Daily Update: Khabib, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Jose Aldo

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch win Royal Rumbles

For the second straight year, WWE went with two fan-pleasing choices as their Royal Rumble winners. WWE followed up on Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka’s wins from last year by having Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch win their respective Rumble matches on Sunday night. The results were entirely predictable, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t the right choices. While there are other stories that WWE can tell, top babyfaces beginning their road to WrestleMania by winning the Royal Rumble will pretty much always work. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Future of Ronda Rousey, Royal Rumble preview, more

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer talks about Ronda Rousey and her WWE schedule including how long a time frame of when she has talked of stepping away.

Also, look at the top of the WrestleMania card and what major star isn’t scheduled, and what other major star may be having his match changed.

Read the full preview of the Royal Rumble, with notes on ticket expectation, how the market is for all four WWE arena events in Phoenix this week, and the situation with John Cena.

Also, look at UFC’s first show on ESPN, the Dillashaw vs. Cejudo aftermath, the Greg Hardy debut, the business notes on the show and what record was set as well as how streaming sign-ups destroyed any combat sport event in history, and match-by-match coverage.

Break down the latest Jon Jones drug test failure and why failing the test actually gives more credence to his story than if he had passed all of his tests.

Examine a fourth generation wrestler training at the Performance Center, what happened with The Revival, lots of WWE contract news, XFL President announced, XFL TV talks, and injury updates.

Look at the major hearing next week in Nevada, California’s reaction and UFC’s reaction to Jones’ test failure.

This issue has a rundown of the final three nights of the Fantastica Mania tour, including why the third night was such an entertaining show, as well as an update on the talent in CMLL and the unique match that came from a movie.

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@wrestlingobserver.com or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The last of four straight shows in Phoenix, Arizona concludes tonight as SmackDown will air live at the Talking Stick Arena. Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States title against R-Truth, while The Miz and Shane McMahon are set to throw “The Best Tag Team Celebration in The World”.
  • Total Bellas on Sunday did 454,000 viewers, a record viewership low for the series.
  • WWE Studios’ Blood Brother is now out on DVD, digital and Blu-ray. It stars Trey Songz and features R-Truth in a supporting role.
  • No Way Jose, Tyler Breeze, Bayley and Dana Warrior hosted a Kid Power event recently at Valencia Newcomer School in Phoenix.
  • Lacey Evans, Bianca Belair and Montez Ford served breakfast to veterans at MANA House during Royal Rumble weekend.

Pro Wrestling

  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s parent company has been taken over by LIDET Entertainment, who now own 75 percent of NOAH Global Entertainment. All office members of the parent company will retire next month, which includes Masayuki Uchida, the company’s president. Yusuke Fuwa will continue to be president of the company.
  • Impact has moved a number of people on their roster to their alumni section, including Caleb Konley and Matt Sydal.
  • Sydal posted an update following knee surgery: “Surgery went well! I’m meeting with my doctor tomorrow for more information and to begin the recovery process. Thanks for the support.”
  • Chris Jericho posted on Instagram: “I’m coming back…I will return… @njpw1972”
  • PWInsider reported that MLW has parted ways with Sammy Guevara. They reported that Guevara double-booked himself for select MLW dates, including the show this weekend and felt there was no way to use him consistently.

UFC/MMA

  • Ariel Helwani is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov is “done” fighting in Nevada until his teammates’ suspensions were lifted. Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov received a one year suspension in Nevada due to their participation in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229.
  • José Aldo told Portal do Vale Tudo (via Bloody Elbow) he is planning to retire by the end of 2019, and he no longer wishes to go after UFC gold.
  • According to Aaron Bronsteter, USADA’s testing database was updated today and Brock Lesnar’s name was among those who have been tested since the start of 2019. Lesnar has been eligible to fight since 1/8.
  • Bellator was scored 697,000 viewers on Saturday, placing tenth for the night on cable.
  • Posting a picture of herself in a lucha libre outfit, Joanna Jedzejczyk wrote on Instragram: “@rondarousey can I join ya in @wwe?”
  • ONE Championship wrestling will run a promotional tour in the US next month with new signees Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt.
  • The United States Fight League announced that UFC veteran Joe Stevenson and renowned trainer Duke Roufus will be the coaches for the U.S. youth MMA team.
  • This article is about how reformed gang leader Ruben Saldaña has changed his life and the lives of many through MMA coaching. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History: John Cena defeats AJ Styles to win WWE title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION