Kevin Nash praises La Parka, WCW luchadores: ‘All those guys were sweethearts’

Kevin Nash enjoyed working alongside the talented group of luchadores that were brought into WCW in the 1990s.

On his Kliq This podcast this week, Nash was asked if La Parka — a Wrestling Observer Hall of Famer primarily for his work in Mexico — was considered a top star in WCW. Nash responded by praising La Parka and all of the WCW luchadores as “sweethearts” that everyone got along with.

“He was definitely [a top star] as far as the Latin crew. He was one of the top guys. He was a good f***ing dude,” Nash said about La Parka. “I mean, everybody got along with him. But all those guys were sweethearts. So there wasn’t one of them that was a dick.”

Nash, on a past edition of Kliq This, said he remembers working one or two tag matches against La Parka when they were in WCW together. Nash thought Eric Bischoff’s idea of having the first hour of Nitro feature “car crash” cruiserweight matches was brilliant, especially when Nitro was three hours. Viewers weren’t going to turn the channel during those matches, and WCW could hype up what was going to happen later in the night.

Adolfo Tapia Ibarra as La Parka/LA Park —

The original LA Parka was played by Adolfo Tapia Ibarra, who still competes today under the name LA Park. Tapia lost the rights to the La Parka name due to a trademark dispute, with Jesus Huerta Escoboza becoming AAA’s second version of La Parka before passing away in 2020 following an in-ring accident. A third iteration of La Parka now wrestles for AAA and has made a couple of WWE main roster appearances since WWE’s acquisition of the lucha libre company.

When WWE accidentally used an image of the original La Parka to advertise a match last year, Tapia said he is not interested in joining a major American promotion again.

“I prefer to fight for my Mexican people than to return to a large company in the United States,” he wrote. “I’m staying here in Mexico.”

After his WCW stint, original La Parka’s most extensive work in the United States was his 2018-2022 MLW run where he was positioned as one of the top stars of MLW’s revival. That run included one MLW Tag Team title reign with his sons El Hijo de LA Park and LA Park Jr. Their Los Parks faction was fired from MLW in 2022 due to going off-script and getting too rough during a brawl with Jacob Fatu and Alex Hammerstone.

First wrestler advances to AAA Rey de Reyes tournament finals

The first finalist for the upcoming AAA Rey de Reyes tournament is officially confirmed, and it is none other than La Parka.

Penta previously announced on the January 24th, 2026 episode of AAA on Fox that he will present a ceremonial sword to the 2026 AAA Rey de Reyes winner, alongside the tournament winner also receiving a shot at the AAA Mega Championship.

On Saturday, during the January 31st episode of AAA on Fox, Jack Cartwheel vs. Aerostar vs. Apollo Crews vs. La Parka took place as the tournament’s first qualifier. Taped earlier on January 17th, La Parka emerged victorious after pinning Aerostar for the win.

Since his match on Saturday’s AAA on Fox was taped, La Parka competed in the 2026 Royal Rumble PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was eliminated by Austin Theory.

New match, stipulation added to WWE NXT Halloween Havoc

A new match and a stipulation has been added to NXT Halloween Havoc.

Saturday’s show will now see The Hardy Boyz defend the NXT Tag Team titles against DarkState in a Broken Rules match. During a DarkState promo on Tuesday’s NXT, The Hardyz interrupted and talked about DarkState’s attack last week, walking around Matt’s estate. Senor Benjamin, Matt’s wife Rebecca, and the Hardy children were all seen as the Hardyz walked into the Lake of Reincarnation. When they emerged, they became Broken Matt and Brother Nero. Matt said that their match at Halloween Havoc would now be a Broken Rules match, meaning anything goes.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans on Tuesday were looking to team together at Halloween Havoc after forming a bond following their match at Bound for Glory. After Slater successfully defended the TNA X Division title against Stacks, the two issued a challenge to anyone from the main roster or NXT. AAA’s Mr. Iguana and La Parka came out instead and the two teams agreed to meet on Saturday.

There is also a change to the Women’s NXT North American title match. After Sol Ruca announced she was not medically cleared, Blake Monroe came out and demanded she be given the title. Ruca and Ava ultimately agreed that Zaria could replace Ruca in the title match.

Here is the updated lineup for Halloween Havoc:

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc (October 25) —

  • NXT Champion Ricky Saints defends against Trick Williams
  • NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Tatum Paxley
  • Broken rules match for the NXT Tag Team Champions The Hardys defend against DarkState
  • Day of the Dead match: NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defends against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria defends for Sol Ruca against Blake Monroe
  • Leon Slater & Je’Von Evans vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka

Change made to WWE x AAA Worlds Collide card

This story has been updated.

Two changes (one Thursday and one Friday) were made to tonight’s WWE x AAA Worlds Collide card in Las Vegas that will see Laredo Kid added to the show.

Initially revealed in WWE.com’s preview of the show, Laredo Kid was set to replace La Parka in an eight-man tag team match, joining Nino Hamburguesa, Octagon Jr. and Mascarita Sagrada against Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado & Mini Abismo Negro.

Then on Friday, the official preview changed again for the match. This time, Hamburguesa was out and La Parka was back in. Our Dave Meltzer is saying it was a visa issue for Hamburguesa.

An image of the original La Parka was included in the initial graphic for the match much to his surprise. He took to X to say he would not be on the show and preferred to stay in Mexico vs. wrestle for a “large company” in the U.S.

A third version of the character was introduced earlier this year and competed in the Copa Bardahl at August’s Triplemania.

Worlds Collide streams on WWE’s YouTube channel on Friday at 10 p.m. Eastern time.

WWE AAA Worlds Collide card | Friday, September 12

  • AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo defends against Dominik Mysterio
  • AAA World Tag Team Champions Psycho Clown & Pagano defend against Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
  • AAA Reina de Reinas Championship number one contender’s match: Natalya vs. Faby Apache
  • Finn Balor & Roxanne Perez vs. Mr. Iguana & Lola Vice
  • AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. defends against Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh & Ethan Page in a four-way
  • Laredo Kid, Mascarita Sagrada, Octagon Jr. & La Parka vs. Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado & Mini Abismo Negro

Original La Parka responds to WWE using his render for upcoming Worlds Collide show

LA Park is letting everyone know he will not be at Worlds Collide.

While promoting the show on Friday’s SmackDown, WWE advertised an eight-man tag team match featuring the latest incarnation of La Parka. For whatever reason, WWE chose to use a render of the original La Parka as opposed to the current incarnation. The original, who now wrestles as LA Park, took to Twitter to confirm that he wouldn’t be at the show that takes place next Friday.

In another post, he replied that he prefers to fight for the Mexican people than return to a large company in the United States.

Park is the version of La Parka who notably wrestled for WCW in the mid-to-late 90s. AAA went ahead and introduced a second La Parka, who wrestled under that name until he suffered a severe injury in 2019 that resulted in his death several months later. 

In March of this year, AAA introduced a third La Parka portrayed by Brazo de Oro Jr. At Worlds Collide next week he will team with Mascarita Sagrada, Octagon Jr., and Nino Hamburguesa to take on Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado, and Mini Abismo Negro.

AAA’s La Parka passes away at 55 years old

Jesus Huerta Escoboza, who was the most recent La Parka, passed away tonight from complications of a near fatal ring accident in October. He was believed to be 55 years old.

Huerta was the second La Parka. The original, Adolfo Tapia, a Hall of Famer, used the name in the 90s in AAA and later WCW, and is now L.A. Park.

On a show for the Kaoz promotion on October 21, 2019, in Monterrey, Park did a tope aiming for Rush. He missed and his head hit the floor and the guard rail. He was paralyzed and rushed to the hospital. He underwent surgery the next morning which was described as lifesaving.  He had never recovered from the injuries.

Huerta began wrestling in 1987, and joined AAA in 1995 using the name Karis La Momia. Karis was a gimmick Antonio Pena used during his own active career. He was pushed  as a major star in AAA until being switched to La Parka Jr., in 1996. This was because Tapia was working so much for WCW, and La Parka was one of Pena’s most successful creations and the dancing skeleton coming out to “Thriller” was a key part of the AAA presentation..

After a falling out between Tapia and Pena, Huerta became known as La Parka, or sometimes La Parka II. The second Parka was among the most popular wrestlers in Mexico of the past two decades, although when Tapia came back at one point as a rudo and they did a feud, the crowd did side with Tapia as the original.

For the past decade, he had been simply known as La Parka.

He had won the Rey de Reyes tournament in AAA five times as well as the Copa Antonio Pena in 2013. He also headlined the 2004 TripleMania in winning a mask vs. mask match over Cibernetico before almost 19,000 fans at El Toreo in Naucalpan. He headlined the 2006 TripleMania beating Muerte Cibernetica in a mask vs. mask match which also sold out El Toreo.

He ended up headlining six different TripleMania shows between 2003 and 2010, including a match with Park where the crowd turned on him somewhat. From that point forward, he was moved down from top star position due to age and injuries, but remained a featured attraction on the shows.  He was still one of the company’s signature stars at the time of the accident.

Daily Update: Randy Couture, La Parka, ratings notes

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BELLATOR TONIGHT FROM THE MOHEGAN SUN CASINO IN UNCASVILLE, CT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN

  • Jake Hager (249) vs. Anthony Garrett (265)
  • Bec Rawlings (125.5) vs. Ilara Joanne (125.25)
  • Ed Ruth (170) vs. Jason Jackson (170.5)
  • Phil Davis (205.5) vs. Karl Albrektsson (205)
  • Frank Mir (265.75) vs. Roy Nelson (258)

CMLL AT ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN ON THE CMLL YOUTUBE PAGE

  • Grako & Coyote vs. Magia Blanca & Principe Diamante
  • Blue Panther Jr. & Black Panther & Super Astro Jr. vs. Virus & Raziel & Cancerbero 
  • Atlantis Jr. vs. Templario
  • Stuka Jr. & Dulce Gardenia & Flyer vs. El Terrible & Hechicero & Rey Bucanero 
  • Star Jr. & Valiente & Soberano Jr. vs. Cavernario & Gilbert El Boricua & Ultimo Guerrero
  • Caristico & Mistico & Diamante Azul vs. Mr. Niebla & Gran Guerrero & Euforia

UFC FROM SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM STARTING AT 5:30 A.M. SATURDAY MORNING ON ESPN+

  • Raphael Pessoa Nunes (264) vs. Jeff Hughes (254)
  • Loma Lookboonmee (114) vs. Alexandra Albu (116)
  • Maurice Greene (250) vs. Sergei Pavlovich (253)
  • Enrique Barzola (146) vs. Movsar Evloev (146)
  • Alex White (155) vs. Rafael Fiziev (155)
  • Randa Markos (115) vs. Ashley Yoder (115)
  • Muslim Salikhov (171) vs. Laureano Staropoli (171)
  • Cyril Gane (239) vs. Don Tal Mayes (250)
  • Frank Camacho (155.5) vs. Beneil Dariush (156)
  • Michael Johnson (156) vs, Stevie Ray (156)
  • Demian Maia (170.5) vs. Ben Askren (171)

BELLATOR ON SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE MOHEGAN SUN CASINO IN UNCASVILLE, CT AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON DAZN

  • Kimbo Slice Jr. (160) vs. Craig Campbell (158)
  • Nick Newell (159.75) vs. Manny Muro (160)
  • Patrick Max (136) vs. Isaiah Chapman (136.25) – Missed weght
  • Paul Daley (174.75) vs. Saad Awad (173)
  • Rory MacDonald (169.75) vs. Douglas Lima (169.25) for the welterweight title,Grand Prix finals and $1 million bonus

NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL SUNDAY AT 5:30 A.M. ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Tiger Mask & Yuya Uemura vs. Will Ospreay & Robbie Eagles
  • Clark Connors & TJP vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado
  • Volador Jr. & Titan vs.  El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori
  • Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Sho & Yoh

NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL MONDAY AT 5:30 A.M. ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Tiger Mask & Yuya Uemura vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado
  • TJP & Clark Connors vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori
  • Sho & Yoh vs. Volador Jr. & Titan
  • Will Ospreay & Robbie Eagles vs. Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi

F4W NEWSLETTER: Looking at Raw and Smackdown’s new rosters Joseph Currier takes a look at where things stand coming out of the WWE Draft.

With both nights of the draft, free agent roster additions, and even a trade now out of the way, the new rosters for Raw and SmackDown look to be set.

WWE’s handling of the draft may have been lackluster, but this is a pivotal time for the company. If WWE is really going to commit to the brand split and making Raw and SmackDown stand out as different from each other, they need to get the roster mix right. They’re also working with two different television partners and will need to make sure FOX and USA Network don’t feel like they’re playing second fiddle to the other.

WWE is a promotion that’s overloaded with talent. That would seem like the ideal environment for a brand split, but the company’s lack of top-tier stars has been a barrier to the roster split’s long-term sustainability. When there’s a ratings slip, it’s easy to say Becky Lynch or Roman Reigns not being on both shows is the reason for it. And while the Wild Card rule may not have been overly popular, any of its short-term effects were probably a positive for ratings.

Here’s what the new Raw and SmackDown rosters look like coming out of the draft:

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WON NEWSLETTER: October 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Nate Diaz fight in jeopardy, NJPW US expansion, more

We have a huge double issue this week, with a special Hall of Fame feature, some shocking ratings news from overseas, New Japan’s international expansion, Randy Couture’s heart attack and coverage of the major shows.We also cover:

The situation with Nate Diaz and why the UFC 244 main event looks to be in jeopardy.

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s opening up a new U.S. outpost.  We look at what the goals of the company are for 2020, who is in charge, why they are in charge, who surprisingly isn’t involved and why.  We look at how the U.S. market has changed for New Japan, ticket sales for the upcoming shows, how it would be best served for New Japan in this market and the lessons learned from what they’ve done so far.

The difference between the fans in Japan and the U.S. for New Japan, the type of buildings they are looking at running and the ultimate goals.

Update on the situation with Randy Couture.

WWE Crown Jewel, with the lineup and circumstances of the show.

AAA Heroes Inmortales with the Kenny Omega vs Fenix AAA title change as well as a look at the rest of the show.

Xavier Woods, have all the Canadian TV ratings, 2020 NXT plans, Randy Orton update, Seth Rollins talks Kenny Omega, WWE news regarding lineup for the Mexico City show, major WWE signing, Update on 205 Live, WWE 2K commercial news, former Lucha Underground star talking with WWE, Dana White talks Cain Velasquez in WWE, former New Japan star teaching at performance center, reasons for the stock price decline, most watched shows this past week on the WWE Network, as well as a rundown of all the NXT and WWE shows, with match-by-match coverage and business news.

Impact Bound for Glory, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

A huge feature looking at the 2019 Hall of Fame elections, strongest and weakest candidates with bios on a lot of the different performers.  We look at everyone’s strengths ad weaknesses as well as the leading still active candidates.

A complete rundown of the Wednesday night wars over the past two weeks, how both shows are doing in every segment and with every demo group.  We look at the median age of viewers, how the World Series affected viewing and more.

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.

The results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

We have a couple of shows coming up in the next few days. We will be doing an interview show tonight as well as a second show looking back at the legacy of Championship Wrestling from Florida.  Bryan and I will be back Saturday talking Bellator, UFC and the rest of the news.

Randy Couture walked home from the hospital today after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday. He lives three blocks from the hospital. 

Ratings can be confusing and misleading but as far as the key numbers to advertisers and normalized to be fair, based on the actual audience that has access to the show as opposed to making it unfair based on homes that don’t even have the channel, these were the 18-49 ratings for this past week:

  • UFC .47
  • Smackdown .77
  • Raw 1.01
  • Total Divas .17
  • NXT .28
  • AEW .61

As far as costs to the network for the episode:

  • UFC $10 million
  • Smackdown $4.02 million
  • Raw $5.10 million
  • Total Divas $400,000
  • NXT $588,000
  • AEW $500,000 plus a percentage of advertising points 

According to his son, La Parka was able to speak and identify people after his surgery on Wednesday and is off the respirator and breathing on his own. 

Jake Hager fights Anthony Garrett on Bellator as noted above tonight. According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, AEW wrestlers Sammy Guevara, Santana and Ortiz are all in Uncasville, CT for the show and will be on Bellator tonight.  So that’s a third bit of competition for Smackdown. Hager weighed in yesterday at 249, which is 11 pounds heavier than his last fight. 

WWE

  • WWE tonight on FS 1 has Smackdown live at 8 p.m.  For those on the West Coast, because it’s on FS 1 instead of FOX, it will start at 5 p.m., however FS 1 will be replaying the show for the West Coast at 8 p.m.  WWE Backstage will have a special one hour episode at 10 p.m. after Smackdown ends. FOX will also be airing a one hour edited version of tonight’s Smackdown on the network on Sunday.  It will air in most either before or after NFL coverage, generally at 5 p.m. Eastern but different on the West Coast, so it’ll probably do a larger audience than it does on Fridays. 
  • FOX pushed tonight’s show during last night’s NFL game with Joe Buck mentioning it on FS 1 and pushed as the stars Sasha Banks, Roman Reigns, Bayley and Kofi Kingston.  It was clear Joe Buck and Troy Aikman didn’t know who they were and Buck just called them Smackdown superstars They also pushed the replay show at 11 p.m. Eastern and Aikman brought up a photo of Andre the Giant with Joe Theismann in their production room from 1975. (thanks to Jeff Rozner)
  • Regarding Smackdown tonight, between the night and the station, the only way they’re topping 1.6 million viewers is if Hogan and Flair still have ratings juice after all of their recent appearances. 
  • John Cena will be the top guest on Jimmy Fallon’s show on Sunday likely pushing his new movie. (thanks to Shannon Walsh).

UFC

  • Sam Alvey has pulled out of his 11/16 fight with Mauricio Shogun Rua for undisclosed reasons. They are looking for a new opponent for Rua on that show.

AEW

  • AEW goes head-to-head with Smackdown as TNT is presenting a prime time replay of Wednesday night’s show.  It’s called AEW Extended as there was footage taped involving Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Pac and Jon Moxley after the show went off the air on Wednesday that will air for the first time tonight at the end of the show.  Like Smackdown, it will run 8-10 p.m. The angle is to build the Page vs. Pac match on the Full Gear PPV show on 11/9. Full Gear tickets have moved well since it started being pushed on television but it’s not quite sold out, but it’s not far from being sold out and probably will.
  • Sammy Guevera is working on the 12/15 IPWA show in Tel Aviv, Israel (thanks to Kevin Chiat)

MISCELLANEOUS

  •  Both ESPN and MMA Fighting have reported that Sergio Pettis will be signing with Bellator.
  • AAA has a TV taping on Twitch on Saturday that has added what should be an incredible match with El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Black Taurus vs. Arez vs. Aramis (who got over so great at BOLA).
  • The movie “Girl on the Third Floor” starring Phil Brooks (C.M. Punk) and Triese Kelly Dunn is now playing at selected theaters.
  • Tickets go on sale Wednesday for the ROH show on 12/15 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena.
  • Innovate Wrestling on 11/16 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium headlined by Toby Farley vs. Devin Driscoll.
  • MLW has announced they have released more ringside tickets for the 11/2 PPV show from Cicero, IL after they’ve worked out production needs   They also announced a one hour pregame show at 7 p.m. Eastern that will air before the PPV on the PPV channels with Contra Unit vs. Spirit Squad vs. Dominic Garrini & Douglas James, Zenshi vs. El Hijo de L.A.Park, Savio Vega vs. Leo Brien and Gino Medina vs. Air Wolf.
  • The NWA announced it has sold out its 12/15 TV tapings at the PBS Studios in Atlanta for NWA Powerrr.  It’s only about 150-250 seats depending on the setup. There are tickets left for the 12/16 tapings.
  • A show called Joshi Wrestling in Italy on 11/9 in Udine, Italy is attempting to do a crowdfunded show through Indiegogo using wrestlers from Ice Ribbon and other Japanese groups at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/joshi-wrestling-in-italy#/
  • Jay White was interviewed by Project NZ tonight,  nightly news/panel show on New Zealand television on Wednesday night.
  • wXw announced that Alexander Wolfe would be wrestling Bobby Gunns on their 11/29 show in Hamburg, Germany.
  • Combate Americas returns to the Save Mart Center in Fresno,CA on 11/22 for a show live on Univision with Igancio Bahamondes (9-2) vs. Salvador Becerra (7-2) at lightweight and Corina Herrera (4-4-1) vs. Caroline Gallardo (3-3) at strawweight.
  • All Star Wrestling November to Remember on 11/2 in Chilliwack, BC at the Tzeachten Hall.  They also run 11/1 in Vancouver, BC at the Maritime Labour Centre.
  • Masters of the Ring on 10/27 at 8 p.m.on FITE TV with Melina Perez vs. Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria), Shane Douglas vs. Stevie Richards, Bu Kao Dao vs. Victor Andrews vs. DeJuan O’Neal 2/3 falls, Ken Anderson vs. Eli Drake, Billy Gunn vs. Shawn  Spears, TJ Perkins vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr., James Storm vs. Fred Dosser vs Brian Cage. Larry Zbyszko and Salina de la Renta will be announcing.
  • Slamforce Africa, a promotion run by PJ Black of ROH, has an iPPV on 10/27 on Fite TV from South Africa headlined by Rob Van Dam vs. Black.
  • Austin Theory defends the Evolve title against Josh Briggs on 11/9 in Queens, NY.  Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa will all be doing a meet and greet at that show.  Anthony Henry vs. JD Drake is also on that show in a no holds barred match. plus Babatunde vs. Eddie Kingston.  Matt Sydal, going back to the name Evan Bourne, will be starting as a regular with Evolve on the 11/9 show.
  • Adam Cole is doing a seminar tryout for Evolve on 11/10 in Brooklyn, NY.  This is open to wrestlers, referees and managers who have already completed training as well as to announcers who have already worked independent shows. 
  • An interesting story on Harold Meij and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
  • A new book on the history of the Roller Games called “Rolling Thunder” is out at Hey Dave.
  • A story on the end of Vampiro’s wrestling school and promotion.
  • KSW, which does the great match videos, has this on the main event for its next show.
  • An interview with Richard Holliday of MLW for the Wrestling Estate.
  • Season three of “The Toys That Made Us” on Netflix, out November 15, will feature an episode on wrestling figures of the 1980s.
  • A story on Kevin Nash. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • Yahoo had a story on Shine wrestler Gabby Ortiz. 
  • There is a new NWA Ten Pounds of Gold episode.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WCW Halloween Havoc 1998

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: Raw, Xavier Woods, La Parka

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F4W NEWSLETTER: WWE’s draft missed opportunity Joseph Currier looks at how the draft failed to establish a unique identity for SmackDown on FOX.

With a chance to establish a unique identity on FOX, this year’s draft was a missed opportunity for WWE.

The draft was an early indication of what WWE will look like on FOX. Following up on a loaded premiere episode, it gave SmackDown an opportunity to define itself as a FOX property. WWE had the full weight of the network behind them, complete with pre-taped appearances by FOX’s biggest sports personalities. But instead of leaning in to that identity, WWE gave mixed messages.

Ever since WWE struck their deal with FOX, there’s been some question about how SmackDown would fit into the network’s portfolio. It’s categorized as part of FOX Sports, with WWE Backstage even airing weekly on FS1. SmackDown gives FOX the benefit of having live programming on Fridays for 52 weeks out of the year, but it’s really more of a hybrid between sports and a weekly television show. WWE is never going to be — and shouldn’t be — a promotion that presents itself as a pure sport. The beauty of pro wrestling is that you can create the over-the-top spectacle that sports can only wish to achieve. With appearances by Cain Velasquez and Tyson Fury on the FOX premiere, it seemed like WWE was going to be taking SmackDown in that direction.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WON NEWSLETTER: October 21, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Eric Bischoff fired, WWE draft disappoints

In a huge week of news,we’ve got all the details in the new issue. Our lead story looks at the firing of Eric Bischoff. We look at his hiring, why it was largely not expected to work out by those who had worked with him in recent years and why people from the past rarely work when brought back into wrestling.

This week’s Observer also covers: 

Bruce Prichard and the problems with both Raw and Smackdown.

WWE draft, why the moves were made, how the draft shows were put together and have a depth chart of where all the talent looks to be positioned, who got broken up and who haven’t had a brand chosen for them yet.

Signing of Tyson Fury and Cain Velasquez by WWE. We look at WWE’s place in Riyadh season, the kind of money being thrown around, why Anthony Joshua is facing heat while WWE really isn’t, the set up for Velasquez vs. Lesnar and questions about Velasquez and his WWE career going forward, the background of how Fury and Velasquez got to WWE, the challenges Velasquez faces in WWE and the Crown Jewel show.

WWE’s plans for NXT Japan, what major star has been signed and others who have been talked with, DVR viewership of Smackdown, updated WWE PPV numbers, Hulu numbers, Mike Bennett on why he wants to leave, Maria Kanellis responds. Hardy family drama, WWE gets award nominations, Injury updates, Evolve shows, most-watched shows on the WWE Network, plus a look at every arena event from WWE & NXT over the past week.

Coverage of King of Pro Wrestling with the background, the destination, the Tokyo Dome plans, Power Struggle, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Extensive coverage of Bushiroad’s purchase of Stardom, how this happened, why Rossy Ogawa sold to Bushiroad and not WWE, what WWE was offering, Stardom’s new TV deal, why this doesn’t mean New Japan and Stardom are affiliated, Stardom coming to the U.S. in December and political implications of all this, as well a plans for the biggest Stardom show ever.

UFC in Tampa this past week with Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Michelle Waterson and Jedrzejczyk’s quest for the strawweight title.

Full coverage of all the WWE 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. 

Current subscribers can access the issue here.

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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the latest pro wrestling news. You can also send questions to the show to [email protected]

Word going around WWE is that the Xavier Woods injury is bad. The company has officially reported an Achilles injury, without saying a tear, but the word going around it is that it is a tear, which is an injury that usually has a very long recuperation period after surgery. Woods was coming off the ropes and just collapsed from what we understand (thanks to Alex Michael and others)

AAA La Parka suffered a neck and spine fracture when he hit his head on the guard rail doing a dive in a match last night in Monterrey. Parka, not L.A. Park is 53 years old and underwent surgery at 5 a.m. He is now in recovery. This was a very scary situation last night as there was fear of paralysis, but he did regain feeling in his hands and legs before surgery.

Some notes on Raw. Ric Flair is scheduled to announce the final member of Team Raw for Saudi Arabia. Cain Velasquez is on the show tonight. Seth Rollins will discuss destroying the Firefly Fun House. Lots of talent is missing. Becky Lynch was doing an appearance today for the ESPN Women’s Sports Summit in Los Angeles and Raw is in Cleveland.  For sure not on Raw will be Buddy Murphy, Asuka, Kairi Sane, The Iiconics and Charlotte Flair because they are all in Australia for the Smackdown tour.

As far as competition, Raw gets a break because no World Series game tonight. Still, with the New England Patriots (vs. New York Jets) tonight, one of the league’s marquee teams, Raw will have very tough competition.  Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday will take a large bite out of both AEW and NXT ratings, and it’ll also hurt Smackdown on Friday on FS1, which is likely to do a sub 1.8 million number, and if it does, it means nothing and don’t worry about it. Nobody in television thinks this coming week’s Smackdown number counts at all.

FOX is still strongly behind WWE. On Sunday at 5 p.m., they will be airing a one hour show with profiles on the biggest stars in WWE and WWE itself.   

MISCELLANEOUS

  • When we’ve talked about the Kenny Omega vs. Fenix match from last year in Poughkeepsie that was so great, it was on a Northeast Wrestling show and it is available to watch through the Highspots streaming service.  The rematch took place Saturday night in Orizaba with Omega winning the AAA mega world title.
  • The opponent for Melissa “Thunder Rosa” Cervantes in her MMA debut on 11/8 in San Antonio for Combate Americas will be Nadine Mandau (0-1).  They will fight at 115 pounds. The bout is expected to air live on Univision that night at midnight Eastern time.
  • Colosseum tournament final results from yesterday in Sydney:  Matty Wahlberg b Orange Cassidy in semifinals, Travis Banks b Ricky South in semifinals, Steph De Lander won four-way over Big Fudge, HeadHunter Rig and Royce Chambers to get a PWA title match, Rory Gulak & Shazza McKenzie b Adam Hoffman & Mick Moretti, Caveman Ugg b Jack Bonza to keep the PWA title, Jude London & Mat Diamond & Mat Rogers & Paris de Silva b Chris Basso & Davis Storm & Jessica Troy & Sam Osborne, Billy Preston & Jimmy Townsend b Massive Q, Matty Wahlberg b Travis Banks to win tournament.  Preston & Townsend stood on each others’ shoulders wearing a trench coat with the idea it was one person called James Adultman in the match against Massive Q. Show said to be really good, Ugg vs Bonza, and the eight man were strong the Wahlberg vs. Banks said to be super. As noted yesterday, WWE was scouting here. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • PWA in Australia and the Fale Dojo run 12/14 in Sydney at the Factory Theater with Jushin Liger.
  • United States Championship Wrestling yesterday in Jacksonville, FL:  Dashing Kam b Skylark, Cisco Sucio b Calus Wolfe, Amber Nova b Kiah Dream, Chasyn Rance b Gery Roif, Bobby Leger b Djokovic Rabbit, Jake Shadows b Vernon Black, Den James b Dashing Kam & Rabbit in a handicap match (thanks to Al Haft)
  • Action Wrestling Friday night in Tyrone, GA with Curt Stallion, Alex Zayne, Lance Anoa’i and Slim J.  The show is a benefit for a local domestic violence shelter.
  • GOUGE from yesterday in Raleigh, NC:  Otto Schwarn b Blaqtus Jack, Cowboy Kool Jay won three-way over Josh Young and James Anthony, Seymour Snott b Caribbean Tiger Woods, No Direction & Jonas Beiber b Viva Las Amish & Danny Vegas, Waylon Maze b Ric Richards, Snooty Fox b Victor Andrews.
  • Best of the West in Fresno has a student showcase on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Best of the West TV studios and will feature students not only from Best in the Wet, but from other area promotions like APW, Gold Rush, VF3, Stoner U, MPW, EBPW, ACW, Reno Wrestling Factory and FSW.  The studio is at 5766 E Fountain Way in Fresno and tickets are $10. 
  • Juventud Guerrera comes to CWE on 11/23 in Medicine Hat, Albertafor its Elite 8 tournament.  Guerrera will be headlining 31 events throughout Canada for CWE for The Juice Is On The Loose Tour.
  • Added to the ROH show on 10/27 in Bolton, UK are Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Hikuleo & Kenny King and Brody King & PCO vs. Jay Lethal & Jonathan Gresham.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWF No Mercy 2001

CONTACT INFORMATION

MLW TV taping results: Lucha Bros vs. LA Park & Hijo de LA Park

Results: WrestlingInc

MLW debuted in the Chicago area on Thursday night with a set of television tapings called “Fightland” at Cicero Stadium.

MLW’s Court Bauer tweeted that MLW broke its attendance record for the tapings: “Tonight @MLW will shatter its all time attendance record that dates back to June 20, 2003. Thank you all — fans, wrestlers, crew, staff, broadcast team, @beINSPORTSUSA and the media for making tonight historic. See you at Cicero Stadium tonight. #mlwchicago”

– Ricky Martinez defeated Dr. Rex Bacchus

– Puma King defeated MJF in a flag match

– Marko Stunt defeated El Gringo Loco

– Simon Gotch defeated Ariel Dominguez in a $10,000 Prize Fight Challenge

– Myron Reed defeated Ace Austin

– Joey Ryan & Swoggle defeated The Dirty Blondes

Ryan worked the match despite likely needing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle. Ryan spoke about the injury before the match and had his arm in a sling.

– Kotto Brazil defeated Trey Miguel

– Tommy Dreamer defeated Brian Pillman Jr.

Pillman turned against Dreamer after the match and beat him down. Teddy Hart, one of Pillman’s fellow Hart Foundation members, raised Pillman’s hand.

– Ace Romero defeated Marko Stunt

This was a matchup of the gigantic Romero and “Mr. Fun Size.”

– “Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated Sami Callihan in a Chicago Street Fight

– Teddy Hart defeated Jason Cade

– Rush defeated Sammy Guevara

Rush was making his MLW debut here.

– PCO defeated Brody King in a no DQ match

At one point, PCO did a dive off a balcony and went through a table as King moved.

– MLW World Heavyweight Champion Low Ki defeated Shane Strickland to retain his title

– MLW Tag Team Champions The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix) defeated LA Park & El Hijo de LA Park to retain their titles