NXT talents are expected to get higher-paying contracts when the USA deal comes into effect, since the brand will have more exposure. In essence, developmental deals are being replaced. That's definitely a big plus for the workers!
NXT is expected to continue with Triple H on top as long as ratings do well. Should AEW dominate NXT's ratings, Vince McMahon will get a bigger influence on the show. That will be a major factor in the brand, and the future of the company as far as Vince being succeeded at some point.
Clash of Champions is currently scheduled to have The Miz vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental Championship.
Cain Velasquez will work six-man tag matches for AAA's New York and California events. AAA should have announced him early to try to sell tickets.
Katsuyori Shibata is attempting to get cleared to return to the ring. I hope that's a safe move.
Michael Elgin is working Big Japan.
Rey Fenix missing a NEW show recently was due to a missed flight. AEW was interested in making a substitution, but Matt Taven was used since he works backstage at NEW. ROH still had to approve the appearance, and asked NEW not to advertise Taven ahead of time. That's an interesting move.
- NEW will be allowed to use AEW talent going forward, as Cody is close to the NEW booker.
- The Lucha Bros vs. Private Party is set for NEW's September 13 event.
India has a new promotion called Dangal Ke Soorma which is getting a national TV deal and will be released in both English and Hindi. Chris Adonis (Masters) will be a key figure.
The sons of Silver King and La Parka, Jr. are debuting in Mexico on August 31.
Davey Boy Smith, Jr. is eying an MMA debut. MLW will allow him to compete while still under contract.
Tom Prichard begins in MLW at War Chamber. He'll be both a producer and trainer, a great role for him.
MLW is sending Ricky Martinez to The Crash's September 7 event, which is running against War Chamber.
Savio Vega will work as a producer in MLW starting in October.
LAX's Ortiz was almost arrested for public drunkenness, but Impact and Konnan intervened. Ortiz is lucky there.
AEW has hired Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez for an unspecified role. I'm interested how that will go.
- AEW was also interested in Mike Tenay at one point. A number of parties are looking to get him,. I'd love to see him back in some capacity.
AEW's Casino Battle Royale is set to add Britt Baker now that she's recovered. Makes sense.
FOX promoted Smackdown Live on NFL preseason games. I'm really curious how the show will do on that channel.
Ronda Rousey isn't expected to return to WWE in a full-time capacity. It makes sense in some ways to save her for important dates.
C.M. Punk's agent pitched Punk joining FS1 as a host for WWE's upcoming studio show, but it's unclear if Punk is interested in such a role. There has been no negotiations at this point. It will be interesting to see where things go with him in the years ahead.
WWE's upcoming South American live events are now Supershows, featuring both Raw and Smackdown Live talents, since Raw events were canceled for those dates.
WWE 2K20 will feature a Roman Reigns tower mode. Fitting considering he's on the cover.
WWE is launching a podcast network in conjunction with Endeavor Audio. A couple of years behind the curve, but glad they're finally making it happen. This could be a good use for contracted names who aren't featured on WWE TV.
- WWE put out a separate press release. This can definitely be a big venture for the company.
Impact is looking to do a weekly studio show once the main show moves to another channel. Tonight's episode is being used as a pilot for that.
Scott D'Amore and D'Lo Brown will be at Impact's upcoming Nevada tryout as scouts.
The Briscoes, Matt Taven, and Kenny King are working CMLL's Grand Prix tournament. Good to see them getting exposure there.
ROH and CMLL's Global Wars Espectacular HonorClub events have added:
- For September 6 in Michigan:
-- Matt Taven and Vinny Marseglia vs. Volador, Jr. and Triton
-- Villain Enterprises (all four members) vs. Okumura, Rey Bucanero, Hechicero, and Barbaro Cavernario
- For September 7 in Illinois:
-- Rush vs. Barbaro Cavernario
-- Jay Lethal, Jeff Cobb, and Jonathan Gresham vs. Caristico, Stuka, Jr., and Triton
- For September 8 in Wisconsin:
-- The Briscoes and Barbaro Cavernario vs. Bandido, Mark Haskins, and Tracy Williams
-- Flip Gordon vs. PJ Black vs. Triton
Corey Graves discussed working with Vince McMahon and more with Sean Mooney. Here are highlights:
- Vince is definitely quite particular about the announcing.
- Hahahaha wow early NXT sounds tough. I'm surprised talents were told to do something against local ordinances.
- The rise of NXT was definitely cool to follow.
Conrad Thompson did a conference call to promote Starrcast III, covered here:
- Ha. I fully expect Starrcast IV, etc.
- I like him wanting each Starrcast to be unique.
- Starrcast sounds like a brutal learning experience.
- Yeah, WWE should have been doing podcasts a LONG time ago.
- Conrad seems like a good, hardworking guy.
WWE has announced a multi-year deal with a Chinese mobile platform.
John Cena is on Muscle & Fitness' latest cover.
Stephanie McMahon has hit three million Twitter followers.
Cesaro and Xavier Woods appeared at the League of Legends Pro League.
Alexander Wolfe has been announced for wXw's November 23 event.
The former Darren Young is now actively taking wrestling bookings.
Jake Roberts is set for an Australian speaking tour in February 2020. Pretty cool.
Jazzy Gabert is touring with German singer Udo Lindenberg as part of a wrestling act.
Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch announced their engagement. I hope that goes well for them.
MLW Fusion is now available on PlayStation Vue, where it has gained a significant following. That's great for them!
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. GFW I doubt given its current state. HOH is an interesting option, but I would think Dreamer would like to do his own thing and there's no guarantee he won't pop up in AEW again. WWE isn't really bothered by Impact right now, but if it gets to a bigger TV home, that can change.
2. That's a name I haven't seen in a while! I also wish we could have seen more of him.
Nothing to add to 3.
4. Right now it looks like he's staying out of NXT. But if AEW does significantly better numbers than NXT, I fully expect him to get involved.
5. As soon as another very wealthy party has interest in making or supporting a promotion. NXT and AEW being successful can definitely open doors there.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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