Daily Update: SmackDown 1000, Joey Mercury, more WWE notes

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: All In celebrates past, present, and future

Amid all of the speculation about what the show means for the industry and what’s next for those who put it together, All In was a celebration of the past, present, and future of professional wrestling. Taken as a whole, All In was a show-of-the-year candidate. It was important that the card delivered, but nothing could have taken away from the accomplishment of it even happening. 

WON NEWSLETTER: September 10, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: All In reviewed, HBK to return, more

The story of All In is the focus of this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Take the most detailed look at the business and ramifications of what is one of the most unique major events in pro wrestling history.

Examine the business of the show, the realities of the popularity level, the lessons of the show, the behind the scenes story of the NWA title promotion, wrestling vs. sports entertainment, the timing issues, the last famous show with a similar timing issue, the controversy regarding the Joey Ryan angle, and the story behind Chris Jericho being there.

Look at the Shawn Michaels-Undertaker segment, where things stand today about going forward, famous retirement stips and the angle on Raw leading to everything, as well as more on the show in Australia coming up next month.

Find out about Daniel Bryan’s WWE status, update Dave Bautista and his thoughts on wrestling again, notes on a taped December Raw show, Kevin Owens quitting, Evolution PPV business notes, Toni Storm update, new WWE signee proposes to girlfriend on stage right before coming to Orlando, NXT major star to Evolve, and Big Cass talks what got him fired.

Read notes on NOAH’s big show at Sumo Hall featuring Hideo Itami’s return to the promotion against Naomichi Marufuji.

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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • PWInsider reported today that Edge has been added to the 10/23 SmackDown 1000 event. Edge, however, said it was news to him when someone brought it up on Twitter.
  • They also reported this morning that WWE officials are looking at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as a potential venue for next year’s WrestleMania activities. The complex features acts such as the Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic and the New York Ballet.
  • WWE will be returning to Helsinki, Finland on May 10, a SmackDown house show. Tickets go on sale September 17.
  • Matt Hardy following last night’s house show in Biloxi tweeted: “Thank you so much, #WWEBiloxi.. Tonight was the last appearance there for #WOKEN Matt Hardy.”
  • Natalya wrote about Finlay’s contributions to the WWE women’s division in her column for the Calgary Sun.
  • A new trailer for the Daniel Bryan Showcase mode coming to WWE 2K19 has been released.
  • Alicia Fox debuted a new look during this weekend’s house shows.
  • NXT referee Drake Wuertz turns 34 today, while WWE Hall of Famer Don Muraco turns 69.

Pro Wrestling

  • Adam Birch (Joey Mercury) has been released from the Cook County Department of Corrections after being arrested over All In weekend. Authorities found Birch sleeping in his car when an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Orange County, Florida was discovered. It was a non-violent issue that didn’t warrant extradition.
  • Tickets for the NWA 70th anniversary show at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds will go on sale this Friday. Check here for more information.
  • The Fast and the Furious spinoff “Hobbs & Shaw”, featuring The Rock and Jason Statham, started filming today. The movie is set for release on July 26, 2019.
  • Hulk Hogan talked to TMZ Sports about reuniting with the nWo for their upcoming tour.
  • David Arquette will team with the Hurricane this Friday for Northeast Wrestling.
  • The second part of the Katsuyori Shibata documentary looking at his life in California has been uploaded.
  • Chris Van Vliet talked to DDP about All In and why he worked the show for free.
  • Other birthdays for today include Matt Morgan (42), Trevor Murdoch (38) and Steve Keirn (67).

UFC/MMA

  • In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Valentina Shevchenko expressed interest in facing Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the now vacant UFC women’s flyweight title.
  • Colby Covington talked to FloCombat about his thoughts on UFC 228. He wasn’t impressed by Till’s performance, saying “It’s pretty funny: Doughboy ignored his family to land a hot zero significant strikes. Good job, buddy.” He also called out Tyron Woodley for November 3 at Madison Square Garden.
  • Irene Aldana broke her right hand during her bout against Lucie Pudilova this past weekend.
  • MMA Junkie is reporting that Brennan Ward has opted to retire from mixed martial arts after pulling out of a bout against Andre Fialho at Bellator 207 following an undisclosed injury. A search for a replacement bout is currently underway.

Daily Professional Wrestling History: Harley Race wins NWA World Title

CONTACT INFORMATION