Daily Update: XFL 30 for 30, Pentagon controversy, Hardys

July 17, 2020 | News | No Comments

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

WWE NXT results: Corey Graves says goodbye to NXT
NXT TV taping spoilers: Kassius Ohno sets his sights on what’s next
WWE advertising Brock Lesnar vs. Kevin Owens for MSG house show
SmackDown ratings get a big bump for post-Royal Rumble episode
Seth Rollins suffers an injury during his brawl with Samoa Joe on Raw
WWE SmackDown video highlights: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles

AUDIO

Wrestling Weekly: Rollins goes down, battle royal stories, keeping kayfabe 2/2
WOL: Raw ratings clarification, WrestleMania card with Dave Meltzer, more! 2/2
WOR: Rollins update, John Cena Mania match, NXT tapings, Rousey future, more! 2/2
F4D: Seth Rollins, Royal Rumble, Smackdown, Impact, more! 2/1

TNA IMPACT ON POP TV AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME

Bobby Lashley vs. Jeff Hardy for TNA title
Drew Galloway vs. Moose for the Grand championship
Ethan Carter III vs. Eli Drake

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/30/2017: Recapping the 2017 Royal Rumble

Given the star power in the match, Randy Orton winning the 2017 Royal Rumble was always going to be underwhelming to some. It was only who he eliminated last that redeemed the moment to most who were disappointed. Orton capped off a solid Rumble match at the Alamodome by last eliminating Roman Reigns, who entered at #30 after interference from Braun Strowman cost him his shot at the Universal Championship earlier in the night… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more

An update on the lineups for WrestleMania, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber, the direction of WWE and how they are getting there, the title situation and why the matches are taking place is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.

Have a look at the situation with Seth Rollins and his injury, the current WrestleMania lineup, as well as how the next two PPVs will set up WrestleMania.

There is full coverage of the Royal Rumble, with a look at how everyone did, notes on Royal rumble records, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results, and more.

This issue looks at the John Cena title win, examine how many world title reigns Ric Flair really had and the ones WWE pretends didn’t happen, ticket sales as compared to the 1997 show in the same building, problems with the setup and more.

Examine the probable retirement of Ronda Rousey and her legacy, both good and bad.

Inside has an update on the situation with Conor McGregor and UFC and WWE, as well as the proposed Mayweather fight and the impending battles over contracts that fighters and UFC are likely to be having.

There is full coverage of the San Antonio Takeover show, the NXT awards, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and business notes.

Coverage of the UFC on FOX show as well as examining what lessons can be learned from the ratings, and what’s next for the fighters, is inside.

Look at plans for the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend, Mick Foley update regarding his position as General Manager, Paul Levesque talks working with outside promoters and Matt Riddle, plus we look at Riddle’s pro wrestling background. Plus, also look at the directions planned for upcoming house shows, what types of talent WWE has been contacting for WrestleMania and tournaments, Finn Balor update, notes on this coming weekend’s house shows, plus coverage from the NXT & WWE weekend events, with match highlights and business notes from the shows.

Finally, check out the coverage of the first U.K. prime time live television wrestling event since 1968.

Subscribers click here to continue.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue, or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.

WON BACK ISSUE: January 10, 2000 NJPW Tokyo Dome reviewed, 1999 in revenue for promotions, more

The mixed promotional angle, the very thing that New Japan has specialized in for nearly three decades, looks back in the forefront as representatives from WCW (J.J. Dillon and Paul Orndorff) and RINGS (Akira Maeda) along with Nobuhiko Takada all met with New Japan management in conjunction with the company’s biggest show of the year 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome… Subscribers click here to continue.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

The much talked about ESPN 30 for 30 show “This is the XFL” debuts tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Vince McMahon was interviewed and is prominently featured. Charlie Ebersol, the son of Dick Ebersol, who co-owned the promotion with Vince, put this together. The show was gotten mixed reviews from those who have seen the screener. A trailer for the special is here. Awful Announcing’s review of the show is here. Here is he AV Club review. Sports lllustrated looks at it here.

There’s more controversy in the AAA situation with Pentagon Jr. & Fenix. AAA is attempting to now trademark Penta el 0M and Fenix El Rey, which are the latest names they have been using. They never used those names in AAA, and the attempt is to prevent them from using those names in the U.S. and in Mexico. AAA already trademarked Rey Fenix, even though a character in Puerto Rico had used it previously and Fenix had never used it in AAA.

The Bellator show on 3/31 headlined by Rampage Jackson vs. King Mo Lawal is scheduled for the All-State Arena in Chicago.

The Hardys have been announced for the WrestleMania tailgate party put on by WWN from 11 a.m. to 6 pm. that Sunday outside of Saddle Up in Orlando. The event will include two live shows, one from ACW and one from FIP. It’s $30 for a GA ticket to both shows while extra for autograph sessions with the Hardys, Senior Benjamin, King Maxel and Rebecca.

Kevin Nash will be undergoing surgery for a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum.

WWE

The Squared Circle Sirens web site noted a number of names at the current 42 women WWE tryouts this week. Among the names there are Nicole Matthews, Miranda Salinas, Hyaneyoung, Renee Michelle, Anna Theresa (who won the Ms. New York beauty pageant this past year), fitness competitor Stephanie Rowe and Lei’d Tapa.
David Otunga will be appearing on the CBS TV show “Criminal Minds” on 2/8, playing a nightclub bouncer.
While John Cena is not in a Super Bowl commercial, his voice will be in this commercial on Sunday.

A very interesting story about Chyna and her death, in some ways very much exaggerated regarding her cultural influence and almost treating wrestling like it was real, is here. I mean, the idea that if it wasn’t for Chyna, there would be no Ronda Rousey is more than ridiculous.

UFC / MMA

Misha Cirkunov and Rick Story, who were both ranked fighters, were removed from the UFC rankings this week because neither man is under contract any longer with UFC.
Justin Ledet, who was to face Dmitry Sosnovskiy on Saturday’s show in Houston is off the record because of issues stemming from a USADA drug test taken on 1/12 that came back yesterday.
Kyle Bochniak vs. Godofredo Pepey has been added to the 3/11 show in Fortaleza, Brazil.
MISCELLANEOUS

While this is a football story regarding the Super Bowl on Sunday, it kind of debunks a lot of the “economic benefits” of major sports events coming to a community that are touted.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has launched its new English language web site.

The prison in Smyrna, DE, that was in the news yesterday for the standoff between inmates and authorities was the prison that J.J. Dillon had worked in. Dillon retired on 12/1, and knew many of the people involved.
The final New Japan Tokyo Dome show on AXS will air tomorrow night with Cody Rhodes vs. Juice Robinson, Young Bucks vs. Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero for the IWGP jr. tag titles and Kushida vs. Hiromu Takahashi for the IWGP jr. title.
An excerpt from the soon to be released autobiography of April Mendez (A.J. Lee), talking about her battles with being bipolar, is here.
On the audio show Monday night, regarding the George Best goal I saw when he played for the San Jose Earthquakes, considered the greatest goal of its time in North America, this is that goal.
The Legacy Fighting Alliance runs 3/10 in San Antonio at Cowboys Dance Hall is headlined by Rivaldo Junior vs. Ray Rodriguez plus Larry Crowe vs. former University of Alabama linebacker Eryk Anders,and Jiu Jitsu expert Mackenzie Dern vs. Katherine Roy. The show will air live on AXS right after New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Lynn Denton will host a seminar on 2/16 in Winnipeg at the India & Metis Friendship Centre from 4-10 p.m. for $20. For more info go to [email protected]. There’s a ton of grassroots experience from him having worked all over the country and as a long-term successful booker as well.
wXw Superstars of Wrestling on 3/13 in Oberhausen, Germany has announced Pentagon Jr., Drago Angelico, Fenix, Matt Riddle plus a guest appearance by Vampiro.
Chuck Liddell has a lead role on a movie called “Chokehold” that also stars Thomas Q. Jones and Denise Richards.
Fighting Evolution Wrestling on 2/4 in Coral Springs FL at the High School Gym.
An old friend of mine, Loren Mack, has been named Vice President of PR and Communications for the One promotion based in Singapore.
A show called Wolves at the Door on 4/7 for Defy Wrestling in Seattle at the Washington Hall is headlined by Penta el 0M (Pentagon Jr.) vs, Davey Richards.
WRGZ TV, Ch. 2 in Buffalo, the NBC affiliate, is doing a news feature that will run on the 6 p.m. news tomorrow night called “The Reign, Ruin and Redemption of Lex Luger.” (thanks to Greg Beitel)
Hulk Hogan is opening up a second store in Orlando to be ready for WrestleMania weekend, which probably tells you what everyone already knows. The store will be located on I-Drive.
Jim Ross’ autobiography called “Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling,” will be released on 10/2 through Sports Publishing. Ross and Paul O’Brien co-wrote the book that will cover his life through the late 90s, with the idea of a second book down the line.
Today is Teddy Hart’s 37th birthday. Teddy is the poster boy for wasted potential.
Kevin Hogan, a Northeastern wrestling fan, passed away earlier today in a car accident in Woodstown, NJ. PW Insider reported that a tractor trailer heading East collided with his car. We would like to offer sympathies to his family and friends.
Future Stars of Wrestling on 3/12 in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town Live features Matt Hardy, Brian Cage, Davey Richards, Eli Drake Sami Callihan, Angelina Love, Shane Strickland, Willie Mack, Keith Lee, Kevin Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer.
AAW on Saturday in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus has Sami Callihan vs. Kongo Kong for the AAW title, ACH vs. Trevor Lee for the AAW Heritage title, Penta El 0M vs. AR Fox, Dave & Jake Crist vs. Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Jessicka Havok & Allysin Kay vs. Candice LeRae & Samantha Heights and DJZ vs. Aldo (formerly Adam) Rose.
A really good match to check out from last week’s NOAH show in Osaka with Kenou & Masa Kitamiya vs Go Shiozaki & Maybach Taniguchi from the January 21st show. (thanks to Greg Delaney)
Kevin Eck has a story on the Hardys reinventing themselves.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon).
The bus will leave at 4pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
WHEN: Friday March 31st
WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
WHO: All your best empire buddies
DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/2): The Midnight Express win NWA tag team gold

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