Daily Update: Sami Zayn, FS1 ratings, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

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WON NEWSLETTER: May 11, 2020 Observer Newsletter: UFC 249 and WWE MITB previews, more

The return of major shows in the U.S. and how the different companies are dong them is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

We look at UFC’s plans, how the PBR handled their first event which was the first sports event back, what UFC’s plans are for May 23, lineups for the UFC shows, Dana White, doctors and others talk about UFC going back, the shows AEW and WWE is putting on, how the fighters are preparing differently, how UFC is handling backstage, how all three companies are handling testing, plus comments from other promoters.

The new issue also covers:

Preview Money in the bank, AEW Double or Nothing II, and update New Japan’s plans and cancellations. We also look at the AEW PPV scene, Big Japan needing crowd funding and going through all of the WWE released talent and look at their future prospects.

How COVID-19 has affected the ratings of every show, the variations and what lessons can be learned by the ratings drops.

Risks involving Roman Reigns, FOX airing a special head-to-head with UFC PPV, update on how WWE financials look with new information and stock value, Becky Lynch acting, New WWE TV show, WWE injury updates, wrestler who left the promotion apologizes for behavior, U.K. ratings, Matt Riddle talks heat and his meeting with Vince McMahon, Mike Bennett talks leaving WWE, When WWE tried to work with CMLL, Orlando Colon talks leaving and certain naievete, most watched sports on television, Paul Levesque selling stock, Next week’s TV, and most watched shows of the past week on WWE Network.

Supreme, the Southern California indie star who was one of the top stars of XPW, including looking back at his career, his FMW tag title run, and the famous ECW/XPW brawl at a PPV show.

Maryland commission ruling regarding the Kenny Omega match with Jon Moxley in Baltimore.

What happened to Hiroshi Hase.

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.

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • This week’s episode of The Bump featured Otis, Asuka, Adam Cole, William Regal, and former announcer Todd Pettengill.
  • Sami Zayn responded to the announcement he is no longer Intercontinental champion on Twitter, writing: “I disagree with this decision and no matter what anyone says, I am still undefeated and therefore still the Intercontinental Champion.”
  • WWE issued a storyline injury update on Rey Mysterio: “Rey Mysterio’s injury status is still listed as critical. Doctors cannot properly assess the damage to his retina until the swelling subsides, as Rey is currently at-risk for infection. Mysterio suffered an eye injury when Seth Rollins grinded his face into the corner of the steel ring steps. Stick with WWE’s digital and social platforms for more information on Mysterio’s status as it becomes available, and tune in to Raw every Monday at 8/7 C on USA”
  • WWE Backstage last night scored 173,000 viewers. They were back in the top 150 rated television shows on cable after several weeks of not charting. The WrestleMania III Rewind show at 7 p.m. scored 157,000 viewers.
  • Boston Celtics center Enes Canter told Stadium that he’s had offers from WWE and plans on becoming a WWE wrestler when his basketball career is over.
  • Vince McMahon congratulated Becky Lynch on her pregnancy: “@BeckyLynchWWE is a world-class athlete who will undoubtedly be a world-class mom. She’s rewritten the book on what it means to be a champion on #WWERaw, and now she’s starting an exciting new chapter. On behalf of the entire #WWE family, congratulations!”
  • Ariel Helwani interviewed The Undertaker about his confrontation with Brock Lesnar from UFC 121 in 2010.
  • Arizona governor Doug Ducey announced today that major sports leagues can resume limited reopening without fans starting this Saturday, giving promotions like WWE, UFC and AEW another state to run shows in.
  • John Cena, Kofi Kingston, The Rock, Undertaker, Becky Lynch and other WWE stars will be added to The King of Fighters All Star game on May 14. 
  • Here is a trailer for the second episode of Undertaker: The Last Ride.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel uploaded John Cena and Sami Zayn’s US title open challenge match from 2015 and Roman Reigns vs. Batista from the May 12, 2014 episode of Raw.

Other Wrestling

  • PROGRESS announced that they’ve canceled all of their shows that were scheduled for this summer. In their statement, PROGRESS wrote that they’re looking at October as the earliest possible return date.
  • Dark Side of the Ring posted the trailer for next week’s season two finale on the death of Owen Hart.
  • AEW posted a video on Suge D, aka Pineapple Pete, ahead of his match tonight against Chris Jericho.
  • On Twitter, Lio Rush showed off a prototype of a mask he intended to wear during his run in NXT, but Triple H rejected the idea.
  • DDT is set to conduct an “open experiment”where they will do a Zoom pro wrestling match with 100 audience members in the chatroom reacting to the match.

MMA

  • RT is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap, is in a coma at a Moscow military hospital. Dana White on Twitter wrote: “Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is a true martial artist who lives a life of pride, honor and respect. He instilled those same values in his son, world champion Khabib, at an early age and was always in his corner throughout his career. I know how close Khabib is with his father and I’m saddened to hear about his current state. My thoughts are with Abdulmanap and the Nurmagomedov family as he continues to fight.”
  • Conor McGregor tweeted that he’s praying for Abdulmanap’s recovery: “Praying for the recovery of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A man responsible for more World champions, across multiple fighting disciplines, than we even know. A true martial genius! Very saddened upon hearing this news tonight. Praying for the Nurmagomedov family at this time”
  • Tonight’s Karl Roberson vs. Marvin Vettori fight is off, according to Ariel Helwani. Roberson reportedly fell ill following a tough weight cut.
  • The New York Times obtained the full operations plan for UFC events in Jacksonville, Florida, which you can read here.
  • NYT also has an opinion article on UFC’s COVID-19 precautions.
  • Former UFC fighter Tim Gorman was arrested in Nebraska Sunday night on multiple drug charges.
  • UFC uploaded Robbie Lawlor vs. Carlos Condit from UFC 195 on their YouTube page.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Rick Martel wins AWA World title

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