NBC has canceled Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Young Rock” TV series as it will not return for a fourth campaign.
The news was announced by several entertainment media outlets Friday afternoon as the network cut several other series as well.
The show, which debuted in February 2021, was based on the life of Johnson, starting with his childhood growing up in a pro wrestling family. Throughout the series’ 37 episodes over three seasons, characters like Randy Savage, Steve Austin, the Iron Sheik, Hulk Hogan and others were introduced in addition to several football players and Johnson’s well-known family members. The time periods covered were 1982, 1987 and the 1990s.
The show’s third season was moved to Fridays opposite WWE SmackDown in a move that puzzled many.
The premise was Johnson reflecting on his life in both wrestling and football as he prepared to run for president in the year 2032.
Johnson was an executive producer on the show along with series creator Nahnatchka Khan who is the sister of WWE CEO Nick Khan.
As of this writing, Johnson has not acknowledged the show’s cancellation on social media.
WWE star Becky Lynch isn’t done with her role on “Young Rock.”
Lynch posted a tweet on Monday revealing that she’s back filming on the “Young Rock” set. She’ll again be playing musician Cyndi Lauper on a future episode of the show.
“She’s baaaaaaaack! Delighted to be back on set with the incredible #YoungRock cast and crew playing the iconic Cyndi Lauper! Stay tuned,” Lynch wrote
Lynch first played Lauper on the season three premiere of “Young Rock,” which aired on NBC this past November. That episode included a young Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson meeting Lauper at a party she threw around WrestleMania I in 1985.
In a tweet after the season three premiere, Johnson thanked Lynch and gave her props for the job she did playing Lauper.
I first met the icon, Cyndi Lauper at a WrestleMania party when I was 12yrs old. She was so kind and made me feel like a million bucks. Huge thank you and props to my good friend @BeckyLynchWWE for taking me back to this unforgettable moment on tonight’s show. #YoungRockhttps://t.co/Ktc4o8jRhI
Becky Lynch made her “Young Rock” debut on Friday’s episode, playing Cyndi Lauper.
Billed as Rebecca Quin, Lynch’s series debut as Lauper came during a scene set at a WrestleMania I party, with other attendees including Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, and Liberace.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted a video of Lynch’s performance as Lauper, later saying that the scene was based on a real interaction between Johnson and Lauper at a similar party.
The video, including Lynch delivering Lauper’s trademark Brooklyn accent:
Raise your glass🥃 to TONIGHT’s SEASON 3 PREMIERE OF @NBC’s #YoungRock!!!
Tune in for the iconic ROCK ‘n WRESTLING ERA of the 80’s baby!!
🚨 @BeckyLynchWWE’s awesome acting debut tonight as she becomes the one and only, Cyndi Lauper!
Rock’s comments on meeting Lauper, and Lynch’s performance:
I first met the icon, Cyndi Lauper at a WrestleMania party when I was 12yrs old. She was so kind and made me feel like a million bucks. Huge thank you and props to my good friend @BeckyLynchWWE for taking me back to this unforgettable moment on tonight’s show. #YoungRockhttps://t.co/Ktc4o8jRhI
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has confirmed Becky Lynch’s role on the season three premiere of “Young Rock.”
In an Instagram post on Thursday morning, Johnson shared three photos of Lynch playing music star Cyndi Lauper on the “Young Rock” episode. The new season premieres on NBC this Friday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Officially welcoming @beckylynchwwe to our YOUNG ROCK cast
Becky takes on the daunting and FUN task of playing the one and only – the icon Cyndi Lauper.
I was right there for Becky’s audition and we were all very impressed at her high level commitment as an actor to become Cyndi Lauper.
No easy task, but she worked her butt off and went all in – and crushed it.
PWInsider reported that the plot for the season premiere “deals with a party Lauper throws around WrestleMania 1. Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Vince McMahon, Lou Albano and Liberace will also be portrayed in the episode, which is set in 1985. When the series was being cast, Lauper was listed as a possible recurring character, so this may not be Lynch’s only appearance in the series.”
“The People Need You” is the title of the “Young Rock” season premiere. The show, which previously aired on Tuesdays, is moving to Fridays for season three and will go head-to-head with WWE SmackDown.
“Young Rock” is based on Johnson’s life and tells the story of how he was shaped into the person he is today.
Lynch hasn’t wrestled since suffering a separated shoulder at SummerSlam this July. There was an angle on the post-SummerSlam Raw where Damage CTRL attacked Lynch and exacerbated her injury.
WWE’s Becky Lynch will be playing a role in the season three premiere of NBC’s “Young Rock.”
Lynch will play music star Cyndi Lauper in the season premiere episode, which airs on NBC at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time this Friday (November 4). Lynch will be billed under her real name of Rebecca Quin.
TV Insider’s Scott Fishman posted a tweet on Monday night teasing that Lynch would be playing Lauper: “Think fans are going to see @BeckyLynchWWE back on TV sooner than later because you know …girls just want to have fun.”
PWInsider notes that the episode deals with a party thrown by Lauper around the first WrestleMania in 1985:
The plot of the first episode deals with a party Lauper throws around WrestleMania 1. Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Vince McMahon, Lou Albano and Liberace will also be portrayed in the episode, which is set in 1985. When the series was being cast, Lauper was listed as a possible recurring character, so this may not be Lynch’s only appearance in the series.
Lauper was a celebrity guest who helped contribute to the success of WrestleMania I. She accompanied Wendi Richter to the ring for her WWF Women’s Championship match against Leilani Kai.
After previously airing on Tuesdays, “Young Rock” is moving to Fridays for season three and will go up against WWE SmackDown. “Young Rock” is based on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s life and tells the story of how Johnson was shaped into the person he is today.
“The People Need You” is the title of the season three premiere.
Lynch has been out of action since suffering a separated shoulder at SummerSlam this July. On the post-SummerSlam episode of Raw, there was an injury angle where Damage CTRL attacked Lynch and exacerbated her shoulder injury.
The aftermath of the AEW brawl after All Out Why suspensions were lifted The CM Punk injury and how it changes things AEW video game promotion in Japan What people under suspension aren’t allowed to do Tony Khan position Clearing up some wrestling stories Ideas for AEW to improve the developmental rate of its young talent The most important thing for AEW long-term Ways to get wrestlers more time in the ring Ways to get wrestlers more time learning promos and angles Complete coverage of UFC 279 The life and death of UFC star Elias Theodorou Coverage of this past week’s Stardom PPV show How every wrestling show this past week did in the ratings, competition, football, where WWE & AEW fall in entertainment standings, how the segments on the major shows did Unique finish to set up CMLL tournament final Final build to the anniversary show CMLL star undergoes surgery Promotion talk about new reality show idea Stardom Five Star Grand Prix update New Japan and Stardom business rundowns, profits, losses, revenue, streaming numbers Kota Ibushi update Yuji Nagata celebrates 30 years in the ring New Japan Strong TV for the future Talk about the Desperado vs. Jun Kasai bloodbath Generational dream match announced between 80 legend and modern legend Konosuke Takeshita’s ten year anniversary Ricky Steamboat returns to the ring How viewing is changing Story behind Steamboat’s comeback More on movies about 80s stars and a movie on the life of modern star Hall of Famer from Japan wants match with Moxley Wrestling cartoon show canceled Latest on WBD and wrestling More AEW injury news Ticket sale numbers for WWE & AEW shows International TV numbers Streaming numbers More on the business of doing major shows Commission examining UFC backstage brawl More Clash at the Castle news WWE projected revenue for this year Why Raw will have a problem next week Gable Steveson update New talent coming to NXT A&E bio news
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Tuesday News Update
WWE
Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and Rhea Ripley will be the guests on WWE’s The Bump tomorrow morning.
This week’s AEW Road to, focusing on Wednesday’s Grand Slam event.
Tony Khan announced on social media that Grand Slam is now the highest grossing TV show in AEW history.
Khan also wrote on Twitter: “To celebrate the biggest live gate tomorrow night at AEW Grand Slam, we have a special gift for the ticket buyer who puts us at or above the $1 million mark for the first time ever: a commemorative Grand Slam chair signed by greats from the Tournament of Champions!”
Silver also talked to Wrestling Junkie about balancing comedy with wrestling. “The thing is, some of the biggest stars in wrestling have been funny also,” he said. “If you look at The Rock, all his promos are pretty funny. Kurt Angle. These are people that can go in the ring that are the biggest stars ever, but they bring a lot of comedy to it as well. I really don’t worry about it. The real fans are going to appreciate the comedy, but also the wrestling. So I really don’t think about it that much.”
In addition to his interview with Helwani, MJF was also on the Rasslin podcast with Brandon Walker.
The Rock shared a new poster for the upcoming film Black Adam on social media.
Masked Republic announced in a press release that they have teamed with Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez and DJ Luian will be featured in “a new transmedia franchise” inspired by lucha libre films.
Job Listing: Onlamp php/mysql developer. Experience with vbulletin and drupal/WordPress a plus. Email [email protected] with subject PHP DEVELOPER with resume.
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.
Tuesday News Update
WWE
Braun Strowman made his return to the company last night, laying out several tag teams during a match. PWInsider reports that Strowman will be a babyface on the SmackDown brand moving forward.
Austin Aries and EC3 of Control Your Narrative wished Strowman, who had been working for the promotion during his time away from WWE, all the best on his return.
Matches taped for Main Event this week include Shelton Benjamin vs. Reggie and T-Bar vs. Cedric Alexander.
PWInsider reported that the third season of Young Rock will feature a character based on the late Brian Christopher, aka Grandmaster Sexay. The character is slated to appear semi-regularly.
The Akron Beacon Journal has a profile on Absolute Intense Wrestling.
Sports Illustrated reported that MLW has signed a partnership deal with Range Sports.
Matt Cardona has filed a trademark for the term “The Agent”.
BattleSlam have announced their next card for September 25th, where they will crown a World Champion.
NBC’s “Young Rock” will be moving to a new night for its third season.
With NBC’s fall 2022 schedule being released on Monday, it was revealed that “Young Rock” will shift to Friday nights when season three premieres in November. The show will air from 8:30-9 p.m.
The first two seasons of “Young Rock” aired on Tuesdays. The show will now go head-to-head with SmackDown instead of NXT.
“Young Rock” is based on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s life and tells the story of how Johnson was shaped into the person he is today. In an Instagram post, Johnson commented on the show being renewed for another season:
Big news for our @NBC’s YOUNG ROCK as we announced our return for SEASON 3!!!
Congratulations to the ones who make it all happen – our hard working and insanely talented CAST & CREW
And most of all, THANK YOU FANS for making us NBC’s #1 PRIME TIME COMEDY
And now the fun part begins…We put in the work.
“Young Rock” stars Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson, Stacey Leilua, Ana Tuisila, Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, Uli Latukefu, Fasitua Amosa, John Tui, and Matthew Willig. The show is produced by Universal Television, Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, and Fierce Baby Productions.
Young Rock” will be continuing on NBC for at least another season.
NBC announced on Thursday that it has renewed “Young Rock” for a third season. The sitcom, which is inspired by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s life story, tells how Johnson was shaped by his experiences growing up.
Season two of “Young Rock” is currently airing. The season “delves back into Dwayne Johnson’s life, continuing the storylines from Season 1 while also introducing new chapters we haven’t yet seen. As Dwayne and his loving, resilient family face new challenges and meet new wild characters of professional wrestling, Dwayne contemplates embracing the grind of professional wrestling himself. The show will explore the crazy rollercoaster that has shaped Dwayne into the man he is today and the larger-than-life people he’s met along the way.”
“Young Rock” stars Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson, Stacey Leilua, Ana Tuisila, Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, Uli Latukefu, Fasitua Amosa, John Tui, and Matthew Willig. In the show, the modern-day version of Johnson is running for President of the United States in 2032.
The show is produced by Universal Television, Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, and Fierce Baby Productions.
Major players from five companies test positive for COVID causing changes in television or major shows.
Sunday’s Fukuoka Dome show and a look back at the previous pro wrestling events in the building that featured some of the biggest American stars of all-time.
The Discovery/Warner merger, what was said at the earnings call about cutbacks, and the different ways this can go for AEW
Streaming vs. television and the realities of the numbers
Wrestling on television in every category, who is up, who is down, factoring out cable losses, and reasons behind the ups and downs.
WWE & AEW shows coming up between now and August ticket sales, interest in the secondary market, how many seats WWE is setting up for the stadium shows
WrestleMania Backlash card update and business update
Saturday’s UFC report
New wrestling history television show series being filmed and who is behind it
Karl Lauer and the growth of the Cauliflower Alley Club
Ratings of all the television shows of the past week
Death of Toro Bill Jr.
Preview of TripleMania
Unique statement by L.A. Park about TripleMania
All Japan, Dragon Gate, NOAH and other Japanese events
This week’s PWG show
MLW answers the WWE’s attempt to get the lawsuit by MLW thrown out
Personnel changes in Impact
AEW injury notes
AEW’s Double or Nothing show
Updates on ticket sales for WWE & AEW shows
Promotion gets major television deal with Amazon Prime
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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.
Monday News Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the latest wrestling news from the weekend. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected]
WWE finished its tour of Europe with the show in Leipzig, Germany yesterday. The only Raw guys on the tour were Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton and Riddle. It’s a tough trip but they should be able to get to Greensboro tonight for the show as all are in PPV matches. The big item is probably however they explain what the stipulations will be for the six-man tag team match that was made on Friday with Orton & Riddle & Drew McIntyre vs. Usos & Roman Reigns.
No matches were announced for Raw in Greensboro tonight. The ratings-killing NBA playoffs have the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m. and Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. For tomorrow, NXT goes against Bucks-Celtics and the the last half hour and West Coast feed goes against Warriors-Grizzles. Dynamite on Wednesday faces 76ers vs. Heat and the West Coast feed goes against Mavericks-Suns. Both Smackdown and Rampage got killed doing record lows on Friday by the NBA playoffs and NFL draft. Smackdown being taped may have hurt with younger viewers who were way down but the older viewers were not down at all from the prior week.
Stu Grayson was removed from the AEW roster page today. Nothing has been officially said by AEW but thus far when people are removed, they are basically gone. AEW hasn’t confirmed he’s gone but the word going around is that his contract expired and the two sides didn’t come to terms on a new deal. Grayson was one of those guys that nobody really talks about and wasn’t a big star, but inside the ring he was great.
The WWE earnings call will be on Thursday, so a lot of business news should break. Both Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon are usually two of the key people on the calls.
Thanks to Matt Wexler. Denton D and CJ Johnston for the reports from last night’s Raw show in Fairfax, VA.
Street Profits b Alpha Academy
Theory b Finn Balor to keep U.S. title
Omos b Reggie
A.J. Styles b Damian Priest-DQ
Cody Rhodes b Seth Rollins
Bianca Belair won four-way over Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan
We’re looking for reports from tonight in Greensboro for Raw with Main Event matches and any dark matches as well as anything else not notable from the TV show.
We’re doing polls on these shows from the weekend so if you saw any of them, we’re looking for a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Stardom Cinderella finals on Friday
NOAH second night at Sumo Hall on Saturday
AAA TripleMania on Saturday
New Japan Dontaku on Sunday
John Cena will be one of many celebrities co-founding a new Bourbon brand produced by Thomas Ashborne that debuts this month. Cena said he has spent 18 months developing the drink with the company.
Young Rock will be introducing Stone Cold Steve Austin as a character on the show. Veteran wrestler Luke Hawx, who has been on the TV show heels, will play Austin on the show. He first meets Austin who Austin is the ring announcer. Dwayne Johnson revealed Hawx in the role today. Today is Dwayne Johnson’s 50th birthday. He was also listed on the list of 100 Asian and Pacific Islanders who have most significantly impacted American culture and society over the past year.
AEW
Tony Khan is on a TNT commercial pushing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
UFC
Calvin Kattar vs. Josh Emmett was announced for the 6/18 show in Austin, TX as the main event.
The new season of Ultimate Fighter with Team Pena vs. Team Nunes debuts tomorrow night on ESPN+ and will have new episodes airing every Tuesday for the next 2 weeks. There will be men heavyweights and women flyweights as the weight classes.
Other Notes
Pro Wrestling Eve has its 12th anniversary special on 5/7 in London at Patchworks Leyton on 258 Church Rd. They will also be inducting someone into the Eve Hall of Fame.
Maria Kanellis and Bobby Cruise did a debut show called Women’s Wrestling Army in Providence, RI before about 50 fans: Miranda Alize b Lady Luck, Trish Adora d Big Swole, Kayla Sparks b Mazzerati, Tasha Steelz b Taya Valkyrie (neither the Impact nor AAA tile were at stake), Queen Bee b Christina Mane, Alex Gracia b Joey Threat-DQ, Alex Gracia b Jody Threat in a no DQ match, Queen Aminata b Gabby Ortiz, Nicole Savoy b Janai Kai, Allisyn Kay & Marti Belle b Willow Nightingale & Holidead. Holidead turned on Nightingale after the match (thanks to Arya Whitner)
Metro Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Southgate, MI: Father Marquis & Brother Donte & Brother Ultra b Big Murph & Jason Demilo & Dean Hendrix, Kyler Coleman b Sam Beale, Lamario Starr b Iron Eagle, Isaiah Moore b Alex Van Zant, Soultaker b Spyder, Soultaker DDQ Molluck, Tanner Nix b Zach Gowen, Jack Price b Forever Young, Tommy Vendetta won gauntlet over Sean Lawhorn, LJ Lawrence, Lamario Starr, Brutus Atwell an Matt Breeding, TJ Meyer & Solo b Dre Jacobs & Chris Moore, Jason Hotch b Tony Deppen (thanks to Leonard Brand)
AIW Cibernetico de Mayo takes place 5/5 in Lakewood, OH at the Winchester Music Tavern. Eddie Kingston will headline for the promotion on 5/21 at the Tadmor Shrine in Akron, OH.
Paradigm Pro Wrestling returns to IWTV on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Pacific super middleweight champion Jordan Blade vs. Sage Phillips, a trainee of Jonathan Gresham, under UWFi rules. Dominic Garrini vs. Austin Connelly, Gnaris Garvin vs.Derek Neal and Ray Jaz, a former All-American wrestler, faces Brandon Williams. This will run every Wednesday night for eight weeks.
Former ROH announcer Jeff Gorman has a new WWF history book called “King of New York,” which covers the first WrestleMania and finishes with the name change to WWE in 2002. He pick an MVP for every PPV show and also crowns the greatest performer in WWF history.
Kayla Miracle, who placed second in the women’s world championships in 2021 and a member of the last Olympic team, will battle for a spot on the U.S. World team in Final X on 6/8 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.
The Springfield Lucky Horseman, a minor league baseball team Jeff Jarrett owns part of, has announced Jerry Lawler appearing at their 6/23 game and Kevin Nash at their 7/8 game, where they are asking fans to come dressed as their favorite wrestler.
A future WrestleMania match between The Rock and Roman Reigns was teased during a scene on this week’s episode of “Young Rock.”
The sixth episode of the show’s second season aired on Tuesday night. During the program, Rock was just beginning his wrestling training with his father, Rocky Johnson, at the time. He’s later shown with his family watching Yokozuna (Rodney Anoaʻi) wrestle at the Royal Rumble on television. A young Joe Anoaʻi (Roman Reigns) is watching the event as well. Joe jumps on Rock’s shoulders and asks for someone to give him a Samoan Drop. When no one responds, he asks them all to “acknowledge” him.
Joe pleads with his cousin to wrestle him in the living room but Rock tells him, “The world’s not ready. A match that big can only happen at WrestleMania.”
It was reported in the February 7, 2022 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE is hopeful that The Rock vs. Roman Reigns will take place at WrestleMania 39.
“The idea is to lead to the biggest WrestleMania ever in 2023 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, with Reigns vs. The Rock and Becky Lynch vs. Rousey,” Dave Meltzer wrote regarding the build-up to WrestleMania 39. “Of course a million things may happen between then and now and with Dwayne Johnson’s schedule, it may not be possible.”
The second season of Young Rock will premiere in March.
NBC announced their 2022 schedule this morning, announcing that the second season of Young Rock will premiere on Tuesday, March 15 at 8 pm. The series was renewed for a second season back on April 30.
The series follows The Rock through three different stages of his life: growing up in Hawaii in 1982, attending high school in 1987, and attending college in the 1990s. These stories are told while a future version of The Rock, played by himself, runs for president in the year 2032. The first season ended with The Rock awaiting election results.
A special holiday episode of Young Rock will premiere on NBC next month, December 15. The sypnosis, according to Deadline, reads: “Christmas Eve, 1982: An unexpected guest shows Dewey that this is the first in a long line of terrible Christmases. In 1987, Rocky [Johnson] and Dwayne take jobs as a mall Santa and elf. In 1993, Dwayne reluctantly spends a disastrous Christmas with Coach O.”
A holiday episode of Young Rock will air next month on NBC ahead of its second season next year.
The new episode, titled “A Christmas Peril”, will be a part of a block of special holiday shows set to air on December 15, with Young Rock starting the lineup at 8 pm ET/PT.
The logline, according to Deadline, reads: “Christmas Eve, 1982: An unexpected guest shows Dewey that this is the first in a long line of terrible Christmases. In 1987, Rocky [Johnson] and Dwayne take jobs as a mall Santa and elf. In 1993, Dwayne reluctantly spends a disastrous Christmas with Coach O”.
Other shows set to air that evening include the return of Keenan and Mr. Mayor, and new shows American Auto and Grand Crew.
Young Rock, which focuses on different parts of The Rock’s life as a child and teenager, premiered back on February 16. In April, the show was renewed for a second season which will premiere in 2022.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Young Rock” is returning to NBC for season two.
NBC announced on Friday that “Young Rock” has been renewed for a second season. The series premiered this February, with its season one finale set to air this coming Tuesday (May 4).
The sitcom “focuses on different chapters of Johnson’s life. From growing up in a strong and resilient family, to being surrounded by the wild characters of his professional wrestling family, to playing football at the University of Miami, the show explores the crazy rollercoaster that has shaped Dwayne into the man he is today and the larger-than-life characters he’s met along the way.”
Johnson appears in every episode of “Young Rock.” In season one, Johnson is running for president in the 2032 election. The show flashes back to different points in Johnson’s life, and actors Adrian Groulx, Bradley Constant, and Uli Latukefu play younger versions of Johnson.
Young Rock was created by Johnson and Nahnatchka Khan. Johnson, Khan, Jeff Chiang, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, and Jennifer Carreras are executive producers on the series.
“Kenan,” which premiered alongside “Young Rock” in February, was also renewed by NBC today.
“It has been a true joy to watch Dwayne Johnson and Kenan Thompson on NBC every week and see families connect with their relatable, entertaining and heartwarming stories,” said Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Programming at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We’re thrilled to renew both of these shows for another season and can’t wait to see more from Dwayne, Kenan and the incredibly talented casts and producing teams behind each of them.”
The death of Tom Cole this week takes us back to one of the most sordid pro wrestling stories of the last 50 years, which involved media heavyweights at the time like Phil Donahue, Larry King, Geraldo Rivera and Phil Mushnick. It’s the lead story of a new double issue of the Observer.
We look at the story and its tragic end this past week and all the key characters involved. We look at Cole’s death, what exactly happened to him, different media appearances at the time, the WWF first settling his case, the unique plans for the Phil Donahue show, at the time the leading daytime talk show in the U.S. with a gigantic audience and how Vince McMahon planned the show and why it never transpired the way it was planned. Cole’s memories of what happened, and things that triggered his past including a first suicide attempt that few knew about. This is a major piece of wrestling history that has been largely hidden except from those who were around at the time.
Also in this issue:
NXT Takeover show with match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results of what undoubtedly will be considered among the best shows of 2021.
WWE not offering raises and promotions and how that went down this past week, as well as a look at WWE performer salaries if they were paid the same percentage as sports stars or even UFC fighters, Lacey Evans’ pregnancy, a pilot for a new WWE Network show filmed, the attempt to re-litigate the concussion case and its likely outcome, injury updates, details of a number of different people having signed new deals, who they are and their background, notes on how many saw Sasha Banks start the Daytona 500, Finn Balor talks staying in NXT, TV show with WWE stars as guests, WWE & AEW international TV ratings and how last week’s shows did compared to other sports, another celebrity training to appear in WWE rings, upcoming TV matches, a what ever happened to, current company value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Gina Carano and her social media posts that cost her a television series was was to be built around her, her new affiliation, and the situation with Ariel Helwani, Dana White and ESPN as well as media criticism of ESPN for how they handled the situation.
UFC 258 with match-by-match coverage and all the business news.
How Keiji Muto became one of the oldest world champions in history, why NOAH made the move, a look at NOAH today after its biggest show in many years.
WWE social media regulations for its talent, what is and isn’t allowed.
Debut episode of “Young Rock,” its ratings, and what was real, nor real and in between about the stories with a look at early women wrestling promoters, Rocky Johnson, Peter Maivia, Lia Maivia and Dwayne Johnson growing up.
Second night of New Japan’s New Beginning in Hiroshima..
Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.
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
Taya Valkyrie took to Instagram after news of her signing with WWE became official: “For those that have been on this decade long journey with me, you know how badly I have wanted this. I’ve sacrificed and dedicated my life to this. Moved across continents, learned languages, immersed myself in new styles, cultures and experiences with the over all goal of making it one day to the @wwe. I have worked my butt off and today my dream has come true. I promise to work harder than I ever have, to show the world who I am as a performer and human being. I love my life and take absolutely nothing for granted. I’m hungrier than I have ever been and now the work begins. Thank you to all those that have supported me, and to those that don’t like me…welp, too bad. I know my worth, my talent and I will always strive to be better. Now buckle up because this is going to get interesting. LETS GET TO WORK!!”
This week’s episode of The Bump features Riddle, Big E, Ron Simmons, and Punky Brewster star Freddie Prinze Jr.
Young Rock last night on NBC brought in 3.48 million viewers, down from last week’s premiere of 5.03 million.
Cesaro will be a guest on this week’s After the Bell with Corey Graves.
Ric Flair spoke to WrestlingInc on his relationship with the McMahons and Shawn Michaels.
Big E has launched a Kickstarter for a new project, Our Heroes Rock!, which is described as “A 3D animated family series that explores the Heroes of Black History through Hip-Hop and Science Fiction.”
Following news of his signing with AEW, Paul Wight responded on Twitter, writing “Incredibly excited !!!”
Mick Foley congratulated Wight, writing on Twitter: “Wishing the very best to my friend @PaulWight on his signing with [AEW] I’m guessing the big fella thought he had done all there was to do in @WWE – and that he still had some gas left in the tank.”
Sean Ross Sapp wrote the following regarding Jimmy Rave: “One person I’ve contacted says they’ve heard from Jimmy Rave and said that he’s okay.” Rave earlier wrote on Twitter “I can’t take anymore hurt … I’m sorry”.
ROH Roundtable with Caprice Coleman is joined by Shane Taylor, World Famous CB, and Kenny King as they discuss Black excellence in wrestling, as well as the performers who inspired them.
