With CM Punk and Bret Hart both appearing on the show, WWE Backstage drew the second best ratings its ever done.
Last night’s episode of Backstage averaged 175,000 viewers on FS1, up from the 112,000 that the show averaged the previous week. Aside from two preview shows, the only time Backstage has done more viewers was for the November 19 episode. That drew 180,000 viewers and featured Punk’s debut as an analyst.
The viewership was up slightly from the 173,000 viewers that the May 12 episode of Backstage averaged. That also featured an appearance by Punk, and WrestleMania III aired on FS1 leading into the episode.
The rating in the 18-49 demo for last night’s Backstage was a 0.06, up from last week’s 0.03. Backstage ranked 110th on cable in the 18-49 demo last night.
Hart appearing on last night’s Backstage tied in with Survivor Series 1996 airing on FS1 leading into the show. Hart defeated Steve Austin in a classic match at that pay-per-view.
WWE on FOX uploaded Renee Young and Punk’s interview with Hart from last night’s show:
We have a feature on systemic prejudice in the U.S. as the lead story in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Also in this issue:
The Dana White/Jon Jones story, explaning the economic realities, the economic fallacies and where things stand with both men’s arguments. We look at what does and doesn’t make sense economically, why Jones and Conor McGregor and all the top draws have lost value to UFC, plus exactly what both men have said about each other and where things stand.
The economics of what Jones has drawn in the past, and the numbers of recent UFC show.
The unwritten WWE rule about not criticizing other talent in a public forum outside of storyline-related reasons, why it was broken this past week, what was said, as well as looking at the ties beween the ownerships of the different wrestling companies with Donald Trump, statements released, and the key things no talent can say.
New WWE Network updates.
Upcoming guidelines for WWE shows, Paul Levesque talks COVID testing, notes on more WWE cuts, Vince McMahon sends out memo, original Gronkowski plans and why they changed and why now.
Upcoming Backlash and Takeover shows, an update on the XFL bankruptcy, how WWE is involved and more.
Update the Kairi Sane injury, Vince McMahon bio, Drake Maverick angle, people talked about for main roster, WWE hires new man t head the Middle East business, Kurt Angle talks why he’s not returning at this point to WWE, plus we look at the current market value of WWE and poll results, as well as WWE’s own track record.
Coverage of Saturday’s UFC show with the storylines and the business news, plus match-by-match coverage.
A large feature on the retirement of Stu Saks and the westling magazine era, the life and times and the glory years of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the death of the magazine business, how VinceMcMahon tried to kill it early, and the different stages of the magazine era.
A feature on the wrestling career, and life of Danny Havoc from many of the people who knew him best in the industry.
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.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
This week’s episode of the Bump features The Street Profits, Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Drave Maverick, and NXT ring announcer Alicia Taylor.
A special episode of The Bump will air this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time prior to the Backlash PPV event. Guests will include The Miz, John Morrison, Jinder Mahal, MVP and Paige.
WWE Backstage scored 112,000 viewers this week, down from last week’s 121,000 viewers.
WWE uploaded full video of this week’s New Day: Feel The Power podcast, which features a conversation about racial injustice with Andreas Hale.
Wrestling Inc reported that the same team behind the AJ Styles vs. Undertaker match — Michael Hayes, Triple H, and Jeremy Borash — also produced the Backlot Brawl from TakeOver.
John Cena has matched BTS’ $1 million dollar donation to the Black Lives Matter foundation.
FS1 will air the 2008 Royal Rumble on June 23. The 1996 Survivor Series, featuring the debut of The Rock, will air this coming Tuesday prior to WWE Backstage.
Other Wrestling
Justin Roberts, who has largely been absent from AEW television since the COVID-19 outbreak, returns tonight on Dynamite.
According to a tweet from Michinoku Pro Wrestling, Korakuen Hall will only be open for 497 people when they re-open for fans.
Dustin Rhodes wrote on Instagram that he is planning on opening a wrestling school.
On today’s episode of Talk is Jericho, The Inner Circle discussed the making of of their Stadium Stampede match against The Elite & Matt Hardy at Double or Nothing.
The latest Inside the NWA focuses on the legacy of Harley Race.
An extensive story on the death of Hana Kimura is the focal point of this week’s double issue of the Wrestling Observer.
The story covers numerous aspects, from cyber bullying to the realities of reality shows, comments from those who knew her well, pro wrestling and much more. We look at everything from legislation being introduced, similar things with two reality stars in South Korea, and what happened on the show and after the show.
We look at why she was on Terrace House, her life as the daughter of a wrestler, her reality show story, what Terrace House is, what is and isn’t real, her death, the immediate reaction to her death in wrestling, cast members talk about the show, story of what happened the night of her death, reactions from wrestlers, reactions from politicians, as well as a look at her career in the ring.
The new issue also covers:
AEW Double or Nothing show, PPV numbers, poll results, what this says about PPV, wrestling in the previous depression, Stadium Stampede background, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and more.
More on WWE’s COVID-19 procedures at the last tapings, Matt Riddle to Smackdown, changes regarding usage of NXT talent on Raw or Smackdown, behind Drew Gulak signing new deal, what’s up with Nigel McGuinness, A.J. Styles to Smackdown, IC title tournament, Kairi Sane injury, Samoa Joe health update, Ric Flair talks new deal, highest sports ratings of the week, Canadian pro wrestling ratings, Ronda Rousey update, Drew McIntyre has words with Colby Covington, Next week’s TV, Seth Rollins talks Austin Theory, Becky Lynch update, value of WWE, and the most watched shows of the past week on the WWE network.
The ability of foreign wrestles and fighters to get into the U.S.
Safety precautions for the UFC shows in Las Vegas, what Nevada is mandating, as well as how the other major companies around the world are handling the situation.
AEW’s angle with Mike Tyson, the good and bad of it as well as notes on the coverage.
An update on the XFL bankruptcy and Vince McMahon.
Update the financial issues with DAZN.
WWE’s decision to follow AEW and use wrestlers as fans for the empty arena shows this pas week.
More on the death of Shad Gaspard and his memorial service.
Circumstances surrounding the death of Owen Hart including clearing up a lot of misconceptions that have been spread over the last 20 years.
WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
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.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Stephanie McMahon posted a tweet today vowing to use her voice for anyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice: “‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends’ – MLK. I love and support my Black friends and colleagues. To everyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice, I will use my voice for you.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state will be moving to phase two of their reopening on June 5. Part of phase two reads: “Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.”
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Triple H spoke about the importance of the NXT Women’s Championship: “The NXT women’s title is one of the most meaningful ones in the business. That is a testament to all the women who played a role in that. The women in NXT, they’ve got something to prove. They’re really going out of their way to make a name for themselves.”
Ric Flair, JTG, Gallus, Drave Maverick, and Darren Young were guests on today’s episode of The Bump. The Street Profits have been announced for next week’s show.
A special edition of The Bump will air on Sunday featuring X-Pac, Mauro Ranallo, Keith Lee, and Mia Yim.
On The Bump it was revealed that, in storyline, Elias has been discharged from the hospital following the hit and run storyline on SmackDown last Friday.
Road Dogg will be this week’s guest on Corey Graves’ After the Bell podcast.
Edge will star with Kelsey Grammer and Denise Richards in “Money Plane,” an action movie that is due to be released on digital platforms on July 10.
Bushiroad said today in a statement that they are restarting live events in the wake of emergency orders being lifted across Japan. They also said that everyone in both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom will undergo antibody tests.
After it was announced that she’s coming to the promotion, Deonna Purrazzo will make her first appearance on next Tuesday’s episode of Impact. Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace will also defend her title against Taya Valkyrie on the episode.
Cash Wheeler announced that FTR will be auctioning off ring-worn items to raise money for Black Lives Matter charities on Friday and auctioning ring-worn items in support of Pride Month on Tuesday, with there also being items donated and signed by Sonya Deville. FTR plan on matching and donating any amount they raise with the auctions.
ROH stars will play Dungeons & Dragons on their YouTube channel this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Participants include Cheeseburger, Session Moth Martina, Beer City Bruiser, Joe Hendry, and Brawler Milonas.
Tim Sylvia wrote on Instagram that he is still having trouble from the broken arm he suffered when he fought Frank Mir back in 2004: :So my arm been giving me problems for over a year now. The screws are backing out from my arm break when i fought @thefrankmir my dr. Contacted the @ufc cause it was paid for by them the first time. Sort of under workman’s comp. The ufc says it’s not there problem and will not cover it. I don’t have insurance and it’s going to cost well over 10,000 dollars to get fixed. Any thoughts on what i should do?:
The battle to keep UFC 249 alive is the lead story in our annual WrestleMania double issue, which shows how big a story that became.
We look at how a U.S Senator, government agencies, doctors and Dana White all chimed in and what killed plans for the show next week. We look at the fighters who dropped out of the top two bouts, the reaction locally, the commission, how the association of commissions didn’t back the California commission, how UFC was to be regulated, what happens next, what the doctors said, the business reasons behind why UFC pushed so hard for the show, and what the show originally had.
The new issue also covers:
The wrestling industry going forward after WrestleMania, with a look at WWE, AEW, Impact, MLW and New Japan and what has and hasn’t been taped, who returns to WWE this week, Money in the Bank, Double or Nothing, AEW California crew wrestling, and more.
WrestleMania with a look at the good and the bad of the show, business numbers, the stories of the different unique matches, Roman Reigns update, television ratings for the prelims, and media criticism. We also have match-by-match coverage of both nights with poll results.
President Trump’s meeting with the key players in the sports world including Vince McMahon and Dana White as well as others talking about when or if spectator sports can return.
The key numbers to look for at the next WWE investors call, new WWE TV deals, Paul Levesque talks Wednesday night ratings, Michael Cole’s new role, WWE new documentaries including thoughts on the Edge documentary, new angles, Drew McIntyre talks about a number of subjects, new WWE movie, NXT booking, Kurt Angle talks Brock Lesnar, C.M. Punk talks Vince McMahon, FS 1 TV block, TV sports ratings, Charlotte Flair talks WrestleMania, WWE market value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
A story on one of the strangest lawsuits you’ll ever see against Dana White.
A story on the break-in of the home of Anthony Smith.
A huge back-of-the-book story on the life of Danno O’Mahoney, one of the biggest short-term drawing cards in pro wrestling history. We go back to the 1930s, the politics that led to the creation of O’Mahoney, how Paul Bowser put the plan in place, the story of Jim Londos, the biggest drawing card in U.S. history and his role in this, some of the biggest matches in wrestling history and why the O’Mahoney vs. Shikat match changed the industry for a dozen years after and some historians call it the most important match in history. It’s all here, creation of world titles, promotions not getting along, in-ring double-crossess, stadium shows and the tragic story about how happy ever after end up lasting five weeks.
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.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Today’s episode of The Bump featured Otis and Mandy Rose, Big Show, Christian, Io Shirai, William Regal and IRS.
Andrea Listenberger, a writer for WWE who wrote the Otis/Mandy Rose storyline, wrote on Twitter that she had been released today: “Lots of people getting let go at #WWE today and regrettably, I am one of them. But I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to do since starting in Dec., and glad that the storyline I worked on resonated with so many people. That’s what writing is about for me. #OtisandMandyForever”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed the idea during a coronavirus briefing that a super PAC connected to President Trump’s re-election campaign, which is headed by Linda McMahon and contributied millions of dollars to the state just a day prior to WWE announcing they were running live shows again, played a part in his executive order deeming WWE and other sports as an essential business.
WWE Backstage scored 161,000 viewers last night, up from last week’s 140,000.
The first three episodes of WWE’s Ruthless Aggression documentary scored 302,000 (9 p.m.), 224,000 (10:00 p.m.) and 226,000 (8 p.m.) viewers respectively.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti told CNN this afternoon that large gatherings, such as concerts or sporting events, may not come back until 2021. Next year’s WrestleMania is currently planned to take place in the Los Angeles area on March 28, 2021.
Full matches added to WWE’s YouTube page today include Eddie Guerrero vs. The Big Show from the April 15, 2004 edition of SmackDown and Paige vs. Naomi for the WWE Divas title from Money in the Bank 2014.
Alexa Bliss spoke to CBS Sports on the ‘Fight Like a Girl” series on Quibi as well as Ronda Rousey’s recent comments.
The first night of Impact’s Rebellion event, which will take place on April 21 on AXS, will have Sami Callihan vs. Ken Shamrock, Ace Austin vs. Willie Mack for the X-Division title, Rhino & Tommy Dreamer vs. OVE and Kiera Hogan vs. Kylie Rae.
Last night’s Dark Side of the Ring, which focused on Jimmy Snuka and the death of Nancy Argentino, scored 209,000 viewers, down from last week’s 226,000 viewers.
Vice has released a trailer for next week’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring, which will cover the death of Dino Bravo.
Jim Cornette is in the process of trademarking his own name for use in pro wrestling.
Viewership for Dark Side of the Ring’s Brawl for All episode stayed pretty much even with last week.
Dark Side of the Ring averaged 226,000 viewers on Vice TV last night, down slightly from last Tuesday’s 229,000. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.09, down from last week’s 0.11.
The Brawl for All documentary did the fourth-most viewers in Dark Side of the Ring history, trailing this season’s two-hour Chris Benoit episode, season one’s episode on the Von Erichs, and last week’s New Jack episode.
Here’s a look at the ratings for Dark Side of the Ring season one and the first three episodes of this season:
Season one —
Macho Man & Ms. Elizabeth — 154,000 viewers, 0.06 rating in 18-49
The Montreal Screwjob — 181,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
Bruiser Brody — 214,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
The Von Erich family — 234,000 viewers, 0.08 rating in 18-49
Gino Hernandez — 225,000 viewers, 0.08 rating in 18-49
The Fabulous Moolah — 200,000 viewers, 0.07 rating in 18-49
Season two —
Chris Benoit — 320,000 viewers, 0.14 rating in 18-49
New Jack — 229,000 viewers, 0.11 rating in 18-49
Brawl for All — 226,000 viewers, 0.09 rating in 18-49
Last night’s After Dark post-show for Dark Side of the Ring didn’t rank in the top 150 for the night in the 18-49 demo.
WWE Backstage averaged 140,000 viewers this week, which was up from last Tuesday’s 134,000. The rating in the 18-49 demo stayed at a 0.04.
Backstage has been boosted by having WWE programming leading into it. This year’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view aired on FS1 before Backstage last Tuesday, while three WWE 24 documentaries led into Backstage this week.
The WWE 24 episodes that aired last night were focused on WrestleManias 31, 33, and 34. They averaged 183,000, 232,000, and 232,000 viewers respectively. The ratings in 18-49 were 0.05, 0.07, and 0.07.
Helped by a lead-in from a college basketball game, Tuesday’s slightly delayed edition of WWE Backstage saw an increase in viewership to 124,000, the fifth-highest of the series.
That was a considerable increase from last week’s 97,000 viewers for the New Year’s Eve show. The show started roughly 12 minutes after the hour due to the end of the Villanova-Creighton game.
The only thing advertised for the show was an appearance by The Miz.
In the 18-49 demo, the show drew a 0.04 which was slightly up from the .03 from New Year’s Eve.
Here’s an updated look at Backstage’s viewership since its official premiere:
November 5 — 49,000 viewers
November 12 — 100,000 viewers
November 19 — 180,000 viewers (CM Punk’s debut as an analyst)
November 26 — 121,000 viewers
December 3 –138,000 viewers
December 10 — 127,000 viewers (CM Punk’s second appearance)
This week’s episode of WWE Backstage drew the second-best ratings the show has done in its regular time slot.
Backstage averaged 138,000 viewers on FS1 last night. In the 18-49 demo, it drew a 0.08 rating. That was up from the 121,000 viewers and 0.05 rating the show did last week.
Last night’s Backstage featured an interview with Seth Rollins. A Promo School segment with Stephen Amell was also advertised, but Amell had to miss the show due to a pinched nerve in his back.
The highest rated episode of Backstage since premiering in its regular time slot has been CM Punk’s official debut as an analyst on November 19. That episode averaged 180,000 viewers and drew a 0.10 rating in the demo.
Punk will make his second appearance as an analyst on Backstage next week.
Here’s a look at Backstage viewership since debuting in its normal time slot:
Ratings for WWE Backstage last night were up following last week’s CM Punk debut.
This week’s episode did 180,000 viewers. That number would be up from last week’s 100,000, and way up from the 49,000 the show did in their first week in their regular time slot. It was the 104th most watched show of the evening after failing to enter the top 150 since their November 5 premiere.
The first preview episode of WWE Backstage, which aired on October 16 following a ALCS baseball game did 597,000 viewers. A second episode that aired after a special episode of SmackDown on FS1 did 426,000 viewers.
Renee Young interviewed Punk during the second segment of last night’s Backstage where he talked about how he ended up getting the new gig as an analyst. He reiterated that he is under contract to FOX, not WWE, and that while he’s old enough to know not to say no, a return to WWE isn’t something he’s currently looking for.
After the show’s official premiere averaged just 49,000 viewers, the audience for WWE Backstage doubled in week two.
Last night’s episode of Backstage averaged 100,000 viewers on FS1. This was the second time that Backstage aired in its regular time slot at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays.
Two preview episodes aired prior to the show making its official debut. The first preview episode averaged 597,000 viewers after an MLB playoff game, and the second one averaged 426,000 viewers after an episode of SmackDown that aired on FS1 due to the World Series being on FOX.
Backstage is expected to get a boost in the ratings when CM Punk appears on the show next week. Punk made a surprise appearance at the end of last night’s episode and said that he would be on Backstage next Tuesday. FOX Sports then announced that Punk is joining Backstage as special contributor and analyst and will make select appearances on the show.
Video of Punk’s appearance from last night is available to watch below:
