Tag: Wwe Fanatics

Daily Update: New WWE casino game, Cam Skattebo, Shinjuku FACE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • More on the Paramount purchase of WBD and details of when it goes through, if it goes through and details on how it helps or hurts UFC, AEW and Zuffa Boxing as well as a cost efficiency look at the three properties for 2027 if plans go through as stated.
  • The road to WrestleMania and why Paul Levesque is in a position where it’s impossible for him to do the job people want and impossible for him to fail, business notes on the show, and a look at the Elimination Chamber show, how it did on Netflix, the good and the bad.
  • Preview and updates on AEW Revolution and interest level
  • Odds on upcoming wrestling matches
  • Coverage of the New Japan New Beginning USA show in Trenton with two title changes
  • A look at the Demolition tag team as they go into the WWE Hall of Fame
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the pro wrestling TV shows, including demos, competition and comparisons with last year.
  • Johnny TV in the most heated match so far this year with Angel de Oro
  • Why AAA television is so entertaining
  • Stardom Cinderella tournament notes
  • Brothers face off in NOAH jr. tag tournament final
  • New Japan Cup first two days
  • Final night of Fantastica Mania notes
  • Jeff Jarrett documentary
  • Wrestler out of prison starts working on indices this week
  • Real American Freestyle angle
  • Update of the robbery of the Canadian promotion and the Davey Boy Smith Jr. Hall of Fame ring
  • John Laurinaitis wants back in to wrestling
  • 16 Carat Gold weekend in Germany
  • Pro Wrestling Eve has biggest show of its history this week
  • Brodie Lee Jr. first singles match date
  • Steph De Lander talks why she and Mance Warner quit TNA
  • Notes on David Finlay signing with AEW
  • ROH first TV tapings in a studio
  • UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight title updates
  • Lots of new UFC fights
  • Updates on WWE front office news and changes
  • The story behind leaking fast nationals
  • WWE accused of deleting key information in a lawsuit
  • More notes on the WWE deal with Endeavor and how it went down
  • Janel Grant speaks in favor of changing Connecticut law on NDAs
  • Bianca Belair update
  • WWE sends out unchecked email to network subscribers causing a panic
  • Next WWE media deal to be made
  • WWE injury updates
  • Nick Khan sells millions in TKO stock

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • WWE and White Hat Studios have partnered together to launch the casino game “WrestleMania: Road to Gold” that is now available through the Fanatics Casino app:
    • WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, and White Hat Studios announced the official branded slot, WrestleMania: Road to Gold, will launch exclusively with Fanatics Casino beginning today. 
    • Available only in the United States, the new online casino game for real money wagering in regulated markets will harness the star power of 20 marquee names from the WWE, including fan-favorites Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley just in time for WrestleMania 42, which will return to Las Vegas, on April 18-19, 2026.
    • The Unlock Trail gameplay takes players on a journey through WWE Premium Live Events, with progressive bonus mechanics inspired by SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and Money in the Bank. Each milestone intensifies excitement and win potential before culminating in the legendary WrestleMania showdown. The action in WrestleMania: Road to Gold, is further elevated by the unmistakable voice of Michael Cole, transporting players ringside and ensuring the entire storytelling experience is underpinned by authenticity. 
    • The breadth of personalities and events integrated makes WrestleMania: Road to Gold one of the most comprehensive and immersive IP games brought to market. Drawing on more than 70 years of entertainment heritage, WrestleMania: Road to Gold is designed to capture the spirit of WWE’s iconic brand, providing WWE fans across regulated US iCasino markets with a new way to interact with the global brand.
  • On the Rich Eisen Show, New York Giants star Cam Skattebo addressed the WWE Raw appearance he made at Madison Square Garden last November, which drew some criticism from the New York media due to Skattebo getting physically involved shortly after undergoing season-ending surgery:
    • I got some plates and screws in there. I mean, at that point, it’s already screwed in and put plates on. So I felt like I was okay to do whatever I wanted to. You know, it’s not like it was going to break or anything. I was behind a wall, having a good time with my boys, teammates were out there backing me up. If something really broke down, I know I had my boys behind me that were going to start going with me.
    • It was pretty sweet. Yeah, I used to watch WWE with some family members, [with] my grandpa growing up. I actually haven’t watched it in a really long time up until this point. It was pretty cool to be a part of it.
    • Obviously John Cena was one of them [Skattebo’s favorite wrestlers]. It was actually pretty cool to work with Dom Mysterio because his dad was somebody that I kind of watched all the [time]. You know, the 619 was something we did in the house off the couches and stuff. So it was something fun for us.
  • Charlotte Flair spoke with Sports Business Journal about becoming an angel investor in Self-Care Is For Everyone, a clothing and lifestyle brand that promotes mental wellness:
    • As a female that’s approaching 40, I started thinking about what’s next for me and what feels organic and real. A lot of my career, I felt like I had to hide whether I had anxiety or mental health issues that are taboo to talk about. Whether I make money or don’t, for me right now, I’m investing in something that’s going to help other people. I hope that investing and spreading awareness really does help.
  • While doing media to promote May’s Clash in Italy PLE, Chelsea Green was asked what she would do if she were named WWE general manager for one night:
    • My first official move as general manager would be to have as many women on the card as I possibly can. And I want to mix it up. I want you to see, you know, a girl you might call a top girl wrestle someone lower on the card.
    • I want to switch things up. And I want to make sure that U.S. title has a spotlight. We’ve actually seen Giulia do amazing work with the U.S. title, but you know me, as your first, fourth, and almost final United States Women’s Champion, I want even more. I want to see more of that U.S. title. So I think that’s what I would do. You know, who cares about the boys? I care about the girlies.
  • Jade Cargill made an appearance on the Hawks AF podcast from the Atlanta Hawks.
  • The WCW YouTube channel has uploaded a three and a half hour video of Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat footage.

Other Wrestling

  • This week’s AEW Unrestricted episode is a Revolution preview featuring an interview with Konosuke Takeshita.
  • MJF had (mostly) kind words for indie wrestler “Fancy” Ryan Clancy in an interview with Undisputed:
    • I’ve had my eye on [Clancy] for quite some time now. He’s very special. A traditionalist and a minimalist bell to bell, much like myself. He’s strategic and athletic, also much like myself. Unfortunately, he’s quite ugly. But if he gets signed to a major wrestling promotion, that’s what money is for–he’ll find himself a good plastic surgeon and he could be a top guy.
  • Brian “Road Dogg” James has been announced for appearances at the Big Event Entertainment & Sports Expo in New York on March 21 and WrestleCon in Las Vegas this April.
  • Though the Shinjuku FACE wrestling venue in Tokyo will be closing at the end of September, there is hope that a new venue will be opened after the aging building it’s relocated in is rebuilt.
  • El Desperado has been announced for MLW, NJPW & CMLL’s Fantastica Mania USA event that’s being held in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12.
  • Desperado will also be competing at GCW’s The Wrld on Lucha in Las Vegas on April 17.
  • Fabian Aichner, who has not wrestled anywhere since his release from WWE in February 2025, has returned to social media after a long absence. He captioned a new Instagram post with “New chapter.”
  • Barrett Media published a feature story on the success of Busted Open Radio.

WWE part of new Fanatics Studios initiative, Usos culinary series in development

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is set to be an important part of a new initiative that Fanatics is launching.

It was announced today that Fanatics and production company OBB Media have linked up to launch Fanatics Studios, which will see Fanatics produce its own feature films and documentaries, unscripted and scripted original programming, live event specials, premium digital series, and more. WWE is listed among the partners — with a “multi-project commitment across unscripted and digital content.”

That includes the shows that are already part of the WWE & Fanatics podcast network: What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes, What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon, and the Raw Recap podcast with Sam Roberts & Megan Morant. Along with those projects, a new digital series is being created featuring The Usos.

Titled “YEE(A)T with The Usos,” the series will air on WWE’s YouTube channel and social platforms. Here is the description for the show:

YEE(A)T with The Usos: Fanatics Studios will debut an unscripted culinary series with WWE Superstars Jimmy and Jey Uso, who will take their tag team efforts on the road with a BBQ travel show featuring fellow WWE superstars and celebrity friends distributed across WWE’s social and YouTube channels.

Fanatics, one of the leading companies in the sports merchandise industry, has become one of WWE’s closest partners since taking over WWE Shop in 2022. The two sides are set to present their WWE World convention in Las Vegas again during WrestleMania 42 week this April.

ESPN, MLB, football legend Tom Brady, and the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee are among the other partners who have projects in development at Fanatics Studios.

WWE Shop lists top merch sellers of 2025

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE Shop has put out a list naming the company’s top merchandise sellers of 2025.

The 10-person list is ranked in alphabetical order and does not disclose how each competitor ranked inside of the top 10. It includes seven male wrestlers and three female wrestlers:

  • Alexa Bliss
  • AJ Lee
  • CM Punk
  • Cody Rhodes
  • Jacob Fatu
  • Jey Uso
  • John Cena
  • Penta
  • Rhea Ripley
  • Roman Reigns

AJ Lee ranks on the list despite only having returned to WWE in September. She was also a highly ranked merchandise seller during her first run with the company, which ended with her retiring from the ring in 2015. She made her long-awaited return by teaming with her husband Punk to defeat Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins at WWE Wrestlepalooza.

In a graphic posted by WWE on social media promoting the top-sellers list, Cena, Reigns, Rhodes, Punk, and Ripley were the five wrestlers featured. Cena — who has been on his retirement tour all year with city-specific merchandise released for some of the stops — is front and center.

WWE Shop is run by sports merchandise company Fanatics. WWE and Fanatics have been partners since 2022, and the relationship has expanded into several different areas including podcasts and online casino games.

WWE partnering with Fanatics for online casino games

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE and Fanatics are growing their partnership with the two sides now working together to produce a slate of online casino games.

It was announced today that WWE and Fanatics Betting and Gaming have reached a licensing deal to produce WWE-themed online casino games that will launch at the end of this month. There are five games that will be available. They are being produced in partnership with casino game developers Boom Entertainment and Games Global.

Those games are:

  • WWE Blackjack (Boom Entertainment)
  • Raw Multiplier Melee (Boom Entertainment)
  • SmackDown Big Money Entrance! (Boom Entertainment)
  • WWE Bonus Rumble Gold Blitz (Games Global)
  • WWE Clash of the Wilds (Games Global)

WWE and Fanatics began their relationship in 2022 with Fanatics taking over WWE’s merchandise operation. Their partnership has continued to expand since then, including WWE and Fanatics launching a podcast network together this year.

The WWE betting games are being produced for Fanatics Casino, which is currently only legally available in four states.

“Under the terms of this agreement, Fanatics Betting and Gaming will have a license to produce WWE-themed online casino games exclusively for Fanatics Casino, which is available on iOS, Android and web in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia,” a press release said. “The officially licensed WWE online casino games will launch at the end of July in time for SummerSlam, which takes place across two nights on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”

“We are excited to expand our relationship with WWE to now include an exclusive portfolio of WWE-themed online casino games,” said Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “This is a natural extension of the WWE-Fanatics partnership which already includes global e-commerce, licensed merchandise, memorabilia, as well as producing and distributing a growing lineup of digital shows.”

WWE & Fanatics announce expanded merchandising partnership

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE and Fanatics are strengthening their merchandising partnership.

In a press release that was issued on Tuesday, it was announced that WWE and Fanatics are expanding their comprehensive partnership. It will now include Fanatics assuming operations of WWE’s on-site merchandise business at all events globally.

“Under the expanded partnership, Fanatics Commerce, the company’s e-commerce, licensed merchandise and physical retail operations division, will manage the on-site event retail experience for WWE’s annual calendar of 300-plus events, including premium live events such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble and SummerSlam,” the press release said,

“Fanatics will work closely and collaboratively with world-class teams at WWE who previously operated the event retail business in-house for decades to optimize the event shopping experience for its growing global fanbase. This includes curating an enhanced in-venue product offering with more localized merchandise collections, creating innovative event retail stores and experiences, as well as utilizing Fanatics-operated team stores during various live events. Fanatics holds physical retail partnerships with more than 50 professional and college teams across several sports.”

WWE and Fanatics started their relationship in March 2022. It’s included Fanatics operating a relaunched version of the WWE Shop website.

“Fanatics has been an amazing partner and will immediately bolster WWE’s event retail business,” said Alex Varga, WWE Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Development. “Expanding our partnership will allow WWE to further expand our offering to fans and grow merchandise revenue in 2023 and beyond.”

“The WWE has built one of the most incredible global events portfolios across sports and entertainment, and we’re honored that they’ve tapped Fanatics to build on our overarching partnership together,” said Molly Adams, Fanatics Commerce Chief Strategic Retail Officer. “Through our expansive global footprint and event retail operations expertise, Fanatics is uniquely positioned to provide an unrivaled event retail experience for WWE’s passionate fans at hundreds of events worldwide.”

The NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL are among the other sports brands that Fanatics has partnerships with.

Daily Update: WWE SmackDown ticket sales, Fanatics, weekend schedule

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sasha Banks & Naomi walk out of Raw, Ric Flair returning to the ring

  • Performer and Match of the Week
  • Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of the WWE taping on Monday. What were the plans, where were things going, how did it go down, what was the reaction, what is the not talked about story that was the key to all of this
  • Dwayne Johnson and the XFL get an ESPN deal, what it means, what is their competition and also a look at ratings
  • Ric Flair returning to wrestle, a look at the situation, the match, others of his age wrestling, why Ricky Steamboat turned down the match
  • Cain Velasquez denied bail again, the man he was accused of shooting speaks, his lawyer speaks
  • AEW Double or Nothing and WWE Hell in a Cell as well as business notes for the week
  • Ticket sales for the WWE Clash at the Castle in Cardiff
  • Full coverage of Capital Collision, the New Japan show from Washington, DC
  • Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show
  • This past week’s ratings 
  • Main event plans for the next four WWE PPV shows
  • More details on why Stephanie McMahon took a leave of absence
  • Update on Money in the Bank
  • Update on Young Rock
  • Streaming numbers
  • Freak accident ends a main event just three minutes in
  • Matt Jackson does video challenging for major world title
  • Five Star Grand Prix tournament
  • Update on Kota Ibushi
  • New Japan Strong tapings for the next month run down
  • Best of the Super Juniors update
  • Update on Tammy Sytch
  • Wrestler shot to death
  • Zachary Wentz talks about his Hitler photo
  • Former WWE stars announce new promotion featuring the wrestling debut of Alistair Overeem
  • Huge match between two of the top stars in the business set for Sunday
  • More on the Warner Discovery upfronts and what is going on at Warner Discovery
  • Tony Khan talks the creative process
  • Hikaru Shida gets upset
  • Toni Storm talks the original plan for the Charlotte Flair angle
  • AEW vs. WWE in New York and Chicago business update
  • International TV ratings
  • Sports franchise of the year
  • How much UFC CEO Ari Emanuel earned this past year
  • Ari Emanuel defends his ESPN PPV deal
  • Baseball legend on MMA promotion board of directors and a new investor

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter: April 11, 2005 Observer Newsletter: Details on WWE’s return to NBC Universal, WrestleMania 21 review

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Friday News Update

  • We will be taping the new show with Garrett tomorrow, not today, going through all of the news of the week and there was a lot. Bryan and I will be back on Sunday.
  • Smackdown is tonight in Grand Rapids, MI. More than 7,000 tickets were out for the show headlined by Usos vs. Riddle & Randy Orton to unify the tag titles. Also on the show is Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Butch vs. Xavier Woods. The show goes against both the Warriors-Mavericks NBA game which has been doing huge numbers, and the New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes NHL playoff game. If the number isn’t well under usual, it means the tag title match helped a lot, because the Warriors have been doing a number on wrestling ratings.
  • We’re looking for reports this weekend on tonight’s Smackdown show in Grand Rapids, MI with dark match notes and anything else not on the live show. We’re also looking for reports for the weekend WWE events
  • Saturday in Canton, OH headlined by Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan and Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Saturday in Rockford, IL with Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Sunday in Fort Wayne, IN with the Raw crew
  • Sunday in Cedar Rapids, IA with Reigns vs. McIntyre
  • UFC is running in the 4-10 p.m. window on ESPN+ tomorrow from Las Vegas
  • Elise Reed (115) vs. Sam Hughes (115.5)
  • Chase Hooper (145) vs. Felipe Colares (145)
  • Jonathan Martinez (135.5) vs. Vince Morales (136)
  • Omar Morales (155.5) vs. Uros Medic (156)
  • Jailton Almeida (224) vs. Parker Porter (265)
  • Joseph Holmes (185) vs. Alen Amedovski (186)
  • Eryk Anders (186) vs. Jun Yong Park (185.5)
  • Polyana Viana (116) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115)
  • Chidi Njokuani (185) vs. Dusko Todorovic (185.5)
  • Santiago Ponzinibbio (170.5) vs. Michel Pereira (170)
  • Holly Holm (135.5) vs. Ketlen Vieira (136)
  • UFC announced its debut at the Accor Arena in Paris, France on 9/3. WWE and Bellator have both run that arena in recent weeks.
  • The Best of the Super Juniors tournament has shows tonight at 3 a.m. and tomorrow night at 3 a.m. Eastern, or midnight Pacific start for each show.
  • Tonight in Aomori is A block
  • Clark Connors vs. Sho
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Francesco Akira
  • Yoh vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ace Austin
  • Taiji Ishimori vs. Alex Zayne
  • Tomorrow in Akira is B block
  • Robbie Eagles vs. Douki
  • Lindaman vs. TJP
  • Master Wato vs. Bushi
  • Titan vs. El Phantasmo
  • Desperado vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • Soberano Jr. after the injury scare earlier this week, is working tonight at Arena Mexico. They are doing the Copa Juniors, which has Mistico, Volador Jr., Soberano Jr., Stuka Jr., Atlantis Jr., Angel de Oro, Niebla Roja and Mephisto. The tournament will continue until two men are left and they will meet on the 5/27 show. Fuerza Guerrera, at the age of 68, will be returning to Arena Mexico tonight. He’s not the oldest CMLL headliner this week since they have El Satanico (71) against Atlantis in a singles main event on Tuesday night in Guadalajara.
  • WWE has a big advance for the return to Edmonton on 9/26 with more than 8,000 tickets already out. They are also returning to Winnipeg on 9/30 and have more than 6,000 tickets out (Thanks to Wrestle Tix)

Other Notes

  • Combate Global runs tonight on Paramount+ from Miami with a main even of Javier Reyes (13-3) vs. Luis Gomez (9-5). the show begins at 11 p.m. Eastern. They also have a show on 5/29 headlined by Arturo Vergara (2-0) vs David Martinez (6-1).
  • Junior Dos Santos, who was in AEW recently, fights for Eagle FC tonight in Miami at the FLXcast Arena. The former UFC heavyweight champion faces Yorgan De Casto in the main event tonight. Hector Lombard vs. Thiago Silva and Maki Pitolo vs.Doug Usher are the next two bouts.
  • XPW runs 6/25 in Pomona, CA at the Derby Room with Taya Valkyrie vs. Steph De Lander (formerly Persia Pirotta)
  • PFL announced its next show on 6/17 in Atlanta at the Overtime Elite Arena airing on ESPN and ESPN+ with this main card
  • Clay Collard vs. Alexander Martinez
  • Antonio Carlos Jr. vs. Bruce Souto
  • Raush Manfio vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier
  • Jeremy Stephens vs. Myles Price
  • Paradigm Pro Wrestling on 10/22 debuting in Williamstown,NJ with a Iron Man match for the Bras Knux title with Bobby Beverly vs. Ron Mathis in an Ultraviolent match.
  • Innovate Wrestling Collision Course on 5/28 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Chase Owens vs. Axton Ray as the main event. Ricky & Kerry Morton also appear.
  • Pro Wrestling Legacy runs a Lucha Libre show tonight at 6:30 p.m. in El Paso, TX.
  • Monster Factory Pro Wrestling on 6/30 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
  • Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Wednesday night in Omaha, NE: Paul & Joey Daniels b Purple & Xander McIntosh, Miranda Gordy b Kelsy Magnolia, Lars Metzger b Angus Keyser, Duke Cornell b Niles Plonk, Luke Luna b Purple, Omar Pachecco b Willy Sweet, Pat Powers & Moonshine Russell & Jack Darling b Branden Juarez & Tim Boston & Preston Maxwell. Next show is 6/15 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
  • Lince Dorado has entered the MLW Battle riot.
  • The Wrestling Collector store in Stockholm, NJ tomorrow from Noon to 2 p.m. has Chavo Guerrero Jr., Tasha Steelz and Rich Swann signing autographs.
  • ISPW tomorrow in Totowa, NJ at the Totowa PAL has Danny Morrison vs. Justin Corino. Sal Sincere and Crowbar Devon Storm are also on the show.