NXT has signed EVOLVE's Leon Ruff. More EVOLVE alumni will be announced as joining the brand soon. I'm curious who got picked up and what their futures look like.
WWNLive has removed EVOLVE and DGUSA content from their website, as WWE now owns those libraries.
- WWE is now preparing those libraries for WWE Network.
Rhaka Khan's trial has been pushed back to October 30.
Matt Riddle is on "After The Bell" this week.
Natalya spoke to Alicia Atout.
AEW's women's tag team tournament will have partners drawn on YouTube Monday. I like that idea to hype it.
The Jeff Jarrett-Anthem trial has been declared a mistrial after Anthem argued Jeff Jarrett's side prejudiced the jury by bringing up Anthem financials in closing arguments after being told by the court to save such information for the liabilities for the case. Jarrett's side also noted Ed Nordholm not being present at the proceedings, which was seen as further evidence for a mistrial as Nordholm was scheduled to be at Impact tapings when the trial was unexpectedly moved up a day. A new conference has been set for September 11 where Jarrett and Anthem will determine whether to begin the process toward a new trial.
- Before the mistrial was declared, the jury had ruled in Jarrett's favor on the majority of claims. However, that judgment will not stand as a result of the mistrial.
Sonya Deville attended GLAAD's virtual awards.
WWE is preparing to use PROGRESS and ICW content on WWE Network. It's unknown if this will be part of the considered third tier for the Network.
Dynamite drew 773,000 viewers this week, reversing last week's impressive gain.
NXT drew 707,000 viewers this week, partially reversing recent drops.
Cody and QT Marshall's Nightmare Factory is recruiting a camp of 25 talents to begin a three-month training class on September 21. The plan is to follow this with a second camp in January. I'm all for them developing future stars; AEW is really growing at a rapid pace and this continues that.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Nothing to add to 1 or 6.
2. Part of me thinks this is a temporary move that will end with Nyla destroying her. Either way, it's been enough time since her WWE tenure that she can reinvent herself.
3. At the time this was sent and answered, he was not signed.
4. It's also possible it's COVID related, but any answer is pure speculation.
5. If you can't watch both, choose the one that is most in line with what you're into and what you've seen from those parties in the past.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Wrestling content updates, Interviews with EY/Gargano/Miz/Gallows/Cody, WWE says goodbye to Kairi, Variety takes aim at WWE, NWA title defense set, more former WWE names debut in AEW, Dynamite+NXT matches, and Questions on more women in WWE, WWE faces taking issue with Seth, wasted world title reigns, and AEW competing with NXT
FS1 will air Summerslam 2019 August 11.
Eric Young spoke to Chris Van Vliet about leaving WWE. He covered similar ground as other people who didn't like their time there.
Triple H thanked Kairi Sane following her WWE departure. I really hope there are more joshis on the way; they add something unique to WWE.
- WWE did a farewell video to her. Very gracious exit.
Seeking Alpha previewed WWE's Q2 financial release.
Variety gave WWE heavy criticism before their Q2 financial release:
- TV revenue is much, much larger than any of their other pieces of business, which makes sense. They are primarily a TV business.
- Yes, FOX being in more homes than USA is a key factor.
- Ratings are definitely significantly down. The factors that have led to that have been obvious for years and are finally affecting the audience level in a prominent way.
- Wow they're pulling out a lot of Vince soundbites. He has shifted what he feels is at fault for lower ratings. Again, it's crystal clear there is a huge disconnect between the type of talent Vince has effectively spotlighted and the type of talent being signed by Triple H. Frankly I'm shocked Vince didn't change that department some time ago.
- THANK YOU!!!! Yes, storylines have really improved lately.
- To me the question is if the expenses in talent signings and development have been justified. How long does it take for a Cesaro to become a WWE star? Why are Finn Balor, Johnny Gargano, the Undisputed Era, Io Shirai, and others in "developmental" this many years later? What else could they possibly need to prepare them for Raw or Smackdown? What would justify keeping them on the lower-rated and less lucrative brand?
Johnny Gargano spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote NXT. It's a shame to hear he's so self-critical; he's an incredible person who works hard to deliver the best.
Big Show will cross over with Gabriel Iglesias on Netflix as part of his show.
The Miz spoke on Booker T.'s podcast.
"Talk N' Shop A-Mania" got a trailer. It does feel like the way to be successful in wrestling now is to something unique like this.
"The Bump" revealed their awards winners.
Doc Gallows is on the Wrestling Inc. podcast.
Cody spoke to ESPN before Dynamite:
- I'm really curious if having Dark on TV will dilute AEW.
- I'm all for showing a variety of names on the show, though it does feel like they have too many to showcase.
- I'd love to see talent from Impact, ROH, NWA, etc. pop up in AEW.
- I miss Death Triangle.
- Miro in AEW works on paper, though they already have some promising talents who have been pushed aside.
- I'd love to see more from Tessa.
- Very glad there's no heat with the Good Brothers.
NWA Women's Champion Thunder Rosa will defend that championship at a Texas independent show on September 18. NWA has really stalled due to COVID.
The former Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona) appeared on Dynamite this week, saving Cody from a beatdown from Dark Order. They're really on that fine line of having too many former WWE names. Frankly he's going to have to prove he belongs. I think he can do it, but we'll see.
The former Cameron (Ariane Andrews) has entered AEW's Deadly Draw women's tag team tournament. She'll be teaming with Nyla Rose. I hope they know what they're doing hiring her. Her WWE tenure is the exact opposite of what AEW fans want, but it's been long enough where she can reinvent herself.
Dynamite has announced:
- Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin for the AEW World Championship
- Cody and Matt Cardona vs. John Silver and Alex Reynolds
- Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Young Bucks, and FTR vs. Brodie Lee, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Five, and Ten. Heavy Dark Order presence on that episode.
- Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy having a debate
NXT has announced:
- Damian Priest vs. Oney Lorcan vs. Ridge Holland in a North American Championship contendership qualification match
- Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish for the Tag Team Championship
- Rhea Ripley vs. Dakota Kai for the number one contendership to the women's championship
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I really don't think there's time or space for that many additional titles. I think WWE is continuing to grow the number of women in the company, but there are still a lot of over men in the company they're not going to push aside just for greater representation. As we've seen, the changes in NXT take time to take hold on Raw and Smackdown because there are already a lot of spots filled there.
2. We've already seen a good number of people stand against him. Others are busy with other people and things. That doesn't mean they don't take issue with him as well.
3 isn't wrestling related.
4. As Dave knows, Russo won the title as a fluke and lost it briefly thereafter. I'd say any title reign done without a plan to focus on that champion was bad. Chris Sabin as TNA Champion comes to mind; he was champion for a month and completely overshadowed.
5. AEW is competing with all the wrestling shows. It's just that with NXT being the same time and being aimed at a similar audience, that's what most people will note. Of course you can also point out NXT being put on by a company with decades of live event experience and nearly a billion dollars in revenue. In that context, AEW winning head-to-head is very impressive.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Eric Young spoke to Chris Van Vliet about leaving WWE. He covered similar ground as other people who didn't like their time there.
Triple H thanked Kairi Sane following her WWE departure. I really hope there are more joshis on the way; they add something unique to WWE.
- WWE did a farewell video to her. Very gracious exit.
Seeking Alpha previewed WWE's Q2 financial release.
Variety gave WWE heavy criticism before their Q2 financial release:
- TV revenue is much, much larger than any of their other pieces of business, which makes sense. They are primarily a TV business.
- Yes, FOX being in more homes than USA is a key factor.
- Ratings are definitely significantly down. The factors that have led to that have been obvious for years and are finally affecting the audience level in a prominent way.
- Wow they're pulling out a lot of Vince soundbites. He has shifted what he feels is at fault for lower ratings. Again, it's crystal clear there is a huge disconnect between the type of talent Vince has effectively spotlighted and the type of talent being signed by Triple H. Frankly I'm shocked Vince didn't change that department some time ago.
- THANK YOU!!!! Yes, storylines have really improved lately.
- To me the question is if the expenses in talent signings and development have been justified. How long does it take for a Cesaro to become a WWE star? Why are Finn Balor, Johnny Gargano, the Undisputed Era, Io Shirai, and others in "developmental" this many years later? What else could they possibly need to prepare them for Raw or Smackdown? What would justify keeping them on the lower-rated and less lucrative brand?
Johnny Gargano spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote NXT. It's a shame to hear he's so self-critical; he's an incredible person who works hard to deliver the best.
Big Show will cross over with Gabriel Iglesias on Netflix as part of his show.
The Miz spoke on Booker T.'s podcast.
"Talk N' Shop A-Mania" got a trailer. It does feel like the way to be successful in wrestling now is to something unique like this.
"The Bump" revealed their awards winners.
Doc Gallows is on the Wrestling Inc. podcast.
Cody spoke to ESPN before Dynamite:
- I'm really curious if having Dark on TV will dilute AEW.
- I'm all for showing a variety of names on the show, though it does feel like they have too many to showcase.
- I'd love to see talent from Impact, ROH, NWA, etc. pop up in AEW.
- I miss Death Triangle.
- Miro in AEW works on paper, though they already have some promising talents who have been pushed aside.
- I'd love to see more from Tessa.
- Very glad there's no heat with the Good Brothers.
NWA Women's Champion Thunder Rosa will defend that championship at a Texas independent show on September 18. NWA has really stalled due to COVID.
The former Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona) appeared on Dynamite this week, saving Cody from a beatdown from Dark Order. They're really on that fine line of having too many former WWE names. Frankly he's going to have to prove he belongs. I think he can do it, but we'll see.
The former Cameron (Ariane Andrews) has entered AEW's Deadly Draw women's tag team tournament. She'll be teaming with Nyla Rose. I hope they know what they're doing hiring her. Her WWE tenure is the exact opposite of what AEW fans want, but it's been long enough where she can reinvent herself.
Dynamite has announced:
- Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin for the AEW World Championship
- Cody and Matt Cardona vs. John Silver and Alex Reynolds
- Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Young Bucks, and FTR vs. Brodie Lee, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Five, and Ten. Heavy Dark Order presence on that episode.
- Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy having a debate
NXT has announced:
- Damian Priest vs. Oney Lorcan vs. Ridge Holland in a North American Championship contendership qualification match
- Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish for the Tag Team Championship
- Rhea Ripley vs. Dakota Kai for the number one contendership to the women's championship
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I really don't think there's time or space for that many additional titles. I think WWE is continuing to grow the number of women in the company, but there are still a lot of over men in the company they're not going to push aside just for greater representation. As we've seen, the changes in NXT take time to take hold on Raw and Smackdown because there are already a lot of spots filled there.
2. We've already seen a good number of people stand against him. Others are busy with other people and things. That doesn't mean they don't take issue with him as well.
3 isn't wrestling related.
4. As Dave knows, Russo won the title as a fluke and lost it briefly thereafter. I'd say any title reign done without a plan to focus on that champion was bad. Chris Sabin as TNA Champion comes to mind; he was champion for a month and completely overshadowed.
5. AEW is competing with all the wrestling shows. It's just that with NXT being the same time and being aimed at a similar audience, that's what most people will note. Of course you can also point out NXT being put on by a company with decades of live event experience and nearly a billion dollars in revenue. In that context, AEW winning head-to-head is very impressive.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
NJPW announces new title, assorted wrestling content notes, NJPW names cleared to return, Z-Barr services update, ROH taping update, GLOW honored, Interviews with McIntyre/Warhorse, Raw audience, Nia angle update, Seth's scars, AEW surgery, NJPW U.S. series coming, TNT title design update, Impact preview, NJPW injury, and Questions on WM37's site, Eye For An Eye origins, BTE taking shots at the older audience, and Vince accepting blame
NJPW has announced a new championship. The first provisional KOPW Champion will be declared at Summer Struggle on August 29 in a fatal four way match consisting of winners of four stipulation matches on August 26. Those stipulations will be suggested by wrestlers and voted on by fans. The winner of the August 29 match will defend the championship in stipulation matches chosen by fans for the remainder of the year, and the winner of the final title match of the year will receive a trophy before a new champion is declared in 2021. As such, there is no belt for the provisional champion to wear. That's incredibly convoluted and frankly seems out of place in NJPW. I don't dislike the yearly trophy idea, but throwing in that many stipulation matches feels like overkill.
CZW will debut "Extreme Ultra Violence" and "Battle of the Sexes" compilation PPVs in August. These are from Stonecutter Media.
NJPW's Tomoaki Honma and Yota Tsuji have been cleared to return to the ring effective immediately after testing negative for COVID-19.
CZW's Z-Barr will be laid to rest Friday.
NXT announced Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong on Tuesday. I like that on paper; an interesting contrast in characters and styles.
MLW and WAVE.tv have announced a joint partnership for sales and distribution. More smart business!
Ric Flair is on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
ROH is looking to do empty arena tapings near their Maryland headquarters. Their momentum is dead; they might as well reboot the company at this point.
GLOW has been nominated for Emmys for:
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Betty Gilpin)
- Outstanding Production Design For A Half-Hour Narrative Program ("Up, Up, Up")
- Outstanding Sound Editing For A Half-Hour Comedy or Drama ("The Libertines")
NWA's Kat LeRoux has passed away. PWInsider.com covered her career.
Diamond Dallas Page discussed Triple H on The King of Kings' birthday. Nice story of professionalism.
Drew McIntyre spoke in Malaysia. Glad to see him get worldwide attention.
NJPW Summer Struggle has announced:
- EVIL vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships
- Hiromu Takahashi vs. Taiji Ishimori for the Junior Heavyweight Championship
Raw drew 1.62 million viewers Monday, slightly lower than last week. The third hour was the lowest in the show's history.
Nia Jax was kayfabe fined after Raw. I like that detail to sell attacking people who aren't wrestlers.
Seth Rollins showed the aftermath of Raw. OOOOUUUUCCCCCHHHHH.
Kris Statlander has undergone surgery to repair her torn ACL.
Original GLOW cast member Sally The Farmer's Daughter passed away. PWInsider.com remembered her career.
Snoop Dogg congratulated Sasha Banks on her Raw Women's Championship win. Or her successful defense?? Cool either way.
Stephanie McMahon is on the Fluid Fan podcast.
NJPW is beginning a regular U.S.-centric series. NJPW Strong will air on NJPW World in the current Lion's Break Collision timeslot and will be taped in an empty arena in California. That's a next solid step in their American expansion. I've got to point out how a Japanese company is running regular tapings when ROH isn't.
Warhorse promoted Dynamite with Sports Illustrated:
- It's good to see colorful characters getting a spotlight. WWE's younger talent needs to take note on that regard.
- I like the idea of an independent title.
- I'm intrigued with him from this piece.
The TNT Championship will be finalized August 12. I mean, we've kind of gotten used to how it looks now.
Sammy Guevara's vlog has returned.
Abadon has her first official AEW merchandise. Weird how they signed her and haven't really featured her.
Chris Jericho honored his father's hockey career on the LA Kings Legends Series.
Impact has announced:
- Eddie Edwards holding an open challenge for the Impact World Championship
- Chris Bey and Rohit Raju vs. TJP and Fallah Bahh
- Moose vs. Heath. If Heath wins, he gets an Impact contract.
Hiromu Takahashi has a shoulder injury and will miss this week's events. He is still set for Summer Struggle.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It's too early to even know where Survivor Series will be, much less WrestleMania.
2. I don't think that's it as much as the stipulation fitting Seth Rollins' character.
3. The whole show is tongue-in-cheek. I'm sure they're grateful for all their fans and are just having fun.
Nothing to add to 4.
5. Sticking with the wrestling part of this, I would imagine there are things Vince would retroactively accept blame for, but he doesn't like to look back.
More wrestling tomorrow.
CZW will debut "Extreme Ultra Violence" and "Battle of the Sexes" compilation PPVs in August. These are from Stonecutter Media.
NJPW's Tomoaki Honma and Yota Tsuji have been cleared to return to the ring effective immediately after testing negative for COVID-19.
CZW's Z-Barr will be laid to rest Friday.
NXT announced Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong on Tuesday. I like that on paper; an interesting contrast in characters and styles.
MLW and WAVE.tv have announced a joint partnership for sales and distribution. More smart business!
Ric Flair is on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
ROH is looking to do empty arena tapings near their Maryland headquarters. Their momentum is dead; they might as well reboot the company at this point.
GLOW has been nominated for Emmys for:
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Betty Gilpin)
- Outstanding Production Design For A Half-Hour Narrative Program ("Up, Up, Up")
- Outstanding Sound Editing For A Half-Hour Comedy or Drama ("The Libertines")
NWA's Kat LeRoux has passed away. PWInsider.com covered her career.
Diamond Dallas Page discussed Triple H on The King of Kings' birthday. Nice story of professionalism.
Drew McIntyre spoke in Malaysia. Glad to see him get worldwide attention.
NJPW Summer Struggle has announced:
- EVIL vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships
- Hiromu Takahashi vs. Taiji Ishimori for the Junior Heavyweight Championship
Raw drew 1.62 million viewers Monday, slightly lower than last week. The third hour was the lowest in the show's history.
Nia Jax was kayfabe fined after Raw. I like that detail to sell attacking people who aren't wrestlers.
Seth Rollins showed the aftermath of Raw. OOOOUUUUCCCCCHHHHH.
Kris Statlander has undergone surgery to repair her torn ACL.
Original GLOW cast member Sally The Farmer's Daughter passed away. PWInsider.com remembered her career.
Snoop Dogg congratulated Sasha Banks on her Raw Women's Championship win. Or her successful defense?? Cool either way.
Stephanie McMahon is on the Fluid Fan podcast.
NJPW is beginning a regular U.S.-centric series. NJPW Strong will air on NJPW World in the current Lion's Break Collision timeslot and will be taped in an empty arena in California. That's a next solid step in their American expansion. I've got to point out how a Japanese company is running regular tapings when ROH isn't.
Warhorse promoted Dynamite with Sports Illustrated:
- It's good to see colorful characters getting a spotlight. WWE's younger talent needs to take note on that regard.
- I like the idea of an independent title.
- I'm intrigued with him from this piece.
The TNT Championship will be finalized August 12. I mean, we've kind of gotten used to how it looks now.
Sammy Guevara's vlog has returned.
Abadon has her first official AEW merchandise. Weird how they signed her and haven't really featured her.
Chris Jericho honored his father's hockey career on the LA Kings Legends Series.
Impact has announced:
- Eddie Edwards holding an open challenge for the Impact World Championship
- Chris Bey and Rohit Raju vs. TJP and Fallah Bahh
- Moose vs. Heath. If Heath wins, he gets an Impact contract.
Hiromu Takahashi has a shoulder injury and will miss this week's events. He is still set for Summer Struggle.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It's too early to even know where Survivor Series will be, much less WrestleMania.
2. I don't think that's it as much as the stipulation fitting Seth Rollins' character.
3. The whole show is tongue-in-cheek. I'm sure they're grateful for all their fans and are just having fun.
Nothing to add to 4.
5. Sticking with the wrestling part of this, I would imagine there are things Vince would retroactively accept blame for, but he doesn't like to look back.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Japanese promotions combine, Interview with Brothers, assorted wrestling press, another Jericho book, McAfee followup, Dynamite segment, wrestling content updates, OVW streaming deal, Summerslam matches set, WWE hiring in Saudi Arabia, Kairi says goodbye, and Questions on light tubes in ECW, Guevara returning, WWE hiring Cornette, and talent choosing Impact over AEW
Japan's Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, Tokyo Joshi Pro, and GanPro are joining under the banner of CyberFight, named for their owning company CyberAgent. Each promotion will remain as a distinct "brand" in CyberFight, but this allows management costs to be streamlined.
- Pro Wrestling NOAH president Sanshiro Takagi will be the president of the new company when it officially launches September 1. NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji and DDT's Akito will be executive vice presidents.
-- This is a bold and ambitious approach for the groups. I hope it works in their favor.
The Good Brothers spoke to Chris Van Vliet about joining Impact and more.
Hulk Hogan paid tribute to Regis Philbin. Big respect to WWE doing a tribute to him. He was always very likable.
Chris Jericho is self-publishing a book on the 30th anniversary of his wrestling debut. Alex Marvez worked with him on the project looking back at every match of his career. Very ambitious. He's had a really big run.
Chris Jericho is featured in Kevin Smith's "Kilroy Was Here." What decade is it?
Adam Cole responded to his Pat McAfee radio show appearance. Honestly this feels like a desperate move to get buzz for NXT as it struggles against Dynamite.
- Triple H appeared on McAfee's show Monday, extending him an invite to NXT. McAfee is an obvious fit as a character, but I think this could backfire with the target audience. I don't see them being excited to see a non-wrestler working with one of their favorites.
Triple H trended on Twitter for his birthday. WWE Shop released Motorhead related items in celebration.
Dynamite has added MJF giving a state of the industry address. That sounds like a way for him to be "edgy" and "insider" by making reference to other companies. He's already running low on tricks.
MLW has signed a streaming deal with Digital Original Entertainment, with Fusion airing on DOE TV as part of Pluto TV beginning this fall. That is an incredibly generic company name. I'm not sure how much this builds MLW's reach, but hopefully it makes a difference for them.
Best of WWE this week will focus on Daniel Bryan.
"WWE The Day Of The Horror Show at Extreme Rules 2020" will air Sunday. That's an incredibly long title.
Impact released the opening to tonight's show on Monday.
The world's oldest living wrestler has turned 98.
OVW's TV series is coming to Amazon Prime around the globe. That's a big move for them!
Eva Marie is launching a wrestling talk series on her Facebook page.
A Maine promotion streaming during COVID-19 got press.
Summerslam has announced:
- Street Profits vs. Andrade and Angel Garza for the Raw Tag Team Championship
- Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship
WWE is hiring a Saudi Arabian executive assistant. I'm curious what the response to that job will be like.
Kairi Sane said farewell to WWE after Raw: Tweet 1 Tweet 2 I wish we would have gotten to see a lot more of her there.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. You would think the "hardcore" promotion would have used quite a few, but, no, not that I recall.
2. Guevara publicly and privately apologized, spent a month in counseling, and his pay went to a local women's charity. He did his best to make amends. Certainly he should be on probation, but he knows what he did was wrong and deserves a second chance.
3. I have generally stayed away from his comments, as I expect they follow the same formula by now. I strongly doubt Vince is interested in having Cornette work for him again, and Hell would probably freeze over before Cornette would take that job. It's not like he would change Vince's mind.
Nothing to add to 4.
5. It's a case-by-case thing. They got good offers to go to Impact and took them. There's nothing to say they won't go to AEW down the line if it makes business sense for both sides.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- Pro Wrestling NOAH president Sanshiro Takagi will be the president of the new company when it officially launches September 1. NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji and DDT's Akito will be executive vice presidents.
-- This is a bold and ambitious approach for the groups. I hope it works in their favor.
The Good Brothers spoke to Chris Van Vliet about joining Impact and more.
Hulk Hogan paid tribute to Regis Philbin. Big respect to WWE doing a tribute to him. He was always very likable.
Chris Jericho is self-publishing a book on the 30th anniversary of his wrestling debut. Alex Marvez worked with him on the project looking back at every match of his career. Very ambitious. He's had a really big run.
Chris Jericho is featured in Kevin Smith's "Kilroy Was Here." What decade is it?
Adam Cole responded to his Pat McAfee radio show appearance. Honestly this feels like a desperate move to get buzz for NXT as it struggles against Dynamite.
- Triple H appeared on McAfee's show Monday, extending him an invite to NXT. McAfee is an obvious fit as a character, but I think this could backfire with the target audience. I don't see them being excited to see a non-wrestler working with one of their favorites.
Triple H trended on Twitter for his birthday. WWE Shop released Motorhead related items in celebration.
Dynamite has added MJF giving a state of the industry address. That sounds like a way for him to be "edgy" and "insider" by making reference to other companies. He's already running low on tricks.
MLW has signed a streaming deal with Digital Original Entertainment, with Fusion airing on DOE TV as part of Pluto TV beginning this fall. That is an incredibly generic company name. I'm not sure how much this builds MLW's reach, but hopefully it makes a difference for them.
Best of WWE this week will focus on Daniel Bryan.
"WWE The Day Of The Horror Show at Extreme Rules 2020" will air Sunday. That's an incredibly long title.
Impact released the opening to tonight's show on Monday.
The world's oldest living wrestler has turned 98.
OVW's TV series is coming to Amazon Prime around the globe. That's a big move for them!
Eva Marie is launching a wrestling talk series on her Facebook page.
A Maine promotion streaming during COVID-19 got press.
Summerslam has announced:
- Street Profits vs. Andrade and Angel Garza for the Raw Tag Team Championship
- Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship
WWE is hiring a Saudi Arabian executive assistant. I'm curious what the response to that job will be like.
Kairi Sane said farewell to WWE after Raw: Tweet 1 Tweet 2 I wish we would have gotten to see a lot more of her there.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. You would think the "hardcore" promotion would have used quite a few, but, no, not that I recall.
2. Guevara publicly and privately apologized, spent a month in counseling, and his pay went to a local women's charity. He did his best to make amends. Certainly he should be on probation, but he knows what he did was wrong and deserves a second chance.
3. I have generally stayed away from his comments, as I expect they follow the same formula by now. I strongly doubt Vince is interested in having Cornette work for him again, and Hell would probably freeze over before Cornette would take that job. It's not like he would change Vince's mind.
Nothing to add to 4.
5. It's a case-by-case thing. They got good offers to go to Impact and took them. There's nothing to say they won't go to AEW down the line if it makes business sense for both sides.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, July 27, 2020
Teddy Hart court update, WWE star eyeing hosting gig, Knockouts branding discussed, Lio back in the ring, AEW action figure update, Raw match changed, Raw stars lose family member, vacant Japanese championship filled, Raw segment added, and Questions on Cody's open challenges, HoF inductions, WWE dropping below a million viewers, AEW beating WWE's audience, and the success of WWE's women's division
Teddy Hart's next court date is September 10. COVID-19 has caused judicial delays.
Xavier Woods expressed interest in being part of the G4 channel relaunch: Tweet 1 Tweet 2. He'd be a perfect fit!
Rosemary, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, and Alisha Edwards discussed the Knockouts branding. Glad their input was taken into account.
Lio Rush wrestled Joey Janela for Game Changer Wrestling, in what was billed as the final match between the two. This was Lio's first match since February.
AEW's third wave of action figures will feature PAC, Darby Allin, and Orange Cassidy.
Raw's Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler match is listed on WWE.com as being non-title. Very strange to change that, as it very much felt like a title match in the build.
Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo's grandmother passed away in Mexico. I wish that family the best.
Guilia won Stardom's Wonder of Stardom championship, which was vacated by the retiring Arisa Hoshiki.
Raw has added Dominik Mysterio confronting Seth Rollins.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I have really enjoyed them. It's too soon for him to lose the championship. There needs to be a reason for it. Maybe at All Out?
2. At one point the plan was Summerslam weekend, but that seems unlikely now. It's possible Survivor Series weekend in an option. If it doesn't happen then, I expect they'll just become the Class of 2021.
3. At the rate things are doing, it's definitely possible. Crazy, right?
4. Vince would really look bad if Dynamite beat Raw. At least NXT is "his" product.
5. It has a combination of wrestlers who were all well built in NXT and are now reaching their potential on Raw and Smackdown. It's the culmination of years of work from the wrestlers, producers, and bookers.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Xavier Woods expressed interest in being part of the G4 channel relaunch: Tweet 1 Tweet 2. He'd be a perfect fit!
Rosemary, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, and Alisha Edwards discussed the Knockouts branding. Glad their input was taken into account.
Lio Rush wrestled Joey Janela for Game Changer Wrestling, in what was billed as the final match between the two. This was Lio's first match since February.
AEW's third wave of action figures will feature PAC, Darby Allin, and Orange Cassidy.
Raw's Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler match is listed on WWE.com as being non-title. Very strange to change that, as it very much felt like a title match in the build.
Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo's grandmother passed away in Mexico. I wish that family the best.
Guilia won Stardom's Wonder of Stardom championship, which was vacated by the retiring Arisa Hoshiki.
Raw has added Dominik Mysterio confronting Seth Rollins.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I have really enjoyed them. It's too soon for him to lose the championship. There needs to be a reason for it. Maybe at All Out?
2. At one point the plan was Summerslam weekend, but that seems unlikely now. It's possible Survivor Series weekend in an option. If it doesn't happen then, I expect they'll just become the Class of 2021.
3. At the rate things are doing, it's definitely possible. Crazy, right?
4. Vince would really look bad if Dynamite beat Raw. At least NXT is "his" product.
5. It has a combination of wrestlers who were all well built in NXT and are now reaching their potential on Raw and Smackdown. It's the culmination of years of work from the wrestlers, producers, and bookers.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Australian promotion changes owners, assorted wrestling press, Raw match added, new WWE exec hire, NJPW names held off events, Interviews with Finn/Imperium, Smackdown audience, WWE celebrity passes, Rhodes Academy update, Vickie discusses AEW signing, and Questions on Lio's future and Network additions
Australia's Melbourne City Wrestling has been sold to the owners of the MCW Academy. The previous owner will continue to work in production and possibly creative.
A lucha TV series has been picked up by the Alcon Television Group.
MLW's Calvin Tankman was profiled. H O S S
Wrestling was discussed in The Guardian.
Andy Kaufman's wrestling career was covered on Mental Floss.
Raw has added a tag team number one contendership match with Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs. the Viking Raiders vs. Andrade and Angel Garza.
WWE has named a new general manager for Latin America. She has extensive experience in the media world.
NJPW's Tomoaki Honma and Yota Tsuji were pulled from events due to appearing in an unrelated project with someone who had contracted COVID-19.
Finn Balor spoke to Irish Mirror about dream opponents. I'd much rather WWE make Finn vs. Sheamus compelling on Raw or Smackdown than feature it on a brand with much lower visibility.
Imperium's Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel are on the Swerve City Podcast. Their tag title reign has been uninspiring, which is a shame given how talented they are.
Smackdown drew 1.97 million viewers this week. It looks like they got a decent boost for the Bar Fight.
Regis Philbin, who featured many wrestlers on his shows over the years, passed away at 88. PWInsider.com covered his history with wrestling. He absolutely should go into the WWE Hall of Fame celebrity wing.
- WWE issued a statement on his passing.
Rhodes Wrestling Academy is set to launch in January in Texas.
Vickie Guerrero discussed signing with AEW on her most recent podcast.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He's said that he's moving on from the business, selling his gear, etc., so it appears he's done for the time being. I could absolutely see him returning down the line, but right now he's focusing on other things.
2. That's a good question actually. It could be they don't think there's a lot of interest or it's otherwise not a big priority.
Nothing to add to 3.
4. Bret screwing Bret again! Ultimately it's up to WWE to determine if they value that footage enough to pay Bret's price.
5. What WWE puts up will depend on the effort they need to get it ready for the Network and how much demand there is for it. If the recent ECW supercards get good viewership numbers, WWE is more likely to show similar content.
6 is a repeat if I'm not mistaken.
A lucha TV series has been picked up by the Alcon Television Group.
MLW's Calvin Tankman was profiled. H O S S
Wrestling was discussed in The Guardian.
Andy Kaufman's wrestling career was covered on Mental Floss.
Raw has added a tag team number one contendership match with Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs. the Viking Raiders vs. Andrade and Angel Garza.
WWE has named a new general manager for Latin America. She has extensive experience in the media world.
NJPW's Tomoaki Honma and Yota Tsuji were pulled from events due to appearing in an unrelated project with someone who had contracted COVID-19.
Finn Balor spoke to Irish Mirror about dream opponents. I'd much rather WWE make Finn vs. Sheamus compelling on Raw or Smackdown than feature it on a brand with much lower visibility.
Imperium's Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel are on the Swerve City Podcast. Their tag title reign has been uninspiring, which is a shame given how talented they are.
Smackdown drew 1.97 million viewers this week. It looks like they got a decent boost for the Bar Fight.
Regis Philbin, who featured many wrestlers on his shows over the years, passed away at 88. PWInsider.com covered his history with wrestling. He absolutely should go into the WWE Hall of Fame celebrity wing.
- WWE issued a statement on his passing.
Rhodes Wrestling Academy is set to launch in January in Texas.
Vickie Guerrero discussed signing with AEW on her most recent podcast.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He's said that he's moving on from the business, selling his gear, etc., so it appears he's done for the time being. I could absolutely see him returning down the line, but right now he's focusing on other things.
2. That's a good question actually. It could be they don't think there's a lot of interest or it's otherwise not a big priority.
Nothing to add to 3.
4. Bret screwing Bret again! Ultimately it's up to WWE to determine if they value that footage enough to pay Bret's price.
5. What WWE puts up will depend on the effort they need to get it ready for the Network and how much demand there is for it. If the recent ECW supercards get good viewership numbers, WWE is more likely to show similar content.
6 is a repeat if I'm not mistaken.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Dark lineup, Apollo update, international wrestling updates, WOW revival in the works, wrestling content updates, MLW return update, another MLW TV deal, more on AEW women's cup, WWE PPV match plans, more on AEW on Italian TV, WWE looking to reboot old faction, Interviews with Berk/Drake/Riott/Cesaro, TNT Title match set, NXT UK trademark, Smackdown preview, and Questions on Sunny staying in the WWE HoF, and Backlund's brief title reign
Dark has announced:
- Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian vs. Santana and Ortiz vs. Private Party
- FTR vs. Brandon Cutler and Peter Avalon
- Best Friends vs. Alex Reynolds and John Silver
- Evil Uno and Stu Grayson vs. Shawn Dean and Will Hobbs
- Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss vs. Pineapple Pete and Michael Nakazawa
- Sammy Guevara vs. Fuego Del Sol
- Wardlow vs. Aaron Solow
- Penelope Ford vs. Kenzie Paige
- Scorpio Sky vs. Corey Hollis
- Abadon vs. Skyler Moore
- Lance Archer vs. Frankie Thomas
- Orange Cassidy vs. Serpentico
-- AEW is really putting a LOT of matches on these YouTube shows.
Apollo Crews' absence is due to COVID.
CMLL has asked for permission to begin empty arena events.
AAA is looking at doing drive-in wrestling shows at Six Flags in Mexico. That's certainly a unique idea.
Stardom's Cinderella tournament is set for August 22 and August 23.
Stardom has vacated their Goddess of Stardom tag title because Bea Priestley and Jamie Hayter can't travel from the UK.
WOW is looking to hold TV tapings in the fall for an as-yet-unidentified channel. I'm curious what things will look like for them post-AXS.
"Dark Side of the Ring"'s first season is now on Hulu.
MLW is looking to return to events in December.
MLW has a new TV deal with Nigeria.
AEW intends to do a women's tag team cup each year if this one goes well. Not an awful idea.
WrestleMania is set to feature Edge vs. Randy Orton in an "I Quit" match, which was originally scheduled for Summerslam. That would definitely be big.
Summerslam is set to feature Randy Orton challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Drew's going to have an uphill battle there.
WWE lost its Italian TV deal due to the asking price and decline in viewership. The channel kept airing old PPVs for a time like FS1, but has now dropped WWE in favor of AEW. WWE is clearly seeing some effects from interest in the product dropping.
WWE is considering a Nation of Domination reboot, which is why Ron Simmons was on Raw. Mark Henry was also in attendance. I'm curious if that would tie into MVP's faction in any way. It seems like a random idea otherwise. I don't expect Simmons or Henry to wrestle, but we'll see if it helps any current wrestlers.
CZW's Nick Berk spoke to Bill Apter about Z-Barr's passing.
Drake Maverick spoke to Metro about his comedy segments.
Ruby Riott is on the latest Swerve City podcast.
Cody vs. Warhorse for the TNT Championship has been added to Dynamite. Apparently there's been demand for this match and AEW is making it happen. I'm not familiar with him, but good to see AEW listening to fans' interest.
WWE has trademarked "NXT UK Heritage Cup." I assume that's something they're planning when they can run events again. It's not a bad idea to do an event like that to restart the paused project.
Cesaro spoke to Newsweek before Smackdown aired. It definitely seems like he does better in a team.
The next ROHStrong podcast will feature their director of operations, Gary Juster.
San Diego Comic Con had a panel on wrestling and comic books.
Smackdown has announced:
- Bayley vs. Nikki Cross for the Smackdown Women's Championship
- AJ Styles vs. Gran Metalik for the Intercontinental Championship
- Naomi vs. Lacey Evans
- Otis and Mandy Rose return
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think it would take something more egregious and heavily publicized for her to be removed. As it is now, WWE isn't giving her any publicity or acknowledgement, but also isn't removing her.
Nothing to add to 2, 3, or 4.
5. It's clear they wanted to do more with Diesel and otherwise move in a new direction.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian vs. Santana and Ortiz vs. Private Party
- FTR vs. Brandon Cutler and Peter Avalon
- Best Friends vs. Alex Reynolds and John Silver
- Evil Uno and Stu Grayson vs. Shawn Dean and Will Hobbs
- Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss vs. Pineapple Pete and Michael Nakazawa
- Sammy Guevara vs. Fuego Del Sol
- Wardlow vs. Aaron Solow
- Penelope Ford vs. Kenzie Paige
- Scorpio Sky vs. Corey Hollis
- Abadon vs. Skyler Moore
- Lance Archer vs. Frankie Thomas
- Orange Cassidy vs. Serpentico
-- AEW is really putting a LOT of matches on these YouTube shows.
Apollo Crews' absence is due to COVID.
CMLL has asked for permission to begin empty arena events.
AAA is looking at doing drive-in wrestling shows at Six Flags in Mexico. That's certainly a unique idea.
Stardom's Cinderella tournament is set for August 22 and August 23.
Stardom has vacated their Goddess of Stardom tag title because Bea Priestley and Jamie Hayter can't travel from the UK.
WOW is looking to hold TV tapings in the fall for an as-yet-unidentified channel. I'm curious what things will look like for them post-AXS.
"Dark Side of the Ring"'s first season is now on Hulu.
MLW is looking to return to events in December.
MLW has a new TV deal with Nigeria.
AEW intends to do a women's tag team cup each year if this one goes well. Not an awful idea.
WrestleMania is set to feature Edge vs. Randy Orton in an "I Quit" match, which was originally scheduled for Summerslam. That would definitely be big.
Summerslam is set to feature Randy Orton challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Drew's going to have an uphill battle there.
WWE lost its Italian TV deal due to the asking price and decline in viewership. The channel kept airing old PPVs for a time like FS1, but has now dropped WWE in favor of AEW. WWE is clearly seeing some effects from interest in the product dropping.
WWE is considering a Nation of Domination reboot, which is why Ron Simmons was on Raw. Mark Henry was also in attendance. I'm curious if that would tie into MVP's faction in any way. It seems like a random idea otherwise. I don't expect Simmons or Henry to wrestle, but we'll see if it helps any current wrestlers.
CZW's Nick Berk spoke to Bill Apter about Z-Barr's passing.
Drake Maverick spoke to Metro about his comedy segments.
Ruby Riott is on the latest Swerve City podcast.
Cody vs. Warhorse for the TNT Championship has been added to Dynamite. Apparently there's been demand for this match and AEW is making it happen. I'm not familiar with him, but good to see AEW listening to fans' interest.
WWE has trademarked "NXT UK Heritage Cup." I assume that's something they're planning when they can run events again. It's not a bad idea to do an event like that to restart the paused project.
Cesaro spoke to Newsweek before Smackdown aired. It definitely seems like he does better in a team.
The next ROHStrong podcast will feature their director of operations, Gary Juster.
San Diego Comic Con had a panel on wrestling and comic books.
Smackdown has announced:
- Bayley vs. Nikki Cross for the Smackdown Women's Championship
- AJ Styles vs. Gran Metalik for the Intercontinental Championship
- Naomi vs. Lacey Evans
- Otis and Mandy Rose return
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think it would take something more egregious and heavily publicized for her to be removed. As it is now, WWE isn't giving her any publicity or acknowledgement, but also isn't removing her.
Nothing to add to 2, 3, or 4.
5. It's clear they wanted to do more with Diesel and otherwise move in a new direction.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Main Event and 205 Live Reax - 7/25/20
Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Main Event and 205 Live.
Friday Night Smackdown Reax - 7/25/20
Read on for my thoughts on last night's Friday Night Smackdown.
Friday, July 24, 2020
OVW TV features guests, WWE stock note, wrestling content updates, Impact content on Verizon, Khan responds to Guevara return, MLW locks in top name, Adam Cole confronts radio host, WWE action figure notes, Summerslam officially moved, Dynamite+NXT audiences, and Questions on ECW Ultimate Jeopardy, Total Divas returning, WWE-Quibi, and HBK supporting nWo
OVW had an Al Snow birthday bash episode this week. Jim Ross, Tommy Dreamer, Shane Helms, EC3, Drake Maverick, Madison Rayne were among those who appeared. Very cool!
WWE had several executives with stock shares maturing this week.
Big Swole is on AEW Unrestricted this week.
ROH TV focuses on Jonathan Gresham this week.
ROH has released a Best of 2019 box set.
Pluto TV, which has an Impact Wrestling channel, has debuted on Verizon.
"Impact in 60" will focus on Chris Sabin on August 4.
Tony Khan commented on Sammy Guevara's return during a Sports Illustrated interview. Sammy has been remorseful and committed to change.
MLW Champion Jacob Fatu has signed through 2025. This deal specifically prevents him from working for AEW. That's a really big investment from both parties. I hope it pays off.
Adam Cole had a confrontation with Pat McAfee on McAfee's radio show, with Cole cursing at McAfee and leaving. McAfee responded on Twitter: Tweet 1 Tweet 2 I guess this is a way to keep Cole in the spotlight after his loss to Lee. It's very interesting we haven't seen him on NXT TV. Hopefully that means he's headed to Raw or Smackdown after Summerslam.
WWE and Mattel released their virtual SDCC panel.
- Reveals included Firefly Fun House Bray Wyatt with Mercy The Buzzard, Ramblin' Rabbit, Abby The Witch, and Mr. McBossMan puppets, a Mr. T and Roddy Piper 2-pack set, Kushida, Angel Garza, British Bulldog with Matilda, and The Fiend with his custom championship,
Braun Strowman and Lacey Evans took part in a MLB opening day singing of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." I guess this was recorded before he was submerged in the swamp?
Summerslam has officially been moved from Massachusetts. WWE is considering options for having the show outside the WWE Performance Center. That would be a great event to have a crowd for if they're able to do so safely.
Dynamite drew 845,000 viewers this week, a very strong number for them during the pandemic. That's some significant growth the last two weeks.
NXT drew 615,000 viewers this week, close to what they did last week. They've seen a significant change from two weeks ago as well, but not in a positive direction.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. That's some very complicated booking.
Nothing to add to 2.
3. I'm inferring it was put on hold due to the pandemic and/or WWE Network being in a state of flux.
4. I wouldn't expect the series on WWE Network any time soon. Quibi surely wanted it on their platform for a set period of time.
5. Shawn Michaels was obviously pretty close to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, so it was probably just a nod to that.
More wrestling tomorrow.
WWE had several executives with stock shares maturing this week.
Big Swole is on AEW Unrestricted this week.
ROH TV focuses on Jonathan Gresham this week.
ROH has released a Best of 2019 box set.
Pluto TV, which has an Impact Wrestling channel, has debuted on Verizon.
"Impact in 60" will focus on Chris Sabin on August 4.
Tony Khan commented on Sammy Guevara's return during a Sports Illustrated interview. Sammy has been remorseful and committed to change.
MLW Champion Jacob Fatu has signed through 2025. This deal specifically prevents him from working for AEW. That's a really big investment from both parties. I hope it pays off.
Adam Cole had a confrontation with Pat McAfee on McAfee's radio show, with Cole cursing at McAfee and leaving. McAfee responded on Twitter: Tweet 1 Tweet 2 I guess this is a way to keep Cole in the spotlight after his loss to Lee. It's very interesting we haven't seen him on NXT TV. Hopefully that means he's headed to Raw or Smackdown after Summerslam.
WWE and Mattel released their virtual SDCC panel.
- Reveals included Firefly Fun House Bray Wyatt with Mercy The Buzzard, Ramblin' Rabbit, Abby The Witch, and Mr. McBossMan puppets, a Mr. T and Roddy Piper 2-pack set, Kushida, Angel Garza, British Bulldog with Matilda, and The Fiend with his custom championship,
Braun Strowman and Lacey Evans took part in a MLB opening day singing of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." I guess this was recorded before he was submerged in the swamp?
Summerslam has officially been moved from Massachusetts. WWE is considering options for having the show outside the WWE Performance Center. That would be a great event to have a crowd for if they're able to do so safely.
Dynamite drew 845,000 viewers this week, a very strong number for them during the pandemic. That's some significant growth the last two weeks.
NXT drew 615,000 viewers this week, close to what they did last week. They've seen a significant change from two weeks ago as well, but not in a positive direction.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. That's some very complicated booking.
Nothing to add to 2.
3. I'm inferring it was put on hold due to the pandemic and/or WWE Network being in a state of flux.
4. I wouldn't expect the series on WWE Network any time soon. Quibi surely wanted it on their platform for a set period of time.
5. Shawn Michaels was obviously pretty close to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, so it was probably just a nod to that.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Wrestling content updates, new merchandise, Jericho cruise postponed, Cassidy spotlighted, Interviews with Lita/Hassan/FTR/Cody/Bennett, Takeover announced, NXT to declare new champion, AEW women's tournament, Dynamite+NXT matches set, AEW name returns, and Questions on Vince-Jericho heat, Jericho putting himself over, and Pillman-AEW
FS1 will air Summerslam 1992 on August 4, resuming Tuesday night content at least temporarily.
Becky Lynch is on the Bella Twins' latest podcast.
New Day has created a shirt to benefit the NAACP legal defense fund.
Chris Jericho has postponed his next cruise until October 21-25, 2021.
Orange Cassidy was originally going to drive an orange juice truck at Dynamite to recreate the Stone Cold beer truck angle, but the venue wouldn't allow it. That might have been a bit over the top and obviously derivative, but I appreciate the level of thought they put into Cassidy getting his heat back.
ESPN covered Orange Cassidy's rise:
- I think his work has been really clever.
- Amazing that he's been doing the gimmick that long. I bet a lot of people did pan it.
- I'm impressed with AEW banking on talents who don't fit the traditional mold. It doesn't always work, but they've been bold in separating themselves from other companies with their level of exposure.
- I love that he's doing something different. There are plenty of people doing superkicks, dives, and flips at 100 miles an hour, to the point a lot of them don't stand out.
AEW has limited edition Street Fighter shirts. That's amazing!
Lita is on "After The Bell" this week. I apologize for forwarding incorrect reports that the podcast was off this week.
Muhammad Hassan spoke to Chris Van Vliet. Absolutely amazing stories of his times.
FTR spoke to Alicia Atout.
Sonny Kiss is on the latest Talk is Jericho.
John Cena's animated series "Dallas & Robo" has been picked up by SyFy, debuting August 8.
WWE recently trademarked "The Man" and "Intercontinental Championship."
Naomi and Sasha Banks responded to Booker T.'s negative reaction to the #NaomiDeservesBetter Twitter trend. Booker's take was pretty bizarre.
Eric Young discussed leaving WWE on Busted Open radio.
AEW is coming to Sky Sports Italy. Further details are not known at this time.
Cody spoke to Sports Illustrated before Dynamite. Good to see him put Rey over despite Mysterio working for WWE.
Stu Bennett spoke to Chris Van Vliet about NWA and more.
Takeover XXX has been announced for August 22, the day before Summerslam.
Keith Lee has relinquished the North American Championship. A new champion will be declared at Takeover XXX in a ladder match featuring winners of triple threat matches airing on NXT. That's a very gimmicky way to declare a new champion, but we should get good matches from it.
AEW has announced a Women's Tag Team Cup, which will feature eight tag teams. That certainly gives them a way to feature a lot of women's matches, likely including new and not-often-seen faces. We'll see how it goes.
NXT has announced Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher vs. Dexter Lumis in a North American Championship qualifying match. That's very random.
Sammy Guevara returned on Dynamite, rejoining The Inner Circle. I hope things have been settled.
Dynamite has announced:
- Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Ortiz, and Santana vs. Orange Cassidy, Best Friends, Luchasaurus, and Jungle Boy
- Jon Moxley and Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage and Ricky Starks in a tornado match
- Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson for the tag team championship
- Cody defending the TNT Championship in an open challenge
- Hikaru Shida vs. Diamante for the women's championship
-- Notice AEW has things a lot more planned out and doesn't feel like they're throwing matches together with no build.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I doubt Vince cares that much about what someone who doesn't work for him thinks about his business decisions. I also doubt Vince and Jericho are on great terms right now, but I would be surprised if we never saw Jericho on WWE TV again as he's got a lot of history there and is more than qualified for the Hall of Fame.
2. Not at all. Jericho has been more miss than hit in AEW and it's evident he can basically call the shots and amuse himself whether it benefits the company or not.
Nothing to add to 3.
4. I'm not sure what's going on there, but that's certainly an interesting way to use someone as touted as Pillman is.
5. It probably shouldn't have even been a one week thing, but Jericho has enough enablers to pop himself week after week.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Becky Lynch is on the Bella Twins' latest podcast.
New Day has created a shirt to benefit the NAACP legal defense fund.
Chris Jericho has postponed his next cruise until October 21-25, 2021.
Orange Cassidy was originally going to drive an orange juice truck at Dynamite to recreate the Stone Cold beer truck angle, but the venue wouldn't allow it. That might have been a bit over the top and obviously derivative, but I appreciate the level of thought they put into Cassidy getting his heat back.
ESPN covered Orange Cassidy's rise:
- I think his work has been really clever.
- Amazing that he's been doing the gimmick that long. I bet a lot of people did pan it.
- I'm impressed with AEW banking on talents who don't fit the traditional mold. It doesn't always work, but they've been bold in separating themselves from other companies with their level of exposure.
- I love that he's doing something different. There are plenty of people doing superkicks, dives, and flips at 100 miles an hour, to the point a lot of them don't stand out.
AEW has limited edition Street Fighter shirts. That's amazing!
Lita is on "After The Bell" this week. I apologize for forwarding incorrect reports that the podcast was off this week.
Muhammad Hassan spoke to Chris Van Vliet. Absolutely amazing stories of his times.
FTR spoke to Alicia Atout.
Sonny Kiss is on the latest Talk is Jericho.
John Cena's animated series "Dallas & Robo" has been picked up by SyFy, debuting August 8.
WWE recently trademarked "The Man" and "Intercontinental Championship."
Naomi and Sasha Banks responded to Booker T.'s negative reaction to the #NaomiDeservesBetter Twitter trend. Booker's take was pretty bizarre.
Eric Young discussed leaving WWE on Busted Open radio.
AEW is coming to Sky Sports Italy. Further details are not known at this time.
Cody spoke to Sports Illustrated before Dynamite. Good to see him put Rey over despite Mysterio working for WWE.
Stu Bennett spoke to Chris Van Vliet about NWA and more.
Takeover XXX has been announced for August 22, the day before Summerslam.
Keith Lee has relinquished the North American Championship. A new champion will be declared at Takeover XXX in a ladder match featuring winners of triple threat matches airing on NXT. That's a very gimmicky way to declare a new champion, but we should get good matches from it.
AEW has announced a Women's Tag Team Cup, which will feature eight tag teams. That certainly gives them a way to feature a lot of women's matches, likely including new and not-often-seen faces. We'll see how it goes.
NXT has announced Finn Balor vs. Timothy Thatcher vs. Dexter Lumis in a North American Championship qualifying match. That's very random.
Sammy Guevara returned on Dynamite, rejoining The Inner Circle. I hope things have been settled.
Dynamite has announced:
- Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Ortiz, and Santana vs. Orange Cassidy, Best Friends, Luchasaurus, and Jungle Boy
- Jon Moxley and Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage and Ricky Starks in a tornado match
- Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson for the tag team championship
- Cody defending the TNT Championship in an open challenge
- Hikaru Shida vs. Diamante for the women's championship
-- Notice AEW has things a lot more planned out and doesn't feel like they're throwing matches together with no build.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I doubt Vince cares that much about what someone who doesn't work for him thinks about his business decisions. I also doubt Vince and Jericho are on great terms right now, but I would be surprised if we never saw Jericho on WWE TV again as he's got a lot of history there and is more than qualified for the Hall of Fame.
2. Not at all. Jericho has been more miss than hit in AEW and it's evident he can basically call the shots and amuse himself whether it benefits the company or not.
Nothing to add to 3.
4. I'm not sure what's going on there, but that's certainly an interesting way to use someone as touted as Pillman is.
5. It probably shouldn't have even been a one week thing, but Jericho has enough enablers to pop himself week after week.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Wrestling content and merchandise updates, ROH storyline updates, Interviews with Show/McIntyre/Stephanie/Cody, OVW taping set, Slammiversary a social success, CZW alum passes, TNT teaser, Raw audience, WWE-FS1 audience, MVP stable name, Impact preview, Fulton update, another former WWE name in Impact, and Questions on FOX letting WWE take a break, moments needing a crowd, WWE taping outside the US, and WWE keeping talent locked down during COVID
WWE's "Rumble" will have an official novelization, as well as a book called "World of World Monster Wrestling." Both are coming December 22.
WWE is releasing a Finn Balor/Miz double DVD set on August 4. Interesting combo!
WWE's Best Main Events of the Decade 2010-2020 DVD is coming out August 11.
Brody King has split from Villian Enterprises in ROH, presumably going solo. He faces Bateman on a future episode of ROH TV. He's a talented guy, so maybe he can get something going.
Dalton Castle and Joe Hendry have split as a tag team. It looks like creative is shuffling the deck before the next tapings.
Big Show had a number of interviews before Raw:
-- The Wrap:
- Honestly Big Show as someone's enforcer will almost inevitably overshadow his smaller protege. The attention is going to be on Show and the expectation of him wrestling, including him potentially feuding with the person hiring him.
-- Newsweek:
- It really is telling how long Show has been part of wrestling. I can't help but wonder what current WWE names will be around in 20 years.
- Wow. Sounds like he's really had serious hip problems.
- Good words about continuing to chase goals.
-- Sports Illustrated:
- I like the selling of Orton as a centerpiece of WWE.
- I have enjoyed the promos that play off real and believable history between talents.
WWE has new bobbleheads from FOCO. I love that Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have a shared bobblehead.
Mustafa Ali has a new shirt to coincide with his return. I guess WWE figured they needed to go ahead and sell those, so they put him back on TV. I'm skeptical regarding a push unless a lot of Ali merchandise is sold.
OVW will tape in Indiana on July 28, in front of a socially distanced and masked crowd. Their last taping was March 10. Good to see those wrestlers will continue to be able to get work in the pandemic.
Impact has released new merchandise for The Good Brothers, Motor City Machine Guns, and Eric Young.
The Good Brothers are presenting an iPPV on August 1 based on their podcast. They're making a brand for themselves again. Good to see.
Drew McIntyre spoke to ET Canada.
WWE is having featured content in World of Tanks as promotion for Summerslam.
Slammiversary broke Impact social media records. They absolutely gave it a lot of hype.
CZW alum Z-Barr has passed away. PWInsider remembered his career.
Tony Khan teased the TNT Championship open challenge will feature a top independent wrestler this week. I like the showcase of talents we don't see in other situations, though things have started to feel samey in Cody's matches.
Raw drew 1.63 million viewers this week, growing a marginal amount for the unsanctioned match and Extreme Rules fallout. WWE TV is in trouble ratings-wise and I continue to think taking some time off during COVID-19 might be their best bet.
FS1 will air WWE content on Tuesdays in future weeks after a baseball game replaced the usual content this week.
Stephanie McMahon spoke to Ad Age about WWE continuing to run during COVID-19.
Jon Moxley promoted Dynamite on ESPN Radio's Dan Le Batard show.
MVP's stable is called The Hurt Business. Not a bad name. I'm interested to see what's next for them.
Impact has announced:
- Eddie Edwards vs. Trey for the world championship
- Good Brothers vs. Reno SCUM
- WRESTLEHOUSE debuting
Bobby Fulton's internal bleeding is related to his previous bout with throat cancer. Very tough times for him.
The former Curt Hawkins appeared on Impact in a promo video. Naturally people will ask if his partner is joining him. We'll see. I hope he does well there with or without Ryder.
Cody promoted Dynamite with PWInsider.com:
- The TNT Title has been something unique in the televised wrestling landscape of 2020. I like that.
- AEW has really been a combination of distinct visions that are alternate from what WWE does, to the company's benefit.
- They're really crafting their vision. Each step is planned out.
- AEW is definitely opening themselves to criticism from a decent sized part of the wrestling audience that doesn't want them to put a big focus on diversity and the like.
- I'm very curious if AEW will settle into one identity or if things will look very different in three years' time. The criticism of WWE has been that they've done the same style for decades.
- AEW really put together a strong team for merchandise.
- Cody really has a challenge growing beyond being Dusty's son.
- I hope Cody has a long, fulfilling career.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I'm under the impression FOX is completely understanding about the challenges of making new content at this time.
2 is not a wrestling question, so I will abstain from answering it.
3. Honestly yes any meaningful moment would have been better in front of a large audience, though I think something like Eye For An Eye would have been buried by a crowd.
4. That would be a tough sell to move so many people somewhere else for a long period of time, and likely pretty expensive. I don't see it as an option right now.
5. First off WWE insists they're independent contractors! And I don't see that being a popular option for talent when they can continue to make their downside guarantee by staying at home.
More wrestling tomorrow.
WWE is releasing a Finn Balor/Miz double DVD set on August 4. Interesting combo!
WWE's Best Main Events of the Decade 2010-2020 DVD is coming out August 11.
Brody King has split from Villian Enterprises in ROH, presumably going solo. He faces Bateman on a future episode of ROH TV. He's a talented guy, so maybe he can get something going.
Dalton Castle and Joe Hendry have split as a tag team. It looks like creative is shuffling the deck before the next tapings.
Big Show had a number of interviews before Raw:
-- The Wrap:
- Honestly Big Show as someone's enforcer will almost inevitably overshadow his smaller protege. The attention is going to be on Show and the expectation of him wrestling, including him potentially feuding with the person hiring him.
-- Newsweek:
- It really is telling how long Show has been part of wrestling. I can't help but wonder what current WWE names will be around in 20 years.
- Wow. Sounds like he's really had serious hip problems.
- Good words about continuing to chase goals.
-- Sports Illustrated:
- I like the selling of Orton as a centerpiece of WWE.
- I have enjoyed the promos that play off real and believable history between talents.
WWE has new bobbleheads from FOCO. I love that Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have a shared bobblehead.
Mustafa Ali has a new shirt to coincide with his return. I guess WWE figured they needed to go ahead and sell those, so they put him back on TV. I'm skeptical regarding a push unless a lot of Ali merchandise is sold.
OVW will tape in Indiana on July 28, in front of a socially distanced and masked crowd. Their last taping was March 10. Good to see those wrestlers will continue to be able to get work in the pandemic.
Impact has released new merchandise for The Good Brothers, Motor City Machine Guns, and Eric Young.
The Good Brothers are presenting an iPPV on August 1 based on their podcast. They're making a brand for themselves again. Good to see.
Drew McIntyre spoke to ET Canada.
WWE is having featured content in World of Tanks as promotion for Summerslam.
Slammiversary broke Impact social media records. They absolutely gave it a lot of hype.
CZW alum Z-Barr has passed away. PWInsider remembered his career.
Tony Khan teased the TNT Championship open challenge will feature a top independent wrestler this week. I like the showcase of talents we don't see in other situations, though things have started to feel samey in Cody's matches.
Raw drew 1.63 million viewers this week, growing a marginal amount for the unsanctioned match and Extreme Rules fallout. WWE TV is in trouble ratings-wise and I continue to think taking some time off during COVID-19 might be their best bet.
FS1 will air WWE content on Tuesdays in future weeks after a baseball game replaced the usual content this week.
Stephanie McMahon spoke to Ad Age about WWE continuing to run during COVID-19.
Jon Moxley promoted Dynamite on ESPN Radio's Dan Le Batard show.
MVP's stable is called The Hurt Business. Not a bad name. I'm interested to see what's next for them.
Impact has announced:
- Eddie Edwards vs. Trey for the world championship
- Good Brothers vs. Reno SCUM
- WRESTLEHOUSE debuting
Bobby Fulton's internal bleeding is related to his previous bout with throat cancer. Very tough times for him.
The former Curt Hawkins appeared on Impact in a promo video. Naturally people will ask if his partner is joining him. We'll see. I hope he does well there with or without Ryder.
Cody promoted Dynamite with PWInsider.com:
- The TNT Title has been something unique in the televised wrestling landscape of 2020. I like that.
- AEW has really been a combination of distinct visions that are alternate from what WWE does, to the company's benefit.
- They're really crafting their vision. Each step is planned out.
- AEW is definitely opening themselves to criticism from a decent sized part of the wrestling audience that doesn't want them to put a big focus on diversity and the like.
- I'm very curious if AEW will settle into one identity or if things will look very different in three years' time. The criticism of WWE has been that they've done the same style for decades.
- AEW really put together a strong team for merchandise.
- Cody really has a challenge growing beyond being Dusty's son.
- I hope Cody has a long, fulfilling career.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I'm under the impression FOX is completely understanding about the challenges of making new content at this time.
2 is not a wrestling question, so I will abstain from answering it.
3. Honestly yes any meaningful moment would have been better in front of a large audience, though I think something like Eye For An Eye would have been buried by a crowd.
4. That would be a tough sell to move so many people somewhere else for a long period of time, and likely pretty expensive. I don't see it as an option right now.
5. First off WWE insists they're independent contractors! And I don't see that being a popular option for talent when they can continue to make their downside guarantee by staying at home.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Wrestling content updates, Interviews with MVP/Simone, Extreme Rules notes, Impact Plus show announced, Braxton responds to criticism, more on Network ECW additions, Kairi-WWE update, WWE taping delayed, Fulton update, AEW star opening wrestling school, Dark lineup, Rey note, ROH returns teased, Impact tease updates, RVD-Impact update, why Ric missed Raw, NXT teaser, Raw matches set, big EVOLVE sale, and Questions on The Fiend's status, wild taglines and cinematic matches, too many women's segments, who will be blamed for low ratings, and Heath's Raw appearance
WWE will not have podcasts for New Day nor After The Bell this week. There's no word on why. We'll see if that's just a one-week thing.
MVP appeared on Booker T.'s podcast after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
Apollo Crews was not present at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, having not been cleared to perform. He continues to have a difficult time building momentum.
Impact will have an Impact Plus special with Lariato Pro Wrestling on September 12. Doc Gallows, Eric Young, Crazzy Steve, and Johnny Swinger are all advertised. Good to see them running special shows again.
Kayla Braxton discussed her health and the response to her returning to WWE. Anyone in the public eye is going to get maliciously trolled, it looks like.
WWE's swamp fight was filmed in Florida.
Vince McMahon personally laid out the Eye For An Eye match, which was taped Sunday afternoon. That's a little surprising given that he usually goes for the "sports entertainment" silliness rather than a grudge match that serious.
- Vince cut out a more revealing sequence of Rey Mysterio losing an eye, which involved prosthetic makeup. This was taped, but Vince didn't like how it looked. That probably explains why the match was taped earlier in the day instead of being live like most of the rest of the show (everything except the swamp fight).
Asuka vs. Sasha Banks at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules had a disputed ending to drive viewership to Raw. The ending was changed the day of the show. The "on the fly" booking is getting scary.
"The Bump" this week will feature Bubba Ray Dudley, Big E, Tegan Nox, and Robert Stone. I can't help but think WWE will be tempted to use Bubba Ray in the ring again. If he's willing to be a mid-level supporting character, I'm on-board.
The Best of WWE this week will feature Drew McIntyre's road to the WWE Championship.
FS1 will no longer air Summerslam 1992 next week, as a Major League Baseball game will have that timeslot instead. There is no word on whether they will air the WWE content at another time.
WWE Network's ECW additions are events from 1996 through 1997 that were originally released on home video. Those lead up to their first PPV, Barely Legal.
Kairi Sane is believed to have finished up with WWE at Monday's TV taping. She remains on good terms with the company, so it's possible we see her as an ambassador for WWE's business in Japan. I hope we see more successful joshis in WWE in years to come.
The Good Brothers appeared on "Being The Elite" this week, spoofing their WWE tenure. It's good to see they're on good terms with the AEW crew again, and they can collectively joke about the pair re-signing with WWE.
- Alex Abrahantes also appeared on the show.
WWE's Monday taping started over an hour later than scheduled due to extensive rewrites. I feel like WWE changing things frequently and heavily is becoming more and more prevalent. I could see it being a side effect of Vince having not much else to do during COVID.
Bobby Fulton had successful surgery for internal bleeding. I hope he recovers fully.
Dustin Rhodes' upcoming Rhodes Wrestling Academy has launched a Twitter account. I like the potential for an AEW feeder system, or him otherwise building stars of the future.
Dark has announced:
- Diamante vs. KiLynn King
- Best Friends vs. Brady Pierce and Sabby (formerly NXT's Tino Sabbatelli)
- Scorpio Sky vs. Aaron Solow
- Hikaru Shida vs. Rache Chanel in a non-title match
- The Butcher & The Blade vs. Brandon Cutler and Peter Avalon
- Kip Sabian vs. Corey Hollis
- Ricky Starks vs. Will Hobbs
- Darby Allin vs. Robert Anthony
Rey Mysterio was at Monday's WWE taping, so he could appear on next week's show.
Simone Johnson spoke to Alicia Atout.
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett are on the most recent ROHStrong podcast, as well as ROH's latest "Week By Week" episode. It certainly looks like they're in line for a return when ROH starts running again.
Hana Kimura's ROH tribute episode was released on YouTube as an extended cut.
Impact's teases of Aces & Eights and the former Rusev were simply red herrings. There are no plans on either at this time. I do hope we haven't seen the last of Miro.
Rob Van Dam was at Impact's TV tapings this week. He hasn't been seen since the Cancel Culture stable was dropped. I'm curious what he'll do next.
Impact is looking at another "IPWF" show. Save it for Thanksgiving.
Ric Flair's wife has tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunate that we haven't seen him on TV lately. I hope he's staying safe.
NXT is advertising a huge announcement from William Regal. I expect it will be revealing the next Takeover special.
Raw has announced:
- Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship. McIntyre chooses the stipulation.
- Asuka vs. Sasha Banks for the "undisputed" Raw Women's Championship
WWNLive is holding a closeout sale for all EVOLVE and related content following WWE's purchase of EVOLVE.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
MVP appeared on Booker T.'s podcast after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
Apollo Crews was not present at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, having not been cleared to perform. He continues to have a difficult time building momentum.
Impact will have an Impact Plus special with Lariato Pro Wrestling on September 12. Doc Gallows, Eric Young, Crazzy Steve, and Johnny Swinger are all advertised. Good to see them running special shows again.
Kayla Braxton discussed her health and the response to her returning to WWE. Anyone in the public eye is going to get maliciously trolled, it looks like.
WWE's swamp fight was filmed in Florida.
Vince McMahon personally laid out the Eye For An Eye match, which was taped Sunday afternoon. That's a little surprising given that he usually goes for the "sports entertainment" silliness rather than a grudge match that serious.
- Vince cut out a more revealing sequence of Rey Mysterio losing an eye, which involved prosthetic makeup. This was taped, but Vince didn't like how it looked. That probably explains why the match was taped earlier in the day instead of being live like most of the rest of the show (everything except the swamp fight).
Asuka vs. Sasha Banks at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules had a disputed ending to drive viewership to Raw. The ending was changed the day of the show. The "on the fly" booking is getting scary.
"The Bump" this week will feature Bubba Ray Dudley, Big E, Tegan Nox, and Robert Stone. I can't help but think WWE will be tempted to use Bubba Ray in the ring again. If he's willing to be a mid-level supporting character, I'm on-board.
The Best of WWE this week will feature Drew McIntyre's road to the WWE Championship.
FS1 will no longer air Summerslam 1992 next week, as a Major League Baseball game will have that timeslot instead. There is no word on whether they will air the WWE content at another time.
WWE Network's ECW additions are events from 1996 through 1997 that were originally released on home video. Those lead up to their first PPV, Barely Legal.
Kairi Sane is believed to have finished up with WWE at Monday's TV taping. She remains on good terms with the company, so it's possible we see her as an ambassador for WWE's business in Japan. I hope we see more successful joshis in WWE in years to come.
The Good Brothers appeared on "Being The Elite" this week, spoofing their WWE tenure. It's good to see they're on good terms with the AEW crew again, and they can collectively joke about the pair re-signing with WWE.
- Alex Abrahantes also appeared on the show.
WWE's Monday taping started over an hour later than scheduled due to extensive rewrites. I feel like WWE changing things frequently and heavily is becoming more and more prevalent. I could see it being a side effect of Vince having not much else to do during COVID.
Bobby Fulton had successful surgery for internal bleeding. I hope he recovers fully.
Dustin Rhodes' upcoming Rhodes Wrestling Academy has launched a Twitter account. I like the potential for an AEW feeder system, or him otherwise building stars of the future.
Dark has announced:
- Diamante vs. KiLynn King
- Best Friends vs. Brady Pierce and Sabby (formerly NXT's Tino Sabbatelli)
- Scorpio Sky vs. Aaron Solow
- Hikaru Shida vs. Rache Chanel in a non-title match
- The Butcher & The Blade vs. Brandon Cutler and Peter Avalon
- Kip Sabian vs. Corey Hollis
- Ricky Starks vs. Will Hobbs
- Darby Allin vs. Robert Anthony
Rey Mysterio was at Monday's WWE taping, so he could appear on next week's show.
Simone Johnson spoke to Alicia Atout.
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett are on the most recent ROHStrong podcast, as well as ROH's latest "Week By Week" episode. It certainly looks like they're in line for a return when ROH starts running again.
Hana Kimura's ROH tribute episode was released on YouTube as an extended cut.
Impact's teases of Aces & Eights and the former Rusev were simply red herrings. There are no plans on either at this time. I do hope we haven't seen the last of Miro.
Rob Van Dam was at Impact's TV tapings this week. He hasn't been seen since the Cancel Culture stable was dropped. I'm curious what he'll do next.
Impact is looking at another "IPWF" show. Save it for Thanksgiving.
Ric Flair's wife has tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunate that we haven't seen him on TV lately. I hope he's staying safe.
NXT is advertising a huge announcement from William Regal. I expect it will be revealing the next Takeover special.
Raw has announced:
- Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship. McIntyre chooses the stipulation.
- Asuka vs. Sasha Banks for the "undisputed" Raw Women's Championship
WWNLive is holding a closeout sale for all EVOLVE and related content following WWE's purchase of EVOLVE.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. The storyline has always been that The Fiend is the dark side of Firefly Fun House Bray, rather than him fully being one character or the other. So nothing's been ruined on that front. Bray has wanted to convince Braun to join him without The Fiend being involved, though that clearly didn't come to pass so now The Fiend has come out again. It definitely felt like they wanted to build Braun's reign up a bit before he faced The Fiend at Summerslam, so that explains why we got the previous version of Bray, but that also makes sense as part of Bray wanting to get Braun on his side without giving into what The Fiend wants.
2. Honestly those examples feel like Vince getting out of his comfort zone after he didn't "get" the Broken Universe style of things or making the actual ring work important with heated grudge matches, fighting champions, and the like. WWE has gotten away from automatic rematches and people not earning title matches (the Dolph situation being a step back from this). And let's not forget all the new faces that have been added to TV over the past year or so. It absolutely feels like he's tried to give critics what they want more than he has in the past, but clearly it has failed pretty heavily.
3. I wouldn't say that, but we definitely see the same few names over and over (much as we often do with the men).
4. Probably not McIntyre as much as a lot of the Triple H recruits who were successful outside of Raw and Smackdown precisely because they didn't fit Vince McMahon's vision of a superstar. It's been apparent for years there's a big disconnect between the type of talent Vince pushes and the type of talent Triple H signs, which has led to dissatisfaction on both sides.
5. Slater was still under that 90-day out clause of his contract, so he was almost certainly paid what he would have been paid had he appeared in February.
More wrestling tomorrow.
2. Honestly those examples feel like Vince getting out of his comfort zone after he didn't "get" the Broken Universe style of things or making the actual ring work important with heated grudge matches, fighting champions, and the like. WWE has gotten away from automatic rematches and people not earning title matches (the Dolph situation being a step back from this). And let's not forget all the new faces that have been added to TV over the past year or so. It absolutely feels like he's tried to give critics what they want more than he has in the past, but clearly it has failed pretty heavily.
3. I wouldn't say that, but we definitely see the same few names over and over (much as we often do with the men).
4. Probably not McIntyre as much as a lot of the Triple H recruits who were successful outside of Raw and Smackdown precisely because they didn't fit Vince McMahon's vision of a superstar. It's been apparent for years there's a big disconnect between the type of talent Vince pushes and the type of talent Triple H signs, which has led to dissatisfaction on both sides.
5. Slater was still under that 90-day out clause of his contract, so he was almost certainly paid what he would have been paid had he appeared in February.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Horror Show at Extreme Rules Reax
Read on for my thoughts on last night's WWE Network special event.
WWE producer released, assorted wrestling content notes, Interviews with Asuka/Jericho/Cheeseburger, AEW action figure release set, BFG date, legend in hospital, Rey update post-Extreme Rules, and Questions on the FTW Title, moving WM37, buying NWA, the FTW title, and WWE's COVID cases
Lance Storm has been released as a producer, following his being furloughed in April. I can see AEW or Impact picking him up.
- Chris Jericho responded to his release.
Extreme Rules' Spanish preview show had Otis, Samoa Joe, Natalya, Lacey Evans, Humberto Carrillo, and Angel Garza.
Asuka spoke to Inside the Ropes before Extreme Rules. NXT Japan is a really bad idea given the lack of return on investment from Triple H's other projects.
AEW's action figures will release August 3. A commercial has been released.
Chris Jericho is on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
Bound For Glory is set for October 24.
Wale commented on Slammiversary's reception.
"Impact on 60" next week will have past Slammiversary matches.
Bobby Fulton has been admitted to a hospital. Best wishes to him for a quick recovery.
CHIKARA's closing got press. I really don't think bringing it back is a good move. That name needs to be retired given its link to #SpeakingOut.
Cheeseburger spoke to Bill Apter about his memories of Hana Kimura and more.
Rey Mysterio's kayfabe condition was updated after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. That sounds appropriately ambiguous given his uncertain WWE future.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Is it bad that the first place I thought of was Saudi Arabia? Honestly WWE doing WrestleMania Island would be fittingly surreal. We'll see what things look like as that time approaches.
2. I'm not even sure he still wrestles. I would think with D-Von working in WWE, they're at least aware of who he is, but there are only so many spots available and I wouldn't expect him to be a top priority even if there wasn't a pandemic going on.
3. If the company ever does shut down, it will depend on if someone buys the library, assets, contracts, etc. I expect the library and branding would matter more than the talent contracts, because someone can always let them go on the free agent market and sign them that way instead of picking up their NWA contract.
4. I also question the timing. We'll see how it plays out long-term. If he smashes enough people as FTW Champion it can be taken seriously again, but ultimately it seems like it's just a matter of time before it unifies with one of the other singles titles.
5. I don't believe that's the case, though it certainly wasn't the most preventative move by WWE.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- Chris Jericho responded to his release.
Extreme Rules' Spanish preview show had Otis, Samoa Joe, Natalya, Lacey Evans, Humberto Carrillo, and Angel Garza.
Asuka spoke to Inside the Ropes before Extreme Rules. NXT Japan is a really bad idea given the lack of return on investment from Triple H's other projects.
AEW's action figures will release August 3. A commercial has been released.
Chris Jericho is on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
Bound For Glory is set for October 24.
Wale commented on Slammiversary's reception.
"Impact on 60" next week will have past Slammiversary matches.
Bobby Fulton has been admitted to a hospital. Best wishes to him for a quick recovery.
CHIKARA's closing got press. I really don't think bringing it back is a good move. That name needs to be retired given its link to #SpeakingOut.
Cheeseburger spoke to Bill Apter about his memories of Hana Kimura and more.
Rey Mysterio's kayfabe condition was updated after The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. That sounds appropriately ambiguous given his uncertain WWE future.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Is it bad that the first place I thought of was Saudi Arabia? Honestly WWE doing WrestleMania Island would be fittingly surreal. We'll see what things look like as that time approaches.
2. I'm not even sure he still wrestles. I would think with D-Von working in WWE, they're at least aware of who he is, but there are only so many spots available and I wouldn't expect him to be a top priority even if there wasn't a pandemic going on.
3. If the company ever does shut down, it will depend on if someone buys the library, assets, contracts, etc. I expect the library and branding would matter more than the talent contracts, because someone can always let them go on the free agent market and sign them that way instead of picking up their NWA contract.
4. I also question the timing. We'll see how it plays out long-term. If he smashes enough people as FTW Champion it can be taken seriously again, but ultimately it seems like it's just a matter of time before it unifies with one of the other singles titles.
5. I don't believe that's the case, though it certainly wasn't the most preventative move by WWE.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
WWE releases comment on 90 days passing, Major Wrestling figures coming, Good Brothers discuss leaving WWE, wrestling content updates, Interviews with MVP/Crews/Barrett, Smackdown audience, Naomi responds to Twitter support, Joey Ryan responds to allegations, Impact preview, and Questions on Impact spoiling the Good Brothers and how I'd change the Network
Former WWE stars released videos or statements at the end of their 90-day no-compete clauses:
- EC3
- Good Brothers
- Rowan (Erick Redbeard)
- Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona)
- No Way Jose (Levy Valenz), who referenced EC3's video.
- Heath Slater (now just going by Heath)
The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast announced an action figure deal with Super7.
The Good Brothers' Talk'N Shop Podcast returned with Ryan Satin and Rocky Romero. Here are some highlights:
- Interesting to hear about NJPW allowing them to do AEW. There continue to be no signs of a working agreement, but certain names have special cases where they can work for either company.
- Oooooh. Interesting to hear there's heat from AEW. Their WWE renewal obviously didn't turn out well and now they're in Impact; we'll see if they ever end up working with the Bucks again.
- They really shouldn't have been surprised they ended up losing again.
- Heyman is an intriguing character, for sure.
- VERY interesting discussion of them being cut.
WWE Network is adding more ECW home video releases Monday.
Mick Foley will be on "WWE Break it Down" next Sunday.
MVP spoke to talkSPORT before Extreme Rules. I had actually forgotten he worked with the Australian team earlier. That could be an interesting stable.
Smackdown drew 1.89 million viewers this week.
Ric Flair and Eva Marie are featured in the Celebrity Slots mobile app.
Naomi responded to "#NaomiDeservesBetter" trending on Twitter. The whole division deserved better than that karaoke segment. Yikes.
Lita and Bubba Ray Dudley are advertised for Extreme Rules' Watchalong. I'm curious what's next for Bubba after his ROH deal expired. I wonder if he could be a commentator?
Apollo Crews spoke to TVInsider before Extreme Rules.
Wade Barrett spoke to Chris Van Vliet about Nexus at WrestleMania 36.
Joey Ryan released a long video responding to the #SpeakingOut movement, saying he will refute every allegation against him.
Impact Tuesday night has announced:
- EC3 and Heath appearing
- The North vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the tag team championship
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Realistically not a lot of people were going to purchase the PPV to be surprised. Hopefully they got some more interest in the show by announcing that.
Nothing to add to 2, 4, or 5.
3. Honestly I'd be looking to license that content out to someone else. The Network has drastically underperformed.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- EC3
- Good Brothers
- Rowan (Erick Redbeard)
- Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona)
- No Way Jose (Levy Valenz), who referenced EC3's video.
- Heath Slater (now just going by Heath)
The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast announced an action figure deal with Super7.
The Good Brothers' Talk'N Shop Podcast returned with Ryan Satin and Rocky Romero. Here are some highlights:
- Interesting to hear about NJPW allowing them to do AEW. There continue to be no signs of a working agreement, but certain names have special cases where they can work for either company.
- Oooooh. Interesting to hear there's heat from AEW. Their WWE renewal obviously didn't turn out well and now they're in Impact; we'll see if they ever end up working with the Bucks again.
- They really shouldn't have been surprised they ended up losing again.
- Heyman is an intriguing character, for sure.
- VERY interesting discussion of them being cut.
WWE Network is adding more ECW home video releases Monday.
Mick Foley will be on "WWE Break it Down" next Sunday.
MVP spoke to talkSPORT before Extreme Rules. I had actually forgotten he worked with the Australian team earlier. That could be an interesting stable.
Smackdown drew 1.89 million viewers this week.
Ric Flair and Eva Marie are featured in the Celebrity Slots mobile app.
Naomi responded to "#NaomiDeservesBetter" trending on Twitter. The whole division deserved better than that karaoke segment. Yikes.
Lita and Bubba Ray Dudley are advertised for Extreme Rules' Watchalong. I'm curious what's next for Bubba after his ROH deal expired. I wonder if he could be a commentator?
Apollo Crews spoke to TVInsider before Extreme Rules.
Wade Barrett spoke to Chris Van Vliet about Nexus at WrestleMania 36.
Joey Ryan released a long video responding to the #SpeakingOut movement, saying he will refute every allegation against him.
Impact Tuesday night has announced:
- EC3 and Heath appearing
- The North vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the tag team championship
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Realistically not a lot of people were going to purchase the PPV to be surprised. Hopefully they got some more interest in the show by announcing that.
Nothing to add to 2, 4, or 5.
3. Honestly I'd be looking to license that content out to someone else. The Network has drastically underperformed.
More wrestling tomorrow.
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules preview
Read on for my ideas for booking tonight's WWE Network special event.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
NJPW illness, TripleMania update, Ospreay in rough situation, Corgan responds to NWA rumors, AEW stars set for indie show, coronavirus-related wrestling update, UK promotion responds to Speaking Out, MLW looking to expand, Interviews with Cejudo/Asuka/Ziggler/EC3/McIntyre, Brock update, women's feud teased, wrestling content updates, wrestling venue shuts down, OVW working agreement, Extreme Rules updates, and Questions on dating Elvis, wrestling libraries, and tag teams who didn't win titles
NJPW's Minoru Suzuki missed recent events due to a fever.
AAA is looking at doing TripleMania in October at the site of TripleMania Regia.
Will Ospreay is battling heavy depression and recently considered suicide. That's very sad to hear. I'm glad he's still with us and hope he will be for a long time.
Billy Corgan responded to rumors regarding NWA's status. I have not seen any credible reports of the company considering shutting down, being sold, or anything similar.
Brian Cage and Lance Archer have been announced for Warrior Wrestling's August 7 event. I'm guessing that means AEW approved them being used there.
wXw has moved their Catch Wrestling Festival to September 2021.
Pro Wrestling EVE issued a statement regarding the #SpeakingOut movement.
MLW is looking to work with a concert promotion group on 2021 events in Hawai'i and/or the Caribbean. That would certainly be unique.
Henry Cejudo discussed his wrestling future and more. AEW really went nowhere with Tyson's crew's previous appearance, but maybe they can pick it back up later.
Brock Lesnar is not scheduled for Summerslam. There doesn't seem to be a timeline for his next appearance. He definitely shouldn't come back "just to come back," but he's also an attraction and it makes sense to use him at major shows.
WWE is teasing Asuka vs. Kairi Sane following Extreme Rules. I'd love to see that at Summerslam to give Sane her sendoff on a big stage.
Asuka and Dolph Ziggler promoted Extreme Rules with Metro in the UK. Asuka vs. Ripley could really be fun.
"The Peanut Butter Falcon" is coming to Hulu on August 6.
Rob Terry is in "Generation Iron," a bodybuilding documentary.
Drew McIntyre promoted Extreme Rules on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
The Miz's "Cannonball" drew 592,000 viewers this week.
Stampede Corral, which used to hold events for Stampede Wrestling, will be demolished next month. There's a lot of wrestling history in that building.
Hana Kimura's passing is part of New York Times' look at Terrace House.
Australian wrestling updates:
- PWA has announced a Code of Conduct and social media policy in the wake of the #SpeakingOut movement. The company intends to return with an empty arena show on August 8.
- EPW has postponed its July 25 event due to government restrictions as part of COVID-19.
- Suplex Pro Wrestling is holding an empty arena event on July 25.
- Wrestling Rampage is unable to use a performer due to borders being closed between New South Wales and South Australia.
OVW is now working with Devotion Championship Wrestling. OVW continues to expand.
Extreme Rules' swamp match was taped Thursday.
Extreme Rules has added Kofi Kingston and Big E vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in a tables match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship.
Extreme Rules' bar fight has been moved to Smackdown on July 24. At this point it's worth turning "B" shows into special episodes of Raw and Smackdown.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Yes, wrestlers, especially in past generations, have a tendency to exaggerate or outright lie to build their reputations.
Nothing to add to 2 or 3.
4. I don't think it's really a priority for them right now. The EVOLVE purchase was more about that company folding than WWE looking to grow their content library.
5. I think Cryme Tyme should have been champions at some point.
More wrestling tomorrow.
AAA is looking at doing TripleMania in October at the site of TripleMania Regia.
Will Ospreay is battling heavy depression and recently considered suicide. That's very sad to hear. I'm glad he's still with us and hope he will be for a long time.
Billy Corgan responded to rumors regarding NWA's status. I have not seen any credible reports of the company considering shutting down, being sold, or anything similar.
Brian Cage and Lance Archer have been announced for Warrior Wrestling's August 7 event. I'm guessing that means AEW approved them being used there.
wXw has moved their Catch Wrestling Festival to September 2021.
Pro Wrestling EVE issued a statement regarding the #SpeakingOut movement.
MLW is looking to work with a concert promotion group on 2021 events in Hawai'i and/or the Caribbean. That would certainly be unique.
Henry Cejudo discussed his wrestling future and more. AEW really went nowhere with Tyson's crew's previous appearance, but maybe they can pick it back up later.
Brock Lesnar is not scheduled for Summerslam. There doesn't seem to be a timeline for his next appearance. He definitely shouldn't come back "just to come back," but he's also an attraction and it makes sense to use him at major shows.
WWE is teasing Asuka vs. Kairi Sane following Extreme Rules. I'd love to see that at Summerslam to give Sane her sendoff on a big stage.
Asuka and Dolph Ziggler promoted Extreme Rules with Metro in the UK. Asuka vs. Ripley could really be fun.
"The Peanut Butter Falcon" is coming to Hulu on August 6.
Rob Terry is in "Generation Iron," a bodybuilding documentary.
EC3 spoke to PWInsider at length:
- He was expected to do much more in WWE. He really got derailed.
- Very smart talk about changing things after losing a big match. We don't see that often enough.
- Interesting talk about getting to talk to Vince, because that's the advice so many are given and it's not easy to do.
- Funny stuff about Impact.
- This man just BURIED Moose holy shit.
- I’m good with him having a fresh direction. Nostalgia only goes so far.
- I like the idea of wrestlers having multiple potential destinations.
- WOW. Great to see the Joseph Campbell reference.
Drew McIntyre promoted Extreme Rules on Booker T.'s latest podcast.
The Miz's "Cannonball" drew 592,000 viewers this week.
Stampede Corral, which used to hold events for Stampede Wrestling, will be demolished next month. There's a lot of wrestling history in that building.
Hana Kimura's passing is part of New York Times' look at Terrace House.
Australian wrestling updates:
- PWA has announced a Code of Conduct and social media policy in the wake of the #SpeakingOut movement. The company intends to return with an empty arena show on August 8.
- EPW has postponed its July 25 event due to government restrictions as part of COVID-19.
- Suplex Pro Wrestling is holding an empty arena event on July 25.
- Wrestling Rampage is unable to use a performer due to borders being closed between New South Wales and South Australia.
OVW is now working with Devotion Championship Wrestling. OVW continues to expand.
Extreme Rules' swamp match was taped Thursday.
Extreme Rules has added Kofi Kingston and Big E vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in a tables match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship.
Extreme Rules' bar fight has been moved to Smackdown on July 24. At this point it's worth turning "B" shows into special episodes of Raw and Smackdown.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Yes, wrestlers, especially in past generations, have a tendency to exaggerate or outright lie to build their reputations.
Nothing to add to 2 or 3.
4. I don't think it's really a priority for them right now. The EVOLVE purchase was more about that company folding than WWE looking to grow their content library.
5. I think Cryme Tyme should have been champions at some point.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Main Event and 205 Live Reax - 7/17/20
Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's Main Event and 205 Live.
Friday Night Smackdown Reax - 7/17/20
Read on for my thoughts on last night's Friday Night Smackdown.
Friday, July 17, 2020
AEW signs former WWE GM, Dynamite note, Schiavone note, Cassidy profiled, Interviews with Colt/Bayley, Slammiversary adds match, another WWE PPV on FS1, Jeff legal update, Smackdown additions, territory star retires, Fight For The Fallen+NXT audiences, Cauliflower Alley Club reunion update, and wrestling content notes
Vickie Guerrero has signed with AEW as Nyla Rose's manager. She's naturally valuable in that role.
AEW taped the July 22 Dynamite Thursday. That explains why they were able to advertise so many matches in advance. They've done a great job setting up future shows.
Tony Schiavone missed Fight for the Fallen due to his COVID-19 test results being delayed. AEW is wisely being proactive there. They really feel like a team.
Orange Cassidy got press in New York Post. Tony Khan has been smart with how they've presented him.
Colt Cabana is on the latest AEW Unrestricted.
Slammiversary has added The Rascalz issuing an open challenge. I can't help but think that will showcase some new or returning faces.
FS1 will show Summerslam 1992 on July 28.
Jeff Hardy's court case has been pushed back to September 28 due to COVID-19.
Smackdown has added:
- Firefly Fun House
- Moment of Bliss with a mystery guest
Bobby Fulton has announced his retirement. Best wishes to him in his future.
Bayley spoke to Digital Spy.
Dynamite drew 788,000 viewers this week, a jump from last week. That's a pretty solid number during COVID-19.
NXT drew 631,000 viewers this week, significant drop from last week. If that's backlash for Cole losing the title, that's really telling. We'll see if it grows going forward or if they need to take a big look at how things are going there.
Cauliflower Alley Club has postponed their reunion until April 25 through April 28.
Summer Rae was on Highspots' latest virtual gimmick table.
The Rock and The Miz appeared as themselves on Peacock's "30 Rock" reunion special.
More wrestling tomorrow.
AEW taped the July 22 Dynamite Thursday. That explains why they were able to advertise so many matches in advance. They've done a great job setting up future shows.
Tony Schiavone missed Fight for the Fallen due to his COVID-19 test results being delayed. AEW is wisely being proactive there. They really feel like a team.
Orange Cassidy got press in New York Post. Tony Khan has been smart with how they've presented him.
Colt Cabana is on the latest AEW Unrestricted.
Slammiversary has added The Rascalz issuing an open challenge. I can't help but think that will showcase some new or returning faces.
FS1 will show Summerslam 1992 on July 28.
Jeff Hardy's court case has been pushed back to September 28 due to COVID-19.
Smackdown has added:
- Firefly Fun House
- Moment of Bliss with a mystery guest
Bobby Fulton has announced his retirement. Best wishes to him in his future.
Bayley spoke to Digital Spy.
Dynamite drew 788,000 viewers this week, a jump from last week. That's a pretty solid number during COVID-19.
NXT drew 631,000 viewers this week, significant drop from last week. If that's backlash for Cole losing the title, that's really telling. We'll see if it grows going forward or if they need to take a big look at how things are going there.
Cauliflower Alley Club has postponed their reunion until April 25 through April 28.
Summer Rae was on Highspots' latest virtual gimmick table.
The Rock and The Miz appeared as themselves on Peacock's "30 Rock" reunion special.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Podcast guests, wrestling content updates, Japanese promotions airing live on FITE, Hana ROH episode previewed, Interviews with Cross/Edge/Tegan/Cody/Kiss/EC3, lucha legend website, Kimura takes legal action, AEW Twitter note, Dynamite+NXT matches announced, and Questions on Edge's return match, a long Orton-Drew feud, Shayna not being pushed, and reasons big matches didn't happen
Charlotte Flair is on the Bella Twins' latest podcast.
MVP is on the latest Swerve City podcast.
Ruby Riott has Ryan Nemeth on her latest podcast.
Cathy Kelley appeared on "The Bump" this week, her first appearance since leaving the company.
"The Bump" before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules will feature Seth Rollins, Hardcore Holly (!), D-Von Dudley, and NBA's Kenny Smith. Holly is a cool surprise.
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules' watchalong will feature JBL, Mick Foley, Noelle Foley, Keith Lee, Bobby Roode, Sonya Deville, and Drake Maverick. Part of me thinks Roode will be involved with Drew vs. Dolph somehow, since he was also moved to Raw.
DDT and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling are airing live on FITE with English and Japanese commentary for their July 22 and July 23 shows. Sonny Onoo, Dan Madigan, and Rob Hochmann will be the English commentary team. That's definitely a great way for those groups to branch out.
ROH previewed their Hana Kimura tribute episode. We really lost a special person with her passing.
Nikki Cross spoke to Metro to promote Extreme Rules. I'm not sure why there's talk of another Evolution event all of the sudden, though that would be a unique attraction during the pandemic.
WWE Racing Showdown is coming to Android soon. Very interesting to see Punk attached.
Edge spoke to Sports Illustrated about his injury and more. 2020 Edge is definitely different from the Rated R Superstar or the man who competed in TLC with the Hardys and Dudleys.
Mil Mascaras has launched an online store.
Tegan Nox spoke to Newsweek before NXT. Hopefully she does move past being the woman with two big knee injuries.
Cody spoke to talkSPORT to promote Fight For The Fallen. I'm also pretty bored with the obsession with ratings between Dynamite and NXT.
Sonny Kiss spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote Fight For The Fallen:
- I am glad his character hasn't been like past portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.
- Glad he's getting a college degree.
EC3 spoke to WrestleZone about his future. Strong promo.
Kyoko Kimura has filed a complaint with Japan's Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization due to allegations her daughter was made to shoot a scene during a state of shock and hyperventilation. I can only imagine the pain Kyoko is working through right now.
Wrestling Revolution Product now features commentary from Jeff Katz on his YouTube channel. It's a shame that never happened as intended.
ROH is showcasing new NJPW double champion EVIL's bouts in ROH on their YouTube channel. That's smart.
AEW's Twitter account was locked down temporarily due to mass hacking on the site. That's a scary reality of the digital age.
Dynamite has announced:
- Cody defending the TNT Championship in an open challenge
- Young Bucks vs. The Butcher and The Blade in a falls count anywhere match
- Chris Jericho and Jake Hager vs. Jurassic Express
- Hangman Page vs. Five
- Ivelisse Velez vs. Diamante
NXT has announced:
- Karrion Kross vs. Dominik Dijakovic
- Killian Dain vs. Dexter Lumis
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. If that's possible, it could certainly happen and would make a lot of sense.
2. I would think a long feud would be tough to sustain. Those two are definitely on fire right now, though.
3. I popped.
4. About all I can say is that Shayna doesn't fit Vince's vision of a female performer. She's a serious fighter and he's more drawn to larger-than-life personalities.
5.a. Hogan vs. Flair on live events was a test run for Mania. The story has been that it underperformed, and that Vince would rather have a double main event splitting those two at Mania.
5.b. Austin didn't think Hogan was at his level as a worker at that point in time, and was probably still resenting how things went when they were both in WCW.
5.c. WWE didn't know if Cena would be around for Mania. If he was set to do a big movie, the studio wouldn't want to risk him getting injured.
More wrestling tomorrow.
MVP is on the latest Swerve City podcast.
Ruby Riott has Ryan Nemeth on her latest podcast.
Cathy Kelley appeared on "The Bump" this week, her first appearance since leaving the company.
"The Bump" before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules will feature Seth Rollins, Hardcore Holly (!), D-Von Dudley, and NBA's Kenny Smith. Holly is a cool surprise.
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules' watchalong will feature JBL, Mick Foley, Noelle Foley, Keith Lee, Bobby Roode, Sonya Deville, and Drake Maverick. Part of me thinks Roode will be involved with Drew vs. Dolph somehow, since he was also moved to Raw.
DDT and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling are airing live on FITE with English and Japanese commentary for their July 22 and July 23 shows. Sonny Onoo, Dan Madigan, and Rob Hochmann will be the English commentary team. That's definitely a great way for those groups to branch out.
ROH previewed their Hana Kimura tribute episode. We really lost a special person with her passing.
Nikki Cross spoke to Metro to promote Extreme Rules. I'm not sure why there's talk of another Evolution event all of the sudden, though that would be a unique attraction during the pandemic.
WWE Racing Showdown is coming to Android soon. Very interesting to see Punk attached.
Edge spoke to Sports Illustrated about his injury and more. 2020 Edge is definitely different from the Rated R Superstar or the man who competed in TLC with the Hardys and Dudleys.
Mil Mascaras has launched an online store.
Tegan Nox spoke to Newsweek before NXT. Hopefully she does move past being the woman with two big knee injuries.
Cody spoke to talkSPORT to promote Fight For The Fallen. I'm also pretty bored with the obsession with ratings between Dynamite and NXT.
Sonny Kiss spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote Fight For The Fallen:
- I am glad his character hasn't been like past portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.
- Glad he's getting a college degree.
EC3 spoke to WrestleZone about his future. Strong promo.
Kyoko Kimura has filed a complaint with Japan's Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization due to allegations her daughter was made to shoot a scene during a state of shock and hyperventilation. I can only imagine the pain Kyoko is working through right now.
Wrestling Revolution Product now features commentary from Jeff Katz on his YouTube channel. It's a shame that never happened as intended.
ROH is showcasing new NJPW double champion EVIL's bouts in ROH on their YouTube channel. That's smart.
AEW's Twitter account was locked down temporarily due to mass hacking on the site. That's a scary reality of the digital age.
Dynamite has announced:
- Cody defending the TNT Championship in an open challenge
- Young Bucks vs. The Butcher and The Blade in a falls count anywhere match
- Chris Jericho and Jake Hager vs. Jurassic Express
- Hangman Page vs. Five
- Ivelisse Velez vs. Diamante
NXT has announced:
- Karrion Kross vs. Dominik Dijakovic
- Killian Dain vs. Dexter Lumis
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. If that's possible, it could certainly happen and would make a lot of sense.
2. I would think a long feud would be tough to sustain. Those two are definitely on fire right now, though.
3. I popped.
4. About all I can say is that Shayna doesn't fit Vince's vision of a female performer. She's a serious fighter and he's more drawn to larger-than-life personalities.
5.a. Hogan vs. Flair on live events was a test run for Mania. The story has been that it underperformed, and that Vince would rather have a double main event splitting those two at Mania.
5.b. Austin didn't think Hogan was at his level as a worker at that point in time, and was probably still resenting how things went when they were both in WCW.
5.c. WWE didn't know if Cena would be around for Mania. If he was set to do a big movie, the studio wouldn't want to risk him getting injured.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
CWFH expands, Khan meets Bischoff, Interviews with Kross/Owens/Ford/McIntyre/Rhea/Nox/Kiss/Cody/Omega, WWE comes to NBC platform, coronavirus-related wrestling updates, FFTF hype, Charlotte appearance, WWE community meeting, and Questions on wrestling celebrities and what's next for McIntyre
Championship Wrestling from Hollywood will begin airing in Amarillo, Texas on August 1.
Tony Khan appeared on "83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff" to promote Fight For The Fallen. Somewhat surprisingly, this was a very cordial session between two mutually appreciative professionals. Khan really put Bischoff over for his contributions with WCW. I'm glad that worked out as it did; we'll see if there's anything further between those two down the line.
Karrion Kross spoke to Digital Spy. We're absolutely seeing LU influence in other promotions.
Kevin Owens spoke to CBS Sports about working with Seth Rollins and more:
- I always pop when a former indie star says they're used to working in empty buildings. Such a self-burial.
- I'd love to see more shuffling of the rosters. They have a LOT of people under contract and ample opportunities for people to not be stale. That said, Raw and Smackdown are much more important.
Montez Ford spoke to "Inside the Ropes," putting over Paul Heyman. With Heyman out of the picture, WWE really needs people who "get" what the younger talents are doing and how to best showcase that. They are really starting to struggle to keep younger fans.
WWE content is on the debuting Peacock service, specifically "Best of WWE" content from WWE Network, "WWE Untold," and "Broken Skull Sessions." I'm curious if that could end up being a more permanent home for WWE content given how poorly the Network is doing.
Diamond Dallas Page disclosed family members have contracted COVID-19, as has AEW's QT Marshall. This has really been rough on those inside and outside the wrestling business.
Tony Khan spoke to New York Post before Fight For The Fallen:
- Great job putting Cage over. He can really be a player.
- A lot of people joke about the "demos" thing, but it's definitely critical to build fans who can potentially have long tenures following your product rather than relying on fans who were exposed to wrestling decades ago.
- Khan is very proactive, and I hope counseling helps Havoc.
Drew McIntyre spoke to Miami Herald and New York Post to promote Extreme Rules:
- I'm actually interested to see what Dolph picks.
- Lashley has been slept on for a long time.
- Drew beating Orton at Summerslam would in theory be very big for his career.
- Drew's growing as a locker room leader.
- I've enjoyed the more "personal" stuff lately, but ratings have tanked, so I'm clearly one of the few!
- Drew put Conor in his place. Damn.
- "Eye For An Eye" will be memorable for one reason or another.
Rhea Ripley spoke in Australia about NXT's Daniel Vidot.
Tegan Nox spoke to Alicia Atout.
Fight For The Fallen announced "The Nightmare Sisters" (Brandi Rhodes and Allie) in action.
WWE's senior vice president of community relations, along with Mustafa Ali, Sonya Deville, and Sarah Schreiber, appeared on The Female Quotient's Virtual Equality Lounge.
Raw drew 1.57 million viewers this week, its lowest audience ever. These numbers call for big change. Frankly after Summerslam Raw and Smackdown should stop running shows for two months until building back for Survivor Series "due to COVID-19." There needs to be a complete overhaul of the company's creative and developmental during that time. Get a lot of the top names from the NXT "system" on Raw and Smackdown and consolidate NXT/NXT UK/205 Live into one brand that builds names for the two major shows. They're paying the price for years of mismanagement, and it's time for drastic action.
Lana's mother is out of the hospital after her positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Glad to hear that.
Charlotte Flair was on The Bump.
Sonny Kiss spoke to TVInsider to promote Fight For The Fallen:
- I'm looking forward to seeing Kiss step up to the plate against Cody.
- I really see the story of AEW being more centered on the wrestlers than management.
Cody spoke to TalkSport about C.M. Punk and more:
- Either Punk has a greatly inflated sense of his worth in 2020 or he's truly not interested in wrestling at all anymore.
- I'm glad AEW has some people being smart with the money, though it continues to feel like they've signed more talents than they can use.
- Honestly, yes, I'd prefer AEW to sign multiple young and hungry talents instead of chasing Punk.
- I like the variety of signings they court.
Kenny Omega spoke to Comic Book Resources about AEW and more. Wrestling video games really need a contrast to the 2K model. I hope AEW gives us that.
Ohio's Absolutely Intense Wrestling will not be doing empty venue shows due to state edict. Things look grim for them and other promotions right now.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Tony Khan appeared on "83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff" to promote Fight For The Fallen. Somewhat surprisingly, this was a very cordial session between two mutually appreciative professionals. Khan really put Bischoff over for his contributions with WCW. I'm glad that worked out as it did; we'll see if there's anything further between those two down the line.
Karrion Kross spoke to Digital Spy. We're absolutely seeing LU influence in other promotions.
Kevin Owens spoke to CBS Sports about working with Seth Rollins and more:
- I always pop when a former indie star says they're used to working in empty buildings. Such a self-burial.
- I'd love to see more shuffling of the rosters. They have a LOT of people under contract and ample opportunities for people to not be stale. That said, Raw and Smackdown are much more important.
Montez Ford spoke to "Inside the Ropes," putting over Paul Heyman. With Heyman out of the picture, WWE really needs people who "get" what the younger talents are doing and how to best showcase that. They are really starting to struggle to keep younger fans.
WWE content is on the debuting Peacock service, specifically "Best of WWE" content from WWE Network, "WWE Untold," and "Broken Skull Sessions." I'm curious if that could end up being a more permanent home for WWE content given how poorly the Network is doing.
Diamond Dallas Page disclosed family members have contracted COVID-19, as has AEW's QT Marshall. This has really been rough on those inside and outside the wrestling business.
Tony Khan spoke to New York Post before Fight For The Fallen:
- Great job putting Cage over. He can really be a player.
- A lot of people joke about the "demos" thing, but it's definitely critical to build fans who can potentially have long tenures following your product rather than relying on fans who were exposed to wrestling decades ago.
- Khan is very proactive, and I hope counseling helps Havoc.
Drew McIntyre spoke to Miami Herald and New York Post to promote Extreme Rules:
- I'm actually interested to see what Dolph picks.
- Lashley has been slept on for a long time.
- Drew beating Orton at Summerslam would in theory be very big for his career.
- Drew's growing as a locker room leader.
- I've enjoyed the more "personal" stuff lately, but ratings have tanked, so I'm clearly one of the few!
- Drew put Conor in his place. Damn.
- "Eye For An Eye" will be memorable for one reason or another.
Rhea Ripley spoke in Australia about NXT's Daniel Vidot.
Tegan Nox spoke to Alicia Atout.
Fight For The Fallen announced "The Nightmare Sisters" (Brandi Rhodes and Allie) in action.
WWE's senior vice president of community relations, along with Mustafa Ali, Sonya Deville, and Sarah Schreiber, appeared on The Female Quotient's Virtual Equality Lounge.
Raw drew 1.57 million viewers this week, its lowest audience ever. These numbers call for big change. Frankly after Summerslam Raw and Smackdown should stop running shows for two months until building back for Survivor Series "due to COVID-19." There needs to be a complete overhaul of the company's creative and developmental during that time. Get a lot of the top names from the NXT "system" on Raw and Smackdown and consolidate NXT/NXT UK/205 Live into one brand that builds names for the two major shows. They're paying the price for years of mismanagement, and it's time for drastic action.
Lana's mother is out of the hospital after her positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Glad to hear that.
Charlotte Flair was on The Bump.
Sonny Kiss spoke to TVInsider to promote Fight For The Fallen:
- I'm looking forward to seeing Kiss step up to the plate against Cody.
- I really see the story of AEW being more centered on the wrestlers than management.
Cody spoke to TalkSport about C.M. Punk and more:
- Either Punk has a greatly inflated sense of his worth in 2020 or he's truly not interested in wrestling at all anymore.
- I'm glad AEW has some people being smart with the money, though it continues to feel like they've signed more talents than they can use.
- Honestly, yes, I'd prefer AEW to sign multiple young and hungry talents instead of chasing Punk.
- I like the variety of signings they court.
Kenny Omega spoke to Comic Book Resources about AEW and more. Wrestling video games really need a contrast to the 2K model. I hope AEW gives us that.
Ohio's Absolutely Intense Wrestling will not be doing empty venue shows due to state edict. Things look grim for them and other promotions right now.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Honestly I'm sure I'd leave someone out, but generally I preferred guests who brought something unique to the show and were integrated well. See the Muppets and Bob Barker for comic examples and Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather for serious ones.
2. Only if WWE cameras are rolling.
3. That argument can certainly be made, as I don't think we'll see a crowd that large later this year.
4. It's certainly the most obvious direction. Both men have been built well.
5. That's very optimistic regarding Drew being champion that long! We're too far out to book Mania, but that's as good of a pitch as any. The obvious question is what McIntyre does from now until then.
More wrestling tomorrow.
2. Only if WWE cameras are rolling.
3. That argument can certainly be made, as I don't think we'll see a crowd that large later this year.
4. It's certainly the most obvious direction. Both men have been built well.
5. That's very optimistic regarding Drew being champion that long! We're too far out to book Mania, but that's as good of a pitch as any. The obvious question is what McIntyre does from now until then.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Assorted wrestling press, next NJPW title match, NJPW series coming to FITE, wrestling content updates, Interviews with Owens/Tito Santana/Khan, Raw main event, and Questions on Diva attire, Vince postponing shows, and fans returning
Vampiro will be in the Legends of Lucha Libre action figure line's second wave.
EVIL's first double title defense will be against Hiromu Takahashi on July 25.
NJPW's Lion's Break Collision series will air on FITE.TV.
New Day's latest podcast features former WWE writer Mike Notarile, who worked with the group when they initially formed.
MLW now has official face masks for sale.
WWE Network additions this week:
- Best of Women's Evolution Monday
- Best of Extreme Rules Tuesday
- Day of Backlash 2020 Friday
- The Last Ride: Tales From The Deadman Sunday
Slammiversary will broadcast in Spanish on FITE. I hope that increases the show's reach.
Kevin Owens spoke to Sports Illustrated before Raw:
- It's got to be a tough decision for a lot of talents whether to put themselves at risk by returning.
- Wow. Bold of him to make that policy suggestion. I bet it got him some heat with some talents.
- Social media can be a great place or a really terrible one.
- It doesn't feel like they're overdoing Seth vs. Owens, though there was definitely a time where that was the case.
- I'm very curious what the next years hold for Rey, especially when he does finish getting in the ring. He can do basically whatever he wants wherever he wants; few have that option.
- Owens earned respect from me as a person from this interview.
WWE created a Rey Mysterio filter on Instagram. It continues to look like whatever Sunday's show will be called could be the last we see of him in WWE for a while.
AEW had a Road To Fight For The Fallen.
Tito Santana had a long interview.
Tony Khan spoke to PWInsider before Fight For The Fallen:
- AEW is very, very lucky to have someone as connected and passionate as Khan at the helm.
- We have seen some ingenuity from wrestling during the pandemic.
- Um yeah, I see why TNT likes their title!
- Yikes. It very much feels like Tony's patting himself on the back for not firing people. His actions have been commendable, but it comes across as a bit conceited.
- I've loved the Taz/Cage pairing.
- I'm still a little iffy on Sonny and some of AEW's colorful characters.
- Wow yeah Tony doubling down on the conceit with the talk about demos.
Raw next week will feature Randy Orton vs. Big Show in an unsanctioned match. I'm guessing they moved this from Extreme Rules to try to help sagging ratings.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Honestly I'm not qualified to weigh in on 1 or 2.
3. Given what the Divas usually wrestled in, that probably made sense for a more serious match!
4. Vince prides himself on putting on a show no matter what. As long as he can physically run an event with people competing in matches, he'll do it.
5. Vince will put on a show in front of fans as soon as he's allowed to have crowds of a certain size. He doesn't want to run in front of 300 people like those "bingo hall promotions."
More wrestling tomorrow.
EVIL's first double title defense will be against Hiromu Takahashi on July 25.
NJPW's Lion's Break Collision series will air on FITE.TV.
New Day's latest podcast features former WWE writer Mike Notarile, who worked with the group when they initially formed.
MLW now has official face masks for sale.
WWE Network additions this week:
- Best of Women's Evolution Monday
- Best of Extreme Rules Tuesday
- Day of Backlash 2020 Friday
- The Last Ride: Tales From The Deadman Sunday
Slammiversary will broadcast in Spanish on FITE. I hope that increases the show's reach.
Kevin Owens spoke to Sports Illustrated before Raw:
- It's got to be a tough decision for a lot of talents whether to put themselves at risk by returning.
- Wow. Bold of him to make that policy suggestion. I bet it got him some heat with some talents.
- Social media can be a great place or a really terrible one.
- It doesn't feel like they're overdoing Seth vs. Owens, though there was definitely a time where that was the case.
- I'm very curious what the next years hold for Rey, especially when he does finish getting in the ring. He can do basically whatever he wants wherever he wants; few have that option.
- Owens earned respect from me as a person from this interview.
WWE created a Rey Mysterio filter on Instagram. It continues to look like whatever Sunday's show will be called could be the last we see of him in WWE for a while.
AEW had a Road To Fight For The Fallen.
Tito Santana had a long interview.
Tony Khan spoke to PWInsider before Fight For The Fallen:
- AEW is very, very lucky to have someone as connected and passionate as Khan at the helm.
- We have seen some ingenuity from wrestling during the pandemic.
- Um yeah, I see why TNT likes their title!
- Yikes. It very much feels like Tony's patting himself on the back for not firing people. His actions have been commendable, but it comes across as a bit conceited.
- I've loved the Taz/Cage pairing.
- I'm still a little iffy on Sonny and some of AEW's colorful characters.
- Wow yeah Tony doubling down on the conceit with the talk about demos.
Raw next week will feature Randy Orton vs. Big Show in an unsanctioned match. I'm guessing they moved this from Extreme Rules to try to help sagging ratings.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
Honestly I'm not qualified to weigh in on 1 or 2.
3. Given what the Divas usually wrestled in, that probably made sense for a more serious match!
4. Vince prides himself on putting on a show no matter what. As long as he can physically run an event with people competing in matches, he'll do it.
5. Vince will put on a show in front of fans as soon as he's allowed to have crowds of a certain size. He doesn't want to run in front of 300 people like those "bingo hall promotions."
More wrestling tomorrow.
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