- WWE's planned move to live TV was a result of contracts limiting the number of taped episodes a year. There was concern their TV partners would try to renegotiate their content deals if shows continued to be taped in advance. WWE is still very much a TV business first and foremost, and that's only exacerbated with not running shows in front of paying audiences.
- Jerry Lawler's return to WWE TV was something he personally requested despite the risks involved with his age and history of heart issues. I really, really hope that's the right move for him.
- Japan's meeting for benefits was largely a result of wrestlers being classified as contractors rather than employees, and thus not offered the same protections as those in other businesses. Companies are looking at doing paid shows on social media as well as creating programs where fans can donate ticket refunds to charitable organizations.
- AAA will run empty arena shows on Facebook and YouTube for four straight weeks beginning April 25. The shows will feature Lucha Fighter tournaments.
- NJPW is continuing to pay contracted talent and staff despite not running shows.
- ROH is paying everyone scheduled to be part of their April and May shows as if the shows were taking place. That includes ring crew, camera operators, and so on. Very good to see that happening.
- Impact has taped content through the middle of July. That had to be incredibly tough on the wrestlers, especially with some names not there due to travel restrictions. Tessa Blanchard missed the shows of her own volition, which REALLY puts the company in a bind.
- Dynamite was scheduled to run California on May 20 and June 10.
- Seth Rollins donated to a local animal shelter.
- Braun Strowman took part in a Make-A-Wish project.
- Money In The Bank's WWE HQ matches have already been taped. The surreal conditions continue.
- R-Truth took part in a WHO charity endeavor with Facebook Gaming.
- Cameo held an event with various wrestling personalities.
- Impact is creating more "#URtheIMPACT" videos.
NXT releases only have 30 day non-compete clauses. That makes sense given their lower downside guarantees.
XFL's parent company filed for bankruptcy, so there aren't any plans for Alpha Entertainment to continue with another non-WWE venture.
- Vince McMahon personally loaned the company millions of dollars in addition to funds already allocated to Alpha Entertainment for the league.
WWE stockholders' lawsuit against Vince McMahon regarding the XFL was dismissed. I can't say I'm surprised that didn't get nearly as much press as the lawsuit being filed did.
Jerry Lawler's "ramen noodle moonsault" line from Raw was edited off the Hulu replay. Jerry remaining on commentary continues to look out of place in 2020.
Austin Theory is on Raw as a regular due to his work in his current angle. That's big!
UFC's Colby Covington is interested in coming to WWE in 2021. I swear everyone thinks they can transition just like that. We'll see.
The Big Show Show hit third on Netflix's most watches series list.
Madison Square Garden paid tribute to Howard Finkel. Awesome to see.
AJ Styles discussed Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows' WWE releases on his Mixer channel. WWE outbid AEW to sign them to lucrative, long-term deals, so they were easy targets for cuts. I don't expect them to be lacking for work going forward. It does suck they were finally clicking in WWE before this.
Drew McIntyre appeared on ESPN. He's already probably topped all of Brock's career media appearances!
WWE is selling replicas of The Rock's "Brahma Bull" Championship, which was going to be an answer to Stone Cold's Smoking Skull title.
Matt Striker is competing in FOX's "Labor of Love," a dating show for a woman seeking to have a kid.
QT Marshall is on Justin Roberts' latest AEW podcast.
Dustin Rhodes is on the latest AEW Unrestricted podcast.
Shane Helms discussed his furlough on Busted Open Radio.
Roman Reigns spoke to Muscle & Fitness.
Sylvain Grenier has removed himself from WWE's concussion lawsuit. There is still movement to get the dismissal reversed. It's a shame such a fraudulent endeavor is continuing to eat up resources.
WWE's ice cream sandwiches have hit Walmart.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows' "Talkin Shop" podcast has returned. They're already making moves!
Pro Wrestling Tees has new stores for The Good Brothers, Heath Slater (now Heath Miller), Curt Hawkins (now Brian Myers), and No Way Jose (now Levis Valenzuela). Additionally, Lio Rush, EC3, Rockstar Spud, and Deonna Purrazzo have reopened their stores.
WWE has greatly adjusted their taping schedule:
- April 20: Raw (live)
- April 22: NXT (live)
- April 23: Smackdown (live)
- April 25: Smackdown (May 1 and May 8 episodes)
- April 27: Raw (April 27 and May 4 episodes)
- April 29: NXT (April 29 and May 6 episodes)
- May 10: Money in the Bank (live)
- May 11: Raw (May 11 episode) and Smackdown (May 15 episode)
- May 12: Raw (May 18 episode) and Smackdown (May 22 episode)
- May 13: NXT (May 13 and May 20 episodes)
- May 15: Raw (May 25 and June 1 episodes)
- May 26: Smackdown (May 29 and June 5 episodes)
- May 27: NXT (May 27 and June 3 episodes)
- June 8: Raw (June 8 episode) and Smackdown (June 12 episode)
- June 9: NXT (June 10 episode)
- June 15: Raw (June 15 episode), Smackdown (June 19 episode)
- June 16: Raw (June 22 episode), Smackdown (June 26 episode)
- June 17: NXT (June 17 and June 24 episodes)
- June 29: Raw (June 29 and July 6 episodes)
- June 30: Smackdown (July 3 and July 10 episodes)
- July 1: NXT (July 1 and July 8)
-- This move is so talent and staff don't have to travel every week.
WWE Backstage will feature an all-female panel this week, with Beth Phoenix joining Paige, Renee Young, and Ember Moon.
Money In The Bank has added:
- Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship
- Bayley vs. Tamina for the Smackdown Women's Championship
Smackdown has announced:
- Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs. Dana Brooke and Carmella for the Women's Tag Team Championship
- Baron Corbin vs. Drew Gulak in a Money in the Bank qualifying match
- Sasha Banks vs. Lacey Evans in a Money in the Bank qualifying match
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Yes, the Muscle & Fitness interview was in the can a while.
2. He was still employed on April 17.
3. No because the show is still currently in the cards. Until an official announcement of it being canceled, no refund is coming.
4. Honestly there aren't many people who would qualify for it.
5. I don't expect it given how far off that looks to be.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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