Daily Update: TLC, Zelina Vega, UFC/MMA notes

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Crown Jewel

WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia ended up being almost as much of a mess as most expected it to be. A tag team main event with the combined age of 206, two of the promotion’s biggest stars pulling out of the show, Hulk Hogan returning to WWE television without the company really promoting it in advance, Brock Lesnar once again becoming Universal Champion, and Shane McMahon winning the World Cup tournament were the most notable moments from a show that is on the list of the most controversial events in WWE history.

WON NEWSLETTER: October 29, 2018 Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns diagnosed with leukemia

Look behind-the-scenes at the decisions regarding Crown Jewel as the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Find out about the decision making process, how the last week went down, why the show almost didn’t happen, negative media reaction, why WWE can survive negativity more now than in the past, what happened with John Cena, Daniel Bryan and Hulk Hogan, and different plans thrown out for Bryan vs. A.J. Styles and why they didn’t happen.

Read full coverage of WWE Evolution with notes on the business, notes on mainstream interest, match-by-match coverage with star ratings as well as poll results from the show.

Go in-depth on WWE business. Look at where the declines took place that led to the stock falling, and what is and isn’t significant about them. Look at the network numbers and compare the post-WrestleMania drop with last year.

Look at the house show business, including Vince McMahon’s comments on the decline, as well as a breakdown on the merchandise business, NXT ticket sales and full 2018 attendance numbers for the main brands and for NXT.

Also look at WrestleMania tickets, WWE content production, a Roman Reigns story, more on Reigns’ diagnosis, the WWE/Evolve relationship, changes to Evolve through usage of WWE talent, plans for the next Takeover show, injury updates.

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.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The SAP Center in San Jose, California is now advertising Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin for TLC. Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre had originally been listed. Seth Rollins defending the Intercontinental title against Dean Ambrose and Ronda Rousey defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Nia Jax are also advertised, though whether these matches will happen remains to be seen. The pay-per-view is taking place in San Jose on December 16.
  • Zelina Vega wasn’t with Andrade “Cien” Almas on SmackDown last night and didn’t make the trip for WWE’s European tour. PWInsider reported that the reason for Vega being held off the tour was that there was some concern that she may have suffered a concussion at Evolution. PWinsider noted that her not going on the tour was a preventative measure and those who saw her at the Performance Center today said she didn’t look to be having any issues. Vega took a scary bump to the outside when she was eliminated from the battle royal at Evolution, with Nia Jax throwing her at Tamina.
  • WWE stock closed at $75.28 per share today, which is up over three percent on the day.
  • At Web Summit in Lisbon, Stephanie McMahon spoke about her ambitious goals for WWE: “10-20-30 years from now, there’s no reason we can’t be as big [as] or bigger than Disney. Now that’s a tall order, especially given recent transactions. However, there’s no reason why we can’t get there. You have to dream big, have big, bold goals, and go after them.”
  • Michael Hayes tweeted about the passing of Jose Lothario: “So sorry to hear about the passing of Jose Lothario. What a Legend, especially in Texas. I am proud to say I stole my left from Jose…after eating quite a few of them. Love and condolences to Pete and the family, friends and fans.”
  • Today marks one year since AJ Styles defeated Jinder Mahal on SmackDown in Manchester, England and began his current WWE Championship reign.
  • Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins posted a picture with Alex Wright backstage at today’s WWE house show in Cologne, Germany.
  • Brightly uploaded video of John Cena reading his children’s book. The book is titled “Elbow Grease.”

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Harley Race wins NWA title from Giant Baba

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