Daily Update: Angle on who should induct him, SmackDown, NXT awards

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/16/2017 WWE’s path forward in the United Kingdom

While the specifics of what’s to come remain uncertain, it was clear as Tyler Bate stood in the ring alongside Triple H, William Regal, Finn Balor, and Fit Finlay at the conclusion of the United Kingdom Championship tournament that WWE has a legitimate path forward in the country… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: January 16, 2017 The conundrum of Kenny Omega, 2016 in retrospect, more

A look at the lessons learned of what worked and didn’t work in 2016, and each major company’s prospects for 2017 is the biggest story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Next, check out the situation with Kenny Omega, look at the updated plans for WrestleMania, plans for the 2018 WrestleMania and the Mark Hunt lawsuit against Brock Lesnar and the UFC.

Comparisons of the UFC and WWE business in 2016 and how each company looks going into next year, plus a look at the lessons regarding television ratings of MMA, loading up PPV shows, why GSP isn’t fighting, what’s on the horizon in 2017 for future UFC fights and some experimental ideas for UFC and FOX, all in this issue.

Have a look at the positives and negatives of WWE going into 2017 including how the women’s and cruiserweight divisions are doing. Find out what big star returns, how NXT has changed the WWE business, the good and the bad of using top stars in NXT, as well as both UFC and WWE struggling with creating a long-term fan base.

The plight of the independent scene, the future of ROH and TNA, how New Japan and AXS can work together to build a stronger product, the role of Flo Slam in the 2017 wrestling world, and the lessons of Bellator’s ratings regarding who does and doesn’t move numbers, inside this issue.

Read a big story on Kenny Omega coming out of Wrestle Kingdom 11, including John Cena’s reaction, Omega’s and Okada talk about their match, the new top program in New Japan and why Omega is in such a unique position right now.

An update on the WrestleMania card as things stand including what talked about match is off, and what matches are official, and also look at why WrestleMania in 2018 is coming to New Orleans and the schedule of events, can be read.

Finally, take a look at the ticket demand and sales for Royal Rumble and NXT in San Antonio, the NXT Takeover lineup, more on the WWE Hall of Fame, the remarketing of XFL nostalgia, the return of Chris Hero to WWE and a new John Cena movie. 

Click here for full preview.

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 Dave@WrestlingObserver.com. 

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 moonsault@mediaplusint.com. 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: December 27, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Starrcade review, NWO reforms, tons more – The idea to turn WCW around is–the same idea Eric Bischoff came up with that helped turn WCW around three-and-a-half years ago. The most important thing about the revival of the NWO with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Bret Hart and Jeff Jarrett, all holding the major WCW title belts, as the final act of the 12/20 Nitro in Baltimore is not whether it was just copying something from the past. Of course it was nothing original, but the object of wrestling is not originality… Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Kurt Angle spoke to Sports Illustrated about his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction. Angle said that Steve Austin is at the top of his list to induct him and called the decision a “no-brainer.”
  • Angle will appear on WWE’s weekly SportsCenter segment with Jonathan Coachman tomorrow night.
  • WWE is advertising that Shane McMahon making a “huge announcement” will open tonight’s episode of SmackDown. The show will also feature Alexa Bliss defending her Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch in a steel cage match and Dolph Ziggler appearing on a King’s Court segment with Jerry Lawler. Mickie James is backstage at the show.
  • The “I forfeit” match between Jack Gallagher and Ariya Daivari that was agreed to on last week’s show will take place on tonight’s 205 Live.
  • Tajiri tweeted about his knee injury that was announced by WWE.com today: “Now Im getting much much better!! Sorry for 12 billion of TAJIRI fans in the world.I`ll come back to the ring soon.”
  • WWE is holding 2016 year-end awards for NXT that will be announced on the one-hour pre-show prior to TakeOver: San Antonio. The categories are performer of the year, male of the year, female of the year, breakout of the year, tag team of the year, and TakeOver of the year.
  • ESPN spoke to William Regal about Chris Hero returning to NXT as Kassius Ohno.
  • Howard Finkel debuted with WWE 40 years ago today at Madison Square Garden.
  • AL.com has an article about John Cena interacting with young fans at WWE’s house show in Birmingham.
  • WWE 2K17 has released its “future stars” pack with Austin Aries, Tye Dillinger, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Mojo Rawley now available as downloadable content for the game.

Pro Wrestling

  • Keith Lee will make his EVOLVE debut against Chris Hero over Royal Rumble weekend at EVOLVE 76. Hero will then have his final match for the company against Zack Sabre Jr. at EVOLVE 77.
  • Ring of Honor has announced that Dragon Lee and Jushin Thunder Liger will appear at their Supercard of Honor show during WrestleMania weekend in Lakeland.
  • Dixie Carter tweeted congratulations to Kurt Angle on his Hall of Fame induction.
  • Kenny Omega will be a guest on The Taz Show via Skype tomorrow morning.

UFC/MMA

  • Tim Kennedy announced his retirement from MMA in a post on Facebook. His last fight was a loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 206.
  • Kennedy spoke to the Luke Thomas show on SiriusXM about his decision.
  • Gegard Mousasi spoke out against the rest of the UFC’s middleweight division.
  • Angela Hill will face Jessica Andrade at UFC Fight Night in Houston on February 4th after Hill was granted an exception from having to undergo the mandatory four months of USADA testing before fighting.
  • Chael Sonnen and Tito Ortiz will participate in an open workout at the courtyard at Viacom headquarters in Hollywood, California tomorrow at noon PT.
  • Combate Americas has agreed to a deal with ESPN Latin America to air their Thursday night event that takes place in Mexico City.

Today in Professional Wrestling History (1/17): Vader wins the IWGP title

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