Daily Update: Sika, Mya Lesnar, Shaquille O’Neal

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this issue:

  • WWE sets gate record at Clash at the Castle, as well as a look at other metrics
  • Running down the news of the show
  • The Drew McIntyre angle
  • A look at the next two PPVs
  • What the other metrics tell us about the interest level for Clash
  • Why the Cung Le lawsuit that was thought to be settled hasn’t been ratified
  • What worried the Judge
  • What worries the lawyers on both sides
  • The real world and real life issues regarding the settlement
  • Update on Forbidden Door, All In and the Owen Hart tournament
  • Kevin Kelly talks suing AEW
  • The G1 Climax tournament
  • Key news notes on the tournament
  • Review of TripleMania in Tijuana
  • A look at this week’s episode of Who Killed WCW
  • The most detailed look at the ratings this past week for all the shows, quarters, competition and placings
  • CMLL Anniversary show note
  • Mistico anniversary week notes
  • Former WWE star now agent for AAA
  • Update on Giulia, Marigold and WWE
  • Notes on the death of one of Argentina’s top stars from the heyday
  • Shocker rehab notes
  • More on the shooting involving Shannon Ritch
  • Life of James Castle
  • TNA PPV rundown
  • AEW’s new Triller deal
  • Details on the Shane McMahon story going around
  • Attendance advances for all the upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Streaming numbers for the week
  • International ratings
  • Update on McGregor vs. Chandler
  • Thoughts on Jake Paul’s next fight
  • New Wyatt Sicks news
  • Injury updates
  • Timeline of Hulk Hogan coming to WWF from AWA

This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • The New York Times published a Sika Anoa’i obituary following his passing at 79 years old.
  • A graphic honoring Sika was shown during NXT last night. “Earlier today we learned of the passing of Sika Anoa’i,” Vic Joseph said on commentary. “And from the isle of Samoa to the WWE Hall of Fame, he’ll always have a seat at the table.”
  • Rikishi reflected on what Sika meant to him:
    • When I think of my Uncle Sika, the first word that comes to mind is MENTOR; he was my first trusted adviser, confidant, and someone who always spoke his mind!
    • As a professional, he showed me all of the ropes, (literally) and guided me on ‘roadlife,’ and being one of the boys. But more importantly, as my Uncle, he taught me to slow down, take my time, and truly ENJOY life. 
    • We both loved living in Pensacola and appreciated the slower pace of life. My Uncle had perfected his ‘Samoan Southern Drawl.’
    • My Uncle Sika’s roots began in Samoa, however, with his chosen profession and limitless talents, he touched the world! Yes, he was WILD and I could go on and on with stories, but for now, I simply want to express my deep gratitude for what I was able to experience with him. He will forever remain in my heart and mind.
    • While my heart breaks for my family, I’m reminded that God makes NO mistakes and I’m comforted that he’s now with my Mom and that makes me smile. Thank you, Uncle Seek, I love you, FLY HIGH.
  • Nathan Frazer defeated Akira Tozawa on WWE Speed this week. Next Wednesday, Xavier Woods vs. Frazer will air on the show. The winner earns a title shot against WWE Speed Champion Andrade.
  • ComicBook Nation asked Bianca Belair if there’s any chance we could see WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark appear at the 2025 Royal Rumble in Indianapolis:
    • It’s so funny because everybody’s already asking that. Even before the press conference, they’re bringing up Caitlin Clark. Listen, I love what’s happening with the WNBA. I love that women are getting more spotlight and more attention. I’ve always said, you know, we don’t need to do anything different. We just need the opportunities, we need the media coverage, and the WNBA is doing that. I feel like WWE, we’ve done a lot of unprecedented things when it comes to women, whether it’s women main eventing WrestleManias, main eventing on a weekly basis at Raws and SmackDowns or PLEs.
    • So it would be really cool for the two worlds to combine and have an even bigger impact for women. So Caitlin Clark, if you’re watching, come on. Come in the Royal Rumble. You can be one of the 30 participants. That’s what’s exciting about the Royal Rumble, right? You never know what’s gonna happen. It could be the past, the present, the future or just someone that you don’t expect. So, you might see Caitlin Clark, 2025 Royal Rumble right here in Indianapolis.
  • 9News in Colorado put together a story on shot putter Mya Lesnar and her Olympic aspirations. Mya discussed stepping out of the shadow of her father Brock Lesnar:
    • He’s one of my biggest supporters, but, honestly, I am here to make a name for myself. I think I’ve been in his shadow for so many years, which is cool, I guess. But, honestly to me, what I want people to know is he’s dad to me. I honestly don’t look at him as this superstar of a person. Him just being in my corner and now me kind of being in the spotlight and him in my shadow a little bit, watching me. I think that’s super cool.
  • Former WWE’s The Bump host Matt Camp said that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were conversations between WWE and the White House about having Dr. Anthony Fauci on The Bump to discuss pandemic awareness. Camp said the idea got far down the line and he thinks Vince McMahon was initially on board, but McMahon ultimately decided it was too political.
  • WWE uploaded a WWE Retrospective video with Sheamus looking back at some of his greatest moments.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • Sports Illustrated reports that contacts at Warner Bros. Discovery stressed to them that last week’s record low AEW Dynamite rating was not a cause for concern and they expect the number to increase significantly tonight with Big Bang Theory back as the lead-in instead of Black Panther:
    • Contacts at Warner Bros. Discovery stressed that the one low rating was not a cause for concern. The belief is that the rating will jump considerably tonight, especially with the Big Bang Theory returning to its familiar spot as the lead-in.
  • Tony Khan told Sports Illustrated that he’d love to have NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal back in AEW whenever Shaq is available:
    • I would love to have Shaq back in AEW any time he’s available. He’s one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, and he’s extremely talented on-air in a number of roles. Shaq is also the greatest celebrity wrestler in wrestling history. But what people didn’t see is what happened backstage. When he wrestled in AEW, he went around backstage and showed respect to all the wrestlers. He told the wrestlers, ‘I want to make you look good.’ It was unbelievable. That’s the most recognizable athlete on the planet doing that.
  • AEW mourned the passing of German commentator Gunther Zapf: “With great sadness, AEW mourns the passing of Günter Zapf. A member of AEW Germany’s announce team for many years, he will be dearly missed.”
  • Bret Hart surprised Dax Harwood with a visit for his 40th birthday. Harwood turns 40 years old on June 30.
  • AEW shared an AEW Represents video spotlighting Anthony Bowens.
  • This Saturday, Orange Cassidy and Brodie Lee Jr. are doing a meet-and-greet at the Champs Sports store at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York.
  • The Metro published a story on Joe Hendry.
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. AJ Francis will take on the TV taping portion of MLW’s event in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday, July 12.