Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's WWE Network special event.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
MYC final in the vault, former NXT star's wrestling school profiled, Interview with Trish, custom WWE jewelry, NXT names headed to 2K19, Brock's next match, Impact audience, top name not used at Crown Jewel, HBK update, HHH injured, Rusev signing, and Crown Jewel coverage
The Mae Young Classic final has been added to the Vault section of WWE Network, along with the other MYC matches.
A NYC wrestling school run by the former Bull Dempsey was profiled. Dempsey's first match was in 2008, so in theory he's got enough experience to train others.
Trish Stratus spoke to Newsweek. Trish vs. Alexa should definitely happen at some point.
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Asuka all got custom jewelry before Evolution.
EC3 and the War Raiders are also DLC for WWE 2K19.
Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles is set for Survivor Series for the second year in a row, as the Universal Champion and WWE Champion face off on a Raw vs. Smackdown Live themed show. It will be interesting to see when Brock loses the championship and what his win means for his UFC future; the Crown Jewel result was definitely a surprise after they finally ended his previous title reign.
Impact Wrestling drew 105,000 viewers Thursday night. The closer we get to 2019 without news of the show remaining on U.S. TV, the more dire the situation looks.
Dean Ambrose was at Crown Jewel but not used.
Shawn Michaels indicated he's not staying around as a wrestler after Crown Jewel, which isn't surprising.
Triple H is believed to have torn his right pectoral muscle at Crown Jewel. He went right back to the United States to get diagnosed and could head right into surgery.
Rusev did a signing at a toy store in Wales before Smackdown Live action there.
Crown Jewel was covered by the Washington Post.
More wrestling tomorrow.
A NYC wrestling school run by the former Bull Dempsey was profiled. Dempsey's first match was in 2008, so in theory he's got enough experience to train others.
Trish Stratus spoke to Newsweek. Trish vs. Alexa should definitely happen at some point.
Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Asuka all got custom jewelry before Evolution.
EC3 and the War Raiders are also DLC for WWE 2K19.
Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles is set for Survivor Series for the second year in a row, as the Universal Champion and WWE Champion face off on a Raw vs. Smackdown Live themed show. It will be interesting to see when Brock loses the championship and what his win means for his UFC future; the Crown Jewel result was definitely a surprise after they finally ended his previous title reign.
Impact Wrestling drew 105,000 viewers Thursday night. The closer we get to 2019 without news of the show remaining on U.S. TV, the more dire the situation looks.
Dean Ambrose was at Crown Jewel but not used.
Shawn Michaels indicated he's not staying around as a wrestler after Crown Jewel, which isn't surprising.
Triple H is believed to have torn his right pectoral muscle at Crown Jewel. He went right back to the United States to get diagnosed and could head right into surgery.
Rusev did a signing at a toy store in Wales before Smackdown Live action there.
Crown Jewel was covered by the Washington Post.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Friday, November 2, 2018
A lot of Crown Jewel notes, Evolution attendance, Callis signs new NJPW deal, Cobb to NJPW, Neville's plans, more on Jericho cruise, Impact champion vs. ROH champion, SDL occasionally on FS1, original MYC plans, DX Hidden Gems, Joe update, Ohno's EVOLVE opponents, and Questions on what will headline Supercard of Honor, more Woken content, AJ vs. Bryan plans, and Hogan working Crown Jewel
John Cena pulling out of Crown Jewel could have been due to pressure from the Hollywood side, with the feeling it would look bad for an emerging star to perform there.
The World Cup tournament was originally going to have Raw vs. Smackdown Live matches in the first round.
Evolution drew 10,900 fans, a legitimate sellout.
Don Callis has signed a new deal with NJPW. He will continue his Impact duties.
Jeff Cobb will debut for NJPW on a tour going from November 17 to December 9. He's absolutely someone who can have a major 2019.
The former Neville is now taking regular UK dates, including Revolution Pro beginning November 22. I imagine he's glad to get back into working regularly.
Chris Jericho is looking to make his cruise an annual event. The first one was very successful.
Impact and ROH have agreed to have Johnny Impact vs. Jay Lethal in a title vs. title match, but there's no word on a time and place. That could be pretty big for both sides.
Smackdown Live will be on FS1 some weeks under the new deal during events like the World Series, as big sporting events draw well on FOX.
The Mae Young Classic was originally set to be won by Tegan Nox, but plans changed with her injury. Io Shirai benefitted from the unfortunate injury to Nox.
TMZ Sports spoke with WWE stars before they went to Saudi Arabia. Randy Orton was specifically asked about John Cena not working the show. Orton was pretty hilarious.
Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Kane are not scheduled for Raw, so their storyline likely wrapped up at Crown Jewel.
WWE Network subscribers got a digital Evolution program honoring women of the past, including Fabulous Moolah, AJ Lee, and Chyna.
Jimmy Hart went with Hulk Hogan to Saudi Arabia.
WWE Network's latest Hidden Gems are:
- Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs. Stone Cold and The Undertaker from Madison Square Garden in 1997
- Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs. Legacy in a Steel Cage Match from after Smackdown in 2009.
"Tough Enough" has been trademarked by WWE, so that show could be returning in some fashion.
Samoa Joe is advertised for WWE Starrcade, facing AJ Styles in a steel cage, so he seems to be clear to return to the road beyond Crown Jewel.
Kassius Ohno's EVOLVE opponents will be Fabian Aichner at EVOLVE 115 and Shane Strickland at EVOLVE 116.
Renee Young had special travel arrangements and accommodations in Saudi Arabia due to that country's laws and culture. It's notable even WWE's female executives were not on the trip.
Crown Jewel's producers were Michael Hayes, John Laurinaitis, Billy Kidman, Adam Pearce, and Ranjin Singh.
John "Big" Gaburick spent more than a month in Saudi Arabia helping put together the production and logistics of Crown Jewel.
Hulk Hogan has merchandise for sale by WWE as part of his return. Again, WWE seems to be at a place where they're so rich they can do whatever they want without sponsors or fans dropping out.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. As was indicated, a lot of contracts are coming due, notably Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Cody, and Hangman Page. But, yes, I expect Lethal and Okada in big roles, and plenty of Bullet Club/LIJ/CHAOS representation. I really, really hope Bully Ray isn't in the main event. That's insane. I don't think anyone can claim he's responsible for any of ROH's success. If anything, he's holding the company and its talent back.
2. Essentially the same people who put the Impact content together.
3. That's their hope. Matt Hardy could be on Raw to push the series if there's more, since he's still under a talent contract and not appearing in any other capacity.
4. Apparently WWE wanted to "green screen" an audience in at first, if not outright make it look like the match was taking place in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, they could do an empty arena (or Performance Center) match. There was no talk of having fans attend.
5. That's what I assumed as well. It's essentially worked out that way.
More wrestling tomorrow.
The World Cup tournament was originally going to have Raw vs. Smackdown Live matches in the first round.
Evolution drew 10,900 fans, a legitimate sellout.
Don Callis has signed a new deal with NJPW. He will continue his Impact duties.
Jeff Cobb will debut for NJPW on a tour going from November 17 to December 9. He's absolutely someone who can have a major 2019.
The former Neville is now taking regular UK dates, including Revolution Pro beginning November 22. I imagine he's glad to get back into working regularly.
Chris Jericho is looking to make his cruise an annual event. The first one was very successful.
Impact and ROH have agreed to have Johnny Impact vs. Jay Lethal in a title vs. title match, but there's no word on a time and place. That could be pretty big for both sides.
Smackdown Live will be on FS1 some weeks under the new deal during events like the World Series, as big sporting events draw well on FOX.
The Mae Young Classic was originally set to be won by Tegan Nox, but plans changed with her injury. Io Shirai benefitted from the unfortunate injury to Nox.
TMZ Sports spoke with WWE stars before they went to Saudi Arabia. Randy Orton was specifically asked about John Cena not working the show. Orton was pretty hilarious.
Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Kane are not scheduled for Raw, so their storyline likely wrapped up at Crown Jewel.
WWE Network subscribers got a digital Evolution program honoring women of the past, including Fabulous Moolah, AJ Lee, and Chyna.
Jimmy Hart went with Hulk Hogan to Saudi Arabia.
WWE Network's latest Hidden Gems are:
- Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs. Stone Cold and The Undertaker from Madison Square Garden in 1997
- Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs. Legacy in a Steel Cage Match from after Smackdown in 2009.
"Tough Enough" has been trademarked by WWE, so that show could be returning in some fashion.
Samoa Joe is advertised for WWE Starrcade, facing AJ Styles in a steel cage, so he seems to be clear to return to the road beyond Crown Jewel.
Kassius Ohno's EVOLVE opponents will be Fabian Aichner at EVOLVE 115 and Shane Strickland at EVOLVE 116.
Renee Young had special travel arrangements and accommodations in Saudi Arabia due to that country's laws and culture. It's notable even WWE's female executives were not on the trip.
Crown Jewel's producers were Michael Hayes, John Laurinaitis, Billy Kidman, Adam Pearce, and Ranjin Singh.
John "Big" Gaburick spent more than a month in Saudi Arabia helping put together the production and logistics of Crown Jewel.
Hulk Hogan has merchandise for sale by WWE as part of his return. Again, WWE seems to be at a place where they're so rich they can do whatever they want without sponsors or fans dropping out.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. As was indicated, a lot of contracts are coming due, notably Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Cody, and Hangman Page. But, yes, I expect Lethal and Okada in big roles, and plenty of Bullet Club/LIJ/CHAOS representation. I really, really hope Bully Ray isn't in the main event. That's insane. I don't think anyone can claim he's responsible for any of ROH's success. If anything, he's holding the company and its talent back.
2. Essentially the same people who put the Impact content together.
3. That's their hope. Matt Hardy could be on Raw to push the series if there's more, since he's still under a talent contract and not appearing in any other capacity.
4. Apparently WWE wanted to "green screen" an audience in at first, if not outright make it look like the match was taking place in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, they could do an empty arena (or Performance Center) match. There was no talk of having fans attend.
5. That's what I assumed as well. It's essentially worked out that way.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Elite update, assorted WWE press, NXT Halloween battle royal, Interviews with Ronda/Angle/Matt Hardy/UE/Becky/Barnett, Lashley in 2K19, why Evolution looked so different, new Global Wars/ROH TV matches, SDL audience, Hogan hosting CJ, Survivor Series art coming, NXT UK names on WWE tour, and Questions on Rollins' finisher making him over, Brock getting the title back, Heyman on Creative, scripting social media interactions, and barring Ronda's armbar
Cody confirmed work on All In 2 during Chris Jericho's cruise. That would indicate he, the Young Bucks, and others won't be going to WWE.
The Bellas were on The View on Halloween.
NXT had a Halloween battle royal at a recent live event. I love stuff like this.
Ronda Rousey spoke to People.com. It sounds like her showing more personality and smiling is her doing rather than an order from someone higher up.
Bobby Lashley will be WWE 2K19 DLC.
Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, and the Undisputed Era gave interviews at Ringside Fest.
Evolution was produced and directed by the NXT/Takeover crew, as the Raw and Smackdown Live staff were already setting up for Monday's TV taping. Vince McMahon was in Gorilla position for the show, but Kevin Dunn was not in attendance.
Global Wars has added:
- Cody vs. Mark Briscoe and Flip Gordon vs. Frankie Kazarian in Massachusetts
- Jeff Cobb vs. EVIL and Juice Robinson vs. Silas Young in New York
- Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky vs. The Bouncers and Jeff Cobb vs. Cheeseburger in Maine
ROH's TV taping Saturday has announced:
- Kelly Klein vs. Jenny Rose
- Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny King
- Jeff Cobb vs. Josh Woods
- Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky vs. CMLL's Stuka, Jr. and Guerrero Maya, Jr.
- Jay Lethal, Cody, and Dalton Castle vs. The Kingdom
- Flip Gordon vs. Silas Young
- Christmas Surprise 10-man tag match
Becky Lynch spoke to Sam Roberts and Jim Norton.
WWE showed some Asuka-inspired Halloween makeup. That's AMAZING.
Josh Barnett was interviewed for A Gentleman & A Scholar.
Smackdown Live drew 2.11 million viewers on Halloween, basically what they did the week before.
Hulk Hogan will host Crown Jewel, so WWE's throwing two PR issues together at once. Honestly in a way bringing back Hogan now is clever since people will be more or less distracted by the Saudi controversy.
Daniel Bryan and the Bellas will be on Facebook's "You Kiddin' Me?!"
Survivor Series is getting an art exhibit. That's an interesting idea.
The following names are notably advertised for WWE's upcoming UK tours:
- The Colons, challenging the Usos
- Nikki Bella, facing Natalya
- Alexa Bliss, teaming with Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan against Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, and Dana Brooke
- Curt Hawkins, facing Zack Ryder
The following NXT UK matches are set for Raw and Smackdown Live events in the UK:
- Mark Andrews vs. Wild Boar on November 3
- Wolfgang and The Coffey Brothers vs. British Strong Style on November 4 and November 5
- Ligero vs. Zack Gibson on November 6
- Saxon Huxley and Joseph Conners vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake on November 7
- Tyler Bate vs. Zack Gibson on November 8, November 9, and November 10
- Wolfgang vs. Kenny Williams on November 11
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think the Blackout helps Rollins get over, but it's certainly not the sole factor. He's a workhorse no matter what his finisher is.
2. Brock is likely going back to UFC unless Vince puts forth a LOT of money to keep him.
3. Not quite. He oversees some Brock-related segments, but, other than that, he's just a performer.
4. There are specific things they can and can't say, for sure, as well as things they're encouraged to do and say on Twitter. I strongly doubt everything they do online is written out for them. There are too many talents doing too many tweets for that to be the case.
5. On-screen "contracts" are pretty much blank checks for match types, etc. I'm sure they could have her win with her spinning slam if they don't want her to win via armbar, but most wrestlers end with the same move just like most bands end with the same song. It's what fans expect and are waiting for.
More wrestling coming up.
The Bellas were on The View on Halloween.
NXT had a Halloween battle royal at a recent live event. I love stuff like this.
Ronda Rousey spoke to People.com. It sounds like her showing more personality and smiling is her doing rather than an order from someone higher up.
Bobby Lashley will be WWE 2K19 DLC.
Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, and the Undisputed Era gave interviews at Ringside Fest.
Evolution was produced and directed by the NXT/Takeover crew, as the Raw and Smackdown Live staff were already setting up for Monday's TV taping. Vince McMahon was in Gorilla position for the show, but Kevin Dunn was not in attendance.
Global Wars has added:
- Cody vs. Mark Briscoe and Flip Gordon vs. Frankie Kazarian in Massachusetts
- Jeff Cobb vs. EVIL and Juice Robinson vs. Silas Young in New York
- Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky vs. The Bouncers and Jeff Cobb vs. Cheeseburger in Maine
ROH's TV taping Saturday has announced:
- Kelly Klein vs. Jenny Rose
- Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny King
- Jeff Cobb vs. Josh Woods
- Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky vs. CMLL's Stuka, Jr. and Guerrero Maya, Jr.
- Jay Lethal, Cody, and Dalton Castle vs. The Kingdom
- Flip Gordon vs. Silas Young
- Christmas Surprise 10-man tag match
Becky Lynch spoke to Sam Roberts and Jim Norton.
WWE showed some Asuka-inspired Halloween makeup. That's AMAZING.
Josh Barnett was interviewed for A Gentleman & A Scholar.
Smackdown Live drew 2.11 million viewers on Halloween, basically what they did the week before.
Hulk Hogan will host Crown Jewel, so WWE's throwing two PR issues together at once. Honestly in a way bringing back Hogan now is clever since people will be more or less distracted by the Saudi controversy.
Daniel Bryan and the Bellas will be on Facebook's "You Kiddin' Me?!"
Survivor Series is getting an art exhibit. That's an interesting idea.
The following names are notably advertised for WWE's upcoming UK tours:
- The Colons, challenging the Usos
- Nikki Bella, facing Natalya
- Alexa Bliss, teaming with Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan against Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, and Dana Brooke
- Curt Hawkins, facing Zack Ryder
The following NXT UK matches are set for Raw and Smackdown Live events in the UK:
- Mark Andrews vs. Wild Boar on November 3
- Wolfgang and The Coffey Brothers vs. British Strong Style on November 4 and November 5
- Ligero vs. Zack Gibson on November 6
- Saxon Huxley and Joseph Conners vs. Zack Gibson and James Drake on November 7
- Tyler Bate vs. Zack Gibson on November 8, November 9, and November 10
- Wolfgang vs. Kenny Williams on November 11
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I think the Blackout helps Rollins get over, but it's certainly not the sole factor. He's a workhorse no matter what his finisher is.
2. Brock is likely going back to UFC unless Vince puts forth a LOT of money to keep him.
3. Not quite. He oversees some Brock-related segments, but, other than that, he's just a performer.
4. There are specific things they can and can't say, for sure, as well as things they're encouraged to do and say on Twitter. I strongly doubt everything they do online is written out for them. There are too many talents doing too many tweets for that to be the case.
5. On-screen "contracts" are pretty much blank checks for match types, etc. I'm sure they could have her win with her spinning slam if they don't want her to win via armbar, but most wrestlers end with the same move just like most bands end with the same song. It's what fans expect and are waiting for.
More wrestling coming up.
205 Live, NXT, and ROH Reax - 10/31/18
Read on for my thoughts on last night's 205 Live, NXT, and ROH.
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