Daniel Bryan is set to appear on the next episode of WWE Backstage.
WWE on FOX has announced that Bryan will be a guest on Backstage next Tuesday (June 2). CM Punk will also be on the episode as part of the panel with Renee Young, Booker T, and Christian. It will be Punk’s seventh appearance as an analyst on Backstage. He most recently appeared on the May 13 episode of the show.
Bryan is facing Jeff Hardy in the semifinals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown this week. Both semifinal matches will air on this week’s SmackDown, with AJ Styles taking on Elias on the other side of the bracket. Bryan defeated Drew Gulak in the first round of the tournament.
After airing at midnight each of the past two weeks, WWE Backstage is returning to its normal 11 p.m. Eastern time slot on FS1 on Tuesday. A replay of WrestleMania 31 will air on FS1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time leading into Backstage.
The return of major shows in the U.S. and how the different companies are dong them is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We look at UFC’s plans, how the PBR handled their first event which was the first sports event back, what UFC’s plans are for May 23, lineups for the UFC shows, Dana White, doctors and others talk about UFC going back, the shows AEW and WWE is putting on, how the fighters are preparing differently, how UFC is handling backstage, how all three companies are handling testing, plus comments from other promoters.
The new issue also covers:
Preview Money in the bank, AEW Double or Nothing II, and update New Japan’s plans and cancellations. We also look at the AEW PPV scene, Big Japan needing crowd funding and going through all of the WWE released talent and look at their future prospects.
How COVID-19 has affected the ratings of every show, the variations and what lessons can be learned by the ratings drops.
Risks involving Roman Reigns, FOX airing a special head-to-head with UFC PPV, update on how WWE financials look with new information and stock value, Becky Lynch acting, New WWE TV show, WWE injury updates, wrestler who left the promotion apologizes for behavior, U.K. ratings, Matt Riddle talks heat and his meeting with Vince McMahon, Mike Bennett talks leaving WWE, When WWE tried to work with CMLL, Orlando Colon talks leaving and certain naievete, most watched sports on television, Paul Levesque selling stock, Next week’s TV, and most watched shows of the past week on WWE Network.
Supreme, the Southern California indie star who was one of the top stars of XPW, including looking back at his career, his FMW tag title run, and the famous ECW/XPW brawl at a PPV show.
Maryland commission ruling regarding the Kenny Omega match with Jon Moxley in Baltimore.
What happened to Hiroshi Hase.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
This week’s episode of The Bump featured Otis, Asuka, Adam Cole, William Regal, and former announcer Todd Pettengill.
Sami Zayn responded to the announcement he is no longer Intercontinental champion on Twitter, writing: “I disagree with this decision and no matter what anyone says, I am still undefeated and therefore still the Intercontinental Champion.”
WWE issued a storyline injury update on Rey Mysterio: “Rey Mysterio’s injury status is still listed as critical. Doctors cannot properly assess the damage to his retina until the swelling subsides, as Rey is currently at-risk for infection. Mysterio suffered an eye injury when Seth Rollins grinded his face into the corner of the steel ring steps. Stick with WWE’s digital and social platforms for more information on Mysterio’s status as it becomes available, and tune in to Raw every Monday at 8/7 C on USA”
WWE Backstage last night scored 173,000 viewers. They were back in the top 150 rated television shows on cable after several weeks of not charting. The WrestleMania III Rewind show at 7 p.m. scored 157,000 viewers.
Boston Celtics center Enes Canter told Stadium that he’s had offers from WWE and plans on becoming a WWE wrestler when his basketball career is over.
Vince McMahon congratulated Becky Lynch on her pregnancy: “@BeckyLynchWWE is a world-class athlete who will undoubtedly be a world-class mom. She’s rewritten the book on what it means to be a champion on #WWERaw, and now she’s starting an exciting new chapter. On behalf of the entire #WWE family, congratulations!”
Ariel Helwani interviewed The Undertaker about his confrontation with Brock Lesnar from UFC 121 in 2010.
Arizona governor Doug Ducey announced today that major sports leagues can resume limited reopening without fans starting this Saturday, giving promotions like WWE, UFC and AEW another state to run shows in.
John Cena, Kofi Kingston, The Rock, Undertaker, Becky Lynch and other WWE stars will be added to The King of Fighters All Star game on May 14.
Here is a trailer for the second episode of Undertaker: The Last Ride.
PROGRESS announced that they’ve canceled all of their shows that were scheduled for this summer. In their statement, PROGRESS wrote that they’re looking at October as the earliest possible return date.
Dark Side of the Ring posted the trailer for next week’s season two finale on the death of Owen Hart.
AEW posted a video on Suge D, aka Pineapple Pete, ahead of his match tonight against Chris Jericho.
On Twitter, Lio Rush showed off a prototype of a mask he intended to wear during his run in NXT, but Triple H rejected the idea.
DDT is set to conduct an “open experiment”where they will do a Zoom pro wrestling match with 100 audience members in the chatroom reacting to the match.
MMA
RT is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap, is in a coma at a Moscow military hospital. Dana White on Twitter wrote: “Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honor and respect. He instilled those same values in his son, world champion Khabib, at an early age and was always in his corner throughout his career. I know how close Khabib is with his father and I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight.”
Conor McGregor tweeted that he’s praying for Abdulmanap’s recovery: “Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know. A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time”
Tonight’s Karl Roberson vs. Marvin Vettori fight is off, according to Ariel Helwani. Roberson reportedly fell ill following a tough weight cut.
The New York Times obtained the full operations plan for UFC events in Jacksonville, Florida, which you can read here.
A look at how the major companies are looking at either running or not running is the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We also have a major feature on the characters from ABC’s 20/20, from David Schultz, John Stossell, Jim Wilson and Eddy Mansfield, as well as a feature on Gerald Brisco and how Vince McMahon got control of the TBS time slot for one year.
The issue also covers:
The schedule for UFC, WWE and AEW.
The time frame Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida talked about for live events, the hypocrisy sanctioning these events, why UFC isn’t running Las Vegas, ESPN’s change of policy, another state open to bring in wrestling, boxing and MMA, UFC’s first show back, update on Fight Island, Bellator plans and Scott Coker talks his ideas.
Another feature on WWE financials with Vince McMahon’s quotes on all facets of business going forward and what is and isn’t honest about them. We also look at why you can’t compare live attendance, what category does look good and what doesn’t, empty arena shows, costs of taping now and why Vince says the WWE Network should grow.
The firings of Cain Velasquez and Curtis Axel and the departure, at least for now, of Gerald Brisco.
How close Brisco and Vince McMahon have been, the 1984 purchase of GCW by McMahon and how it went down, how McMahon lost the time slot after one year, the WWE signing and usage of Velasquez, and what major WWE decision-maker thought Axel would be one of the company’s signature stars.
The latest episode of Dark Side of the Ring on David Schultz. We look at the start of Schultz’s career, his feud with Hulk Hogan, slapping John Stossel, Eddy Mansfield, Jim Wilson, Jim Barnett, how Schultz got fired by WWE, Jim Cornette on the show, the Lou Thesz-Eddy Mansfield confrontation, the deregulation of wrestling, and how the story on Jimmy Snuka and the 20/20 story on wrestling intertwine.
New Monday night competition to Raw, 2K plans or 2020, How WWE stars get paid, wrestler who pulled out of tapings this past week, U.K. and Canada TV ratings, Taynara Conti and Mike Bennett talk being released, Jerry Lawler talks his remark bout Tozawa, Heath Slater talks his departure, David Starr talks current conditions and the most-watched bouts for the past week on WWE Network.
A harrowing story on Ilima lei-Macfarlane and her childhood going to the famed Punahou Schoolin Hawaii and the dirty secret the school covered up for decades that has just come to light.
Full coverage of the Impact Rebellion show with so many champions not there, as well as match-by-match coverage.
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.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
FS1’s Best of WWE specials on Ric Flair, Edge, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns averaged 157,000 viewers, 213,000 viewers, 255,000 viewers, and 198,000 viewers last night. The respective ratings in the 18-49 demo were 0.03, 0.05, 0,06, and 0.04.
Today’s The Bump featured AJ Styles, The Miz & Maryse, Tamina, and Dana Brooke.
A pre-Money in the Bank episode of The Bump is airing at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. The Undertaker, Bayley, and Bray Wyatt have been announced as guests for the show. Undertaker appearing on The Bump comes in advance of “Undertaker: The Last Ride” premiering on the WWE Network after Money in the Bank.
Kevin Nash will be a guest on next Wednesday’s episode of The Bump.
Lester Perfors, best known as Supreme, passed away this morning according to nephew Joey Muñoz, who wrestled as Kaos in the California independent scene. Supreme was best known for his run in XPW, where he held their King of the Deathmatch title four times.
Tony Khan tweeted that all AEW wrestlers and staff for tonight’s live episode of Dynamite have tested negative for COVID-19: “#AEWDynamite is live tonight on TNT at 8pm ET/7CT! I’ve tested negative for COVID as have all wrestlers & staff here, we’re taking best precautions possible & it’ll be a great show with the debut of Matt Hardy teaming w/ Kenny Omega v. Jericho & Guevara, + @JonMoxley v. Kazarian!”
On Facebook yesterday, the IATSE 115 union wrote about setting up for tonight’s Dynamite and the health precautions that are in place: “We reopened with AEW-All Elite Wrestling SAFELY at Daily’s Place Amphitheatre today. A COVID-19 Rapid Test was given to every stagehand, road crew, venue staff and talent before entering the venue. Portable wash stations, hand sanitizer stations, mandatory masks covering, social distancing (especially at breaks) at all times. We didn’t ask to be the first but we are and we are working to keep it SAFE! #iatse115 #unionstrong #returntoworksafely”
Khan appeared on today’s episode of the AEW Unrestricted podcast and discussed AEW continuing to run during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ariel Helwani tweeted that AEW’s wrestlers and personnel and the UFC’s fighters and personnel are both staying at the same hotel in Jacksonville: “Two major events are happening in Jacksonville this week: UFC 249 and AEW tapings. Coincidentally, all fighters/wrestlers and personnel for both orgs are staying at the same hotel in Jacksonville, I’m told. That could make for a fun time.”
Vice uploaded the trailer for next week’s Dark Side of the Ring episode on The Road Warriors.
Jon Moxley talked to Stephanie Chase on WWE releases, his work in AEW and NJPW, his role in Cagefighter: Worlds Collide and more.
MLW announced a multi-year agreement with Fight Globe that “will see Fight Globe represent the distribution of MLW programming in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa as well as Canada and Mexico.”
Next week’s episode of WWE Backstage will feature CM Punk’s sixth appearance as an analyst.
It was announced on last night’s Backstage that Punk will be part of the panel for next Tuesday’s episode of the show. It will be Punk’s second appearance since the show switched to being done remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Punk’s most recent appearance on Backstage was on the April 14 edition of the show.
Next week’s Backstage will be the show’s first episode after Money in the Bank. It was hyped that Backstage will include Punk giving his thoughts on the pay-per-view.
Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio both appeared as guests on Backstage last night ahead of Money in the Bank. They’re two of the men’s participants for Sunday’s Money in the Bank ladder match, with them being joined by AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Otis in the match. The men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches are taking place simultaneously.
Backstage airs on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday nights.
We’ve got one of our biggest news issues of the year out this week, a double-issue with a number of bios and history features, updates on all the major promotion moves when it comes to scheduling and WWE business notes.
The issue also covers:
Changes in the WWE schedule, why the company changed plans after just one week, who benefits the most, as well as AEW going back too taping and details of that. We also look at the next AEW PPV show, an employee complaints about WWE continuing, differences between what AEW, UFC and WWE are doing, what firing hurts the WWE perception and thoughts of people sitting it out, a doctor talks about what is needed to do these shows without a health risk and the WWE event schedule for the next few months.
A number of recent new WWE cuts, including some surprises, how the WWE dividend and Vince McMahon’s share fits into these cuts, projections for 2020 profitability if house shows don’t return for the rest of 2020, and why several people got cut.
The most in-depth coverage of WWE business, covering each department of the company, lots of Vince McMahon reaction to the numbers and the future, what McMahon said that is and isn’t true, the story behind the ratings and the story behind increases and declines across the board. Plus we examine the WWE network numbers.
Changes in the business going forward.
Joe Pedicino and pro wrestling, how he got in, his early innovative ideas, how Nigerian scram, his promotion of Global Wrestling, how it fell apart, stars who got breaks there and lie after wrestling.
Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, what is it all about and how much the XFL actually lost before it folded.
HHH’s thoughts on two-night WrestleManias going forward, A.J. Styles talks Gallows & Anderson losing their job, Roman Reigns update, Ronda Rousey update, Arn Anderson talks why Cesaro doesn’t get pushed, Canadian wrestling TV ratings, story on a surprise on Raw this past week who was canceled after the show started, update on Drake Maverick, the Smackdown announce team, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
PFL closing down for the year, why what they said publicly was somewhat misleading and why they are still paying fighters, as well as thoughts on shutting down.
A number of new stories on Howard Finkel, both people who helped out and people who bullied him and looking back on those situations.
The first UFC fighter announced COVID-19 positive.
Brawl for All, going behind the scenes, a look at the Dark Side of the Ring coverage, examining the coverage and looking back at the entire scenario.
Look back at the Jimmy Snuka/Nancy Argentino death case, look at Dark Side coverage and add a lot more that wasn’t covered.
A back-of-the-book feature on Dick Steinborn, who was a big star in the 60s and 70s, and his father Milo, one of the strongest men in the world and a wrestling promoter. We look at Milo’s amazing feats of strength, as well as both the positive and negatives of the legacy of Dick in pro wrestling.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Today’s episode of The Bump featured Rey Mysterio, Carmella, Big E, Becky Lynch and “Billions” executive producer Brian Koppelman. Announced for next week is Tamina, The Miz, and Maryse.
NXT tonight will have Drake Maverick vs. Tony Nese in an interim cruiserweight title tournament match. Both currently have a 0-1 record in group A.
The ESRB website, which gave a “T” rating to the upcoming WWE 2K Battlegrounds, lists the game as coming to the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Stadia platforms.
WWE Backstage last night once again failed to enter the top 150 rated programs last night on cable television. WWE’s Best of shows, however, did rank. The Best of John Cena at 7 pm ET had 124,000 viewers, Triple H at 8 pm did 220,000, Undertaker at 9 pm did 270,000 and Shawn Michaels at 10 pm did 217,000. The shows placed 147th, 112th, 94th, and 113th for the night respectively.
Conan O’Brien took shots at WWE being deemed an ‘essential service’ on his show last night.
Jeff Hardy will be the guest on Corey Graves’ After the Bell podcast this week.
Titus O’Neil turns 43 years old today. Vince McMahon wrote the following on Twitter: “A stellar athlete, a best-selling-author, a dedicated father and a world-class human being whose generosity knows no bounds. Happy Birthday, @TitusONeilWWE!”
Other Wrestling
Chris Jericho spoke to Newsweek about AEW returning to live taping in May. “I think everybody kind of wants to get back to work,” he said. “We’re trying to start slowly and integrate back into life and I think it’s perfect. Obviously, we’ll take precautions and all that sort of stuff but it’s time to get back on track and I’m looking forward to it.”
Matt Cardona, the former Zack Ryder, is teasing the return of the Internet championship. He recently filed a trademark for that term.
MLW today announced a partnership with INDEMAND that will bring MLW events to PPV starting in May.
Notable birthdays for today include Jay Lethal (35), Paul Roma (60), and Aksana (38).
MMA
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight champion Amanda Nunes expressed interest in a future WWE run once her MMA career is over. “Not right now, but maybe later when I retire. I’m open to it. Why not? I could try something new.”
Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos is donating his PRIDE trophy, with all proceeds going to help people affected by COVID-19 in his hometown of Rondonopolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Don’Tale Mayes vs. Rodrigo Nascimento, Cortney Casey vs. Mara Romero Borella and Giga Chikadze vs. Mike Davis have been added to the May 16th UFC card.
We’ve got one of our biggest news issues of the year out this week, a double-issue with a number of bios and history features, updates on all the major promotion moves when it comes to scheduling and WWE business notes.
The issue also covers:
Changes in the WWE schedule, why the company changed plans after just one week, who benefits the most, as well as AEW going back too taping and details of that. We also look at the next AEW PPV show, an employee complaints about WWE continuing, differences between what AEW, UFC and WWE are doing, what firing hurts the WWE perception and thoughts of people sitting it out, a doctor talks about what is needed to do these shows without a health risk and the WWE event schedule for the next few months.
A number of recent new WWE cuts, including some surprises, how the WWE dividend and Vince McMahon’s share fits into these cuts, projections for 2020 profitability if house shows don’t return for the rest of 2020, and why several people got cut.
The most in-depth coverage of WWE business, covering each department of the company, lots of Vince McMahon reaction to the numbers and the future, what McMahon said that is and isn’t true, the story behind the ratings and the story behind increases and declines across the board. Plus we examine the WWE network numbers.
Changes in the business going forward.
Joe Pedicino and pro wrestling, how he got in, his early innovative ideas, how Nigerian scram, his promotion of Global Wrestling, how it fell apart, stars who got breaks there and lie after wrestling.
Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, what is it all about and how much the XFL actually lost before it folded.
HHH’s thoughts on two-night WrestleManias going forward, A.J. Styles talks Gallows & Anderson losing their job, Roman Reigns update, Ronda Rousey update, Arn Anderson talks why Cesaro doesn’t get pushed, Canadian wrestling TV ratings, story on a surprise on Raw this past week who was canceled after the show started, update on Drake Maverick, the Smackdown announce team, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
PFL closing down for the year, why what they said publicly was somewhat misleading and why they are still paying fighters, as well as thoughts on shutting down.
A number of new stories on Howard Finkel, both people who helped out and people who bullied him and looking back on those situations.
The first UFC fighter announced COVID-19 positive.
Brawl for All, going behind the scenes, a look at the Dark Side of the Ring coverage, examining the coverage and looking back at the entire scenario.
Look back at the Jimmy Snuka/Nancy Argentino death case, look at Dark Side coverage and add a lot more that wasn’t covered.
A back-of-the-book feature on Dick Steinborn, who was a big star in the 60s and 70s, and his father Milo, one of the strongest men in the world and a wrestling promoter. We look at Milo’s amazing feats of strength, as well as both the positive and negatives of the legacy of Dick in pro wrestling.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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 with Wrestling Observer Radio talking the latest pro wrestling and MMA news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected] We also have a show with Garrett Gonzalez and myself.
The only thing that has cracked the Google searches the past several days was Velveteen Dream with 50,000 searches on Friday putting him at No. 20.
The wrestler Cosmos (Rafael de la Torre), who was 52, and a longtime Southern California independent wrestler, was the second pro wrestler that we are aware of who has passed away from COVID-19. He passed away on Friday. (thanks to Kurt Brown)
WWE
Raw on Monday has the Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins contract signing.
An article on the Smackdown TV debut of Daniel Vidot of Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
The FS1 shows that will air this coming Tuesday has a special on John Cena at 7 p.m., HHH at 8 p.m., Undertaker at 9 p.m. and Shawn Michaels at 10 p.m. What we had previously listed for Tuesday is actually the 5/5 show with Ric Flair’s Best WrestleMania matches at 7 p.m., Edge’s Best WrestleMania matches at 8 p.m., Brock Lesnar’s Most Dominant Matches at 99 p.m. and Roman Reigns’ Beat WrestleMania matches at 10 p.m.
Just to clear something up regarding WWE wrestlers pay–talent when they sign can choose to be paid two different ways
Biweekly based on Downside Guarantee
Biweekly based on what they would normally draw between live event pay and merchandise and other royalties. If that figure at the end of one year is lower than downside, they get the difference made up in a check at the end of the year.
A story on Bray Wyatt from when he was a college football player at Troy University.
MISCELLANEOUS
Royce Chambers was the first competitor announced for the Colosseum show son 10/15 and 10/16 in Sydney, Australia (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
The Mastermind Australia series has had four contestants choose pro wrestling-based topics. The topics chosen were Jim Barnett’s World Championship Wrestling, WrestleMania 2010-2019, New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWF: The Attitude Era (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
The life and times of Howard Finkel in the most details article on his life and wrestling career, as well as coverage of one of the biggest news weeks in the history of the industry highlight the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We go through WWE financials to look at cash on hand, cash available, the decision to continue tapings and the schedule which has since changed, why they made the call, the cuts, the Florida decision to make WWE an essential service, why, how the Governor’s explanation makes no sense at all, what WWE did that make no sense health wise, reactions from other companies in the industry, the story behind the WWE’s first Coronavirus positive and how the story the talent got and the public got were different. We also look at the stories behind the cuts, looking at who different companies may or may not want, some NXT releases, sports owners look at WWE decisions, the monthly cost savings of talent cuts, and the first Corona virus death in pro wrestling.
In our story on Howard Finkel, we trace his career from his first connection with the McMahons in 1977, his first MSG ring announcing date, his late 70s ring announcing, his attempts to be a TV announcer, the decisions to take him off television, WWE doing national, his being the butt of Vince McMahon’s jokes, his taking a blood test for Hulk Hogan, many in the business talk about Finkel, as well as angles he worked.
The new issue also covers:
AEW and UFC plans going forward.
Folding of the XFL, how it was handled, who did and didn’t know, biggest creditors and why the decision to shut down was likely made.
Departure of the Revival and their new names, Bill Goldberg gives a WrestleMania blow-by-blow and talks Roman Reigns, DVR viewership of Raw, Ronda Rousey compares WWE to UFC, compares methods of pay, talks unionization, Rousey’s last UFC contract terms, wrestlers respond to Rousey saying wrestling was fake, Lawler controversy, Canadian ratings, cruiserweight title tournament, UFC star talks going to WWE full-time in a few years, Dwayne Johnson talks pro wrestling, and most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
An explanation as to why UFC was so desperate to get back up and running.
The meeting between the Japanese government and many of the major business players and top stars in Japanese wrestling. We look at who presided over it which explains why it happened, the talks on COVID-19, ability to return, plans to return and more.
The AEW vs. NXT battle and go through different demos, and how the viewers reacted to the different key matches.
Update on the matches scheduled for the Money in the Bank show.
Kevin Sullivan responding to Dark Side of the Ring, alleging Nancy stabbed him, as well as a planned WCW angle and how Chris Benoit came to ECW and then WCW.
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.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
WWE posted on their social media just prior to tonight’s NXT: “Ahead of tonight’s episode of #WWENXT, officials have learned of a possible incident involving @FinnBalor inside the @WWENXT locker room. This is a developing story, more information will be provided when available.”
Mike Chioda, who had been employed by WWE for 35 years prior to his release last week, commented on his firing on Twitter: “Want To Say Thanks To the WWE & To All My AMAZING WWE FANS & Universe! 35yrs & 31yrs Refereeing Working for the WWE has been a FANTASTIC RUN!! I Am So PROUD to have Worked with So Many ICONS & AMAZING TALENT IN THIS INDUSTRY!! I THANK YOU ALL!! 1Luv!”
Fox Sports 1 ratings had Becky’s Lynch’s five most favorable moments (9:00 pm) drawing 299,000 viewers, while the WWE 24 documentary on Ronda Rousey (8:00 pm) drew 214,000 viewers. The WWE 24 special on Becky Lynch and WWE Backstage did not chart the top 150 most watched cable shows for the night.
Britt Baker appeared on today’s episode of Talk is Jericho. Baker spoke about people saying she stole her “role model” gimmick from Bayley (via Post Wrestling): “While we’re on the topic of that, no, we did not steal the ‘Role Model’ from Bayley because that’s like a daily thing and I know we’ve talked about it too, how the inspiration came from you, from Chris Jericho for the ‘Role Model’ gimmick. I’m not… I don’t wanna say I don’t know totally what’s going on with RAW and SmackDown because I try to stay in touch with it but at the same time, I’m a dentist and a professional wrestler. I don’t know every single storyline or [what’s] going on each week. So, it wasn’t until I actually said the words ‘Role Model’ on TV and then I got the Bayley army coming at me. ‘You’re stealing her gimmick’ [like] I even knew she was calling herself that too. Granted, totally different uses of the words, totally different gimmicks as we call it. But I just kinda wanted to set the record straight that no, we didn’t steal that from anybody. Well I stole it from you [Chris Jericho], not from her.”
Billy Caputo, a former referee for the WWE and a former NYSAC official, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72.
Darby Allin was interviewed by Sports Illustrated ahead of his TNT Championship tournament first round match against Sammy Guevara airing on Dynamite tonight.
Pro Wrestling NOAH announced that they have canceled all of their events for May.
The BBC has a story of luchadores sewing face masks during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Gia Miller, a 22 year old pro wrestler in the Alabama area, made her debut as an Impact interviewer last night.
Epico and Primo will make their first appearances post-WWE for a scheduled Legends of the Ring convention on October 3 in South Iselin, New Jersey. They will be appearing as The Colons as well as under their former Los Matadores personas.
PFL CEO Pete Murray told Fansided that the organization has made roster cuts but is keeping “the significant majority, over two-thirds” of their fighters. Murray said about the cuts: “We haven’t announced those fighters, so we’re not at liberty to share all those details. But the Coronavirus had an impact on businesses in all industries including sports and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions during a very difficult time.”
Brett Okamoto of ESPN is reporting that the PFL is paying a $1,000 a month stipend to athletes.
Just days before WrestleMania 36 premieres, a replay of this year’s Royal Rumble will be airing on television.
Royal Rumble 2020 will air on FS1 starting at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday (March 31). The broadcast is listed as being shown in a four-hour time slot and ending at 11 p.m. Eastern time, with WWE Backstage airing after it. The Royal Rumble will then be shown again after that.
The Royal Rumble took place at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas on January 26.
Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair were the winners of the Royal Rumble matches. The men’s Rumble also aired in its entirety on the March 16 episode of Raw.
With live sports on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN has partnered with WWE to air past WrestleManias over three straight Sundays. WrestleMania 30 aired on March 22, WrestleMania 32 will air at 7 p.m. Eastern time this coming Sunday (March 29), and WrestleMania 35 will air at 3 p.m. Eastern on April 5.
This year’s WrestleMania was taped this week and will air on the WWE Network on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.
Appearances by CM Punk and NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley had been announced for next Tuesday’s episode of Backstage. It was set to be Punk’s fifth appearance as an analyst on Backstage and the first time he’s been on the show since February 11.
WWE Backstage airs on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday nights.
After the show’s official premiere averaged just 49,000 viewers, the audience for WWE Backstage doubled in week two.
Last night’s episode of Backstage averaged 100,000 viewers on FS1. This was the second time that Backstage aired in its regular time slot at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays.
Two preview episodes aired prior to the show making its official debut. The first preview episode averaged 597,000 viewers after an MLB playoff game, and the second one averaged 426,000 viewers after an episode of SmackDown that aired on FS1 due to the World Series being on FOX.
Backstage is expected to get a boost in the ratings when CM Punk appears on the show next week. Punk made a surprise appearance at the end of last night’s episode and said that he would be on Backstage next Tuesday. FOX Sports then announced that Punk is joining Backstage as special contributor and analyst and will make select appearances on the show.
Video of Punk’s appearance from last night is available to watch below:
After a five-year absence from WWE programing, CM Punk resurfaced on tonight’s episode of WWE Backstage.
Renee Young introduced Punk towards the end of tonight’s show. Punk entered the studio to “Cult of Personality,” walked to the camera, and said “It’s as simple as this: just when they think they have the answers, I change the culture.” He then said he would be on next week’s episode of Backstage.
In a press release, it was noted that Punk would be joining WWE Backstage as a special contributor and analyst. He will be making select appearances in the studio with regular hosts Young and Booker T.
It was reported previously in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Punk’s agents contacted FOX about being part of WWE Backstage. He took part in a screen test but no information on his status had been revealed until now.
Punk walked out of WWE in January 2014, the day after that year’s Royal Rumble.
WWE Backstage airs on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. Eastern time on FS1. It’s a FOX Sports production, which means that Punk will be working for FOX rather than WWE.
The ratings for the official debut of WWE Backstage on FS1 can only be described as disappointing.
ShowBuzzDaily reported that WWE Backstage averaged 49,000 viewers last night, with a 0.02 rating in the 18-49 demo. It did not crack the top 150 shows on cable for Tuesday.
ESPN won the night on cable with college basketball and their College Football Playoff rankings show.
This was the first time that Backstage aired in its regular time slot at 11 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. Two preview episodes aired last month and did significantly better in the ratings, though both of those shows had strong lead-ins.
The first preview episode on October 15, which aired following an MLB playoff game, drew 597,000 viewers. The second episode on October 25, which followed SmackDown airing on FS1 due to the World Series, scored 426,000 viewers.
WWE had promoted last night’s show with appearances by Shawn Michaels, John Cena, and Rob Gronkowski. They also advertised an episode of Firefly Fun House featuring new WWE Universal Champion The Fiend Bray Wyatt.
When WWE Backstage makes its official debut on November 5, John Cena will be one of the guests on the episode.
On last night’s special edition of Backstage, it was announced that Cena and former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be guests on the show’s official premiere. Backstage will air weekly on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays starting on November 5.
There have been two episodes of Backstage prior to the official start of the studio show. A preview show aired after an MLB playoff game on October 15 and last night’s special episode aired after SmackDown.
Paige and Christian have joined hosts Renee Young and Booker T for the first two episodes.
Cena last appeared on WWE television as part of Raw Reunion in July. He also took part in a segment with Elias at WrestleMania 35.
Gronkowski retired from the NFL after the end of last season. He recently joined FOX’s NFL coverage as an analyst.
Gronkowski is friends with WWE’s Mojo Rawley and appeared during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33.
A special edition of WWE Backstage has been added to FS1’s schedule for tomorrow.
WWE on FOX’s Twitter account posted a video today where Renee Young announced that a new episode of the Backstage studio show will air live immediately after Friday Night SmackDown at 10 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow.
Due to game three of the World Series being on FOX, tomorrow’s SmackDown will air live on FS1.
Paige and Christian will join Young and Booker T on the WWE Backstage episode. Young noted that they’ll be speaking to Finn Balor, who turned heel by attacking Johnny Gargano on this week’s NXT.
A preview edition of WWE Backstage was shown after an MLB playoff game on October 15. The show will officially premiere at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, November 5 and will air weekly in that time slot.
Two matches have been announced for tomorrow’s SmackDown, with Kofi Kingston & Big E facing Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode and Nikki Cross taking on Mandy Rose. A face-to-face segment with Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez is also set, and Hulk Hogan (with Roman Reigns, Ali, and Chad Gable) and Ric Flair (with Shinsuke Nakamura and Baron Corbin) will appear on Miz TV.
WWE has officially confirmed a planned channel shift for next week’s SmackDown.
With game three of the World Series taking place next Friday (October 25), SmackDown will air live on FS1 instead of FOX. WWE made the announcement of the one-time only change during SmackDown tonight.
The Washington Nationals will play either the Houston Astros or New York Yankees in the World Series. NXT and AEW will face competition from game two of the World Series next Wednesday (October 23). If necessary, game seven of the series would take place the Wednesday after that (October 30).
Raw isn’t scheduled to go against the World Series this year. All of the World Series games will air on FOX.
Next week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Starting on November 5, WWE’s Backstage studio show will air weekly on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays. A preview episode of Backstage was shown last week.
