Daily Update: Raw tonight, Rollins’ injury, Miocic vs. JDS

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS / REPORTS

AUDIO

Raw is tonight from Portland, OR. Both Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg are scheduled on the show. There is also a SmackDown brand house show in Abbotsford, BC.

NEW JAPAN AT KORAKUEN HALL AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO

  • Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Yoshitatsu & Tomoyuki Oka
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Desperado
  • Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe & Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Kushida vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay & Gedo & Jado in an elimination match
  • Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Taka Michinoku & Taichi in an elimination match
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi in an elimination match

Tuesday has the SmackDown & 205 Live tapings in Seattle, with John Cena vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match, plus the plan was for a Neville title defense on the show as well.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/30/2017: Recapping the 2017 Royal Rumble

Given the star power in the match, Randy Orton winning the 2017 Royal Rumble was always going to be underwhelming to some. It was only who he eliminated last that redeemed the moment to most who were disappointed. Orton capped off a solid Rumble match at the Alamodome by last eliminating Roman Reigns, who entered at #30 after interference from Braun Strowman cost him his shot at the Universal Championship earlier in the night… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more

An update on the lineups for WrestleMania, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber, the direction of WWE and how they are getting there, the title situation and why the matches are taking place is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.

Have a look at the situation with Seth Rollins and his injury, the current WrestleMania lineup, as well as how the next two PPVs will set up WrestleMania.

There is full coverage of the Royal Rumble, with a look at how everyone did, notes on Royal rumble records, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results, and more.

This issue looks at the John Cena title win, examine how many world title reigns Ric Flair really had and the ones WWE pretends didn’t happen, ticket sales as compared to the 1997 show in the same building, problems with the setup and more.

Examine the probable retirement of Ronda Rousey and her legacy, both good and bad.

Inside has an update on the situation with Conor McGregor and UFC and WWE, as well as the proposed Mayweather fight and the impending battles over contracts that fighters and UFC are likely to be having.

There is full coverage of the San Antonio Takeover show, the NXT awards, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and business notes.

Coverage of the UFC on FOX show as well as examining what lessons can be learned from the ratings, and what’s next for the fighters, is inside.

Look at plans for the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend, Mick Foley update regarding his position as General Manager, Paul Levesque talks working with outside promoters and Matt Riddle, plus we look at Riddle’s pro wrestling background. Plus, also look at the directions planned for upcoming house shows, what types of talent WWE has been contacting for WrestleMania and tournaments, Finn Balor update, notes on this coming weekend’s house shows, plus coverage from the NXT & WWE weekend events, with match highlights and business notes from the shows.

Finally, check out the coverage of the first U.K. prime time live television wrestling event since 1968.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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 10, 2000 NJPW Tokyo Dome reviewed, 1999 in revenue for promotions, more

The mixed promotional angle, the very thing that New Japan has specialized in for nearly three decades, looks back in the forefront as representatives from WCW (J.J. Dillon and Paul Orndorff) and RINGS (Akira Maeda) along with Nobuhiko Takada all met with New Japan management in conjunction with the company’s biggest show of the year 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome… Subscribers click here to continue.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, The Rock & Roll Express, JDS vs. Miocic and the rest of the news today as well as taking e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

We also have a complete history of the XFL show up which has a ton about Vince McMahon, Bob Costas, talking about the 30 for 30 special and why the league was formed and lots of stories from that period. I promise, you don’t have to be a football fan to like this show.

Rich Swann missed the weekend shows due to an ankle injury. The original plan was Neville vs. Swann on 205 Live on Tuesday. So that may be changed. Cedric Alexander replaced him in his spot last Tuesday and all weekend.

The expectation is that Seth Rollins situation will be covered on Raw tonight. The company has gone silent on the subject wanting to save it for the show, so we don’t know the situation. But they have to either have somewhat good assurance he’ll be ready for Mania, or start a new direction. Rollins went back to Birmingham yesterday for more evaluation.

Stipe Miocic vs. Junior Dos Santos for the UFC heavyweight title is scheduled for 5/13 in Dallas. Combate in Brazil and MMA Fighting both reported the story this morning.

WWE

  • The WWE released story on Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson going into the WWE Hall of Fame, with interviews with both.
  • The WWE signed a multi-year deal with Dana Warrior, the widow of Ultimate Warrior. This is part of continuing to market the Ultimate Warrior name, have her be part of the annual Ultimate Warrior Award, etc.
  • Some notes about the hidden gems on the WWE network. The Ric Flair vs. Buddy Rogers clip I think has no audio on it. The Funks vs. Bruce Hart & Brian Pillman match did air on television in a one hour show previously in Alberta. I thought it had never been televised. The Bruno Sammartino vs. George Steele cage match that they say is from Madison Square Garden, which I noted couldn’t have been because there was no MSG show that day, was actually from the old Philadelphia Arena on July 25, 1970. It was already released in both Bruno Sammartino and George Steele home videos.
  • The company announced yet another event over Mania week, a 4/5 NXT taping at Full Sail University. This will be the day after the Smackdown tapings at the Amway Arena.
  • The Pittsburgh City Paper had a story about Trump’s immigration restrictions and Bruno Sammartino. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
  • WWE has also added all episodes of Smackdwon from 2008 and 2009 to the network.
  • Tajiri is backstage in Portland, OR, so may be on Raw tonight. He’s been out of action with a knee injury.
  • A trailer for a Kurt Angle interview is here.
  • “Moana” was No. 15 at the box office in the U.S. and No. 9 in Australia this past weekend. (thanks to James Stanios)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling from Saturday night in Nanaimo, BC: Haviko b Judas Icarus, Eli Surge b Nolan James, Chelsea Green (Laurel Van Ness in TNA) & Nathan Legacy b Riea Von Slasher & Shreddz, Krofton b Matt Xstatic, Van Slashers beat Good Brothers and BJ Laredo & Scott Steel in a TLC match (thanks to Steven Ashe)
  • Over the Top Wrestling from Sunday in Belfast, Northern Ireland before 300 fans: Tucker b Charlie Sterling, Lads from the Flats & Session Moth Martina b Paul Tracey & Jinny Couture & Rene Dupree, Tyler Bate b Jordan Devlin, Kings of the North b The Wards, Matt Riddle b Mark Haskins, Eddie Kingston b Luther Valentine, Pete Dunne b Mark Andrews (said to be a great match). (thanks to John Service)
  • Independence Pro on 3/17 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Centre with Lio Rush vs. Matt Cross (Son of Havoc in LU) as the main event plus Matt Tremont vs. Rickey Shane Page.
  • The Fite App is airing today a show from the U.K. put on by Insane Championship Wrestling from Newcastle, England with Grado, Drew Galloway, Wolfgang and Trent Seven.
  • Oddity Wrestling announced that Penta 0M, Rey Fenix, Daga and Garza Jr. will be working their 2/25 show in San Diego. The show takes place at Borders X Brewing at 5 p.m. on a Saturday, which holds maybe 200 tops, so that all the talent has time for their evening show in Tijuana that night at the Auditorio.
  • FCW had a Young Lions tournament show on Saturday in Imperial Beach, CA: Corey Jackson b Guy Cool, Rocketboy D’Marco Wilson b Biagio Crescenzo, Jesse James b Donnie Suarez, Jake Atlas b Brody King, Rocketboy D’Marco Wilson b Corey Jackson, Jesse James b Jake Atlas, Eric Everfly won three-way over Jacob Diez and Seville Alvarez, Jesse James b Rocketboy D’Marco.
  • XICW Proving Ground season two on 2/12 at The Ritz in Warren, MI at 5:30 p.m. with Zach Gowen and Kongo Kong, and 2/19 in Algonac, MI at the Winterfest with Zach Gowen and Johnny Devine.
  • FEW TV taping from Saturday night in Coral Springs, FL: Reggie Rhythm won Battle Royal, Lea Nox b Arial Monroe, Cody Swift b Tyler Frost, Guadalupe Brothers b Johnny Velvet & Jaxen Blade, Romeo Quevedo b Shane Strickland, Jesse Neal NC Johnny Knockout, Headbangers b Ace Mayhem & MDK
  • Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling on 2/11 in Rochester, NY at Pineapple Jack’s. 
  • Gerald Brisco will be doing a pro wrestler evaluation on 7/21 at 11:30 a.m. in Waterloo, IA as part of the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame weekend. Brisco, the lead talent scout for WWE, only does three of hes each year. Last year, three people from the tryout got WWE invites to attend a tryout for the company. J.J. Dillon will also be evaluating and Brisco will also be doing a seminar and drills. The cost is $150. For those interested, send a resume, with a photo, height, weight, age, name of trainer and career highlights to Troy Peterson at WRESSHOW@yahoo.com.
  • Slam Wrestling has a lengthy feature on Matt and Mike Sydal.
  • An interview with Silas Young is here.
  • John Hitchcock talks about his talk on the history of pro wrestling’s glory days in Greensboro.
  • This week’s pro wrestling quiz, about A.J. Styles, is here.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

PRE MANIA TAILGATE:

  • Who to Blame: Ken Hesser 
  • Details from Ken: I ran one prior to the Miami, Atlanta, and last Orlando Manias, and all were well received. Typically, I keep these things really informal, with music, cornhole and refreshments, BYOB or food. Fun should start around 3 PM, so if you’re coming over on the bus, please stop by for a few minutes! PM if you’re coming by! – KennyH75 (I still need a ticket for the show by the way).

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon).
  • The bus will leave at 4pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at f4wfan@hotmail.com or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at Srjaialaiot@yahoo.com (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/6): Harley Race wins the NWA title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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