Daily Update: SmackDown next week, NJPW, Nate Diaz

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 11/20/2017: Five standouts from Survivor Series weekend

While an overbooked main event on Sunday didn’t end things on the best note, Survivor Series weekend mostly lived up to the huge promise it had going in. NXT put on another excellent TakeOver special, with every match on the card serving its purpose. Even with the changes, War Games was a spectacle that justified WWE bringing back the concept.

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER:November 20, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Survivor Series card changes, McGregor incident, more

A preview and an update on Survivor Series is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, looking at that show and the Takeover show.

Look at Conor McGregor’s behavior at the Bellator show in Dublin, and the tricky position punishing him is from all sides because of the money he generates. Also look at the fight out of left field for McGregor that people are already knocking heavily but would do gigantic business, how this may have already cost UFC a major main event.

The renewal of Lucha Underground, what is expected to change, notes no decreasing costs, and why some talent is happy but a lot of talent is less happy about this news. Also look at the Arolucha promotion, who is involved, when it’s scheduled to tape, and how the renewal of Lucha Underground greatly impacts them.

WWE is in India, what the show cancellation and Jinder Mahal title loss means, the business in India, and claim of biggest match ever in India.

Read about Daniel Bryan’s statements about returning to wrestling next year, and more on CTE. Take a look in depth at the economics of WrestleMania, how many tourists came to the show, how much tourists spent in Orlando and just how much more important WrestleMania is for a locale than even a few years ago. 

Examine the James Ellsworth cut, lots more on the Ric Flair 30 for 30, John Cena movie, update on WWE U.K., Chris Jericho cruise and 2018 schedule, the Randy Orton/Kevin Owens twitter back-and-forth, reaction to Owens & Zayn being sent home, Starrcade notes, Notes on indie asking price of a WWE wrestler just cut, injury updates, the next U.K. TV tapings, former WWE star talks coming out of retirement, as well as the current company value and most watched shows on the WWE Network.

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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: November 6, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart retires, Halloween Havoc review, more

In one of the strangest endings to one of the strangest pro wrestling careers in history, Bret Hart officially announced his plans not only to retire, but to walk away completely, from a business often dubbed inside as the Hotel California, based on the line from an old 70s song. “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Hart’s career in the ring was almost surely over, due to a series of concussions suffered starting most likely on 12/19 from the famous kick by Bill Goldberg in the Starrcade WCW title match. 

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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton, AJ Styles vs. The Singh Brothers in a handicap match, and the return of the Fashion Files (with an episode parodying the “Saw” movie franchise) are set for next week’s SmackDown. The show should also feature the follow-up to last night’s angle where Shane McMahon expected Daniel Bryan to fire Owens and Sami Zayn but he didn’t do it.
  • Luke Harper and Erick Rowan are now just listed as “Harper” and “Rowan” respectively on WWE’s roster page after returning to TV.
  • Tyler Bate & Trent Seven vs. Pete Dunne & Mark Andrews was the pre-show dark match prior to SmackDown last night.
  • James “Kamala” Harris is breathing on his own now after previously being on life support.
  • Finn Balor seemingly responded to Dave Meltzer’s report about Vince McMahon not thinking he’s over enough to face Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble by tweeting a picture of the crowd reacting to him.
  • TMZ reported that David Otunga was granted the right to have custody of his son from 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving to 7 p.m. the following day. A hearing is set for Monday, where Otunga will ask the judge to vacate the order of protection Jennifer Hudson filed against him and will ask for temporary custody of their son.
  • Daniel Bryan named AJ Styles as the person he’d like to wrestle if WWE were to clear him to return to the ring.
  • Jinder Mahal cut a promo on Triple H to build up their house show match in India next month.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Starrcade 1984 — The Million Dollar Challenge

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