Daily Update: McGregor conference call, Corgan & TNA, Austin Aries

THE ROUND-UP

The latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

Figure Four Weekly 10/24/2016: Deregulation of pro wrestling in Arizona – In Arizona, deregulation of professional wrestling wasn’t a pressing matter by any stretch when the topic was first broached in 1981. There was no major promotion running in the state and little to no full time work, with only one licensed promoter, who was running shows weekly in Phoenix…click here to continue.

F4W YouTube Page: Tons of clips and full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

The Death of WCWby Bryan Alvarez and RD Reynolds is now available as an audiobook through Amazon.com and Audible. Alvarez did the narration for the book which runs almost fifteen hours, so grab yours today!

Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Nov 7, 2016: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – In what will likely be the biggest business issue of the year, this issue has extensive looks at the business behind TNA, WWE and UFC as part of a double issue of the Observer up on the site today.

The lead story looks at the presentations and evidence in Billy Corgan’s failed attempt to get an injunction against TNA and into power. The decision behind Anthem Sports’ funding the company, who will be in charge, the financial questions involving Corgan and what type of money is being fought over, Corgan’s reaction, the value of TNA’s television deals, the true background of TNA losing its TV deal in the U.K. with Challenge with ratings notes, as well as notes on meetings with another station and a laughable press release, examined in this issue.

This issue also looks at the reasons behind the Gawker settlement with Hulk Hogan.

Inside, there is a full WWE business rundown with all the figures from the last quarter, why the stock price went down so much after the numbers came in and why it was delayed, an in-depth look at the WWE network, the percentage of subscribers who let their subscriptions expire or canceled in the last three months, how the network did last year vs. this year in adding and losing subscribers, and what it says about SummerSlam and other PPVs, the value of doing two PPVs per month, company projections on numbers short-term and long-term, the value of the PPVs this year vs. last year to the network, and if WWE is for sale.

Plus, check out the breakdown of where WWE’s money comes in, as well as profits by division and details behind what is up and what is down for the quarter. 

UFC business, including the amount FOX is paying UFC from last year, this year and next year, how the TV money compares with that of WWE, PPV revenue for last year and projections for this year, updated numbers on the drawing power of McGregor and Rousey, why the front office was cut so harshly, and where UFC’s money comes from, all in this issue… click here to continue.

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. 

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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: November 7, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Judge rules in favor of TNA, Hogan settles with Gawker – TNA’s short-term issues as far as who will be in charge of the beleaguered franchise were settled on 10/31 when Nashville Chancery Court Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle ruled against Billy Corgan’s request to get an injunction against the company making any financial moves unless he was put in charge… click here to continue.

Thursday News Update

  • Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez did a press conference today for UFC. It didn’t have any major fireworks, although Alvarez was laughing at McGregor and saying he was a good striker but had absolutely awful defense. McGregor said that Chad Mendes, who he beat in the second round, had better wrestling and better boxing than Alvarez and he’d knock him out in the first round. McGregor also claimed they were going to break the Ali vs. Frazier record for ticket sales in Madison Square Garden, which may not be accurate. McGregor did deny reports that he was going to take next year off. He said he’d reveal his plans in time but said, “I don’t know if you can take time off with this life, I’m going to stay creating history, stay changing the game.”
  • Austin Aries had surgery earlier today in Birmingham for a broken left orbital bone.
  • Billy Corgan and Anthem Entertainment are going back-and-forth on Twitter today. Corgan wrote, “Terrible way to start our future relationship. What with the lying through counsel and propensity for press releases claiming victory.” Corgan also wrote, “So when you sent out the press release today and one during lawsuit (which is still pending FYI) that’s not public discourse. Tsk.” “And the use of reject in your tweet. Such strong language from network of fights.”
  • There were all kinds of issues at today’s Bellator weigh-ins. For reasons we’re not clear of, Paul Daley didn’t weigh in for his fight with Derek Anderson due to cramping issues, did weigh in at 171, making weight later, but is still having issues. The Marloes Coenen vs. Talita Nogueira fight is off because Nogueira was 151.6 pounds for a 146 pound weight class fight. Neiman Gracie vs. Rudy Bears, scheduled at 170, was changed to 175 and Ed Ruth vs. Dustin Collins-Miles, scheduled for 185, was changed to 192, due to Gracie and Miles being unable to make weight. At least the title match with Liam McGeary (204) vs. Phil Davis (204) had no problems.
  • Over WrestleMania weekend, Wrestlecon has announced that its SuperShow, originally scheduled for Saturday night, is being moved to Friday night so it doesn’t go against NXT, but does go against the Hall of Fame. CZW will now be running on Saturday night of the weekend at 8:30 p.m. Pro Wrestling Revolver on Saturday at noon at the Wyndham Resort in Orlando has Ricochet vs. Shane Strickland, AR Fox vs Rey Fenix vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. four more guys.

WWE

  • Scheduled for 12/26 in Madison Square Garden: A.J. Styles vs. John Cena (which may be his return) vs. Dean Ambrose for WWE title, Kane vs. Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz cage match for IC title, Rhyno & Heath Slater vs. Usos vs. Breezango vs. American Alpha for tag titles, Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella vs. Naomi vs. Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Alexa Bliss for women’s title, Apollo Crews & Jack Swagger & Hype Bros vs. The Ascension & Vaudevillains, Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
  • The plan for right now is to do a Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns champion vs. champion program in December. Keep in mind that will change every week between now and then.
  • BILD, the leading newspaper in Germany, claims that Tim Wiese’s contract with WWE is for $332,000 per year. Wiese made his debut on today’s show in Munich. I’m skeptical of that figure but it has not been denied to me either. (thanks to Patrick Gronemann and Jens M)
  • We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Riyadh and Munich, Germany, as well as tomorrow’s shows in London and Riyadh to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com and dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

UFC

  • Takeya Mizugaki vs. Eddie Wineland has been added to the 12/17 show in Sacramento on FOX.
  • Newsday has a story on Chris Weidman leading to UFC 205.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Scheduled for Impact tonight on Pop TV: DJZ & Braxton Sutter & Mandrews vs. Marshe Rockett & Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett vs. Rockstar Spud & Abyss & Crazzy Steve, Hardys vs. DCC for the tag team titles, Eddie Edwards vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title.
  • Tickets for WaleMania go on sale on 11/11 at www.mlw.com at 10 a.m.
  • The first live event on the new FloSlam channel will be the Shine women’s show from Ybor City, FL at 9 p.m. tomorrow tonight headlined by Ivelisse vs. Vanessa Kraven.
  • The Spirit Squad, who are not under contract to WWE, are taking indie bookings through Bill Behrens at showbis@aol.com. Kenn Doane is out of Boston and Mike Brendli is out of New York.
  • While not a pro wrestling story, a lot of media people are talking about the decline of NFL ratings.
  • Northeast Wrestling on Saturday night in Waterbury, CT at the PAL Building with a meet and greet at 5 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. with Brian Anthony vs. Jeff Hardy, Cody Rhodes vs. Flip Gordon, TK O’Ryan vs. Dijak, Matt Hardy vs. Ron Zombie vs Team Zhazaam, Matt Taven, Hanson, Vinny Marselgia, Deonna Purrazzo and more
  • Jim Ross has a talk show on Wednesday night in Nashville at Zanies at 7:30 p.m.
  • SkySports has a story on Nathan Cruz, who was on NXT TV recently as well as the cruiserweight classic, and is hoping for a WWE deal.
  • AAW runs tomorrow night in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett vs. Matt Hardy & Chris Hero, Prince Ali vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and Kongo Kong vs. Jeff Cobb.
  • Fernand Ste-Marie, who was the ring announcer for Grand Prix Wrestling in the 70s in Quebec, the promotion run by The Vachons and Edouard Carpentier, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. His last appearance at a wrestling show was in 2009 when Pat Laprade brought the Vachons to a show in Montreal and it was the first time he’d seen Maurice and Paul since his days as an announcer.
  • A story on the language of pro wrestling.
  • EVOLVE has a new video on Ethan Page.
  • A show called Relive the Rivalry scheduled for 12/17 at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center with Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat has been canceled. Ticket sales weren’t strong for the event. 
  • ROH has announced a training camp on 1/28 and 1/29 with Delirious, Kevin Kelly, Todd Sinclair, Mark & Jay Briscoe, Christopher Daniels, Bob Evans, Cheeseburger and Will Ferrara as coaches. It is open to anyone with at least one year independent experience and takes place at the ROH Dojo and costs $300. For more info go to ROHDOJO@rohwrestling.com.
  • CMLL from Monday night in Puebla: Espiritu Maligno & Malayo & Policeman b Arkalis & Meyer & Zaeta Roja, Cancerbero & King Jaguar & Raziel b Black Tiger & Flyer & Lestat, Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther & Stigma b Misterioso Jr. & Okumura & Sagrado, Maximo Sexy & Pierroth & Rush b Marco Corleone & Shocker & Vangellys, Mistico & Valiente & Volador Jr. retained the CMLL trios titles over Euforia & Gran Guerrero & La Mascara (thanks to Kris Zellner).
  • FMLL on 11/20 in El Monte, CA at Florentine Gardens features Negro Navarro vs Blue Demon Jr.
  • Lucha Libre WAR on Sunday in El Paso at Houchen Community Center has Caristico and Negro Casas headlining.
  • Martinez Entertainment on 11/12 in Kennedale, TX at Turf Zone features Rey Fenix vs. Super Crazy.
  • The Crash on 11/26 in Tijuana has Rey Mysterio Jr. & Jeff Hardy & Rey Fenix vs. Jeff Cobb & Teddy Hart & Nicho, plus Flamita vs. Extreme Tiger, Willie Mack & Mascara Dorada & ? vs Bestia 666 & Black Tauro & Demus 3:16 an Keira vs Sexy Dulce (Sexy Star).
  • Royce Gracie, Chael Sonnen and Tito Ortiz are appearing at a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow night before the Bellator show at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. 
  • The first round matches in AIW’s Double Dare tag team tournament tomorrow night and Saturday night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has Cryme Tyme vs. Devastation Corporation, Head Hunters vs. Lucky Thurteen & Eric Ryan, Crazy Pain vs Sexual Panic, Candice LeRae & Marti Belle vs. Massage NV, Space Justice vs. Infinity and Beyond, Weird World vs. Jollyville Fuckits. Saturday night also has Shyna Baszler defending the women’s title against Britt Baker. 
  • The Combate Americas weeekly television show debuts at 10 p.m. tonight on Azteca America in the U.S. and at 11 p.m. tomorrow night on TV Azteca in Mexico.
  • Arda Ocal, who previously worked at The Fight Network and then WWE, will be one of the co-hosts of The MSG Hockey Show, a 30 minute weekly show on the MSG Network. Most of the pub is on another co-host Will Reeve, the son of Christopher Reeve. 
  • Battlewar 39 on 11/13 in Montreal at Foufounes Electriques.
  • CWE on 11/4 in Russell, Manitoba at the George Bulezuik Center featuring Val Venis as the headliner.
  • Here are some interview trailers on Jimmy Garvin and Butch Reed. 

Today in Professional Wrestling History 11/3: Bobby Roode wins the TNA World Championship

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