Daily Update: Shad Gaspard, CZW, Joe Rogan

DAILY UPDATE

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WON NEWSLETTER: May 18, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Becky Lynch pregnant, UFC 249 controversies, more

A new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out with a wider variety of news stories than any issue we’ve done in a long time. 

From a perspective among leading sports doctors about opening up, to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy and what the plans for her that won’t happen were scheduled to be, to Money in the Bank coverage, Roman Reigns risk factors, New Japan talks its future, AEW profitability, Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Georges St-Pierre in the Hall of Fame, it’s all covered here.

The issue covers in detail:

Becky Lynch’s pregnancy, her comments on it, timing, what were the booking plans for her and how Money in the Bank changed, a look back at how Lynch got over when she wasn’t supposed to and the time frame where Lynch became the chosen one, while at the same time the crowd was mad, not realizing any of this.

Ronaldo Jacare Souza’s positive test for COVID, UFC handling the situation, and the key components of the story that have not been covered well elsewhere. 

How UFC didn’t abide by its own policies, what UFC did learn, and what fighters and reporters signed to get in the door to the show.

Facts of the Coronavirus and on combat sports from three doctors who have extensive experience with combat sports.

Harold Meij talking about New Japan Pro Wrestling, why it made the choices it did not to turn, as well as its plans when it can run and the stages it will go through, why the company has been able to remain solvent while not running live events.

Complete coverage of UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank, including match-by-match coverage and poll results on both shows.

Behind the scenes notes on  both shows, including UFC business, and interest level in WWE.

The arrest of Alberto Rodriguez, the former Alberto Del Rio, for sexual assault, the harrowing description of what happened and more.

Roman Reigns sitting it out including what he said and his risk factors.

Updated plans for SummerSlam and where Vince is coming from, plans for the next Takeover, WWE book on best sellers list, The softening of the brand split, update on Rey Mysterio, Rachael Ellering release info, NBA star says he’s going to WWE, Undertaker documentary notes, the story of how two different planned WrestleMania main events in 2011 fell through, Sting update, Canadian TV ratings, One of the best college wrestlers mentions going into pro wrestling, Raw DVR numbers, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.

Smackdown’s renewal and what it means.

Feature on the career of Georges St-Pierre and his records and his legacy, as he gets inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including details of his contract, Vince’s attempts and arguments to get out of paying him on that contract and arguments both sides are making.

AEW’s Double or Nothing plans as well as the return of some of the company’s biggest stars.

AEW’s profitability in April, the cost of production and cost savings, Mike Tyson, the casino ladder match and more.

May 13 UFC show.

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Tonight’s episode of WWE Backstage is starting at midnight Eastern time, which is an hour later than usual. Cesaro will be a guest on the show. NASCAR is on FS1 tonight, followed by two episodes of the WWE Network’s Ruthless Aggression docuseries leading into Backstage. 
  • Shad Gaspard’s wife Siliana posted a statement expressing their family’s gratitude for everyone who has tried to find her husband: “We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad. Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad. From The Entire Gaspard & Chittick Family”
  • WWE posted a statement saying their thoughts are with Gaspard’s family: “WWE’s thoughts are with the family of Shad Gaspard. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
  • Vince McMahon also tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time.”
  • MVP re-shared a video of him and Gaspard emotionally reacting to Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship win from WrestleMania 35. MVP wrote: “Shad Gaspard had a HUGE heart. He was like an annoying little brother at times. We often gave eachother a hard time, but always with love! He always had a big smile on his face and was ready to share a laugh! I have had a LOT of friends and colleagues die. This one hurts different. We shared this incredible moment together. I was angry at him for sharing it. When this video went viral and people expressed their reactions to OUR reaction I realized Shad made the right call. I called him to apologize for cussing him out. We laughed. He recently sent me some of the screenplays he was working on. He had big goals. Big plans. His final act on this earth was to give his life to save his son’s. A son, a husband, a father, a friend. A hero…”
  • JTG shared a message Gaspard sent him on January 26 where he wrote “If ever I die tomorrow just know I Love you as a brother and friend for ever, even past this life.”
  • ESPN published an article detailing how Gaspard sacrificed himself to save his son.
  • Today would have been Andre the Giant’s 74th birthday.
  • In an interview with TalkSport, Bobby Lashley was asked when him facing Brock Lesnar is going to happen: “I don’t know what the situation is. I don’t know what the case is. But I do believe eventually it will happen before Brock and I are senior citizens. The one thing that people — and I don’t want to switch gears here — but Drew McIntyre is a Brock Lesnar. He definitely is. I think that a matchup with Drew is just as exciting as Brock, to me, if done right. Of course, I want the Brock match. I’m not erasing that [laughs]. But I think both of those matches are great matches. I think eventually the dots will be connected and I think right now with the right people in the right places, I think a lot of really big things could be happening.”
  • NFL star JJ Watt is appearing on WWE’s The Bump tomorrow morning to promote the premiere of the Watt family’s Ultimate Tag show on FOX. Charlotte Flair, The IIconics, and Rhea Ripley will also be on The Bump tomorrow.
  • The Undertaker responded to a tweet about the right wing T-shirts he’s worn on his Last Ride documentary: “Everyone knows WWE is A political !! It’s all about the flag!”
  • WWE celebrated surpassing 60 million YouTube subscribers.
  • Ahead of his interim Cruiserweight title tournament match on tomorrow’s NXT, WWE uploaded an 11-minute feature video on Drake Maverick’s journey and his release from the company.
  • Paige appeared on the first edition of First We Feast’s Fridge Tours.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel added Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles from Money in the Bank 2019 and The Undertaker vs. Edge from Judgment Day 2008.

Other Wrestling

  • A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support wrestling writer Larry Csonka’s daughters after his passing.
  • CZW issued a statement about sexist PPV names like “Hair Pulling Catfights,” “Top Heavy & Tough,” “Hot & Sweaty,” and “All Assets Revealed” being used for specials of past content featuring women’s wrestlers: “Two years ago, CZW entered into a licensing agreement with a national media distributor to license CZW and WSU footage. That company has the right to utilize the footage without limitation. They have repackaged and renamed shows as it is their right to do so. Our athletes, regardless of gender, are just that, athletes, whom we are proud of and appreciate. We stand behind the ring action in all our footage.”
  • Jordynne Grace then responded to CZW’s statement: “Just so everyone is aware, there are many women already speaking to lawyers about this, as releases were not signed to authorize licensing footage for profit and distribution.”
  • Kimber Lee also responded to CZW: “And I’m certain I NEVER signed an agreement giving you the right to sell my intellectual property…. nor did ANY of the women you’re blatantly disrespecting. Or how you told us all you wouldn’t book us if you wouldn’t f**k us. It’s about time the harassment gets exposed.”
  • In her interview with CBS Sports, Martha Hart spoke about why she won’t allow WWE to induct Owen Hart into their Hall of Fame: “There’s always been this talk that, ‘Oh, we want to put Owen in the Hall of Fame. Their Hall of Fame? They don’t even have a Hallway of Fame. It doesn’t exist. There’s nothing. It’s a fake entity. There’s nothing real or tangible. It’s just an event they have to make money. They put it on TV and have a celebration, and it’s just so ridiculous. I would never even entertain it. It’s garbage.”
  • AEW released this week’s Road to Double or Nothing video.
  • Tony Khan clarified how the TNT Championship will be worked into AEW’s weekly top-five roster rankings: “Good question. It’ll be a similar format, but going forward we’ll have the 2 male singles champions ranked at the top above the Top 5.”
  • On Busted Open Radio yesterday, Ricky Starks said his contract with the NWA has expired and he’s no longer with the promotion.
  • Ring The Belle interviewed Taynara Conti about her release from WWE.
  • PROGRESS Wrestling will stream last year’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament on YouTube this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

MMA

  • Joe Rogan has signed a multi-year deal with Spotify to make his Joe Rogan Experience podcast exclusive to the platform starting later this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal is worth more than $100 million.
  • Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns will headline the UFC’s Fight Night show on May 30.
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap is reportedly in a coma again and on life support after his battle with COVID-19 worsened.
  • Daniel Cormier praised Jon Jones for wanting to face Francis Ngannou: “I will insult Jones on any day of the week, but I will also give him credit where credit is due, and I truly believe that this Francis Ngannou thing is one of the most gangster things in the world. Why would you be afraid of anyone, especially if you’re a guy that has the accomplishments of Jon Jones? Why? That’s the thing I don’t get when people say me or Jon Jones, that we’re afraid of somebody. It’s the most asinine thing in the world. I think that this Jones thing is cool. He’s like, ‘OK, you want to fight? Let’s do it.’ That’s what any person in the world, a true fighter, would do, and I think hats off to Jones.”

Daily Pro Wrestling History: WCW SuperBrawl I

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