Daily Update: Samoa Joe, UFC 249, Dark Side of the Ring

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DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.

WON NEWSLETTER: Sweeping changes due to the coronavirus Dave Meltzer looks at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting pro wrestling and MMA.

A detailed look at how the pro wrestling and MMA industry has changed in just one week is the subject of our in-depth lead story.

We cover:

Steps taken, made, executed, and constantly changed, from WWE, UFC, AEW and every other company. 

Which companies can afford the lockdown the best, and which companies are threatened the most.

WWE, why they chose to do WrestleMania now on tape, why the move made little sense. 

Why UFC was forced to shut down shows and the steps they took to avoid it.

What AEW said and what it actually meant. 

The dangers from doctors on doing shows right now. 

Latest ideas for WrestleMania, revenue lost by not doing the show now, just how fast decisions were changing, pro wrestling vs. MMA in an empty arena, styles vs. styles in an empty arena, what does and doesn’t work, ideas to make the show more entertaining, what is and isn’t finalized for WrestleMania, and update on other planned WWE events.

We also cover:

WWE training, who were brought to the WWE & AEW taping, what was said to those working there, Dana White’s memo to the staff, why UFC had it harder to keep shows going than pro wrestling, UFC’s economic realities, different reactions of talent about shows continuing, new dates for major shows, next shows on UFC schedule, ESPN plans, Japanese government reaction, updates on Japanese shows, XFL ending the season, how the first season leaves the XFL in its quest to make it, Bellator’s reaction, MLW’s reaction, Impact’s reaction, NWA’s reaction, Independent shows, WrestleCon, U.K. groups, Mexico and other U.S. indies.

AEW’s live television show, the in and out of character remarks, Cody and Tony Khan’ reactions, and show things were handled 

A look at the career of Jushin Liger, his historical status, his early career, his becoming the best wrestler in the world, his debut with the character, who was first pegged for the role, his debut with the gimmick, his U.S. arrival in WCW, his one MMA fight, and his list of credentials.

Why WWE stock hasn’t collapsed, Shane McMahon’s income, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios’ severance packages, update on The Revival, WWE threatens small group on a frivolous case, WWE legend selling his home, last several weeks of Canadian TV ratings, Jerry Lawler talks empty arena matches, latest WWE tryout, Sonya Deville talks storyline she wanted, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.

Full coverage of the UFC’s empty arena show in Brasilia, Brazil with the stories coming out of the show and match-by-match coverage.

A feature on the worst weekend in the history of the business when Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son.  We look at the Reelz television show that just came out covering the crime as well as a look at the Viceland story coming this week.  We talk about different theories, the death of Eddy Guerrero, CTE, steroids, xanax and more, WWE reaction, drug testing questions and problems and much more.

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

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.

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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

Other Wrestling

  • Taz is hosting a live recap show on AEW’s YouTube channel after tonight’s Dynamite.
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr., Joel Redman and Lucas Steel are all out of this year’s AJPW Champion Carnival tournament due to current travel restrictions.
  • An AJPW show in Ageo on Saturday has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
  • A trailer for next week’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring is now up, focusing on New Jack.
  • John Pollock spoke with Jeff Marek about last night’s Dark Side of the Ring Chris Benoit episode.
  • Vice has now uploaded part two of last night’s Dark Side of the Ring to YouTube.
  • NJPW has uploaded a number of matches from their New Beginning USA tour from earlier this year on their YouTube page.
  • MLW has signed a new TV deal in Poland that will allow MLW Fusion to air on Fight Klub Poland.

MMA

  • Dana White told Brett Okamoto today that the UFC 249 card will likely be a totally new card that will have a mixture of existing fights and new bouts. A Francis Ngannou/Jairzinho Rozenstruik bout is currently in the works for the event.
  • Yahoo’s Kevin Iole has an interview with White.
  • Ariel Helwani has an article about the uncertainty of the UFC 249 card.
  • The California State Athletic Commission is cancelling all events through the end of April.
  • Conor McGregor says he will donate 1 million euro worth of protective equipment that will be deployed to all hospitals in the Leinster region of Ireland.
  • Journey Newson’s knockout victory over Domingo Pilarte from UFC 247 has been overturned by Texas officials due to a drug test failure.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Omega & Ibushi vs. Young Bucks at Strong Style Evolved

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