Daily Update: Survivor Series odds, McIntyre, Kazarian

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

We’re looking for your thoughts on NXT Takeover and Survivor Series, so you can leave a thumbs up, down or middle, along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s ROH show in Oklahoma City and ICW Fear and Loathing in Glasgow, Scotland to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

WWE SURVIVOR SERIES AT 6 P.M. EASTERN SUNDAY NIGHT FROM THE TOYOTA CENTER IN HOUSTON

  • Raw vs. Smackdown elimination match: HHH & Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman & Samoa Joe & Finn Balor vs. Shane McMahon & John Cena & Shinsuke Nakamura & Bobby Roode & Randy Orton — On paper, this looks to be a great match, plus you have to think they won’t want to be overshadowed by the War Games match last night. One would think one or more angles will come out of this. It’s also notable to see how the key talent here, notably HHH, Angle, Strowman, Cena, Nakamura and Orton either get or don’t get protected on finishes. There’s been the tease that if Raw loses, that Stephanie would fire Angle, although I don’t think that would happen. We should note that the latest odds (and they change throughout the day) were Smackdown as -145 favorites. But I don’t see Angle being fired. The crowd reactions are also going to be interesting since Strowman just turned, but HHH, Angle & Shane are special attractions and Cena has been gone a few months, plus Nakamura & Roode & Orton & Balor are all generally very popular.
  • Brock Lesnar vs. A.J. Styles non-title — As Paul Heyman noted, this is the first and may be the only time this match takes place. Because of that, the expectations are high here. Lesnar is a -750 favorite. With Jinder Mahal not on the show, I can see him costing Styles the match as a possible story here. 
  • The Miz vs. Baron Corbin non-title — The Miz is a -210 favorite. I think the crowd will be with Miz here, but we’ll see.
  • Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss non-title — Flair is a -350 favorite. That sounds long for a match that could really go either way.   
  • Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Usos non-title — The Usos are -330 favorites. In theory the Usos should be babyfaces but it’ll be interesting how that breaks down.  
  • New Day vs. The Shield — The Shield are -4500 favorites. Yes, you read that right. So the belief is that nobody can see them losing.  
  • Raw vs. Smackdown elimination match: Bayley & Sasha Banks & Alicia Fox & Nia Jax & Asuka vs. Becky Lynch & Naomi & Carmella & Tamina & Natalya — The Raw women are strong favorites at -560. One would think Raw would win only because it makes no sense to beat Asuka this early.
  • Enzo Amore vs. Kalisto (pre-show match) — Enzo is a -380 favorite to retain the title.
  • Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Breezango (pre-show match)
  • Matt Hardy vs. Elias (pre-show match)

        On paper, all the changes in the show have made it far better than it was originally. One would expect the Lesnar vs. Styles, Raw vs. Smackdown men’s match, New Day vs. Shield and probably the battle of tag champs to all be great matches, so going in it looks to be better than most WWE PPV shows. With a two-hour pregame show, one would think there’s a good chance for an added match. 

NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE MONDAY FROM TOKOROZAWA ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (will air on delay)

  • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens

Raw will be Monday night from the Toyota Center in Houston.

NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE TUESDAY FROM YAMANASHI ON NEW JAPAN WORLD (will air on delay)

  • David Finlay & Katsuya Kitamura vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
  • Togi Makabe & Henare vs. War Machine

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY:Figure Four Weekly 11/13/2017: AJ Styles becomes a two-time WWE Champion

Adding another accomplishment to his already phenomenal career, AJ Styles became a two-time WWE Champion at last week’s SmackDown tapings in Manchester, England. Styles defeated Jinder Mahal to win the title, putting an abrupt end to a reign that seemed destined to go longer. The switch came less than two weeks before Mahal’s planned non-title champion vs. champion match against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series

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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: October 30, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Yokozuna, Bret Hart leaves WCW, more

Rodney Anoia, who was the heaviest superstar in the history of pro wrestling and a two-time WWF champion under the name Yokozuna, passed away suddenly on 10/23 in a Liverpool, England hotel room a few weeks after his 34th birthday. Anoia was the most successful of the huge Samoan clan of wrestlers started by Afa & Sika Anoia, his uncles, when they began wrestling in the early 1970s. He was one of the biggest stars in the business around the world during his WWF run, which lasted from late 1992 through 1996.

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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Survivor Series as well as taking e-mail questions for the show on pro wrestling and MMA tomailbag@wrestlingobserver.com. We have a show up covering NXT Takeover.

If you didn’t see NXT Takeover, the show got great reviews. Also, if you have UFC DVR’d the Damien Brown vs. Frank Camacho fight, which was the first fight of the prelims, was amazingly good.

Volkan Oezdemir, who was expected to face Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title, was arrested last night in Fort Lauderdale, FL on charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. He was held on $10,000 bond. There are no other details available on this.

We don’t have any update on Drew McIntyre other than things temporarily aren’t looking good. It is not certain it’s a left biceps tear, but until the MRI is done, that is the belief. The injury was officially from the DDT spot, as the timing was off.  

Frankie Kazarian is at home and still in some pain after a neck injury from an Indy taker on Friday night’s ROH show in San Antonio. At this point the nature of the injury is still to be determined.

The much talked about Netflix documentary, “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond,” which came out a few days ago, has gotten a lot of good reviews, about Jim Carrey turning into Andy Kaufman who Carrey played in the 1999 movie “Man on the Moon,” has a lot of good footage behind the scenes of Jerry Lawler.

WWE

  • Because the next NXT tapings aren’t until 11/29, for air date 12/6, the 11/22 show was taped last night in Houston with Ruby Riot over Sonya Deville and Pete Dunne over Johnny Gargano for the U.K. title and the rest will be filled with footage from last night. The matches for 11/29 were taped at the San Antonio show Friday night although we’re not sure what was taped. Most likely the Drew McIntyre vs. Adam Cole match with Shawn Michaels as referee wasn’t taped.
  • A number of NXT stars have been added for WWE 2K18 NXT Generation pack that includes Drew McIntyre, Aleister Black, Lars Sullivan and Ruby Riot.
  • Not only are the Los Angeles Rams using the name Ric Flair in calling audibles at the line of scrimmage, but they are also using the term Dusty Rhodes.
  • Daddy’s Home, which John Cena is in, was No. 4 at the box office so far this weekend and the estimates are it’ll do about $14.8 million in its second weekend out.
  • The Tulsa World has a story on Jim Ross.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Insane Championship Wrestling has its biggest show of the year today in Glasgow at the Hydro with Joe Coffey vs. BT Gunn plus what is billed as the first women’s three-way cage match with Kay Lee Ray vs. Viper vs. Kasey, plus Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Kenny Williams, Lionheart vs. Zack Gibson vs. Rob Van Dam and Kevin Nash appearing.
  • House of Hardcore from yesterday at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia: Bull James b Hot Young Briley (Dolph Ziggler’s brother), MVP b Lance Anoa’i, Ace Romero b Vik Dalishus, Nick Aldis b Billy Gunn, Matt Cross b Petey Williams (Eddie Kingston attacked both after), Little Guido & Super Crazy b Spirit Squad, Willie Mack won three-way over Matt Riddle and Luchasaurus, Austin Aries b Alex Reynolds (Aries said to be the best guy on the show), Joey Mercury b Tommy Dreamer in a first blood match. Lots of interference here. Mercury bled first but Aldis ran in with water and a towel to wash the blood off before the ref saw it. Shane Douglas then gave Dreamer a belly-to-belly suplex. Mercury posted him and used a cheese grater to the head for him to bleed. There was a heel authority figure, not sure of the name but Matthew Rolist may be close, who claimed he was the Federal Regulation Official for Sports Entertainment and announced the main event was a first blood match. (thanks to Jake Koch).
  • This wasn’t on the Twitch show, but there was a segment the NWA did with Tim Storm, Dreamer and Aldis. Storm was there and Dreamer put over the NWA title and Aldis said Storm owes him a rematch.
  • Insane Championship Wrestling from last night in Glasgow: Kenny Williams b El Ligero, Viper & Kasey NC Katie Forbes & Kay Lee Ray, Stevie Boy & Lewis Girvan & Aspen Faith b Jack Jester & Sha Samuels & Jody Fleisch, DCT won Battle Royal, Daniel Atterhagen b Dickie Divers, Ravie Davie b Bram, Lou King Sharp & Krieger b Krobar & Stevie James, Iestyn Rees b Aaron Echo, Rob Van Dam & Lionheart & BT Gunn & Chris Renfrew b Joe Coffey & Bram & Zack Gibson & Mikey Whiplash.
  • On the NFL Network’s NFL Gameday Morning, the New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola visited Mexico this summer to prepare for their game there today, even though Edelman is now out for the season. They went to the AAA gym and did some stuff in the ring wearing masks. (thanks to Brian Henke)
  • There is a seminar for women wrestlers on 12/1 in Los Angeles with Bull Nakano, Madusa and Cheerleader Melissa. For more info you can email kevin@wrestlingpipeline.com.
  • Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 11/25 in St. Louis at Concordia Turners Gym.
  • Lucha Xtreme TV results from Fresno yesterday: Ayoka b Christopher Donald, Robbie Phoenix won three-way over Vilago and Chazz Herrera, Sgt. Majors b Calder McCall, Azul won 10 man Rumble. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
  • Best in the West on 12/16 in Fresno at Fresno City College featuring Eli Drake with a 6 p.m. start time.
  • United Wrestling Coalition is doing its annual Toys for Tots show on 12/2 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall. Admission is free if you donate a new, unwrapped toy with a suggested minimum value of $10 or a $10 Walmart gift card for Houston flood victims at the door. Toys are distributed within Burlington county. They are also encouraging fans to bring small stockings with small items a card for Houston children impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
  • Kenny Omega appeared at the Dragoborne (a collectible card game) North American championshiops yesterday at the Anaheim Convention Center. The connection is Dragoborne is a Bushiroad game. He is also there today.
  • Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in Swansea, IL before 375 fans: Toll b Jimmy D, Moondog Rover b Purple Passion,Clint Poe won three-way over Ax and David Vaughn, Curtis Wylde & Tony Flood b Gary Jackson & Sean Vincent, Big Texan b Bobby D in a no rules match,Chris Hargas & Superstar Steve Fender d Flash Flanagan & Heath Hatton, Ken Kasa b Mark Houston-DQ, Bobby D won Battle Royal. (thanks to Larry Matysik) 
  • Members of the Bullet Club talk best finishing moves.

Today in Professional Wrestling History: Bret Hart wins WWF title at Survivor Series 1995

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