Daily Update: Neville vs. Tozawa, PROGRESS NYC, G1 Climax

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 7/31/2017: Brock Lesnar vs. Jon Jones inches closer to reality

On the heels of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, another unlikely combat sports event seems to have become a genuine possibility. Jon Jones challenged Brock Lesnar to return to the Octagon after regaining the UFC light heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier last Saturday night. “Brock Lesnar,” Jones said. “If you want to know what it feels like to get your ass kicked by a guy who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon.”

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: July 31, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Status of rights fees, WWE Battleground review, more

What in many ways is the biggest business news story in sports, the changes in television and future of huge rights fees, in looking at UFC’s opening up negotiations for its 2019 TV deal, is the lead story in the current issue, because it also is the first in a new era of declining cable and perhaps money coming from other places, and will probably indicate how WWE’s negotiations go a year later.

The new issue is a double issue including a feature on the first MMA events ever held in the U.S. that have been forgotten over time, and what pro wrestling star was part of the catalyst for the organizers in coming up with the idea.

Look at what is being said publicly vs. privately regarding what UFC is hoping for out of its new deal, the aspect of timing, what it means to the overall value of UFC as well as WWE going forward, the value of UFC to FS 1 and FS 2, how Fight Pass fits in, the future of PPV for UFC, where ESPN stands and other networks and interest levels.

Read about WWE heading into SummerSlam, with the new matches, new matches being teased, matches announced and current storylines. Explore the situation with Brock Lesnar, the U.S. title match at Battleground with the unique finish, the schedule of Chris Jericho, as well as full coverage of Battleground with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

This issue updates the G-1 Climax tournament, including a look at how the style has changed over three years, the tournament quality, the good and the bad of the business and physical demands, who is killing it, standings, schedule and a look at all the key matches.

Check out how TV ratings are going to be changing and have changed, talk of a second Superstar shakeup coming soon, a study of what characters are most popular on YouTube videos, why the pyro cutback was made, Ric Flair 30 for 30 piece, Dwayne Johnson once again talks like he was thinking of going into UFC ten years ago, notes on newcomers headed to WWE, new action figure line, new TV shows  notes, Bruno Sammartino update, and The Broken Hardys update in detail with claims.

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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.)

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WON BACK ISSUE: July 10, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF signs Brock Lesnar, future of ECW, more

With the WWF television situation being straightened out, now all eyes are on the future of ECW, both as far as national television and the company’s survival itself. ECW was officially canceled, as expected, by TNN effective with the show airing on 9/22. This date appears to preclude any chance of USA Network having ECW ready to go on the air the Monday after WWF leaves (which is believed to be the first week of September, although nobody has been able to confirm an official date), in an attempt to have a wrestling show ready to keep at least a small part of the huge audience that by habit tunes to USA in that time slot.

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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • After Akira Tozawa defeated Ariya Daivari in a number one contender’s match on 205 Live last night, Neville defending his Cruiserweight title against Tozawa was officially added to the card for SummerSlam (though it may end up on the pre-show).
  • Gran Metalik also returned to 205 Live in a loss against Tony Nese.
  • Though he took a rough bump on his neck from a reverse exploder that Shinsuke Nakamura gave him last night, John Cena was involved in a post-show angle with Baron Corbin and was able to joke about the bump on Twitter today. He responded to Kevin Owens joking about him being an actual Transformer by writing: “Did kinda tip my hand there. I know U can’t C me, but there’s #Morethanmeetstheeye much #Respect to @ShinsukeN good luck at #SummerSlam @WWE”
  • Nakamura seemed to apologize to Cena after the bump, with Cena saying not to be sorry.
  • WWE has gotten some attention from entertainment websites for the Twin Peaks-inspired edition of Fashion Files from SmackDown, including an article on Entertainment Weekly.
  • Naomi vs. Carmella in a non-title match is set for SmackDown next week. Lana also said in a post-show video that she’ll be challenging Charlotte Flair to a match.
  • 2K Sports is releasing the first screenshot for WWE 2K18 tomorrow.
  • In continuing her Twitter angle with Cris Cyborg, Becky Lynch wrote that Cyborg could last a little longer against her than CM Punk did against Mickey Gall.
  • David Bixenspan’s latest article for Deadspin focuses on WWE’s mishandling of the cruiserweight division.

Pro Wrestling

  • The G1 has an off day tomorrow before resuming in Ehime on Friday morning. Though the last three days in Sumo Hall aren’t until August 11-13, we’re starting to enter the home stretch for both blocks as each wrestler only has three tournament matches left.
  • Kazuchika Okada remained undefeated and tops the B Block with 12 points after this morning’s show, with Kenny Omega right behind him at 10 points. EVIL, Minoru Suzuki, and SANADA are still in contention with eight. Tama Tonga, Michael Elgin, Toru Yano, Juice Robinson, and Satoshi Kojima are out of the running. Okada’s remaining matches are against EVIL, Suzuki, and Omega. Omega’s last three are against Robinson, SANADA, and Okada.
  • Dakota Kai, who was formerly known as Evie before signing with WWE, will team with Dahlia Black against Jinny & Deonna Purrazzo at PROGRESS NYC on August 12th. Jack Gallagher will also be challenging Pete Dunne for the WWE UK title at that show.
  • PROGRESS co-owner Glen Joseph spoke to Toni Storm on their “Face to Face” series this week.
  • Busted Open Radio tweeted that Alberto El Patron and Paige will be on their show tomorrow to set the record straight about their airport incident.
  • DJZ announced that he’s been cleared to return to the ring without restrictions.

UFC/MMA

  • Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor went back and forth about the size of the gloves for their boxing match, with Mayweather offering to use eight-ounce gloves and McGregor saying that he’s prepared to destroy Mayweather either way. Bob Bennett of the Nevada Athletic Commission told MMA Fighting that Mayweather Promotions has inquired about changing the glove size, but they would need to state their case for a waiver to do so.
  • Mayweather implied that he’ll be making at least $300 million to fight McGregor.
  • Tyron Woodley dismissed Robbie Lawler getting the next title shot, citing that Lawler didn’t fight for a year before his win against Cowboy Cerrone.
  • Michael Bisping said that Daniel Cormier gave Jon Jones the ultimate revenge by crying after his loss at UFC 214.
  • The UFC 214 prelims averaged 886,000 viewers, though the number was likely hurt by the show being on FXX.

Today in Pro Wrestling History: Ron Simmons wins WCW World title

F4W Online / Wrestling Observer Vegas Convention Event Info

August 17-21; All times are TBA; Full information on the group Facebook page; Activities subject to change

For ticketing information go to https://f4wvegas.brownpapertickets.com/

  • Thursday: Meet at the High Roller for Bowling at the Link; Party at Carnival Court at Hurrah’s
  • Friday: Kiss Mini Golf tournament at the Rio; Dinner at Texas de Brazil; Suite party (location TBA)
  • Saturday: Future Stars of Wrestling show featuring Disco Inferno, Stephan Bonnar, Phil Baron, Shotzi Blackheart, and co-main events: 3-way match with Leva Bates vs. Mia Yim vs. Hudson Envy, and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Thomas Santell (f.k.a. Antonio “The Promise” Thomas); NXT viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
  • Sunday: SUPER CHINA BUFFET DAY at the Wicked Spoon Buffet at 1pm; SummerSlam viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
  • Monday: Goodbye lunch at Chen Chen at NY NY
  • All website members will also receive a 15% discount on any purchases from the Las Vegas Fight Shop for the entirety of the convention

Texas de Brazil, Wicked Spoon, NXT and Summer Slam will all be sign up and pre-paid events, prices and collection begin in mid July~!

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

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