Daily Update: WWE stock, A&E ratings, Muhammad Ali

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Bryan Rose

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Wrestling Observer Live: Bloodline leads Smackdown to all-time record, RAW report, Collision ratings
Filthy Four Daily: Filthy Tom does AEW, NJPW Strong in Japan, Insane Clowns, plus Smackdown!
Wrestling Observer Radio: Bloodline makes history, RAW report, AEW and NXT previews, more
Lance, Vinny & Craig: AEW Collision recap, other hijinks

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

July 10, 2023 Observer Newsletter Roman Reigns pinned at WWE Money in the Bank, Droz passes away

In this issue:

Match of the week and performer of the week for the past two weeks
Full coverage of Money in the Bank, the story behind all the matches angles and finishes
Eight confirmed matches for SummerSlam
Ticket sales for SummerSlam and records already broken and other records on the verge of being broken
Live gate for Money in the Bank and a breakdown of the multiple records set
WrestleMania in London and an update on where that stands
Total viewership for the show
PPV numbers for the show and how it compares to other shows plus crossover with AEW Forbidden Door
Story behind the results and angles on the show
The life and times of Darren Drozdov, comments from wrestlers, family, friends and the story behind the accident that changed his life and how he battled back and ended up close with his family.
His brief career in wrestling
Jerry McDevitt removed from the MLW lawsuit and announces his retirement. A look back at the legendary attorney and his history with WWE
What happened with Collision in week three. A detailed breakdown of what was one of the most important TV ratings of the year
WWE & AEW quarterly business, viewership, house shows, what is up and what is down and why
New Japan Strong at Korakuen Hall with four title changes and two brutal matches
Full UFC coverage for the week and business notes
Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year takes place
The most detailed look at the ratings for all the major wrestling shows, including weekly rankings
CMLL runs major event with Romero vs. Volador Jr., and notes on the debut of Mascara Dorada 2.0
Stardom PPV coverage
Notes on the Five-Star Grand Prix tournament
Triple Crown title change and fantastic performance by Yuji Nagata
Father and daughter appear on show together in Japan
What companies in Japan have drawn the most fans so far this year
One of the biggest tag teams of all-time having a special show
Lots more on the Mildred Burke movie that was being filmed this past month and stories about Burke’s legend
Grappl lists its fan voted best matches in history
Matt Morgan talks back surgery
Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame notes for 2023
Stardom star coming to GCW and notes on the deal
Kenny Omega talks AEW video game
Updated ticket sales for All In and where it ranks on the all-time list
Update on Forbidden Door PPV numbers
Jon Moxley goal to become an historical first
Omega talks Will Ospreay match
Ticket sales to the upcoming WWE and AEW shows
Jim Ross updates his condition
Injury updates
Streaming number updates
Merch number updates
International TV ratings
Lots of gimmick fights being talked about
ESPN announce new multi-part documentary
Paul Levesque talks NXT Europe
Plans for net year’s Mania
Gable Steveson issues challenge for another sport he’s never done before
Rundown of all WWE events this past week

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

May 16, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Pride Total Elimination Absolute, Jim Cornette

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Tuesday Update

WWE

The company’s stock closed at $111 today, the stock’s highest-ever close price. The previous record was $109.35 back on April 21.
WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures on Sunday scored 300,000 viewers with a 0.08 in 18-49, up from last week’s 263,000 and 0.07. Stone Cold Takes On America garnered 201,000 and 0.05, up from 181,000 and 0.04 last week.
WWE is releasing a 2-pack Muhammad Ali action figure set that will be exclusively available at the San Diego Comic Con starting on Wednesday, July 19. It will also be available on MattelCreations.com on July 21 starting at 12 pm ET.
Matches added to YouTube today include Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor from the July 11, 2022 episode of Raw, Bobby Lashley and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and Theory also from the July 11, 2022 episode of Raw, and Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. The IIconics from the SummerSlam 2019 kickoff preshow.

AEW

A Control Center with Tony Schiavone hyping tomorrow’s Dynamite in Saskatoon.
Matt Hardy talked to MailOnline about potentially winning the AEW Tag Team titles prior to Jeff Hardy’s arrest and suspension last year.
The latest trailer for Twisted Metal on Peacock, which features Samoa Joe as Sweet Tooth.
This week’s Sammy Guevara vlog.

Other Wrestling

Kaito Kiyomiya was interviewed on New Japan’s website prior to the start of the G1 Climax tournament on July 15 .
Tommy Dreamer & Darren McCarty vs. Champagne Singh & Shera has been added to the Slammiversary Fallout television tapings on July 16.
Impact Wrestling has uploaded their entire Slammiversary event from 2020.
Pro Wrestling Tees is collaborating with the family of The Iron Sheik to release a tribute t-shirt.
Konnan filed an official trademark for his name on July 6.
ECW founder Tod Gordon is releasing his memoir on July 25, both in hardcover and on Kindle.
Kenta Kobashi is heading to West Coast Pro on October 14 and 15, with information on a meet & greet coming soon.
Ninja Mack will return to GCW for their Homecoming shows on August 19 & 20th.

Daily Update: WWE stock, Arn Anderson, Ospreay vs. Ishii

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

December 12, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2022 Hall of Fame issue

Notes on the backgrounds of everyone voted in
Huge historical stories on the two promoters voted in talking about wrestling history all over the world
Notes on a lot of the people who were not voted in and their candidacy
Performer and match of the week
Full coverage of Saturday’s UFC show
Cain Velasquez returns to pro wrestling as AAA comes to the U.S., background, future, attendance, audience drawn and more
The most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week, looking at the whys, what can be learned, segment by segment of the main shows, competition and more
Major mask loss in a cage show coming on January 1 to Arena Mexico
A look at the finals of the Stardom tag team tournament as well as the big show at the end of the year
What Hall of Fame candidate returns to Dragon Gate on Christmas
Several stars leaving All Japan
First IWGP women’s title defense to be held in the U.S.
New Japan tag team tournaments notes
Battle of Los Angeles news
Another major movie being produced on a 90s star and his unique story
Impact has one of its best matches of the year
A detailed look at Tony Khan’s explanation of William Regal’s departure and why he allowed him to go
Khan talks about Rampage going forward
Dustin Rhodes talks retirement
Notes on ROH PPV show
Notes on WWE going to new markets and ticket advances
International TV ratings
AEW & WWE streaming numbers
More news on the Pro Slap league TV deal and time
Dana White talks Jiri Prochazka’s injury
Shawn Michaels talks NXT
Lots of WWE injury updates
Cena’s schedule for the next few months
Lots of WrestleMania news

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

October 31, 2005 Observer Newsletter: The Crusher passes away, TNA Bound for Glory

Ordering Info:

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.

Tuesday Update

WWE

Following a Wall Street Journal report that Vince McMahon has interest in returning to WWE, the company’s stock sank to $73.73 after opening this morning at $76.01.
Variety reported that John Cena and Jason Momoa are teaming together for a action comedy movie titled ‘Killer Vacation’.
Cena narrated a video that aired on Raw Monday night looking back at WWE’s first Tribute to the Troops event in Iraq back in 2003.
Sports Illustrated has an interview with The New Day, where they talk about winning the NXT Tag Team titles for the first time. When Big E’s name is brought up, Kofi Kingston told Sports Illustrated that he was there in spirit. “Big E wasn’t here; but he was here. He’s always with us. We’re doing a lot of this in his honor. I woke up to a great text from him [Saturday] morning about our match. We’re in constant contact. We miss him, and without Big E, there is no New Day. We want him living a happy, healthy, safe life; and that’s what is paramount to us.”
WWE has uploaded NXT’s new theme song to YouTube, Shredder.
Valerie Loureda (Lola Vice) spoke to Jim Varallone about training in WWE and her first match.
Matches added to WWE’s YouTube today include The Shield vs. The Usos from the December 13, 2013 edition of SmackDown, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt from WWE Great Balls of Fire 2017, and Alpha Academy vs. RK-Bro vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens.

AEW

Arn Anderson in a statement clarified that his contract with the company isn’t up for another year in a half, saying that he ‘misspoke’ in a recent interview on WrestlingInc where he said 2023 would be a year where he would be at a beach more than once. “If I created any incorrect narrative, I apologize,” the statement reads. “The truth is, I would like to be around for as long as I can contribute to the business and am still having fun.”
This week’s AEW Road To Winter is Coming, which focuses on MJF vs. Ricky Starks and the continuation of the best of seven series between Death Triangle and The Young Bucks.
Ricky Starks talked to the New York Post ahead of his match against MJF on Wendesday’s Dynamite.
Lee Johnson is celebrating a birthday today.

Other Wrestling

Revolution Pro announced that Will Ospreay will face Tomohiro Ishii on December 17 at York Hall.
NJPW Concurso, their annual bodybuilding competition that is similar to CMLL’s annual competition, will take place on December 22 and 23.
Kohei Sato is out of the December 21 and 25 All Japan Pro Wrestling cards due to a lower back contusion.
Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Manabu Soya is returning to AJPW for the December 25 show, where he will face Takao Omori.

WWE stock rises following Vince McMahon retirement

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Joseph Currier

Wall Street reacted to Vince McMahon’s retirement as WWE stock rose by more than eight percent on Monday.

WWE stock ended Monday at $71.81 per share, up 8.44 percent from what it closed at last Friday. The announcement of McMahon’s retirement was made on Friday after the stock market closed.

This is the highest point that WWE’s stock has been at since 2019.

WWE’s market capitalization (the value of all the company’s stock) is currently $5.34 billion.

The stock’s rise on Monday was driven by the belief that WWE is more likely to be sold following McMahon’s retirement. McMahon remains WWE’s majority shareholder after retiring from the company.

“This is a challenging environment with the equities of most of the logical buyers depressed, but there is demand for live event programming, and it is the first time that one could realistically think that WWE could be for sale,” media analyst Alan Gould of Loop Capital told Deadline. Gould listed Comcast, Disney, Amazon, Netflix, and Fox as potential buyers.

It was announced on Monday that Paul “Triple H” Levesque is WWE’s new head of creative. Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan are WWE’s new co-CEOs, and Stephanie is now WWE’s chairwoman.

WWE also announced in a regulatory statement on Monday that, due to “certain unrecorded expenses” by McMahon dating back to 2006, the company will be restating several financial statements from 2019, 2020, 2021, and the first quarter of 2022. The expenses total $14.6 million and will be paid back by McMahon.

Daily Update: WWE stock price, Vince McMahon, weekend schedule

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Dave Meltzer

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Job Listing: Onlamp php/mysql developer. Experience with vbulletin and drupal/WordPress a plus. Email [email protected] with subject PHP DEVELOPER with resume.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

July 11, 2022 Observer Newsletter: Money in the Bank recap, WWE & AEW business notes

Among the highlights:
Match and Performer of the week
Full coverage of Money in the Bank, business numbers and analysis, crossover fans with AEW, SummerSlam show and business and a look at the SummerSlam card.
The last two months of business for WWE and AEW, including major notes regarding both companies as far as arena success and a change in momentum going forward, as well as major gains by wrestling in what age groups.
New Japan talks its business when it comes to training young talent, goals for G-1, women’s matches in New Japan, return to the UK, joint show with Stardom and changing from old traditions.
UFC 276 coverage and what comes next for the champions, controversies, rundowns of the fights and business notes.
The life of Masashi Aoyagi, one of the key players in the start of the Japanese indie scene, as well as in the connection of karate to pro wrestling
The career and controversies of the retiring UFC star Donald Cerrone
The story of PWG and its influence on the changes in pro wrestling and what we were taught that was no longer valid to modern fans. A look at 19 years of some of the best matches ever held and top stars before they became famous.
The most detailed look at pro wrestling on television and ratings over the past week
More on sports rights fees and Tony Khan talks negotiations
Realities of pro wrestling on television
The next ROH PPV show
AEW sets international ratings record
Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
Looking back at WWE working with promotions on a joint promotion show
Streaming numbers for WWE & AEW
Big E update
Tyson Fury/WWE update
Israel Adesanya wants to do WWE
WWE & UFC head-to-head several more times this year for major shows
Next MSG show
Rundown of A&E TV shows on Sunday nights

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

May 23, 2005 Observer Newsletter: TNA close to TV deal, NJPW record low Tokyo Dome attendance

Ordering Info:

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 and I will be doing a show later today. That should be fun. If you have any questions on today’s news, send it right now to [email protected] because we’ll be taping at around 8 p.m. Eastern. The subject matter will be today’s news.
The WWE letter to employees today read: “The Wall Street Journal has published a second story with expanded details on the initial WWE report last month. We want to reiterate that we and our Board of Directors take these allegations seriously. We’ve been cooperating fully with the investigation led by our Board of Directors and will continue to do so until its conclusion. Please note that upon is conclusion, WWE leadership will make itself available to answer any questions that you may have.”
WWE stock dropped today from $65.07 per share to $63.79. It was a decline but far from a collapse. A few notes about the women who got the $7.5 million payoff. That’s slightly less than the value of the 20-year contract Bret Hart signed that Vince tried to renege on. That’s more than Bruno Sammartino earned in his career as world champion in building the company. It’s just under double what WWE paid for all intellectual property rights and the tape collections of WCW and ECW combined.
Vince is at TV in Fort Worth. No word on if he will appear on the show.
A number of media stories, including the ESPN story, when covering the Vince story today, did reference Rita Chatterton and her rape allegation.

Smackdown tonight in Fort Worth has Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus with the winner getting at title show on the 9/3 Cardiff, Wales PPV show. Roman Reigns is on the show, and Ronda Rousey in an angle that may set up a SummerSlam match with Liv Morgan for the Smackdown title,

Rampage at 10 p.m. tonight on TNT has Konosuke Takeshita vs. Eddie Kingston, a match we’ve heard raves about, plus Kuan & Toa Leona vs. Jonathan Gresham & Lee Moriarty, Mercedes Martinez & Serena Deeb vs. Kayla Sparks & Christina Marie and Orange Cassidy vs. Tony Nese.

We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows to [email protected]:
WWE Smackdown tonight in Fort Worth (dark matches only)
NXT tonight in Dunellon, FL
WWE house show tomorrow night in Sacramento, CA
WWE house show tomorrow night in Bossier City (Shreveport), LA
NXT tomorrow night in Orlando,FL
WWE Sunday night in Reno, NV
WWE Sunday night in Waco, TX

Longtime CMLL referee Tigre Hispano, real name Ventura Lahoz, passed away today at the age of 85. A former local wrestling star in the 60s and 70s, he worked as a referee in Mexico City from 1987 to 2014.

Kevin Owens appeared on the NHL draft television show today. He came out as a surprise to Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau, who is a big Owens fan. We don’t know if this was put together by Jackie Redmond, but Redmond was in the booth with Boudreau as they went to make a draft pick. Redmond works regularly for both the NHL Network and for WWE hosting the post-Raw and post-Smackdown talk shows on Peacock. While on the show, Owens said he should be back in a few weeks.

UFC tomorrow night from the Apex in Las Vegas
ESPN 2 at 6 p.m. Eastern
Ronnie Lawrence (135.5) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (136)
Kennedy Nzechukwu (205) vs. Karl Roberson (202.5)
David Onama (145.5) vs. Garrett Armfield (145)
Cody Brundage (185.5) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5)
Antonina Shevchenko (124.5) vs. Cortney Casey (126)
Aiemann Zahabi (135.5) vs. Ricky Turcios (135.5)
Main card on ESPN at 9 p.m.Eastern
Michael Johnson (155.5) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (155.5)
Cynthia Calvillo (126) vs. Nina Nunes (125.5)
Jared Vanderaaa (263.5) vs. Chase Sherman (253)
Said Nurmagomedov (135.5) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (135.5)
Caio Barralho (185.5) vs. Armen Petrosyan (185.5)
Rafael dos Anjos (156) vs. Rafael Fiziev (155)

AEW’s Paige VanZant will be doing another Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship bout on 8/20 in London at the OVO Arena. Her opponent will be Charisa Sigala, 38, who has a 1-2-1 record in Bare Knuckle bouts. VanZant is 0-2 thus far.

WWE

Alexa Bliss was the answer to a question in Wednesday’s Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle.
Mattell and WWE have a fan panel at the San Diego ComicCon on 7/21 at 11:15 a.m. Sam Roberts and Ciampa host. Bill Miekina and Steve Ozer from the Mattell Design team will be there along with Cody Rhodes and Queen Zelina and surprise guests. There will also be action figure reveals.

UFC

A fight with Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady is close to being finalized for 10/22 in Abu Dhabi as reported by Brett Okamoto of ESPN.
ESPN also reported a 10/1 main event of Mackenzie Dern vs. Xiaonan Yan.
Bill Algeo vs. Herbert Burns takes place on next Saturday’s UFC show in Long Island. Algeo was to face Billy Quarantillo and Burns was to face Khusein Askhabov, but Quarantillo and Askhabov both pulled out.

Other Notes

Jordynne Grace vs. Mia Yim for the Impact Knockouts title has been announced for the next Impact+ PPV show on 8/12 in Cicero Stadium.
A story on Impact’s upcoming TV tapings in Louisville, KY (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Pro Wrestling Phoenix on 8/17 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.
MCW’s Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup will be 7/23 at the R.J. Meyer Arena in Joppatowne, MD. Ken Dixon vs. Kekoa for the MCW title headlines plus Joey Janela, Blake Christian and Jack Evans are in the Shamrock Cup tournament. There will also be meet and greets with Greg Valentine and Samuel Shaw.
Combate Global tonight from Miami, FL at 11 p.m. Eastern on Paramount+ with Enrique Gonzalez (12-4) headlining against Angel Alvarez (5-0) and Alfrego Ruelas (3-2) vs. Simone Serra (3-2).
The PFL will have playoff shows on 8/5 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, 8/13 in Cardiff, Wales at the Motorpointe Arena and 8/20 at the Copper Box in London. The New York show on ESPN features Anthony Pettis vs. Stevie Ray, Omari Akhmedov vs. Josh Silviera, Olivier Aubin Mercier vs. Alexander Martinez and Robert Wilkinson vs. Delan Monte. The Cardiff show will have welterweight and heavyweight playoffs including Bruno Cappelozza, Renan Ferreira, Rory MacDonald and Carlos Leal. The second show has women’s lightweight and men’s featherweight with Kayla Harrison, Branden Loughnane, Chris Wade and Larissa Pacheco.
Antonio Carlos Jr., who was the $1 million light heavyweight first prize in last year’s PFL tournament has pulled out of this year’s tournament due to suffering a torn ACL that will require surgery. Josh Silveira, the son of Marcus Conan Silveira, will take his place in the tournament.
Invicta runs 7/20 at 9 p.m. Eastern on AXS TV in the U.S. and The Fight Network in Canada. The show is from Denver. The main event is Taneisha Tennant (4-4) vs. Olga Rubin (7-2) for the bantamweight title.
Eve Wrestle Queendom V takes lace on 11/13 at 229 The Venue in London Alex Windsor and Japan’s Hyper Misao are announced.
Joey Janela recently worked a show in Belgium and said they he would like to have GCW work with the local promotion BodyZoi Wrestling for a joint show in 2023.
AIW on 7/23 in Akron, OH at the Tadmor Shrine featuring a meet and greet with Johnny Gargano. They also announced the JT Lightning Invitational tournament on 8/19 and 8/20 at The Odeon in Cleveland. They also have a show called WrestleRager 6 on 8/27 in Cleveland at No Class with Little Guido and Tommy Rich.

Daily Update: UFC & Bellator weigh-ins, WWE stock, UFC notes

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

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WON NEWSLETTER: September 14, 2020 Observer Newsletter: AEW All Out reviewed, more

A look at recent concussion and head trauma issues in wrestling as it relates to Matt Hardy and other recent situations in other companies is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer. We go through Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara, how it was handled, Reby Hardy’s reactions, AEW’s releases, as well as look at many other high profile situations in the last few years in New Japan and WWE, including Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar and how that match pretty much tells you that there will always be exceptions to concussion protocol.

Also in this issue:

Other risks taken in AEW of late, along with complete coverage of All Out, with business notes inculding PPV numbers, poll results,match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

WWE’s new policy on third party bookings, with WWE clarifying many issues, talent reactions, how things seemed to change during the week, as well as reaction from others in wrestling along with Andrew Yang.

G-1 Climax tournament including the blocks and favorites.

Appellate court ruling that threw out a series of lawsuits against WWE on different grounds. We look at the legal technicalities regarding why these cases had little chance from the start, the one aspect still open and reactions from both lawyers.

Latest firings by WWE, who was involved , why they were done now, plus a look at the career of Gerald Brisco.

Finn Balor vs. Adam Cole, Clash of Champions card, PPV schedule change, NXT UK TV show note, Styles talks retirement, AOP firing notes, Canadian ratings, Where WWE ranks in sports ratings, Cena new TV show, Lawler talks why WWE announcing has changed, WWE star nominated for an award, next week’s TV, WWE current market value as well as the most watched shows for the week on the WWE Network.

Complete coverage of this past Saturday’s UFC show.

The formation of a new pro wrestling group by a major corporation and how it differs from any group in the world as far as its main platform.

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 will be doing a show tonight and Bryan and I will be doing our weekend show on Saturday night after the UFC show.

Smackdown tonight on FOX at 8 P.M. has Jeff Hardy vs. A.J. Styles for the IC title plus an interview with Bayley. 205 Live has announced Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde.

The first NFL game last night on NBC did 19.3 million viewers on television and 970,000 streaming, so a 95.3/4.7 percent split. It was down 10.6 percent from last year but up 5.2 percent from two years ago. It was the largest audience for a television show since the Academy Awards on 2/9. It led to all sports being down last night with the Lakers-Rockets doing 2.5 million viewers and the U.S. Open doing 1.5 million, plus NHL did 790,000. The NFL decline was generally considered due to the NBA competition and that the game was a blowout

UFC has a full ESPN+ show tomorrow starting at 5 p.m. Eastern:

Sabina Mazo (125.5) vs. Justine Kish (125.5)
Bryan Barbarena (170) vs. Anthony Ivy (169.5)
Brok Weaver (164) vs. Jailn Turner (163.5)
Alexander Romanov (261) vs. Roque Martinez (258.5)
Roosevelt Roberts (155.5) vs. Kevin Croom (154.5)
Julia Avila (135) vs. Sijara Eubanks (135)
Kyle Nelson (145.5) vs. Billy Quarantillo (145.5)
Bobby Green (156) vs. Alan Patrick (156)
Ed Herman (205.5) vs. Mike Rodriguez (205.5)
Roxanna Modaferri (125) vs. Andrea Lee (125.5)
Khama Worthy (155.5) vs. Ottman Azaitar (156)
Angela Hill (115.5) vs. Michelle Waterson (115)

Croom is a late replacement for Matt Frevola, who was injured. Weaver vs,. Turner was a 165 pound fight by agreement due to Turner taking the fight just a few days ago. The fight with Matt Schnell vs. Tyson Nam is off when Schnell had health issues trying to make weight today.

Bellator tonight from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT at 10 p.m. Eastern on DAZN and Paramount:

Phil Davis (205.7) vs. Lyoto Machida (205.3)
Cat Zingano (145.9) vs. Gabby Holloway (150.7)
Ed Ruth (185.1) vs. Taylor Johnson (185.7)
Raymond Daniels (169.7) vs. Peter Stanonik (166.6)

Prelims are at 8:15 p.m. on the Bellator YouTubs channel:

Rafael Carvalho (205.8) vs. Alex Polizzi (203.6)
Tyrell Fortune (251.1) vs. Jack May (259.8)
Leslie Smith (145.7) vs.; Amanda Bell (149)
Keith Lee (140.7) vs. Vinicius Zani (143.2)

Bell missed weight by 3 pounds and Holloway missed weight by 4.7 pounds.

Bellator’s final show on Paramount is Saturday at 10 p.m. Eastern with YouTube fights starting at 8:45 p.m.:

Juan Archuleta (134.6) vs. Patchy Mix (135) for the vacant bantamweight title – A lot of people think this is the big fight of the weekend
Jon Fitch (170.5) vs. Neiman Gracie (170.8)
Liz Carmouche (125.5) vs. DeAnna Bennett (131.7)
Derek Campos (154) vs. Kenni Diggs (157)

Bennett missed weight by 5.7 pounds and Diggs by 1 pound.

New Japan Strong at 10 p.m..Eastern on New Japan World:

TJP & ACH vs. Adrian Quest & Logan Riegel
Rocky Romero vs. Danny Limelight
Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. PJ Black & David Finlay
KENTA vs. Jeff Cobb for U.S. title challenger briefcase

WWE

Wells Fargo has downgraded WWE stock to a projected $37 per share earlier today. The reasons included the added expense of running at the Thunderdome and running weekly will cut profit margins.
A story on Adam Cole visiting a children’s hospital. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

UFC

A fight with Elizeu Zaleski vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov has been added to the 10/24 PPV show in Abu Dhabi
Austin Springer announced his retirement today after being cut yesterday by UFC. He missed weight for his 8/29 fight and said that he told his family that if he ever got to UFC that would be the last place he would fight. He also lost via first round submission in that fight with Alex Caceres.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Huffington Post has a Mick Foley politics story (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
Kevin Eck’s ROH news and notes column.
CWE announced notes on its next tour. Right now their tour throughout Canada for 10/17 to 11/9 is on, but obviously there are many things out of their control. Vampiro has pulled out of the tour telling promoters he is shooting a movie internationally. They still don’t know whether U.S. talent will be allowed in. Shane Douglas, Vincent and Jimmy Jacobs are booked for the tour but they say they have enough talent to do the tour with all Canadian talent. Robin Lekime and Lory are also off the tour due to issues with traveling and quarantining from Europe. Norman Harass may be on the tour because his dates start later but it will be unlikely. Manitoba and Alberta dates are on. As far as Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario, they don’t allow indoor gatherings of more than 50 people in some places, 30 in others and ten in others so without changes, those shows can’t take place. But things can change.
Western Pro Wrestling in Australia announced it was closing. That was expected by those in the know in Australia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Aron Stevens is the new booker for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. He’s also helping book the weekly PPV shows that the NWA and CWFH are doing starting 9/15.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has a ten bout show tonight starting at 9 p.m. Eastern in Daytona Beach, FL. It will air exclusively on the Bare Knuckle TV streaming service with Thiago Alves vs. Julian Lane, Hector Lombard vs. Kendall Grove and Abdiel Velazquez vs. Reggie Barnett Jr. as the top fights. They also announced a 10/10 show from Salina, KS with Joey Beltran vs. Marcel Stamps and 2016 Olympic bronze medal winning boxer Nico Hernandez vs. Chacney Wilson. Plus former Bellator star Dave Rickels will be on that show.
LFA runs tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern on UFC Fight Pass with Chidi Njokuani (18-7) vs. Cristian Torres (15-10) in a middleweight main event.
The PFL has announced a multi-year television deal with Eurosport in India.
AIW returns to Indianapolis on 10/9 at the Marion County Fairgrounds with Matt Justice vs Joshua Bishop in a no rope barbed wire match for the absolute title as part of The Collective series of shows that weekend in that building.
Eddie Kingston’s Grindhouse show on 9/26 on club WWN will feature Lenny Leonard back as announcer.
Superkick’d returns on 10/1 on their YouTube channel.
IWTW presents ICW No Holds Barred tonight at 9 p.m. on IWTV.Live with Eric Ryan vs. AKIRA .
Pro Wrestling EVE will live stream a classic event that includes Riho, Emi Sakura, Shanna, Kay Lee Ray, Viper Piper Niven and Nina Samuels tomorrow at 7 p.m. Eastern on its YouTube channel. The show will not be archived and can only be watched live.
A video on TV shows with pro wrestling storylines. (thanks to Chris Cruise)

Daily Pro Wrestling History: AJ Styles wins his first WWE World title

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Daily Update: Weekend schedule, WWE stock, Fury/Wilder

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

We’re looking for reports on the dark matches from Smackdown tonight in Glendale, AZ and NXT shows in Milwaukee, WI and Ocala, FL to [email protected]. We’re also looking for reports on tomorrow’s WWE shows which are NXT in St. Paul,MN and Cocoa, FL.

UFC will be at 4 p.m. tomorrow from Auckland, New Zealand on ESPN+:

Priscilla Cachoeira (126) vs,. Shana Dobson (125.5)
Loma Lookboonhmee (115) vs. Angela Hill (115
Kai Kara-France (125.5) vs. Tyson Nam (125)
Callan Potter (170.5) vs. Song Kenan (171)
Jake Matthews (170.5) vs. Emil Meek (171)
Jalin Turner (155.5) vs. Joshua Culibao (155.5)
Kevin Aguilar (145.5) vs,. Zubaira Tukhugov (145)
Brad Riddell (154.4) vs.Magomed Mustafaev (156)
Ben Sosoli (264) vs. Marcus Rogerio de Lima (257)
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (115.5) vs. Yan Xiaonan (116)
Jim Crute (206) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (206)
Paul Felder (155.5) vs. Dan Booker (156)

The scheduled Maki Pitolo vs. Takashi Sato fight due to Pitolo having issues with his weight cutting and getting sick.

Bellator tonight on Paramount and DAZN at 9 p.m. Eastern from Thackerville, OK:

Ed Ruth (170.9) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (170.1)
Brandon Girtz (155.1) vs. Myles Jury (155.5)
Tyrell Fortune (245) vs. Tim Johnson (262.9)
Javy Ayala (261.6) vs. Valentin Moldavsky (229.7)

Combate Americas tonight on AXS TV at 10 p.m. Eastern and Univision at midnight Eastern from Mexicali, Mexico:

Edgar Chairez (130.8) vs. David Macas Ruiz (129.2)
Laura Huizar (105.2) vs. Ana Palacios (105)
Rafa Garcia (155) vs. Humberto Bendenay (154.6) for the lightweight title

CMLL tonight at 9:30 p.m. from Arena Mexico on the CMLL Youtube page:

Magnus & Retro vs. Espanto Jr. & Akuma
Marcela & Sanely & Mystique vs. Dalys & Metalica & Reyna Isis
Blue Panther Jr. vs. Vangellys
Caristico & Titan & Diamante Azul vs. Mephisto & Ephesto & El Terrible
One night tag team tournament with a rudo and tecnico on each team:
Volador Jr. & Cavernario
Blue Panther & Fuerza Guerrera
Angel de Oro & Sanson
Atlantis Jr. & Negro Casas
Valiente & Cuatrero
Stuka Jr. & Gran Guerrero
Soberano Jr. & Templario
Rey Cometa & Espiritu Negro

The New Japan Korakuen Hall four-day swing ends at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow morning with the Manabu Nakanishi retirement show on New Japan World:

Tiger Mask & Gabriel Kidd vs. Yota Tsuji & Yuya Uemura
Toru Yano & Colt Cabana & Ryusuke Taguchi & Rocky Romero vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi & Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Toa Henare & Sho & Yoh vs. Sanada & Hiromu Takahashi & Bush
Juice Robinson & David Finlay & Togi Makabe & Toa Honma vs. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Tomohiro Ishii & Will Ospreay & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Shingo
Manabu Nakanishi & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Hirooki Goto.

WON NEWSLETTER: February 24, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Coronavirus affects Japanese wrestling, WrestleMania update STARDOM and NJPW events affected by coronavirus, a look ahead at WrestleMania weekend, and more.

We’ve got a WrestleMania update with new matches, an updated card, details on the women’s aspect of the show with new bouts and stars from the past who are scheduled and who are not scheduled.

Also covered in the new issue:

Ticket sales for all the WWE shows that week, as well as how the secondary market is doing right now for the WWE & AEW major events.

More on both the Super Showdown and Elimination Chamber shows.

How the Coronavirus has affected some major shows that were scheduled. We look at the Stardom cancellations, the empty arena show on YouTube, another promotion with a worldwide audience doing an empty arena show, as well a how New Japan is handling the situation.

Complete coverage of NXT Takeover Portland, with business notes, update on Matt Riddle, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.

Update WWE talks regarding how WrestleMania will be broadcast this year, what AEW should be looking for, XFL ratings and analysis, NXT Japan update, Tito Ortiz training with WWE, Bill Goldberg’s dates, former WWE star tells story about Trump, new WWE documentary, Matt Hardy update, Injury updates, foreign ratings, return of John Cena, WWE bans former star from getting talent for their podcast and why, debut of former top star in Mexico, update on MSG, stock price update, most-watched shows on the WWE Network as well as a look at all the NXT and WWE arena events held over the past week.

Complete coverage of the UFC show from Rio Rancho, NM this past week, with business notes.

Update on the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

A note on the biggest Wednesday night ratings movers.

Revolution Pro High Stakes headlined by Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and how Ospreay’s in-ring style has changed so much over the past year. We look at how pro wrestling handles weight classes as compared to real sports, why going back in time may provide a more updated view than what we have now about weight classes and pro wrestling.

2019 stats on WWE performers including who won this year’s Iron Man award, a well as wins and losses.

Our 2019 Awards ballot.

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.

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

There are no main roster house shows this weekend. The Smackdown crew only works tonight. The Raw crew only Monday in Winnipeg for the go-home show for Super Showdown featuring Brock Lesnar.

Smackdown tonight has Bill Goldberg and Bella Twins appearing, Carmella vs. Naomi winner gets a title shot at Bayley in Saudi Arabia next Thursday, and New Day & Usos vs. John Morrison & The Miz & Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.

FOX and ESPN are working together on tomorrow’s Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder heavyweight title fight. It’s been advertised like crazy by the two networks. FOX produced a four-part series to hype the fight, ESPN produced an E60. The promoters have said break-even on the fight is 850,000 PPV buys, with each fighter getting $28 million.

A correction from the current Observer. Ricky Knight Jr. is not the brother of Paige, but is the nephew of Paige and the son of Roy Knight. He’s only 19 years old and promoter Andy Quildan compared him to people like Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr. and Marty Scurll at the same point in their careers.

An interview with myself and Bryan Alvarez on our careers.

WWE

The company stock moved from $47.84 to $50.23 a share today after the report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter of WWE talking with ESPN+ regarding streaming of big shows.
Inside the Ropes announced that on 3/20, Kevin Owens will be doing a talk show in Glasgow Scotland.
Under Armour and Dwayne Johnson have launched new UA Charged Cotton gym apparel.
An interview with Lio Rush.
A story on Riddick Moss. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

UFC

Former PFL heavyweight champion Philipe Lins debuts with UFC on the 5/2 show in Oklahoma City against Andrei Arlovski.
The 3/7 fight with Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Derek Brunson has been moved to the 4/11 show in Portland, OR.
Eric Spicely, who also does pro wrestling, will face Roman Kopylov on the 3/28 show in Columbus, OH. Spicely was to face Puna Soriano, who has been moved to facing Anthony Hernandez on 5/16 in San Diego.

AEW

Sammy Guevara is headed to Melbourne, Australia but due to an ankle injury, will just be appearing and not wrestling tomorrow against Zane Zodiac for Adrenaline Pro Wrestling. Darby Allin goes to Australia in June for World Series Wrestling.
Cody, The Young Bucks, Jon Moxley, Adam Page, Jungle Boy, Kip Sabian, Luchasaurus, Marko Stunt, MJF, Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Dustin Rhodes, Penelope Ford,
Frankie Kazarian, Christopher Daniels, Scorpio Sky and more will be at the C2E2 convention this coming week in Chicago.

MISCELLANEOUS

AAW tonight in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium has Besties in the World defending the tag titles against AR Fox & Myron Reed, Kris Statlander defends the AAW women’s title against Jody Threat, Josh Briggs vs. Hakim Zane with the winner getting an AAW title shot, TJ Perkins vs ACH, Matt Justice vs. Nick Gage, Paco vs. Zicky Dice, Deonn Rasman & Joeasa vs Travis Titan & Benjamin Carter, Josh Briggs vs. Hakim Zane vs. Jordan Oliver vs. Fred Yehi, and Hayn & Savanna Stone vs. Christi Jaynes & Kenzie Paige.
Femmes Fatales 23 tonight in Ottawa at 8 pm. at the St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall featuring Nicole Savoy against a mystery opponent for the vacant Femmes Fatales title that Mercedes Martinez held when she signed with WWE. Also LuFisto vs. Priscilla Kelly no DQ, Kimber Lee vs. Ivelisse, Nevaeh vs. Veda Scott vs. Alexia Nicole vs. Ashley Vox, KC Spinelli vs. Meave O’Farrell, Ava Everett & Davienne vs.Sally &?
Mark Haskins vs. John Walters was announced for the ROH 3/14 show at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas, which is the Past vs. Present show.
ROH tickets for Battlestarr 2020 on 4/23 in New York at Terminal 5 went on sale today. Also going on sale today was the 4/24 show in Philadelphia which will feature the start of a tournament to crown the ROH Women’s world champion.
United Wrestling Coalition on 3/14 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall for the company’s 24th anniversary show.
Evolve on 2/29 in Queens, NY has Rhea Ripley, Keith Lee and Tommaso Ciampa doing meet and greets. The top matches are Josh Briggs vs. Anthony Greene for the Evolve title in an anything goes match, AR Fox & Leon Ruff vs. Adrian Alanis & Liam Gray for a tag title shot, Mansoor vs Curt Stallion, Brendan Vink vs. JD Drake, Joe Gacy vs. Colby Corino, Brandi Lauren vs Avery Taylor, Harlem Bravado vs Denzel Dejournette and Jessi Kamea vs. Alex Sky, plus Jake Atlas wrestling on the show. 3/1 in Melrose, MA has Lee, Ciampa and Ripley doing meet and greets plus Josh Briggs vs. AR Fox in non-title match, Mansoor vs. Anthony Greene, JD Drake vs. Curt Stallion, Joe Gacy vs. Anthony Gutierrez, Harlem Bravado vs. Stephen Wolf, Brendan Vink vs. Leon Raff, Jessi Kamea vs. Avery Taylor and Brandi Lauren vs Alex Sky.
Revolution Wrestling Federation on 3/22 in Harrisburg, PA at the Capital Room.
Glory 78 takes place on 3/28 in Antwerp, Belgium
Dory Funk Jr. has a show on 2/29 in Belleview FL at the Belleview High School Gym. There will be a 5 p.m. meet and greet with Dory Funk Jr.& Rick & Scott Steiner before the show.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 3/7 in Columbus, IN.
Stonecutter Media will be doing PPV on inDemand with Combat Zone Wrestling matches from the early careers of current stars. Among them will be PPVs on The Young Bucks, Joey Janela, Kevin Steen and Drew Gulak.
Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 3/1 in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43.
Retro Championship Wrestling on 4/24 in Totowa, NJ at the PAL features Snitsky returning to the ring, a Rumble plus Sunny Beach as a manager, Crowbar, LA Smooth,Danny Inferno, Lance Anoa’i, Shockwave the Robot, Rhett Titus and more. Tito Santana will be the commissioner.
Badr Hari returns to kickboxing on 6/20 at the Rotterdam Ahoy Arena.
Combate Americas returns to Mexico City with a show billed as US vs. Mexico on 3/20, which will air on AXS and Univision. Melissa Martinez defends the strawweight title against Desiree Yanez in the main event.
Jason Kincaid returns to CWE for a tour from 5/18 to 5/26 through Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
A story on Top Rank being up for sale.
Limitless Wrestling tomorrow in Yarmouth, ME at the Yarmouth Amvets Post 2

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WCW Superbrawl III

CONTACT INFORMATION

Poll opinions: [email protected]
Feedback: [email protected]
Show results and news tips: [email protected]
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Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today

Daily Update: UFC 246 breaks records, WWE stock, Karen Q

Posted on February 6, 2020 by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 2/4

WON NEWSLETTER: February 3, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, WM 36 takes shape

A look at the current WrestleMania card, as well as what big name is being talked with, what big name is not on the card, as well as the Royal Rumble decision making is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We also have complete Rumble coverage including a table with each participant, how long they were in, eliminations, number of entry and exit and more. We look at Vince McMahon’s change in the winners in the last week, the stories told in the Rumble, why the winners were changed, the return of Edge, his new contract, how he got such a big deal, the WWE injuries, the Andrade drug test failure, those who were not in the Rumble and why, business notes on the way and what are expected to be the biggest wrestling crowds of the year. We also look at viewer interest in the show, the interest as compared to the UFC 246 show, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

The new issue also covers:

The sale of Pro Wrestling NOAH to CyberAgent, more on big companies buying wrestling franchises, plans for NOAH under the new ownership and the relationship with DDT as it stands right now.

UFC 246, with show notes, business notes and match-by-match coverage.

Worlds Collide with match-by-match coverage, star ratings, business notes and what did and didn’t work on the show.

Changes in the WWE house show business and why. We look at both the positive and negative of it. We also look at the behavior of Vince McMahon at the Rocky Johnson funeral, the incident with Brock Lesnar and Matt Riddle, new contracts signed, wrestler asking for her release, WWE Canadian numbers, Charlotte Flair talks Kairi Sane concussion, new WWE signees, the most-watched shows on the WWE Network and house show coverage.

New Year’s Dash from New Japan, the Jushin Liger retirement ceremony, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and the angles coming out of the show.

A bio on Hercules Ayala, one of the biggest stars of the glory days of Puerto Rican wrestling, covering how he started there, his work outside Puerto Rico, how he first got into Stampede Wrestling, his biggest matches on major stadium events including major bouts with Ric Flair and Randy Savage, his heel turn with Carlos Colon, the aftermath of the death of Bruiser Brody and how he was used to try and get the business back.

NWA Hard Times PPV show.

A bio on Carlos Rocha, the Portuguese star who was one of the biggest drawing cards in North America in 1971 and 1972 with his bloodbaths against The Sheik and Abdullah the Butcher. We look at those feuds as well as look back at The Sheik in Toronto during the period when he was one of the biggest single city draws in pro wrestling history, and how his undefeated streak put limits on the Rocha feud. We look at how Sheik vs. Rocha was the biggest drawing Toronto feud of the era, and why he outdrew Andre, Bruno, Bobo Brazil and all the other major Sheik foes in Toronto. We also look at his return to North America and his retirement run in the WWWF.