WWE is officially headed back out on the road starting this July.
WWE announced on Friday that their return to holding live events with fans in attendance will begin with the Friday, July 16 episode of SmackDown taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. This year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view will then be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18. The post-Money in the Bank episode of Raw will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Monday, July 19.
Tickets for those three Texas events will go on sale at 11 a.m. Eastern time this coming Wednesday (May 26).
WWE noted that additional tour stops and on-sale dates will be announced in the coming weeks. WWE will have a 25-city schedule from July 16 through Labor Day.
“As @WWE returns to the road this July, we welcome back our biggest Superstars, YOU, the @WWEUniverse,” Paul “Triple H” Levesque tweeted. “We cannot wait to hear, see, and feel the electricity of our live audiences again so I only have one question … #AreYouReady?”
Aside from this year’s WrestleMania, these will be WWE’s first shows with ticketed fans since March 2020. The WWE Performance Center was initially home to WWE television following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. WWE then moved to its ThunderDome setup with virtual fans starting in August of last year. Orlando, Florida’s Amway Center and Tampa, Florida’s Tropicana Field and Yuengling Center have hosted the ThunderDome.
WWE hasn’t announced the location of this August’s SummerSlam PPV, but Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada is the leading candidate to host the show.
The Miz once again is in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Towards the end of tonight’s Raw, WWE official Adam Pearce gave Miz the Money in the Bank briefcase back. Pearce explained that The Miz was right in that only he could cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Since John Morrison cashed in on his behalf at TLC, the cash-in was rendered null and void.
The Miz lost the briefcase at TLC after inserting himself into the Roman Reigns-AJ Styles TLC match two weeks ago. With Morrison cashing in, the match was turned into a triple threat TLC match. However, McIntyre ended up retaining the title, seemingly ending Miz’s run with the briefcase.
A storyline played out during tonight’s Raw where The Miz was upset that he had lost the briefcase, arguing it should be returned to him. He also lost a match to Gran Metalik during the show, which only made him more upset.
The Miz won the briefcase at Hell in the Cell back in October, defeating Otis to win the rights to the briefcase after Otis’ former tag team partner, Tucker, turned on him.
This year’s men’s and women’s Money in the Bank winners have been decided.
Tonight’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view ended with Otis and Asuka winning their respective briefcases. The men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches both took place simultaneously at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut and were done cinematic-style.
Asuka was first to retrieve her briefcase. Baron Corbin was trying to get the men’s briefcase at the same time, but Asuka stopped him and knocked him off the ladder.
AJ Styles and Corbin pulled the men’s briefcase down at the same time. As they were fighting over it, Elias appeared and hit Corbin in the back with a guitar. That caused Styles to fumble the briefcase, and it fell into Otis’ hands.
There was a spot during the match where Corbin supposedly threw Rey Mysterio and Aleister Black off the roof of Titan Towers.
Otis, Styles, Corbin, Mysterio, Black, and Daniel Bryan were the participants in the men’s ladder match. Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Carmella were the women’s ladder match participants.
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch is appearing on Raw tomorrow night and will confront Asuka.
With original plans altered by the coronavirus pandemic, tonight’s Money in the Bank event features the men’s and women’s ladder matches taking place at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut
Both Money in the Bank ladder matches are happening at the same time. They’ll start on the ground floor of Titan Towers, with the briefcases hanging from the roof of the building.
Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Otis are the men’s participants for the match, while Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Carmella are the women’s participants.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Universal Champion Braun Strowman are making their first PPV title defenses since becoming champions at WrestleMania 36. Seth Rollins is challenging for McIntyre’s title. Strowman is defending his title against his former Wyatt Family stablemate Bray Wyatt.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship will also be on the line tonight as Bayley defends against Tamina. The New Day are defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Forgotten Sons, The Lucha House Party, and The Miz & John Morrison in a fatal four-way match.
R-Truth vs. MVP and Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro round out the card for tonight. Hardy vs. Cesaro will take place on the pre-show, which begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time.
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Pre-Show
Scott Stanford and Pete Rosenberg hosted the kick-off from WWE studios. They ran down the line-up for tonight’s event.
Alyse Ashton was at WWE Headquarters in front of the elevators between the Andre The Giant and Ric Flair statues. They looked at the top ten moments in MITB history.
Renee Young, Booker T, and JBL made their predictions for the women’s ladder match tonight.
Kayla Braxton interviewed The New Day in the back. They promised to retain the titles tonight in the fatal four-way despite the odds being against them.
They showed a creative video Tamina posted to twitter. She said nobody is meaner than Tamina.
Jeff Hardy defeated Cesaro
They had a good pre-show match that picked up towards the end. It’s a bit surprising that Hardy’s first match back in on the kickoff show and not the main show. Cesaro was a good opponent for Hardy’s first match back.
Cesaro had the early advantage with a side headlock. Hardy fought back and hit a power slam. Hardy jumped off the steel steps, but Cesaro caught him and dropped him on the barricade.
Cesaro was firmly in control and hit an elbow drop off the second rope. He slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Hardy fought back and sent Cesaro to the floor.
Cesaro recovered and viciously whipped Hardy into the apron on the floor. He followed up with a leg drop off the second rope for a near fall. Cesaro applied an abdominal stretch, but Hardy countered with a hip toss. Cesaro regained control, but Hardy hit a jawbreaker to take over.
Hardy picked up the pace and scored a near fall. Hardy climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Cesaro cut him off. They fought on the top rope, but Hardy pushed Cesaro off. Hardy followed up with the whisper in the wind and landed right on Cesaro’s knee.
Cesaro rocked Hardy with a series of uppercuts. Hardy fought back and hit the twist of fate for a close near fall. Hardy climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. Cesaro then hit a gut-wrench suplex off the top.
They fought around ringside. Hardy whipped Cesaro knee first into the steel steps. Hardy followed up with a cross body off the barricade. Back in the ring, Hardy hit the Swanton Bomb for the win.
Main Show
Fatal Four Way: SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defeated Lucha House Party, The Miz & John Morrison and The Forgotten Sons (w/Jaxon Ryker) to retain the titles
This was a good fast-paced match with lots of action and a good way to start the night, Kofi Kingston and Gran Metalik started the match off with some quick back and forth action. Metalik hit a hurricanrana, but Kingston fought back.
Steve Cutler made the blind tag. Metalik fought back and hit a double springboard back elbow off the second rope onto the Forgotten Sons.
In an excellent spot, Metalik attempted a dive, but Morrison cut him off. Metalik hit a Spanish Fly on Morrison off the top to the floor onto the other participants.
The Forgotten Sons took over by isolating Metalik in their corner.
Lince Dorado got the tag and ran wild. Dorado hit a standing dropkick on Miz, which turned into a standing moonsault on Morrison for a near fall.
The New Day hit a double foot stomp/doomsday device for a near fall.
Miz tagged in and hit the skull crushing finale for a very close near fall. All four teams started brawling. Dorado hit a springboard stunner on Morrison for a near fall.
Dorado hit a splash on Big E, and Metalik hit an elbow for a close near fall, but The Forgotten Sons made the save.
Big E launched Kingston over the top rope onto the Forgotten Sons at ringside.
Ryker interfered, and the referee kicked him out from ringside. Dorado and Metalik hit springboard crossbody blocks to the floor onto the heels.
Metalik hit a springboard crossbody into the ring, but Big E caught him. Kingston then hit trouble in paradise on Dorado.
Big E then hit the big ending on Metalik for the win.
Lacey Evans promised to win MITB tonight and cash-in on Bayley.
Charley Caruso interviewed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre in the back. McIntyre worked his whole life to win the title and promised to retain it tonight.
The SmackDown announce team is Micahel Cole and Corey Graves. The Raw commentators are Tom Philips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe.
R-Truth vs. MVP
R-Truth came out singing and dancing. He acted like the fans were in attendance and asked them to make some noise.
MVP and Truth argued before the match.
Truth tried to teach MVP about ballin’.
MVP was offended. Truth then explained the rules of basketball to MVP.
Bobby Lashley’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Lashley wants to face Truth and gave MVP the night off.
Truth wanted the night off too and tried to leave, but Lashley stopped him. Truth tried talking to Lashley but accidentally slapped Lashley in the face.
Bobby Lashley defeated R-Truth
Lashley completely dominated Truth and beat him down. Truth charged at Lashley, but Lashly hit the spine buster.
Lashley used a standing vertical suplex, but Truth slipped out the back. Lashley recovered and hit the spear for the win. This wasn’t much of a match, but Truth was funny as usual.
Earlier today, King Corbin discussed the MITB ladder match tonight. He promised to win the briefcase for the second time.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Bayley and Sasha Banks as they were about to enter the arena.
Braxton wondered if Bayley blamed Banks for their loss Friday night on SmackDown.
Bayley cut off Banks and said there are no problems between them. Bayley walked off, but Banks teased speaking her mind to Braxton before following Bayley.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley (w/Sasha Banks) defeated Tamina to retain the title
They had a basic match, but it picked up towards the end. Bayley and Banks continue to tease tension.
Bayley taunted Tamina and pushed her around. Tamina had enough and quickly took control of the match. Bayley locked on a sleeper hold, but Tamina rammed Bayley into the turnbuckle.
Tamina was firmly in control until Bayley went after Tamina’s knee. Bayley slammed Tamina’s knee into the ring post. She followed up by dropkicking the knee against the ring post.
Tamina recovered and hit a splash in the corner. Tamina attempted the superkick, but Bayley countered into a kneebar.
Tamina fought to the ropes to break the hold. Bayley attempted a Samoan drop, but she couldn’t hold her up, and Tamina fell on her.
Bayley recovered and threw water in Tamina’s face.
Tamina snapped and regained control. She threw Bayley into the ropes and hit a clothesline on the floor.
Tamina caught Bayley with a superkick knocking her off the apron. Tamina then threw Bayley over the announce table.
Tamina attempted the splash, but Bayley got her feet up. Tamina caught Bayley’s leg and lifted her. Tamina then hit the superkick and tried the Samoan drop.
Banks distracted Tamina, and she let the hold go. Tamina chased Banks. Tamina picked up Bayley again in the Samoan drop, but Bayley reversed into the crucifix and pinned Tamina to retain the title.
After the match, Tamina attempted the Samona drop again, but Banks made the save. Banks beat down Tamina.
In the back, Seth Rollins discussed his championship match against Drew McIntyre. He promised to win the match and title later.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defeated Bray Wyatt to retain the title
Wyatt didn’t come out in his Fiend persona and was just “normal” Bray Wyatt.
Strowman had the early advantage and tossed Wyatt around. Wyatt laughed and noted Strowman’s strong. Wyatt briefly took over, but Strowman quickly regained control.
Strowman tossed Wyatt into the ring post on the floor. Strowman threw him back in and hit a big splash. Wyatt rolled back to the floor.
Strowman ran around ringside, but Wyatt moved, and Strowman ran into the announce table.
The pig from the Firefly Funhouse appeared at ringside and cheered on Wyatt. Wyatt hit a DDT on the floor and used a clothesline for a near fall.
Wyatt hit a tornado DDT and Sister Abigal for a very close near fall. Wyatt went for Sister Abigal again, but Strowman countered with a chokeslam.
Strowman hit a splash in the corner. He ran around ringside and knocked Wyatt into the barricade. Wyatt recovered and knocked Strowman off the apron.
Suddenly, Strowman stood up, and he was wearing the black sheep mask. Wyatt was thrilled and kept saying, “I told him.” Strowman and Wyatt hugged in the middle of the ring.
The puppets appeared at ringside and celebrated Strowman coming home.
Strowman pushed Wyatt away and stomped on the mask. Strowman scooped up Wyatt easily and hit the power slam for the win. After the match, visions of The Fiend flashed across the screen.
The match had a slow pace and dragged at times, but the purpose seemed to be to set up “The Fiend” coming after Strowman.
The mysterious hacker appeared again. The hacker said he’s watching, and nobody is safe.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defeated Seth Rollins to retain the title
This was a really good match that got more intense as it went. Rollins had the early advantage, but McIntyre picked up the pace and sent Rollins to the floor.
McIntyre was firmly in control until Rollins attacked the knee. Rollins followed up with a suicide dive to the floor.
Rollins hit the sling blade for a near fall.
Rollins applied a single leg crab and transitioned into the STF. Rollins then moved into the cross face, but McIntyre made it to the ropes to break the hold.
Rollins hit another suicide dive and followed up with a knee off the apron. He then hit a springboard knee off the barricade. Rollins cleared the announce table and hit a third knee.
Rollins attempted a third suicide dive, but Mcintyre caught him and launched him over the announce table. McIntyre recovered and made a fiery comeback.
McIntyre rocked Rollins with a big boot and came off the top rope. McIntyre went for the Claymore, but Rollins rolled under the bottom rope. Rollins fought back, but McIntyre hit a spinebuster for a near fall.
McIntyre went for the future shock DDT, but Rollins fought free. Rollins attempted a pin but only got a one-count. Rollins then hit a frog splash for another one-count, which shocked Rollins.
Rollins teased bringing in the chair but changed his mind. Rollins went for the curb stomp, but McIntyre hit the Glasgow kiss. McIntyre climbed to the top, but Rollins cut him off. Rollins hit the super plex into the falcon arrow for a very close two count.
Rollins attempted the stomp again, but McIntyre hit the future shock DDT for a near fall.
McIntyre and Rollins fought on the top turnbuckle. McIntyre tossed Rollins across the ring. McIntyre attempted the Claymore, but Rollins hit a superkick and stomp for a near fall.
The finish came when McIntyre hit the Glasgow Kiss, and Rollins bounced off the ropes. He hit a superkick, but McIntyre bounced off the ropes and hit the Claymore Kick for the win to retain the title.
After the match, McIntyre extended his hand and shook Rollins’s hand.
In the back, Charley Caruso interviewed R-Truth. He acted as if he won earlier tonight and called MVP a tough opponent. Truth is sad to be alone and wants his 24/7 Championship back. He promised to win the belt back.
Truth warned Tom Brady that he’s coming for him and the title. Truth left, and Caruso informed everyone he meant Rob Gronkowski.
Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder match: Asuka defeated Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Carmella, Dana Brooke, and Lacey Evans to win the Women’s MITB Briefcase
Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder match: Otis defeated A.J. Styles, Daniel Bryan, King Corbin, Aleister Black, and Rey Mysterio to win the Men’s MITB Briefcase.
This was a unique match that featured all kinds of entertaining and wacky moments. It did drag at times, especially towards the end.
They introduced the women in the lobby in front of the elevators. The men met in WWE Headquarters’ gym. Each person came out to their entrance music but just stood around. The standing around was strange.
Asuka was introduced but didn’t show up, and the women were confused. They found her standing on the balcony. She lept off the balcony and wiped out all the women standing below. Asuka laughed and jumped in the elevator. She danced in the elevator as it went up, which was hilarious.
The men fought in the gym area. Corbin tried to hit Bryan with a plate, but Bryan moved, and it destroyed the mirror. Otis placed a heavy barbell on Styles’ chest and trapped him. Styles asked for help, but Rey Mysterio just ran off. The men participants ran off, and Mysterio bumped into Brother Love in the bathroom.
The men moved into the hallway. Bryan, Otis, Black, and Corbin all ran into the same elevator and continued to fight.
The women chased each other up the stairs. The women tried to get on the elevator, but the men got off. Everyone was brawling, so Asuka and Black sneaked off.
Bryan rocked Crobin with yes kicks and left. Doink The Clown was hiding behind a chair.
Jax, Baszler, Brooke, and Carmella fought in a conference room. Brooke wiped out Jax with a steel chair and noticed the briefcase on the ceiling. She pulled down the briefcase and thought she won.
Stephanie McMahon showed up and told her this was just the Money in the Bank conference room. Carmella hit Booke with a picture of Carmella winning MITB.
Carmella moonwalked out of the room, but Evans knocked her out with the women’s right.
Styles searched for Mysterio in the hallway. Instead, he saw a picture of the Undertaker. He walked into a room with a purple light and casket. Taker’s music started playing, and Styles had flashbacks to the Boneyard match.
Black showed up and kicked Styles into the room. Black locked the door and ran off.
Paul Heyman was enjoying a feast when everyone showed up. The men and women faced off. Otis yelled food fight, and they all started throwing food at each other. Otis threw food at Heyman to start the fight.
Baszler locked on the kirifuda clutch on Mysterio. Jax and Otis then sandwiched Mysterio.
It ended with Otis and Jax as the last ones standing. Otis went to the cafeteria and picked up a pie. John Laurinaitis showed up, and Otis hit him with the pie.
The women all battled to get to the roof first and ran up the stairs.
Black and Bryan fought in the hallway when Styles showed up. Bryan and Styles fought into Vince McMahon’s office. McMahon was in there and told them to leave. Bryan and Styles apologized and fixed the chairs. That was hilarious. Bryan and Styles continued to brawl in the hallway when Corbin and Black showed up. They ended up fighting in one of the conference rooms.
Asuka and Jax were the first ones on the roof and ended up in the ring. Jax cleared the ring and brought in a ladder. She climbed up, but Asuka cut her off. Evans tried climbing up, but Asuka pulled her down.
Asuka and Evans fought on the top of the ladder. Asuka knocked off Evans, and she landed on Jax.
Asuka climbed to the top, but Corbin ran up the same ladder. He tried to grab the men’s briefcase, but Asuka knocked him off. Asuka pulled down the briefcase to win the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
The match turned into a basic ladder match at this point. Mysterio and Black were fighting on the top of the ladder when Styles knocked them over. Corbin grabbed Mysterio and tossed him over the side of the building. Corbin then threw Black over the side of the building as well.
Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Otis. Styles and Corbin fought on top of the ladder. They both got their hands on the briefcase and pulled it down. Elias showed up and smashed his guitar over Corbin’s back.
Styles fumbled the briefcase, and it fell into Otis his hands. Otis wins the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The pay-per-view ended with Otis celebrating his big win.
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].
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Money in the Bank, fallout from UFC 249, and the latest news. You can also send questions for tonight’s show to [email protected]. We also have a show from yesterday with Garrett Gonzalez, basically catching up on a lot of news, including what to learn from Wednesday ratings, the Jacare Souza COVID-19 test positive and have a new show today covering last night’s UFC show.
We’ve got polls for both UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank. You can send in a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected]
Tonight is a unique PPV featuring a Money in the Bank movie that was taped four weeks ago at the WWE headquarters in Stamford with both the men’s and women’s MITB matches taking place at the same time. The men’s match has Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio, King Corbin, Aleister Black, A.J. Styles and Otis. The women’s match has Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Asuka, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans and Carmella. The favorites are Styles and Baszler as far as odds that I’ve seen. These mini-movie style matches usually end up as polarizing, but with a month to edit there’s really no excuse for it not to be great.
Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title. Rollins had a great empty arena match at WrestleMania so it should be good. This is not the time for McIntyre to be losing in my opinion.
Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the Universal title. This will be tough. The Fiend is all about the special effects and with no fans that could be silly. A tough match.
Bayley vs. Tamina for the Smackdown women’s title. Tamina winning would be a huge upset. I don’t think anyone expects a classic match out of this spot.
New Day vs. Forgotten Sons vs. Miz & Morrison vs. Lucha House Party for the Smackdown tag titles. The match should be great. LHS should shine doing spots. Forgotten Sons are very underrated as workers and Morrison is a super talent, and New Day are always solid. My gut on this would be Miz & Morrison.
Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro – This match comes out of nowhere with no build at all. That said, Cesaro is one of the best empty arena guys in the company so should be good.
MVP vs. R-Truth – I have no idea where this came from. Maybe there’s a reason such as interference or something but when this match was announced, I couldn’t understand it. No build, MVP rarely wrestles and there are so many people who are super talents who could be put in such a slot.
We talked about this on today’s show, but both the fighters and everyone at the show including reporters had to sign documents, one of which is that UFC was not liable for any health issues coming out of the show such as medical costs for a positive test and also that all involved could not disparage how UFC handled that aspect of the show. That’s why everyone was quiet about that. It’s insane that the media was asked to sign it and that they did. The document also stated that fighters who did so would be subject to a loss of their pay. Dana White said it was only if they lied, and that people could say whatever they wanted about how UFC was handling the situation but couldn’t lie. The problem is, that’s always the case. A lot of heavy hitters including the New York Times, Yahoo, Bloomberg and ESPN covered this. The New York Times story can be found here.
For this Wednesday, the UFC show will be on ESPN+ from about 6 p.m. Eastern to midnight. It won’t be on ESPN. Saturday’s show will be on ESPN also from 6 p.m. to midnight. So there will be three shows on Wednesday with AEW, NXT and UFC, but UFC won’t be in a television ratings battle with the other two.
The Washington Post interviewed Andrew Yang about UFC/fighter unionization. He highlights it as an issue he would lobby a Biden administration.
WWE
We will talk about this tonight, but people are raving about the WWE’s Undertaker documentary first part that is on the WWE Network now. Part two will be released a week from today.
The new Shayna Baszler documentary is already up on the WWE Network.
The FOX WWE’s Greatest Ladder matches special which included matches with Rock, Steve Austin, John Cena and others, did 996,000 viewers and a 0.2 in 18-49 on the overnight ratings. That sounds bad, but it beat the 2016 NBA finals head-to-head on ABC and also beat the 2020 Super Bowl replay in the same time slot last Saturday night.
UFC
Expect some good numbers out of last night’s UFC show. It got about 2.65 million Google searches which would be a strong Jon Jones fight level. I expect the rating was strong for the first live major sports event on ESPN in almost two months. PPV has so many unknown factors involved such as no sports bars meaning a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t have gotten it may, plus if there’s a group of eight together watching in the past, it’s possible more than one would get it. And with the economy, perhaps the price tag would keep numbers down. What we do know is that the interest level for the show was very high. It was one of the three most searched for topics over the weekend behind Mother’s Day and in the same range with the death of Little Richard. The goal for WWE today would be about 200,000.
Among the individual topics listed were Henry Cejudo due to his retirement announcement (200,000), Greg Hardy (200,000, he always trends), Francis Ngannou (100,000), Donald Cerrone (50,000), Michelle Waterson (50,000) and Joe Rogan (50,000). What wasn’t listed was Jacare Souza.
The reason Joe Rogan did interviews in the cage like usual as opposed to the plans they had announced is because Rogan insisted on doing them the way he always does.
Tony Ferguson suffered a broken orbital bone in last night’s fight.
AEW
Deadspin has a story on AEW. (thanks to Barry Werner)
A lot of talent will be appearing on Dark Tuesday with nine matches involving Fenix, Orange Cassidy, Dr. Luther, Britt Baker, Kris Statlander, Private Party, Colt Cabana, 10 (Preston Vance) and The Jurassic Express.
MISCELLANEOUS
Pitbull Craig Cole, a Melbourne wrestler and promoter of War Zone Wrestling, made a video encouraging people in Melbourne to attend an anti-COVID-lockdown protest today at the Victorian Parliament. He was also arrested and bladed on the scene.
KDOC in Los Angeles last night aired an early 80s episode of The Wally George show which included both John Tolos and Toru Tanaka. (thanks to Mike Lano)
EPW are running a 10 seminar online course May 18th-June 14th run by Damian Slater, Davis Storm and Gavin McGavin.
Wrestlemania 28 played on Australian ESPN on Friday night. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
On the Saturday Wrestling Observer Live, we hit on several topics on a suddenly busy weekend in wrestling and MMA:
We preview Sunday’s WWE Money in the Bank event, potential surprises in the various ladder matches, and the role The Hacker might play on Sunday.
Jacare Souza is off tonight’s UFC 249 after he and two cornermen tested positive for coronavirus. I talk about some of the financial pressures facing UFC’s parent company that are the driving force behind running three events in eight days.
I answer some questions about Herb Abrams’ UWF and some reasons why I think it failed that weren’t discussed in this past weekend’s Dark Side of the Ring episode.
Finally, I have a caller who is a very casual wrestling fan who just saw someone dive off of a cage onto an opponent who was laying on a stack of tables. He has a lot of questions, so we talk about pro wrestling injuries and the real risks involved.
MVP was most recently in action when he lost a Money in the Bank qualifying match last month. On Raw the past two weeks, he’s hosted VIP Lounge segments with the brand’s men’s and women’s MITB ladder match participants.
MVP has also aligned with Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink, who defeated Ricochet & Cedric Alexander on Raw this Monday.
R-Truth lost the WWE 24/7 Championship to Mojo Rawley at WrestleMania 36 night one, with Rawley then losing the title to Rob Gronkowski on night two.
After weeks of videos documenting his rise, fall, redemption, and comeback, Hardy was back on SmackDown last night. WWE has been building up a feud between Hardy and Sheamus, and Hardy fought off Sheamus on last night’s show.
Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura & Baron Corbin defeated Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak & Otis in the main event of SmackDown last night. Corbin, Bryan, and Otis are participants in this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Here’s the updated card for Money in the Bank (both MITB ladder matches happening simultaneously at WWE headquarters):
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Carmella)
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Otis)
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Seth Rollins
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against Bray Wyatt
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Tamina
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Forgotten Sons, The Lucha House Party, and The Miz & John Morrison in a fatal four-way match
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.
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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
An announcement today by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh indicates there isn’t a good chance for SummerSlam being in Boston this year. He said that they don’t envision a point over the summer where it will make sense to have large gatherings. He announced that no parades and festivals will take place this summer or anything through 9/7. “If your event brings crowds together in close contact–like a concert, a road race, or a flag raising–you should start looking at alternatives now.”
In Australia,which has had only 97 COVID-19 deaths and many states are recording 0 per day now, the National Rugby League is set to resume on 5/28 but with no crowds. Australian Rules Football starts in June. In July, they are hopeful of events with crowds up to 100 people, and they may increase that in the event of no cases. But they are not looking at any big crowds for events until later this year. The aim is to have everything running by late July except for events with big crowds in one place. (thanks to Nathan Spurling)
Dana White said that the UFC will not impose any punishment on Jon Jones for his latest DUI guilty plea.
A survey by Kantar Sports MONITOR as published by Sports Business Journal said:
26 percent of sports fans said they will attend sports events as soon as they are allowed to
45 percent said they won’t attend until they are sure it’s safe
20 percent said they won’t attend until there is a vaccine
8 percent said they will no longer attend live sports events
The survey was done between 4/23 and 4/29 among 2,000 sports fans.
WWE
WWE announced its annual stockholders meeting that was scheduled for 5/14 is being moved to 6/11 due to stay-at-home orders in Connecticut.
FS1 will be airing WrestleMania III for the first time on U.S. television on Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
Stephanie McMahon Levesque followed her husband in selling 23,255 shares of stock on Wednesday for $1,029,963.90.
Michelle McCool in a New York Post interview said there was talk of Edge beating Undertaker at WrestleMania 24, but Edge said that it made no sense to do so. She said that she did know during the afternoon that Brock Lesnar was beating Undertaker and that Undertaker had no issues doing so.
www.BetOnline.ag odds for Money in the Bank
Drew McIntyre -600 vs. Seth Rollins +350
Braun Strowman -120 vs. Bray Wyatt -120
Bayley -450 vs. Tamina +275
New Day -100 vs. John Morrison & Miz +125 vs. Forgotten Sons +250 vs. Lucha House Party +500
Men’s MITB: A.J. Styles -120 vs. Aleister Black +175 vs. Daniel Bryan +450 vs. King Corbin +600 vs. Rey Mysterio +1000 vs. Otis +1400
Women’s MITB: Shayna Baszler -150 Nia Jax +300 vs. Lacey Evans +400 vs. Asuka +600 vs. Dana Brooke +700 vs. Carmella +1000
Lacey Evans will be appearing on the 5/15 episode of “Military Makeover” which airs at 7:30 a.m. Eastern that morning on Lifetime.
The WWE Network has released a three-and-a-half-hour “Kevin Owens’ Biggest Fights” special.
The William Hill Agency odds for UFC 249:Tony Ferguson -175 vs. Justin Gaethje +155
Dominick Cruz +190 vs. Henry Cejudo -220
About 55 percent of betting has been in favor of Gaethje and 74 percent for Cruz. However the big money gamblers have favored Ferguson.
Of the undercard, more total bets and more money has been placed on Michelle Waterson, who faces Carla Esparza, than anyone else on the show. Waterson is an underdog and has gotten 73 percent of a huge number of bets. However, the biggest money bettors are favoring Esparza.
Jussier Formiga vs. Alex Perez is planned for the 6/6 show.
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Ian Heinisch is being planned for the 6/6 show according to Combate.
Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai is being planned for the 5/23 show according to Combate.
MISCELLANEOUS
Lucha Fighter airs the finals of its tournament on the AAA YouTube page at 9 p.m. on Saturday night:
Lady Shani vs. La Hiedra in the women’s final
Dinastia vs. Laredo Boy in the minis final
L.A. Park vs. Pentagon Jr. in the men’s semifinal
Psycho Clown vs. Chessman in the men’s semifinal
Men’s finale
The Los Angeles Times has a story on the selling of Podcast One, the home of Steve Austin’s show. (thanks to Barry Werner)
This week’s ROH TV show will feature Marty Scurll matches with Kazuchika Okada (from the first All In show, which will be the first time that match airs on broadcast television) and Bandido.
A new photo book called “Through the Lens: Dwayne Johnson The Rock” will be released in September. Hiram Garcia, who is part of his Seven Bucks Entertainment team is the photographer for the book that will be released by Macmillan Publishing.
The IOC’s Olympic Channel will be releasing a documentary called “Rulon Gardner Won’t Die,” which comes out on 6/3. It tells the story of Gardener, who in 2000 scored one of the biggest upsets in Olympics history when he defeated Aleksandr Karelin of Russia to win the Olympic gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling, and his life filled with tragedy, a near death experience, obesity, MMA and bankruptcy. (thanks to Barry Werner)
MLW on Saturday at 10 p.m. Eastern on Bein Sports has L.A. Park & L.A. Park Jr. & El Hijo de L.A. Park vs Psycho Clown & Psicosis & Nino Hamburguesa.
AJ Styles returned to WWE television tonight and qualified for Sunday’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
In his first appearance on WWE TV since facing The Undertaker in their boneyard match at WrestleMania 36, Styles won the last chance gauntlet match on tonight’s Raw. He entered as the last participant and submitted Humberto Carrillo with the Calf Crusher to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Styles attacked Carrillo after and repeatedly slammed his leg into the ring post. Styles then cut a promo where he said he may have gotten buried alive against The Undertaker at WrestleMania, but he isn’t a zombie or a ghost. Styles said there’s no Undertaker to try and steal his spotlight this time — and he didn’t actually lose at WrestleMania because there were no rules.
Styles said he’ll do anything to win Money in the Bank, even if that means throwing a Rey Mysterio or Aleister Black off the top of WWE headquarters. He said the other Money in the Bank participants haven’t been through what he’s been through or seen what he’s seen.
Bobby Lashley started the gauntlet match off by defeating Titus O’Neil, Akira Tozawa, and Shelton Benjamin. Lashley was then eliminated when he got disqualified against Carrillo. Carrillo defeated Angel Garza and Austin Theory before the match came down to him and Styles.
Styles, Mysterio, Black, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Otis are the participants for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The men’s and women’s ladder matches are taking place simultaneously.
Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, an Carmella are the wrestlers for the women’s ladder match.
Four teams will be facing off for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at Money in the Bank.
WWE announced today that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day are defending their titles against The Forgotten Sons, The Lucha House Party, and The Miz & John Morrison in a fatal four-way match at Money in the Bank. The pay-per-view is set for Sunday, May 10.
On SmackDown last night, The Forgotten Sons defeated The New Day in a non-title match. Miz & Morrison were on commentary during it.
There was a segment on SmackDown last week where The Lucha House Party, Miz & Morrison, and The Forgotten Sons all interrupted The New Day. It led to The Forgotten Sons starting a brawl and attacking New Day and Lucha House Party while Miz & Morrison bailed.
Lucha House Party also defeated Miz & Morrison last week.
Here’s the updated card for Money in the Bank (WWE has confirmed that both MITB ladder matches are taking place at the same time):
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Carmella)
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, Otis, and the winner of a last chance gauntlet match that’s airing on Monday’s Raw)
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defending against Seth Rollins
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defending against Bray Wyatt
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Tamina
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Forgotten Sons, The Lucha House Party, and The Miz & John Morrison in a fatal four-way match
SmackDown’s wrestlers for this year’s men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches are now officially set.
Carmella qualified for the women’s ladder match by defeating Mandy Rose on SmackDown tonight. For the men’s ladder match, Otis qualified by defeating Dolph Ziggler.
Sonya Deville appeared on the stage during the women’s qualifying match and tried to distract Rose. When Deville went to come down to the ring, Rose was distracted and Carmella hit her with a superkick to get the win. Deville then laid out Rose after the match.
All six participants for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match have been confirmed. Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and Carmella will be in the match.
Five of the six participants for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match are set: Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Otis. The final participant will be determined by a last chance gauntlet match that’s airing on Monday’s Raw.
Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10. WWE confirmed tonight that the men’s and women’s MITB ladder matches are taking place at the same time. They’re being held at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The wrestlers are starting on the ground floor of Titan Towers, with the briefcases hanging on the roof of the building.
Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship, and Bayley vs. Tamina for the SmackDown Women’s Championship are also set for Money in the Bank.
WWE has revealed how Apollo Crews’ replacement for Money in the Bank will be decided.
It was announced on this morning’s episode of WWE’s The Bump that a last chance gauntlet match will air on Monday’s Raw, with the winner becoming the final wrestler to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The participants for the gauntlet match weren’t announced.
Aleister Black, Rey Mysterio, Daniel Bryan, and Baron Corbin have qualified for the men’s ladder match. SmackDown’s final participant for it will be determined by a qualifying match between Otis and Dolph Ziggler this Friday.
In Raw’s qualifying matches, Black defeated Austin Theory, Mysterio defeated Murphy, and Crews originally qualified by defeating MVP. Bryan defeated Cesaro in his qualifying match, while Corbin defeated Drew Gulak.
Crews was pulled from the men’s ladder match after being involved in an injury angle on this week’s Raw. Crews challenged Andrade for the United States Championship on Monday’s show, but it ended in a stoppage after Crews tweaked his knee.
This year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches are taking place at WWE headquarters. Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, and either Mandy Rose or Carmella will be in the women’s ladder match.
Monday’s Raw is the brand’s go-home show for Money in the Bank. In what appears to be a non-title match, Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits will face off with The Viking Raiders on the episode.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are set for next week’s SmackDown.
On the men’s side, Otis will face Dolph Ziggler. The two have been feuding for months, mostly centering around Mandy Rose. Otis defeated Ziggler at WrestleMania 36, with Mandy Rose choosing Otis after a hacker revealed that Sonya Deville had concocted a plot to drive Mandy away from Otis.
Mandy, meanwhile, will face Carmella in the other qualifying match. Carmella’ tag team partner, Dana Brooke, qualified last week.
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin has also been announced. Both men have qualified for Money in the Bank, but Bryan is looking to face Corbin after he defeated his tag team partner Drew Gulak tonight to qualify.
The Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match currently has Bryan, Rey Mysterio, Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, and Corbin, while the Women’s match has Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Brooke, and Lacey Evans, who defeated Sasha Banks tonight to advance.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is set to take part in a segment with his Money in the Bank challenger on this coming Monday’s episode of Raw.
During SmackDown tonight, a commercial aired advertising that McIntyre and Seth Rollins will have a contract signing for their title match at Money in the Bank on Monday’s Raw. Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10.
McIntyre defending his WWE Championship against Rollins at the pay-per-view was made official on Raw this Monday. After being attacked by Rollins the previous week and laid out with a superkick and two curb stomps, McIntyre challenged Rollins to face him at Money in the Bank. A video then aired later where Rollins accepted McIntyre’s challenge.
In his promo, Rollins said he wasn’t accepting the challenge out of respect or disdain — but out of necessity. Rollins said he and McIntyre have a lot in common, but the WWE universe needs a leader now more than ever. Rollins said he’s a proven leader and McIntyre isn’t.
McIntyre became the WWE Champion by defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36. His first title defense was against Big Show. It aired on the post-WrestleMania episode of Raw, with WWE saying it was exclusive footage from after McIntyre won the title from Lesnar on the second night of WrestleMania.
There’s now only one remaining spot left in each of this year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches.
Lacey Evans defeated Sasha Banks on SmackDown tonight to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, and Dana Brooke are the other four wrestlers who have qualified thus far.
Evans hit Banks with the Woman’s Right during their match, but Bayley helped put Banks’ foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Evans then went after Bayley. Banks rolled Evans up, but the referee was distracted by Bayley and couldn’t make the count. Banks told Bayley to stay out of it, then turned around and Evans hit another Woman’s Right to get the win.
Baron Corbin defeated Drew Gulak tonight to qualify for the men’s ladder match. He joins Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, Rey Mysterio, and Daniel Bryan as the wrestlers who have qualified for it.
Corbin won after Gulak was distracted by Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro attacking Bryan on the outside. Following the match, Nakamura and Cesaro held Gulak so that Corbin could hit him with a scepter.
The last two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are taking place on SmackDown next Friday. They are Mandy Rose vs. Carmella and Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler.
Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10. Both ladder matches are taking place at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. They’ll begin on the ground floor of Titan Towers, with the briefcases hanging on the roof of the building.
