Daily Update: Mutoh, Survivor Series tickets, Cody vs. Flip Gordon

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight in Phoenix as well as the Smackdown house show tonight in El Paso to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows:

  • WWE Friday night in Portland, OR
  • Arolucha Friday night in Beaumont, TX
  • Smackdown Saturday night in Lubbock, TX
  • Arolucha Saturday night in Humble, TX
  • Evolve Saturday night in Queens, NY
  • Evolve Sunday in Joppa, MD

Tonight has Raw in Phoenix with a seven way gauntlet match with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, The Miz, John Cena, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman and Elias as well as Bayley & Sasha Banks & Mickie James vs. Alexa Bliss & Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose.  

There is also a Smackdown house show in El Paso, TX.

Tuesday has Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge and 205 Live in Phoenix. Matches announced so far are Charlotte & Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan, Charlotte & Bobby Roode vs. Apollo Crews & Nia Jax, and cruiserweight tournament matches with Jack Gallagher vs. Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy vs. Ariya Daivari.

​F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Can a reboot salvage 205 Live?, pt. 2

It may take a while before we know whether the ongoing 205 Live reboot will be able to salvage the show, but there were positive developments both on television and behind the scenes last week. The most encouraging sign from last Tuesday’s show was Roderick Strong advancing to the second round of the Cruiserweight Championship tournament. 

WON NEWSLETTER: February 19, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE 2017 earnings report, Rey Mysterio appearing for NJPW

The most complete look at WWE business for 2017 is the lead story in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer this week. Look at every category of WWE business, including why profits were down even with record revenues, how much the company really makes off network subscriptions, why profits will almost surely be up big next year, how much the company’s annual loan payments are, changes in the network and PPV business, and how many people add and cancel subs.

This issue addresses the story regarding the end of brand-specific PPVs, how much Vince McMahon personally made in cash from his dividends this year, as well as how much stock and the value of it that HHH, Stephanie, Kevin Dunn, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios have. Vince McMahon talks about if his position in WWE changes with the XFL launch, HHH and Stephanie talk about the addition of Ronda Rousey, exactly how much interest there was on Rousey at the rumble, WWE Network numbers, predictions for numbers next quarter, and the paradox of social media, WWE network and revenue.

Look at stats that are really fake and why, where revenue comes from as well as WWE profits and losses every year since 1994.

Also, look at the next three WWE PPV shows, with what is announced and other directions.

Read about New Japan’s next major show, the ROH tour, Rey Mysterio in New Japan, as well as the title picture.

This issue discusses the New Beginnings in Osaka, with notes on business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results from the show.

There are also notes on the history of the longest running pro wrestling TV show still in existence, and it beats Raw by 25 years.

Find out about wrestlers renewing deals, Rob Gronkowksi, WWE in talks for major overseas show, WWE & Mysterio update, Dwayne Johnson sets a personal record, why a WWE main roster performer was booked on an indie show this past weekend, the Booker T and Corey Graves situation, and lots of WWE injury updates.

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: February 5, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF signs Justin Credible, WCW to shutdown temporarily, more

The signing of Pete Polaco (Justin Credible) by the World Wrestling Federation has seemingly opened the doors and changed the equation as it pertains to the future of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Polaco, 27, one of many ECW wrestlers who had gotten in extreme financial straights because of being behind in pay, as well as high medical bills when his wife gave birth that he was under the impression an ECW deal which included health insurance would cover, was under some major pressure to make some sort of a move for his future that he was seriously contemplating getting out of pro wrestling.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight for Wrestling Observer Radio covering Raw and the latest wrestling news. You can send questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

Keiji Mutoh announced that he will be undergoing double knee replacement surgery at the end of March. He hopes to be able to wrestle again. 

WWE announced that Survivor Series tickets will go on sale to the public on 3/16 at 10 a.m. Pacific time for the 11/18 show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Tickets are priced from $500 down to $25. Both $450 and $500 tickets will get a commemorative chair. Tickets are available at the box office or at www.axs.com and 888-929-7849 or 925-357-4228. There may be  presale announced for those at Raw next Monday.

ROH announced Cody Rhodes vs. Flip Gordon for Manhattan Mayhem on March 3rd. Fan will vote on the stipulation, with the three options being lumberjack match, two-out-of-three falls, and Gordon gets booked on Cody and The Young Bucks’ “All In” show if he wins.

For those in the U.K., Sky Sports viewers are alerted that Raw will be on Sky Sports Action Ch. 407 tonight.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Glory Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Edwardsville, IL: Jake Parnell b Gary Jay, LuFisto b Savanna Stone, NonewFriends b Pride, ACH b Tyler Matrix (ACH replaced Trevor Lee), Everett Connors & DJZ b Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega to keep the tag titles, Boys from Jollyville b Stephen Wolf & Myron Reed, Hakim Zane won over Brandon Espinosa, Trey Miguel, Gringo Loco and Stevie Fierce, Jake Something won three-way over Curt Stallion and Paco, Tetsuya Naito b AR Fox. (thanks to Greg Merreighn)
  • Wildkat Wrestling from Saturday night in Cornelia, GA: Zuka King b Chuck Devine, Savannah Evans b Maddy Maxx, Fortune 5K won over Mobile Home Mafia and Marcus Kross & Griff Garrison, Edgrin Stone b Seth Delay, Slim J b Buku Dao, Kojak Sly b Saiko Gato, Matt Lancie b Socorrow-DQ, Matt Lancie & J Spade b Socorro & Kojak Sly, Scott Phoenix b Danny Flamingo, Luke Hawk & PJ Hawx (his son) & Stevie Richards b Johnny Flex & Jared Wayne & Curt Matthews. (thanks to Larry Goodman)
  • Appalachian Mountain Wrestling from Friday night in Lost Creek, KY: Shawn Cruz b Jay Braddock, Jake Brake b Crash Jaxson, Kyle Maggard b Beau James, Al Snow b Mega Destroyer, Stan Sierra b Stan Lee-DQ. Next shows are 3/3 in Combs, KY at the Miller Family Fun Center and 3/9 in McKee,KY at the Jackson County Middle School.
  • ONE announced a return to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with a show on 3/9 at Axiata Stadium, headlined by Adriano Moraes defending his One flyweight title against Reece McLaren of Australia, plus Agilan Thani vs. Amitesh Chaubey.
  • The Beasley Media Group is presenting Legends of Wrestling signings on 3/24 in Augusta, GA with Mick Foley, Ted DiBiase, Road Warrior Animal, Bushwhacker Luke, Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart and Ricky Steamboat and 4/21 in Detroit with Sting, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Jimmy Hart, Billy Gunn, Ted DiBiase, Road Warrior Animal, Nasty Boys and Ricky Steamboat.
  • XWA vs. Pro Wrestling Eve man vs. women matches from Saturday night in London at the Resistance Gallery: Millie McKenzie b Jimmy Havoc, Jawsolyn b Lord Gideon Greybeard, Rocky Mac b Kosta K in the final round of the game show Countdown, Doug Williams b Charlie Morgan, Nina Samuels b Kaitlin Diemond, Rhia O’Reilly b Cara Noir to win the British heavyweight title. O’Reilly became the first woman to hold the title. This is the former FWA British heavyweight title.  Next shows are 3/11 in Colchester with Emi Sakura vs. Jordynne Grace plus Simon Grimm, Jimmy Havoc and Doug Williams. They return to the Resistance Gallery on 4/21. (thanks to Emily and Dann Read)
  • A correction from yesterday. The draw at yesterday’s Stardom show in Tokyo between Meiko Satomura and Toni Storm was 20:00, not 30:00.
  • Chris Graham announced the writing of a book called “The Worst Wrestling Pay-Per-View Ever” the inside story of the 2011 Night of Legends show. I do remember that show was horrible. Graham was part of the creative team for the show, headlined by Kevin Nash vs. Ricky Morton. Graham is also the author of six previous non-wrestling books and a college baseball and college football announcer. He’s also the editor at AugustaFreePress.com, and doesn’t truly believe that show was the worst pay-per-view ever.
  • The BBC has done a documentary on Fray Tormenta, the single most overpushed character in mainstream media in modern wrestling history. (thanks to Han Hwee Yeo)
  • Fred Rosser, the former Darren Young does an interview.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Umaga wins WWE Intercontinental title

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