Daily Update: Joe Hendry, Dustin Rhodes, new NXT name

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • The most detailed look at the updated Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE. We look at the new claims, the arguments in favor of the case not going to arbitration as McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE have argued, who is the most in jeopardy, lots of notes on the legal strategy from both sides, more text messages released as well.
  • Tons of records set at the 2025 Royal Rumble, the direction going into WrestleMania, the fake record John Cena may break and who has always been planned to break it later, Dwayne Johnson, Jey Uso, Alexa Bliss, business records including a very noteworthy record set by the show. We have an apples-to-apples comparison between Rumble viewers on Netflix and Raw viewers which is very interesting.
  • The ringboys lawsuit goes forward against Vince & Linda McMahon and WWE, details of what the issues that put it on hold were as well as a very important note about the suit that hasn’t gotten much talk.
  • The most detailed look at TV ratings and streaming numbers for pro wrestling programming in the U.S., including segment-by-segment numbers, what countries Raw is strongest in, competition and more.
  • Unique tournament this month in Mexico City
  • A look at major international matches over the past week
  • Stardom PPV notes
  • Tag champ brothers release a new album and music video.
  • New Beginning in Osaka and Fantastica Mania upcoming shows.
  • Young Bucks talk their return to Japan
  • Why Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears after Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Hall of Famer says his son has recently got a WWE offer
  • Ed Wiskowski’s time in Australia.
  • Lots of news on Grand Slam Australia.
  • International TV numbers and streaming numbers
  • Ticket sales to all the major upcoming WWE & AEW shows including WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, Revolution and All In.
  • Jericho Cruise notes
  • Merch sale leaders from WWE & AEW
  • Story on the retirement of Dominick Cruz and his legacy in UFC
  • One of the key people in the pro wrestling business and the most important person in the MMA business are rumored to be working together to start a new sports franchise
  • How is ESPN+ doing
  • Another world champion wants release from his promotion.
  • All the craziness of the Canelo negotiations
  • TKO stock reaching record highs
  • Lots of news on Mania week
  • More on cancellation of Cena TV show
  • More on new Evolve TV show
  • Another lawsuit with Nick Khan’s name in it
  • How much WWE stock does Dwayne Johnson now own?
  • Lots of contract news
  • WWE & AEW injury stats – which company, on average, has more serious injuries.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full main event from NXT last night, which was Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland in a steel cage match for the North American Championship.
  • Karyn Best – a track and field athlete who joined the WWE Performance Center in 2024 – confirmed that her new NXT name is Summer Sorrell. WWE filed a trademark for that name on February 9.
  • TNA star Joe Hendry responded to a question from SHAK Wrestling asking if he anticipates making WWE his next destination when his contract with TNA is up:
    • My job is to be the TNA World Champion, and my job is to represent TNA – to elevate this championship and to elevate the company. So my focus is on TNA Wrestling.
  • In a story published by Billboard, rap star Travis Scott reflected on his appearance at Raw’s Netflix premiere:
    • The energy out there was crazy. I was talking to Triple H and was like, ‘Yo. This s–t is wild.’ In my shows, I try to create that maximum energy level and have the people feel they can reach the highest level of ecstasy as far as being happy and free. And in those environments — things like wrestling, and even in sports where the characters can be so free and create this livelihood for kids, adults and families — it’s dope.
  • Ahead of its debut on A&E this Sunday, WWE shared a sneak peek clip of its WWE LFG series. The clip is an introduction to The Undertaker, Booker T, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley, who are coaching young talent on the show.
  • Rey Mysterio appeared as a guest on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez.
  • X-Pod 97 interviewed Big E about his role on the Disney+ animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.”

Other Wrestling

  • Keith Lee posted a tweet refuting reports that claimed he was backstage at Dynamite in Athens, Georgia last week, though Lee said he was at AEW’s recent shows in Texas: “For the record…. this isn’t true. I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at the Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all. Good day.”
  • While appearing on the Battleground podcast, Dustin Rhodes said he’s thought about plans for his retirement match and wants it to take place in three years:
    • I have [thought about it]. I keep it close to the vest about my opponent, but I have had this planned the last couple years of who kind of I want to finish up with. And that’s going to take place in three years. It’s going to be tough to step away, but by no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I do. I think I’ve earned it. To finish it off on a pay-per-view and to cut a heart-wrenching emotional promo afterwards is what people like. It’s not like the old days – I want to win. I want to win that last match. I don’t want to lose. It means a lot to me. So I have been putting a lot of thought into it. And I would say probably about three years. I mean, things change, we’ll see where they take us. It’s hard enough to even say, ‘It’s almost time, Dustin.’
  • Rhodes said he’ll still be coaching and producing after his in-ring retirement, which is something he’s already doing. He is trying to purchase the rights to his old WCW theme music from when he was “The Natural” to use it for his last match.
  • Renee Paquette interviewed “Timeless” Toni Storm on a new edition of AEW Close-Up.
  • NJPW announced that a charity auction for El Desperado’s overmask from November’s Historic X-Over event raised $3903.64, which has been donated to Chris Bey and El Phantasmo:
    • Late last year, El Desperado auctioned his overmask from Historic X-Over II, with proceeds going to aid El Phantasmo in cancer treatment, and Chris Bey in recovery from injury. 
    • Auction proceeds totaled 598,963 Yen (US $3903.64) and have been distributed to both parties. 
    • NJPW and El Desperado thanks fans for their support.
  • NJPW has signed an extended broadcast agreement with Extreme Channel in the UK.
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro star Shoko Nakajima will make her MLW debut at Battle Riot VII in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 5. An opponent for Nakajima has not been announced yet: “MLW officials are currently in discussions with TJPW to finalize Nakajima’s opponent for this highly anticipated debut. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a major fight for the Big Kaiju when she steps into an MLW ring for the first time.”
  • X-Pac will make a special appearance at Prestige Wrestling’s show in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, April 12.
  • Wrestlesphere interviewed Donovan Dijak.