Daily Update: Roman Reigns, Alexa Bliss, ROH tapings

DAILY UPDATE

The Latest News

The Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Starrcade 2018 and the future of the WWE Network

After WWE revived the Starrcade brand for an untelevised house show in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2017, this year’s Thanksgiving weekend event was part house show/part WWE Network special. The show took place in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday before a one-hour version of Starrcade 2018 aired on Sunday. The Network special featured a mix of matches and segments. 

WON NEWSLETTER: December 3, 2018 Observer Newsletter: Death of Larry Matysik, NXT UK contract changes

Sorting out the future of the UK independent scene and the changes made in what WWE UK contracted wrestlers are allowed to do is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.

The new double issue is a major look back at history as well, with a huge story on Larry Matysik and the rise and fall of St. Louis wrestling in the 70s and the 80s, and a look at Texas wrestling with the life of Jose Lothario.

The lead story talks about the original WWE deals, cards that have to change, promotions that have to change booking plans at different levels, as well as the end of Walter on the independent scene.

Look at why Walter chose this deal and what makes him unique in WWE regarding goals, as well as why he’s not already on the main roster and never went to New Japan. Look at how many promotions are affected, and the future of some of the most popular U.K. groups.

The article on Larry Matysik includes looking at some of the biggest matches of the St. Louis wrestling club, how Matysik started with pro wrestling, his start as a television announcer, the heyday of Wrestling at the Chase, how talent was paid, and how Ric Flair first got into St. Louis.

There is a feature on the career of Jose Lothario, the role of Mexican stars in Texas wrestling, how Lothario first became a major U.S. star long before his famous Texas run. Also look at his feud with Gino Hernandez, his long title history record, and comments from many of the biggest stars on his career.

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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • PWInsider reported that Roman Reigns was at Fort Hood in Texas today “to take part in WWE’s Tribute to the Troops festivities” at the base. Braun Strowman and Ric Flair were also among those in attendance at Fort Hood today.
  • On Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry said Alexa Bliss is “100 percent cleared” after her concussion issues. Henry also described what Bliss told him about how bad the issues were: “We sat for about 15-20 minutes. And she was like, ‘Yeah, I was really bad off. I couldn’t remember where I was, I couldn’t remember what I was doing in the city. We were flying from London to Switzerland.’ And she said that, ‘I couldn’t remember what flight or anything, I had to rely on everybody else telling me what to do. And I couldn’t stand up straight. I had vertigo.’” Henry said Bliss is fine now and he told her not to go back too soon if she isn’t ready. Henry said Bliss told him that she didn’t have a set date for her return but that it would be soon. Bliss was training at the Performance Center last week and taking light bumps with medical monitoring her.
  • Vince McMahon sold $22.8 million in WWE stock on November 30. He still has 84 percent of the controlling interest in WWE.
  • The pre-sale for NXT TakeOver: New York tickets begins at 10 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow (using the code “NXTLIVE”). After being moved to the Friday of WrestleMania week, TakeOver is taking place on April 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern. The pre-sale for the post-WrestleMania episodes of Raw and SmackDown at the Barclays Center will also begin at 10 a.m. Eastern tomorrow (with the code “WWENY”) and will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday.
  • While no official announcement was made, WWE teased the addition of Women’s Tag Team titles on Raw last night. Sasha Banks and Bayley took part in an open forum segment and said they want to be the first Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • On Twitter, The Revival and The Young Bucks both teased facing each other one day.
  • ESPN.com published an article on the WWE Performance Center.
  • Royal Rumble match and Rusev collections are coming to the WWE Network in January.
  • The WWE Network uploaded a new “Superstar Picks” this week with matches chosen by Becky Lynch.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Misawa & Kawada win AJPW Tag Team titles

CONTACT INFORMATION