DAILY UPDATE
Latest News:
Mark Henry, Lio Rush continue war of words on social media
Street Profits-Viking Raiders axe-throwing segment set for WWE Raw
Luchasaurus set for Casino Ladder Match at AEW Double or Nothing
MLW Anthology results and video: LA Park
WWE Main Event results: Bianca Belair vs. Ruby Riott
Kevin Randleman named to UFC 2020 Hall of Fame class
Drew Gulak no longer under WWE contract
UFC on ESPN 8 live results: Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris
Latest Audio:
WOL: Drew Gulak, UFC, Monday night history, more! 5/17
DragonKing Dark: Marvel’s Ghost Rider 5/17
WOR: Drew Gulak, Smackdown and UFC, ratings, tons of news! 5/17
WON NEWSLETTER: May 18, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Becky Lynch pregnant, UFC 249 controversies, more
A new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out with a wider variety of news stories than any issue we’ve done in a long time.
From a perspective among leading sports doctors about opening up, to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy and what the plans for her that won’t happen were scheduled to be, to Money in the Bank coverage, Roman Reigns risk factors, New Japan talks its future, AEW profitability, Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Georges St-Pierre in the Hall of Fame, it’s all covered here.
The issue covers in detail:
Becky Lynch’s pregnancy, her comments on it, timing, what were the booking plans for her and how Money in the Bank changed, a look back at how Lynch got over when she wasn’t supposed to and the time frame where Lynch became the chosen one, while at the same time the crowd was mad, not realizing any of this.
Ronaldo Jacare Souza’s positive test for COVID, UFC handling the situation, and the key components of the story that have not been covered well elsewhere.
How UFC didn’t abide by its own policies, what UFC did learn, and what fighters and reporters signed to get in the door to the show.
Facts of the Coronavirus and on combat sports from three doctors who have extensive experience with combat sports.
Harold Meij talking about New Japan Pro Wrestling, why it made the choices it did not to turn, as well as its plans when it can run and the stages it will go through, why the company has been able to remain solvent while not running live events.
Complete coverage of UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank, including match-by-match coverage and poll results on both shows.
Behind the scenes notes on both shows, including UFC business, and interest level in WWE.
The arrest of Alberto Rodriguez, the former Alberto Del Rio, for sexual assault, the harrowing description of what happened and more.
Roman Reigns sitting it out including what he said and his risk factors.
Updated plans for SummerSlam and where Vince is coming from, plans for the next Takeover, WWE book on best sellers list, The softening of the brand split, update on Rey Mysterio, Rachael Ellering release info, NBA star says he’s going to WWE, Undertaker documentary notes, the story of how two different planned WrestleMania main events in 2011 fell through, Sting update, Canadian TV ratings, One of the best college wrestlers mentions going into pro wrestling, Raw DVR numbers, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Smackdown’s renewal and what it means.
Feature on the career of Georges St-Pierre and his records and his legacy, as he gets inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including details of his contract, Vince’s attempts and arguments to get out of paying him on that contract and arguments both sides are making.
AEW’s Double or Nothing plans as well as the return of some of the company’s biggest stars.
AEW’s profitability in April, the cost of production and cost savings, Mike Tyson, the casino ladder match and more.
May 13 UFC show.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our weekend show is up on the site covering everything from Jim Cornette’s take on Becky Lynch, to Chris Jericho’s interview with Martha Hart, to last night’s UFC show.
Some updated notes regarding Drew Gulak. Gulak’s contract expired after Friday’s show and both sides did not reach a new deal on money. While the belief is that he is gone, it’s been hinted to me it’s not a dead issue. Gulak I believe is being represented by Barry Bloom in his negotiations.
PWInsider reported that Mason Burnett (Caleb Konley) & Matt Riley (Zane Riley) sent a desist letter to Dave Harwood & Daniel Wheeler, best known as The Revival, regarding usage of the name The Revolt. Burnett & Riley have used the name in Carolina independents and Harwood & Wheeler attempted to trademark the name since WWE owns the name The Revival. It appears Harwood & Wheeler want to go by the name FTR.
For Google searches this past week:
UFC was No. 6 yesterday with 200,000
Kevin Randleman was No. 12 yesterday with 100,000 for his announcement into the UFC Hall of Fame
UFC was No. 3 on Wednesday with 200,000
Becky Lynch was No. 4 on Monday with 500,000
A correction from last night’s show in talking about how WCW outbid WWF for Dennis Rodman, we had the year as 1996 but it was actually 1997 when this happened.
WWE
The second episode of the Undertaker anthology is on the WWE Network today.
Natalya has a story in her Calgary Sun column about Becky Lynch’s pregnancy
Braun Strowman smashing home runs.
Today is the 57th anniversary of Bruno Sammartino beating Buddy Rogers to win the WWWF championship in Madison Square Garden.
UFC
Alistair Overeem turned 40 today, just hours after his win in last night’s UFC main event over Walt Harris. Nancy Toffoloni (Benoit) would have turned 56 today.
AEW
Chris Jericho has formed a KISS cover band called “Kuarantine” with bassist P.J. Farley, guitarists Joe McGinness and drummer Kent Slucher. They’ve released a cover of the 1987 song “No No No.”
A Frank Zarrillo film called “The Wrestler: A Q.T. Marshall Story” airing on Amazon Prime won Best Documentary at the San Diego Comic Con. The trailer can be found here.
MISCELLANEOUS
The German Bundesliga began play this past weekend. There were no crowds. Players were not allowed to celebrate goals together, although they did. Players were not allowed to spit on the field. Players not in play at the time were in the crowd apart from each other wearing masks. Five substitutions rather than three per game were allowed because of the feeling the players are not in 100 percent game shape. Everyone except the two head coaches and the players in play are wearing masks. There is full testing of all the players. There were limited media allowed in the stadium
A story on Frank Shamrock not being in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Mike Mooneyham has a story on the death of Scott Bowden (thanks to Lee Wall)
Daily Pro Wrestling History: Bruno Sammartino wins WWWF title from Buddy Rogers
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