Tag: superstar billy graham

Daily Update: Pat McAfee, Carlito, Superstar Billy Graham

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

Join us in Las Vegas for our annual F4W Convention

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

Highlights include:

*Match of the week and performer of the week

*AEW All In sets records, and looking at the biggest crowds in pro wrestling history and how this compares, what we’ve earned about ticketing, what records are within reach and what records are not, as well as the biggest crowds ever in Europe and a man named Jim Londos.

*Evaluating the WWE draft. We look at the depth charts of both brands, questions being asked, will the brand split really be what they say (of course it won’t long run), looking at the NXT talent brought up and more.

*A look at WWE business including heavy quotes from Nick Khan and Paul Levesque on the current state of the business, how much WWE is looking a cutting with the merger with UFC, Khan talks about working under Endeavor.

*Levesque talks the booking of talent

*WrestleMania business notes

*How many people watch Raw or Smackdown on a weekly basis, and the number is far more than you think

*Plans for another major overseas event on hold

*WWE Backlash notes

*Looking at the last three months of wrestling numbers and how it compares with television as a whole

*New Japan Dontaku full coverage as well as the next month of New Japan major shows

*Gable Steveson and others who have done pro wrestling and then gone back to amateur wrestling including the top worker of the 80s who the Olympics banned from competing due to an archaic rule

*Full Saturday UFC coverage

*Pro Wrestling NOAH runs Sumo Hall and the matches and angles

*The most detailed look at pro wrestling ratings, as well s where the changes were, competition and what can be learned from them

*CMLL Champion of Champions tournament

*Major League baseball players go to Arena Mexico

*Unique new idea for running pro wrestling shows explained and talks of it going t the U.S.

*Why a world title recently changed hands

*A new jump that hasn’t happened but essentially is about to

*Champion Carnival tournament goes to the finals

*Will Ospreay’s future

*70s and 80s star returning to the ring

*Vikingo goes to Australia

*Lots of changes coming to AEW

*Update on plans for the new and revamped AEW television plans

*Hire of Will Washington

*Update on Double or Nothing show

*Lots of competition of AEW next week

*DVR viewership of AEW

*Advance ticket sales for WWE and AEW shows

*Jon Jones talks future

*Lots of new UFC fights

*Bare Knuckle Boxing business notes

*Bare Knuckle MMA shows coming

*More on gold medalist signing with WWE

*Other gold medalists WWE has signed over the years

*WWE star headed to realty competition show

*Injury updates

*Writer talks about the WWE culture

*International TV numbers and streaming numbers

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW

Other Wrestling

  • Valerie Coleman, the wife of Superstar Billy Graham, provided the following update on his health on Facebook: “The doctors are continuing to try and prepare me for the worst. And I continue to explain to them that Wayne and I are people of faith and that our God has the final say. I am not in denial about what’s happening to him or blind to what the medical reports say…I just know that the God I serve is greater than any infection and more powerful than any organ failure. Please pray specifically for his blood cultures to come back clear and for his blood pressure to stabilize. At this time they are providing support to prevent his pressure from plummeting and the fact that his cultures continue to be positive is one of the main reasons they are not very optimistic. They think he may have a heart infection but the test that would confirm that is too dangerous for him. All things are possible with God and there is power when believers come into agreement together. Prayer is incredibly powerful and we need all of your prayers. With my whole heart I give thanks to God for each of you and I am grateful beyond words for you all.”
  • Carlito on Twitter following his cameo at WWE Backlash: “Well….looks like my Indy booking price just went up!!”
  • NJPW interviewed Dan Moloney, who will participate in the upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament.

Daily Update: Drew McIntyre, Superstar Billy Graham, Kaito Kiyomiya

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

Join us in Las Vegas for our annual F4W Convention

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

Highlights include:

*Match of the week and performers of the week

*WrestleMania update

*Ticket sales for all the WWE events of the weekend, how it compares to the past, as well as for the ROH show

*Updates on the lineup and what is on each night and what seems to be on each night based on reports

*Update on match changes

*Update on NXT Takeover and who will have their first big match on the show

*Update on the key independent shows held over WrestleMania weekend

*AEW ticket sales for Double or Nothing and Forbidden Door

*Full coverage of UFC 286 and where things go next for the top fighters on the show

*A look at the final week of the New Japan Cup, new stories, lineups for early April, and new stable, the Sanada title match and reviews of every tournament match and the full finals show.

*Andy Kaufman in WWE Hall of Fame, a look back at the famous angle and other key angles during Kaufman’s run in Memphis, the David Letterman show and how the angle came to be

*NCAA wrestling tournament note including one of history’s biggest upsets and the story behind it

*Davey Richards retires, a look at the allegations that led to his retirement, his career and the time when Bryan Danielson called him the best in the world

*The most detailed look at the TV ratings for all the national shows, placings and hat can be learned from the competition and the results

*A look at CMLL’s second biggest show of the year , the big hair match and where Romero vs Volador looks to be going

*Notes on upcoming tournament of champions in Mexico

*Film on well known pro wrestling personality debuted recently at Film Festival

*Update on major celebrity wrestling angle and how it got exposed by a fan

*A look at the Lucha Libre World Cup featuring stars from AEW

*Update on plans for the biggest Stardom event in history

*All Japan has two shows featuring interpromotional matches

*NOAH runs a big show with key title change

*Update on Will Ospreay

*Update on Mercedes Mone and when her New Japan deal is up

*Notes on Best of the Super Juniors tournament

*Legendary promotion from the best with some of the best matches in history is starting a YouTube page

*Health updates on a lot of key wrestling personalities

*Former pro wrestler becomes a hero who likely saved a lot of lives averting a potential shooting

*Top U.S. stars tour Australia

*Unique tournament planned

*Indie promotion in the U.K. bringing in top stars for unique title determination matches

*Update on MLW and a new deal made

*Update on major new national television show in the plans

*A look at AEW’s first house show in years

*New AEW and WWE business deals

*Ticket sales for upcoming AEW and WWE events

*International TV ratings and streaming numbers

*Conor McGregor’s comeback notes including a key rule for his return and if it will be broken

*Olympic silver medalist signs unique deal to both do MMA and still try for a 2024 gold medal

*WWE video game news and launch party

*Story about a major international deal WWE is working on

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • The Associated Press has an article on WrestleMania.
  • This week’s The Bump, featuring The Miz, Maryse, and Johnny Gargano. Additional episodes of The Bump will air on Sunday and Monday covering WrestleMania weekend.
  • Drew McIntyre spoke to The Mail Online about his loss at Clash at the Castle to Roman Reigns, agreeing that the moment was bittersweet. “For sure. It’s very rare that you ever get moments like that. There’s a stadium full of people 100 percent on one guy’s side and the story has peaked at the right time and you have the chance to take a talent to that next, next, next level. That’s what we had at Clash. But you need to look at the bigger picture. What are the plans for Roman and the Bloodline storyline, but at the same time it’s like, “Ah, could we do both? Theory has the Money in the Bank briefcase, there might be a way to pull this off, to look after Roman and the Bloodline story, which is the bigger picture, but at the same time take a talent to the next level? Everything happens for a reason and sometimes old McIntyre doesn’t quite get it done. It’s the story of my life and my character’s life I guess, that I keep getting knocked down and I guess that’s why my fans keep rallying behind me and pushing me and believing in me because they see how hard I work and how much I believe, no matter how close I get and keep on getting it taken away from me, I’ll keep pushing forward until I finally get that moment.”
  • IYO SKY, Carmella, and Bobby Lashley attended Tuesday’s Angels baseball game and met Shohei Ohtani.
  • Logan Paul appeared on Cold as Balls with Kevin Hart.
  • Matches and segments added to WWE’s YouTube channel today include Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin from WrestleMania 35, Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Edge from WrestleMania 37, and Triple H putting his boots in the ring signifying his retirement at WrestleMania 38.

AEW

  • Adam Cole on tonight’s return to the ring: “Tonight means everything to me. I truly didn’t know if this day would come, but here we are. No matter what, thank you. Let’s do this.”
  • LancasterOnline has a profile on Cole.

Other Wrestling

  • Kaito Kiyomiya was originally set to travel to the United States with Keiji Muto, who is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. However, Tokyo Sports reported that Kiyomiya would have to miss the trip due to suffering concussion issues from a match on March 27. Yoshiki Inamura is traveling with Muto instead.
  • A GoFundMe has been launched for Superstar Billy Graham, who remains hospitalized. An update on Facebook from his wife Valerie: “Things are horribly difficult. Wayne is struggling and still not home. I was in the ER this weekend still testing positive for covid….shortness of breath….severe coughing….said it’s inflammation and bronchitis from covid….this is horrible and going through it alone is getting harder every day. I just had a call from the nursing facility and Wayne has refused all of his meds today….he’s dealing with a lot of confusion and depression. He’s still 100% deaf and has now lost 65 pounds….It’s breaking my heart not being able to see him. This Friday will be 12 weeks since he’s been home. And now on top of everything else I have to figure out how to come up with his medicare copay….the nursing facility called this morning to tell me he’s reached the cap so now back to paying $200 a day out of pocket. I have no idea where that money will come from. Can get very overwhelming but I know the Lord is with us and He will provide. Thank you for your constant prayers. “
  • Datebook has a story on local wrestling shows in the Bay Area, including NJPW’s recent Battle in the Valley event.
  • Sports Illustrated talked to Jordynne Grace regarding her upcoming bodybuilding debut.
  • Eddie Kingston vs. Leon Slater vs. Danny Black vs. Lio Rush has been announced for Progress Wrestling Chapter 151: Heavy Metal.

Daily Update: John Cena, Superstar Billy Graham, Becky G

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

  • A look back at the history of the Iron Man match
  • The set up of the first Iron Man match that we know of
  • All the WWE true 60:00 Iron Man matches as well as the worked marathon matches that happened earlier
  • Bryan Danielson talks about the challenge of doing such a match today
  • Thoughts on what the PPV numbers will tell
  • Key aspect of the number
  • Ticket sales for the show, city record, current demand
  • Notes on the full card
  • Update on WrestleMania and changes
  • Ticket demand and sales or WrestleMania
  • Shad Gaspard/Jonathan Huber Award winner for 2022 and previous winners
  • Update on the MLW television deal with REELZ
  • Update on MLW potential lawsuit with WWE
  • Thoughts on the 2022 awards
  • CMLL and New Japan combine for FantasticaMania and a look at the last two events
  • UFC coverage of the weekend show
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings for the past week, how segments did, and how shows are hitting each key demo
  • Woman wrestling vet announces retirement
  • Report that a network reached out to rival promotion from who they carry to get them
  • Notes on a unique match in Mexico
  • Match of the week and performer of the week
  • A look at the first TripleMania card
  • One of the iconic legends of the sport announces about the next wrestler with the gimmick
  • New Japan Cup notes
  • All-Star Junior Festival notes
  • Governor who wrestled on Jan. 1 gets heat for it and why
  • Jerry Jarrett’s farewell words to his family
  • Von Erich movie notes
  • Former WWE wrestler pleads guilty in nationally covered fraud investigation
  • Pentagon & Fenix promote super indie show in April
  • Super indie matches
  • A card that features matches from nine different promotions in nine different countries
  • 16 Carat Gold tournament update
  • Brett Lauderdale talks how they got Kota Ibushi
  • Updates on next several weeks of Impact television
  • Updates on next several weeks of ROH television
  • AEW injury updates
  • Kenny Omega, Dax Harwood Bryan Danielson, Matt Hardy , Chris Jericho, Britt Baker and others talk the current scene
  • AEW star owning a sports franchise
  • Upcoming ticket sales for AEW & WWE events
  • Streaming and international TV numbers
  • WWE & UFC financials and comparisons, how badly and why UFC talent is underpaid, what Dana White earns and why Endeavor passed on making an offer to WWE
  • Dana White talks Makhachev vs. Volkanovski rematch
  • Jon Jones and Bo Nickal talk about their wrestling skirmish
  • Bellator signs two-tie NCAA champion
  • Jake Paul PPV numbers
  • Former UFC champions sign for Bare Knuckle Boxing
  • Ticket sales for big shows and how adding John Cena, Logan Paul and Roman Reigns to shows moves tickets
  • Update on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony
  • Notes on new projects from Dwayne Johnson and John Cena
  • WWE unloads a Senior Vice President
  • Bayley talks about formation of Damage Ctrl
  • Notes on new WWE signings getting ready for television
  • Notes from the weekend WWE & NXT events

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Tuesday Update

WWE

  • John Cena on last night’s Raw appearance: “Last night was the first time I entered the arena and had the thought that it might be the last time. I’ll never be able to put into words how much I love the #WWEUniverse.”
  • It was announced on Raw Monday that Becky G will be performing America the Beautiful on WrestleMania Saturday.
  • The first trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, where John Cena voices Rocksteady.
  • The Hudson Valley Post has an article on The Now, a tag team on the independent scene, filing a cease and desist order to prevent WWE from using that term to refer to Austin Theory.
  • Theory talked to CBS 58 about WrestleMania 39.
  • The New York Post has an article on the current storyline problems with Bray Wyatt.
  • Matches added to WWE’s YouTube page today include The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar from WrestleMania 30, Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair from WrestleMania 38 Saturday, and Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles from the March 7, 2017 edition of SmackDown.

AEW

Other Wrestling

  • An update on Superstar Billy Graham’s health on Facebook via his wife Valerie: “He has acute renal failure and they will start dialysis tomorrow to support his kidneys… not sure of the cause at this point… too soon. Also pray for his lungs….no pneumonia but some kind of inflammation or something. They’ve just gotten him to his room, thank you.”
  • AAA announced that they have suspended Chessman after an incident at the AAA/NWA The World is a Vampire event where he slapped social media influencer Adrian Marcelo.
  • NJPW’s website has an article on Antonio Inoki’s public wake at Sumo Hall on March 7.
  • NJPW has changed several cards as a result of David Finlay joining the Bullet Club.
  • Jacob Fatu is celebrating a birthday today.
  • Sexy Star II vs. Dulce Tormenta has been added to The Wrld on Lucha on April 1.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Roman vs. Sami II, AEW and NXT previews, Jon Jones returns, RAW report, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including an update on Superstar Billy Graham, Roman vs. Sami on the road, AEW and NXT previews for this week, Revolution, ratings, Jon Jones returns to UFC, RAW report, Ring of Honor taping spoilers at the end of the show and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Superstar Billy Graham & wife have COVID, Roman Reigns is working a house show

3:27: NXT and AEW Dynamite previews, AEW Revolution card rundown

11:47: Ratings

15:18: UFC 285 this weekend

23:23: Jake Paul lost, Powerslap PPV moved, Chael Sonnen on Ariel Helwani

29:02: WWE Raw report

48:50: ROH night two TV spoilers

55:37: Q&A

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Daily Update: AEW Revolution, Jake Paul, Superstar Billy Graham

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

*The biggest issue of the year, the 2022 Awards issue is up on the site

*Winners and top ten finishes in dozens of categories related to both pro wrestling and MMA as well as as listing of everyone who had won an award dating back to 1980. We also have comments on the voting in the major categories and notes on different career breakthroughs.

*Match of the week and performer of the week

*Full coverage of Elimination Chamber, the decision on the main event, the WrestleMania direction, different options, WrestleMania ticket demand, records set at Chamber, and Tony Khan and Ariel Helwani

*Coverage of Keiji Muto’s retirement at the Tokyo Dome with the unique storytelling in the main event and some great matches underneath

*Mercedes Mone returns after nine months to win the IWGP women’s title with full coverage of New Japan in San Jose, Mone’s future in Japan, who is in for a major push in Stardom, notes on Stardom’s upcoming biggest show in its history and some of the top matches

*The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week for all wrestling shows, including segment by segment, why AEW Dynamite and WWE Raw were up and other notes

*Mercedes Mone talks coming to Stardom

*Stardom tournament updates and next big show

*Notes from the Yuji Nagata vs. Kento Miyahara Triple Crown change and future All Japan big shows

*What country is New Japan talking about touring soon

*Fantastica Mania notes

*Notes on the Jerry Jarrett funeral and more Memphis wrestling history

*The death of Richard Belzer and the incident with Hulk Hogan

*Kurt Angle talks health issues

*Death of Brian Bukantis

*WBD business update

*Contract notes on top AEW talent

*Lineup for Revolution

*Ticket advances for all WWE & AEW shows

*Streaming numbers for AEW & WWE

*International TV ratings including what show broke its all-time record in what country

*Congressman going after Power Slap

*New UFC fights

*More on WWE potential sale and value

*Details of how if there is a Saudi Arabian purchase of WWE and how interested they are in it, what that would mean

*Notes on the debut of Dwayne Johnson’s XFL

*A&E documentary notes

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Monday Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, WrestleMania updates, Jon Jones’ return and the other recent news with Wrestling Observer Radio tonight.

AEW Revolution on Sunday will once again be airing in movie theaters around the U.S. and Canada. It will also play at some Dave & Buster’s and some Tom’s Watch Bar locations. You can find a location in your area here. 

The Tommy Fury win over Jake Paul via split decision yesterday in a boxing match in Saudi Arabia did 4.2 million Google searches which is a giant number. The guys both got giant paydays from Saudi Arabia. This was Paul’s first fight against an actual boxer and it was competitive. Paul knocked Fury down in the eighth round but Fury showed better boxing skills most of the way. The scores were 76-73 from two judges (meaning Fury won six of eight rounds and Paul got a 10-8 8th round) and 75-74 for Paul (meaning 4-4 in rounds). 

The situation with Superstar Billy Graham and wife Valerie Coleman has gotten worse. Both have COVID to add to Billy’s other very serious health issues. That means Valerie can’t be near Billy in the hospital.

Want to wish Jay Dumont the best. His entire situation breaks my heart at this point.

Thanks to Kenny K, Shannon Walsh, Andrew Gotch, Ross Blair, Alex Keeling and Gerard Di Trolio for weekend reports.

We’re looking for reports from yesterday’s Impact tapings in Las Vegas to [email protected] as well as from Raw in Grand Rapids tonight for Main Event matches and anything else not on the live show.

Raw is tonight in Grand Rapids, MI. There are a lot of WrestleMania ramifications on the show. We’ll see if Brock Lesnar really is wrestling Omos at WrestleMania and the tag title match with Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky vs. Becky Lynch & Lita for the tag title will set up the title match with Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, or at least that was what was planned last week and there’s no indication that has changed. Rousey last week was to appear on this show although she’s not been advertised. She was at the house show last night in Rockford, IL. Also announced is Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable which could be great, Street Profits vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa which also looks good, Asuka vs. Carmella, Piper Niven vs. Candice LeRae ad Miz reveals the secret gift Maryse got him. WWE is hot as tonight’s show was 400 shy of a sellout this morning at 8,400 so with the walk-up it should sell out.

We’re looking for reports from the show as far as Main Event matches or anything not on the live show to [email protected]

The final show of the Fantastica Mania tour is at 4:30 a.m. Eastern tomorrow morning from Korakuen Hall. The big main event is Mistico vs. Atlantis Jr.. Atlantis Jr. has been given a big push the entire tour including beating Mistico in a tag. There are no title matches on the final night so they are counting on this as a dream match. Also Master Wato & Cavernario & Ultimo Guerrero vs. Desperado & Volador Jr. & Templario, Soberano Jr. vs.Hechicero, Dulce Gardenia vs. Okumura, Tetsuya Naito & Titan & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryohei Oiwa & Satoshi Kojima & Rey Cometa plus Tiger Mask vs. El Hijo de Villano III.

Titan beat Soberano Jr. to keep the CMLL welterweight title in today’s main event.

Here are the odds for the main matches on Revolution on Sunday:

MJF -5000 Bryan Danielson +900

Jamie Hayter -1000 Ruby Soho +3350 Saraya +450

Wardlow -500 Samoa Joe +300

The Elite -220 House of Black +350 

Adam Page -600 Jon Moxley +350 

Ricky Starks -400 Chris Jericho +250

FITE announced that Scotland’s Insane Championship Wrestling has joined its FITE +. ICW will air a new weekly show every Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern time which is prime time in the U.K., as will as four major events per year,.

Impact will be releasing a one-hour documentary on Josh Alexander at Noon Eastern tomorrow on their YouTube channel.

The Slap Fight finals on 3/11 at 9 p.m.., which was originally to be a PPV on ESPN + has been moved from ESPN+ to a free stream on the Rumble streaming service. It will be free worldwide. Darius the Destroyer vs. Wolverine is the main event.

MCW on 3/34 in Galena, MD at the Volunteer Fire Department and 3/11 in Joppa, MD at the RJ Meyer Arena.

Northeast Wrestling on 4/15 in Poughkeepsie, NY at the Mid Hudson Civic Center with Ricky Starks, Konosuke Takeshita, Matt Hardy, NZO, QT Marshall, Cole Karter and Willow Nightingale. Kurt Angle will be there as a guest.

Pro Wrestling EVE has added a 3/9 show at The Yard Theatre in East London, UK. The main event has Miyu Yamashita vs. Miyuki Takase in a last match between the two in Eve, plus Session Moth Martina & Natsuko Sumire vs. Nina Samuels & The Ava. They also run 3/8 at 229 The Venue in London for a sold out show headlined by Yamashita vs. Lizzy Evo.

United Wrestling Coalition on 3/11 in Bordenton, NJ at the Lower Banquet Hall at the Elks Lodge for their 27th anniversary show. They will also have a promotional Hall of Fame ceremony.

Innovate Wrestling on 3/4 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium.

AIW Gauntlet for the Gold on 5/20 in Eastlake, OH at Force Sports features Miyu Yamashita.

Bill Behrens notes PJ Hawx and Devon Dudley ae taking dates. Devon will only take autograph and photo dates either alone or can be booked with Bully Ray. He will also manage his twin sons Terrence & Terrell. Others available at [email protected] include Joe Hendry, Flip Gordon, Chris Adonis, EC 3, Griff Garrison, Slim J, Jay Lethal, Al Snow, Ken Anderson, Moose, Earl Hebner, DDP and Eric Bischoff.

Aloha Stadium is Honolulu is no more. Lia Maivia ran a major show there in the 80s with Ric Flair vs. Siva Afi and Antonio Inoki vs Bruiser Brody. Aloha Stadium was best known for University of Hawaii football and the NFL Pro Bowl.

GCW announced a 4/22 date in Orlando,FL at the Englewood Center. As with all GCW shows, it’ll air live on FITE +.

Defy is reviving the legendary Pacific Northwest heavyweight title. The first champion will be decided on 3/11 at Washington Hall in Seattle with Homicide vs.Schaff.

United Wrestling Network tapes TV on 5/7 in Irvine CA at the Improv with Danny Limelight defending the UWN title against Zicky Dice.

January 9, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Pride & K1 New Year’s Eve shows, Superstar Billy Graham DVD recap

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The New Year’s Eve tradition in Japan this year produced a lot of controversy, a few surprises and head-to-head battles which appear to have shown substance for once beating style among the masses.

Pride, on the strength of its Naoya Ogawa vs. Hidehiko Yoshida battle of 1992 judo medalists match, reversed the results of the past two years by beating K-1 in the head-to-head battle. Two weeks ago, that would have been expected, but with the addition of Masato, K-1 had one strong ratings draw after another on its schedule. Making the win even more surprising is that the Ogawa vs. Yoshida main event, on television, ended at 11 p.m., some 46 minutes before the scheduled finish of the show. Both shows, to allow for editing and counter programming, actually were taped a few hours before airing. 

Because of the time management issue, Pride on the Fuji Network ended up showing a second airing of the Takanori Gomi vs. Hayato Sakurai and Ogawa vs. Yoshida fights head-to-head with K-1’s main event, Kid Yamamoto vs. Genki Sudo on TBS. Even weirder, is they had not yet aired Alexander Emelianenko vs. Pawel Nastula (a good fight, but anti-climactic after the main event) nor Dan Henderson vs. Murilo Bustamante welterweight title match (which was edited down to one minute of a 20:00 fight), nor round two of Wanderlei Silva vs. Ricardo Arona (a grudge match and one of the biggest matches of the night). Even though it appeared there was less interest (and that was undeniable in North America as it regarded the two shows) going in, the combined head-to-head rating, and total audience watching both shows was slightly up. There was an aggregate 31.8% of the Japanese homes watching the two shows head to head on 12/31 between 9 and 11 p.m, up from 30.9% last year.

Subscribers can read this issue here.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Cody and Heyman, Charlie Norris, RAW report, weekend shows, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the deaths of Charlie Norris and Kenny Jay, Billy Graham health update, ratings, FantasticaMania, weekend show recap, ROH TV tapings upcoming, RAW report with tons of notes on the Cody/Paul Heyman promo and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Death of Charlie Norris and Kenny Jay; Superstar Billy Graham seriously ill

21:06: ROH TV tapings are coming, Fantasticamania lineups, Reelz docuementary on Owen Hart

27:06: Weekend matches

33:50: Ratings

37:29: The Cody Rhodes/Paul Heyman interview on Raw

48:04: WWE Raw recap

1:08:30: AEW Dynamite & NXT previews, Dana White’s Power Slap claims

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Daily Update: Charlie Norris, ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham, WWE Raw

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

In this week’s issue
*Complete Royal Rumble coverage
*Match and performer of the week
*Highlights of the Rumble
*The story of the Reigns-Zayn angle
*Why Reigns vs. Zayn won’t be happening at WrestleMania
*Records set at Royal Rumble
*How many people watched Royal Rumble on Peacock
*The 15 largest gates in pro wrestling history
*PPV crossover with Full Gear and Survivor Series
*Elimination Chamber update
*Wrestlemania update
*Return of Pat McAfee
*WrestleMania sponsorship
*Nick Khan talks WWE sale
*Khan talks about the next rights deals
*More on the Vince McMahon investigation and how much it cost WWE so far
*WWE business numbers for 2022
*A look at the career of Fedor Emelianenko as he has his retirement fight
*What pro wrestler brought Fedor into prominence
*What former pro wrestling promotion did he first become a star in
*A look at hs glory days in Pride
*Who is the best heavyweight ever
*The life and times of Lanny Poffo
*His career high points
*Winning the world tag team title at the age of 20
*Feuding with his brother
*The big name historically Randy Savage was to feud with that never happened
*The funeral of Jay Briscoe
*Another new lawsuit filed trying to get Vince McMahon out of power
*Legendary enhancement wrestler Kenny Jay passes away and the night he had a match with Muhammad Ali
*Why he never became a bigger star
*The story behind his match with Ali
*2022 Wrestling Observer Awards allot
*The most detailed look at the television ratings over the past week
*International TV ratings for AEW and WWE
*Streaming ratings for AEW & WWE
*Ticket sales for upcoming shows
*One of the oldest titles in history defended on Jericho cruise
*Keiji Muto struggles through retirement matches
*New Japan changes with New Japan Strong
*Mercedes Mone talks her new Japan debut
*Hiroshi Hase in controversy over doing a wrestling match last month
*Why Kota Ibushi did Bloodsport
*Thought on AEW doing house shows
*Difference between AEW and WWE fans
*Thoughts on MJF vs. Takeshita
*New A&E wrestling schedule

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Monday Update

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking all the news in wrestling and MMA. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]

Charlie “Thunderblood” Norris, who did a native American gimmick on Midwest independents and wrestled for much of 1993 with WCW and was pushed for several months there, passed away earlier today. He was 57. We’ll have a lot more on him later this week and on tonight’s show. 

Best wishes to Superstar Billy Graham and wife Valerie. Billy, who as far as average attendance in the main event slot, was the biggest Madison Square Garden draw in history (19 sellouts in 20 main events), has been hospitalized for weeks and has lost 50 pounds in the last three weeks.

Jon Moxley has been added to Bloodsport on 3/30 at 4 p.m. at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The show, which is sort of UWFI oriented style, has Kota Ibushi vs. Mike Bailey, plus John Hennigan and Timothy Thatcher booked. It is already sold out.

Raw tonight is from the Amway Center in Orlando, FL. Bayley vs. Becky Lynch in the cage match scheduled for two weeks ago is on the show. Brock Lesnar, Edge and Beth Phoenix are there, presumably to set up their matches for 2/18 in Montreal. They are facing Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on that show, or at least were as of two weeks ago. The presumption is Lesnar faces Bobby Lashley but that is not confirmed, but all angles lead to that direction. Also tonight is a match for the final slot in the women’s Chamber is up with Miichin vs. Piper Niven vs. Candice LeRae vs. Carmella. The final slots in the men’s Chamber are up as well going to the winners of matches with Montez Ford vs. Elias and Damien Priest vs. Angelo Dawkins. Another big crowd is expected as they were more than 9,600 tickets out this morning. WWE remains on its hottest run right now in a few years.

We are looking for reports from Orlando as far as the dark matches or anything else not on the live television show to [email protected]

The movie “A Knock At The Cabin” was first over the weekend at the box office grossing $14,127,170 in 3,643 theaters, beating out the debuting “80 for Brady” which did $12,701,6049 in 3,912 theaters. Avatar, which had been on top for the last two months, finished third.

We’re doing polls on these weekend shows:

*New Japan on Saturday in Sapporo

*Stardom on Saturday in Osaka

*NXT on Saturday in Charlotte

*New Japan on Sunday in Sapporo 

You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to [email protected]

MLW debuts tomorrow night at 10 p.m. on REELZ, featuring Alex Hammerstone vs. Jacob Fatu for the MLW title in a TV show that was taped Saturday night in Philadelphia. Entertainment Weekly listed MLW on REELZ on “What to Watch” for this week, which is a great publicity coup. They also got covered in OK Magazine.

Sonya Deville took seven stitches in a cut from last night’s show in Pensacola, FL, where she faced Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan for the Smackdown women’s title. The cut was an inch from the cut at the Royal Rumble.

Prestige Wrestling at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles on 3/31 at 4 p.m. has announced Hall of Famer Aja Kong coming in to face Masha Slamovich.

DDT on 3/30 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center on 3/30 at 8 p.m. has announced Konosuke Takeshita vs. Yuki Ueno. 

For the Culture on 3/30 at midnight at the Ukrainian Cultural Center has announced 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Bryan Keith (who made a big splash at PWG BOLA last month with a killer match with Mike Bailey.

Damage CTRL plus Lyra Valkyria vs. Valentina Feroz have been announced for NXT tomorrow. there could be others since Raw is in Orlando so main roster talent could just stay over the next day.

2K announced today details regarding its new War Games concept in the WWE 2K23 video game.

We were sent some photos of Randy Orton from Friday6y at the Boone Center in Missouri which is a place where special needs people are set up to get jobs. He looked like he has been training for what that is worth.

The Rock made Adele’s dream come true at the Grammys.

Other Notes

The Las Vegas newspaper ran an obituary for Robert W. Heenan of Las Vegas, who was the brother of Raymond (Bobby the Brain) Heenan. We talked about Bob Heenan on the show we did with Mike Tenay about Don West. Robert was 8 1/2 months older than Raymond, but born to different mothers. Neither knew about the other until the 90s when The Brain did an ancestry hart to find out that his father’s name was Robert Heenan and he had family living in Las Vegas. He went to the door of the real Bob Heenan, well actually his wife did, and knocked on the door and they immediately all became family. Bob was a Catholic Priest who taught at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas for 15 years, but never was a teacher of either Dana White or Lorenzo Fertitta. He was the last survivor of that generation of Heenan’s. Robert died on 12/18 at the age of 77, and his funeral will be tomorrow at St. Francis of Assisi in Henderson NV at 10 a.m.

Tomorrow also marks the 39th anniversary of the death of David Von Erich.

Defy on 2/11 at Washington Hall in Seattle is sold out. Swerve Strickland defends the Defy title in the main event against Titus Alexander, plus Jon Moxley & Schaff vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Davey Richards, Vert Vixen defends the women’s title against Danika Diehard, The Second Gear Crew defends the tag titles against Midnight Heat, plus Eddie Kingston vs. Artemis Spencer and Cody Chhun vs. Nick Wayne. They also run 3/11 in Seattle with Top Flight and Kushida, and 5/5 in Tacoma.

Northeast Wrestling has announced Spring Slam on 4/15 in Poughkeepsie, NY at th Mid Hudson Civic Center with Kurt Angle as the guest star plus in the ring include Ricky Starks, Konosuke Takeshita, Matt Hardy and NZO.

Daily Update: Vince McMahon, AAA Lucha Libre World Cup, Superstar Billy Graham

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

*Performer and match of the week
*Details of the settlement of the Rita Chatterton case
*McMahon suing Chatterton 20 ears ago and details behind that
*What role Vince McMahon has played since returning and what was originally said that has been accurate and things that have already changed, including new office people back and old ones being gone
*The latest lawsuit against WWE for bringing back Vince
*Analysts look at the different sale possibilities
*More on Stephanie leaving
*Nick Khan talks the company and hat he said that does and doesn’t make sense
*Where Dwayne Johnson stands
*Tony Khan talks about his interest in buying WWE
*Dwayne Johnson talks the sale of WWE
*A look at how UFC’s talks with Francis Ngannou fell through and where Ngannou could go next and whether he can return
*Royal Rumble update, who is in, how tickets are moving
*Details on the new MLW TV title with Reelz
*Impact Hard to Kill coverage including PPV numbers
*Saturday’s UFC coverage
*AAA announces big show schedule or 2023 and return of Alberto with Konnan explaining why and we talk about it
*Cage match and Wrestling Observer’s list of the best in-ring wrestles of 2022 based on matches
*What wrestlers were in the most great matches and to 50 of modern times as well as what cities have had the best wrestling.
*Dana White’s Power Slap debut and how it was received
*The most detailed look at te ratings for all the national shows and segment by segment Numbers
*What promotions drew the most fans in Japan n 2022
*Update on another date for Mercedes Mone in New Japan and the Sakura Genesis highlights
*New Japan and Stardom quarterly business numbers
*More on death of Black Warrior
*Ric Flair new endorsement deal
*One of the biggest feuds of the 70s comes alive through each man’s son this past week
*Lots of WrestleMania week news
*How AEW got Kushida
*Danielson talks Takeshita
*More on CM Punk and Colt Cabana in AEW
*AEW gets international TV upgrade
*New documentary on former AEW star
*Streaming numbers
*Dana White talks punishment
*Mike Swick talks cancer battle
*PPV numbers for the shows over the weekend
*Cena WrestleMania note
*News no three major WWE cuts
*What independent promotion has not yet been dropped by WWE for Peacock
*International TV rights

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Tuesday Update

WWE

  • This week’s episode of The Bump, featuring The Brawling Brutes, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez.
  • Bloomberg reports that a third lawsuit has been filed against Vince McMahon and WWE in relation to his return to power. WWE shareholders Carole Casale and Chrystal Lavalle are aiming to keep their lawsuit separate from the other two suits.
  • LA Knight and Paul Heyman will be guests on a special Royal Rumble edition of The Bump that will air Saturday.
  • D-Von Dudley will be part of the panel for the upcoming WWE Rivals series that will air on February 19 on A&E.
  • Dana Brooke is running a 5K for foster children in Florida.
  • The company filed a trademark for the term “Emma” on January 20.
  • Content added to WWE’s YouTube channel today: Michelle McCool vs. Maryse from Unforgiven 2008, Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop from Royal Rumble 2022, and The Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio from Royal Rumble 2010.

AEW

  • Eddie Kingston is pulling out of European events this weekend in order to attend Jay Briscoe’s funeral.
  • After Ric Flair criticized his chops on a recent podcast, Konosuke Takeshita wrote on Twitter: “I have the utmost respect for Ric Flair. It is incredible to me that he mentioned me. I need to practice a lot as I haven’t done much chopping in Japan. Thanks for the advice. I would like you to actually teach me if possible. Watch my chops grow from now on.”

Other Wrestling

  • Valarie Coleman, the wife of Superstar Billy Graham, provided an update on his health on Facebook: “Wayne is on day 19 in the hospital but will soon be moved to a skilled nursing facility to continue rehab and physical therapy. He will continue his IV antibiotics for a long time…possibly 6 months….I will never be able to thank you enough for always being here. Please continue to lift him up. God bless each and everyone of you! I’m beyond blessed to have you in my life.”
  • AAA have announced teams for their Lucha Libre World Cup. They are as follows:
  • Mexico 1: Psycho Clown, Alberto El Patron, Hijo del Vikingo
  • Mexico 2: Tausurs, Pentagon Jr., and Laredo Kid
  • US: Sam Adonis, Johnny Caballero, and Christopher Daniels
  • Canada: Josh Alexander, Vampiro, PCO
  • Europe: Thomas Latimer, Joe Hendry, Heddi Karaoui
  • Japan: La Estrella, Kuuaki, Nishikawa
  • Latin America: Carlito, Hip Hop Man, Zumbi
  • Rest of the World: Classy Ali, Rage, Bhupinder Gujar
  • The women’s tournament will consist of:
  • Mexico: Sexy Star II, Flammer, La Hiedra
  • US: Deonna Purrazzo, Kamille, Jordynne Grace
  • Japan: Emi Sakura, AKINO, Mayumi Ozaki
  • Rest of the World: Christi Jaynes, Taya, Natalia Marakova
  • Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham, Jordan Oliver vs. Alex Shelley, Kommander vs. Arez, and Lio Rush vs. Tony Deppen has been announced for the opening round of the JCW Jersey J Cup. The show will take place over two sessions on February 11.
  • Ice Ribbon has announced the formation of a new sister promotion, “Hot Shushu”. Trainee recruitment is ongoing and will be open for all genders.
  • Bandido vs. Gringo Loco has been announced for GCW Eye for an Eye on March 17.

Superstar Billy Graham hospitalized with heart issues

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Eldridge Wayne Coleman, 78, better known as Superstar Billy Graham, has been hospitalized this past week with heart issues.

Graham was one of the top two drawing heels in pro wrestling during the 1970s, behind only The Sheik, and held the WWWF championship in 1977-78.  His interviews were copied by some of the biggest stars of that era, including Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan, Austin Idol, Dusty Rhodes, Gino Hernandez and countless others. His record of 95 percent sellouts (19 of 20) in Madison Square Garden main events is the highest in the history of the building.

On Sunday he wrote, “Hi fans, There will be no wrestling post tonight. Just this statement from me. I am currently having heart problems which is the title of this message. I am getting ready to go to the Mayo Clinic to be checked out. I am not feeling well and if the hospital admits me, which I am sure they will for future testing tomorrow, I will have Mike, my FB Administrator, give you an update. Superstar B. G.”

Valerie Coleman, his wife, later said that he was suffering from heart issues and fluid in the lungs.

Last night she wrote, “The fluid is coming off slow but every little bit helps. Still in afib as well. They are doubling his diuretic dose for 3 days to see if that works….can’t do more because it can damage his kidneys. The prayers and support are very much appreciated. Thank you!”

Graham’s background before wrestling included bodybuilding, where he was a regular training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu in their Mr. Olympia heydays, once boxed in Madison Square Garden before wrestling, and played Canadian Football even though he never played in college. He was also a high school star in track & field.