Becky Lynch has been cleared from her concussion, but not her fractured nose, so she hasn't been doing anything physical on TV. She is expected to be completely cleared for TLC. They're in a tough spot if they advertise her and she can't compete. They could have Ronda attack her before her match or something, but I don't think they want to turn Ronda. Fans are definitely going to want to see Becky wrestle that night.
WWE's Mexico City show drew around 12,000 fans, the same as CMLL drew the night before. Each promotion drew a very different crowd. It's worth noting WWE only ran Mexico once this year.
Kenny Omega will be the subject of an HBO Canada documentary. I'm curious how him working WWE Canadian shows would affect attendance there.
MLW has signed Ace Romero to a new deal, as well as signing Richard Holliday.
WWE and AAA are both interested in Marko Stunt, but his injury puts any potential plans on hold.
Impact and Jerry Jarrett have spoken to BeIN about putting their wrestling shows on the network, but MLW has U.S. exclusivity for the channel.
NXT UK stars are no longer allowed to work Fight Club Pro, despite it being Trent Seven's promotion. That's a pretty wild situation.
WWE is interested in KUSHIDA, Karen Q, and Rachael Evers (Ellering). KUSHIDA would be an interesting addition. Karen could work out as a Chinese signing. Evers has been expected for a long time given her dad's connection to WWE.
- KUSHIDA's NJPW contract expires at the end of January, so we should know what his future holds soon. If he does go to WWE, he's expected in NXT.
Jonah Rock is expected to join NXT in January. He's definitely got a really impressive resume.
WWE is considering a Queen of the Ring tournament with Raw and Smackdown Live women. That could certainly be a workable idea. This could make for a second yearly women's PPV.
WWE Network's latest Hidden Gems are Jerry Blackwell vs. Colonel DeBeers from AWA in 1986 and ECW's Stairway to Hell match from 1998 with Buh Buh Ray Dudley/D-Von Dudley/Big Dick Dudley vs. Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Spike Dudley.
Punishment Martinez got the customary Triple H signing picture. He can definitely be someone there.
Duke "The Dumpster" Droese is on Stone Cold's latest podcast.
Musician Alicia Warrington has joined the NXT broadcast team as Alicia Taylor. It looks like she'll be a correspondent. Glad to see someone with a passion for wrestling picked for the role.
The Shockmaster was discussed on a Star Wars fan show.
NHL's New York Islanders will have Mick Foley, Sgt. Slaughter, and Bobby Roode as part of a WWE-themed night on December 12.
WWE is partnering with the Special Olympic World Games in 2019.
Becky Lynch held a signing in New Jersey December 7, presumably to promote WM35 weekend in the area.
Former WWE Creative member Kevin Eck has joined ROH full-time. I'm curious what changes that will mean for their process.
Beer City Bruiser's ROH contract expires at the end of the month. He might stay with the company on a per-date deal. It looks like Silas Young has moved on from working with him, so we'll see how much of a priority The Bouncers are.
PCO has pulled out of all non-ROH bookings after signing an exclusive deal. I'm a little surprised ROH isn't letting him finish what he's already been advertised for, at least on dates they don't have anything scheduled.
Brandi Rhodes will challenge for the Women Of Honor Championship on ROH's December 15 TV taping. This will almost certainly be her final appearance there.
The Best Friends have a new ROH shirt.
Larry "The Axe" Hennig, father of Mr. Perfect and grandfather of Curtis Axel, has passed away at 82. PWInsider.com has a rundown of his career.
- WWE and Curtis Axel remembered Hennig.
GLOW's Alison Brie got a Golden Globes nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy.
TLC has added Natalya vs. Ruby Riott in a tables match. I'm sure Liv and Sarah will be present.
Jeff Jarrett promoted Smackdown Live's move to FOX during an NFL game in Tennessee. I'm glad he and WWE are on good terms.
Ric Flair will be on comedian Ron Funches' January 4 TV special. That should be interesting.
Kairi Sane has returned to action, teaming with Dakota Kai to defeat Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir on NXT's December 6 Wisconsin show. I'm glad she's well enough to compete again.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1.a. I fully expect AJ Styles to stay in WWE as long as he can keep contributing in the ring. This is very much a case of him getting paid well while he can still bump.
1.b. Karl and Luke would be ideal for the reported All Elite Wrestling if it makes sense financially for them. Unless something really changes for them in the next nine months or WWE wants to keep them around to be fed to other teams, they might be looking for a new home for 2020 and beyond.
2. Ziggler can take outside comedy/TV gigs. That could be what the story came from.
3. They think he'll be an attraction outside their usual crowd.
4. It's expected The Elite are founding their own promotion working with the owners of NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. They are also expected to keep working NJPW. Of course, that could change.
5. The only one that comes to mind is CWF Mid-Atlantic a number of years back. It was a long night considering I didn't know most of the people on the card or what their current angles were.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Becky return update, WWE Mexico attendance note, Omega doc coming, new MLW contracts, Marko note, MLW home talks to other promotions, NXT UK names barred from another promotion, WWE interested in NJPW star+ROH star+2nd generation star, another expected NXT signing, WWE women's tournament coming?, new Hidden Gems, HHH welcomes NXT hire, podcast notes, new NXT correspondent, NHL team to hold WWE night, WWE working with international Special Olympics, Becky signing, ex-WWE Creative name working with ROH, another ROH contract coming due, PCO pulls from non-ROH dates, new ROH TV match, Hennig passes away at 82, GLOW up for Golden Globe, new TLC match, Jarrett promotes SDL move, Flair on comedy special, NXT name back in action, and Questions on The Club's WWE contracts, Ziggler's non-WWE endeavors, Onita-CZW, what's next for The Elite, and my first indie show
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Interviews with Schiavone/Cena, WWE event on DVD early, Tribute press and visitors, Becky AXXESS sells out quickly, Dunne on changes to UK scene, Connor's Cure gets big donation, SDL audience, Raw live event notes, and Questions on beating the champion in a non-title match, Finn reuniting with Karl and Luke, Brian Christopher's cause of death, NWA's title deposit, and wrestlers as independent contractors
Tony Schiavone is on Chris Jericho's latest podcast.
John Cena was on "Good Morning Britain."
WWE Evolution is now available on DVD at Walmart as an exclusive with that venue. It wasn't expected to be out until January.
Tribute to the Troops got local press from a FOX station, an NBC station, and the Kileen Daily Herald.
- Booker T., Dana Warrior, Christian, and Sin Cara were also at the event.
Becky Lynch's Royal Rumble AXXESS signing sold out in 90 seconds. She definitely has a lot of support. Notably, her signing is the only one to sell out so far.
Pete Dunne discussed NXT UK's effect on the British wrestling scene. NXT is definitely competing with the U.S. indie scene, as well as Impact and ROH. That's good for current wrestlers getting paid well, but it could stifle options for wrestlers to get experience before they come to NXT.
WWE and Connor's Cure gave $1.2 million to fight pediatric cancer. That's amazing! Glad to see WWE using their reach for something like that.
Smackdown Live drew 1.95 million viewers this week, the lowest number since the 2016 presidential election. It's possible coverage of President Bush's funeral played a role in the low numbers this week. WWE is unquestionably struggling to maintain viewership.
At Raw's December 5 Chilean event:
- Gran Metalik unsuccessfully challenged for the Cruiserweight Championship
- Rhyno teamed with Jinder Mahal and The Revival in a loss to Titus Worldwide, No Way Jose, and Heath Slater. So Rhyno could be returning as a heel.
- Ronda Rousey's mother was in attendance. Ronda defeated Nia Jax by disqualification when Tamina interfered. Ronda then demanded a handicap match, which she won by tapping Tamina out.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. One argument I've heard is that it's one thing to beat the champion in a non-title match, but doing so with the championship on the line is a much bigger ordeal. It's like the difference between beating the Super Bowl champions during the regular season compared to actually winning the Super Bowl.
2. I really doubt it. It's more likely Finn recruits among the Raw roster. WWE clearly doesn't view Karl and Luke as big assets on either show.
3. I don't remember it being concluded, so I'm glad someone asked and got official word.
4. The NWA wanted to make REALLY sure those smaller promoters protected the championship and that it safely made it to the next venue, since each territory was only loosely connected. I wouldn't think such a practice exists today, since it's less likely someone's going to "go rogue" and steal a title. Potentially losing a relationship with WWE or whomever would be its own deterrent.
5. That would have to be determined by the IRS and any potential courts that take up the case. WWE has definitely made considerable effort to keep their talent classified as they are.
More wrestling tomorrow.
John Cena was on "Good Morning Britain."
WWE Evolution is now available on DVD at Walmart as an exclusive with that venue. It wasn't expected to be out until January.
Tribute to the Troops got local press from a FOX station, an NBC station, and the Kileen Daily Herald.
- Booker T., Dana Warrior, Christian, and Sin Cara were also at the event.
Becky Lynch's Royal Rumble AXXESS signing sold out in 90 seconds. She definitely has a lot of support. Notably, her signing is the only one to sell out so far.
Pete Dunne discussed NXT UK's effect on the British wrestling scene. NXT is definitely competing with the U.S. indie scene, as well as Impact and ROH. That's good for current wrestlers getting paid well, but it could stifle options for wrestlers to get experience before they come to NXT.
WWE and Connor's Cure gave $1.2 million to fight pediatric cancer. That's amazing! Glad to see WWE using their reach for something like that.
Smackdown Live drew 1.95 million viewers this week, the lowest number since the 2016 presidential election. It's possible coverage of President Bush's funeral played a role in the low numbers this week. WWE is unquestionably struggling to maintain viewership.
At Raw's December 5 Chilean event:
- Gran Metalik unsuccessfully challenged for the Cruiserweight Championship
- Rhyno teamed with Jinder Mahal and The Revival in a loss to Titus Worldwide, No Way Jose, and Heath Slater. So Rhyno could be returning as a heel.
- Ronda Rousey's mother was in attendance. Ronda defeated Nia Jax by disqualification when Tamina interfered. Ronda then demanded a handicap match, which she won by tapping Tamina out.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. One argument I've heard is that it's one thing to beat the champion in a non-title match, but doing so with the championship on the line is a much bigger ordeal. It's like the difference between beating the Super Bowl champions during the regular season compared to actually winning the Super Bowl.
2. I really doubt it. It's more likely Finn recruits among the Raw roster. WWE clearly doesn't view Karl and Luke as big assets on either show.
3. I don't remember it being concluded, so I'm glad someone asked and got official word.
4. The NWA wanted to make REALLY sure those smaller promoters protected the championship and that it safely made it to the next venue, since each territory was only loosely connected. I wouldn't think such a practice exists today, since it's less likely someone's going to "go rogue" and steal a title. Potentially losing a relationship with WWE or whomever would be its own deterrent.
5. That would have to be determined by the IRS and any potential courts that take up the case. WWE has definitely made considerable effort to keep their talent classified as they are.
More wrestling tomorrow.
205 Live, NXT, and ROH Reax - 12/5/18
Read on for my thoughts on last night's 205 Live, NXT, and ROH.
Dynamite Kid passes away at 60
Dynamite Kid was announced as dead early Wednesday morning.
PWInsider.com briefly covered his career.
The following names are among those who posted on social media about Kid's passing:
- Bret Hart
- Bronwyne Billington, Kid's daughter
- Brutus Beefcake
- Curtis Axel
- Dave Mastiff
- Davey Boy Smith Jr: Tweet 1 Tweet 2
- David Lagana
- El Ligero
- Eugene
- Frankie Kazarian
- Hale Collins
- IPW UK
- The Iron Sheik
- Jeff Jarrett
- Jim Smallman
- Johnny Moss
- Kyle O'Reilly
- LuFisto
- Marty Jones
- Michael Elgin
- Natalya
- Nathan Cruz
- NWA
- Paige
- Satoshi Kojima
- Saxon Huxley
- Sean Waltman
- Taz
- TJP
- Tyler Bate
- Will Ospreay
- WOS Wrestling
- WWE UK
PWInsider.com briefly covered his career.
The following names are among those who posted on social media about Kid's passing:
- Bret Hart
- Bronwyne Billington, Kid's daughter
- Brutus Beefcake
- Curtis Axel
- Dave Mastiff
- Davey Boy Smith Jr: Tweet 1 Tweet 2
- David Lagana
- El Ligero
- Eugene
- Frankie Kazarian
- Hale Collins
- IPW UK
- The Iron Sheik
- Jeff Jarrett
- Jim Smallman
- Johnny Moss
- Kyle O'Reilly
- LuFisto
- Marty Jones
- Michael Elgin
- Natalya
- Nathan Cruz
- NWA
- Paige
- Satoshi Kojima
- Saxon Huxley
- Sean Waltman
- Taz
- TJP
- Tyler Bate
- Will Ospreay
- WOS Wrestling
- WWE UK
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Tanaka's U.S. opponents, Raw cameos, Tribute notes, Impact sets Twitch event, Strickland-WWE update, Braun correction, Rhyno's status, new ROH TV matches, NWA pop-up event set, Alexa cleared to return, injured Raw star at WWEPC, WWEPC profiled, assorted WWE press, record low Raw, Impact Mexico tapings set, and Questions on AJ not working Survivor Series, booking more surprises, fans turning on Ronda, the costs of using name talents on indies, and Miz as an all-time great
Masato Tanaka will face Nick Gage in Ohio on December 28 and PCO in New Jersey on December 29. Both matches should really be spectacles.
Raw's women's forum segment featured Booker T.'s students from his local wrestling school. That's pretty cool.
Morgan Wallen promoted Tribute to the Troops.
- WWE put out a press release ahead of the taping.
Impact is holding a Twitch event on December 14, working with Rockstar Pro in Ohio. Eddie Edwards, Moose, Allie, oVe, Matt Sydal, The Rascalz, and Trevor Lee are all scheduled for the show. Lee's contract runs through December 31, so this will likely be his final appearance before an expected NXT debut in January.
Shane Strickland is expected to stay in MLW through at least their February 3 event in Pennsylvania, as Lucha Underground contract issues are preventing him from signing to WWE right away. He still intends to leave MLW for NXT in 2019.
Braun Strowman was not at Raw as originally reported. He was in town to be on Tribute to the Troops. He is still expected to compete at TLC.
Rhyno is still scheduled for WWE's upcoming South American tour. Whether these are final appearances for him or if he'll return to Raw after being "fired" remains to be seen. They could certainly turn him heel to feud with Slater, but I don't see that being a big feud outside of Main Event and live shows.
ROH's December 15 taping has added:
- Luchasaurus vs. ROH's TV Champion in a Proving Ground Match
- Juice Robinson vs. PJ Black
- RUSH vs. TK O'Ryan
Tribute to the Troops featured the following notable names: Roman Reigns, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, JBL, and Mark Henry. 205 Live has representation, as well.
NWA has announced a January 5 "pop-up event" in Tennessee the night before Impact's Homecoming PPV. There are plans for further events in the same fashion.
Alexa Bliss has been cleared to return to the ring. I've definitely missed her wrestling!
Fandango has been working out at the WWE Performance Center as he prepares to be cleared to return to action. Hopefully Baron Corbin doesn't put Breezango in a Heath Slater vs. Rhyno situation.
The Undertaker, Mark Henry, Christian, Michelle McCool, and Maryse were backstage at Smackdown Live. Taker, Henry, and McCool are all local; Taker and McCool brought their children to the event.
ESPN looked at the WWE Performance Center. Matt Riddle and Rhea Ripley got particular press. That bodes well for their futures.
New Day was featured on WWE's Facebook Live.
Raw drew 2.29 million viewers Monday, the lowest audience in series history. If I'm USA Network, I'm calling for an emergency meeting.
Impact will tape in Mexico on January 11 and January 12. Johnny Impact, the Lucha Bros, Konnan, Eddie Edwards, Brian Cage, Killer Kross, LAX, and Tessa Blanchard are all advertised.
"Power Rangers" actor Jason David Frank talked to WWE.com. That show was huge during the Attitude Era.
Sasha Banks is headed to a Special Olympics volunteer recruitment event in Dubai. That's great!
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. As was said, he was less than a week removed from losing the WWE Championship. It makes sense that he would need to clear his head before getting back in the ring.
2. There are times when it makes sense to pull a big change like that. I'll wait to see what things look like a few months from now to judge whether it was the right move. It's definitely something fresh, which was really needed.
3. Wow this is a dated one. Yes, fans turned against Ronda at SS. And anytime a babyface has a long run, part of the audience will turn on them.
4. It's a case-by-case situation, and there are a lot of factors involved. It's worth noting some of those older names are taking pretty much every booking offered because they haven't managed their money well.
5. I'd like to think he's still got at least five years in WWE, so it's probably too early to evaluate his whole career. I think he's definitely Hall of Fame worthy given how many years he's wrestled and titles he's held in WWE. More accolades are likely coming.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Raw's women's forum segment featured Booker T.'s students from his local wrestling school. That's pretty cool.
Morgan Wallen promoted Tribute to the Troops.
- WWE put out a press release ahead of the taping.
Impact is holding a Twitch event on December 14, working with Rockstar Pro in Ohio. Eddie Edwards, Moose, Allie, oVe, Matt Sydal, The Rascalz, and Trevor Lee are all scheduled for the show. Lee's contract runs through December 31, so this will likely be his final appearance before an expected NXT debut in January.
Shane Strickland is expected to stay in MLW through at least their February 3 event in Pennsylvania, as Lucha Underground contract issues are preventing him from signing to WWE right away. He still intends to leave MLW for NXT in 2019.
Braun Strowman was not at Raw as originally reported. He was in town to be on Tribute to the Troops. He is still expected to compete at TLC.
Rhyno is still scheduled for WWE's upcoming South American tour. Whether these are final appearances for him or if he'll return to Raw after being "fired" remains to be seen. They could certainly turn him heel to feud with Slater, but I don't see that being a big feud outside of Main Event and live shows.
ROH's December 15 taping has added:
- Luchasaurus vs. ROH's TV Champion in a Proving Ground Match
- Juice Robinson vs. PJ Black
- RUSH vs. TK O'Ryan
Tribute to the Troops featured the following notable names: Roman Reigns, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, JBL, and Mark Henry. 205 Live has representation, as well.
NWA has announced a January 5 "pop-up event" in Tennessee the night before Impact's Homecoming PPV. There are plans for further events in the same fashion.
Alexa Bliss has been cleared to return to the ring. I've definitely missed her wrestling!
Fandango has been working out at the WWE Performance Center as he prepares to be cleared to return to action. Hopefully Baron Corbin doesn't put Breezango in a Heath Slater vs. Rhyno situation.
The Undertaker, Mark Henry, Christian, Michelle McCool, and Maryse were backstage at Smackdown Live. Taker, Henry, and McCool are all local; Taker and McCool brought their children to the event.
ESPN looked at the WWE Performance Center. Matt Riddle and Rhea Ripley got particular press. That bodes well for their futures.
New Day was featured on WWE's Facebook Live.
Raw drew 2.29 million viewers Monday, the lowest audience in series history. If I'm USA Network, I'm calling for an emergency meeting.
Impact will tape in Mexico on January 11 and January 12. Johnny Impact, the Lucha Bros, Konnan, Eddie Edwards, Brian Cage, Killer Kross, LAX, and Tessa Blanchard are all advertised.
"Power Rangers" actor Jason David Frank talked to WWE.com. That show was huge during the Attitude Era.
Sasha Banks is headed to a Special Olympics volunteer recruitment event in Dubai. That's great!
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. As was said, he was less than a week removed from losing the WWE Championship. It makes sense that he would need to clear his head before getting back in the ring.
2. There are times when it makes sense to pull a big change like that. I'll wait to see what things look like a few months from now to judge whether it was the right move. It's definitely something fresh, which was really needed.
3. Wow this is a dated one. Yes, fans turned against Ronda at SS. And anytime a babyface has a long run, part of the audience will turn on them.
4. It's a case-by-case situation, and there are a lot of factors involved. It's worth noting some of those older names are taking pretty much every booking offered because they haven't managed their money well.
5. I'd like to think he's still got at least five years in WWE, so it's probably too early to evaluate his whole career. I think he's definitely Hall of Fame worthy given how many years he's wrestled and titles he's held in WWE. More accolades are likely coming.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Smackdown Live and Mixed Match Challenge Reax - 12/4/18
Read on for my thoughts on last night's Smackdown Live and Mixed Match Challenge.
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