Daily Update: Rousey & Angle, New Japan Cup, CM Punk & UFC 225

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WON NEWSLETTER: March 12, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Build to Wrestlemania, Bullet Club All In location, more

An update on WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Go through what is announced, what is planned and not announced, and why certain key talents are still in limbo when normally they’d be in a program.

Look at changes in the Brock Lesnar/Roman Reigns storyline dynamic and what the goal of it is. Look at where the Lesnar/Kane match in Chicago fits in and how that match shows the changes in how people running the business view the business and perhaps overplay a certain reaction. Also look at the production manipulations for Ronda Rousey, the Fast Lane PPV, the ticket demand for the major Mania week shows, and an update on the Takeover show.

Read about WWE’s new deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority and their deal with Visit Victoria for two of the biggest live events in company history this year. 

Find out more on the All In show announcement with the background of the show, the last time a non-WWE show drew 10,000 fans in the U.S., as well as the last time a true independent show came even close to that number, and it was 35 years ago.

Look at the WWE TV talks, the value of going to FOX with ups and downs of such a move, how those rumors have moved the stock price, a look at the wealth of Vince McMahon, Mark Cuban and Lorenzo Fertitta, Ronda Rousey’s schedule, how much WWE’s top executives earned in 2017, how much all the members of the McMahon family earned, update on Alberto El Patron and WWE, Ric Flair movie debut, new WWE TV deals, Jim Ross update, and a look at the career of Hillbilly Jim.

Review Johnny Gargano’s last NXT shows, two WWE people being named to two different sports Halls of Fame, new plans for 205 Live and who is in those plans, will a War Games be coming in 2018, how business is looking for the Raw shows before WrestleMania, next MSG show card, Dwayne Johnson scare, Dolph Ziggler talks his angel, WWE TV ratings in the U.K. and the most watched shows of the week on the WWE Network.

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.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Kurt Angle posted a photo with him and Ronda Rousey in front of a WWE ring on Instagram today as they’re working out their match for WrestleMania.
  • Angle also paid tribute to Eddie Guerrero on the 14th anniversary of their WrestleMania XX match: “14 years ago to this day, I shared the ring with possibly the greatest overall performer of all time, #eddieguerrero. He always had something up his sleeve, and he didn’t disappoint in this Wrestlemania Showdown. Thank you Eddie. #LieCheatSteal #itstrue”
  • Charlotte Flair & Bobby Roode advanced to the semifinals of Mixed Match Challenge by defeating Lana & Rusev last night. Though their match was the last one of the second round, they don’t have opponents for the semifinals yet. They’ll face the winners of a second-chance fan vote in the next round, with voting open on Facebook now when you use an eliminated team’s hashtag. Asuka & The Miz will face Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman next week.
  • David Bixenspan’s latest article for Deadspin focuses on the Fabulous Moolah’s history of mistreating her trainees and the fan backlash against WWE naming their women’s battle royal at WrestleMania after her.
  • In his first post since his DWI arrest over the weekend, Jeff Hardy thanked his physical therapy team for making his shoulder “no longer obsolete” after last year’s surgery.
  • Cedric Alexander detailed the emotions he had when advancing to the Cruiserweight Championship tournament finals at WrestleMania: “People use the term ‘roller coaster of emotion’ alot. When you finally earn something that you have thought of since you could even form memories, you literally go through every emotion at the same time. You’re happy it’s happening, you’re mad it took so long, you’re relieved to know that it’s real, you’re scared that it may be taken away and etc.  After letting emotions settle I can say that I embrace the struggles it took. It makes this moment of success the family, friends and supporters that much more special to me. #WrestleMania is quickly approaching and I plan to make all of them proud by becoming Champion!”
  • John Cena’s “audition” to be the host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues” revival was just a joke for those attending last week’s upfronts.
  • PWInsider reported that WWE is putting together a greatest moments of WrestleMania special for the WWE and USA Networks.
  • The Kingston Whig-Standard has an interview with Tyler Breeze about WrestleMania and wanting a spot in the SmackDown Tag Team title match.
  • Braun Strowman tweeted about challenging Cesaro & Sheamus at WrestleMania: “I’m more than any tag team can handle. Those titles will look good around each giant shoulder. #MonsterAmongAll #GetTheseHands”
  • “It follows” and “Lord of Flies” by Cane Hill (who are from New Orleans) are the official theme songs for NXT’s WrestleMania weekend TakeOver special.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: WWE WrestleMania XX

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