THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
Iron Man match for Intercontinental title set for WWE Extreme Rules
Bray Wyatt injured in car accident, will miss tonight’s WWE Raw
Another Reigns & Lashley vs. The Revival match set for WWE Raw
Nakamura expected to miss two more weeks due to dog-bite injury
Ronda Rousey appearance confirmed for WWE Extreme Rules
ROH TV taping spoilers: World title change, Best in the World fallout
Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz III official for Oscar De La Hoya’s new promotion
NJPW SSE UK night two results: Ishii vs. Suzuki, Okada vs. ZSJ
WWE Main Event results: Bobby Roode makes his show debut
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: RAW, Liddell vs. Ortiz in 2018, ROH PPV, All In, tons more! 7/2
Left My Wallet: The end of Toys’R’Us 7/2
WOR: Nakamura update, history of WCW, great weekend matches, more! 7/2
B&V: NWA World Championship Wrestling from 1988! 7/1
Today is the last day for our poll on ROH Best in the World so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]
We’re also looking for reports on Saturday’s ROH TV tapings in Fairfax,VA, Sunday’s Raw house show in Fargo, ND, and the non-Raw stuff from tonight in Sioux Falls to [email protected]
Tonight’s Raw in Sioux Falls, SD with Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley vs. The Revival announced. There is no Smackdown house show on Monday as it’s a travel day coming back from Taiwan.
Tuesday has Smackdown in Omaha with James Ellsworth vs. Asuka announced plus a hint of Cedric Alexander vs. Hideo Itami for 205 Live.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Remembering Leon ‘Vader’ White
The professional wrestling world lost a truly one-of-a-kind figure last week. Leon “Vader” White, the best big man that the industry has ever seen, died on Monday, June 18 after years of heart problems and complications from a recent bout with pneumonia. Vader’s son and former WWE developmental wrestler, Jesse, shared the news on Twitter: “It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia.
WON NEWSLETTER: (July 2, 2018): WWE announces new TV deals, more
The official announcement of the WWE’s new television deals for the 2019-2024 television seasons is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
Find out about the financial figures for each year, what those numbers mean, what it means to WWE profitability, how much the company is now worth and how that valuation as compared to profits compares to other media stocks. Look at how much money Vince McMahon could have made if he didn’t sell so much in December.
Look at a very interesting part of the WWE/Fox deal that hasn’t been talked about. There are also notes from WWE Co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios on the deal, what led to the deal, and how things have changed both regarding the perception of wrestling, its fans and other content ideas WWE has for television and streaming.
Read about the new Bellator deal with the money figures involved, how this changes the game for them, and how the entire game for all wrestling and MMA companies are no different due to these latest deals.
Find out about the situation with Brock Lesnar and WWE, what the goals are for the latest storyline change, plans for the Extreme Rules PPV show and matches announced, matches told to the arena and matches seemingly being built.
Read the update on Rey Mysterio and WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura’s injury, Jeff Hardy’s injuries and lots of other WWE injury updates, Big Cass, Sami Zayn, Ronda Rousey as well as the amazing contract Oliver Luck got with Vince McMahon and what it says about the XFL.
Look at Minoru Suzuki’s 30th anniversary show and match with Kazuchika Okada, the retirement of Rashad Evans, coverage of UFC from Singapore, a look at the PWG Battle of Los Angeles, and the WWE U.K.show.
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.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio, covering Raw and the latest wrestling and MMA news. You can also send e-mail questions to the show to [email protected]
As noted on the front page, Bray Wyatt was in a head-on collision driving to the airport on Friday and suffered unlisted injuries. He was hospitalized, but has since been released, but won’t be on the show tonight. There was no other word given as far as when he would return.
There will be visitation for Matt Cappotelli tomorrow from Noon until 2 p.m. at the Fireside room at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville at 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, his family is asking contributions be made to www.ABC2.org or www.bu.edu/cte.
There is a ton of news in this new Being the Elite including the tease of Chris Jericho & The Young Bucks teaming up, as well as the mock Joey Ryan funeral and all kinds of tongue-in-cheek strorylines, and the legit announcement of a Young Bucks children’s book.
Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix defend the MLW tag titles on the 7/19 show in Long Island City, NY against Aerostar & Drago.
CMLL has a bigger than usual Puebla show that airs live tonight on the CMLL YouTube page starting at 9 p.m., including an Ultimo Guerrero vs; Volador Jr. singles match, a Princesa Sugehit vs. Amapola match for the Mexican national women’s title and Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja & Mistico vs. Cuatrero & Sanson & Mr. Niebla.
WWE
Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura spoke with the Asbury Park Press in advance of upcoming appearances in New Jersey. Rollins spoke about the prospects of a Shield reunion and how they never delivered the full-fledged reunion late last year and now can revisit it again in the future. Nakamura also had some interesting things to say about how he approaches his new heel persona.
Shaquille O’Neal is once again pushing for a match with Big Show at next year’s WrestleMania. There have been talks of this for several years but there always ends up being a snag.
UFC
Michael Bisping, Kenny Florian and Karyn Bryant will be handling the desk for all the UFC programming on FS1 on Thursday through Saturday. Brendan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Smith will call the Friday night show with Megan Olivi doing interviews. Santiago Ponzinibbio and Victor Davila will be doing the Spanish languae annoucing. Saturday’s show will have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz announcing while the Spanish team is Ponzinibbio, Davila and Fabricio Werdum. Coverage starts Wednesday at 8 p.m. with UFC Tonight, with Ultimate Fighter at 10 p.m. and TUF Talk at 11 p.m. Thursday will have the Friday weigh-ins at 7 p.m.Eastern. Friday has the UFC 226 weigh-ins at 6 p.m.Eastern, followed by the Friday prefight show at 7 p.m. and live fights from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday has a prefight show at 7 p.m. and prelims at 8 p.m.,leading to the PPV at 10 p.m. and the postfight show after the PPV ends back on FS1.
MISCELLANEOUS
Jimmy Havoc will be appearing on the ROH shows in the U.K. in August.
Sports Illustrated has an article on last Friday’s New Japan show at CEO.
MVP on Instagram noted that he was released by MLW saying it’s for reasons he said he doesn’t completely understand. He was wrestling and agenting for the group. Court Bauer just said that he wishes him the best, that he is fully released to appear anywhere immediately and that this quietly took place a few weeks ago. He said his final appearance with MLW, a Boiler Room Brawl with Sami Callihan which was the blow-off of their angle, will air on television Friday night.
Matt Riddle vs. Shane Strickland for the Evolve title has been announced as the main event for a show on 8/4 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. There will also be a show on 8/5 in Melrose, MA with Riddle vs. Austin Theory with stips to be announced and Tracy Williams & Josh Briggs vs. Catch Point. They also announced an 8/11 show in Chicago and 8/12 show in Livonia, MI.
USA Championship Wrestling from Saturday Night in Dickson, TN before a sellout 300 fans: Anthony Ingram b Johnny Morton, Matt Riviera b Brandon White, Starr Power b Thorn Family, Tyler Thorn won three-way over Jake Law and Matt Starr, Jerry Lawler b Kevin Zion.
Bryan Alvarez has his first match in years, teaming with Tom Lawlor against Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson in the main event for Black Label Pro Wrestling on 7/14 in Crown Point, IN. Jordynne Grace faces Ethan Page plus Fred Yehi, Kris Wolf and others are on the show.
Inspire Pro Wrestling from last night in Austin, TX: Aaron Solow b Rex Andrews, Steve O’Reno & Angle Blue b Heavy Hearts, CamCole won five-way over Thunder Rosa, Baby D, Shane Sabre and Cherry Ramons, Kody Lane & Ethan Price & Ricky Starks & Zac Taylor b T-Ray & Ashton Jacobs & MJF & Terrale Tempo, Massive & Gino won over Tommy Becker & Ryan Remington and Ruben Steel & Calavera, Tim Storm DDQ Ryan Davidson, Delilah Doom b Kris Wolf, ACH won three-way over Jeff Cobb and Joey Janela. MJF came out after to set up a match with ACH on 9/2 (thanks to Jake Koch)
The book “Eggshells: Pro Wrestling in the Tokyo Dome” by Chris Charlton will be released on 7/17. We’ll have more on that as the date comes closer.
Greg Valentine will be promoting the movie “350 Days” which will be in theaters for a one-day special event on 7/12, at Village Connection Radio 11 Lake Place on 7/11 from 7-8 p.m.
Joey Janela is coming to IPW Hardcore Wrestling on 7/14 in Port Richey, FL at Gill Dawg.
Action Wrestling from Friday night in Tyrone, GA before 175 fans: Matt & Joey Lynch b AC Mack & Ike Cross, James Bandy b James Ryan, Aja Perera b Tragedy, Cain Justice b Anthony Henry, Kevin Blue & Chris Spectra b Michael Spencer & Chance Rizer, Billy Buck b Cabana Man Dan, Cam Carter b Slim J, Tracy Williams b Arik Royal. Next show is 8/17 with Fred Yehi.
Defy Wrestling returns to Portland, OR on 7/20 at the Hawthorne Theater with Austin Aries vs. Shane Strickland for the Defy title. The event is for those 21 and older and need ID’s.
Kevin Harvey announced Chelsea Green will be on both Rise shows this weekend in Naperville, IL.
Innovative Wrestling on 7/28 in Bristol, TN at the Patton-Crosswhite VFW.
Here’s another story on the new season of GLOW.
The Sun has a story on women’s wrestling in the U.K.
The Sporting News did interviews with Jay Lethal, Flip Gordon and Shane Helms.
Petey Williams was on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast with Dennis Farrell and spoke about the Impact Wrestling tapings in Windsor, Ontario.
On the production of the tapings:
“My one gripe is that, well you were there, you remember how hot the crowd was and how loud they were and you were like, “man this is gonna come across great on television”. For whatever reason, I don’t know how it comes across on television tonight but it seems like the crowd is like… the audible is down on it? I just remember it being a lot louder when I was there. But other than that, I guess that’s my only gripe. Just the mixing of the sound.”
“I’m trying to think of other little things that I caught because you know we’re filming there so now we have a whole new ring announcer and we have another referee that’s not one of… you know we have multiple referees but one of them we don’t usually use and then different camera crew and all that kind of stuff just because it cuts on travel costs and everything like that so there’s obviously gonna be hiccups and that’s normal, I guess.”
On Impact creative going outside the box:
“If you look at last week’s Impact where Eddie Edwards breaks into his own home apparently and then his wife clears out all his stuff and then he looks into the mirror and Sami Callihan’s in the mirror. I think that works with Impact. If WWE does that, it’s gonna be like, “uh right”, but it works with us because sometimes we go outside of the box and people are okay with that because it’s like, ‘oh that’s a nice little cool produce segment’ and all that kind of stuff. I think people like that.”
On the fans in Windsor:
“That’s where he (Scott D’Amore) runs Border City Wrestling. When he runs those Border City Wrestling shows, he pretty much runs two big shows a year, maybe 6 months apart we’ll just say, whenever they fall, like March and October or whatever. So if he does it right, we just filmed there in June, if we could come back there in let’s say December or something, I think the fans would be like, ‘I can’t wait for Impact to come back’. If we did it every month, it definitely wouldn’t work. But if we tour around and then come back in December to that, I think for years the fans would pack that place and be into it and eat it up pretty much.”
On why Trevor Lee is booked as an enhancement talent:
“I wish I had an answer for that because I was watching the Rich Swann and Trevor Lee match and Trevor is just, I mean he’s so good, man, he’s just… he’s so good! I mean he’s that heel that… it’s not like he’s enhancement, it’s like he’s that heel that you’re gonna fight him and beat him before you’re gonna go on to challenge for the X-Division Title. It’s not like ‘oh you’re the first guy that he beats’ even though it’s Rich Swann’s first match, but you know it’s Rich Swann… I don’t know, but I agree. Trevor’s so good and he’s such a good heel and he’s so good in the ring and stuff… I don’t know why.”
Daily Professional Wrestling History: Kenny Omega becomes first IWGP US Champion
12th Annual F4W Empire Vegas Convention
Greetings friends and fans of the F4W / Wrestling Observer website. It’s time to announce the details of the 12th annual F4W / Wrestling Observer Empire Las Vegas Convention~!
This year’s event will be taking place in Las Vegas from August 16th to the 20th and will again be in conjunction with WWE’s SummerSlam weekend a.k.a. Super China Buffet Day~! There will still be the usual events, but our big draw will be WWE’s summer blockbuster PPV, SummerSlam. As per tradition, we will all gorge ourselves at a Las Vegas buffet, and then watch SummerSlam in a rented out movie theater. All information and ticketing prices are available now. Sign up ASAP as spots are limited for some events.
This year will also feature a Future Stars Wrestling show which will include the first ever Gladys Gibson Doubles Match Classic! Already booked for the show are the teams Mia Yim & Leva Bates, Shotzi Blackheart & ???, Samantha Heights & Brittany Blake, and Miranda Alize & Kylie Rae. Also appearing will be Kris Wolf along with many more future stars. There may even be a classic star or two making an appearance. You won’t want to miss this show! Check out the convention’s Facebook page for all additional information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Poll opinions: [email protected]
Feedback: [email protected]
Show results and news tips: [email protected]
Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]
Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!