Tag: weekend schedule

Daily Update: NJPW, AEW, weekend schedule

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

Job Listing: Onlamp php/mysql developer. Experience with vbulletin and drupal/WordPress a plus. Email [email protected] with subject PHP DEVELOPER with resume.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

July 4, 2022 Observer Newsletter: Forbidden Door review, Logan Paul signs with WWE

  • Among the highlights:
  • Match and performer of the week
  • A look at Forbidden Door
  • The most detailed business notes and poll results on the show
  • The unique ticket selling aspect
  • How injuries plagued the show
  • Plans that changed not due to injury
  • AEW injury rate
  • What we’ve learned about AEW, PPV and what can draw that people thought couldn’t from this show
  • Why people both did and didn’t buy the show
  • Who bought this and Double or Nothing, and who bought this that didn’t buy Double or Nothing
  • The ball being dropped on the follow-up
  • How much money the show took in
  • Where the show ranked as far as biggest AEW shows
  • Complete rundown of every match
  • Abraham Riesman’s story on Vince McMahon and Rita Chatterton looked at from all aspects
  • Logan Paul signs with WWE, early SummerSlam notes, Money in the Bank notes and origin
  • Cain Velasquez sues the man he shot
  • Full UFC coverage from Saturday
  • Stardom Fight In The Top PPV coverage
  • The most detailed look at television ratings from last week
  • CMLL’s biggest star undergoes surgery
  • Notes on a lot of different tournaments
  • Most Outstanding Wrestlers of 2022
  • Next ROH PPV show
  • Kenny Omega talks a number of different subjects
  • International TV ratings
  • Streaming numbers from the past week
  • Ticket sales for upcoming shows
  • Francis Ngannou’s return
  • ESPY awards for wrestling and MMA
  • This week’s UFC how preview
  • Huge upset leads to Bellator title change
  • The story behind Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson and Paul Wight being on Raw
  • Story on a new WWE signing that got a lot of publicity this past week and what they are looking for
  • WWE, AEW and NJPW injury updates
  • Different booking ideas that have been talked about
  • WWE star whose contract is expiring and has yet to sign a new deal
  • Gina Carano talks doing a fight with Ronda Rousey
  • A look at all the WWE live events over the past week

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.

Friday News Update

  • Garrett and I will be doing a unique show today, both talking news and also talking with Brian Solomon about his book on The Sheik and Greg Oliver regarding his Sports Illustrated article on Rocky Johnson. Bryan and I will cover UFC 276 and Money in the Bank tomorrow night.
  • The New Japan PPV show that Rocky Romero talked to Denise Salcedo about that he couldn’t say more than October about, is not confirmed. The current plan is a late October show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. As noted, this is not finalized but is the current idea.
  • AEW announced a collectible toy line through Diamond Select Toys. They will be offering a variety of products based on AEW characters including two-inch Minimates poseable figures, four-inch Vinimates vinyl figures, 10-inch Garry, Diorama PVC sculpture and 11-inch Premier Collection statues.
  • Smackdown is tonight from Phoenix, AZ with all the men’s and women’s MITB participants appearing. Raquel Rodriguez & Lacey Evans & Shotzi face Alexa Bliss & Liv Morgan & Asuka, New Day vs. Viking Raiders and Happy Corbin will talk Pat McAfee.
  • AEW Dynamite in its regular 10 p.m. slot on TNT has:
  • 20 man Rampage Rumble. It’s a combination two ring Battle Royal but Rumble style entrants with the winner of each ring then facing off under Battle Royal rules. The winner gets a shot at interim champion Jon Moxley. 
  • Young Bucks in a non-title match with Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi 
  • Nyla Rose vs. Toni Storm.
  • WWE is doing a 30 percent ticket discount for the Raw on 7/25 in Madison Square Garden with the code WWE4th. The show is tentatively scheduled to include Roman Reigns, Logan Paul and Ronda Rousey.
  • Impact Against All Odds PPV tonight from Center Stage in Atlanta on Impact+ and FITE TV:
  • Black Taurus vs. Laredo Kid
  • Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Chris Bey & Ace Austin
  • Chelsea Green & Deonna Purrazzo vs Mickie James & Mia Yim
  • Rich Swann vs. Brian Myers for Digital title
  • Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary vs. Tenille Dashwood & Gisele Shaw for Knockouts tag title
  • Sami Callihan vs. Moose in a Clockwork Orange House of Fun match with Raven appearing
  • Honor No More vs. Heath & Chris Harris & James Storm & Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson
  • Mike Bailey vs. Trey Miguel for X title
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Tasha Steelz for Knockouts title
  • Josh Alexander vs. Joe Doering for Impact title
  • UFC 276 tomorrow night from the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
  • ESPN+ at 6 p.m. Eastern
  • Jessica Rose-Clark (135.5) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (136)
  • Maycee Barber (126) vs. Jessica Eye (126)
  • Andre Muniz (185.5) vs. Uriah Hall (186)
  • ABC & ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern
  • Brad Tavares (185.5) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (185)
  • Donald Cerrone (170.5) vs. Jim Miller (170.5)
  • Ian Garry (171) vs. Gabe Green (170)
  • Brad Riddell (155.5) vs, Jalin Turner (155.5)
  • PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern
  • Pedro Munhoz (135.5) vs. Sean O’Malley (135)
  • Robbie Lawler (171) vs. Bryan Barbarena (170.5)
  • Alex Pereira (184.5) vs,. Sean Strickland (185.5)
  • Alexander Volkanovski (144.5) vs. Max Holloway (144.5) for featherweight title
  • Israel Adesanya (183.5) vs. Jared Cannonier (184.5) for middleweight title
  • Latest Money in the Bank odds from BetOnline
  • Bianca Belair -1400
  • Carmella +550
  • Ronda Rousey -1400
  • Natalya +550
  • Usos -400
  • Street Profits +250
  • Theory -200
  • Bobby Lashley +140
  • Kambi has star rating odds for the show so you can bet over or under
  • Men’s MITB ****1/2
  • Women’s MITB ****
  • Belair vs. Carmella **3/4
  • Rousey vs. Natalya ***3/4
  • Usos vs. Street Profits ****
  • Theory vs. Bobby Lashley ***1/2
  • Penta & Fenix vs. Andrade & Rush was originally scheduled for Wednesday’s AEW show in Detroit but Fenix was one of the people who had health issues which caused the creation of the Rampage Rumble match that airs tonight.
  • PFL tonight on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern
  • Jarrah Al Silawi (170.4) vs. Magomed Umalatov (170.4)
  • Larissa Pacheco (154.6) vs. Genah Fabian (156)
  • Magomed Magomedkerimov (170.8) vs. Dilano Taylor (170.8)
  • Ray Cooper III (170.4) vs. Brett Cooper (170.4)
  • Rory MacDonald (170.8) vs. Sadibou Sy (170.2)
  • Kayla Harrison (155.6) vs. Kaitlin Young (155)

Other Notes

  • Sarah Kaufman, the former Strikeforce bantamweight champion , who once fought Ronda Rousey in a heavily promoted Showtime fight, announced her retirement today from fighting at the age of 36.
  • Combate Global runs a five-fight show tonight from Miami on Paramount +, The main event is a featherweight fight with Ramiro Jiminez (5-0) vs. Devante Sewell (9-7). Ana Palacios vs. Bo Hyun Kim that was to take place today has been moved to 7/15 due to COVID protocol.
  • Keith Elliot Greenberg has written a book, “Follow the Buzzards: Pro Wrestling in the age of COVID-19 that will be released in October.
  • Cage Fury Fighting Championships on 7/29 in Tunica, MS at the Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino. Miles Lee (3-0) faces Donovan Beard (5-1) for the middleweight title. CM Punk will be announcing the show that airs on UFC Fight Pass.
  • Universal All Pro Wrestling has its first show in ten years on 8/18 in Toledo, OH with Trey Miguel, Aiden Prince, Madman Fulton, Lady Frost, Sam Beale and Jason Hotch.
  • Horror Slam and Game Changer Wrestling from Tuesday night in Detroit: Adam Wick b Cody Deaner, Akira b Jeremiah Goldman, Sean Lawhorn won Undeniable title over Atlas Hytower in three-way with Tony Deppen, Jimmy Lloyd b DBA, Kyler Coleman & Forever Young b Dread King Logan & Zach Thomas, Ace Evans & Jaxson Shadows and Nate Bock & Chinstrap Jesus to keep the Horror Slam tag titles, Malcolm Monroe III won three-way over Jordan Oliver and Cole Radrick to keep the Horror Slam title, Breyer Wellington won over Madman Pondo, Brutus Atwell and Chuck Stein, Satu Jinn b Hello Hardbody, John Wayne Murdoch b Hoodfoot to keep Death match title (thanks to Leonard Brand)
  • Defy has announced shows on 7/16 and 7/17 at Washington Hall in Seattle. Matches announced include Davey Richards vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Swerve Strickland appears plus a three-way for the tag titles with the Bollywood Boyz vs. Schaff & Eddie Kingston vs. Midnight Heat.
  • Pro Wrestling Phoenix on tomorrow night at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.
  • LFA on 8/19 in Niagara Falls, NY at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino airing at 9 p.m. Eastern on UFC Fight Pass. Adam Assenza (16-6) vs. Junior Melo (11-5) is the main event at lightweight.

Daily Update: Paige, Cain Velasquez, weekend schedule

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:  June 13, 2022 Observer Newsletter: CM Punk & Cody Rhodes injured, WWE Hell in a Cell review

  • Performer and match of the week
  • Updates on C.M. Punk, Cody Rhodes, the injuries, how WWE and AEW are booking around the injuries, details of the injuries, surgeries, AEW interim title and medical protocol questions
  • Hell in a Cell coverage, the matches, the ticket demand, PPV numbers, interest level and WWE & AEW crossover fan base
  • Hiromu Takahashi sets Best of the super Juniors records, business of the finals, angles for Dominion and more
  • AEW Double or Nothing PPV number update
  • Saturday’s UFC coverage and what comes next for the fighters on the show
  • NXT In Your House coverage
  • Television ratings for every national show, ups, down and competition
  • Expected CMLL anniversary show main event
  • AAA and running in the US
  • Stardom & New Japan joint show
  • Movie being made about the life of an active women’s wrestling star and details
  • Notes about young retirements in Dragon Gate an the booking
  • CyberFight show at Saitama Super Arena
  • Kota Ibushi and New Japan update
  • Benefit event for Shinjiro Otani
  • More on Ric Flair’s return
  • Johnny Rodz and the infamous Roddy Piper story
  • Olympic wrestler talks about better conditions for pro wrestlers
  • Notes on PBS documentary on St. Louis wrestling
  • MJF update
  • All-Atlantic title and thoughts
  • Forbidden Door notes
  • International TV ratings
  • Ticket sales for upcoming U.S. events
  • Streaming numbers for AEW & WWE
  • UFC revenue and profits update
  • This week’s UFC show
  • Major fight Dana White is looking at for the interim heavyweight title
  • ONE debuts on Amazon Prime
  • Bellator allows one of its top stars to do Bare Knuckle Fighting
  • Update on Stephanie McMahon
  • More on Vince McMahon autobiography
  • Hilarious Vince McMahon deposition in the liver Luck case
  • Why Edge was kicked out of Judgment Day
  • Reports from all the WWE events this week with business notes

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter: May 2, 2005 Observer Newsletter: UFC 52 review, Matt Hardy release fallout

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.

Friday News Update

  • Garrett and I will be doing a show today covering the news of the week and I will do a show tomorrow night covering UFC 275 and Dominion. 
  • Saraya Jade-Bevis (Paige) noted today that when her current WWE contract expires on 7/7 that she will no longer be with the company. She had been medically disqualified from performing years ago due to neck issues. Even though the movie has a lot of fiction elements, her life was made into a movie by Dwayne Johnson and she was one of the key people in the changes of the presentation of women wrestling in WWE. She noted that she would have to give up the Paige name but strongly suggested that she would wrestle again.
  • Cain Velasquez was in court earlier today for a plea hearing that was continued through 6/30. Velasquez’s attorney, Mark Geragos said that they were working through discovery issues and asked for a delay until 6/30
  • For the weekend, we’re looking for reports on these shows
  • Smackdown in Baton Rouge tonight (dark matches only)
  • NXT tonight in Tampa
  • WWE Saturday night in Las Cruces, NM
  • WWE Saturday night in Cape Girardeau, MO
  • NXT Saturday night in Largo, FL
  • WWE Sunday night in Springfield, MO
  • WWE Sunday night in Albuquerque, NM\
  • You can send reports to [email protected]
  • We are also doing polls on these weekend shows, so you can vote thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
  • UFC 275 tomorrow from Singapore
  • New Japan Dominion from Osaka on Sunday (late Saturday U.S.)
  • CyberAgent super show on Sunday at the Saitama Super Arena (late Saturday U.S.)
  • Smackdown tonight from Baton Rouge, LA has Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus and Xia Li vs. Lacey Evans in Money in the Bank qualifiers, plus Ricochet vs. Gunther for the IC title. Max Dupri will introduce his first protege. There were just under 5,000 tickets out for tonight’s show. 
  • Rampage tonight at 10 p.m. on TNT
  • Eddie Kingston vs. Jake Hager
  • Jay Lethal & Sutnam Singh (debut) vs. Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega
  • Red Velvet vs. Kris Statlander
  • FTR & Trent Baretta vs. Will Ospreay & Aussie Open (AEW debuts)
  • UFC 275 from Singapore Indoor Stadium
  • ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Ramona Pascual (145) vs. Joselyne Edwards (145)
  • Liang Na (116) vs. Silvana Gomez Juarez (116)
  • Kyung Ho Kang (136) vs. Batgerel Danaa (136)
  • ESPN 2 and ESPN+ at 8 p.m.
  • Brenda Allen (186) vs. Jacob Malkoun (186)
  • Maheshate (155.5) vs. Steve Garcia (155.5)
  • Joshua Cuiliabao (146) vs. Seung Woo Choi (146)
  • PPV at 10 p.m.
  • Jack Dela Maddalena (170.5) vs; Ramazen Emeev (171)
  • Andre Fialho (170.5) vs. Jake Matthews (170.5)
  • Joanna Jedrzejczyk (116) vs. Zhang Weili (116)
  • Valentina Shevchenko (124.5) vs. Taila Santos (125) for the women’s flyweight title
  • Glover Teixeira (205) vs. Jiri Prochazka (205) for the light heavyweight title
  • The fight scheduled with Manel Kape vs. Rogerio Bontorin, a major flyweight bout, was pulled because Bontorin had kidney issue from cutting weight and is currently hospitalized according to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. He was 4.5 pounds from weight when he started having intense kidney pain and needed an ambulance to get to the hospital. 
  • Dana White, who is not in Singapore for the show because he’s celebrating his son’s 21st birthday, said that he likes the idea of Michael Chandler as Conor McGregor’s next opponent when McGregor comes back.
  • Wednesday’s annual Beat the Street wrestling show at the Hulu Theater in New York raised more than $950,000 to support local youth wrestling in the New York area. The event included matches to determine who will represent the U.S. at the world championships from 9/10 to 9/18 in Belgrade, Serbia. Among the biggest names winning their spots were Jordan Burroughs , Helen Maroulis, David Taylor, Sarah Hildebrandt, Kyle Dake and G’Angelo Hancock.

WWE

  • The WWE had a lot of success for tomorrow night’s show in Las Cruces, NM by adding a $15 low ticket price. It’s one of their better selling arena events of late.
  • The Birmingham Stallions vs. Houston Gamblers USFL game tomorrow in Birmingham is WWE night with Happy Corbin and Carmella appearing. The game airs live on the USA Network.

Other Notes

  • AAW tomorrow night at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago with limited tickets left. Matches are Mat Fitchett defending the AAW title in a no holds barred match wit Ace Steel, plus Mike Bennett vs. Gnaris Garvin, Josh Alexander vs. ACH, Silas Young vs. Brayden Lee, Schaff vs. Russ Jones, Ace Perry & Hammerstone vs. Dante Leon & Shane Hollister for the tag titles and Sierra vs. Heather Reckless.
  • Combate Global tonight on Paramount+ at 11 p.m. Eastern has Leo Rodriguez (13-2) vs. Marcus Edwards (13-6), Alfredo Lopez (5-2) vs. Martin Justiz (1-1), Gillian Noll (1-2 ) vs. Jennifer Trioreau (0-3) Fernando Calvo (5-1) vs. Victor Valenzuela (6-3) and Alex Gonzalez (4-3) vs. Fabia Sintes (2-2).
  • 559 Fights takes place tomorrow in Visalia, CA at Rawhide Stadium.
  • Masters of Ring Entertainment on 6/11 at Truist Point in High Point, NC has a show that will include Ricky Steamboat, Penta El Zero Miedo, Rick & Scott Steiner, Teddy Long, Gunner, Terri Runnels, Killer Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux and Ken Anderson. Gunner faces Hangtyme in a boot camp match, Scarlett faces Rachael Ellering, Penta vs. Matt Taven and Fred Rosser vs. Killer Kross vs. Scott Steiner in a three-way.
  • Invicta announces an all women-s MMA show on 7/20 at Reelworks in Denver. Taniesha Tennant (4-1) defends her bantamweight title against Olga Rubin (7-2) and Katharina Lehner (7-3 vs. Talita Bernardo (7-4).
  • LFA tonight from Temple, TX on USA Fight Pass at 9 p.m. Eastern:
  • Joel Guzman (200.6) vs. Tanner Mrlow (205.6)
  • Jakori Savage (266) vs. Taylor Escarnilla (235.6)
  • Kevin Fernandez (125.4) vs. Joda Harris (125.4)
  • Shane Sobnosky (185.6) vs. Jared McLoughlin (185)
  • Aiden Coria (124.8) vs. Joseph Camacho (124.2)
  • Milko Tucto (146.4) vs. Oliver Murad (145) – Tucto missed weight by 0.4 pounds and has to pay a fine to Murad
  • Muin Gafuov (136.2) vs. Herbert Sousa (134.4) – Gafurov missed weight by 0.2 pounds and has to pay a fine to Sousa
  • Ace Romero has been added to the MLW Battle Riot match on 623 in New York at the Melrose Ballroom.

Daily Update: WWE SmackDown, Bellator, weekend schedule

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns cutting back on WWE appearances, Kota Ibushi-NJPW issues

  • Roman Reigns schedule in detail, what he is working, next title defense, current plans on his biggest summer match.
  • Behind the issues with Kota Ibushi and New Japan, where they started, where it stands and who is trying to smooth things over
  • WrestleMania Backlash, business numbers, match-by-match with star ratings and poll results
  • Update on all the big AEW & WWE summer shows, how tickets are moving, secondary market interest and million dollar gates
  • The unique ending of the UFC strawweight title reign by Rose Namajunas and what it says about scoring, cornering and how open scoring plays a part in this
  • Complete UFC 274 coverage with PPV numbers, TV numbers, match-by-match, what next and more
  • The Hall of Fame career of Daniel Cormier, someone who made it to the top in two different sports and becoming a UFC champion having never trained in striking until nearly the age of 30
  • Major joint promotion show lineup
  • Ratings for the past week, where wrestling ranks on cable, where AEW ranks as far as youngest skewing sports shows, how each AEW segment did, and realistic comparisons with last year’s numbers
  • Wrestling at Arena Mexico
  • Juice Robinson and his NJPW contract
  • Best of the Super Juniors notes
  • Tammy Sytch updates including sad situation with Bill DeMott
  • Ted DiBiase sued by Mississippi Department of Human Services
  • The life of popular referee and office person Charlie Smith of GCW fame
  • Legend of the 90s coming out of retirement again
  • A look back at the British Bulldogs
  • Lowest rated cable station
  • Match of the week and performer of the week
  • AEW and Warner Media update
  • Upcoming AEW shows
  • Tony Khan talks Bret Hart in AEW
  • Blackpool Combat Club original idea
  • Amazing UFC business run
  • UFC revenue and how much goes to fighters
  • Upcoming UFC matches
  • Former WWE wrestler wins in Bare Knuckle fighting
  • Strange booking of Lacey Evans
  • Questions about the Money in the Bank in 2022
  • International TV ratings
  • Streaming numbers

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter: April 4, 2005 Observer Newsletter back issue: WrestleMania 21 preview, All Japan Women shuts down

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.

Friday News Update

  • Garrett and I will be doing Wrestling Observer Radio later today talking the news of the week and the current issue of the Observer.
  • Showtime just finished Bellator today. Logan Storley, a former Junior Hodge winner, captured the interim welterweight title beating Michael Page via decision using his wrestling.
  • Smackdown tonight on FOX has Naomi & Sasha Banks defending the women’s tag titles against Natalya & Shayna Baszler, plus Kofi Kingston vs. Butch and Randy Orton & Riddle will appear. Locally in Wilkes-Barre they are advertising a dark match with Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw women’s title.
  • A boxing show in Abu Dhabi with Floyd Mayweather and Anderson Silva scheduled to take place tomorrow in Dubai was canceled at the last minute with everyone in the country due to the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The country ordered a three-day suspension of work to mourn meaning they had to cancel the show.
  • For the weekend, our only poll will be for the New Japan show on Saturday night in Washington,DC, which is headlined by Hiroshi Tanahashi defending the U.S. title against Jon Moxley, Juice Robinson and Will Ospreay. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
  • We are looking for live reports on these shows this weekend:
  • Smackdown in Wilkes-Barre, PA (dark matches only)
  • Saturday night in Florence, SC
  • Sunday night in Roanoke, VA
  • We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]
  • UFC tomorrow is scheduled for ESPN at 7:30 p.m. with the main card at 10 p.m. on ESPN 2
  • Nick Maximov (184.5) vs. Andre Petroski (185)
  • Tatsuro Taira (125) vs. Carlos Candelario (126)
  • Virna Jandiroba (115) vs. Angela Hill (115.5)
  • Michael Johnson (155) vs. Alan Patrick (156)
  • Viviane Araujo (125) vs. Andrea Lee (125)
  • Jake Hadley (125.5) vs. Allan Nascimento (125.5)
  • Frank Camacho (155) vs. Manuel Torres (155.5)
  • Katlyn Chookagian (125.5) vs. Amanda Ribas (125.5)
  • Davey Grant (135.5) vs. Louis Smolka (136)
  • Ryan Spann (206) vs. Ion Cutelaba (205)
  • Jan Blachowicz (205.5) vs. Aleksander Rakic (205)
  • The New Japan Best of the Super Juniors tournament begins on Sunday.
  • The Kansas Athletic Commission will be the first in the nation to adopt fighter and corner safely licensing protocols. Concussion related education is part of the new protocols.

UFC

  • Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green looks to be happening on the 7/2 show according to MMA Fighting.
  • Michelle Waterson vs. Amanda Lemos is set for the 7/16 show as reported by Ariel Helwani.
  • Terrence McKinney vs. Erick Gonzalez is set for 8/6 according to MMA Junkie.
  • Vicente Luque vs. Geoff Neal is set for 8/6 according to ESPN.

Other Notes

  • Legacy Fighting Championships on UFC Fight Pass on 6/10 from the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, TX (a building the Von Erichs worked regularly in the 80s) is headlined by Muin Gafurov (17-4) vs. Herberth Sousa (15-1).
  • The LFA has a show at 9 p.m. Eastern tonight on UFC Fight Pass headlined by Italo Gomes vs. Meiquizael Costa.
  • MCW on Sunday on FITE has the Hardy Boys vs. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven, Ken Dixon vs. Moses vs. Brian Johnson vs. Nick Aldis, Mike Bailey vs. Joey Janela, Gia Scott vs. Mandy Leon, Action Andretti vs. Ninja Mack, AQA vs. KiLynn King and more. There is also a convention at Benifield Sports in Baltimore before the show with Sting, Britt Baker, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, Hardys,Sammy Guevara, Tay Conti, Johnny Gargano, Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix,Thunder Rosa, Jake Roberts, Toni Storm, Anna Jay, Kris Statlander, Rikishi and Demolition.
  • 559 Fights on 5/21 in Visalia, CA at the Convention Center.

Daily Update: WrestleMania-Tampa, weekend schedule, Dynamite

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: October 5, 2020 Observer Newsletter: NJPW shakeup, WWE talent and 3rd party deals, more

We’ve got a double -issue this week of the Observer with the full rundown of Harold Meij being out in New Japan, WWE’s social media policy as it relates to talent, and extensive G-1 coverage.

Our lead story looks at the Harold Meij era of New Japan, how he got there, the turmoil behind-the-scenes, why he’s leaving, his last words to his fan club, why the guy who handled running a wrestling company during a pandemic is out while in the pandemic and a lot of behind-the-scenes stories regarding New Japan and AEW never making a deal, and whether this can change things, and what the key issues are. The changes he made to the company, the business record and issues in dealing with talent and others and the inherent issues of a non-Japanese person in charge of a major Japanese company. This is the most inside version of what happened there since 2018 and from people who know the situation the best.

Also in this issue:

WWE’s latest when it comes to talent and social media, WWE policy, Andrew Yang and why this could be the worst time to make these decisions.

WWE Clash of Champions, NXT Takeover, Hell in a Cell, the COVID issues in AEW & WWE and how they spread, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

G1 Climax tournament, with standings, best matches, behind-the-scenes,why crowds aren’t quick to sell out, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results of every show.

XFL start, changes in WWE tapings and why 205 Live will be taped with NXT ad not Smackdown, we look at declines in WWE interest and reasons why WWE draft dates, Reigns vs. Rock, Reigns talks C.M. Punk, new Dwayne Johnson TV show looked at, new WWE signings, update on WWE injuries, one of the top college wrestlers already publicly talking about going to WWE, more on TV ratings in U.S. and Canada, former TNA champion talks how close he came to joining WWE, Cena starring in new movie, Zayn talks politics, Rusev talks problems with WWE creative, update on Raw Underground, where tribal chief comes from, WWE market value and the most watched shows on WWE Network over the past week.

UFC 253, with business notes, the main themes of the show plus match-by-match coverage and poll results.

The treatment of women in pro wrestling with notes from a recent BBC article with thoughts from several women involved.

87th anniversary show of CMLL, and the plight of Lucha Libre with no fans.

Jerry Lawler 50th anniversary show.

2020 Hall of Fame ballot in each category, with the top candidate, last year’s highest that haven’t gotten in, as well as a list of those who have been elected in the past five years.

Smackdown and AEW ratings based on the same opposition, as well as network vs. cable when it comes to other sports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

We will have a lot of stuff up on the site this weekend including G-1 coverage, plus tomorrow Garrett Gonzalez, Mike Tenay and I will be doing the first of a two-part series on the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot. 

Regarding WrestleMania being in Tampa in 2021 at Raymond James Stadium, WWE has tried to lock down every building in Tampa. Highspots will also be running, likely a scaled down weekend out of the Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center which is the old Fort Homer Hesterly Armory that housed the Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion run by Eddie Graham.

Key stuff on the weekend schedule:

  • CMLL tonight at Arena Mexico on iPPV on Mexico’s Ticketmaster site
  • UFC Saturday from Yaz Island in Abu Dhabi
  • Impact Victory Road on Saturday
  • NXT Takeover Sunday from the Performance Center in Orlando
  • G-1 on Monday in Takamatsu

We have polls, thumbs up,down or middle, best & worst match for the NXT and G-1 shows (including the Tuesday through Thursday shows this week) to [email protected]

CMLL features the A block of a women’s tag team tournamentwith Marcela & Skadi, Amapola & Metalica, Magnifica & Siluerta, Reyna Isis & Tiffany and Comandante & Seductora.  The main event is Sanson & Forastero & Cuatrero vs. Euforia & Negro Casas & Gran Guerrero.

UFC on Saturday:

ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. Eastern

  • Luigi Vendramini (156) vs. Jessin Ayari (156)
  • Casey Kenney (136) vs.; Alateng Heili (136)
  • Loma Lookboonmee (116) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (116)
  • Jordan Williams (182) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (185.5)
  • Charles Jourdain (145) vs. Joshua Culibao (145.5)
  • Court McGee (170.5) vs. Carlos Condit (171)

ESPN at 10: 30 p.m. Eastern

  • Dequan Townsend (186) vs. Dusko Todorovic (186)
  • Kyler Phillips (136) vs. Cameron Else (136)
  • Germaine de Randamie (136) vs. Julianna Pena (135.5)
  • Yorgan De Castro (261) vs. Carlos Felipe (263)
  • Holly Holm (136) vs. Irene Aldana (136)

Bellator on Saturday on the Bellator website:

  • Kiefer Crosbie (156) vs. Charlie Leary (159.2)
  • Andy Manzolo (184.4) vs. Charlie Ward (186)
  • James Gallagher (136) vs. Cal Ellenor (135.2)

The New Japan World show at 10 p.m. Eastern tonighthas Danny Limelight vs. Blake Christian and Clark Connors vs. Logan Riegel in the tournament semifinals, plus Karl Fredericks & TJP vs Flip Gordon & Brody King and David Finlay & Jeff Cobb & Rocky Romero & Misterioso vs.; KENTA & Jay White & Chase Owens & Hikuleo.

The Cody/Brodie Lee segment did more than 500,000 viewers in 18-49 making it one of the two or three biggest Wednesday segments with head-to-head competition of the year. If you look at the ratings pattern of Saturday’s show and the loss of the teenage boy audience to the NBA game primarily, had their not been a game, this would have been the most-watched head-to-head Dynamite of the year as the first 30 minutes averaged more than 1 million viewers until the NBA pregame show started.

Bellator star Paul Daley announced he would be retiring after his next fight, and will fight at 175 pounds. Daley said “health before wealth” when he made the announcement.  Daley was supposed to face Derek Anderson yesterday in Milan, Italy but ended up hospitalized trying to cut weight.

WWE

  • The WWE Network debuts a WWE 24 on Drew McIntyre after NXT Takeover on Sunday.
  • Smackdown tonight has Sami Zayn vs. Jeff Hardy for the IC title, plus the Kevin Owens show with Alexa Bliss and a ceremony crowning Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief of Smackdown.
  • A review of WWE 2K Battlegrounds. (thanks to Jeremy Peeples)
  • Drew McIntyre, Mustafa Ali, Lacey Evans, Zelina Vega and Xavier Woods will be appearing tomorrow for a one-hour live stream at ameriecarese.org/Airlist2020 as well as the Americares YouTube Channel and Facebook page at 8 p.m. Eastern time.  The annual benefit will honor frontline health workers and take supporters on a virtual journey to see the organizations’ work in Colombia, Jordan, Liberia, Malwai, The Philippines and the U.S.
  • Drew McIntyre, HHH,Zelina Vega and Charly Caruso will be appearing on 10/9 at the New York Comic Con virtual gathering at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. This will stream live on the New York Comic Con YouTube channel..
  • The company has moved its Madrid, Spain date to May 7, 2021.
  • A story on John Cena being a fan of BTS. (thanks to Barry Werner)

UFC

  • MMA Fighting reported aht Mara Romero Borella, Jeff Hughes, Iuri Alcantara and Khadis Ibragmiov have all been cut by UFC.
  • Taila Santos vs Maryna Moroz has been added to the 12/5 show.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Thanks to everyone who has purchased my 1997 Yearbook. I’m told sales are so strong that they are already planning on doing a second book on another year in history.  The 685-page book is available on Amazon.com for the physical book or you can get it for Kindle or in the U.K. at www.WrestlingObserverBook.com.
  • Joey Ryan has filed a third lawsuit against a woman from Canada who made allegations against him.
  • Tom Farhat, the youngest son of The Sheik (Ed Farhat) passed away today from cancer.  He worked behind-the-scenes for the past 20 years setting up the rings for MCW and AWWL shows that his brother Eddie Jr. (Captain Ed George) ran in Michigan. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
  • AAW results from last night in Merrionette Park, IL:  Hakim Zane (Rohit Raju) b Travis Titan to keep the AAW Heritage title, Jake Something b Karam, Elayne Black b Skye Blue, Matthew Justice b Manders, Gringo Loco & Air Wolf & Angel Dorado b Ace Perry & Stephen Wolf & Try Miguel, Hyan b Christi Jaynes, Ace Austin & Mad Man Fulton b Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett to win AAW tag titles, Mance Warner b Jake Crist to keep the AAW title.  ACH and Fred Yehi were announced for the 10/29 show.
  • Arcadian Vanguard has purchased the assets of Pro Wrestling Enterprises from Brian Bukantis and Arena Publishing.  This includes the rights to the old magazines Wrestling Reveue, Wrestling News Ring Wrestling and all Norman Keitzer published magazines and programs which would include AWA, Mid South, WWF, Michigan and Los Angeles.
  • Bellator announced the signing of 11-0 Usman Nurmagomedov and former UFC stars Rustam Khabilov and Brett Johns to multi-year contracts.  Nurmagomedov is the younger cousin of Khabib and trains out of San Jose, CA and was first trained by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in Dagestan.
  • Both Paul Sosnowski and I are looking for a copy of Rock Rims’ book “When It Was Big Time.”  He can be reached at [email protected]
  • LFA tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 9 p.m. Eastern from the Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
    Christian Natividad (135.2) vs,. Jose Holguin (135.6)
    Slave Borschev (155.4) vs. Ali Zebian (155.4)
    Rodney Kealohi (124.8) vs. Meh Monterrosa (125.4)
    Jacob Thrall  (134.4) vs. Ricky Furar (135.2)
    Dakota Bush (155.8) vs. Brian Del Rosario (155.6)
    Andre Fialho (177.8) vs. Antonio Dos Santos (180)
    Kevin Wirth (134.4) vs. Askar Askar (135.8)
  • EPW from today in Western Australia:  Davis Storm b Jordan Bishop, Zenith b Ryan, The Don b Chadwick Jackson-DQ, Gorgeous Garry & Toro Blanco b Casey Johns & Felix Young, Gavin McGavin b Dizzy Videl, Great George b Jesse Lambert, Dan Steel & Aaron Hawk b Taylor King & Jack Edwards to keep EPW tag titles.  They are running again on Saturday.
  • Suplex Pro Wrestling runs 10/24 in Newcastle, Australia with a limited capacity.
  • Toa Henare’s Warrior Wrestling Academy has its first public show on 10/24 in Auckland New Zealand (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • NFC announced a $10,000 All Valley No Gi Jiu Jitsu tournament on 10/17 at Elite Edge Fitness in Atlanta.
  • Absolute Intense Wrestling on 10/9 in Indianapolis at 8 p.m. at the Marion County Fairgrounds with Matthew Justice vs. Joshua Bishop in a no rope barbed wire match for the Absolute title.
  • Gary Juster talks about the Road Warriors.
  • Adam Brooks talksCOVID in Australia.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: AEW Dynamite premiere episode

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: Weekend schedule, Jerry Brown, The Rock

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: September 21, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Stacked NJPW G-1, more

With a huge feature on the crazy story of the original Hollywood Blonds tag team with the death of Jerry Brown, we’ve got a double issue this week of the Observer up on the site right now. 

Our lead story looks at this year’s G-1 tournament looking at every card, the stories going into the card, the restrictions, the odds, and the new Will Ospreay, start time for every show, complete lineups, comments by Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley regarding this year’s new format. 

Also in this issue:

Update on WWE Clash of Champions, with the matches announced, updates on titles not yet announced with matches and keys to the show.

The situation with Matt Riddle and Samantha Tavel.

Daniel Cormier getting COVID and a new UFC product being pushed.

Changes at the USA Network, Sasha Banks with a major acting gig, Update on Jeff Hardy, details behind the Paul Heyman/Roman Reigns pairing, new contracts signed in WWE, wrestler teases gimmick change, Mandy Rose angle, law being talked about reglated to the Sonya Deville incident, Retribution update, this coming week’s WWE television, Randy Orton new business, Ivar injury update, Ronda Rousey update, Next NXT Takeover, weird TV moment, Sports & International ratings, Jimmy Jacobs talks WWE protocol and Vince McMahon, injury update, movie with WWE performers, market value of WWE and the most-watched shows on WWE Network.

This past week’s UFC show with the stories behind the show and match-by-match coverage.

New Japan’s last show this past week before G-1, held at Korakuen Hall, with the matches and angles and what is being pushed.

Our huge feature covers the life and career of Jerry Brown, who teamed with Buddy Roberts to form the Hollywood Blonds, one of the greatest heel tag team acts of all-time. This major feature looks at their beginnings, their heyday in Quebec and Florida, places they went, who they faced, as well as the other territories they went, championships they held, the second version of the Hollywood Blonds people don’t remember, the mentality of the act and some crazy Jerry Brown stories, with lots of comments from Bill Watts, who put the team together.

Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Garrett Gonzalez and I will have a show up tonight and Bryan and I will have a show late Saturday night covering G-1 and UFC.

For those interested in history, there is a huge piece in the new issue on the original Hollywood Blonds with a lot of stuff on both the heydays of Quebec and Florida wrestling since the Blonds were a key part of both eras. Greg Oliver has a story on Jerry Brown. (thanks to James Ward) There is not a ton of prime Hollywood Blonds stuff out there but this was a North American tag team title match against Antonio Inoki & Seiji Sakaguchi.

G-1 starts at 4 a.m. Eastern Saturday morning with the A block, where every night could be a show of the year. The B block show is at 1 a.m. late Saturday night Eastern,which means a totally manageable 10 p.m. start on the West Coast. Plus there’s a big UFC show tomorrow afternoon/evening so tomorrow will be a huge day. Among the first two night matches are Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki, Shingo Takagi vs. Jay White, Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada (rematch of arguably the best match so far this year), Hirooki Goto vs KENTA and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito. The UFC show is loaded as well. We’ll be doing polls on both G-1 show in Osaka as well as the Wednesday and Thursday shows in Sapporo.

UFC weigh-ins for tomorrow’s show on ESPN+ which starts at 5 p.m. Eastern

  • Tyson Nam (136) vs. Jerome Rivera (135)
  • Darrck Minner (146) vs. TJ Laramie (145)
  • Andre Ewell (134.5) vs. Irwin Rivera (135.5)
  • Randy Costa (135) vs. Journey Newson (135)
  • Jessica-Rose Clark (135) vs. Sarah Alpar (135.5)
  • Mayra Bueno-Silva (125.5) vs. Mara Romero Borella (125)
  • Mirsad Bektic (144.5) vs. Damon Jackson (145.5)
  • Jordan Espinosa (126) vs. David Dvorak (125.5)
  • Kevin Holland (185) vs. Darren Stewart (185.5)
  • Mackenzie Dern (115) vs. Randa Markos (115.5)
  • Johnny Walker (205.5) vs. Ryan Spann (205.5)
  • Khamzat Chimaev (185.5) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (186)
  • Donald Cerrone (170.5) vs. Niko Price (170.5)
  • Colby Covington (171) vs.;Tyron Woodley (171)

Tuesday’s UWN PPV show has

  • Thunder Rosa vs. Priscilla Kelly for the NWA women’s title
  • Eli Drake vs. Watts
  • Danny Limelight vs. Kevin Martenson
  • Friendship Farm vs Real Money Brothers

Not only does G-1 start tomorrow and the Champion Carnival is going on, but Pro Wrestling NOAH’s N-1 debuted today with Takashi Sugiura over Yoshiki Inamura, Kaito Kiyomiya going to a 30:00 draw with Masaaki Mochizuki, Go Shiozaki over Manabu Soya and Katsuhiko Nakajima over Kenou.  

Dwayne Johnson had to basically pull apart his own gate off the hinges because the power was out, and he couldn’t get out of the house and there was a crew waiting for him to work on the movie “Red Notice.”  Luckily, he can afford to get it fixed. 

WWE

  • WWE and DK Publishing have announced a new WWE Encyclopedia of Sports Entertainment.  The new book will cover 1,100 wrestlers in 400 pages and 250 updated profiles.
  • A story on Drew McIntyre (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

AEW

  • Chris Jericho filed a trademark for the term “Million Viewer Man” on 9/14 according to PWInsider. On Wednesday, the FTR vs. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus match did one of the best opposed quarters of the year.  

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Kevin Eck’s weekly ROH news update.
  • Smackdown tonight on FOX has A.J. Styles vs. Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Sheamus & King Corbin in a Samoan street fight plus Bayley and Alexa Bliss doing interview segments.
  • The Los Angeles Times has a major story on Ultimo Guerrero, Olimpico and other wrestlers working on food truck businesses during the pandemic to make ends meet (thanks to Barry Werner)
  • There has been major drops in boxing TV ratings since the return from the pandemic.  Top Rank on ESPN was averaging 680,000 viewers pre-pandemic and 332,000 post.  PBC on FOX has dropped from 1.39 million to 887,000. 
  • Toa Henare’s wrestling school in Auckland, New Zealand has an open house on 9/19.
  • There will be a Bare Knuckle boxing show on the Bare Knuckle TV app on 9/26 from Tunica, MS headlined by Tee Cummins of Memphis vs. Brian Maxwell.
  • AIW on 10/9 in Indianapolis at the Marion County Fairgrounds with Matthew Justice vs. Joshua Bishop in a no rope barbed wire match for the Absolute title, and Mordecai vs. Danhausen.
  • Lariato Pro Wrestling on 9/28 in Jackson, GA at the Butts County Rec Department will be doing an Impact + taping with Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Heath, Brian Myers and Scott D’Amore as well as New Japan’s Rocky Romero.
  • Bellator has announced Melvin Manhoef, Oliver Enkamp and Terry Brazier to its 10/10 show in Paris.
  • There is a premiere of the movie “The Whittler” on 10/16 in Wise,VA which includes Al Snow. who is one of the leads, appearing.  The movie debuts on Amazon that day.
  • Jerry Lawler’s first NWA title shot of his career in 1974 against Jack Brisco from September 16, 1974, Memphis, Mid South Coliseum. Part one and part two. (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWE Night of Champions 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: Weekend schedule, Kamala, ROH

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: August 17, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Life and career of James ‘Kamala’ Harris, more

A look at the life of James “Kamala” Harris, one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars of the 80s, and Daniel Cormier, one of the biggest MMA stars of all-time, are the lead stories in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The Kamala story goes through how he got the Kamala gimmick, who came up with the idea, the story around the video that instantly made him a star, how Kamala worked in that time but wouldn’t now, how he was as a draw against Hulk Hogan, his late life health issues, his original meeting with Bobo Brazil, how he started watching wrestling, his pre-Kamala  career, going to Europe, how J.J. Dillon was a key in getting him over and a look weekly at the first Memphis run that made him a big star.

His rivalry with Andre the Giant and how it was ugly early on, the feud with Bruiser Brody and every WWF run.  We look at his career peak in 1986-87 and the gates and payoffs he got, his working Mexico, his last big WWF run, and the declines of his health.

Daniel Cormier’s quest for the storybook ending, others who tried to have that ending, the greatest heavyweight of all-time, his tragic upbringing, growing up as a wrestler, competing with Cael Sanderson, his Olympic dream crushed, his MMA beginnings, his word title wins, and more building the fight with Stipe Miocic.

Also in this issue:

Return of ROH to action, what the new TV will be about, the creative involved, testing and more.

How Kevin Reilly is one of the key people who fell into place and without him there would be no AEW.  We look at the changes in TNT management including a unique note about Reilly’s successor.

A scary scene at NXT tapings, Dwayne Johnson’s earnings for the year, New contracts signed in WWE, Sports ratings, U.K. ratings and Canadian ratings, Lawler 50th anniversary sow, WWE market value, and most-watched shows on WWE Network.

WWE moving TV into the Amway Center, Takeover and SummerSlam news updates and creative.

COVID updates from Japan, with many shows canceled this past week, why they were, and what this says about Japan in comparison with the U.S.

New Japan’s Jingu Stadium show for the end of the month.

WWE Network featuring independents.

Saturday’s UFC show with a complete rundown and match-by-match coverage.

Kenny Omega and Michael Nakazawa doing a lecture for students at Tokai University on sports entertainment during the COVID era, with notes on AEW profitability, ad spending, how COVID has changed the world, how the AEW audience has changed, A.J. Styles, personal goals and New Japan Pro Wrestling.

New Japan, All Japan and NOAH have their biggest tournaments of the year at the same time.

CMLL’s planned return.

Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Our schedule this weekend includes two shows on Saturday, one with Lance Storm (who will be with Bryan tonight as well) and Garrett Gonzalez, as well as a show with Bryan on Saturday night covering the Stipe Miocic vs  Daniel Cormier UFC card.  We will also be doing a poll on the UFC show.

Smackdown tonight on FOX has:

  • Battle Royal with members from Raw, Smackdown and NXT, winner faces Bayley for the Smackdown title at SummerSlam
  • Big E vs. John Morrison
  • Alexa Bliss interview

Arguably the biggest fight of the year, and certainly the most important from an historical context, takes place tomorrow night with UFC 252 from Las Vegas:

ESPN at 7 p.m. Eastern:

  • Kai Kamaka (145.5) vs,. Tony Kelley (145.5)
  • Chris Daukaus (241) vs. Parker Porter (264.5)
  • Livinha Souza (115.5) vs. Ashley Yoder (115.5)
  • TJ Brown (146.5) vs. Danny Chavez (146)
  • Felice Herrig (116) vs. Vira Jandiroba (115.5)
  • Jim Miller (156) vs. Vinc Pichel (156)

PPV on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. Eastern:

  • John Dodson (136) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (136)
  • Herbert Burns (149.5) vs. Daniel Pineda (146)
  • Junior Dos Santos (238.5) vs,. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (254)
  • Sean O’Malley (136) vs. Marlon Vera (136)
  • Stipe Miocic (233) vs. Daniel Cormier (236) for the heavyweight title

The fight is being promoted as for the title of the greatest heavyweight of all-time.  Brown missed weight by 0.5 pounds and Burns by 3.5 pounds.  Both have been fined 20 percent of their purse, which will go to their opponent. 

New Japan Strong on New Japan World at 10 p.m. tonight:

  • Alex Zayne & ACH & TJP vs. Blake Christian & Misterioso & PJ Black
  • Jordan Clearwater & Clark Connors vs. Barrett Brown & Logan Riegel
  • Jeff Cobb vs KENTA in semifinals of New Japan U.S. Cup
  • David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga in semifinals of New Japan U.S. Cup

Thanks everyone for all the feedback on the stories in this week’s issue on Kamala and Daniel Cormier.

The viewing for James “Kamala’ Harris is tomorrow from 5-6 p.m. at the Rodgers Funeral Home in Coldwater, MS. The Funeral is Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. at the Batesville Civic Center in Batesville, MS and burial is at the Simon Chapel #2 in Sardisk MS.  Masks are required and there will be a temperature check at the door. There is a GoFundMe for funeral expenses trying to raise $30,000. They met their goal of just over $30,000 with major donations coming from Chris Jericho ($5,000), Scott D’Amore ($2,500), Ryan Barkan of Pro Wrestling Tees ($2,500), writer Jason King ($1,000), James Gregory ($1,000), Dillon Hines of the Bobby Fulton family ($750) and an anonymous donor of $3,000.

ROH has laid out extensive procedures for all talent and referees which include testing 14 days out, quarantine, testing three days out again and isolated after at the hotel, testing the day of the show, tracing, temperature taking (nobody with a temperature above 100.0 will be allowed in), masks at all times except for participants and social distancing. The first taping will be a tournament for the Pure title, which was scheduled to be revived in an April tournament before the pandemic. Those in the tournament included Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, Matt Sydal, David Finlay, Tracy Williams, Wheeler Yuta and Josh Woods.

As far as the different key demos for this past week:

  • In Men 18-34, Raw was No. 1
  • In Women 18-34 Dynamite was No. 1
  • In Men 35-49 Raw was No.1
  • In Women 35-49 Smackdown was No. 1

Realistically, Smackdown should be No. 1 by a wide margin across the board

WWE

  • WWE has started loading into the Amway Center in Orlando for SummerSlam. It will be the new home of WWE live television starting either Friday or Monday and the Performance Center will go back to being a training gym.
  • John Cena and Dwayne Johnson will be appearing at the DC Entertainment Fandome on 8/22, a virtual panel show. Cena will be at 3 p.m. and Johnson will be at 6 p.m.
  • WWE 24 will be doing a feature on WrestleMania 36 that debuts on the WWE Network right after SummerSlam on 8/23 according to WWE Network News.
  • Amalie, a European regular from France, has signed here to be part of the U.K. brand.

UFC

  • EA Sports released EA Sports UFC 4 on Playstation 4 and Xbox One today.
  • The lineup for Dana White’s Contenders show on Tuesday on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Eastern
    Kevin Syler vs. Ken Cross  – lightweight
    Josh Parisian vs. Chad Johnson – heavyweight
    Orion Cosce vs Matt Dixon – welterweight
    Cheyanne Buys vs. Hilarie Rose – strawweight
    Louis Cosee vs Victor Reyna – welterweight 

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Legacy Fighting announced shows on 8/21 8/28, 9/4 and 9/11 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD. 8/21 features Jaeleel Willis vs Vinicius DeJesus for their welterweight title. 8/18 features Brent Moore vs. Joe Gainnetti as the main event. 9/4 has Zviad Lazishvili vs. Ricky Steele for the bantamweight title. All shows air live on UFC Fight Pass.
  • MLW Fusion at 6:05 p.m. tomorrow night on YouTube from 2002
    Christopher Daniels & Dick Togo & Ikuto Hidaka vs. Joel & Jose Maximo & Quiet Storm
    C.W. Anderson vs. Devon Storm
  • Bellator announced Valerie Loureda has signed a new multi-year contract.  Loureda has gotten a lot of attention based on her looks and charisma and was a former member of the U.S. Olympic team in taekwondo.
  • CWE tonight in St. Albert,Alberta at the St Albert Community Hall.  The promotion ran last night in Calgary:  Danny Duggan b Kevy Chevy, Alex Zwicker b Kylie Morgan, Jude Dawkins & Lumberjack Larry b A.J. Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle, Johnny Devine b Travis Cole.  Next show in Calgary is 10/22.
  • NFC returns as the first sport in Atlanta with paid customers on 8/29 at District Atlanta. There will be 17 fights and they are only opening up to 35 percent capacity.  
  • All Japan has a memorial show for Atsushi Aoki on Saturday at Korakuen Hall with Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa & Shigehiro Irie vs. Kento Miyahara & Jake Lee & Yuji Okabayashi. 
  • An article on Erick Stevens.
  • A story on Austin Idol’s pro wrestling school. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WWE SummerSlam 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION