Daily Update: UFC 229 ticket sales, SummerSlam 2019, Bellator

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

e’re looking for reports on last night’s NXT show in Lowell, MA and tonight’s show in Atlantic City, as well as tomorrow’s ROH show in Doncaster and today’s Revolution Pro show in London to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

We’re also doing weekend polls on NXT Takeover and SummerSlam so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page

MLW ON BEIN SPORTS AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT

  • Low Ki vs. John Hennigan
  • Teddy Hart & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. ACH & Rich Swann

BELLATOR FROM SIOUX CITY, IA AT THE SANFORD PENTAGON ON PARAMOUNT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT

  • Tywan Claxton (145.8) vs. Cris Lencioni (148.4)
  • James Gallagher (135.4) vs. Ricky Bandejas (135.4)
  • Logan Storley (170.2) vs. A.J. Matthews (169)
  • Darrion Caldwell (145.2) vs. Noad Lahat (146)

CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT

  • Yago & Disturbio vs. Super Astro & Oro
  • Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Okumura vs. Esfinge & Rey Cometa & Blue Panther Jr.
  • Atlantis & Guerrero Maya & Kraneo vs. Gran Guerrero & Rey Bucanero & Euforia
  • Kazuchika Okada & Ultimo Guerrero & Negro Casas vs. Diamante Azul & Valiente & Mistico
  • Volador Jr. & Matt Taven & Caristico vs. Bestia Del Ring & Rush & Cavernario 

NXT TAKEOVER FROM THE BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN AT 7 P.M. EASTERN ON WWE NETWORK

  • Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa in a last man standing match for NXT title
  • Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong vs. Trent Seven & Tyler Bate for NXT tag titles
  • Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane for NXT womens’s title
  • Adam Cole vs. Ricochet for North American title
  • EC 3 vs. Velveteen Dream

ROH SATURDAY IN DONCASTER, ENGLAND ON FITE TV

  • Semifinals and finals of U.S. vs. U.K. tournament
  • Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Jody Fleisch & Jonny Storm
  • Young Bucks vs. Jay Lethal & ?
  • Punishment Martinez vs Delirious for TV title

WWE SUMMERSLAM FROM THE BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN AT 5:30 P.M. EASTERN ON WWE NETWORK

  • Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for Universal title
  • A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe for WWE title
  • Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins for IC title
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for Raw women’s title
  • Carmella vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for Smackdown women’s title
  • Bludgeon Brothers vs. New Day for Smackdown tag titles
  • Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
  • Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens for Money in the Bank briefcase
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy for U.S. title
  • Finn Balor vs Baron Corbin
  • Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak for cruiserweight title in preshow match
  • B Team vs. The Revival for Raw tag titles in preshow match
  • Rusev & Lana vs. Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega in preshow match

ROH SUNDAY IN LONDON ON FITE TV

  • Jay Lethal vs. U.S. vs. U.K,. tournament winner
  • Young Bucks vs. Jody Fleisch & Jonny Storm

Raw will be Monday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman will be there.

Smackdown and 205 Live take place Tuesday night, always from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn,.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: ROH and NJPW sell out Madison Square Garden

With All In still a few weeks away, the second non-WWE pro wrestling show in the United States to sell over 10,000 tickets since the death of WCW is already official. Tickets for Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden went on sale last week, with the April 6, 2019 event selling out in just a few days. Approximately 9,000 of the 15,000 tickets were sold after the first day of the HonorClub pre-sale, they were up over 12,000 after a second day of pre-sales, and they sold out shortly after being made available to the general public last Friday.

WON NEWSLETTER: (August 20, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Jim Neidhart, ROH/NJPW sell out MSG

We’ve got a ton of news and analysis on why the next nine months will be so interesting in pro wrestling in the new double-issue of the Observer.

Look at the ROH/NJPW Madison Square Garden sellout and its ramifications. Look at how tickets went, how many were bought by ticket brokers, and how this compares money wise to the biggest non-WWE shows in North America,

Take an extensive look at the life and career of Jim Neidhart. Look back at Neidhart before pro wrestling as a world class shot putter, how he got his start in pro wrestling, and who talked him into trying pro wrestling, his attempts to play in the NFL,

There is an extensive look at the final three days of the G-1 Climax tournament. 

Also look at SummerSlam and NXT Takeover, with a look at the two shows, ticket sales and why Takeover looks to be such a strong event.

Examine the Colt Cabana lawsuit against C.M. Punk, and who saw that one coming.

Updated Rey Mysterio Jr. and WWE notes, the future of Matt Hardy, first match official in the women’s evolution PPV, wrestlers who are learning the production side, details on a lot of new WWE injuries, and matches advertised for 1,000th Smackdown,

Also look at Jeff Jarrett’s lawsuit against Anthem Entertainment.

Take in-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos for the WWE shows and what can be learned from them.

Read the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

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.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

UFC 229, the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov show in Las Vegas with the high ticket prices, went on sale today to the public. As of an hour ago, there were still some $1505 and $2505 tickets left, but the rest of the tickets were sold out in under five minutes.

Although Sasha Banks said that SummerSlam weekend next year would be in Los Angeles in an interview this week, WWE has said that they have not announced the city, but it would not be Los Angeles.

A couple of weekend things were canceled for this weekend, including a three-hour cruise around Manhattan with live wrestling that was to take place yesterday and the Elias concert at the Gramercy Theater.

For those in the area, House of Glory at Club Amazura in Jamaica, NY has a live show featuring Amazing Red vs. Anthony Gangone in a no rope match, plus Low Ki vs. Sami Callihan, Austin Aries, and the former Enzo Amore will be there but not wrestling. Joey Janela also has a show tonight in Long Island City, NY at the Melrose Ballroom with Joey Janela vs. Hakushi, Teddy Hart vs. Chris Dickinson, PC vs. Matt Riddle and Meng vs. Nick Gage.

Dolph Ziggler performs at midnight tonight at Caroline’s in Manhattan doing a comedy show that will also include Tyler Breeze, Zack Ryder, Renee Young and Charly Caruso.

A number of people missed weight for tonight’s Bellator show although not in the top three matches. Willie Whitehead weighed 200.2 pounds in a 185 pound weight class fight, or at least what was supposed to be that, which is a pretty big miss. His prelim fight with Romero Cotton, who made weight at 185.4, is going on.

For those who want to bet on star ratings for the weekend, Kambi has released these as the over-under numbers to bet on (thanks to David Taylor)

SummerSlam:

  • Alexander vs. Gulak ***1/4
  • Lana & Rusev vs. Almas & Vega **
  • B-Team vs. Revival **
  • Strowman vs. Owens **3/4
  • Bryan vs. Miz ***3/4
  • Balor vs. Corbin **1/2
  • Ziggler vs. Rollins ***3/4
  • Bliss vs. Rousey **3/4
  • Bludgeon Brothers vs. New Day **3/4
  • Carmella vs Charlotte Flair vs. Lynch **1/2
  • Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy **1/2
  • Lesnar vs. Reigns ***1/4
  • Styles vs. Joe ****

Really something because a few month ago I can’t believe a Nakamura vs. Hardy match would be predicted so low. 

For TakeOver:

  • Gargano vs. Ciampa ****3/4
  • Ricochet vs. Cole ****1/2
  • Cole & O’Reilly vs. Bate & Seven ****1/4
  • Baszler vs. Sane ***
  • Dream vs. EC 3 ***3/4

WWE

  • The scheduled advertised lineup for Hell in a Cell on 9/16 in San Antonio is Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens, A.J. Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton and Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler. That doesn’t mean this won’t change and it probably will.
  • Big Show was announced as the new Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.
  • Here’s a story on WWE branding.
  • The company renewed its TV deal in Australia. Ch. 9GO! will air a one hour version of Raw and Smackdown on over the air television with Raw at 11:15 p.m. on Thursday and Smackdown at 11:15 p.m. on Friday.
  • Mile 22, which Ronda Rousey has a role in, debuts tonight at theaters.
  • Robert Flores on the MLB Channel when doing a voice over for Gerrit Cole of the Astros, said,”Gerrit Cole Baybay!!” (thanks to Tom Blattler)
  • Jon Robinson, author of the new Creating The Mania: An Inside Look at how WrestleMania Comes to Life,spoke with The Wrestling Estate about having WWE Superstars and executives speak out of character, learning about the creative process and how befriending The Rock and other Attitude Era stars led to his current gig.

UFC

  • Jimi Manuwa vs. Thiago Santos was announced as the main event for the 9/22 show in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Santos is replacing the injured Glover Teixeira.
  • Matt Frevola vs Lando Vanata has been added to the 11/3 show in Madison Square Garden.

OTHER

  • Tenille Dashwood said that she had to pull out of this weekend’s ROH U.K. show due to psoriasis, which she has battled since she was a teenager and aid this has been the worse case of her life, triggered when she was sick. She said there is no cure but it feels like burns and its tearing her skin all over her body and it’s almost undbearable. She said she worked with it but it escalated and she was recently hospitalized. 
  • Razer, a global lifestyle brand for gamers announced a deal with Kenny Omega. Omega will represent the brand as an ambassador at public events and campaigns.
  • Low Ki will defend the MLW title against Rey Fenix on the 9/6 show in Fort Lauderdale on a loaded up show that includes a War Games match.
  • Powerslam.TV has added the 8/3 Defy show, PCW Ultra Opposite Attacks and Fest Wrestling’s July show from Florida. Powerslam is a $5.99 per monthly streaming service that puts out a lot of independent content on video.
  • Pro Wrestling Revolver on 10/20 in Des Moines, IA at the Val Air Ballroom with PCO v. Walter plus Rich Swann, Jake & Dave Crist, Sami Callihan, Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, Shane Strickland and Ace Romero.
  • River City Wrestling on 9/8 in Selma, TX at the Retama Park Horse Track featuring Marshall & Ross Von Erich, Scott Steiner, Abyss vs. Fallah Bahh,Rebel vs Barbi Hayden and Hernandez.
  • Impact vs. NGW on Twitch Sunday at 4 p.m. with Sami Callihan vs. Matt Cross, Rich Swann & Matt Sydal vs. AR Fox & Menace, Moose vs Hoodrich, Eli Drake vs. Joey Ryan, Myron Reed vs. Trevor Lee, Su Yung vs. Nicole Pain and more.
  • Matt Riviera vs. Jeff Cobb headlines the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex in Dyresburg, TN tomorrow night.
  • AAW has sold out both of its shows over All In weekend in Chicago. They have a show on 9/8 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with ACH vs. Eddie Kingston for the AAW title and Joey Ryan vs. Bucky Collins, plus Jimmy Jacobs, DJZ, Jessicka Havok, Sami Callihan, Brody King, Myron Reed, Trevor Lee, Bandido, Flamita, MJF, Jimmy Jacobs, Jeff Cobb and Ace Romero.
  • For old Roller Derby fans, Loretta “Little Iodine” Behrens passed way yesterday morning. She was a star in the 50s, actually one of the top women stars and pretty well known at the time. I didn’t know her as she was long before my time, but she wrote me a very nice letter years ago on my story on Ann Calvello. The two were famous rivals but she said they made up, even though in real life in the 50s, it was a big Derby story that Calvello stole Charlie O’Connell (the biggest star ever) away from her when they were a couple. 
  • Impact and XCite Wrestling are doing a One Night Only taping on 8/25 in Binghamton, NY at American Legion Post 80 called The Night of the Dummies, headlined by Eddie Edwards vs. Eli Drake.
  • There is some talk in Tennessee regarding adding to the ballot a measure where they would vote on building a new stadium for a Major League Soccer team. The stadium site would be the site of the Fairgrounds in Nashville, which, if it goes on the ballot and passes, would mean the end of the legendary wrestling arena. (thanks to Isaac Weeks)
  • Defy Wrestling returns to Seattle on 9/8 with Tommy Dreamer, Chelsea Green, Jeff Cobb and Brody King plus the finals of the tag team tournament for the titles with Artemis Spencer & Billy Suede vs. Mike Santiago & Ethan HD.
  • Pro Wrestling Phoenix tomorrow night in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge featuring a 20 man Rumble. 
  • Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 8/25 in Glen Carbon, IL at the Sports Academy.
  • Championship Wrestling League out of Detroit announced that Big Cass is signing a full-time contract with them. Well, that’s what they are saying. He debuts on 9/29 at the Brighton Legacy Center in Brighton, MI and claims he will give his first public comments on his release. The CWL has TV on WADL in Detroit and the show also features MVP, Zach Gowen and Brian Pillman Jr., plus announcer Matt Striker.
  • Reader Lee Daly has released a book called “Before A Fall: A History of the Pride Fighting Championships.” It features interviews with Bas Rutten, Frank Shamrock Stephen Quadros, Dan Severn, Erik Paulson and Frank Trigg.
  • All Pro Wrestling tonight in Daly City, CA with Jeff Cobb vs. Jacob Fatu for the Universal titles, Reno Scum vs. Penta 0M & Rey Fenix for the tag titles, JR Kratos vs. Rich Swann for the Internet title, Karl Fredericks vs, Styker Ngongoseke in a loser leaves town match, Joey Ryan & Shotzi Blackheart & Xia Brookside vs James Ellsworth & Brittany Wonder & Samara and Dave Dutra & Matt Carlos vs. Levi Shapiro & Buddy Royal. The card will be at the Pacelli Event Center which is around the corner from the Cow Palace.
  • SoCal Pro on 9/15 in Vista, CA at the Boys & Girls Club with Penta 0M vs,. Ultimo Dragon, managed by Sonny Onoo.
  • A story on James Ellsworth coming to the Stockton Comic Con.
  • A story on pro wrestling returning to the Watermelon Festival in Hope, AR the first time since Mid South Wrestling.
  • A story on Ross & Marshall Von Erich coming to San Antonio.

Daily Professional Wrestling History: Brock Lesnar wins WWE title at SummerSlam 2014

12th Annual F4W Empire Vegas Convention

Greetings friends and fans of the F4W / Wrestling Observer website. The 12th annual F4W / Wrestling Observer Empire Las Vegas Convention~! is just around the corner.

This year’s event will be taking place in Las Vegas from August 16th to the 20th and will again be in conjunction with WWE’s SummerSlam weekend a.k.a. Super China Buffet Day~! There will still be the usual events, but our big draw will be WWE’s summer blockbuster PPV, SummerSlam. As per tradition, we will all gorge ourselves at a Las Vegas buffet, and then watch SummerSlam in a rented out movie theater. All information and ticketing prices are available now. Sign up ASAP as spots are limited for some events. 

This year will also feature a Future Stars Wrestling show which will include the first ever Granny’s Doubles Match Classic! Already booked for the show are the teams Mia Yim & Leva Bates, Shotzi Blackheart & Sage Sin, Samantha Heights & Brittany Blake, and Miranda Alize & Kylie Rae. Also just booked for the show is a tag team Grappling Battel~! featuring Bryan Alvarez & ??? vs. The Beach Bums (PeachMachine & Mikey G), You won’t want to miss this show! Check out the convention’s Facebook page for all additional information.

CONTACT INFORMATION