Tag: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

June 8, 2026 Observer Newsletter: Wrestling war escalations, AAA’s mask vs. mask classic, WWE Clash in Italy ratings

Posted on June 5, 2026June 5, 2026 by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer has returned with a new and packed Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

He leads off with the latest escalations in the various wrestling wars including WWE NXT, AEW and TNA going head-to-head later this month while WWE owned AAA is also making moves against rivals CMLL.

Dave recaps last weekend’s incredible match and atmosphere for the battle of the El Grande Americanos in their mask vs. mask match including his ratings for the event.

He also looks at the latest in the WWE shareholder lawsuit, his WWE Clash in Italy review and ratings, and news from all around the wrestling and MMA/UFC world.

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June 1, 2026 Observer Newsletter: AEW Double or Nothing review & ratings, NJPW ownership shakeup, big WWE shareholder lawsuit developments

Posted on May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 by F4W Staff

After two weeks, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has returned.

Dave Meltzer is back from vacation with lots to talk about including:

A full recap of last weekend’s AEW Double or Nothing with ratings
A review of WWE Saturday Night’s Main event and preview of Clash in Italy
A breakdown of the unexpected ownership change for NJPW
The latest in the WWE shareholder lawsuit including a list of witnesses for next month’s trial
A look back at all the news, results and even more news from around the wrestling & MMA world the last two weeks

Click here to read (sub needed)

May 18, 2026 Observer Newsletter: WWE Backlash review & ratings, Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano preview, Tenzan to retire

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by F4W Staff

The new Wrestling Observer Newsletter has arrived.

Dave Meltzer leads off with a look back at last weekend’s WWE Backlash, including his match ratings and analysis.

He also does a deep dive into this Saturday’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix and all the news and interesting quotes from Rousey leading into it.

Dave looks at Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s retirement announcement, the Triller legal in-fighting drama and how AEW is involved, a preview of ROH Supercard of Honor, plus all the news and happenings from all around the world of wrestling and MMA.

Please note there will be no WON next Friday as Dave takes a well-earned vacation, virtually ensuring a massive news story will break.

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May 11, 2026 Observer Newsletter: The life & times of Ted Turner, New Day depart WWE, TKO addresses criticism, Backlash preview

Posted on May 8, 2026May 8, 2026 by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer has returned with another packed issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

He began by writing a lengthy obituary of Ted Turner, the massively influential media figure that was also a key historical figure when it comes to pro wrestling, who passed away this week.

Dave also covered more exits from WWE including The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, others asked to take pay cuts, and the current situation with the roster.

He also looks at this week’s TKO earnings report, WWE and UFC revenue, key quotes from the investors call, and Nick Khan getting a new contract.

There’s also news from all around the wrestling world like in AEW, NJPW, CMLL, AAA, and beyond.

Click here to read (sub needed)

May 4, 2026, Observer Newsletter: WWE releases & town hall comments, another Nielsen ratings change

Posted on May 1, 2026May 1, 2026 by F4W Staff

The new Wrestling Observer Newsletter has landed.

Dave Meltzer goes in depth on last Friday’s WWE and NXT releases, the decision making behind it, and speculates on where some of the talent could go next.

He also dissects this past Monday’s WWE town hall and the reporting that brought some of the interesting comments from Nick Khan and Mark Shapiro to light.

Dave also looks at the latest change in the Nielsen ratings and how it appears to again be negatively affecting wrestling.

All that plus an early look at AEW Double or Nothing, WWE Backlash, CMLL, news, notes, UFC, and more.

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May 14, 2007 Observer Newsletter: The curse of the WWE SmackDown World title, TNA vs. ROH conflict

Posted on April 26, 2026April 23, 2026 by F4W Staff

Nearly 19 years later, the entire 2007 run of the Wrestling Observer Newsletters is complete with the May 14, 2007 issue.

And given the past month, it’s an interesting one for sure.

Dave Meltzer did a deep dive into what he called the “cursed” WWE SmackDown title due to injuries to Undertaker and Mr. Kennedy that threw everything into a bit of chaos which didn’t just start with them.

He also discussed the start of a bit of a war/conflict between TNA and ROH after the latter announced a bi-monthly taped PPV deal that TNA didn’t like one bit. Given TNA’s last month+ of news, this seemed oddly timely.

Dave also has more information on 2006 WWE financials, the financial success of WrestleMania 2007 (spoiler: it wasn’t as big as this year’s but it makes for a good read of how things used to be), plus news and reviews from around the wrestling and MMA world.

One more missing 2008 issue will be uploaded over the next two weeks, but 2007 is now complete as is every year from 1991 to current.

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April 27, 2026 Observer Newsletter: WWE WrestleMania 42 review, ratings & behind the scenes news from the entire week

Posted on April 24, 2026April 24, 2026 by Dave Meltzer

A very news-loaded issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter after last weekend’s WWE WrestleMania 42 has arrived.

From WWE’s biggest shows of the year to all the indie shows in Las Vegas, Dave Meltzer has it all covered including all the behind the scenes news and ratings that will break brains on social media as they usually do.

Dave also looks at the life and times of former WCW wrestler Van Hammer who passed away last weekend.

Dave also deep dives into all the big TKO news from the last few days including some interesting comments made by Nick Khan, Mark Shapiro and others.

News, ratings, reviews…it’s all here so let’s get to it.

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April 20, 2026 Observer Newsletter: WWE WrestleMania 42 preview & Mania week news, AEW Dynasty review & ratings

Posted on April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer has returned with an early edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Dave previews this weekend’s WWE WrestleMania 42 and covers all the news surrounding the week including all the talk about ticket sales.

He also recaps this past weekend’s AEW Dynasty, complete with match ratings, which featured a World title match between MJF and Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley, and more.

Dave also reviews TNA Rebellion, and reviews all the big news and stories from around the wrestling world leading into WrestleMania weekend.

Click here to read (sub needed)

April 13, 2026 Observer Newsletter: AEW Dynasty preview, much discussed Pat McAfee WrestleMania 42 angle, TNA talent controversy

Posted on April 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by F4W Staff

It was another huge news week and Dave Meltzer’s new Wrestling Observer Newsletter recounts it all and then some.

He previews this Sunday’s AEW Dynasty card, headlined by AEW World Champion MJF vs. former champion Kenny Omega.

Dave looks back at last Friday’s much discussed angle that introduced Pat McAfee into the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes mix, whose idea is what, and what could mean creatively for the future. He also gives a look at the final week before WrestleMania 42 next weekend.

Dave also delves into the controversial moves by TNA pulling talent from indie shows where they were set to face AEW talent.

He also recaps NJPW Sakura Genesis and the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion being crowned, NXT Stand & Deliver, CMLL, and the rest of the news in another wild pro wrestling and MMA week.

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April 6, 2026 Observer Newsletter: Detailed Janel Grant allegations about Vince McMahon, WWE WrestleMania 42 card, Chris Jericho returns to AEW

Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer has returned with the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Dave leads off with the latest allegations from Janel Grant against Vince McMahon which were graphic to say the least. The details were revealed as Grant’s side put forth its arguments as to why the case should not go to arbitration.

He also looks at what could be the final card for this month’s WWE WrestleMania 42 with a few matches yet to be announced.

Chris Jericho made his surprise return to AEW instead of WWE as many had speculated. Why? Dave gets into it.

All that plus news and results of the wrestling & MMA week from around the world await.

Click here to read (sub needed)

June 2, 2008 Observer Newsletter: Mark Coleman out of Brock Lesnar UFC fight, WWE Q1 business notes, Frank Shamrock feature

Posted on March 22, 2026March 22, 2026 by F4W Staff

We are just one issue away from having the entire full set of 2008 Wrestling Observer Newsletters available for subscribers.

In the June 2, 2008, edition, the lead story was inaugural UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman being pulled from a planned fight with Brock Lesnar (Lesnar’s second-ever in UFC) due to a knee injury and one that was never rebooked.

Dave Meltzer also does an extensive feature on former UFC and Strikeforce star Frank Shamrock.

Dave also looks at more detailed info from the first quarter of WWE financials plus news on Ring of Honor’s pay-per-view contract coming up and what that meant for their immediate future.

All that and more awaits.

Click here to read (sub needed)