Ronda Rousey has launched a website.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James were also at the American Music Awards.
Kaitlyn discussed returning to WWE. I wonder how she'd do in modern NXT/WWE.
Lilian Garcia is on Steve Austin's latest podcast.
Natalya and Tyson Kidd were on ET Canada Live.
John Cena was on The Daily Show. I really hope the current crop of WWE main eventers can be in his league with media appearances like this. He's been key for the company's mainstream success.
NXT UK has been announced as a WWE Network series. I hope that increases subscriptions enough to be worth the cost. Not getting a TV deal really hurts the project's potential to earn money.
Super Show-Down drew around 62,000 fans, WWE's biggest Australian audience ever and one of their biggest non-U.S. crowds ever.
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz at Super Show-Down went exactly as long as initially planned. I, and others, had speculated their match was cut short. This was not the case.
Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James was always planned as a tag match.
Kenny Omega is now working with a fractured rib. He's one of the biggest stars in the world right now, so he's going to keep going as long as he can.
Don Callis looks to be done as NJPW's announcer due to his Impact commitments preventing him from having a full schedule. I hope that's the right move for both sides.
NJPW is putting up more digital content and making more content available in English, French, and Spanish. Both of these moves are from the new Management team.
PROGRESS will not run any WrestleMania-weekend events. That's somewhat surprising.
MLW will have another Battle Riot over WrestleMania weekend.
James Ellsworth vs. Jenny Rose has been added to Chris Jericho's cruise.
Al Snow is writing an autobiography. That should be really entertaining.
Anthem reportedly considered closing Impact before last year's Bound For Glory, but made enough financial changes to keep the promotion going. I'm curious how much longer Anthem is willing to keep things moving.
Lashley turned heel due to Owens going off the road for surgery. The move was decided the day of the show.
Michael Hayes is in charge of NXT's tours outside of Florida, so WWE Management is determining which stars are on which set of live events. That's interesting, given how different things are from NXT to Raw and Smackdown Live.
WWE is looking at opening international Performance Centers, notably in the UK and Saudi Arabia. The UK is a really obvious move, but Saudi Arabia is a big statement. We'll see how that goes.
NXT UK wrestlers recently went through a big training experience in line with the WWE Performance Center.
Becky Lynch is working with a cracked jaw. That's a shame. I hope her push continues.
WWE will likely do another women's-only PPV. It will be interesting to see what changes from Evolution.
Pete Dunne missed a few dates due to a foot injury, but he's expected to work the next NXT UK tapings.
WWE scouted talent at Melbourne City Wrestling before Super Show-Down. No surprise there; the company isn't in the area often, so they want to make the most of their time there.
WWE is looking at more Australian shows in future years.
Chelsea Green recently trained at the WWE Performance Center, so she could be joining NXT soon.
Impact Wrestling has picked up a strategic media rights consultant in order to expand their global presence. That's coming at an important time. They need to get some deals going.
Ronda Rousey spoke to TMZ about the Bella Twins.
WWE will have a comic focusing on legends known as WWE: Forever. The first issue will come in January, covering Bret Hart, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, and Money Inc.
WWE's Madison Square Garden event for December 26 has been changed to a Raw live event. Kevin Owens is advertised, but will almost definitely not be cleared to work the show.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Ronda launches website, assorted WWE press, Interviews with Kaitlyn/Lilian/Cena/Ronda, NXT UK broadcast deal, SSD notes, Evolution match note, Omega working hurt, Callis-NJPW update, more NJPW content online, PROGRESS not running WM35 weekend, MLW WM35 weekend plans, another Y2J cruise match, Snow book coming, Anthem reveals considerations of dropping Impact, why Lashley turned, who runs NXT"s live events, WWE looking at more PCs, NXT UK names train, Becky working hurt, Dunne misses shows, WWE scouts in Australia, more WWE in Australia?, Impact hires media rights consultant, WWE legends comic coming, and MSG show changes brands
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Kane opening wrestling school, GFW promoting NJPW, WWE roster change, Interviews with Murphy/Charlotte/Matt Hardy/Aries/Y2J, Rey booked for SDL live events, Cena appearances, Kelley-AMAs, Owens missing time, Edge's SD1000 role, Takeover VIP experience, big Connor's Cure donation, SDL audience, Hispanic Hidden Gems, another SD1000 name, NXT live event postponed, and Questions on Shotgun Saturday Night on the Network, Ellering leaving the Authors, Owens "quitting," and Harper as U.S. Champion
Kane and Dr. Tom Prichard are opening a wrestling school in Tennessee. That's awesome! Prichard worked for FCW for quite a while. I just hope Kane can juggle being mayor as well as this new big responsibility.
GFW is working to put together travel packages for Wrestle Kingdom 13. This doesn't look to be a collaboration with NJPW as much as taking advantage of the timing of their signature event.
Mike Kanellis and Maria Kanellis have moved to 205 Live. Mike debuted by attacking Lince Dorado during a match with Lio Rush, so he'll seemingly work with the Lucha House Party right out of the gate.
Buddy Murphy spoke in Australia after becoming Cruiserweight Champion.
Charlotte Flair promoted Evolution.
Matt Hardy is on Jim Ross' latest podcast.
Austin Aries is on Chris Jericho's latest podcast.
Rey Mysterio is booked for Smackdown Live live events on October 20, October 21, October 22, November 3, November 4, and November 5. I assume the plan is for him to work all live events for the brand at some point.
John Cena read from his children's book on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
- Cena was also on the latest Sports Illustrated podcast.
Cathy Kelley worked the American Music Awards red carpet on behalf of WWE. She's been stellar in that role.
AJ Styles will have a graphic novel coming July 2019. That should be good.
Kevin Owens is taking time off for minor knee surgery, hence the injury angle on Raw. He's really been a workhorse for the company.
Edge will host Cutting Edge on Smackdown 1000. No guest has been specified, but I'm intrigued.
Takeover: WarGames will have a VIP experience.
Pat McAfee donated $10,000 to Connor's Cure. That's really great.
Chris Jericho spoke with Larry King.
Smackdown Live drew 2.14 million viewers Tuesday night, a slight increase from last week.
WWE Network's latest Hidden Gems are:
- Carlos Colon vs. Johnny Rodz from WWWF in 1977
- Konnan (as Latin Fury) vs. Art Barr from WWF in 1992
- Super Crazy (as Super Loco) vs. El Hijo del Santo from WWF in 1998
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Nova (Simon Dean) from OVW in 2002
Michelle McCool has been added to Smackdown 1000, likely setting up something for Evolution. I'd love to see Laycool vs. The IIconics, but I don't expect that to happen.
NXT's October 11 Florida live event has been postponed to November 30 due to Hurricane Michael. It's going to be a tough time for the Sunshine State.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1 is a repeat.
2. To some degree it's a matter of how much demand they think there is for the show in comparison to other content they could put up. As other material is uploaded, that show will theoretically move up the priority list.
3. Apparently they want him to stay in NXT, although obviously they haven't used him since the Authors were promoted.
4. It makes me wonder if the plan was for him to take time off for surgery then, but it was delayed. At the time I saw it as a way for Owens to surprise Lashley with the quick return.
5. If you do that, someone will inevitably say WWE is burying Shinsuke. They can't please everyone. Certainly they can do something special with Harper, but he could use a reboot at this point.
More wrestling tomorrow.
GFW is working to put together travel packages for Wrestle Kingdom 13. This doesn't look to be a collaboration with NJPW as much as taking advantage of the timing of their signature event.
Mike Kanellis and Maria Kanellis have moved to 205 Live. Mike debuted by attacking Lince Dorado during a match with Lio Rush, so he'll seemingly work with the Lucha House Party right out of the gate.
Buddy Murphy spoke in Australia after becoming Cruiserweight Champion.
Charlotte Flair promoted Evolution.
Matt Hardy is on Jim Ross' latest podcast.
Austin Aries is on Chris Jericho's latest podcast.
Rey Mysterio is booked for Smackdown Live live events on October 20, October 21, October 22, November 3, November 4, and November 5. I assume the plan is for him to work all live events for the brand at some point.
John Cena read from his children's book on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
- Cena was also on the latest Sports Illustrated podcast.
Cathy Kelley worked the American Music Awards red carpet on behalf of WWE. She's been stellar in that role.
AJ Styles will have a graphic novel coming July 2019. That should be good.
Kevin Owens is taking time off for minor knee surgery, hence the injury angle on Raw. He's really been a workhorse for the company.
Edge will host Cutting Edge on Smackdown 1000. No guest has been specified, but I'm intrigued.
Takeover: WarGames will have a VIP experience.
Pat McAfee donated $10,000 to Connor's Cure. That's really great.
Chris Jericho spoke with Larry King.
Smackdown Live drew 2.14 million viewers Tuesday night, a slight increase from last week.
WWE Network's latest Hidden Gems are:
- Carlos Colon vs. Johnny Rodz from WWWF in 1977
- Konnan (as Latin Fury) vs. Art Barr from WWF in 1992
- Super Crazy (as Super Loco) vs. El Hijo del Santo from WWF in 1998
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Nova (Simon Dean) from OVW in 2002
Michelle McCool has been added to Smackdown 1000, likely setting up something for Evolution. I'd love to see Laycool vs. The IIconics, but I don't expect that to happen.
NXT's October 11 Florida live event has been postponed to November 30 due to Hurricane Michael. It's going to be a tough time for the Sunshine State.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1 is a repeat.
2. To some degree it's a matter of how much demand they think there is for the show in comparison to other content they could put up. As other material is uploaded, that show will theoretically move up the priority list.
3. Apparently they want him to stay in NXT, although obviously they haven't used him since the Authors were promoted.
4. It makes me wonder if the plan was for him to take time off for surgery then, but it was delayed. At the time I saw it as a way for Owens to surprise Lashley with the quick return.
5. If you do that, someone will inevitably say WWE is burying Shinsuke. They can't please everyone. Certainly they can do something special with Harper, but he could use a reboot at this point.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Y2J NJPW return match, Mahal honored, Hardy Halloween preview, WOS licensed, 205 Live name working EVOLVE, Interview with Cena, next Network collections, HHH shouts out school, Raw audience, new ROH TV matches, ROH debut set, recent Impact name working ROH, more on Mercury legal situation, another SD1000 name, more NXT names at Evolution, and Questions on WWE selling PPVs to TV providers, how royalties work, WWE catering, wrestlers in the acting union, and Ronda's Piper merchandise
Chris Jericho vs. EVIL for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship is official for NJPW's November 3 Power Struggle event. This will almost certainly lead to Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito at WrestleKingdom on January 4.
Jinder Mahal received an award on behalf of India's Sony YAY! channel. That's pretty cool. I hope more is coming for him going forward.
The House Hardy Halloween special got a preview trailer. I hope we see some fun cameos outside the usual crew.
WOS Wrestling is being licensed for the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe convention, another sign the project will continue.
205 Live's Mustafa Ali will be competing for EVOLVE on November 9 and November 10. As infrequently as the wrestlers on that show get work, it should be more of the norm for them to get outside bookings.
John Cena discussed his new book and haircut.
Rey Mysterio and Sasha Banks are getting WWE Network collections soon.
Triple H supported a school honoring female students with a WWE Championship replica. That's definitely pretty cool.
Raw drew 2.37 million viewers Monday night, a slight boost from last week.
ROH's October 14 TV taping has added:
- Sumie Sakai/Madison Rayne/Jenny Rose vs. Britt Baker/Kelly Klein/Karen Q, marking Karen and Rayne's return to WOH after working the Mae Young Classic. Rayne has signed a deal with ROH, but I think Karen is still a free agent.
- Cody vs. Kenny King
- Jeff Cobb vs. Shane Taylor, which could really be good.
- The Briscoes vs. Young Bucks vs. The Addiction for the ROH Tag Team Championship. The Briscoes are running out of credible opponents!
Tracy Williams will debut for ROH at Survival of the Fittest on November 4. Good to see a new name in the mix.
- Andrew Everett will return to the company at that event, as well. So leaving Impact is already paying dividends for him.
The former Joey Mercury was charged with criminally using someone else's credit card to purchase more than $300 of goods. More on this tomorrow.
Kane will appear on Smackdown 1000, as part of the build to Crown Jewel. I certainly don't expect him to be a regular going forward; we'll see if he sticks around after the Saudi Arabian show.
NXT's Rhea Ripley, Mia Yim, Lacey Evans, and Kacy Catanzaro are also booked for Evolution. I expect we're in for a contenders' battle royal to face the NXT Women's Champion at WarGames.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I don't see why they couldn't just turn an episode each of Raw and Smackdown Live into a "PPV" each month, a little like Impact has done. For instance, the last episode of Raw in February can be their piece of Fast Lane, while the last episode of Smackdown Live can be their contribution to that event. It's worth looking to see if someone would buy additional content for TV, though. It's also worth noting they still make some money from PPVs, so they're not going to abandon them without good cause.
2. I'd think it'd be a case of who was playing the character in the content used, since it would be their likeness.
3. WWE has been doing what they do for a long time. They've got plenty of connections to make things like that happen.
4. Generally wrestlers just do a few acting gigs here and there when they're not available to take bumps, so it's not a big issue. WWE absolutely wants to do things their way rather than the union's way.
5. The Piper situation would depend on whether that family has any claim to those designs. WWE might pay a flat fee to license the design, and/or the family gets a percentage of sales. As for the "Yep!" shirts, I believe Owens and Zayn would get paid and Bryan wouldn't, since the shirts were for them rather than him.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Jinder Mahal received an award on behalf of India's Sony YAY! channel. That's pretty cool. I hope more is coming for him going forward.
The House Hardy Halloween special got a preview trailer. I hope we see some fun cameos outside the usual crew.
WOS Wrestling is being licensed for the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe convention, another sign the project will continue.
205 Live's Mustafa Ali will be competing for EVOLVE on November 9 and November 10. As infrequently as the wrestlers on that show get work, it should be more of the norm for them to get outside bookings.
John Cena discussed his new book and haircut.
Rey Mysterio and Sasha Banks are getting WWE Network collections soon.
Triple H supported a school honoring female students with a WWE Championship replica. That's definitely pretty cool.
Raw drew 2.37 million viewers Monday night, a slight boost from last week.
ROH's October 14 TV taping has added:
- Sumie Sakai/Madison Rayne/Jenny Rose vs. Britt Baker/Kelly Klein/Karen Q, marking Karen and Rayne's return to WOH after working the Mae Young Classic. Rayne has signed a deal with ROH, but I think Karen is still a free agent.
- Cody vs. Kenny King
- Jeff Cobb vs. Shane Taylor, which could really be good.
- The Briscoes vs. Young Bucks vs. The Addiction for the ROH Tag Team Championship. The Briscoes are running out of credible opponents!
Tracy Williams will debut for ROH at Survival of the Fittest on November 4. Good to see a new name in the mix.
- Andrew Everett will return to the company at that event, as well. So leaving Impact is already paying dividends for him.
The former Joey Mercury was charged with criminally using someone else's credit card to purchase more than $300 of goods. More on this tomorrow.
Kane will appear on Smackdown 1000, as part of the build to Crown Jewel. I certainly don't expect him to be a regular going forward; we'll see if he sticks around after the Saudi Arabian show.
NXT's Rhea Ripley, Mia Yim, Lacey Evans, and Kacy Catanzaro are also booked for Evolution. I expect we're in for a contenders' battle royal to face the NXT Women's Champion at WarGames.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I don't see why they couldn't just turn an episode each of Raw and Smackdown Live into a "PPV" each month, a little like Impact has done. For instance, the last episode of Raw in February can be their piece of Fast Lane, while the last episode of Smackdown Live can be their contribution to that event. It's worth looking to see if someone would buy additional content for TV, though. It's also worth noting they still make some money from PPVs, so they're not going to abandon them without good cause.
2. I'd think it'd be a case of who was playing the character in the content used, since it would be their likeness.
3. WWE has been doing what they do for a long time. They've got plenty of connections to make things like that happen.
4. Generally wrestlers just do a few acting gigs here and there when they're not available to take bumps, so it's not a big issue. WWE absolutely wants to do things their way rather than the union's way.
5. The Piper situation would depend on whether that family has any claim to those designs. WWE might pay a flat fee to license the design, and/or the family gets a percentage of sales. As for the "Yep!" shirts, I believe Owens and Zayn would get paid and Bryan wouldn't, since the shirts were for them rather than him.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
MVP speaking tour, Interviews with Paige/Shockmaster, NXT names booked for Evolution, NFL player puts over ECW, Cena back on Today, BFG preview show, NWA National Championship brackets, custom WNBA championship, NXT live events set, Rey trademarks, NJPW notes, Evolution match changed, and Questions on which wrestlers get merch, Elias burying Seattle, Renee not standing out on commentary, and WWE working with Impact
MVP is starting a one-man show. That's seemingly the new trend in the business. I think he'll do well, though.
Paige discussed retirement and the Brie Bella backlash on Lilian Garcia's latest podcast.
The Shockmaster is on the latest Geniuscast. I wonder how that gimmick would have done if not for him slipping.
Evolution will feature NXT's Jessamyn Duke, Marina Shafir, Candice LaRae, Bianca Belair, and Dakota Kai in roles to be confirmed. Good to see all those names at the event.
NFL player Stefon Diggs paid tribute to ECW. That's really cool!
John Cena was on the "Today Show" this morning. He has a very international schedule!
Impact Wrestling previewed Bound For Glory. That show and its followup are going to be key for Impact's future on Pop.
NWA has announced the National Championship brackets. The winner of Willie Mack vs. Jay Bradley vs. Mike Parrow vs. Ricky Starks will face the winner of Colt Cabana vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Sam Shaw vs. Sammy Guevara.
The WNBA Champions received a custom championship.
NXT has announced live events for December 6 and December 7 in Wisconsin, December 8 in Minnesota, and December 9 in Iowa.
Rey Mysterio has trademarked "The Greatest Mask Of All Time" and ""G.M.O.A.T." for merchandise purposes.
NJPW event notes:
- NJPW has signed Shingo Takagi right after Takagi finished with Dragon Gate. He's joined Los Ingobernables de Japon, so we could see him in ROH before too much longer.
- Chris Jericho attacked EVIL.
- KUSHIDA is the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
- Kenny Omega retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match with Kota Ibushi and Cody. This was the first three-way match for that championship since 2005. It's expected we'll see Omega vs. Ibushi at a different major show.
WWE Evolution has changed Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss to Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but it means the two Hall of Famers don't have to have long singles matches. Maybe WWE learned from Triple H vs. Undertaker.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think each side plays into the other - they push wrestlers who they think will sell more merchandise, and they make more merchandise for the wrestlers they push. Certainly if someone surprises them with how much (or how little) merch they sell, WWE will take that into account. I also think to some degree wrestlers who are over are going to sell merch that's not great looking, while wrestlers who aren't over aren't going to sell much merch no matter how nice it is.
2. They don't want to run into a situation where they make a lot of merch for someone who isn't seen as a big priority, and they also want to have a lot of options available for talents who will likely sell some merch. Because while Little Jimmy in Arizona might not get his mom to buy 59 Roman items, he might ask for a different 12 items than Little Jimmy in Wisconsin.
3. WWE knew they'd get a good reaction. They just didn't know it'd be THAT good. It was pretty great, and Elias and Owens got the most out of it.
4. I think she's deferring to the more experienced members of the group. She should get more settled in as time goes on.
5. As was said, there's not much for WWE to get out of such an agreement. Most of the talents they'd be interested in are under deals with LU, so they'd be untouchable regardless. Other than licensing the video library, WWE isn't that interested in working with Impact.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Paige discussed retirement and the Brie Bella backlash on Lilian Garcia's latest podcast.
The Shockmaster is on the latest Geniuscast. I wonder how that gimmick would have done if not for him slipping.
Evolution will feature NXT's Jessamyn Duke, Marina Shafir, Candice LaRae, Bianca Belair, and Dakota Kai in roles to be confirmed. Good to see all those names at the event.
NFL player Stefon Diggs paid tribute to ECW. That's really cool!
John Cena was on the "Today Show" this morning. He has a very international schedule!
Impact Wrestling previewed Bound For Glory. That show and its followup are going to be key for Impact's future on Pop.
NWA has announced the National Championship brackets. The winner of Willie Mack vs. Jay Bradley vs. Mike Parrow vs. Ricky Starks will face the winner of Colt Cabana vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Sam Shaw vs. Sammy Guevara.
The WNBA Champions received a custom championship.
NXT has announced live events for December 6 and December 7 in Wisconsin, December 8 in Minnesota, and December 9 in Iowa.
Rey Mysterio has trademarked "The Greatest Mask Of All Time" and ""G.M.O.A.T." for merchandise purposes.
NJPW event notes:
- NJPW has signed Shingo Takagi right after Takagi finished with Dragon Gate. He's joined Los Ingobernables de Japon, so we could see him in ROH before too much longer.
- Chris Jericho attacked EVIL.
- KUSHIDA is the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
- Kenny Omega retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match with Kota Ibushi and Cody. This was the first three-way match for that championship since 2005. It's expected we'll see Omega vs. Ibushi at a different major show.
WWE Evolution has changed Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss to Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but it means the two Hall of Famers don't have to have long singles matches. Maybe WWE learned from Triple H vs. Undertaker.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think each side plays into the other - they push wrestlers who they think will sell more merchandise, and they make more merchandise for the wrestlers they push. Certainly if someone surprises them with how much (or how little) merch they sell, WWE will take that into account. I also think to some degree wrestlers who are over are going to sell merch that's not great looking, while wrestlers who aren't over aren't going to sell much merch no matter how nice it is.
2. They don't want to run into a situation where they make a lot of merch for someone who isn't seen as a big priority, and they also want to have a lot of options available for talents who will likely sell some merch. Because while Little Jimmy in Arizona might not get his mom to buy 59 Roman items, he might ask for a different 12 items than Little Jimmy in Wisconsin.
3. WWE knew they'd get a good reaction. They just didn't know it'd be THAT good. It was pretty great, and Elias and Owens got the most out of it.
4. I think she's deferring to the more experienced members of the group. She should get more settled in as time goes on.
5. As was said, there's not much for WWE to get out of such an agreement. Most of the talents they'd be interested in are under deals with LU, so they'd be untouchable regardless. Other than licensing the video library, WWE isn't that interested in working with Impact.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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