Daily Update: Superstar shake-up, NJPW US shows, DDP

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FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 4/3/2017: Memorable moments make Wrestlemania 33

Despite the match quality and show length being similar, WrestleMania 33 was much better than its predecessor. That’s largely due to just having more memorable moments than WrestleMania 32. The Undertaker’s retirement is what will define this year’s show, even if he clearly held on too long. Jim Ross’ return to the WWE broadcast booth was a nice touch and necessary to stress the magnitude of Undertaker’s final match. The Hardys coming back brought genuine excitement while making the Raw tag team title ladder match feel like a big deal. And John Cena proposing to Nikki Bella at least gave reason for what was a nothing mixed tag after such a great build.

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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: April 3, 2017: Massive WrestleMania weekend preview, plus tons of news

Your guide to WrestleMania is the focus of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The issue runs down the key matches, keys to what to look for, unique crowd reactions expected, the plight of Roman Reigns as the new face of the company, how booing top babyfaces is not unique to WWE today and why you have to look at business numbers and not who gets cheered and booed, plus a look at the public interest level in the top six singles matches on the show and what has the most and least interest generally.

Examine the Reigns situation, ticket sales for all the WWE events, thoughts on finishes and what, adjusted for inflation, were the biggest money pro wrestling events of all-time. Plus, look at this year vs. last year when it comes to incredible matches.

Have a look in depth at the legacy inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame, including just how big a name Rikidozan was in his prime in Japan, the amazing television ratings he did, the most-watched live pro wrestling match anywhere in the world in history, the backgrounds of the inductees and with June Byers, the story behind one of most legendary pro wrestling matches of all-time, the 1954 world women’s title unification match which was a completely legitimate shoot.

There is an update on Mauro Ranallo and his disappearance from WWE with a filled in the time line of what happened, why Ranallo’s close friend Bas Rutten pretty much points the finger at JBL, how it’s been handled and why it puts WWE in a tough situation as well as the Be a Star group.

Notes on a major business deal made by WWE, SummerSlam ticket sales, WrestleMania available in China, Hardys arrival, the inevitable changes in the UK market, Alberto & Paige getting married, Paige talks about her embarrassing situation, WWE star reportedly on the way out, Shawn Michaels talks about his offer to face A.J. Styles at WrestleMania, all inside, and Kane potentially running for Mayor of Knox County, TN.

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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: March 13, 2000: Beyond the Mat controversy, New York Daily News stories on wrestling deaths and drugs, more

The controversy over the movie “Beyond the Mat” grew this past week when pressure tactics from the WWF caused the USA Network, UPN and Cris Craft Communications to all ban any advertising on any of their programs for the film. While some were surprised at the lengths Vince McMahon would go to attempt to bury the movie, it has been clear for some time by anyone who understands the “with us or against us” and no in between philosophy of McMahon, that he felt the movie wasn’t “with us.”

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • While things are still pretty vague, WWE.com has revealed some details about the “superstar shake-up” that was announced for next week on Monday night. Raw and SmackDown will be allowed to “make trades, deals and other moves that they feel fit.” It appears that changes will be relatively limited rather than a full draft, but no other information has been given.
  • Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the US title is the first match announced for Payback. The Raw PPV will be WWE’s first after WrestleMania and will take place on April 30th at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
  • Diamond Dallas Page appeared on the Dan Le Batard show today on ESPN Radio and got mad when Le Batard kept asking about real life arguments DDP had with Ric Flair and Scott Steiner. DDP tried to explain that things are good between them now without going into the past, but the interview was cut off when Page swore after Le Batard kept looking for details about a past fight with Steiner.
  • Naomi defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss is set for tonight’s SmackDown at the Amway Center. Dave Meltzer noted in yesterday’s Daily Update that some surprises are expected as WWE tries to make the SmackDown after WrestleMania something important.
  • Austin Aries vs. Mustafa Ali vs. Jack Gallagher vs. TJ Perkins was announced for tonight’s 205 Live.
  • Nikki Bella tweeted today: “This isn’t goodbye, just need time to heal. When the day is right I will be back and hopefully then….BRIE MODE will be ACTIVATED! Can’t wait for the day I can lace up my kicks throw on my jersey put on my SnapBack & come back home. Until then..Stay Fearless Bella Army!” She’s scheduled to take time off to heal her neck injury while John Cena will also be absent to film a movie.
  • SB Nation writer Charlotte Wilder watched wrestling for the first time during WrestleMania 33 and wrote about the entire experience.
  • The Hardys appeared on Raw Talk for an interview last night and there were no signs of their “Broken” characters. Matt Hardy tweeted on Tuesday: “The sheer NIRVANA of coming home to that DEAFENING ovation at #Wrestlemania seems to have contained my CONDISHTION. If it CAN be contained.”
  • The New England Patriots reportedly gave Rob Gronkowski permission to get involved with the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33.

Pro Wrestling

  • Chris Charlton translated a tweet from New Japan Pro Wrestling owner Takaaki Kidani about the G1 preview shows in Long Beach selling out so quickly: “New Japan in LA sold out in two hours. Our pickaxe has struck a vein of gold. This will be a pivotal year in wrestling history.”
  • Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kenny Omega have been officially announced for the shows in Long Beach. An article on NJPW’s website noted that they were looking for ways to add some more seats.
  • Taeler Hendrix indicated that she’s left Ring of Honor on Twitter today. She wrote: “Want to thank @ringofhonor for all the opportunities given to me! I’m forever grateful. I wish you well, and I look forward to the future!”

UFC/MMA

Today in Professional Wrestling History (4/4): WWF WrestleMania IX

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