Tag: Pro Wrestling News

August 19, 2024 Observer Newsletter: The life & times of Kevin Sullivan, AEW’s new stadium show

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

Subscribers can now read this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The lead story is my obituary on Kevin Sullivan who passed away last week after battling several illnesses.

I also go into Tony Khan’s announcement of a new stadium show for next July in Texas, the possibility of another stadium show in Australia, and his promise of big announcements that could include a new TV rights deal.

I also look at next Sunday’s All In from London, the nearly-complete WWE Bash in Berlin show, the latest on the G1 tournament as it wraps up, and plenty more.

Click here to read.

August 12, 2024 Observer Newsletter: WWE SummerSlam review, TKO Q2 financials, the career of Steve McMichael

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

Subscribers can now read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter with a lead story recapping last Saturday’s WWE SummerSlam that saw the return of Roman Reigns, the in-ring return of CM Punk, and some big storyline developments.

Other stories this week include:

  • A look at the TKO investors call and both WWE & UFC’s financials from the last quarter
  • A deep dive into Steve McMichael’s football and pro wrestling careers after his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • The latest in AEW
  • The latest with the NJPW G1 tournament
  • Lots more

Click here to read.

August 5, 2024 Observer Newsletter: UFC lawsuit going to trial, AEW’s future, WWE SummerSlam preview

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

Subscribers can now read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

This week’s issue leads off with the latest developments in the UFC class action lawsuit that saw the presiding judge deny a settlement both sides had agreed to, putting an October court date on the docket with a lot of questions as to where everything goes next.

I also look ahead to this weekend’s WWE SummerSlam which will see the return of CM Punk to in-ring action plus some other potentially pivotal storyline developments.

I write about AEW’s long-term future and how both their ability to sell the product to consumers and their impending next media rights deal play into it.

All that, plus the latest in G1 coverage, news, results and the like.

Read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

July 29, 2024 Observer Newsletter: Big WWE & AEW summer events take shape, early NJPW G1 thoughts

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: AEW

Subscribers can now read this week’s full Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

This week’s issue kicks off with a look at the latest developments for August’s WWE SummerSlam and AEW All In which saw CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre made official in addition to MJF vs. Will Ospreay II.

I also give my ratings and recaps from the early action in this year’s NJPW G1 tournament.

Here’s a few other stories this week:

  • WWE officials meeting with London’s mayor to discuss the possibility of WrestleMania coming to the city
  • The latest developments in the Vince McMahon vs. Janel Grant lawsuit
  • A recap of last weekend’s TNA Slammiversary
  • And plenty more

Click here to read.

July 22, 2024 Observer Newsletter: WWE & AEW prepare for major summer shows, UFC class action lawsuit still in legal limbo

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Our subscribers can now read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter with a lead story on the latest developments on the ongoing class action lawsuit against the UFC that is still not settled.

“After a second hearing on 7/12, Judge Richard Boulware once again failed to sign off on the $335 million settlement in the Cung Le and Kajan Johnson lawsuits against UFC.

Boulware gave the indication he would make his final decision on 7/19, which would either be to sign off on the settlement or to not agree to do so and basically force both sides into a trial neither side wants.

Based on reports from those in the courtroom as the discussions were taking place, notably MMA reporter Joss Gross, it was very clear Boulware wasn’t happy with the terms of the settlement.

Boulware felt the total settlement number was far too low and also felt that the settlement shouldn’t combine the two lawsuits together. Eric Cramer, the lead attorney in both cases, argued that the number was the highest they could get UFC to agree to.

Boulware was convinced of the merits of the case and believed a jury would award a far higher number for damages to the fighters based on UFC dominating the sport and using that domination to keep salaries down, and particularly with treble damages from the antitrust aspect of the suit.”

This week’s issue also includes the following:

  • A look at how both WWE & AEW are preparing for major summer stadium shows in August.
  • AJ Styles and IYO SKY’s respective returns to Japan last weekend
  • A look at the kickoff for the NJPW G1 tournament
  • More developments in the Janel Grant vs. Vince McMahon lawsuit

Click here to read.

July 15, 2024 Observer Newsletter: John Cena to retire, Stephanie Vaquer signs WWE deal

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Subscribers can now read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter with a lead story of John Cena announcing his impending retirement and a long farewell tour:

“John Cena, one of the biggest pro wrestling stars in history, announced at the 7/6 Money in the Bank show, that he would be retiring from pro wrestling, although not right now.

Cena has talked in interviews for some time about his time left in the business not being long. He had been very careful in the ring in recent years when doing occasional matches. He had said that he would definitely never wrestle after the age of 50, but this announcement seemed to cut back on that timetable by two years. It’s very clear the company and he figured that next year was the right time for a retirement tour, both to help kick off the partnership with Netflix and his being able to physically perform at the level necessary for the number of shows they are looking at doing.

Because of Cena’s acting fame, this announcement was the very rare situation where something in pro wrestling was covered as a major news story. For the next two days, news channels were covering it as a serious news story, noting in particular his “Peacemaker” character and pushing that next year would be his last WrestleMania, which in and of itself will make next year’s Mania the biggest of all-time. Retirements of Ric Flair, Undertaker and others that were at WrestleMania never broke through as one of the leading news stories of the day. On national news radio for the top of the hour top few news stories that were covered, the Cena retirement announcement was mentioned as one of the few stories covered along with weather-related news issues and the presidential race.”

Other stories this week include:

  • Stephanie Vaquer’s surprise signing with WWE and the reaction from AEW, NJPW and CMLL
  • A full recap & review of WWE Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave
  • Dana White’s comments about unique stories in UFC history

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

July 8, 2024 Observer Newsletter: AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door recap, WWE Money in the Bank weekend preview

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: AEW

Subscribers can now read this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Last Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on 6/30 at the UBS Arena felt like part of a familiar pattern.

Ratings and attendance are low. The PPV comes, and the company does a strong show, the crowd is lively, it’s well received, and you often think maybe this could be the start of positive momentum. Certainly Revolution and Dynasty came across that way, and Forbidden Door fit into that pattern.

The repeated strong PPV shows, which do well from a business standpoint and crowd reaction standpoint, leave one thinking the product is really good and perhaps there will be a turnaround because of it. If there’s a lesson learned is that perhaps these strong AEW PPV shows is what may have kept the PPV end of the business strong when other aspects showed decline. But over the last year, the strong shows, perhaps even All In, the biggest success by far in company history, haven’t moved the others aspects of the business.

But there is no way to downplay the live arena success of the show. Forbidden Door had a long show with a generally hot crowd, which was explosive during the main event. It did a $1 million gate in the New York market, at the UBS Arena in Long Island. It’s a market they run all the time, and did this gate even though they just ran a PPV in that market only six months ago and WWE ran Madison Square Garden with great success two days earlier with an angle that led to a ton of talk.

But from a PPV standpoint, it’s definitely a question.

Other stories this week include:

  • A preview of this weekend’s WWE Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave
  • A changing of the guard for the upcoming NJPW G1 tournament
  • The much-discussed WrestleMania 40 documentary…and more.

Click here to read

July 1, 2024 Observer Newsletter: The life & times of Sika, full preview of AEW Forbidden Door

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

The new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is available for subscribers with a lead story looking back at the life of Sika.

“Sika Anoa’i, who with brother Afa, formed the Wild Samoans tag team and is the father of Roman Reigns (Leati Joseph Anoa’i) passed away on 6/25 at the age of 79.

While some credit Peter Maivia (Pita Fanene Anderson) or even Neff Maiava as the start of the Samoan dynasty, as far as actual blood relatives, the large family tree that includes Reigns, The Usos, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Samula, Afa Jr., Jacob Fatu, Yokozuna, Rosey, Umaga and Solo Sikoa, started with Afa & Sika.

Pola’ivao Leati Sika Amituana’i Anoa’i was born April 5, 1945, in the village of Leone on the Island of Tutuila in American Samoa. He was one of 13 children. He and brother Afa made up the tag team, while first cousin Solofa Fatu Sr., who never wrestled, was the father of Junior (who became more famous as Rikishi after starting his career using the name Fatu and being part of the Samoan Swat Team or SST team as a second generation Samoans, with either brother Sam, who wrestled as the Samoan Savage, Tonga Kid and Sam Fatu, or cousin Samula, who was Afa’s son), Sam and Edward (Umaga). Jacob Fatu is Sam’s son. The Usos (Jonathan & Joshua Fatu) and Sikoa are Solofa Fatu Jr.’s sons.

His nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i, wrote, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy have left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched.

“He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Other stories include:

  • A preview of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door
  • A look at WWE’s multi-PLE deal with Indianapolis, Indiana
  • The death of Jamie Kellner, a key TV executive who essentially pulled the plug on WCW
  • Thoughts on the final Who Killed WCW?

Subscribers can click here to read the full issue.

June 24, 2024 Observer Newsletter: WWE Clash at the Castle review, NJPW G1 tournament developments

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: WWE

WWE’s Clash at the Castle was the latest in the new version of five-match B PPV shows with roughly three hour shows so all the matches could get time.

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s issue.

Because they charged the highest ticket prices for an arena event in company history, the sellout crowd of 11,117 (via Wrestletix, WWE said 11,391 but of late WWE’s announced numbers have been way exaggerated even with Vince McMahon gone as noted by the real numbers coming out for Mania) at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow Scotland, produced the largest gate for an arena setting show in pro wrestling history. We don’t know the number, but given the ticket prices, it could have hit $4 million. It broke the record of more than $3.2 million just set on 5/4 with the Backlash show in Lyon, France. It was both the highest priced get-in ticket in pro wrestling history, as originally the cheapest ticket was priced at $419, but was lowered to $316 at the end to sell the remaining tickets as it was not sold out until the day of the show. It’s possible it was dropped a little lower, but even the secondary market price was more than $300 to get in.

In many ways this reminded me of years back when UFC came to the U.K. regularly and would charge high ticket prices and we’d hear how overpriced the tickets were, yet the event would sell out immediately. Even before dropping the prices a bit, most of the tickets were sold well in advance. There were a ton of complaints when the prices were originally released, but they had enough people who would pay those prices that they still sold out.

Some of the other stories this week include:

  • A look at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door
  • The latest twist in the Cung Le vs. UFC lawsuit
  • The NJPW G1 tournament taking shape

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s issue.

June 17, 2024 Observer Newsletter: Ricochet’s future, WWE Clash at the Castle preview

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

The situation with Ricochet (Trevor Mann, 35), was the subject of a lot of talk this past week with nothing confirmed but a lot of expectations that he’s AEW bound, especially since Will Ospreay has teased it.

It was known that his contract was about to expire. Then Mike Johnson at PWInsider reported that he had given notice to WWE, and that he was leaving the promotion. If he was leaving, and unless something changes, that was the plan, AEW would be the only natural destination because the money anywhere else would be much lower.

Those who would have to know told us that he had not made up his mind what he was doing, that he had not signed a renewal, although did say he was very close to making up his mind, on the morning of 6/9. The belief the night before was strong that he would be leaving and it was talked about in both WWE and AEW. Then on the afternoon of 6/9, we were outright told he had made his decision although wouldn’t confirm what that decision was. The next day we were told that the Raw, where they had an angle scheduled where Bron Breaker would destroy him, would most likely be his last WWE appearance. That by itself wouldn’t confirm AEW, and nothing has confirmed AEW, past common sense given all that would indicate it would almost have to be AEW.

Given that his contract still has a short period of time to go, it’s not as if he can appear on AEW until it does expire, and certainly nobody can acknowledge it in an official way.

Other stories this week include:

  • A preview of this weekend’s WWE Clash at the Castle
  • Reviews of NJPW Dominion and NXT Battleground
  • Why Conor McGregor’s UFC return was canceled

Click here to read

June 10, 2024 Observer Newsletter: The evolution of the AEW/AAA/CMLL relationship

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: The Covalent TV

Having Rey Fenix wrestle on the same Dynamite show as Volador Jr., Esfinge, Rugido and Magnus on 6/5 in Loveland, CO, was notable because it indicates at least the beginning of some changes.

Previously CMLL would now allow its wrestlers to wrestle on the same television show as other Mexican native wrestlers, whether they were working for AAA (its rival) or not. This policy also affected CMLL’s long-time business partner, New Japan, which co-promotes the Forbidden Door shows. This is why wrestlers like Penta, Rey Fenix, Andrade and Rush were not able to work previous Forbidden Door shows, even though CMLL talent itself wasn’t even on them. The idea is that non-CMLL Mexican talent couldn’t appear on New Japan shows.

While having Fenix on the same show as Volador and the others would indicate breaking down of what Tony Khan called that Forbidden Door, it’s not as cut-and-dried as that.

Other feature stories in this week’s issue includes:

  • A look at this Sunday’s NXT Battleground and next weekend’s WWE Clash at the Castle
  • The latest strange development about Conor McGregor’s UFC return
  • NJPW president Hiroshi Tanahashi’s comments this week

Subscribers can click here to read

June 3, 2024 Observer Newsletter: AEW Double or Nothing & WWE King and Queen of the Ring reviews

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Image: AEW

AEW’s Double or Nothing show was a night of excesses. Most liked the show a lot, but it was far from the blow away shows that the company’s previous two PPV shows were.

It did go too long and there were so many gimmicks, returns, stunts, weapons and so much outside interference that nobody could possibly remember all of it. It was simply a show of too much.

The wrestling was as usual, very strong. This was not like the prior two shows, which were all-time great ones. This one was viewed positively by the vast majority, but there were obvious qualms and there was very fair negativity to aspects of it. A lot depended on what one thought of the main event, which was the epitome of excesses and creativity. If you like both, you likely loved the match. If you are someone who thinks somebody whose arm was Pillmanized the night before shouldn’t be back so soon or should lose the next day, or that setting someone on fire should be a finish and injury angle, you would be likely to hate things on the show, particularly the main event.

To me, it’s not my cup of tea but there were a ton of impressive things, the live crowd loved it and the work and effort was out of this world. Anarchy in the Arena came from Stadium Stampede, which was a match designed to give people wacky entertainment during COVID and was fantastic in that sense on that day–not that it didn’t have its critics for all the same reasons. This was more of a serious company threatening issue so from a storyline aspect, the wackiness and craziness felt different. Like a lot of the most extreme matches in AEW history, the feeling was more liked it than didn’t, but many didn’t like it.

Other stories this week include:

  • A review of WWE King & Queen of the Ring
  • The latest on AEW/WBD TV rights negotiations
  • The latest on the Grant vs. McMahon lawsuit

Subscribers can click here to read.

May 27, 2024 Observer Newsletter: AEW celebrates five years, El Hijo del Santo retiring, weekend preview

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Ever since WBD earmarked Collision last year, giving AEW five hours of weekly television on TBS and TNT, it was known that 2024 would be the most important year, since the first year, in company history.

The promotion, No. 2 in the world in popularity and revenue, as well as expenses, celebrates five years since its debut show, the first Double or Nothing, with a PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

WWE would celebrate historical milestones usually with a big television show, promoting it well and building to much larger ratings than usual. And perhaps AEW is saving that for the five year television anniversary the first week of October.

There have been mentions of this, but it’s hardly been pushed in any major way. There have been no promos from the guys there from the start talking about the launch, clips from the original show or press conference leading to the show, or any celebration regarding the company outlasting almost all expectations there were for it, its successes and its failures. Then again, WWE really wouldn’t talk much about its failures in its celebrations either.

The past is the past. Most in wrestling did not believe it still would be here in one year, let alone five. And if they knew a pandemic was coming that would shut down live events, they’d peg the odds of success even lower than most did.

The past does include some tremendous television episodes, including the tribute to Brodie Lee show which may have been the best televised show ever, and many of the best matches ever held on American-based television. The PPVs and PPV business has been way above any reasonable expectations when it comes to both show quality long-term and business.

Creative certainly has questions. A lot of money has been spent on some talent that has contributed very little. AEW went from the fun place to work with the great backstage camaraderie when WWE talent for the most part were walking on eggshells, to a place with a lot of frustration from wrestlers making a nice and even great living but not getting anywhere near the ring time nor upward mobility hoped for.

It’s also led to both fair and in some cases ridiculously unfair rhetoric. Aspects that have been hugely successful, match quality for instance, have been denied by some or even somehow been painted as a negative. Crowds going nuts at great matches has been derided as being easy crowds and thus their reactions don’t count.

Other stories include:

  • WWE expanding SummerSlam to two days in 2026
  • El Hijo del Santo announces his retirement
  • A preview of WWE King & Queen of The Ring and AEW Double or Nothing

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s full issue.

April 29, 2024 Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon responds to Janel Grant lawsuit; AEW Dynasty recap

Posted on by Dave Meltzer
Attorneys for Vince McMahon on 4/21 filed a response to the Janel Grant lawsuit and Grant’s side also responded to the claims.

The key aspect of the filing was that the claims of sexual abuse and coercion “are pure fiction,” disputing many of her claims in the lawsuit about her life and the relationship.

The key point they are arguing legally is that the NDA signed between McMahon and Grant would not have allowed such a lawsuit to be filed, and she violated the agreement. They did introduce evidence that had a provision that any dispute would have to be settled by arbitration.

The NDA agreement, which called for McMahon to pay Grant $3 million, contained a clause that stated, “By signing this agreement, Grant acknowledges that she will have waived any right she may have had to pursue or bring a lawsuit or make any legal claims against McMahon and/or WWE, and any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives.”

McMahon’s attorneys, James A. Budinetz of Hartford, CT, and Jessica T. Rosenberg and Jonathan L. Shapiro of Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP, filed the argument that the case, based on that wording, says the case has to be decided in arbitration.

Essentially the key argument would look to be whether McMahon’s failure to make the $500,000 payments to Grant on February 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024, renders the NDA agreement clauses unenforceable. The agreement would have also called for $500,000 payments on February 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026.

This would explain why Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, was attempting to get a ruling that the entire NDA would be thrown out.

Subscribers can click here to read this week’s issue.