match where both their careers are on the line
Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley
Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan
Dana White has said that Johnson will also present the BMF title to the winner of Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on November 2.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Sasha Banks returns to WWE Joseph Currier looks at the return of Sasha Banks and what it means for the women’s division. Plus, Bryan Rose’s Japan notes, and Vinny’s TV reviews.
The return of Banks gives Lynch the opponent she’s needed since WrestleMania. After winning the biggest women’s match in company history, Lynch was put in an impossible position by WWE. She had to maintain her momentum without having any credible opponents to face. Lacey Evans was a poor choice for her first challenger.
One of WWE’s most important goals should have been elevating Lynch and the women’s division further. It was always known that Rousey wouldn’t be with WWE forever. It’s great that Rousey was able to have main event-level matches with the company. It’s great that the Rousey/Lynch/Charlotte Flair rivalry was so deserving of its top spot going into WrestleMania.
But a year of progress doesn’t mean that much if you don’t continue to build upon it. Instead of Lynch facing someone who was near her level, her opponent was a wrestler who wasn’t even in a star in NXT.
The birth of the Wednesday Night War is the top story in the new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We discuss how the NXT to USA deal came about, when NXT wrestlers were told, how this impacts the WWE/Fox relationship, and what this means for the NXT brand, going forward.
We have details on the finances of the NXT to USA deal, and we break down the head-to-head aspect of NXT vs. AEW. We also have comments from a major television executive who gives his perspective on the deal, as well as the potential for audience burnout.
A story on the latest AEW TV taping sellouts is also featured in the new issue. We also have notes on the secondary ticket market demand for all of the AEW shows.
An obituary for Eddie Marlin is also in the new issue, with a ton of details on his life.
Also in this issue, Ryan Frederick covers this past weekend’s UFC show, and we have detailed TV ratings and business notes on the show.
We also wrap up our G1 coverage with a detailed breakdown of each individual’s star ratings for the tournament.
We have full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
As always, we have in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows,the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.
We also have the 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.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
Forbes listed Dwayne Johnson once again as the highest paid actor, earning $89.4 million between June 1, 2018 and June 1, 2019. It noted he’s getting a $23.5 million guarantee for the Jumanji sequel, and gets a big cut from the gate from his franchise movies. He also gets $700,000 per episode of Ballers. It also noted Robert Downey made $55 million for “Avengers: Endgame” when his percentage of the box office was included. Chris Hemsworth was second to Johnson at $76.4 million.
The Super J Cup starts tonight at the Temple Theater in Tacoma, WA. Reminder, this show will not be airing on New Japan World until September, nor will any of the tournament. The winners of tonight’s matches advance to San Francisco on Saturday night. Tonight’s show has
Jushin Liger & Karl Fredericks vs. Ren Narita & Shota Umino
Rocky Romero vs. Soberano Jr.
Clark Connors vs. TJ Perkins
Caristico vs. Bushi
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jonathan Gresham
Robbie Eagles vs. El Phantasmo
Dragon Lee vs. Yoh
Taiji Ishimori vs. Sho
Will Ospreay vs. Amazing Red
The foreigners being brought in for CMLL’s 8/30 World Grand Prix are Matt Taven, Kenny King, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Mecha Wolf 450, Oraculo, Luke Hawx and Big Daddy. No, not that Big Daddy, although imagining him working Arena Mexico would be something. It’s Big Daddy Yumyum, who had a very brief run years back in New Japan as part of Bruce Tharpe’s NWA stable. They also announced they would not be streaming this show live. The Mexican names in the tournament are in the current Observer.
The Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White G-1 final airs Saturday on AXS.
WWE
I’m not sure what this says about the country but there was a poll done on who would win between Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar. Now of course Jones got the majority of votes, but there were 17 states where Lesnar got more votes than Jones, mostly in the Northeast.
WWE Smackdown, with a few guys from Raw, are currently in South America and have a show tomorrow in Bogota, Colombia to go along with shows on Saturday in Lima, Peru and Sunday in Panama City.
Lacey Evans will be appearing on the Military Makeover season premiere show on 8/30 with host Montel Williams.
Alexander Wolfe comes to wXw on 11/23 for a show in Dresden, Germany. It will be the first time in five years he’s wrestled in his home town, since just before leaving and going to WWE.
Mark Madsen vs. Danilo Bellurado has been added to the UFC show on 9/28 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
MISCELLANEOUS
Pro Wrestling Revolver tomorrow night in Dayton, OH at The Brightside with Tessa Blanchard vs. Daga, Jessicka Havok vs. Jimmy Havoc, Jody Threat vs. Rickey Shane Page, Nevaeah vs. Jake Crist, Kris Statlander vs. Ace Austin and Zoey Skye vs. Ace Romero.
Carlo Di Bliae was named the President of One Italy earlier this week as the promotion continues to expand worldwide.
Fred Rosser, the former Darren Young, is taking bookings through Bill Behrens at [email protected] He is based out of Los Angeles. Other names that can be booked through Behrens include Amber O’Neal out of Charlotte and Sinn Bodhi out of Las Vegas.
Combate Americas on 9/20 in Mexicali,Mexico is headlined by Rafa Garcia (10-0) vs. Erick Gonzalez (10-3) to become the first Combate Americas lightweight champion, plus Aaron Brink (29-26) vs. Oscar Cota (10-2).
Arn Anderson will appear on 10/12 for CWA in Hot Springs,AR at Convention Center Hall D
Singapore Pro Wrestling announced Alex Cuevas & Aiden Rex vs. T-Hawk & Lindaman for its 9/15 show with Kenny Omega.
Jake Roberts is scheduled for an Australia tour from February 7-18, 2020 doing talk shows in Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Riho of AEW will be working for New Taiwan Entertainment on 9/14.
Jazzy Gabert is currently touring with the Udo Lindenberg (famous German singer) tour where some characters wrestle in a ring on a stage and she’s part of that and also helped train the performers
Private Party vs. Pentagon Jr. & Fenix is set for Northeast Wrestling on 9/13 in Waterbury, CT.
Ignite Wrestling on 9/14 in Vero Beach, FL at the Walking Tree Brewery with Aaron Epic vs Erick Stevens for their singles title and Kaci Lennox vs. Kilynn King for their women’s title.
MLW Fusion will have Teddy Hart vs. MJF on Saturday night’s show along with El Hijo de L.A. Park vs. Zenshi. Monday on Bein Espanol has L.A. Park vs. Jimmy Havoc in a street fight.
IWF has a tournament on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Nutley, NJ Rec Center. Tito Santana and Bull James appear on the show. They also run 10/11 in Wayne. NJ at the PAL with Tito Santana, Tony Atlas and Bull James.
There is a 25 percent off VIP Fan Fest tickets for the Warrior Wrestling show on 9/1 in Chicago Heights, IL. If you go to http://www.warriorwrestling.net and use the code FLASH you can get 25 percent off VIP tickets to meet Mick Foley, Austin Aries, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Brian Cage,Caristico, Tessa Blanchard and many more.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers talks being a WWE fan (thanks to Mike Kuzuk)
University of Illinois offensive coordinator Rod Smith (no relation to head coach Lovie Smith) works his longtime Ric Flair fandom into his job, especially the social-media part (thanks to Matt Kaufman)
Joseph Currier gives his thoughts on SummerSlam 2019. Plus, Bryan Rose’s Japan notes, and Vinny’s TV reviews.
This year’s SummerSlam main event was a pivotal moment in the career of Seth Rollins.
If that wasn’t made clear going into the pay-per-view, it certainly felt true in the moment. As much as headlining a Big Four PPV is a huge spot for anyone, Rollins’ match against Brock Lesnar came at a time when Rollins was at a tipping point. He could either win and regain his momentum — or his character would probably have to go in a different direction.
With how WWE built to their match, Rollins winning was the right outcome. He had been viciously beaten down by Lesnar in angles on Raw each of the last two weeks. After the second attack, a subdued Rollins vowed to be at SummerSlam and guaranteed that he would defeat Lesnar.
Rollins came through on his guarantee. After hitting his third curb stomp of the match, Rollins pinned Lesnar to regain the Universal title. The match delivered on a much higher level than Rollins’ previous bouts against Lesnar. Rollins was put over strongly and positioned as the current top babyface in the company.
One of the most shocking and heated angles in modern wrestling is covered as the lead story in the new Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We discuss the angle itself, how it came together, and what it might be leading to.
Reviews of WWE Summerslam and NJPW’s G1 finals, plus tons of news are also covered this week.
We have results and star ratings from SummerSlam, as well as data and analytics on who bought the show on traditional PPV.
Of course we have star ratings and business notes on the final G1shows of the year, as well as the readers’ poll for G1 MVP. We also examine how this year’s tournament compared to last year’s from a business perspective.
We have a story on some changes to upcoming WWE house shows. We also have notes on WWE PPV buying habits in major markets in 2019.
As you might expect, we also have complete coverage of NXT TakeOver: Toronto, as well as star ratings for the matches.
Also in this issue, Ryan Frederick covers this past weekend’s UFC show, and we have detailed TV ratings and business notes on the show.
We have full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
As always, we have in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows,the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.
We also have the 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 breaking down all the news and there is a lot of it. For tonight, if you have any questions regarding the AEW vs. WWE Wednesday night war or the TV deal with USA, send to me at [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected] and I’ll answer it on tonight’s show.
The major aspects of the deal are expected to be announced on Raw tonight. At least that was the plan yesterday and it was what NXT talent was told. The belief is the show will go live weekly from Full Sail University but that aspect has been a closely guarded secret.
Congratulations to Dwayne Johnson on his marriage to Lauren Hashian, his longtime girlfriend, yesterday in Hawaii. The couple has two daughters, who are 3 (Jasmine) and 1 (Tiana) and have been a couple for some time.
Tony Schiavone will continue to work for MLW as a deal was worked out between MLW and AEW for his services. WWE also made an offer for Schiavone.
All Elite Wrestling tickets for 10/23 in Pittsburgh at the Petersen Events Center and 10/30 in Charleston, WV at the Charleston Coliseum go on sale Friday. Charleston to me is going to be the toughest market to date to sell out instantly in. Nice sized building and not a big population base, even though it has done strong viewership for AEW shows to date.
WWE
There is a WWE Night at Fenway Park in Boston on 9/3. Fans will have the chance to receive a “The Champ is Here” T-shirt on a first-come first served basis. 50 fans will be selected for photos with Ricochet before the game.
Kalisto and Gran Metalik both noted that their contracts will be up in ten months.
UFC
Daniel Cormier wrote on Instagram apologizing for his loss, saying he will now decide what he will do next.
MISCELLANEOUS
After a successful Expo Lucha this past weekend, Masked Republic, the promoters, announced Expo Lucha 2020 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with the idea that it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rey Mysterio, Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera wrestling in that building with ECW. It will take place on August 16 and 17, 2020. More information will come in the fall. More information here.
PWA from yesterday in Sydney, Australia: Sam Osborne b Kai Drake, Richard South b Silvio Milano, Steph De Lander won four-way over Aaron Jake, Jay Sorbet and Ultimate Fighter Fudge, Matty Wahlberg b Danger Paul, Billy Preston & Jimmy Townsend b Jack Bonza & Kingsley, Shazza McKenzie b Xena, Michael Spencer b Rhys Angel, Mike Quackenbush & Mat Diamond & Paris De Silva b Adam Hoffman & Jessica Troy & Mick Moretti (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Results from the WWN Recruitment camp tryout show yesterday from Port Richey, FL that they put on their streaming service: Justin Taylor b Brandon Gore, Cameron Bra’nae b Kelsy Heather, Mat Rogers & Connor Braxton b Chris & Patrick Voros, Karam b Cam Carter, Kirk Aube won over Dean Cooper, Mongo, Alexander Thorne, Noah Gray and Weatherman Josh, Robert Baines b Leo King, Robert Daines b Aaron James, Chris Cruz b Robert Baines, Chris Cruz b Ezra Zelious, Deget Bundlez b Chris Cruz, Deget Bundlez b Scott Leduer, Deget Bundlez b Steve O’Reno, Jenna Van Muscles b Sammy,. Connor Rielly won over Elia Braatz, Manny Damingo and Justin Morales, Gia Roman & Rahne Victoria & Lavender Skye b Hayley Shadows & Shawn Reed & Chelsea Durde, JDX b Mike Micas, Anthony Gutierrez b Mike Donovan (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Results from the Pro Wrestling Zero Blast Festival in Kawasaki, Japan yesterday: Shoki Kitamura & Towa Iwasaki b Shogun Okamoto & Yoshikazu Yokoyama, Sugi won three-way over Takuya Sugawara and Yasu Kubota, Rina Yamashita & Kohei Sato b Amazon & Yuji Hino, Arisa Nakajima & Asuka b Yoshiko & Kaho Kobayashi, Koji Kanemoto & Shinjiro Otani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa b Dick Togo & Masao Orihara & Ikuto Hidaka, Masato Tanaka & Hide Kubota b Chris Vice & Taru in an exploding barbed wire bat match to win the Blat King tag titles, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Nanae Takahashi to win the Blast Queen title in a no rope exploding barbed wire and tables death match (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
CWE from yesterday in Medicine Hat, Alberta: Sigmon b Johnny Devine, Jordan Kingsley b Jordan Kage, Tony Kozina b James Tapia, Stormbringer & Montana Black & Kevin O’Doyle b Warlord & Jude Dawkins & Danny Duggan, Slave b Shaun Martens, Alix Zwicker & Kimberly Ford b Zoe Sager & Jade, Danny Duggan b Sigmon. Next show in Medicine Hat is 11/23 with Juventud Guerrera
ACTION Wrestling from Friday night in Tyrone, GA before 255 fans: Alan Angels b James Bandy, Kevin Blue & Chris Spectra b Matt Sells & Kavron Kanyn, Shawn Dean b Ben Carter, AJ Gray b Steve Manders, Logan Stunt NC Arik Royal, Marko Stunt b Billy Buck, Bobby Flaco b Liam Gray, Fred Yehi b Erick Stevens AC Mack b Slim J. Next show is 10/5 in Tyrone, GA for a free show with Stevie Richards, Chris Hamrick and more.
Shane Douglas will be starting a podcast called “Franchised with Shane Douglas” every week debuting on 8/27,which would be the 25th anniversary of the Douglas win of the NWA world title where the threw the belt down and called it the ECW title, which debuted that title.
The Temple Theater in Tacoma, WA not only has the first round of the Super J Cup but on 8/23 has a Defy show with Jushin Liger, Juice Robinson and a meet and greet with Katsuyori Shibata. The first night is sold out but there are tickets left for the second night.
Revolution Wrestling Federation 8/31 in Harrisburg, PA at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center.
Besides the live Raw tonight, there will also be scenes shot for the movie “Fighting with My Family” at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
They’ll be shooting the in-ring wrestling scenes with the lead characters.
The movie is based on the Bevis family in England, which includes father, wrestler and promoter Ricky Knight, mother Sweet Saraya Knight, as well as Paige and her brothers. The movie, a comedy, likely builds to Paige, played by Florence Pugh, going after the Divas champion, who is played by former TNA wrestler Thea Trinidad. While we don’t know this, it would make sense that scenes for a match between them would be shot tonight.
Dwayne Johnson is hands on with the making of the movie and will be at the Staples Center. It would make it very easy for him to appear on Raw although it has not been confirmed that he will be.
Johnson tweeted that they would be filming Pugh’s “big scene” after Raw goes off the air.
