Daily Update: Samoa Joe debuts, SmackDown, UFC news

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

SmackDown and 205 Live will be taped tonight in Corpus Christi, Texas.

There will also be another NXT TV taping at Full Sail University on Wednesday, starting the build for the WrestleMania show in Orlando.

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/23/2017: Previewing the unpredictable Royal Rumble

Whatever your feelings are on WWE inevitably using part-timers to boost another WrestleMania season, it’s undeniable that their inclusion has added intrigue to the 2017 Royal Rumble. Suggesting otherwise would be presenting alternative facts. Even with their limited presence on television, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, and The Undertaker have added a level of unpredictably — even if it’s only perceived — to next Sunday’s show at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas that hasn’t been matched in recent years… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: January 30, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble preview, part 2 of Jimmy Snuka bio, plus tons of news

A look at WWE plans that are locked in place, and other plans up in the air, related to WrestleMania, and how the Royal Rumble, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber fit in is the lead story in the new double-sized of the Wrestling Observer.

There is also a major feature on the life of Jimmy Snuka, his growing up, full career, career records, the Nancy Argentino death case and reaction to his death. Plus, check out the 2016 win/loss records of all WWE talent, why Tito Ortiz is so important in MMA history, and Fantastica Mania coverage as well as notes on future major events around the world.

A look at the most loaded Royal Rumble match in years, and how all the top names figure into WrestleMania leads the news. Read about what the Mania matches say, ticket sale news from the Rumble and NXT Takeover, and where things go from there.

Have a look at Pentagon Jr., Daga and Garza Jr. leaving AAA and how many questions that asks. This includes the situation with Sexy Star, big questions facing Lucha Underground, the attempt to build The Crash promotion into a force in Mexico, notes on Lucha Underground contracts, exactly where this all stemmed from and why talent was unhappy with AAA, the Lucha Underground move that makes everything even more questionable, and how this relates to the bigger picture of wrestling all over the world right now.

Click here for full preview.

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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

We now have a store on Pro Wrestling Tees that features four different t-shirt designs.

WWE

  • Samoa Joe debuted on Raw last night and appears to be a member of the show’s roster going forward.
  • Last night’s Raw also saw WWE officially begin the build to Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Paul Heyman challenged Goldberg to the match on behalf of Lesnar, with WWE announcing that Goldberg would respond to them next week.
  • WWE is advertising Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James for tonight’s SmackDown. The show will also feature John Cena’s first appearance on TV since winning the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, as well as Randy Orton’s first appearance since winning the Rumble match.
  • Akira Tozawa is scheduled to debut on 205 Live tonight.
  • WWE posted a clip from the WWE 24 documentary that aired after Raw last night that features Shane McMahon embracing Vince McMahon after Shane’s Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 32.
  • King Jerry Lawler’s Memphis BBQ Company opened in Cordova, Tennessee on Monday night. Lawler is an owner of the restaurant.

Pro Wrestling

  • NJPW World has made the Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega match from the Tokyo Dome available to watch for free for a week.
  • Revolution Pro Wrestling announced that Omega would be appearing at their Epic Encounter show on April 13th at York Hall in London. The Young Bucks were previously announced for the show as well.
  • EVOLVE posted the full video of Chris Hero’s farewell speech from last Saturday for free on YouTube.
  • OTT Wrestling has booked the returning Mark Haskins for their shows on February 4th and 5th. Haskins returned to the ring at PROGRESS Wrestling’s show this past Sunday after being out indefinitely with a neck injury.

UFC/MMA

  • While appearing on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, Dana White confirmed that Yoel Romero will be the next challenger for Michael Bisping’s title.
  • White also said on the podcast that he expects Jon Jones to challenge the winner of Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson for the light heavyweight title when he returns from suspension.
  • Amanda Nunes apologized to Ronda Rousey on Instagram for some of the comments she made after their UFC 207 fight: “Let me take a moment to explain myself. I was overwhelmed with adrenaline, emotion and hurt at the time. I held so much in during the weeks prior to my fight with Ronda. I might have said or posted some things at the time that I now realize was not the right thing to do. I want to apologize to Ronda. Her fans and mine and the UFC as well. Ronda is an amazing athlete and has done so much for this sport, especially for the women. #respect”
  • In an interview with Fox Sports during the NHL’s All Star weekend, CM Punk said that he’s working hard on getting his next fight and is throwing names for opponents at Dana White. Punk said that he’ll continue fighting even if his next fight isn’t in the UFC.
  • Ryan Bader said that he expects to sign a contract with Bellator imminently.
  • Josh Koscheck is scheduled to make his Bellator debut against Mauricio Alonso at Bellator 172 on February 18th.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

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 (1/31): Royal Rumble 2010

CONTACT INFORMATION

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