Daily Update: Nate Diaz, BJ Penn, Simone Johnson

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WON NEWSLETTER: February 10, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Major WWE corporate shakeups, more

We look at the changes in WWE business and details on what Vince McMahon was talking about regarding changes in the network and PPV distribution in the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We examine the departure of Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, the drop in the stock price, what it will take to get the price back up, McMahon talking business options, what WWE can learn from how UFC handled a similar situation, the business of WrestleMania, the key players, the different options, the UFC PPV deal, and McMahon talks AEW.

Also in this issue:

WWE fourth quarter numbers in every category, profits, losses, arena business, corporate spending and all categories.

McGregor vs. Cerrone business including details of it being the largest streaming PPV in history, how it did on traditional PPV, how UFC ha helped ESPN+ numbers, ESPN+ subscribers as well a the bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, and how successful it has been financially.

WrestleMania and the net Saudi Arabia show, a new WWE TV deal, Takeover Portland, what medical treatment wrestlers from many different companies are looking at doing, new WWE signings, John Cena in Fast 9, update on talent that has  wanted their release, Jake Atlas debut, lots of ratings info, WWE Network price notes, Mauro Ranallo talks getting off twitter, Total Bellas story lines, Bret Hart update, most watched shows on WWE Network and coverage of all of last week’s WWE arena events.

New Beginning shows in Sapporo, with a full rundown of the booking, the business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

A feature on the Jericho Cruise, the top matches, how TV was taped, and what happened.

UFC event from Raleigh with match-by-match coverage and business notes.

A feature on the death of Romeo Cormier and the famous Burke/Martin/Cormier family and the heyday of pro wrestling in Eastern Canada. 

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

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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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The WWE Performance Center’s YouTube channel released part one of a four-part documentary on Tegan Nox’s comeback.
  • Simone Johnson talked to Cathy Kelly about joining WWE and her aspirations of becoming a WWE star.
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr., aka David Hart Smith, appeared on WWE’s The Bump this morning along with other Hart Dynasty members Natalya and Tyson Kidd.
  • Roman Reigns and Sheamus will appear on next week’s episode of WWE’s The Bump.
  • NXT’s Mansoor will be in action at EVOLVE 145 in Queens, New York on February 29 and EVOLVE 146 in Melrose, Massachusetts on March 1.
  • Carmella and Otis will be the guests on tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day-themed episode of After the Bell with Corey Graves.
  • Bianca Belair spoke to Knox News about her track background and how it applies to wrestling.
  • Xavier Woods will host DC Universe All Star Games, an unscripted gaming mini-series that premieres on February 28.
  • Jumanji: The Next Level, which stars The Rock, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 17.

Other Wrestling

  • AEW has released a Control Center video ahead of tonight’s Dynamite episode.
  • AEW is holding an online pre-sale tomorrow for their Double or Nothing event in Las Vegas. It starts at 12 p.m. ET here and the presale code is FLEETDON.
  • Over the Top Wrestling released a video highlighting the David Starr vs. Jeff Cobb match that will take place at ScrapperMania 6 on February 15.
  • TJPW announced that Yuka Sakazaki will miss their March 1 card at KFC Hall due to scheduling reasons. AEW Revolution takes place a day prior.
  • Dustin Rhodes talked to the Two Man Power Trip podcast about his role in the upcoming film Copper Bill.
  • Here is a trailer for the next DLC for Fire Pro Wrestling World, which includes Stardom wrestlers.

MMA

  • Nate Diaz is considering legal action after The Miami Herald reported that he was involved in an altercation with Miami police and was hospitalized. Zach Rosenfield, Diaz’s publicist, immediately denied the report. The publication later issued a correction saying it was not Diaz, but rather Michael Albert Nates, a local MMA fighter.
  • Police are investigating BJ Penn for a possible DUI violation stemming from an accident in Hilo, Hawaii last week. Penn allegedly was operating a truck that was involved in a single vehicle crash. Penn was taken to the hospital and, according to TMZ, was released shortly after.
  • UFC is currently finalizing a bout between Niko Price and Muslim Salikhov for April 11 in Portland.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship

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