Daily Update: WWE weekend schedule, Naito in the US, ROH
THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
NJPW Adelaide live results: Okada & Ishii vs. The Young Bucks
Impact Wrestling results: Austin Aries takes on Eli Drake
NXT Tampa, FL, live results: Aleister Black vs. Buddy Murphy
Free video: Bryan & Vinny review the Starrcade 1987 go-home show
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: Elimination Chamber, Braun Strowman, Ronda Rousey, Dr. Lucha and more! 2/16
Wrestling Weekly: This week in wrestling history 2/16
B&V&G: Granny, NXT, THURSDAY NIGHT POTPOURRI! 2/15
We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE Raw show in Portland, OR, NXT in Jacksonville, Arolucha in Beaumont, TX (Juventud Guerrera & Blue Demon Jr. & Maximo vs. John Morrison & Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Taya, Hurricane Helms & Mascarita Dorada vs. Demus & Keyra and James Storm vs. Low Ki vs. MVP) and tomorrow’s New Japan in Melbourne (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero vs. Kenny Omega & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa, Minoru Suzuki vs. Jonah Rock, Juice Robinson & Kushida & Toa Henare vs. Young Bucks & Cody, Jay White vs. slex, Lance Archer vs Elliot Sexton) to [email protected].
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M. TONIGHT
Baretta & Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa for Never six man titles
Kota Ibushi & Juice Robinson & David Finlay & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Cody & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens & Marty Scurll & Leo Tonga
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & War Machine vs. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. & Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi
BELLATOR MMA TONIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME
Tywan Claxton (145) vs. Jose Perez (142)
Heather Hardy (126.25) vs. Ana Julaton (125)
Liam McGeary (203.75) vs. Vadim Nemkov (205)
Derek Campos (154) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (155)
Roy Nelson (265) vs. Matt Mitrione (255) in a first round heavyweight tournament fight
LEGACY FIGHTING AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT FROM DALLAS, TEXAS ON AXS TV
CMLL AT ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME
Stukita & Ultimo Dragoncito vs. Mercurio & Pierrothito
Triton & Stigma & Fuego vs. Kawato San & Puma & Tiger
Soberano Jr. vs. Niebla Roja
Atlantis & Caristico & Diamante Azul vs. Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Kraneo
Dragon Lee & Mistico & Angel de Oro vs. Sanson & Forastero & Cuatrero
Ultimo Guerrero & Volador Jr. vs. Rush & El Terrible in the finals of the Parejas Increibles tournament
PWG TONIGHT IN RESEDA, CALIFORNIA
Chuck Taylor vs. Trent Baretta for PWG title
Keith Lee vs. Matt Riddle
Flip Gordon vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
David Starr vs. Travis Banks
Dalton Castle vs. Joey Janela
Brody King vs. Adam Brooks
We’re looking for reports on Saturday’s Raw show in Eugene, OR, Smackdown in Lubbock, TX, NXT in Cocoa, FL, Arolucha in Humble, TX (Juventud Guerrera & Blue Demon Jr. vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. & John Morrison, LAX vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Laredo Kid, Hurricane Helms & Low Ki vs. MVP & James Storm) and New Japan’s Sunday show in Sydney, Australia (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Will Ospreay vs. Young Bucks & Cody, Kushida vs. Rocky Romero, Tomohiro Ishii vs. Gino Gambino) to [email protected].
EVOLVE ON SATURDAY NIGHT FROM QUEENS, NY
Zack Sabre Jr vs. Austin Theory for Evolve title
Keith Lee vs. A.R. Fox for WWN title
Chris Dickinson & Jake vs. The End for Evolve tag title
Matt Riddle vs. James Drake
Tracy Williams vs. Anthony Henry
Fred Yehi vs. Dom Garrini
Darby Allin vs. Jason Kincaid vs. Jarek 1:20
Sunday has WWE Raw in Prescott, AZ and Smackdown in Rio Rancho, NM, plus the final show of the New Japan tour of Australia will be in Perth (Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero vs. Evil & Sanada, Kenny Omega & Gino Gambino & Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale vs. Jonah Rock & Marcus Pitt & Slex & Damian Slater, Young Bucks vs. Juice Robinson & Henare, Minoru Suzuki vs. Davis Storm, Will Ospreay vs. Robbie Eagles vs. Cody)
UFC ON SUNDAY NIGHT FROM THE FRANK ERWIN CENTER IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
Fight Pass at 6 p.m. Eastern
Oskar Piechota vs. Tim Williams
Josh Burkman vs. Alex Morono
FS1 at 7 p.m. Eastern
Sarah Moras vs. Lucie Pudilova
Joby Sanchez vs. Roberto Sanchez
Brian Camozzi vs. Geoff Neal
Diego Ferriera vs. Jared Gordon
Sage Northcutt vs.Thibault Gouti
Brandon Davis vs. Steven Peterson
Thiago Alves vs. Curtis Millender
Francisco Trinaldo vs. James Vick
Derrick Lewis vs. Marcin Tybura
Donald Cerrone vs. Yancy Medeiros
EVOLVE ON SUNDAY FROM JOPPA, MD
Keith Lee vs. Tracy Williams no holds barred
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Dickinson
Matt Riddle vs Austin Theory vs. Darby Allin vs. Jaka
James Drake & Anthony Henry vs. The End
Fred Yehi vs. Shane Mercer
Dante Cabenero vs. Ken Dixon
Monday has Raw in Phoenix and there is a Smackdown house show in El Paso, TX.
Tuesday has Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge and 205 Live in Phoenix. Matches announced so far are Charlotte & Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan, Charlotte & Bobby Roode vs. Apollo Crews & Nia Jax, and cruiserweight tournament matches with Jack Gallagher vs. Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy vs. Ariya Daivari.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Can a reboot salvage 205 Live?, pt. 2
It may take a while before we know whether the ongoing 205 Live reboot will be able to salvage the show, but there were positive developments both on television and behind the scenes last week. The most encouraging sign from last Tuesday’s show was Roderick Strong advancing to the second round of the Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
WON NEWSLETTER: February 19, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE 2017 earnings report, Rey Mysterio appearing for NJPW
The most complete look at WWE business for 2017 is the lead story in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer this week. Look at every category of WWE business, including why profits were down even with record revenues, how much the company really makes off network subscriptions, why profits will almost surely be up big next year, how much the company’s annual loan payments are, changes in the network and PPV business, and how many people add and cancel subs.
This issue addresses the story regarding the end of brand-specific PPVs, how much Vince McMahon personally made in cash from his dividends this year, as well as how much stock and the value of it that HHH, Stephanie, Kevin Dunn, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios have. Vince McMahon talks about if his position in WWE changes with the XFL launch, HHH and Stephanie talk about the addition of Ronda Rousey, exactly how much interest there was on Rousey at the rumble, WWE Network numbers, predictions for numbers next quarter, and the paradox of social media, WWE network and revenue.
Look at stats that are really fake and why, where revenue comes from as well as WWE profits and losses every year since 1994.
Also, look at the next three WWE PPV shows, with what is announced and other directions.
Read about New Japan’s next major show, the ROH tour, Rey Mysterio in New Japan, as well as the title picture.
This issue discusses the New Beginnings in Osaka, with notes on business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results from the show.
There are also notes on the history of the longest running pro wrestling TV show still in existence, and it beats Raw by 25 years.
Find out about wrestlers renewing deals, Rob Gronkowksi, WWE in talks for major overseas show, WWE & Mysterio update, Dwayne Johnson sets a personal record, why a WWE main roster performer was booked on an indie show this past weekend, the Booker T and Corey Graves situation, and lots of WWE injury updates.
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 Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
WON BACK ISSUE: January 29, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Shawn Michaels to return
In what was one of the best PPVs in the history of the WWF, the company gave a big tease for the eventual Rock vs. Steve Austin match which at this point still looks to be the headliner at Wrestlemania, putting Austin over in the Rumble. The show, featuring some strong highs and only a few lows, featured an early match of the year candidate in the Chris Jericho IC title win over Chris Benoit in a ladder match.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
As far as the WWE events this weekend go, John Cena will be working the Sunday house show in Prescott, AZ, along with Raw on Monday. Randy Orton is working the entire weekend tour. Nothing for Brock Lesnar advertised until 2/26 in Anaheim.
Tetsuya Naito is in the U.S. this weekend for three shows. He’s working tonight for Wrestling Revolver in Dayton, OH against Michael Elgin. He’s working tomorrow in Chicago, IL at the Logan Square Auditorium for AAW against Sami Callihan. And he’s working Sunday in Edwardsville, IL for Glory Pro Wrestling against AR Fox. The Dayton show also has Brian Cage vs. Clayton Saenz, AR Fox vs. Jason Cade, Jessicka Havok vs. Shotzi Blackheart, Dave & Jake Crist & Sami Callihan in a tornado match against MJF & Ace Romero & Moose Shane Strickland vs. Trevor Lee and more. The Chicago show has no other matches announced but ACH, Zema Ion, David Starr, Jeff Cobb and Trevor Lee are appearing.
Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting reported that a Lyoto Machida vs. Vitor Belfort fight is in the works on a 5/12 PPV show from Rio de Janeiro.
The SummerSlam ticket itself has a number of wrestlers on it including Ronda Rousey.
Ultimo Guerrero, Volador Jr. and Soberano Jr. were all announced for the 3/3 ROH show in New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
For tonight’s show at Arena Mexico, there is a possibility the usual live stream may be Geoblocked like it was last Friday. It can still be viewed live on CMLL’s Facebook page and later tonight after the show is over on CMLL’s YouTube page.
WWE
WWE sent out a press release today saying that the NPD Group has listed WWE as the No. 1 selling action figure brand in the U.S. for 2017. WWE had already said that last week at the investors call.
WWE will be touring South Africa in April with shows in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. I believe this would be the first time in a long time, if ever, that there will be a WWE show in Pretoria.
Bloomberg ran a story on WWE business based on interviews with me, Stephanie McMahon and Michelle Wilson.
MISCELLANEOUS
AXS New Japan tonight will be airing highlights from New Year’s Dash on 1/5, the day after the Tokyo Dome, which includes the set up for an upcoming Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito match. The angle will air on tonight’s show.
There is a unique main event in Tijuana tonight at the Auditorio for Crash with Rey Mysterio Jr. & Penta 0M & Rey Fenix vs. Cima & Extreme Tiger & Rey Hours (who was Dragon Azteca Jr. in Lucha Underground).
Jim Ross has added a one-man show on 4/5 in New Orleans at 10 a.m.
Impact has a taped PPV tonight with Alberto El Patron vs. James Storm, Ethan Carter III vs. Moose, Rosemary vs. KC Spinelli, LAX vs. Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley, Dezmond Xavier & Eddie Edwards vs. Jake & Dave Crist and El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Bobby Lashley.
Legacy Fighting on AXS TV on 3/23 from Cabazon, CA at the Morongo Outdoor Pavilion at the Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa is headlined by Ricky Simon (11-1) defending the bantamweight title against Vinicius Zani (11-4).
Darby Allin vs. Joey Janela in a fans bring the weapons match has been added to the MLW Spring Break show on 3/8 in Orlando at Gilt Nightclub.
NFC on 3/9 at Center Stage in Atlanta has an MMA show.
AWS on 6/30 in South Gate, CA has an all-women’s show with Willow Nightingale vs. Jordynne Grace, Shontzi Blackheart vs. Nicole Matthews, Miranda vs. Aerial Monroe and Madison Eagles vs. Shazza McKenzie. Rise runs the same building on 6/29 (thanks to Jake Koch).
Beyond Wrestling announced for its 4/5 show in New OrleansToni Storm vs. Timothy Thatcher, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Matt Riddle and Joey Janela & Penelope Ford vs. Darby Allin & Priscilla Kelly.
The UWC promotion announced that due to circumstances beyond their control, the 3/10 show at Kelly’s Banquet Hall in Wrightstown, NJ has been moved back a week to 3/17.
CWE tonight in Fannystelle, Manitoba at the Fannystelle Hall.
Former WWE wrestler Daniel Puder has a vlog.
Joe Rogan talks pro wrestling moves.
Today in Professional Wrestling History: Bret Hart wins vacant WWF World title
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