Tag: WON plug

WON Preview: Time is ticking for a TNA sale

Posted on by F4W Staff

The following is an excerpt from this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, available for subscribers. Ordering information is below.

With Bound for Glory and television tapings scheduled for this week, the expectation was that TNA would be sold by now, although that’s been the feeling for weeks.

As of press time, it still hasn’t happened.

This puts the company in a tough position because Dixie Carter is still the majority owner of the company with 70 percent of the stock. But, she has no money to fund this coming week’s shows.

This has been the case for every set of tapings going back several months, where in the end, either Aroluxe at first and Billy Corgan of late, have funded the tapings in exchange for ownership. We’ve also heard word that Fite TV has a stake in the company.

The shows are all written. The talent has tickets for Orlando. But the money isn’t there to produce the shows, which would be around $600,000. The frustration across the board has grown with fingers pointed at Carter for making a mess of the sale negotiations.

“There are a lot of hurdles and games being played,” said one person with knowledge of how the sale talks are going. “She (Dixie Carter) has really made a mess and is responsible for all of it.”

**********

Get the full story on TNA, a recap of WWE’s Clash of Champions, and all the behind-the-scenes leadup to the announcement of UFC 205 in New York City with a subscription to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter — available immediately for digital subscribers.

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WON Preview September 6, 2016: Kevin Owens wins WWE Universal Title, Joe Silva leaves UFC

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: September 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Kevin Owens wins WWE Universal Title, Joe Silva leaves UFC, tons more

The story of how the Kevin Owens title win is symbolic of huge changes in talent judgment, the unlikely story of Joe Silva and his rise to be one of the most important figures in MMA history, the life and times of Mr. Fuji, the story behind the WWE departure of Alberto Del Rio, the arrest of Bo Dallas, plus coverage of the last UFC show and TripleMania all headline the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The lead story goes into the Universal title change, how it came about, what changes look to be being made, notes on the next two WWE PPV shows, as well as more background on the Daniel Bryan situation, his condition, contract and the Miz storyline.

Take a look at the background of Joe Silva, his retirement, why he’s retiring, and his contributions to UFC and MMA history.

This issue goes through the career of Mr. Fuji, from his start in Hawaii, his early runs, his involvement in building one of the biggest matches of the 70s, his tag teams with Toru Tanaka and Masa Saito, his year as U.S. champion and his role in one of the most talked about mainstream pro wrestling stories during the Roy Shire era.  We also look at the biggest singles match of the career of Mr. Fuji–a match he wasn’t even in.

Plus, examine his transition into managing and his famous ribs, as well as the most famous rib ever played on him.

There is also an update on Finn Balor after surgery, Dana White talks Vince McMahon and WWE, why viewers per home numbers for WWE are up, match scheduled and taken off the last PPV, Enzo & Cass background, WWE woman wrestler talks about returning, the story behind the Lesnar vs. Orton match, Orton update, most watched shows on WWE Network, new Dwayne Johnson movie, WWE in War Games and a third generation wrestler getting a tryout.

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order print issues at Paypal.com directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: July 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Chris Jericho signs with WWF, ECW to air on TNN, tons more – Details on Chris Jericho signing with WWF, ECW programming to air on TNN, plus tons more.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Also in this issue:

  • Notes on the CMLL anniversary show
  • More questions regarding the Elite promotion
  • What happened to Brazo de Plata
  • Sorting out the Alvarado family
  • Update on Teddy Hart in Mexico
  • A look at this past week’s Arena Mexico show
  • Rey Mysterio already returning to AAA and next major show
  • Where Fenix stands with AAA
  • Dragon Gate tag team tournament update
  • Notes from the big All Japan show of the week
  • Notes from the big NOAH show
  • A pro wrestling animated series featuring major stars gets a network prime time slot
  • Details of the new series and what stars will be involved
  • Updates on this month’s biggest New Japan shows
  • Kenny Omega talks the entire pro wrestling world
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi talks U.S. fan base
  • Onita & Chavo Guerrero form a tag team
  • Onita and Chavo Guerrero back story
  • Upcoming tag team tournament
  • PWG Battle of Los Angeles notes
  • Highlights from all the Northeast Wrestling shows this past week
  • Update on gold medalist Helen Maroulis
  • Cody Rhodes talks leaving WWE
  • A very interesting indie show including some unique matches being planned
  • Notes on a new television series with a pro wrestling backdrop
  • ROH adding a trios title and more background on it
  • History of trios titles in the U.S.
  • Some teams involved in the tournament
  • Lots of notes on upcoming ROH matches including the next PPV card
  • Full notes on the annual ROH show at MCU Field in Brooklyn
  • Update on TNA hierarchy
  • Georges St-Pierre talks more about a return
  • Dana White on the Diaz vs. McGregor III situation
  • Lots of new UFC fights and updates on drug test failures
  • UFC signs a new submission ace
  • More on Bellator signing Rory MacDonald
  • Bobby Lashley’s next fight
  • Notes from Friday’s Bellator show
  • Biggest PPV draws ever

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

WON Preview: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Also in this issue:

  • Mascara Dorada and the WWE cruiserweight tournament
  • The Elite world tournament and who is entered
  • Where the talent is coming from
  • Big hair match signed for the next CMLL iPPV show
  • Notes on New Japan stars coming this week to Mexico and how long they are staying
  • Notes on this past weeks’ major Arena Mexico show
  • Brother of WWE star debuts in CMLL
  • Major champion from Mexico talks the WWE cruiserweight classic
  • Notes from AAA TV tapings and upcoming shows including what Americans are headed in
  • Notes on the Wrestle 1 Grand Prix tournament
  • Matches announced for Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year
  • All Japan big show and major match coming in July
  • New outsider team wins All Japan tag titles
  • ROH star to debut in Japan during upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament that starts in a  few weeks
  • A few notes on the Super J Cup tournament
  • Death of Gypsy Joe
  • Two wrestling legends inducted into a non-sports Hall of Fame
  • Wrestling legend immortalized with their face on major subway ticket in a ceremony with the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world present
  • Lineup for the next PWG show
  • Newspaper clipping of an old match and purportedly one of the largest crowds in wrestling history revealed
  • Former WWE & WCW star Marc Mero has heart surgery
  • David Angle pleads guilty in death of his wife
  • A landmark wrestling arena dating back to 1949 being torn down
  • Unique title match from various promotions all together
  • Notes on the biggest show by a U.K. promotion in decades
  • AAW update
  • Adam Rose update
  • Will Ospreay update
  • One of the biggest free agents and why the result of a match this week will likely tell his future
  • Future of ROH stars Moose and Roderick Strong
  • Notes on the Best in the World PPV this week
  • What international star was about to debut in ROH and why it’s been delayed
  • What major international star debuts on ROH’s August PPV show
  • Notes regarding the next ROH TV tapings
  • What 80s legend is headed to ROH as a character this week
  • Notes on future TNA TV tapings
  • New TNA signees
  • Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows
  • Dana White goes on the attack against Ariel Helwani
  • FOX adds a new UFC show to the schedule this year
  • UFC card changes and new matches
  • Description of the Jedrzejczyk vs. Gadelha brawl
  • Michael Bisping pushing for Dan Henderson as first title opponents
  • Gambler betting $1 million on a UFC fight
  • One of the greatest college wrestlers of recent years signs with Bellator
  • A look at last week’s Bellator show as well as this coming week’s show

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

WON Preview: UFC 199, NXT Takeover, UFC for sale, Lesnar

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 20, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 199/NXT Takeover reviews, UFC ownership bidding ending soon, more

This week’s Observer has a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There’s also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

Take a look at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked, all covered in this week’s issue.

WWE looks at the possibility of adding PPV shows and the good and bad of that decision-making, and some economics of that decision. 

A key WWE musician passes away, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows, in this edition.

Take a look at the background of the NXT Takeover show, the debut of Andrade Cien Almas and what did and didn’t work, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

For UFC 199, we look at the state of the middleweight title, how everything lines up, whom Michael Bisping wants next, as well as match-by-match coverage along with pay records for those on the show.

Finally, read how TNA saved its recent TV tapings and PPV, why they were close to not happening, where money came from, and what to look out for in the future. Plus, check out Slammiversary with match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected]. 

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

Also in this issue:

  • First details of an international pro wrestling tournament that starts this coming week and who thus far is involved including some surprises
  • Update on Dragon Lee’s knee injury
  • A Royal Rumble style match to determine who gets in the tournament
  • Both the CMLL and Elite big shows of the week from Arena Mexico
  • A show originally set for PPV that wont’ be on it
  • Major show canceled and what it stays about organization
  • King of Gate tournament final notes
  • The Mitsuharu Misawa Memorial show report
  • New Japan gets more international TV coverage
  • AXS TV lineup for the next few weeks
  • When the participants in the G-1 Climax tournament will be announced
  • Notes on early ticket sales for G-1
  • More notes on the Dominion show
  • When the next English language broadcast will be on New Japan World
  • The most famous match of the last 50 years in Japan, from 1976, aired this past week
  • Kenta Kobashi’s recent show using talent from a number of companies
  • The finish at the famed Thrilla in Manila with Ali vs. Frazier III
  • Evolve runs a major angle with TNA stars and how it went down
  • Gabe Sapolsky talks Matt Riddle’s quick ascension
  • Kurt Angle returns to face Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Will Ospreay returns to the U.K. after winning Best of the Super Juniors
  • Update on Adam Rose
  • Jim Ross to produce a documentary on pro wrestling on TBS
  • Jesse Ventura’s lawsuit verdict overturned
  • A movie being planned with a top director on pro wrestling
  • Former WCW stars open a restaurant
  • NFL player does indie angle
  • Former WWE star on TV show that opens this week
  • A new movie out on wrestling in Mexico
  • Update on legal situation involving Teddy Hart
  • Notes on fourth generation pro wrestlers
  • The Junior Hodge Award winner and records he’s set
  • Update on Damien Sandow
  • Oldest tag team match
  • Main matches at Ultimate Lucha 3
  • A look at the key angles building Ultima Lucha 3 and when it tapes
  • Lots of new WWE signees
  • Lots of matches at the next ROH TV tapings including debut of New Japan star
  • A look at the weekend ROH shows
  • A look at all the TNA TV tapings from the past week and details on Destination X
  • Official business numbers for the last show in Las Vegas
  • More on the backstage incident with Nate Diaz and Clay Guida
  • Brock Lesnar and drug testing
  • Highest paid fighters
  • Marc Ratner to boxing Hall of Fame
  • Fedor talks UFC
  • Lots of new UFC fights
  • Teddy Hart talks his fight with C.M. Punk from years ago
  • More on Kimbo Slice and a promoter who thought he’d never draw money
  • A look at this week’s Bellator show

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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