THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
WWE Raw ratings drop a bit, third hour holds better than usual
NJPW Kizuna Road results: KUSHIDA defends against BUSHI
NJPW G1 Special: Cody Rhodes conference call audio
NJPW G1 Special: Kenny Omega conference call audio
NJPW reveals date for Okada vs. Omega III, other key G1 matches
WWE Raw video highlights: Joe puts Lesnar in the Coquina Clutch
WWE responds to ‘inappropriate language’ used by LaMelo Ball
Two more title matches added to WWE Great Balls of Fire card
VIDEO: LaVar Ball’s WWE appearance was as ridiculous as expected
AUDIO
WOL: Raw, Big Ballers, Smackdown, Money in the Bank, Shane Strickland interview! 6/27
WOR: Raw, G-1 line-up, UFC cancels PPV, more! 6/27
DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Shinjuku FACE-Off!!! 6/26
WOL: Eva Marie interview plus tons of news! 6/26
WOR: UFC recap, Raw preview, mailbag and more! 6/26
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 6/19/2017: Looking back at the Cruiserweight Classic one year later
Last week brought the announcement of the first four wrestlers who will be participating in WWE’s Mae Young Classic this summer. Toni Storm, Princesa Sugehit, Lacey Evans, and Sarah Logan will help make up a diverse 32-competitor field from all around the world. It was this time last year that similar announcements were being made for an almost identical project. And while WWE hopes that the Mae Young Classic will further the cause of women’s wrestling, last year’s cruiserweight tournament still leaves behind an undefined legacy.
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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: June 26, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Money in the Bank review, G1 announcement, more
A look at what is next on the horizon for WWE and coverage of Money in the Bank is the lead of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Look at what the plans were for SummerSlam and the Universal title headed through WrestleMania.
Coverage of Money in the Bank, with notes on the finishes, business notes, match-by-match coverage, poll results and star ratings, inside.
Have a look at the 2017 G-1 Climax tournament, who got in and who was on the bubble who didn’t make the list, and what to look for when the blocks are announced.
An update on the accident involving Matt Hughes, an update on his health and a look back at his career, is inside.
A feature on Buddy Wayne, one of the best wrestlers in the Northwest during a period of time, why he was never a major star, and a number of people in wrestling comment about him and his career, all in this issue.
Find out about Conor McGregor mentions on Raw, Daniel Bryan looks at changes he’d like to see WWE make and his thoughts on Matt Riddle and Kenny Omega, a look back at what happened behind the scenes regarding the Money in the Bank ladder matches, how Daniel Bryan got his title, why Dolph Ziggler lost his title right away and who was supposed to win that didn’t. Also, look at Shawn Michaels talking about current talent, former developmental wrestler critiques the TV, update on Kairi Hojo in WWE, the birth of Ric Flair, and a list of those at this week’s WWE tryouts.
Check out the value of WWE stock, plans for upcoming TV’s and the most-watched WWE network shows over the past week, and also look at all the WWE & NXT arena events over the past week with results and business notes.
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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: June 5, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Pillman Memorial show, potential shift in the pro wrestling landscape, more
The entire pro wrestling landscape is expected to change greatly over the next few weeks. But there would be no such thing as intelligent speculation on how it’s going to end up. There are basic points of change for all three major companies in the United States. WWF is attempting to move its television from USA Network to what would become a revamped TNN, with Sunday Night Heat moving to MTV.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
SmackDown tonight has a card that mostly took shape a week in advance. The second-ever women’s Money in the Bank ladder match will take place with Carmella, Natalya, Tamina, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair vying for the briefcase (with James Ellsworth banned from ringside), Naomi will defend her title against Lana, and The Hype Bros face The Usos in a non-title match where they become number one contenders if they win. If the women’s Money in the Bank match main events, it will be a rare time that WWE has had two women’s matches main event on TV in successive nights.
WWE’s video of the Ball family segment from last night hasn’t reach a million views on YouTube yet (though it’s closing in on it), but that’s probably in part due to the unedited version being readily available elsewhere. It’s gotten a lot of attention from the mainstream sports media, but LaMelo Ball’s mishap has gotten some too. Dave Meltzer noted that Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn were very unhappy about the language that was used and said backstage was in chaos.
After pretty much confirming it last night, WWE has announced that Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt is official for Great Balls of Fire on July 9th.
Torrie Wilson, Sharmell, Christy Hemme, and Candice Michelle were backstage at Raw in Los Angeles last night.
While appearing on Hot 104.1 in St. Louis recently, Randy Orton explained the comments that he made criticizing dives. He clarified that he doesn’t have a problem with dives if they mean something, but said there’s no longevity in throwing yourself to the floor without any purpose.
WWE uploaded a video with Mauro Ranallo reacting to his return to pro wrestling commentary after last week’s NXT tapings.
The Wall Street Journal interviewed John Cena about the moves that he’s making outside of wrestling.
Bayley appeared on today’s episode of Steve Austin’s podcast.
The Rock congratulated Thea Trinidad on signing with WWE.
David Bixenspan has an article for Deadspin looking at the lessons that WWE has failed to learn 10 years after the Benoit tragedy.
WWE posted a behind the scenes video of Seth Rollins’ WWE 2K cover reveal trailer.
Pro Wrestling
Impact Wrestling announced during a YouTube special hyping Slammiversary that MMA fighter “King Mo” Muhammed Lawal will be in Bobby Lashley’s corner for his main event against Alberto El Patron on Sunday. El Patron’s father (and pro wrestling legend) Dos Caras will be in his corner. Both Lashley and Lawal are fighters with Bellator, but Lashley hasn’t fought since last October. Lawal is a big pro wrestling fan and has been involved with Impact in the past.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the company, the city of Orlando has declared July 5th as “Impact Wrestling day in Orlando.” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will present a proclamation before the July 5th Impact tapings and will serve as a special guest ring announcer for two matches.
NJPW uploaded video of the block and match announcements for the G1 with reactions from the live crowd.
Deadspin ran a story on “The Progressive Liberal” Dan Richards. Richards plays a leftist heel character in Appalachian Mountain Wrestling.
After the release of Netflix’s GLOW, Jezebel posted a history of women’s wrestling prior to the 1980s.
UFC/MMA
Despite previously indicating that he’s retiring, Derrick Lewis told Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour that he wants to keep fighting and wants to return to the Octagon later this year.
Also on the MMA Hour, Michael Chandler said that his foot isn’t broken despite losing his title due to injury at Bellator NYC.
Bellator 180 averaged 901,000 viewers on Spike TV and CMT on Saturday night.
Bellator’s Scott Coker said that he doesn’t know how the UFC can legally force their fighters to wear Reebok uniforms.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: CM Punk closes Raw with a pipebomb
F4W Online / Wrestling Observer Vegas Convention Event Info
August 17-21; All times are TBA; Full information on the group Facebook page; Activites subject to change
Thursday: Meet at the Big Shoot for Bowling at the Link; Party at Carnival Court at Hurrah’s
Friday: Kiss Mini Golf tournament at the Rio; Dinner at Texas de Brazil; Suite party (location TBA)
Saturday: Burgers with Granny for lunch; Future Stars of Wrestling show featuring Stephan Bonnar & Phil Baroni; NXT viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Sunday: SUPER CHINA BUFFET DAY at the Wicked Spoon Buffet at 1pm; SummerSlam viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
Monday: Goodbye lunch at Chen Chen at NY NY
Texas de Brazil, Wicked Spoon, NXT and Summer Slam will all be sign up and pre-paid events, prices and collection begin in mid July~!
Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!
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