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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

WWE COVID testing, Raw and Impact previews, Interviews with Dinsmore/Stephanie/Shotzi/McIntyre/Ric, WWE content updates, wrestling venue closing doors, NJPW and Stardom dates set, WWE responds to allegations, Raw audience, Rock show debut set, XFL collapse covered, new Dynamite match, AEW injury, and Questions on Vince firing Heyman, Tully-Spears, ironclad contracts, WWE moving to Florida, and NXT copying Dark Order

WWE canceled Tuesday's TV taping after the recent positive COVID-19 test. They were scheduled to tape next week's Raw and Smackdown.

- WWE talent and staff underwent COVID-19 testing Tuesday. As you might expect, WWE talent are concerned about their health. This has been exacerbated by WWE allowing additional friends and family into the audience Monday. WWE tested these individuals' temperatures before they participated, but they did not wear masks.

- WWE names were also frustrated at the lack of communication from management Monday and Tuesday, regarding COVID-19 testing and the additional audience members.

Raw has announced:
- Street Profits vs. Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team Championship
- Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. IIconics for the Women's Tag Team Championship
- Rey Mysterio appearing

Nick Dinsmore discussed WWE developmental on VOC Nation's "In The Room." Here are highlights. The facilities have definitely been greatly upgraded under Triple H's watch.

Stephanie McMahon appeared on Variety to discuss the future of sports and live events.

"The Big Show Show" will air another episode in August. Netflix filmed 11 episodes but has only released ten.

FS1 will air Survivor Series 2018 on June 30.

WWE taped Main Event for this week on Monday as well.

New York's Nassau Coliseum is closing while its owners seek investors for the massive amount of loans on the property. WWE has run there many times over the decades.

NJPW has announced events for July 20, July 25, July 27, and July 31. These are all currently scheduled to allow fans to attend.

ROH is doing a Best in the World compilation PPV in the timeslot this year's show was scheduled for. That's clever!

WWE responded to false reports fans attended Monday's TV taping. I hope this leads to fewer rumors being reported as reality and more skepticism regarding certain reporters.

Raw drew 1.93 million viewers Monday night, a significant boost from past weeks. This episode followed Backlash, featured followup from Edge being injured, and was the first show since Paul Heyman's dismissal, so there were reasons for curious casual fans to watch.

"Young Rock" is set for NBC's fall mid-season. The series was ordered for 11 episodes. I'm curious what the show will be like.

WWE responded to allegations regarding their Saudi Arabian relationship. Frankly unless that person recounts that story under oath with cross-examination, I'm not covering it due to its less-than-credible nature.

ESPN covered the XFL's collapse in-depth.

Shotzi Blackheart spoke to Sports Illustrated before NXT. She's definitely getting a big opportunity tonight.

Drew McIntyre spoke to Sports Illustrated about ideal opponents. There's a good variety there. I hope he doesn't get heat for mentioning NJPW names.

Sasha Banks is on the latest "Fridge Tours."

Ric Flair spoke about The Undertaker's in-ring future. Of course Flair isn't one to thank about retirement!

Stardom will return June 21 with a lineup to be announced that day. Glad they're back. They need some good news right now.

Dynamite has added Anna Jay competing tonight.

Mike Chioda will be on "Talk Is Jericho" Friday.

John Skyler suffered multiple ligament tears on Dark. Sad to see that in what was surely a big match for him.

Impact has announced:
- Taya Valkyrie vs. Susie
- Willie Mack and The Deaners vs. Johnny Swinger, Chris Bey, and a partner to be announced
- Cancel Culture vs. Crazzy Steve and two partners to be announced. I wonder if his Menagerie pals are busy?

"Impact in 60" next week will cover Aces and Eights, including Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray for the TNA Championship.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Prichard's vision is absolutely more in line with Vince's than Heyman's is. Ultimately Heyman's changes weren't successful enough quickly enough for Vince's liking.

2. It's absolutely a Mulligan reference.

3. That would be a pretty difficult sell, I think. They'd need a lot of leverage to get something like that.

4. Unless there's a really enticing deal to be had with a corporate space, WWE's staying put in Connecticut. They've already got their roots there.

5. No. I don't see the cult aspect Dark Order has, and there aren't nearly as many members.

More wrestling tomorrow.

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