Daily Update: Mixed Match Challenge, next PWG card, Diaz

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

​F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly 1/22/2018: Recapping WWE Raw 25

With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night. It was the most-anticipated Raw of the year, with WWE putting their full promotional force behind the event and inviting seemingly every available name from the past. With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 22, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Paige’s in-ring career with WWE over, Reigns steroid allegations, more

A look at the career of Paige and the injuries that appeared to end it is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Read about her career, the movie on her life that is forthcoming, how the movie affected the last few years, details of the injury, how this compares to Bryan Danielson, how the movie got started, her life before WWE and her role in the changes in the WWE women’s division.

Look at the situation with Conor McGregor, as well as a huge show UFC is looking at doing in the fall.

Read comments on the Roman Reigns allegations and the WWE background on how different allegations have been handled.

There are changes in plans of the rumble show, an update on a lot of talent talking with WWE, many coming into WWE, history of why Bobby Lashley left WWE, former TNA star talks wanting to move to WWE, Jey Uso’s DWI arrest, notes on a lot of new talent starting at the Performance Center, Cena projects on Nickelodeon, who is coming in for 25th Raw, who isn’t coming to the 25th Raw and why, and a complete scheduled for Mixed Match Challenge.

Check out how house show plans changed with the Samoa Joe injury, WWE injury notes, WWE signs new giant, UFC star’s name talked about for WWE, Cena and Rock move notes, WWE stock price value and most-watched shows for the week on the WWE Network. Look at the WWE and NXT arena events over the past week with results, highlights and business notes.

Look at the head-to-head battle with UFC and Bellator this week, the hoped for stardom of Francis Ngannou, Sonnen vs. Rampage, Cormier vs. Oezdemir and more.

Read about the UFC show in St. Louis and the most emotional moment in UFC television history. Plus, look at the unique nature of how the television audience changed and why the ratings were so high.

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: January 8, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Paul Heyman considering selling ECW, more on Wrestler of the Year, more

Citing a number of factors, including the enormous pressure he’s been under over the past year, the large company debt and what he sees as the future landscape of the business, Paul Heyman said he was in serious negotiations to sell either a majority share or all of Extreme Championship Wrestling.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Asuka submitted Carmella with an armbar as Asuka & The Miz advanced over Carmella & Big E on Mixed Match Challenge last night. The show peaked at over 90,000 viewers live and has over 680,000 views as of now. Both of those numbers are down from last week. Asuka & Miz will face Sasha Banks & Finn Balor in the next round, with their match set for week seven of the tournament.
  • Big E wrote a post on Instagram praising Carmella as a partner: “I couldn’t ask for a better partner. She’s clearly always willing to use unconventional means to achieve victory. She’s also made this past month an absurd amount of fun. My only regret is that it took me this long to fully realize how funny, creative and gifted she is.”
  • Next week’s Mixed Match Challenge match is Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman vs. Becky Lynch & Sami Zayn.
  • Samir Singh will be out of action for a while due to tearing his ACL. Singh revealed that he suffered the injury last week and wrote that the past week has been emotional for him.
  • Kurt Angle, Shane McMahon, and AJ Styles will appear together on an upcoming episode of Table for Three.
  • Styles made his WWE debut in the Royal Rumble on this day two years ago.
  • WWE uploaded their annual “by the numbers” video for the Royal Rumble.
  • Sasha Banks appeared on MTV’s TRL yesterday.
  • Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, and X-Pac reflected on returning to the Manhattan Center for Raw 25.
  • Corey Graves will be the guest on Edge & Christian’s podcast this week.

Pro Wrestling

  • PWG announced the card for their next show, which will be called Neon Knights and will take place on February 16th:
    PWG World Champion Chuck Taylor defending against Trent Barreta
    Keith Lee vs. Matt Riddle
    Flip Gordon (making his PWG debut) vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
    David Starr vs. Travis Banks
    Dalton Castle vs. Joey Janela
    Adam Brooks vs. Matt Sydal
  • Impact Wrestling will have a live road show with Border City Wrestling and Destiny Wrestling at the Don Kolov Arena in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on March 4th. The show will be on Impact’s Twitch channel. (thanks to reader Jake Koch)
  • Hirai Kawato is set to make his CMLL debut as a rudo at Arena Mexico next week as he heads there on excursion. NJPW has post-match comments with English subtitles from Kawato’s final match before going to Mexico.
  • Dick Togo will be undergoing medical treatment after being diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis bacteria.
  • wXw announced that Keith Lee will replace Jeff Cobb in their 16 Carat Gold tournament in March. The tournament will take place on March 9-11, and Cobb had to withdraw due to Lucha Underground tapings being scheduled.
  • Terri Runnels’ new podcast debuted on MLW Radio this week.

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Vince McMahon wins 1999 Royal Rumble

WRESTLING OBSERVER / F4W – WRESTLEMANIA 34 in NEW ORLEANS

Here we go again! It’s back to New Orleans for Wrestlemania 34 and a huge weekend of spectacular professional wrestling related fun and wackiness. EdinSanAntonio Productions along with the Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Empire~! is proud to present the annual Wrestlemania weekend trip details. This huge weekend includes a number of website “members only” events. Below are the two events currently scheduled. Click here for full event details.

WOR Podcast Taping:Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE MAILBAG~!

  • WHAT: Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE Podcast Recording with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez
  • WHEN: Friday, April 6th, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:45 a.m. for VIP ticket holders and at 9:15 a.m. for general admission)
  • WHERE: The Bourbon Room, Royal St. Charles Hotel in downtown New Orleans; 135 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

WO/F4W Brunch:Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Oberver BRUNCH~!

  • WHAT: All you care to eat brunch buffet on the morning of Wrestlemania 
  • WHEN: Sunday, April 8th, 2018 – T11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • WHERE: The Court of Two Sisters restaurant in downtown New Orleans; 613 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

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