Daily Update: SmackDown, Kenny Omega, G1

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: Figure Four Weekly 7/24/2017: Battleground brings Smackdown to lowest point since brand split

Only days after the one-year anniversary of WWE’s most recent attempt at a brand split, SmackDown hit its lowest point since last summer with Battleground. It wouldn’t be much of an issue if this were an outlier. Bad pay-per-views are bound to happen and there will always be excuses for them. Stipulations marred things at Battleground, dragging down both John Cena vs. Rusev and the main event.

Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: July 31, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Status of rights fees, WWE Battleground review, more

What in many ways is the biggest business news story in sports, the changes in television and future of huge rights fees, in looking at UFC’s opening up negotiations for its 2019 TV deal, is the lead story in the current issue, because it also is the first in a new era of declining cable and perhaps money coming from other places, and will probably indicate how WWE’s negotiations go a year later.

The new issue is a double issue including a feature on the first MMA events ever held in the U.S. that have been forgotten over time, and what pro wrestling star was part of the catalyst for the organizers in coming up with the idea.

Look at what is being said publicly vs. privately regarding what UFC is hoping for out of its new deal, the aspect of timing, what it means to the overall value of UFC as well as WWE going forward, the value of UFC to FS 1 and FS 2, how Fight Pass fits in, the future of PPV for UFC, where ESPN stands and other networks and interest levels.

Read about WWE heading into SummerSlam, with the new matches, new matches being teased, matches announced and current storylines. Explore the situation with Brock Lesnar, the U.S. title match at Battleground with the unique finish, the schedule of Chris Jericho, as well as full coverage of Battleground with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

This issue updates the G-1 Climax tournament, including a look at how the style has changed over three years, the tournament quality, the good and the bad of the business and physical demands, who is killing it, standings, schedule and a look at all the key matches.

Check out how TV ratings are going to be changing and have changed, talk of a second Superstar shakeup coming soon, a study of what characters are most popular on YouTube videos, why the pyro cutback was made, Ric Flair 30 for 30 piece, Dwayne Johnson once again talks like he was thinking of going into UFC ten years ago, notes on newcomers headed to WWE, new action figure line, new TV shows  notes, Bruno Sammartino update, and The Broken Hardys update in detail with claims.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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 10, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF signs Brock Lesnar, future of ECW, more

With the WWF television situation being straightened out, now all eyes are on the future of ECW, both as far as national television and the company’s survival itself. ECW was officially canceled, as expected, by TNN effective with the show airing on 9/22. This date appears to preclude any chance of USA Network having ECW ready to go on the air the Monday after WWF leaves (which is believed to be the first week of September, although nobody has been able to confirm an official date), in an attempt to have a wrestling show ready to keep at least a small part of the huge audience that by habit tunes to USA in that time slot.

Subscribers click here to continue.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Tonight’s SmackDown is a loaded show with John Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a match to determine Jinder Mahal’s SummerSlam challenger and AJ Styles defending his United States title against Kevin Owens. Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Natalya & Carmella, Chad Gable vs. Rusev, and the continuation of the storyline with Breezango trying to figure out who has been attacking them are also set for the show.
  • 205 Live has Akira Tozawa vs. Ariya Daivari in a number one contender’s match. The winner will get a Cruiserweight title shot against Neville at SummerSlam.
  • WWE played into the rumors of Brock Lesnar returning to the UFC for a fight against Jon Jones by having Paul Heyman say in storyline that both he and Lesnar would leave WWE if Lesnar loses the Universal title at SummerSlam. Heyman claimed that WWE is trying to have Lesnar lose the title, but he promised that Lesnar would be announced as still being champion at the end of SummerSlam.
  • Lesnar is being advertised for next week’s episode of Raw in Toronto.
  • WWE.com posted a story about Lesnar responding to Jon Jones’ challenge.
  • Jason Jordan was included in a family photo that Kurt Angle took backstage in Pittsburgh last night.
  • In a Raw fallout video, it was teased that Dana Brooke could be joining Titus Worldwide.
  • The Great Khali has been moved back to the alumni section on WWE’s website.
  • Cleveland.com ran a story on AJ Styles signing autographs for fans at an event ahead of SmackDown taking place in the city tonight.
  • Baron Corbin also appeared on Fox 8 in Cleveland this morning.

Pro Wrestling

  • ROH issued a correction on yesterday’s announcement about Kenny Omega wrestling at Global Wars, saying that there’s no confirmation that Omega will be defending his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship on October 15th in Chicago.
  • The G1 comes to Fukuoka with a B Block show at 5:30 a.m. ET tomorrow morning. The tournament matches are: Omega vs. EVIL, Kazuchika Okada vs. Tama Tonga, Minoru Suzuki vs. Satoshi Kojima, Michael Elgin vs. Toru Yano, SANADA vs. Juice Robinson.
  • As the Okada vs. Omega G1 match approaches, Okada remaining undefeated in the tournament until then becomes a more realistic option. His remaining matches are against Tonga, EVIL, Suzuki, and Omega. Omega still has one loss in the tournament.
  • Hiromu Takahashi commented on Bad Luck Fale ripping up Daryl (Takahashi’s stuffed cat): “Do you find that kind of thing fun? Is it a joke to you? You see that kind of thing, laugh along, hahaha? Because if you do, I’m sorry, I want nothing to do with you. I have no room for cruel, barbaric people in my life. If you got caught up in all that, if you sick people enjoyed that, then please forget about me, and forget about poor Daryl. If you truly love me and Daryl, then I’m here for you.”
  • In addition to the Pete Dunne vs. Jack Gallagher WWE UK title match, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate will defend their PROGRESS tag titles against Travis Banks & TK Cooper (w/ Dahlia Black) at PROGRESS NYC on August 12th.
  • Reby Hardy spoke to Sports Illustrated about the legal battle between The Hardys and Anthem.
  • Martin Hines interviewed Cody Rhodes for the Metro, with Cody giving his thoughts on Dave Meltzer.
  • The Tampa Bay Times posted a story on Karl Gotch being honored in Japan 10 years after his death.
  • Sami Callihan will be wrestling at MLW One-Shot on October 5th.
  • EVOLVE released a spoof “30 for 30” on Stokely Hathaway.
  • Joey Janela tweeted a message about indie wrestler Devon Moore allegedly being caught on tape stealing from him in a locker room last Friday.

UFC/MMA

  • Dave Meltzer has an article on MMA Fighting about the potential Brock Lesnar vs. Jon Jones superfight being unlikely to happen until next summer if it comes to fruition.
  • Jones’ striking coach said that there’s a clear path to beating Lesnar.
  • After Tyron Woodley went on the MMA Hour and demanded a public apology from Dana White for his critical comments about Woodley’s performance at UFC 214, both White and Woodley told TMZ that things are good between them now.
  • Michael Bisping confirmed on his podcast that the plan is now for him to face Georges St-Pierre at Madison Square Garden on November 4th.
  • Joe Rogan discussed interviewing Daniel Cormier after his loss at UFC 214 and apologized for doing it.
  • Urijah Faber isn’t counting out a return to the Octagon and has remained in the USADA drug testing pool.
  • Chael Sonnen thinks that Chuck Liddell is likely to be his next opponent in Bellator.

Today in Pro Wrestling History: Harley Race wins NWA United National title

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

​