Read on for my thoughts on last night's Impact Wrestling.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
WM37 announced, assorted wrestling press, Taker signing set, Interviews with Rhea/Murphy/Breeze/Becky, MLW gets another Fusion deal, more Dynamite tapings set, AEW faction ends, Rock's daughter in WWE, NJPW gets New Zealand dojo, mall dive, Stone Cold's next guest, UFC star teases WWE debut, EVOLVE meet and greets, another ROH match, ROH name signs new deal, new Dynamite match, injured WWE name at PC soon, WWE returns announced, why MVP was on Raw, and Questions on Cody being strapped, WM36 pirates, and Rumble backup plans
WrestleMania 37 has officially been announced for California. It's currently set to have a Hollywood theme.
- The Los Angeles Times covered the announcement.
The Singh Brothers helped a Canadian children's charity give a custom WWE Championship.
The Undertaker is set for a California fan event on February 29. I'm not sure if that was deliberately timed with the WrestleMania announcement or not.
Rhea Ripley discussed Triple H, Charlotte Flair, and more. She's poised for big things.
MLW Fusion has debuted in France on Webedia. It will now air on Mondays there going forward. MLW's really exploding on the scene.
Dynamite's April 15 episode will return to Massachusetts. The April 22 episode will return to Pennsylvania. I wonder how they'll do compared to their previous times in those venues.
AEW's Nightmare Collective has ended, although Mel and Luther are still part of the company for now. Brandi Rhodes has turned face and separated herself from the group, while Awesome Kong is out to film GLOW. I'm glad they cut something that wasn't connecting as they had hoped.
Jerry Lawler will defend his Arkansas Heavyweight Championship on March 21.
Masked Republic is planning more Expo Lucha events. They've signed a promotion deal with Fangirl Consulting.
Murphy discussed 205 Live and more. There is absolutely great content on that brand that goes under the radar. Thankfully at least someone backstage is paying attention to the work.
Tyler Breeze is on the latest Swerve City Podcast.
The Rock's daughter Simone Johnson has signed a WWE developmental contract, making her the company's first-ever fourth generation star.
NJPW now has a New Zealand dojo as Bad Luck Fale's dojo has officially joined the company's training system. The dojo had already produced a number of NJPW signings, so this was a natural step.
- The dojo has also picked up Coca-Cola as a sponsor. NJPW president Harold Meij was once senior vice president of Coca-Cola Japan. Sounds like things are going well there.
SportsCenter covered PJ Hawx diving from a mall balcony to the ring. That's scary dangerous.
Big Show will be on Stone Cold's next WWE Network podcast. That should be fun.
R-Truth will be the subject of a WWE 24 documentary after Super Showdown. Appropriate given the title he's won so frequently!
UFC's Jon Jones discussed WWE with Sports Illustrated. How many MMA crossovers does WWE need??
Dash Wilder has deleted his Twitter account, while Xavier Woods has announced taking a social media break. We could well see more in the business go that route in the years to come.
EVOLVE is opening a wrestling school in New York. Tommaso Ciampa is holding a seminar there Friday 28. Joe Gacy will be the head trainer. Good to see them taking talent training seriously.
Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, and Rhea Ripley will do meet and greets for EVOLVE on February 29 and March 1.
ROH Past vs. Present has added Jay Briscoe vs. Mark Briscoe. Wait, which one's past and which one's present? Should be good either way.
Cheeseburger has signed a new ROH deal. I feel like he's been spinning his tires for a while now.
Becky Lynch spoke before Raw. If they're trying to turn her heel, her talking about making more than anyone else in WWE will do that.
Dynamite has added Sammy Guevara vs. Dustin Rhodes.
Jeff Hardy is returning to the WWE Performance Center next week as he recovers from injury. That should give an idea of when he'll be cleared to return to the ring.
King Corbin's "victim" fan on Smackdown was local promoter Markus Mack.
AJ Styles and Andrade are advertised for Super Showdown in a "Tuwaiq Trophy" gauntlet match also advertising Bobby Lashley, Rusev, Erick Rowan, and R-Truth. Glad to see AJ back in time for the WrestleMania build.
MVP is being discussed as a WWE producer, which explains his Raw appearance. I'm interested to see how he fits into things.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It was intense. At a time where so many big moves are disregarded, this was a case where every bit of damage mattered. I see how it wasn't for everyone, just as death matches aren't.
2. Yeah they didn't "have to" go that route, but it was certainly a way to accomplish the goal of making MJF despicable.
3. Oh yeah ECW did much worse than this.
4. I'd love to see Paul Burchill make a cameo!
5. If necessary they'd adjust as best as they could, as they do with any match. They could always have the planned winner win the title shot on that week's TV or Elimination Chamber or what have you.
More wrestling tomorrow.
- The Los Angeles Times covered the announcement.
The Singh Brothers helped a Canadian children's charity give a custom WWE Championship.
The Undertaker is set for a California fan event on February 29. I'm not sure if that was deliberately timed with the WrestleMania announcement or not.
Rhea Ripley discussed Triple H, Charlotte Flair, and more. She's poised for big things.
MLW Fusion has debuted in France on Webedia. It will now air on Mondays there going forward. MLW's really exploding on the scene.
Dynamite's April 15 episode will return to Massachusetts. The April 22 episode will return to Pennsylvania. I wonder how they'll do compared to their previous times in those venues.
AEW's Nightmare Collective has ended, although Mel and Luther are still part of the company for now. Brandi Rhodes has turned face and separated herself from the group, while Awesome Kong is out to film GLOW. I'm glad they cut something that wasn't connecting as they had hoped.
Jerry Lawler will defend his Arkansas Heavyweight Championship on March 21.
Masked Republic is planning more Expo Lucha events. They've signed a promotion deal with Fangirl Consulting.
Murphy discussed 205 Live and more. There is absolutely great content on that brand that goes under the radar. Thankfully at least someone backstage is paying attention to the work.
Tyler Breeze is on the latest Swerve City Podcast.
The Rock's daughter Simone Johnson has signed a WWE developmental contract, making her the company's first-ever fourth generation star.
NJPW now has a New Zealand dojo as Bad Luck Fale's dojo has officially joined the company's training system. The dojo had already produced a number of NJPW signings, so this was a natural step.
- The dojo has also picked up Coca-Cola as a sponsor. NJPW president Harold Meij was once senior vice president of Coca-Cola Japan. Sounds like things are going well there.
SportsCenter covered PJ Hawx diving from a mall balcony to the ring. That's scary dangerous.
Big Show will be on Stone Cold's next WWE Network podcast. That should be fun.
R-Truth will be the subject of a WWE 24 documentary after Super Showdown. Appropriate given the title he's won so frequently!
UFC's Jon Jones discussed WWE with Sports Illustrated. How many MMA crossovers does WWE need??
Dash Wilder has deleted his Twitter account, while Xavier Woods has announced taking a social media break. We could well see more in the business go that route in the years to come.
EVOLVE is opening a wrestling school in New York. Tommaso Ciampa is holding a seminar there Friday 28. Joe Gacy will be the head trainer. Good to see them taking talent training seriously.
Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, and Rhea Ripley will do meet and greets for EVOLVE on February 29 and March 1.
ROH Past vs. Present has added Jay Briscoe vs. Mark Briscoe. Wait, which one's past and which one's present? Should be good either way.
Cheeseburger has signed a new ROH deal. I feel like he's been spinning his tires for a while now.
Becky Lynch spoke before Raw. If they're trying to turn her heel, her talking about making more than anyone else in WWE will do that.
Dynamite has added Sammy Guevara vs. Dustin Rhodes.
Jeff Hardy is returning to the WWE Performance Center next week as he recovers from injury. That should give an idea of when he'll be cleared to return to the ring.
King Corbin's "victim" fan on Smackdown was local promoter Markus Mack.
AJ Styles and Andrade are advertised for Super Showdown in a "Tuwaiq Trophy" gauntlet match also advertising Bobby Lashley, Rusev, Erick Rowan, and R-Truth. Glad to see AJ back in time for the WrestleMania build.
MVP is being discussed as a WWE producer, which explains his Raw appearance. I'm interested to see how he fits into things.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It was intense. At a time where so many big moves are disregarded, this was a case where every bit of damage mattered. I see how it wasn't for everyone, just as death matches aren't.
2. Yeah they didn't "have to" go that route, but it was certainly a way to accomplish the goal of making MJF despicable.
3. Oh yeah ECW did much worse than this.
4. I'd love to see Paul Burchill make a cameo!
5. If necessary they'd adjust as best as they could, as they do with any match. They could always have the planned winner win the title shot on that week's TV or Elimination Chamber or what have you.
More wrestling tomorrow.
Monday, February 10, 2020
NJPW MSG event set, NJPW Japanese TV show returning, NJPW result notes, WWE digital updates, RVD vs. Ryan continues, WWE parodies Oscar movies, ROH dark match, ROH PPV set, Supercard adds match, Dream back on the road, Riddle update, Drew promotes Mania, Stardom pulls big attendance, former WWE team working for Santino, and Questions on WWE stock dropping, the Network without PPVs, and where PPVs should go
NJPW has announced a Madison Square Garden event on August 22 known as Wrestle Dynasty. This will be going against Takeover:Boston, which is going to put them in an even tougher position to draw. It's a bold approach, though, and will give a good barometer for how big the demand is for top NJPW shows in the U.S.
- The plan is for this to be a Wrestle Kingdom level event. That's probably the best approach given how big the venue is.
NJPW's "World Pro Wrestling" TV series will return to BS Asahi on Friday nights beginning in April. That sounds pretty big.
At NJPW New Beginning Osaka:
- Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson defeated Bullet Club's Guerrillas of Destiny, Chase Owens, and Yujiro Takhashi
- Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay beat Zack Sabre, Jr. and Taichi
- Jay White beat Sanada
- Hiromu Takahashi retained the Junior Heavyweight Championship against Ryu Lee
- Jon Moxley retained the United States Championship against Minoru Suzuki before being attacked by Zack Sabre, Jr.
- Tetsuya Naito retained the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships against Kenta. Afterward, he called out Hiromu Takahashi. So, it looks like another champion vs. champion match is coming.
WWE Network has been updated on Amazon Fire, while the WWE app has been updated on Android.
Impact ran an angle of Rob Van Dam attacking Joey Ryan. RVD has stayed around longer than initially suspected.
WWE parodied Oscar nominees. "1916" was clever.
Before Free Enterprise, The Master and The Machine defeated The Soldiers of Savagery.
Best in the World has been announced for June 19 in Maryland. It made sense to announce that at Free Enterprise.
Supercard of Honor has added PCO vs. Nick Aldis. As it stands, that will be the ROH Champion vs. the NWA Champion. I'm curious if that will hold true through that event; it's certainly a newsworthy clash if so.
Velveteen Dream worked his first live event since September 13 Sunday night, teaming with DIY and Keith Lee to defeat all four members of Undisputed Era.
Matt Riddle cut another Brock Lesnar promo at NXT's Nevada event. He has been given permission to continue doing so. I wouldn't expect him to get to face Brock anytime soon, though.
Drew McIntyre was profiled in BBC. I got a kick out of the story about his accent.
Stardom sold out Korakuen Hall on February 8. That's great! I'm very surprised they haven't announced a WrestleMania weekend show yet.
Cryme Tyme are working Battlarts' February 15 event.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Whatever reassurances he gave for the lower-than-expected revenues, top executive departures, and uncertainty of the Network's future, it didn't change the downward trajectory of the stock. I don't know what he could have really said there short of announcing new execs and rights deals that obviously aren't in place just yet. WWE's going through some changes, and that generally makes people nervous.
2. That does seem to be the main draw for the service, so I would definitely expect it to take a hit. As for it dying entirely, that will depend on the costs involved with keeping it going and the level of demand for the service without those events. I don't see there being huge demand for WWE Network without PPVs.
3. No. They're struggling with subscribers as it is now. That would get significantly worse without PPVs. I don't really expect Takeover specials and other companies' events to get the same level of interest.
4. It will depend on the economics involved. It does make sense to have it as a backup, but ultimately the investment will need to be worth the expenses.
5. WWE content can be a centerpiece of Peacock. I think that's the way to go if the finances work out.
More wrestling coming up.
- The plan is for this to be a Wrestle Kingdom level event. That's probably the best approach given how big the venue is.
NJPW's "World Pro Wrestling" TV series will return to BS Asahi on Friday nights beginning in April. That sounds pretty big.
At NJPW New Beginning Osaka:
- Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson defeated Bullet Club's Guerrillas of Destiny, Chase Owens, and Yujiro Takhashi
- Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay beat Zack Sabre, Jr. and Taichi
- Jay White beat Sanada
- Hiromu Takahashi retained the Junior Heavyweight Championship against Ryu Lee
- Jon Moxley retained the United States Championship against Minoru Suzuki before being attacked by Zack Sabre, Jr.
- Tetsuya Naito retained the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships against Kenta. Afterward, he called out Hiromu Takahashi. So, it looks like another champion vs. champion match is coming.
WWE Network has been updated on Amazon Fire, while the WWE app has been updated on Android.
Impact ran an angle of Rob Van Dam attacking Joey Ryan. RVD has stayed around longer than initially suspected.
WWE parodied Oscar nominees. "1916" was clever.
Before Free Enterprise, The Master and The Machine defeated The Soldiers of Savagery.
Best in the World has been announced for June 19 in Maryland. It made sense to announce that at Free Enterprise.
Supercard of Honor has added PCO vs. Nick Aldis. As it stands, that will be the ROH Champion vs. the NWA Champion. I'm curious if that will hold true through that event; it's certainly a newsworthy clash if so.
Velveteen Dream worked his first live event since September 13 Sunday night, teaming with DIY and Keith Lee to defeat all four members of Undisputed Era.
Matt Riddle cut another Brock Lesnar promo at NXT's Nevada event. He has been given permission to continue doing so. I wouldn't expect him to get to face Brock anytime soon, though.
Drew McIntyre was profiled in BBC. I got a kick out of the story about his accent.
Stardom sold out Korakuen Hall on February 8. That's great! I'm very surprised they haven't announced a WrestleMania weekend show yet.
Cryme Tyme are working Battlarts' February 15 event.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. Whatever reassurances he gave for the lower-than-expected revenues, top executive departures, and uncertainty of the Network's future, it didn't change the downward trajectory of the stock. I don't know what he could have really said there short of announcing new execs and rights deals that obviously aren't in place just yet. WWE's going through some changes, and that generally makes people nervous.
2. That does seem to be the main draw for the service, so I would definitely expect it to take a hit. As for it dying entirely, that will depend on the costs involved with keeping it going and the level of demand for the service without those events. I don't see there being huge demand for WWE Network without PPVs.
3. No. They're struggling with subscribers as it is now. That would get significantly worse without PPVs. I don't really expect Takeover specials and other companies' events to get the same level of interest.
4. It will depend on the economics involved. It does make sense to have it as a backup, but ultimately the investment will need to be worth the expenses.
5. WWE content can be a centerpiece of Peacock. I think that's the way to go if the finances work out.
More wrestling coming up.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
MLW-Impact conflict, assorted wrestling press, Impact taping sells out, Shamrock challenges NJPW name, Jericho teases WWE name heading to AEW, Rock releases eulogy, CNN covers WWE signing, Interviews with Seth/Duggan/QT, Smackdown audience, XFL notes, 205 name heading to wXw, new Past vs. Present names, WWE name's first live event in more than eight years, and Questions on WWE heading to YouTube, silly gimmicks, and the worst parts of covering wrestling
MLW has issues with Impact Wrestling regarding working agreements with AAA and NOAH. NOAH was working with MLW but is now exclusively working with Impact. MLW and Impact are both in a tough landscape with AEW entering the market. It's now a race for third place in the U.S.
"WWE Day Of" focusing on Royal Rumble is coming Friday.
Goldberg has a new WWE Shop T-shirt referring to his feud with The Fiend. They didn't waste any time there!
Impact's Saturday taping was a legitimate sellout. The promotion is doing well in Nevada this weekend.
Ken Shamrock challenged NJPW's Minoru Suzuki. That would be a hell of an attraction, though I wouldn't expect to see it in Impact.
Chris Jericho teased EC3 joining AEW. He's definitely a talent who could benefit from a fresh start somewhere new.
The Rock released his eulogy for his father. Powerful words.
CNN covered WWE signing referee Aja Smith. That's certainly a big milestone.
Seth Rollins spoke to Sports Illustrated before Raw:
- I have really loved Seth being able to fire back at his critics with his promos.
- Oh yeah AOP were REALLY used badly initially on Raw.
- Murphy has been hungry and motivated for a long time.
- Having more nuanced characters has been a blessing.
- Not sure why there needed to be reference to death matches. Frankly it just came across as the author being a fan of that and wanting to get it in the interview.
- We are seeing some changes in WWE as far as talent being consistently pushed. It's been a long time coming.
- Rollins correctly pointing out that WWE has been giving fans what they claim to want.
Smackdown drew 2.55 million viewers this week, so they didn't really get a Goldberg boost.
Jonathan Coachman and Alyse Ashton hosted an XFL pre-game show as that league kicked off its 2020 season.
- Shane McMahon appeared at the Washington, DC game.
Lio Rush has been announced for wXw's 16 Carat Gold tournament. Good to see him get that experience.
Ken Shamrock will do color commentary at Bloodsport III. That's fitting!
ROH Past vs. Present has added Rocky Romero and Ricky Reyes as The Havana Pitbulls.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is on Chris Jericho's latest podcast.
QT Marshall spoke to Chris Van Vliet.
John Morrison worked his first WWE live event since 2011 Saturday night, teaming with The Miz in a Smackdown Tag Team Championship match with The Revival and New Day's Kofi Kingston and Big E. The champions retained.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It's possible, but I think Peacock is the most likely option given WWE's connections to NBCU.
Nothing to add to 2 or 3.
4. Honestly I like The Spirit Squad in hindsight.
5. Arguing opinions and/or splitting hairs. It takes a lot of enjoyment out of following the product(s).
More wrestling tomorrow.
"WWE Day Of" focusing on Royal Rumble is coming Friday.
Goldberg has a new WWE Shop T-shirt referring to his feud with The Fiend. They didn't waste any time there!
Impact's Saturday taping was a legitimate sellout. The promotion is doing well in Nevada this weekend.
Ken Shamrock challenged NJPW's Minoru Suzuki. That would be a hell of an attraction, though I wouldn't expect to see it in Impact.
Chris Jericho teased EC3 joining AEW. He's definitely a talent who could benefit from a fresh start somewhere new.
The Rock released his eulogy for his father. Powerful words.
CNN covered WWE signing referee Aja Smith. That's certainly a big milestone.
Seth Rollins spoke to Sports Illustrated before Raw:
- I have really loved Seth being able to fire back at his critics with his promos.
- Oh yeah AOP were REALLY used badly initially on Raw.
- Murphy has been hungry and motivated for a long time.
- Having more nuanced characters has been a blessing.
- Not sure why there needed to be reference to death matches. Frankly it just came across as the author being a fan of that and wanting to get it in the interview.
- We are seeing some changes in WWE as far as talent being consistently pushed. It's been a long time coming.
- Rollins correctly pointing out that WWE has been giving fans what they claim to want.
Smackdown drew 2.55 million viewers this week, so they didn't really get a Goldberg boost.
Jonathan Coachman and Alyse Ashton hosted an XFL pre-game show as that league kicked off its 2020 season.
- Shane McMahon appeared at the Washington, DC game.
Lio Rush has been announced for wXw's 16 Carat Gold tournament. Good to see him get that experience.
Ken Shamrock will do color commentary at Bloodsport III. That's fitting!
ROH Past vs. Present has added Rocky Romero and Ricky Reyes as The Havana Pitbulls.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is on Chris Jericho's latest podcast.
QT Marshall spoke to Chris Van Vliet.
John Morrison worked his first WWE live event since 2011 Saturday night, teaming with The Miz in a Smackdown Tag Team Championship match with The Revival and New Day's Kofi Kingston and Big E. The champions retained.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. It's possible, but I think Peacock is the most likely option given WWE's connections to NBCU.
Nothing to add to 2 or 3.
4. Honestly I like The Spirit Squad in hindsight.
5. Arguing opinions and/or splitting hairs. It takes a lot of enjoyment out of following the product(s).
More wrestling tomorrow.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
NJPW adds more WM weekend names, WWE talking to streaming service, more on WWE exec departures, WWE PPV updates, WWE European tour note, Jericho cruise attendance, AEW teases new title, La Parka honored, Rush-Mexico update, NJPW considering big U.S. show, NJPW U.S. attendance notes, Stardom changes, wXw executive shakeup, MLW planning another international tour, MLW working with another international promotion, Dynamite attendance, Raw name in contract dispute, Fantasma-NXT update, Network updates, Big Show Netflix update, Alexa honored with song, NXT injuries, Ruthless Aggression series note, Reigns debuting on Disney series, Omega set for WrestleCon, AEW teams with heart charity, ROH confirms signing, Free Enterprises battle royal update, NXT name believed to have walked out, Raw name change, 2K20 adds SRW content, Smackdown dark matches, Extreme Rules announced, NXT live event notes, and Questions on AEW live events, Pettengill-WWE, Vince keeping Network negotiations secret, DiBiase, Jr. in AEW, and Cody taking lashes
NJPW Lion's Break Project 3 has added, among others: Kenta, Taiji Ishimori, Amazing Red, TJP, Juice Robinson, David Finlay, Rocky Romero, and The Guerrillas of Destiny.
WWE is in negotiations with NBC streaming service Peacock about WWE content on the platform. This seems like the most likely option for WWE Network changes.
Vince McMahon's split from George A. Barrios and Michelle Wilson was over how much to invest in building new ventures for WWE, namely signing talent and planning further NXT brands. Vince wants to be ambitious in those areas, while the co-presidents wanted to use the TV rights revenue to maximize profits.
WWE is looking to sell PPV broadcast rights. That sounds like a sound direction.
WWE's November European tour averaged 4,100 fans, down from 6,900 in November 2018. Ouch.
Chris Jericho's cruise drew 2,100 fans.
AEW is considering a six-man tag team championship. That could be oversaturation, but it could also be a calling card for them in contrast to WWE.
La Parka will be inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame at TripleMania. That's well-deserved.
Rush is only taking AAA bookings in Mexico. I'm glad that's not affecting his ROH bookings.
NJPW is still considering a Madison Square Garden return in August. It's going to be a tall order to do well there if it comes to pass.
NJPW's Florida show drew more than 500 fans. The Georgia show drew roughly 850 fans. Those aren't strong numbers, so I hope NJPW considers changing their U.S. strategy.
Stardom is undergoing changes with Bushiroad in charge, with fewer signings after shows, merchandise being more expensive, no more free photos and autographs from talents, and changes in how shows are staged. Those moves are going to alienate the fans who got Stardom to where it is now.
wXw's CEO is leaving at the end of February as his vacation from the role becomes permanent. His co-CEO will take over, and the interim COO has been made permanent, while the art director has been promoted to creative director.
MLW is looking to set up a UK tour. That's a logical step.
MLW is working with Australia's NHPW, sending Tom Lawlor and Low Ki to work shows there. MLW is racking up international connections.
Dynamite drew 2,900 fans this week, the lowest crowd AEW has drawn outside of the Jericho cruise. Realistically there are going to be some markets that aren't huge for the company but they don't want to burn out running the same towns over and over.
Rusev is in a contract dispute with WWE, which explains why he hasn't been on TV lately.
El Hijo del Fantasma has had knee issues that have prevented him from debuting in NXT. He should be cleared soon.
Vince McMahon's WWE Network comments surprised a lot of WWE employees. There were key figures unaware negotiations were going on regarding the service's future.
- There are no current plans to shut the Network down entirely, and the "tiered" version of the Network continues to be in the works in case that's still the direction the service goes in.
The Big Show Show has finished production for its first season.
Alexa Bliss is the subject of a Bowling For Soup song. She's been a fan for a long time.
Adam Cole needed three staples due to a cut this week. He won't miss any ring time.
Tommaso Ciampa has some sort of ankle issue being looked at. He was checked on during NXT this week.
WWE's Ruthless Aggression series will have five episodes. After the first episode on February 16, each episode will be available on Monday mornings.
Roman Reigns' Disney series character debuts today.
Kenny Omega will be at WrestleCon for one day. They're going all out with the big names.
AEW is teaming with the American Heart Association in Atlanta ahead of Dynamite airing there. That's a good way to increase attendance and benefit the community at the same time.
ROH has confirmed signing Australia's Adam Brooks.
Free Enterprise's battle royal has announced Kenny King, 2 Guys 1 Tag, Tracy Williams, The Bouncers, PJ Black, Brian Johnson, Rhett Titus, and the Shinobi Shadow Squad.
NXT's Taynara reportedly walked out of the company a few weeks ago. She is still listed on WWE's roster and is said to still be under contract, so at this time she's seemingly just considered on hiatus.
Buddy Murphy is now being billed as just Murphy. I'm a little surprised he made it this far with both names! It is a little odd it's being changed out of the blue, though.
WWE 2K20 has added Southpaw Regional Wrestling themed content. Interesting additions!
Before Smackdown, Mustafa Ali beat Drew Gulak. At least he didn't end up like Heath and Apollo on the show this week; this hopefully means they're saving him for something more meaningful.
Extreme Rules 2020 is set for July 19 in California.
After Smackdown, Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin and The Fiend retained the Universal Championship against The Miz.
Samoa Joe is advertised as returning on Raw, teaming with Kevin Owens and the Viking Raiders against Seth Rollins, AOP, and Murphy.
At NXT's February 7 Arizona live event:
- Candice LeRae worked her first live event since December 15, teaming with Tegan Nox to defeat Dakota Kai and Jessi Kamea. This was Nox's first live event since November 9, and Kamea's first live event since December 15.
- Johnny Gargano worked his first live event since March 8(!), teaming with Tommaso Ciampa to defeat Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish.
- Scotty 2 Hotty did The Worm at the end of the show with Velveteen Dream.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. No. I don't think attendance is regularly high enough to consider that. It could dilute the brand. The current schedule is plenty, and having a second show launch should be enough for current demand.
2. Right now it was just a special appearance.
3. It's possible Vince was worried the news would leak if he told too many people. He wants to control when that information gets out, especially when it's something that major.
4. Frankly I don't think he's interested in wrestling again. It would be better to spend resources on other talents they could sign.
5. To sell MJF as an evil, evil man fans want to see Cody finally get revenge on.
More wrestling tomorrow.
WWE is in negotiations with NBC streaming service Peacock about WWE content on the platform. This seems like the most likely option for WWE Network changes.
Vince McMahon's split from George A. Barrios and Michelle Wilson was over how much to invest in building new ventures for WWE, namely signing talent and planning further NXT brands. Vince wants to be ambitious in those areas, while the co-presidents wanted to use the TV rights revenue to maximize profits.
WWE is looking to sell PPV broadcast rights. That sounds like a sound direction.
WWE's November European tour averaged 4,100 fans, down from 6,900 in November 2018. Ouch.
Chris Jericho's cruise drew 2,100 fans.
AEW is considering a six-man tag team championship. That could be oversaturation, but it could also be a calling card for them in contrast to WWE.
La Parka will be inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame at TripleMania. That's well-deserved.
Rush is only taking AAA bookings in Mexico. I'm glad that's not affecting his ROH bookings.
NJPW is still considering a Madison Square Garden return in August. It's going to be a tall order to do well there if it comes to pass.
NJPW's Florida show drew more than 500 fans. The Georgia show drew roughly 850 fans. Those aren't strong numbers, so I hope NJPW considers changing their U.S. strategy.
Stardom is undergoing changes with Bushiroad in charge, with fewer signings after shows, merchandise being more expensive, no more free photos and autographs from talents, and changes in how shows are staged. Those moves are going to alienate the fans who got Stardom to where it is now.
wXw's CEO is leaving at the end of February as his vacation from the role becomes permanent. His co-CEO will take over, and the interim COO has been made permanent, while the art director has been promoted to creative director.
MLW is looking to set up a UK tour. That's a logical step.
MLW is working with Australia's NHPW, sending Tom Lawlor and Low Ki to work shows there. MLW is racking up international connections.
Dynamite drew 2,900 fans this week, the lowest crowd AEW has drawn outside of the Jericho cruise. Realistically there are going to be some markets that aren't huge for the company but they don't want to burn out running the same towns over and over.
Rusev is in a contract dispute with WWE, which explains why he hasn't been on TV lately.
El Hijo del Fantasma has had knee issues that have prevented him from debuting in NXT. He should be cleared soon.
Vince McMahon's WWE Network comments surprised a lot of WWE employees. There were key figures unaware negotiations were going on regarding the service's future.
- There are no current plans to shut the Network down entirely, and the "tiered" version of the Network continues to be in the works in case that's still the direction the service goes in.
The Big Show Show has finished production for its first season.
Alexa Bliss is the subject of a Bowling For Soup song. She's been a fan for a long time.
Adam Cole needed three staples due to a cut this week. He won't miss any ring time.
Tommaso Ciampa has some sort of ankle issue being looked at. He was checked on during NXT this week.
WWE's Ruthless Aggression series will have five episodes. After the first episode on February 16, each episode will be available on Monday mornings.
Roman Reigns' Disney series character debuts today.
Kenny Omega will be at WrestleCon for one day. They're going all out with the big names.
AEW is teaming with the American Heart Association in Atlanta ahead of Dynamite airing there. That's a good way to increase attendance and benefit the community at the same time.
ROH has confirmed signing Australia's Adam Brooks.
Free Enterprise's battle royal has announced Kenny King, 2 Guys 1 Tag, Tracy Williams, The Bouncers, PJ Black, Brian Johnson, Rhett Titus, and the Shinobi Shadow Squad.
NXT's Taynara reportedly walked out of the company a few weeks ago. She is still listed on WWE's roster and is said to still be under contract, so at this time she's seemingly just considered on hiatus.
Buddy Murphy is now being billed as just Murphy. I'm a little surprised he made it this far with both names! It is a little odd it's being changed out of the blue, though.
WWE 2K20 has added Southpaw Regional Wrestling themed content. Interesting additions!
Before Smackdown, Mustafa Ali beat Drew Gulak. At least he didn't end up like Heath and Apollo on the show this week; this hopefully means they're saving him for something more meaningful.
Extreme Rules 2020 is set for July 19 in California.
After Smackdown, Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin and The Fiend retained the Universal Championship against The Miz.
Samoa Joe is advertised as returning on Raw, teaming with Kevin Owens and the Viking Raiders against Seth Rollins, AOP, and Murphy.
At NXT's February 7 Arizona live event:
- Candice LeRae worked her first live event since December 15, teaming with Tegan Nox to defeat Dakota Kai and Jessi Kamea. This was Nox's first live event since November 9, and Kamea's first live event since December 15.
- Johnny Gargano worked his first live event since March 8(!), teaming with Tommaso Ciampa to defeat Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish.
- Scotty 2 Hotty did The Worm at the end of the show with Velveteen Dream.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. No. I don't think attendance is regularly high enough to consider that. It could dilute the brand. The current schedule is plenty, and having a second show launch should be enough for current demand.
2. Right now it was just a special appearance.
3. It's possible Vince was worried the news would leak if he told too many people. He wants to control when that information gets out, especially when it's something that major.
4. Frankly I don't think he's interested in wrestling again. It would be better to spend resources on other talents they could sign.
5. To sell MJF as an evil, evil man fans want to see Cody finally get revenge on.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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