Daily Update: SmackDown, G1, Mayweather vs. McGregor

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 7/31/2017: Brock Lesnar vs. Jon Jones inches closer to reality

On the heels of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, another unlikely combat sports event seems to have become a genuine possibility. Jon Jones challenged Brock Lesnar to return to the Octagon after regaining the UFC light heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier last Saturday night. “Brock Lesnar,” Jones said. “If you want to know what it feels like to get your ass kicked by a guy who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon.”

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: August 7, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE second quarter earnings, UFC 214, more

A look at the WWE business notes for quarter two is among the top stories of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also look at the deja vu of Jon Jones, in-depth on G-1, Io Shirai, the negotiations for Broken Hardys and much more.

Look at what aspects of WWE business right now are the most valuable and how they compare to last year, the state of the company, the future of TV or streaming rights fees, Facebook and Netflix heads talk about content like WWE, the drop in U.K. ratings, the WWE network numbers and what it says, the recent WWE cost cutting measures, as well as the state of live show attendance and real WrestleMania number.

Go in depth as UFC tries to remake Jon Jones as a big star, the Daniel Cormier fight, the story behind it, the potential of a Brock Lesnar fight and where it stands and when it can happen, the similarities between this Jon Jones and the other one, a look at UFC 214, Tyron Woodley’s complaints, Dana White buries him, the realities of being a pro athlete in a sport where fans decide the stars, Cris Cyborg gets a title, all the business notes as well as match-by-match coverage and how much everyone made in their fights.

An update on the G-1 Climax tournament with the MVP race, the standings, the schedule, business notes and coverage of all the tournament matches of the past week, is in this issue.

Also there is an update on the SummerSlam card, who was being groomed for a top spot at the end of the year, the ticket demand for SummerSlam and NXT Takeover, the Bayley injury, a match that won’t be happening at SummerSlam, and much more regarding the show.

Look at Royal Rumble tickets, John Cena getting his biggest Hollywood break, update on Cena’s pro wrestling appearances including his first PPV after SummerSlam, everything you want to know about the fight over the Broken Universe gimmick, Chris Jericho in TMZ, Jericho in WWE, and Jericho’s music.

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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: July 17, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Bash at the Beach with big angle reviewed, plus tons of news

It all started in late 1995 at the coffee table of the strength coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, Kim Wood’s house. Brian Pillman was 33 years old. His body was breaking down from the years of football and high flying wrestling. His contract was due the next summer. His future was stable in that there was little doubt he’d be able to renew his deal, probably for at about the $250,000 per year on a three-year deal at the level he was at.

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match is set for tonight’s SmackDown. There will also be a non-title match between Naomi and Carmela, Charlotte Flair will face Lana, AJ Styles and Kevin Owens will continue building to their US title match at SummerSlam, and WWE will follow up on the post-show angle with Baron Corbin and John Cena from last week.
  • 205 Live tonight has Rich Swann vs. TJP advertised. 
  • Sasha Banks will face Nia Jax in a number one contender’s match on next week’s Raw in Boston. That’s the go-home show for SummerSlam and the winner will go on to challenge Alexa Bliss at the pay-per-view.
  • Indie wrestler Tomer Shalom appeared as enhancement wrestler Jean-Pierre Goulet against Jason Jordan on Raw last night.
  • Disney announced that its acquired majority ownership in BAMTech, who partner with WWE on the Network, in advance of starting their own streaming service.
  • HBO has renewed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s show “Ballers” for a fourth season. Johnson also posted on Instagram that he’s updating his “Brahma Bull” tattoo to reflect who he is at this point in life.
  • After not appearing on Raw or on WWE’s house shows this weekend, Matt Hardy posted a list of events The Hardys will be appearing at over the next few weeks.
  • AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn made cameo appearances on the latest episode of The Young Bucks’ “Being the Elite” YouTube series.
  • Matt Jackson of The Young Bucks sent Scott Dawson a get well message on Twitter: “Hate seeing anyone get hurt. Get well. But #FTR.”
  • Jinder Mahal appeared on Kiss 92.5 in Toronto this morning ahead of SmackDown taking place in the city tonight.
  • The Charlotte Observer has an article on Ric Flair and whether he’s mellowing at this point in his life.
  • Breezango will be the guests on this Friday’s episode of Talk is Jericho.
  • Charlotte Flair responded to GFW’s Sienna claiming that she stole her look.
  • Dave Bautista appears in a viral music video with David Hasselhoff to promote Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Pro Wrestling

  • Today’s G1 show in Kanagawa set things up for the B Block finals. Only Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega remain in contention heading into their match, with Okada at 13 points and Omega at 12. That means that Okada can advance with a win or draw against Omega, but Omega needs to win the match to go to the finals. Okada went to a 30-minute draw with Minoru Suzuki this morning, Omega beat SANADA, and Michael Elgin defeated EVIL to remove him from the mix.
  • The B Block finals will be on August 12th at Sumo Hall. The A Block will be decided the day before that, with the winner of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito advancing to face either Okada or Omega on August 13th.
  • Matt Riddle told Fightful.com that he had a positive conversation with NJPW’s Tiger Hattori after his match against Tomohiro Ishii for Revolution Pro Wrestling in July and called wrestling for NJPW a possibility.
  • Adam Cole opted for a Revival shirt instead of a Young Bucks one after the angle where he was killed off “Being the Elite.”
  • Former Tough Enough winner Sara Lee is back in the ring and training at the Team Vision Dojo ahead of a debut for the I Believe in Wrestling promotion.
  • Keith Lee is the subject of EVOLVE’s latest mini-documentary.

UFC/MMA

  • Dan Hardy will be part of the commentary team for Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor on Sky Sports.
  • During an appearance on the MMA Hour, Paulie Malignaggi discussed his experience sparring with McGregor.
  • Sports Illustrated has an article comparing ticket prices for Maywather vs. McGregor to Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.
  • Cris Cyborg issued a challenge to Holly Holm for UFC 219 in December.
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson want to face each other at Madison Square Garden in November.
  • Ian McCall is undergoing brain treatment and isn’t sure about a return to the UFC.
  • Chuck Liddell denied that he’s interested in a fight against Chael Sonnen but called it an easy matchup.

Today in Pro Wrestling History: Jay Leno steps into the ring at Road Wild 1998

F4W Online / Wrestling Observer Vegas Convention Event Info

August 17-21; All times are TBA; Full information on the group Facebook page; Activities subject to change

For ticketing information go to https://f4wvegas.brownpapertickets.com/

  • Thursday: Meet at the High Roller for Bowling at the Link; Party at Carnival Court at Hurrah’s
  • Friday: Kiss Mini Golf tournament at the Rio; Dinner at Texas de Brazil; Suite party (location TBA)
  • Saturday: Future Stars of Wrestling show featuring Disco Inferno, Stephan Bonnar, Phil Baron, Shotzi Blackheart, and co-main events: 3-way match with Leva Bates vs. Mia Yim vs. Hudson Envy, and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Thomas Santell (f.k.a. Antonio “The Promise” Thomas); NXT viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
  • Sunday: SUPER CHINA BUFFET DAY at the Wicked Spoon Buffet at 1pm; SummerSlam viewing party at the Sci-Fi Center
  • Monday: Goodbye lunch at Chen Chen at NY NY
  • All website members will also receive a 15% discount on any purchases from the Las Vegas Fight Shop for the entirety of the convention

Texas de Brazil, Wicked Spoon, NXT and Summer Slam will all be sign up and pre-paid events, prices and collection begin in mid July~!

Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!

CONTACT INFORMATION

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