Daily Update: Floyd Mayweather, Steve Austin, Fox & MLB

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

NXT will be taping two hours of television tonight in San Jose. This coming weekend is loaded with shows with the Survivor Series weekend, the start of the New Japan tag tournament, All Japan tag tournament, UFC, Bellator and more.

IMPACT TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ON POP TV

  • LAX vs. Fallah Bahh & KM non-title
  • Johnny Impact vs. Matt Sydal non-title
  • Tessa Blanchard vs. Rae Lynn non-title
  • Brian Cage vs. Sami Callihan for X title

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Looking at the WWE-EVOLVE relationship

The evolution of WWE’s relationships with promotions they’re friendly with continued to take shape this past weekend. Five WWE-contracted wrestlers were in action for EVOLVE last Friday and Saturday: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford), Fabian Aichner, Kassius Ohno, and Mustafa Ali. Killian Dain made a surprise appearance for ICW in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday, defeating Mikey Whiplash after it had been advertised that Whiplash would be facing a wrestler from WWE.

WON NEWSLETTER: November 19, 2018 Observer Newsletter: Survivor Series shake up, more

A look at the changes with Survivor Series’ top two matches as well as how this leads to a probable WrestleMania main event is the top story in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Look at the move to Daniel Bryan as a heel WWE champion, the Becky Lynch injury and why it will end up being the best thing that ever happened for her career, other potential WrestleMania direction that have fallen through, and the Bryan title change.

Also look at why UFC profits are going to be up around $65 million next year based on a new contract deal signed. Examine the PPV industry, and the streaming aspect of the industry.

Read a feature on the 25th anniversary of UFC, looking back to the beginning and to some of the key personalities that led to UFC evolving in the direction it did. 

Also look at a new government position Linda McMahon is up for, the business of WrestleMania, Stephanie McMahon talks UFC future, Paul Levesque talks the future of NXT, release date for the Paige movie, Ronda Rousey producing a network TV show, new Dwayne Johnson network TV show, Paige VanZant and WWE offers.

Read the full coverage of the UFC’s 25th anniversary show from Denver, the Zombie vs. Rodriguez finish, business notes, records set and more.

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.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

ESPN is reporting that UFC is close to signing a Nick Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal fight for the 3/2 show in Las Vegas. This will be Diaz’s return after four years. That is some weird matchmaking.

Steve Austin said that he’s not giving up beer. He’s just on a 2,700 calorie diet for right now and logging everything he consumes and beer and wine simply take up too many calories. 

Floyd Mayweather is back to being on board with a New Year’s Eve bout with Tenshin Nakusawa at the Rizin show at the Saitama Super Arena. It would be a three round boxing exhibition.  

Bill Goldberg was on episode 7 that aired this past Sunday night of NCIS Los Angeles playing the role of Lance Hamilton, a federal agent. It was a pretty major role. (thanks to Grant Zwarych) 

Weigh-ins for the Bellator show today in Tel Aviv, Israel, that doesn’t air until 9 p.m.tomorrow night on Paramount and DAZN:

  • Adam Keresh (238) vs. Kiril Sidelnikov (262)
  • Olga Rubin (143.5) vs. Cindy Dandois (145.5)
  • Phil Davis (206) vs. Vadim Nemkov (204.5)
  • Haim Gozali (170) vs. Ryan Couture (169)
  • Patricio Pitbull Freire (144.5) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (143) for the featherweight title

There are reports that FOX has just inked a seven-year extension with baseball with a 36 percent rate increase. So if you’re waiting for rights fees to decline, keep waiting, it hasn’t happened yet. 

WWE

  • PW Insider reported that WWE has hired Giancarlo Dittamoto, who worked for a lot of Northeast groups including with Joey Janela, to work in production. He’s been with the company for several weeks since he was there for the Germany tryouts.
  • A story on Josh Terry, who faced Lio Rush on 205 Live when the show was taped in Manchester. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

UFC

  • Daniel Cormier didn’t get a Popeye’s endorsement deal like Derrick Lewis got, but he did get a deal with Carl’s Juniors.
  • UFC Fight Pass debuted in its 25 for 25 series “Combatant in Chief: The Story of Donald Trump and Combat Sports” this past week.  The piece goes into the friendship between Trump and Dana White.
  • The 19,903 streaming viewers for Saturday’s UFC show headlined by Chan Sung Jung vs. Yair Rodriguez broke the all-time Fight Night record of 15,990 for Artem Lobov vs. Cub Swanson in April 2017.
  • The desk crew for Saturday night’s UFC debut in Buenos Aries, Argentina will be Megan Olivi, Kenny Florian and Tyron Woodley. The announcing team will be Brendan Fitzgerald and Jimmy Smith. The main event is Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Neil Magny.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • MLW is pre-empted tomorrow night on Bein Sports. There will be a live Tuff N Uff charity event called Operation Knockout live from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas on Bein Sports at 10 p.m. Eastern.
  • USA Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Jackson, TN at the Oman Arena has a show called “Tennessee Homecoming” featuring the return of Stan Lane & Steve Keirn, the Fabulous Ones,who were the top tag team in the area in the early 80s, plus Tommy Rich, Doug Gilbert and Matt Riviera will be wrestling, as well as Mike Carter, or JYD Jr. who does a great JYD gimmick. This will be a TV taping for Right Now TV. They also will tape on 11/18 at 3 p.m. at Studio A in the arena with Rich, Gilbert and Riviera, taping four 30 minute weekly TV shows.
  • Stardom is debuting a sister promotion called Stardom Idols on 12/2 at Shinkiba First Ring. Tam Nakano is the General Manager of the new group and will be wrestling on the show. Atsushi Onita and former magazine editor Tarzan Yamamoto are also on the first show.  The group reverts back to the days of the Beauty Pair and Crush Gals, with singing, dancing and wrestling.
  • Sean Mooney did a show with Vickie Guerrero about Eddy Guerrero. Vickie talks about Eddie’s time wrestling in Mexico, and how she dealt with being alone while Eddie was working, before making the decision to ultimately move to Mexico. Plus, what their experience was like while Eddie was working in Japan. 
  • MCW on Saturday night in Delton, DE at the Delaware Auto Exchange with Adam Rose and Greg Valentine appearing. They return to the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD on 12/1.
  • IPW from Sunday night in Eastbourne, UK: Sid Scala b Lewis Howley (Scala’s last match with the promotion since he’s signed with NXT UK), SCTO b Ricky Knight Jr. & Connor Cline & Stewart Shepherd, Bobbi Tyler b Skarlett, James Castle b David Starr, Chief Deputy Dunne NC Chris Ridgeway, Kurtis Chapman & Maverick Mayhew b OJMO & Darius Lockhart, Rob Sharpe b Jonny Storm, Kip Sabian b Jimmy Havoc. (thanks to Dean Ayass)
  • Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 12/1 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Please bring a new or gently used toy to benefit the Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund. 
  • Indi Hartwell vs Alexis Lee is booked for the 12/14 Singapore Pro Wrestling show.
  • Robbie Eagles is working for the New Zealand-basd Impact Pro Wrestling on 12/15 in Auckland.
  • AAW on 11/24 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago has Kimber Lee vs. Kylie Rae for the AAW women’s title, ACH vs. Trevor Lee, AR Fox & Myron Reed defend the tag titles against Laredo Kid & Rey Hours, Rey Fenix vs. Matt Sydal, Fred Yehi vs. Mance Warner, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. Jake Something & Curt Stallion plus Sami Callihan, Darby Allin, Eddie Kingston, David Starr, Jessicka Havok, Jimmy Jacobs, Colt Cabana, DJZ, Trey Miguel, MJF, Josh Briggs and more.
  • Full Impact Pro on 11/30 in Ybor City, FL with JD Drake, Anthony Henry, Austin Theory, AR Fox and more.
  • Alpha 1 Wrestling on 12/2 in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus with Josh Briggs vs. Eddie Kingston vs. Anthony Greene vs. Cheech, Ethan Page & Colt Cabana vs. MJF & Homicide, Rickey Shane Page vs. Stokley Hathaway and Josh Alexander vs. Kobe Durst.
  • The 2018 SHE-1 SERIES featuring Toni Storm, Command Bolshoi, Madison Eagles, Viper, Jamie Hayter, Kay Lee Ray, Charlie Morgan and more is now available to watch.
  • Here is a list of wrestling shows that are doing Toys for Tots, food pantry collections, and other charity events:
  • Combat Zone Wrestling and DJ Hyde have agreed again to do the annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) for the fourteenth year in a row at Combat Zone Wrestling’s Cage of Death 20, scheduled for Sunday, December 9 at the legendary 2300 (ECW) Arena in Philadelphia, PA, as part of the Icons of Wrestling weekend on December 8-9. 
  • The ones that have been held:Tri City Wrestling presented the fourth annual Cassidy Christie Memorial Cup event on October 6 in Bay City, MI. The show benefited the Cassidy Christie Memorial Scholarship and raised $3,334…well over $1,000 more than last year. 
    PWA Canada raised $2600 at their October 13 show for the Hunter Costello Memorial FUN-dation in Goderich, ON which raises funds to build an accessible playground and to defer pediatric health care costs. 
    Classic Championship Wrestling returned to Camp Hill, PA on October 14 for “It’s Good To Be The Queen”. The promotion will begin its yearly toy drive in conjunction with the local Elks Lodge, with collection barrels at the Lodge through December. They have already collected two full boxes of toys. 
    Dynamo Pro Wrestling/Glory Pro Wrestling was part of the annual Eat and Treat event on October 19 at the Chesterfield Amphitheater in Chesterfield, MO, with Dynamo Pro Wrestling and Glory Pro Wrestling matches plus food all to benefit Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer. The “Eat And Treat” event raised a little over $17,000 to support Kids Rock Cancer. 
    Supreme Wrestling presented a fundraiser on October 19 at Christ’s Way Christian Church, North Vernon, IN for Logan’s Koala Heroes, to help bring warm clothes and blankets to pediatric cancer patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. 
    Elk Mania Promotions returned to Beverly, MA on November 3 to benefit the scholarship initiatives of The Elks National Foundation, raising $2,098.21.
    Hoosier Pro Wrestling held the first of their two annual Firemen’s Cheer Fund Toy Drive shows on November 3 in Columbus, IN with nearly $2900 in toys, bikes, and cash donations raised. 
    Canadian Wrestling’s Elite came to Yorkton, SK on November 3 and helped raised nearly $3500 for the Ronald McDonald House! 
    Primal Conflict Wrestling collected canned and non- perishable foods at its November 3 Night to Remember show in Harper’s Ferry, WV. 
    Live Pro Wrestling returned to Renfrew, ON on November 3 in a taping for Yourtv Ottawa Valley, non-perishable food and money are being collected for the Renfrew Food Bank. 
    Cross Body Pro Wrestling presented Can You Handle This? (Special Olympics Fundraiser Show) on November 3 in Kitchener, ON featuring Rich Swann and Josh Alexander to benefit Special Olympics Ontario and has raised at least $4200 for Special Olympics Ontario. 
    Timmy Takedown was held November 4 at the Incrediplex, Indianapolis, IN. Money raised served Timmy Global Health, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that expands access to healthcare and empowers students and volunteers to tackle today’s most pressing global health challenges in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Guatemala. 23 wrestlers 
    signed up to participate this year, a lot of whom were former or current patients at Riley Children’s Hospital. 
    PWX Wrestling held Headlock 4 Hospitals on November 9 in Shelby, NC to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raising nearly $8000. 
    Wrestling With Purpose took place at Pembroke Middle School in Pembroke, SC on November 9 in Wrestling For Eric to benefit Eric Woodell, currently battling heart failure and in need of a new heart with nearly $1000 raised. 
    Burlington Championship Wrestling and All About Roofing presented Crushing Cancer on November 11 with a 4:00 pm bell at Positive Attitude Youth Center, 229 Graham Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC. 
    UWE Pro Wrestling presented its annual Headlock for Hunger event on November 11 at The Wex, 1320 N Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI. The event benefited local Cadillac service 
    agency Shepherd’s Table. The promotion and its talent collected 500 cans and non-perishable items for the charity. 
    Pro Wrestling Magic presented We Rise Again: A Benefit for Joey Finnegan on November 11 in Ridgefield, NJ raising $1715 for medical bills for local fan Joey Finnegan. 
    Outside the Box Wrestling returned with its second event, ‘A Salute To Service’ on Sunday, November 11 at 225 Conant Street, Pawtucket, RI featuring Space Monkey and LuFisto. In the spirit of the holiday, a donation was made to The Wounded Warrior Project. 
  • The ones yet to come (so far)Brew City Wrestling holds its annual Headlock on Hunger show on November 17 at the Waukesha Elks Lodge, 2301 Springdale Road, Waukesha, WI. 
    Revolt Pro Wrestling presents Rise Up, which takes place on November 17 at 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview, FL to benefit the Hurricane Michael Relief Fund through Directrelief.org. 
    NAWA Professional Wrestling will have a canned food drive for Burke United Christian Ministries at its show on November 17 (4:00 pm bell time) at the Burke County Fair, 145 Bost Rd, Morganton, NC. 
    NOVA Pro Wrestling will again help the Jewish Community Center of Fairfax, VA on November 23 with its FACETS Toy Collection at its “11th Dimension” show at the JCC in Fairfax, VA. 
    Power Pro Wrestling presents its “Toys For Tots” show on November 24 (6:00 pm belltime) at the Carlisle Fire Company, 615 NW Front St, Milford, DE. Front row tickets are $20 and general admission is $15. Power Pro Wrestling is encouraging everyone to bring a unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. All your favorite PPW wrestlers will be in action, all the titles are being defended as well as special appearance by Delaware’s own Dem Boys… The Briscoe Brothers. 
    All Star Wrestling/West Virginia returns to the Madison Civic Center, 261 Washington Ave, Madison, West Virginia on Black Friday (November 23). Santa will for the second straight year, be collecting bags of toys and cash donations for The Nice List. 
    Delmarva Wrestling Digest holds its 4th annual Toys for Tots Drive on November 28 at 23458 Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE. The Briscoe Brothers will be appearing. 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Toys for Tots, and donations are being accepted at this location. 
    American Premier Wrestling presents BRAWL 40 on December 1 in Statesboro, GA, a fundraising dinner and wrestling show to benefit Toys for Tots. 
    Hoosier Pro Wrestling will hold the second of their two annual Firemen’s Cheer Fund Toy Drive shows on December 1 in Columbus, IN. 
    United Wrestling Coalition will hold their TWENTIETH ANNUAL Toys for Tots show on December 1 in Wrightstown, NJ. 
    MCW Wrestling holds its annual Toys for Tots show on December 1 in Joppa, MD. 
    ECWA Pro Wrestling has scheduled its annual Toys for Tots show on December 1 at Asbury United Methodist Church, New Castle, DE 
    Chinlock Wrestling returns to Kingston, ON on December 1 to benefit Youth Diversion Kingston and Kingston Military Family Resource Centre. 
    Ontario’s Crossfire Wrestling will hold its annual Jingle Bell Brawl on December 1, to benefit the Niagara Children’s Foundation. 
    Harley Race’s World League Wrestling will again present their December holiday show (date TBA) in Troy, MO to raise monetary donations for its local community food pantry, The Bread For Life Food Pantry, that helps those in need in their local community in Lincoln County. 
    Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling presents Hardcore with a Heart on December 2 in Warren, MI. 
    Eastern Panhandle Pro Wrestling will hold its Christmas charity event, entitled Absolute Domination, on December 7 at Middleway Volunteer Fire Company, Kearneysville, WV to benefit Martinsdale Rescue Mission. 
    Rex vs. Cancer Again! takes place on Friday December 7th at the Gulf View Event Center with the proceeds going to Rex! You aren’t going to want to miss this night of awesome 
    action, surprises, raffles and so much more at the Gulf View Event Center, 9409 US Hwy 19, Port Richey, FL with a 8:00 ell time. General Admission $10 . 
    Combat Zone Wrestling and DJ Hyde have agreed again to do the annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) for the fourteenth year in a row at Combat Zone Wrestling’s Cage of Death 20, scheduled for Sunday, December 9 at the legendary 2300 (ECW) Arena in Philadelphia, PA, as part of the Icons of Wrestling weekend on December 8-9. 
    AWA New South returns to Bowling Green, KY on Saturday December 8th for a Toys for Tots toy drive event. The event will take place at the National Guard Armory located at 920 
    Morgantown Road. Doors for the event open at 6 PM with a 7 PM bell time. Admission is $10 for all seats. You can receive $2 off admission price if you bring a new unwrapped toy for donation. 
    Prestige Wrestling returns to Hermiston, OR on December 8 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center with the first annual RISE OR DIE TRYING tournament! King Khash defends the championship against “Filthy” Tom Lawlor in a blockbuster main event. Matches and tournament competitors to be announced soon! 100% of ticket sales will be donated to a children’s charity of our choosing. 
    Supreme Wrestling presents “Bah Humbug” at 2520 Lanier Dr, Madison, IN on December 8. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to help buy Christmas gifts for local children selected from a local Salvation Army Angel Tree. 
    All Star Wrestling returns to 6050A 176 St., Surrey, BC on Saturday, December 8 for Bodyslams for Toys to benefit the Surrey Christmas Bureau. Bring a new unwrapped toy and receive a complimentary ticket to any 2019 ASW event. 
    Demand Lucha returns to The Opera House in Toronto, ON on December 13 for the Merry Lucha Libre Christmas Show, in support of Variety Village Children’s Charity toy drive. 
    UWE Pro Wrestling and Santas Helping Hands come together on December 15 at The Wex, 1320 N Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI to collect gifts for the underprivileged kids in town. All seating only $5. Bring a gift for someone less fortunate. 
    Generation Entertainment Florida presents “The Cure” in its home town of Tampa, FL, live in the heart of Carrollwood at the Carrolwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa, 
    FL. The event is a benefit for Rex Bacchus. Rex has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, and gives himself tirelessly to the community through various shows of humanitarian work. All profits from the show goes to his medical bills. Tickets are only $10 general admission. 
    Ring of Honor Wrestling will be holding a Toys for Tots collection.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk I Quit match

CONTACT INFORMATION