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​F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly 1/22/2018: Recapping WWE Raw 25

With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night. It was the most-anticipated Raw of the year, with WWE putting their full promotional force behind the event and inviting seemingly every available name from the past. With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 29, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Enzo Amore rape allegations, WWE Raw 25, plus tons of news

The most detailed coverage of the Enzo Amore allegations and firing is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Look at all sides of the story, from the allegations by Philomena Sheahan, details of who was in the room, why WWE was so quick to fire him, her claims, claims of people who know her, what is in the text message, the problem with the police investigation, what is next for 205 Live and plans that have been scrapped.

Also have a look at the WWE this week, including Raw 25, angles on the show, WrestleMania current plans, future of Brock Lesnar, Royal Rumble, the Takeover special, what audience flocked to Raw that usually doesn’t, how Raw viewer patterns have changed since the last similar special, what age group nearly doubled from last week, and how the gender split changed.

Read about the history of Raw, why it was moved quickly from the Manhattan Center, the move to two hours, how close the show came to being canceled and why it wasn’t, when the show started making the company significant money, how Raw and Vince McMahon in 2005 were responsible for the start of a major sports franchise, the story of Raw going to Spike and back to USA, and what are really the longest lasting wrestling shows in U.S. television history.

Full coverage of Raw 25 inside this issue.

Check out the Podcastone situation and why people are leaving, more on the 2019 Royal Rumble plans, more on WWE stock and the move being made for a cheap WWE Network sub and the reason, George Barrios says strange things about WWE talent contracts, Hogan talks Bullet Club and the smoke to that fire, Cena movie gets Academy Award nomination, Cena up for lead for another movie, success of Dwayne Johnson’s current movie, funny quotes from Michaels & HHH about Goldberg being a Hall of Famer from a few years ago, and more WWE injuries. 

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: January 15, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2000 Year End Awards, final ECW PPV reviewed, plus tons of news

In what may have been the swan song of the promotion, ECW promised a “holy shit” surprise, which prompted debates over methods of promotion today as well as if there is any future left with the company in the wake of losing its New York television, cancelling next month’s PPV and not even producing a new TV show in the go-home week before a PPV show.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Roderick Strong will be appearing on 205 Live next week as part of the Cruiserweight Championship tournament. Strong vs. Hideo Itami and Kalisto vs. Lince Dorado are set for the episode. It’s a 16-man single-elimination tournament, with the finals scheduled for WrestleMania. Cedric Alexander defeated Gran Metalik and TJP pinned Tyler Bate (while using Bate’s tights for leverage) to advance to last night.
  • Dixie Carter tweeted about Rockstar Spud (who is now known as Drake Maverick) debuting as the 205 Live general manager: “Oh my sweet @RockstarSpud. So very proud…but OF COURSE I’ve seen this in you all along! Best #BritishBootCamp decision. Best memories as YOUR sidekick, not the other way around. Best  @WWE decision. #205Live #SDLive”
  • Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss defeated Sami Zayn & Becky Lynch on Mixed Match Challenge last night when Bliss jumped off Strowman’s shoulders and hit Twisted Bliss on Lynch. The live viewing numbers were down for the second straight week, but the total views are up slightly from where last week’s episode was at this time. The second episode has 1.7 million views compared to the first episode’s 1.9 million as of now.
  • Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports reported that WrestleMania 35 will be taking place at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, with New York being promoted as the host city. The New York area and Philadelphia have been the most talked about possible host cities recently.
  • Rory Gulak, who is Drew Gulak’s brother, and Chris Wylde were the team that faced the Bludgeon Brothers on SmackDown last night: Drew tweeted right before Rory’s appearance: “Man, I feel bad for whoever has to fight the Bludgeon Brothers next on #SDLive.”
  • James Ellsworth appeared on Talk is Jericho to discuss his time with WWE and being released by the company. Ellsworth said Carmella called him right after he got released and stayed on the phone with him until he was ready to hang up.
  • Kenny Omega praised The New Day in an interview with Sports Illustrated: “When I see Big E, I clearly see someone who could be world champion. The guy is on another level. Kofi is one of those guys who is good in all situations and can challenge for all titles, and Xavier is another great athlete who is talented in the ring and confident on the mic.” In response, Big E replied to someone who posted the quote where Omega complimented him: “You making this quote up? Don’t play with my emotions.”
  • Kane will be doing a live episode of Talk is Jericho in Knoxville on February 16th to support his campaign for mayor of Knox County.
  • Kane and The Undertaker will be appearing together at an event to support the campaign on March 1st.
  • Zelina Vega’s TakeOver: Philadelphia gear was a tribute to Lita.
  • Karl Anderson teased that the Balor Club will be featured on a season three episode of Ride Along.
  • TVInsider interviewed Natalya about the Total Divas season finale, the women’s Royal Rumble, and Ronda Rousey coming to WWE.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

WRESTLING OBSERVER / F4W – WRESTLEMANIA 34 in NEW ORLEANS

Here we go again! It’s back to New Orleans for Wrestlemania 34 and a huge weekend of spectacular professional wrestling related fun and wackiness. EdinSanAntonio Productions along with the Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Empire~! is proud to present the annual Wrestlemania weekend trip details. This huge weekend includes a number of website “members only” events. Below are the two events currently scheduled. Click here for full event details.

WOR Podcast Taping:Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE MAILBAG~!

  • WHAT: Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE Podcast Recording with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez
  • WHEN: Friday, April 6th, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:45 a.m. for VIP ticket holders and at 9:15 a.m. for general admission)
  • WHERE: The Bourbon Room, Royal St. Charles Hotel in downtown New Orleans; 135 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

WO/F4W Brunch:Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Oberver BRUNCH~!

  • WHAT: All you care to eat brunch buffet on the morning of Wrestlemania 
  • WHEN: Sunday, April 8th, 2018 – T11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • WHERE: The Court of Two Sisters restaurant in downtown New Orleans; 613 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

CONTACT INFORMATION

Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!

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