Tag: weekend shows

Daily Update: Weekend schedule, Kazuchika Okada, Bella Twins

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WWE runs Smackdown tonight in Buffalo and NXT in Cleveland.  Saturday is the only main roster house show of the week, a loaded show in Allentown, PA with stars from both Raw and Smackdown.  There is also a Saturday night NXT show in Detroit.  The Elimination Chamber PPV is Sunday in Philadelphia and Raw is Monday in Washington, DC.  We’re looking for reports from the dark matches tonight in Buffalo, last night’s NXT show in Columbus and Saturday’s shows in Allentown and Detroit to [email protected].

We’re also looking for your thoughts on UFC 248 tomorrow night and Elimination Chamber on Sunday, thumbs up, down or middle along with a best and worst match from both shows to [email protected]

Weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s UFC show in Las Vegas at the T Mobile Arena starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern:

ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. Eastern

  • Danaa Batgerel (136) vs. Guido Cannetti (135.5)
  • Jamall Emmers (145.5) vs. Giga Chikadze (146)
  • Emily Whitmire (117.5) vs. Polyana Viana (116)

ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern

  • Gerald Meerschaert (185) vs. Deron Winn (185.5)
  • Roldolfo Vieira (186) vs. Saparabek Safarov (186)
  • Mark O. Madsen (156) vs. Austin Hubbard (154.5)
  • Sean O’Malley (135.5) vs. Jose Quinonez (135.5)

PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern:

  • Alex Oliveira (171) vs. Max Griffin (170.5)
  • Neil Magny (171) vs. Li Jingliang (171)
  • Beneil Dariush (156) vs. Drakkar Klose (156)
  • Zhang Weili (115) vs. Joanna Jedrzjczyk (115) for the strawweight title
  • Israel Adesanya (184.5) vs. Yoel Romero (185) for middleweight title

 Whitmire was the only fighter to miss weight.

Tonight at Arena Mexico on the CMLL YouTube page at 9:30 p.m. Eastern:

  • Shockercito & Fantasy vs. Pierrothito & Mercurio
  • Blue Panther Jr.& Dulce Gardenia & Black Panther vs. Misterioso Jr. & Virus & Sagrado
  • Titan vs. Soberano Jr.
  • Caristico & Volador Jr. & Valiente vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Cavernario & Euforia

Block B in the tournament for the Mexican national tag team titles:

  • Shocker & Rey Bucanero
  • Felino & Tiger
  • Raziel & Cancerbero
  • Polvora & Vangellys
  • Atlantis Jr. & Flyer
  • Rey Cometa & Star Jr.
  • Esfinge & Drone
  • Audaz & Fugaz

Titan-Soberano could be great and the main event actually looks pretty hot as well.

AAA has a live show from Cancun tomorrow on AAA’s Twitch Channel at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Jushin Liger will be announcing tomorrow’s live Stardom YouTube show.  It airs at 9:30 p.m Eastern and is called No People Gate because there will be no fans in attendance at Korakuen Hall because of precautions from the coronavirus. The card will include:

  • Rumble Battle Royal
  • Giulia & Maika vs. Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona
  • Bea Priestley & Jamie Hayter vs. Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita for the tag titles
  • Arisa Hoshiki vs. Natsuko Tora for the Wonder of Stardom title
  • Mayu Iwatani vs. Saki Kashima in a lumberjack match

Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.

WON NEWSLETTER: 40th Annual Awards Issue The results from the 2019 WON awards are in.

One of the year’s biggest issues, our 40th annual awards issue is out this week.  The issue covers these awards:

1) Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award for Wrestler of the Year; 2) MMA MVP; 3) Most Outstanding Wrestler; 4) Most Outstanding MMA Fighter; 5) Tag Team of the Year; 6) Best On Interviews; 7) Promotion of the Year; 8) Best Weekly TV show; 9) Pro Wrestling Match of the Year; 10) MMA Match of the Year; 11) U.S/Canada MVP; 12) Japan MVP; 13) Mexico MVP; 14) Europe MVP; 15) Non-heavyweight MVP; 16) Women’s Wrestling MVP; 17) Women’s MMA MVP; 18) Best Box Office Draw; 19) Feud of the Year; 20) Most Improved; 21) Most Charismatic; 22) Bryan Danielson Award/Best Technical Wrestler; 23) Bruiser Brody Award/Best Brawler; 24) Best Flying Wrestler; 25) Most Overrated; 26) Most Underrated; 27) Rookie of the Year; 28) Best Non-Wrestler; 29) Best TV announcer; 30) Worst TV announcer; 31) Best Major wrestling show; 32) Worst major wrestling show; 33) Best wrestling maneuver; 34) Most Disgusting promotional tactic; 35) Worst TV show; 36) Worst match of the year; 37) Worst feud of the year; 38) Worst promotion of the year; 39) Best Booker; 40) Promoter of the Year; 41) Best gimmick; 42) Worst gimmick; 43) Best book; 44) Best documentary

We have the top placings in every category as well as a list of winners of every award dating back to 1980.

The new issue also covers:

Coronavirus and an update on its affect on Japanese pro wrestling.

Young Bucks vs. Kenny Omega & Adam Page match and compare it to great tag team matches of the past, in particular Misawa & Kobashi vs. Kawada & Taue from 1995 and Midnight Express vs Fantastics from 1988.

AEW Revolution with business notes, storylines, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Preview Elimination Chamber with early business notes and the current demand.

Folding of the Wrestle-1 promotion.

WWE and All Japan, WrestleMania ticket sales and secondary market interest, update on WrestleMania show, Jeff Hardy, John Layfield in the Hall of Fame, XFL ratings updates, Injuries and other WWE absences, notes on a new WWE wrestler who just had his first match this past week, Renee Young talks her situation and Jon Moxley, next MSG show, Notes on the Tampa Takeover show, company value, most-watched shows on WWE Network, and a rundown of all the WWE and NXT live events over the past week with highlights and business notes.

Saturday’s UFC show, looking at the key matches and stories, business notes and match-by-match coverage.

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

All the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

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

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

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

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

Jeff Hardy is backstage at Smackdown, but he’s been backstage the past two weeks, so that doesn’t mean he’s on the show. Announced for tonight are Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman being interviewed by Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss, a Gauntlet series with The Miz & John Morrison, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, New Day, Usos, Heavy Machinery and Lucha House part for the last entrant in Sunday’s Estimation chamber, and Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Lacey Evans & Naomi.

With New Japan not running shows, they are doing a lot of special programming on New Japan World. There is a very good documentary filmed last summer on Kazuchika Okada in the G-1 tournament with a ton of behind-the-scenes stuff up.

A documentary on the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles focusing on the heyday of pro wrestling, T-Bird Roller Games and pro boxing, called “18th and Grand,” premieres on 3/26 at the Cinerama Dome at 6360 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles on 3/26.  I’d love to see that one.

ONE announced that its 3/20 show in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is being postponed until 6/26 due to concerns regarding the coronavirus.

WWE

  • Elimination Chamber odds at www.betOnlin.ag:
    Chamber: Shayna Baszler -1400, Asuka +600, Ruby Riott +1600, Liv Morgan +2000, Natalya +2500, Sarah Logan +2500
    Chamber: Miz & John Morrison -130, Usos +225, New Day +400, Heavy Machinery +1000, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode +1600, Lucha House Party +3300
    Street Profits -250 vs. Seth Rollins & Murphy +170
    Andrade -140 vs. Humberto Carrillo -100
    Aleister Black -150 vs. A.J. Styles +110
  • The WWE announced that the Bellas autograph signing at WWE Axxess is off.  They will announce new people for that event.
  • A PBS story about WrestleMania week that I’m featured on.
  • A story on the Braun Strowman WrestleMania party.
  • Liv Morgan talks Elimination Chamber.
  • Story on a WrestleMania Exhibit that week in Tampa. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

UFC

  • A rematch from Saturday’s controversial early stoppage, with Ion Cutelaba vs. Magomad Ankalaev has been announced for 4/18 in Brooklyn.
  • Tai Tuivasa vs JarjisDanho has been added to the 6/6 show in Perth, Australia.

AEW

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Bellator announced a 5/20 show from Temecula, CA headlined by the debut of Liz Carmouche in the promotion, facing 6-0 fighter Mandy Bohm.
  • A correction from yesterday in the Rip Oliver story.  The name he used under a mask against Ultimate Warrior in a 1988 Saturday Night’s Main Event was Super Ninja, not Super Black Ninja.
  • Invicta runs tonight in Kansas City at 8 p.m. Eastern on UFC Fight Pass with an eight-woman one-night tournament with first round fights of Taneisha Tennant (135.7) vs,. Brittney Victoria (135.1), Julia Ottolino (134.7) vs. Hope Chase (135.8), Claire Guthrie (135.7) vs. Taylor Guardado (135.8) and Kerri Kenneson (135.5) vs. Serena DeJesus (135.3). The main event is for the bantamweight title with Lisa Verzosa defending against Julija Stoliarenko.
  • Impact will be taping the special that will air on 3/31 on AXS tomorrow night in Atlanta at the Coca-Cola Roxy. 
  • Jazzy Gabert returns to Eve for tomorrow’s show at the Resistance Gallery at Bethnal Green in London to challenge Rhia O’Reilly for their championship. Gisele Shaw is off the show so Sammii Jayne will defend her International title twice on the show. The show will stream as a PPV.
  • All Star Wrestling tomorrow night in Surrey, BC at Sullivan Hall with Braydon Goss vs. Randy Myers for the cruiserweight title.
  • The movie “Beyond the Mat” which focuses on Jake Roberts and Mick Foley is up on Netflix.
  • Barrie Wrestling on 5/2 in Barrie, ONT at 49 Ferris Lane.
  • CWO on 3/15 at 1 p.m. at The Rockpile Bar & Nightclub in Toronto.
  • Greektown Wrestling on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Danforth Church in Toronto.
  • Smash Wrestling on 4/19 in St. Thomas, ONT at the Joe Thornton Community Centre at 5 p.m.
  • Legacy Fighting on 4/17 in Sioux Falls, SD at the Sanford Pentagon on UFC Fight Pass is headlined by Bryce Logan (11-4) vs. Jacob Rosales (12-5) for the lightweight title.
  • AAW on 3/20 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago has Mance Warner vs. Fred Yehi for the AAW title, Kris Statlander vs. The Hyan for the AAW women’s title, Gringo Loco & Black Taurus vs. Aramis & Arez, Curt Stallion vs,. Adam Brooks, Hakim Zane & Karam vs,.AR Fox & Myron Reed, Stephen Wolf vs. Jake Lander and more for its 16th anniversary show.
  • VIPW on 3/27 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 in Victoria, BC.
  • Capital City Championship Combat on 3/20 in Ottawa, ONT at St. Anthony’s Hall featuring Rey Hours and the Dark Order.
  • ECCW on 3/14 in Vancouver, BC at The Ellis on Main Street with Judas Icarus vs. Artemis Spencer in a no DQ and no count out match plus Nicole Matthews vs. Randy Myers.
  • 559 Fights on 3/13 in Visalia,CA at the Convention Center has Larry Gonzalez (4-0) vs. Kail Melton (1-2) for the heavyweight title.
  • PWE on 5/31 in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43.
  • MWF on 3/28 in Somerville, MA at ONCE Somerville for an 18-and-older show featuring Brian Pillman Jr. and Brian Milonas.
  • NFC MMA tomorrow night in Atlanta at District Atlanta.
  • CWA Superbreak on 3/21 in Searcy, AR with Jerry Lawler defending the Arkansas title against Michael Barry and Rhino vs. Tim Storm.
  • The Wrestling Estate has published an exclusive, extensive piece on Magnum’s Opus, an upcoming documentary on Amazon Prime about Magnum CK, a fixture of Cleveland’s Absolutely Intense Wrestling. The piece includes the never-before-seen trailer, as well as comments from CK, RJ City, AIW promoter John Thorne and more. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History:Vader wins AJPW Triple Crown

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: Weekend shows, Bryan Clark, Trey Miguel

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

For the weekend, we’ll be doing polls on two shows, UFC 247 tomorrow night in Houston and NJPW New Beginning in Osaka which starts about an hour or less after UFC ends. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

Smackdown tonight from San Jose features Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Dana Brooke in a match where the winner faces Bayley for the women’s title.

Caristico & Volador Jr. & Valiente vs. Sanson & Cuatrero & Forastero headlines Arena Mexico tonight at 9:30 p.m. on the CMLL YouTube page.

We’re also looking for reports from the WWE house shows in Oakland on Saturday night and Fresno on Sunday, as well as ROH on Sunday from Baltimore to [email protected]

Raw this week is Monday in Ontario, CA.

UFC will have a ceremony honoring Kobe Bryant at tomorrow’s event.  Weigh-ins for the show

ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. Eastern

  • Austin Lingo (145.5) vs. Youssef Zalal (145.5)
  • Andre Ewell (135.5) vs. Jonathan Martinez (136)
  • Journey Newson (135.5) vs. Domingo Pilarte (135.5)

ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern

  • Miles John (135) vs. Mario Bautista (135)
  • Lauren Murphy (125) vs. Andrea Lee (125.5)
  • Alex Morono (171) vs. Kalinn Williams (169)
  • Trevin Giles (185.5) vs. Antonio Arroyo (186)

PPV on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. Eastern

  • Derrick Lewis (261.5) vs. Ilir Latifi (246.5)
  • Mirsad Bektic (145) vs. Dan Ige (145.5)
  • Juan Adams (266) vs. Justin Tafa (265.5)
  • Valentina Shevchenko (124.5) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (124.5) for women’s flyweight title
  • Jon Jones (204) vs. Dominic Reyes (205) for light heavyweight title

NJPW New Beginning in Osaka is live on New Japan World Saturday night at 2 a.m. Eastern and 11 p.m. Pacific

  • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs Ryusuke Taguchi & Toa Henare & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma
  • Sho & Yoh vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado for IWGP jr.tag titles
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
  • Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi
  • Jay White vs. Sanada
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryu Lee for IWGP jr. title
  • Jon Moxley vs. Minoru Suzuki for U.S. title
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. KENTA for IWGP and IC titles

ROH on Sunday from Baltimore’s UMBC Center

  • PCO & Marty Scurll vs,. Nick Aldis & Rush
  • Battle Royal for ROH title shot down the line
  • Brody King vs. Rey Hours
  • Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Flamita & Bandido
  • Slex vs  Flip Gordon
  • Jonathan Gresham & Jay Lethal vs. Jeff Cobb & Dan Maff non-title
  • Joe Hendry & Dalton Castle vs. Vincent & Bateman
  • Sumie Sakai vs. Session Moth Martina
  • Andrew Everett vs. Alex Zayne

WON NEWSLETTER: February 10, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Major WWE corporate shakeups, more

We look at the changes in WWE business and details on what Vince McMahon was talking about regarding changes in the network and PPV distribution in the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We examine the departure of Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, the drop in the stock price, what it will take to get the price back up, McMahon talking business options, what WWE can learn from how UFC handled a similar situation, the business of WrestleMania, the key players, the different options, the UFC PPV deal, and McMahon talks AEW.

Also in this issue:

WWE fourth quarter numbers in every category, profits, losses, arena business, corporate spending and all categories.

McGregor vs. Cerrone business including details of it being the largest streaming PPV in history, how it did on traditional PPV, how UFC ha helped ESPN+ numbers, ESPN+ subscribers as well a the bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, and how successful it has been financially.

WrestleMania and the net Saudi Arabia show, a new WWE TV deal, Takeover Portland, what medical treatment wrestlers from many different companies are looking at doing, new WWE signings, John Cena in Fast 9, update on talent that has  wanted their release, Jake Atlas debut, lots of ratings info, WWE Network price notes, Mauro Ranallo talks getting off twitter, Total Bellas story lines, Bret Hart update, most watched shows on WWE Network and coverage of all of last week’s WWE arena events.

New Beginning shows in Sapporo, with a full rundown of the booking, the business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

A feature on the Jericho Cruise, the top matches, how TV was taped, and what happened.

UFC event from Raleigh with match-by-match coverage and business notes.

A feature on the death of Romeo Cormier and the famous Burke/Martin/Cormier family and the heyday of pro wrestling in Eastern Canada. 

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

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

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

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

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 talk about the business of WWE major shows and why Vince McMahon is looking to make the move, Wednesday ratings and answer questions. 

Bryan and I will be doing a Q&A over WrestleMania week in Ybor City, FL with details here. We are also planning activities for Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas for Double or Nothing weekend.

A correction from this week’s Observer regarding the woman who played Trey Miguel’s mother. We had reported she was no longer a character and was no longer with the promotion. She is no longer a television character but still works for the company as that storyline is now over.  Tessa Blanchard vs. Ace Austin for the Impact title is Austin’s new storyline.

Former WCW/WWF wrestler Bryan Clark Jr., 55, also known as Adam Bomb, is facing charges of conspiracy, illegal control of enterprise, transporting or selling narcotics, drug possession and possession of a weapon during a drug offense. The alleged acts occurred in January and April. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

A story on MLW talking with Amazon Prime.

 WWE

  • SummerSlam tickets for 8/23 in Boston at the TD Garden go on sale with travel packages on 2/18 and tickets on 3/8. The prices are $25 to $500 and will be available at Ticketmaster. It will be a four-show weekend with Smackdown, NXT Takeover, SummerSlam and Raw.

UFC

  • For UFC coverage tomorrow, Ariel Helwani’s MMA show airs at 4 PM. Eastern on ESPN Radio and the post-show will be at 1 a.m. on ESPN+
  • Ovince Saint Preux vs. Shamil Gamazatov is scheduled for the 4/25 show in Lincoln, NE.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • The Washington Post on the XFL. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
  • Ric Flair interview on the BBC.
  • Kevin Eck with ROH news.
  • Tom Lawlor and Dominic Garrini in Dallas aired this on TV this past week.
  • A documentary on a week in Japan which features myself and Fumi Saito.
  • The Combate Americas PPV show that was headlined by Alberto El Patron vs. Tito Ortiz will be airing at 10 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Pacific tonight on AXS TV.  After the show at 1 a.m. will be a documentary that was filmed surrounding the fight.
  • AAW on 2/21 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago has Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. AR Fox & Myron Reed, Matt Justice vs. Nick Gage, Paco vs.Zicky Dice and TJP vs. ACH.
  • LFA on 3/20 from the Arizona Federal Theater in Phoenix on Fight Pass featuring Daniel Madrid (17-6) vs,. Impa Kasanganav (6-0)
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. replaces the injured Rich Swann for the 2/21 Qatar Pro Wrestling show in Doha, Qatar.  The main event remains Alberto El Patron defending their title against RVD, Chris Raaber and Alofa.; 
  • ESW on 2/22 in Fairport, NY at Village Sports with Nick Ando vs. Orange Cassidy as the main event.
  • Adam Brooks vs. TJP for the Melbourne City Championship on 3/22 for Prestige Wrestling in Portland.
  • Adam Brooks vs. Nick Armstrong and Mick Moretti vs Rocky Menero headline for RCW tomorrow night in Adelaide, Australia.
  • Border Town Pro Wrestling on 2/29 in Fort Erie, ONT at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center.
  • Hustle Brand Wrestling tonight in Barrie ONT at the Mavricks Music Hall.
  • Hamilton Wrestling Entertainment on 3/8 at Carmen’s Banquet Center in Hamilton, ONT.   They also run 2/23 at the Flamborough Hills Golf and Country Club for a 3 p.m. show.
  • PWE on 3/1 at 2 p.m. has a Rhino seminar at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in Oshawa, ONT.
  • Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 2/22 in St. Louis at the Concordia Turners Gymnasium.
  • J.J. Dillon will be doing fund raises for the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame at ThinkGeek at Destiny USA in Syracuse at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow and at 3:30 p.m. at Pro Image Sports in Albany, NY.  He will be doing autographs and photos for $20 and a combo of both for $30.
  • Lena Kross from Australia appears on the May tour for Sendai Girls in Japan.
  • Royce Chambers from Australia tours with DDT from 3/1 to 3/20 (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • For tomorrow night’s MLW show on Bein Sports, Jacob Fatu  defends his world title against Brian Pillman Jr., plus Savio Vega vs. Richard Holliday and Zenshi vs. Dominic Garrini.
  • ECCW on 2/29 in Richmond, BC at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre with Christina Von Eerie vs. Nicole Matthewss plus Artemis Spencer appearing.
  • Tracy Smothers opens up about his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in this 30 minute interview with The Hannibal TV.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Larry Zbyszko wins vacant AWA World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: WWE house shows, Arezzi, Mick Foley

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Smackdown and 205 Live take place tonight in Indianapolis. Announced matches include Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roman Reigns for the IC title and Heavy Machinery & Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler & The Revival. Tony Nese vs. Oney Lorcan vs. Ariya Daivari has been announced for 205 Live. 

UFC ON ESPN 2 FROM THE TD GARDENS IN BOSTON STARTING AT 6 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT

  • Tanner Boser (247.5) vs,. Daniel Spitz (240)
  • Brandan Allen (185) vs. Kevin Holland (183.5)
  • Sean Brady (167.5) vs. Court McGee (170)
  • Randy Costa (134) vs. Boston Salmon (135.5)
  • Kyle Bochniak (145) vs. Sean Woodson (144.5)
  • Diana Belbita (125) vs. Molly McCann (125)
  • Manny Bermudez (148) vs,. Charles Rosa (144)
  • Darren Stewart (185) vs,. Deron Winn (188.5)
  • Maycee Barber (126) vs. Gillian Robertson (126)
  • Joe Lauzon (153) vs. Jonathan Pearce (154.5)
  • Greg Hardy (264.5) vs,. Ben Sosoli (264)
  • Yair Rodriguez (145) vs. Jeremy  Stephens (145.5)
  • Dominick Reyes (203) vs. Chris Weidman (204)

*Bermudez missed weight by two pounds and has to forfeit 20 percent of his purse. Winn missed by 2.5 pounds and also has to forfeit 20 percent of his purse.

CMLL AT ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. ON CMLL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

  • Angelito & Fantasy vs. Pierrothito & Pequeno Nitro
  • Blue Panther Jr. & Pegasso & Black Panther vs.  Misterioso & Okumura & Sagrado
  • Rey Cometa vs. Stigma
  • Sanson & Cuatrero & Forastero vs. Soberano Jr. & Atlantis Jr. & Audaz
  • Caristico & Angel de Oro & Diamante Azul vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia & Gran Guerrero
  • Mistico & Fugaz vs. Valiente & Star Jr. in the Gran Alternative tournament finals

Saturday has a Raw house show in Trenton, NJ and NXT in both Vancouver, BC and Daytona, FL. We’re looking for reports at [email protected]

AAA HEROES INMORTALES FROM ORIZABA, VERARCUZ LIVE ON TWITCH SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. EASTERN

  • Argenis & Lady Shani & Octagoncito & Pimpinela Escarlata vs,. Australian Suicide & Vanilla & Demus & Mamba
  • Villano III Jr. & Lady Maravilla vs. Nino Hamburguesa &Big Mami for Mixed tag titles
  • Drago vs. Daga for the Latin American title
  • Dinastia & Octagon Jr. & Puma King vs. Abismo Negro Jr. & Arez & Super Fly
  • Copa Antonio Pena tournament
  • Fenix vs. Kenny Omega for AAA Mega heavyweight title
  • Psycho Clown & Rey Escorpion vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Averno vs. Pentagon Jr. & El Texano Jr. vs. Pagano & Chessman in a four team cage match

NEW JAPAN JUNIOR TAG TOURNAMENT SATURDAY IN NIIGATA ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (taped)

  • Will Ospreay & Robbie Eagles vs  Volador Jr. & Titan
  • Tiger Mask & Yuya Uemura vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori
  • Sunday has a Raw show in Rochester, NY and NXT in Kelwona, BC.

NEW JAPAN JUNIOR TAG TOURNAMENT MONDAY IN AKITO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (taped)

  • Sho & Yoh vs. TJP & Clark Connors
  •  Raw will be live on Monday from Cleveland.  A.J. Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Street Profits & ? will be on the show, plus Rey Mysterio and Cain Velasquez.

The Smackdown crew runs Monday in Sydney, Australia and Tuesday in Brisbane, Australia.

NEW JAPAN JUNIOR TAG TOURNAMENT TUESDAY IN IWATE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (taped)

  • Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru 

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

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

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

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

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

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

This week’s Observer also covers: 

Bruce Prichard and the problems with both Raw and Smackdown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.

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

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

Current subscribers can access the issue here.

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

For this week, because visas and plans were made, they are using the old rosters to Raw will still have people like Bray Wyatt, King Corbin and Lacey Evans and Smackdown still has Kevin Owens for Australia. Daniel Bryan is also on the Australia tour. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch work tomorrow’s house show in Trenton, NJ but are not advertised for Rochester, NY, which lists A.J. Styles, Braun Strowman, Corbin, Evans, Wyatt and Ricochet as the top stars.

John Arezzi, who hosted a wrestling talk show, ran the Fred Blassie Fan Club as a kid, and has experience in country music, minor league baseball and promoting pro wrestling is putting out an autobiography in the spring of 2021, working with Greg Oliver, from ECW Press.

Mick Foley is doing a coloring book for Grown-ups called “Cactus Jack and the Beanstalk” which will be out by Halloween for $11.95 through WOHW’s Bledtime Stories.

WWE

  • Ch.7 news in Brisbane did a news feature on Daniel Vidot of NXT, pushing the WWE Australia tour that starts on Monday with the Smackdown crew.
  • Early Crown Jewel odds:
    Cain Velasquez -200 vs. Brock Lesnar +150
    Seth Rollins -120 vs. Bray Wyatt -120
    Tyson Fury -600 vs. Braun Strowman +350

UFC

  • Tom Aspinall, who had fought in the U.K for Cage Warriors as a heavyweight, and is 7-2, has signed with UFC.
  • Melissa Gatto was officially suspended for one year after a positive test for Furosemide, a diuretic.She will be eligible to compete again on June 5, 2020.  She believed she failed for a contaminated supplement.The problem is, and this is where the drug program favors those with money, is she couldn’t afford the $500 per test to find out if Furosemide was in the supplements she was using.
  • Doo Ho Choi vs. Charles Jourdain has been added to the 12/21 show in Busan, South Korea. Choi is best known as The Korean Superboy.  

AEW

  • Chris Jericho will be a guest on Talking Dead, after Walking Dead, on Sunday. (thanks to Tom Mehs)  

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux appear at the Baltimore Comic Con on Saturday and Sunday at Booth 205.
  • MCW on 1212/2 in Culpeper, VA at Easter View High School with Melina and Swoggle.
  • Minoru Tanaka faces Kingston Eclipse for All Star Wrestling Australia on 11/23 in Wollongong, New South Wales
  • Jeff Cobb and TJP headlined a show in The Philippines this past Saturday night.
  • Combate Americas on 11/1 on Univision and Univision Deportes works with TS-1 Promotions for a show in the Dallas area at the Curtis Culwell Center.
  • Revolution Wrestling Federation on 10/27 in Harrisburg, PA at the Midtown Arts Center.
  • PWA Colosseum will run live on Ovo Play at https://play.ovo.com.au/channel/6940.  It’s a two-night tournament at 8 p.m. Sydney time late tonight in the U.S. 
  • The first round of the tournament took place earlier today in Sydney:  Ricky South b Davis Storm (tournament first round), Shazza McKenzie won over Unsocial Jordan, Carter Deams and Marcus Kool, Rory Gulak b Treehugger Luchi, Massive !Q won over The Prefects, Silverback, Black Shirt Cool Group, Lux, Juan Direction, Speed Force and The Kelly Gang, Matty Wahlberg b Chris Basso (first round), Travis Banks b Sam Osborne (first round), The Nations b Velocities & Caveman Ugg, Orange Cassidy b Jessica Troy (first round) (thanks to Alex Donnelly)
  • OvoPlay is also streaming the ITV World of sport series.
  • GOUGE on Saturday night in Raleigh, NC at Clouds Brewery.
  • Defy Wrestling tomorrow night at Washington Hall in Seattle with Schaff defending the Defy title against Tom Lawlor,Cima & Guillermo Rosas & Cody Chhun vs. Matt Sydal & Cook Brothers, Amazing Red vs. Jacob Fatu, Mike Santiago vs. Josef Samael in a street fight, Kikyo vs. Rebel Kel and Douglas James vs. Jet Knight.
  • CWE tonight in Fannystelle, Manitoba at the Fannystelle Hall
  • The NWA announced they have sold out at the TV Studio in Atlanta for their 12/14 Into the fire PPV show.
  • A story on Rocky Johnson and his new autobiography.
  • A look at the Timothy Thatcher vs Tom Lawlor bout on the MLW 11/2 PPV show.
  • Kiera Hogan sat down with The Wrestling Estate to discuss Bound For Glory, Impact moving to AXS TV, taking her relationship with Diamante public and the chances of seeing Diamante back in Impact.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: The Dudleys win IWGP Tag Team titles

CONTACT INFORMATION