Daily Update: UFC Fight Week press, Steph talks Lesnar, WWE Cruiserweights

  • F4W Staff
  • By 

UFC 200/International Fight Week press is in full swing.Here’s the full audio of one of the media calls featuring lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, challenger Eddie Alvarez, and interim featherweight title contenders Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo.

Also part of International Fight Week is the unlikely tag team of UFC and Hank Hill. The character from the King of the Hill animated series is plugging UFC 200 in ads during the Adult Swim programming block on Cartoon Network. The ads are specific to the Adult Swim brand and are reportedly the brainchild of Dana White. In one commercial, Hank drinks beer and argues with another character about who is winning the Jones vs. Cormier fight. More animated ads will air later this year on Cartoon Network to promote other UFC cards.

There will be a tour of Japan and Hawaii that starts tonight in Honolulu (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho).

THE ROUNDUP

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

Figure Four Weekly

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – For now, the WWE concussion lawsuit continues to center around the matter of whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be deposed by the plaintiffs, with WWE sides arguing back against yet again in court filings this past week and Nowinski’s lawyer joining in.That said, the most newsworthy part of the story comes from a literal footnote in WWE’s pleading, which refers to an affidavit attached to the filing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

Plus there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

Inside this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $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 get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stephanie McMahon was asked about Brock Lesnar fighting at UFC 200 and gave interesting insight into the WWE’s thought process. McMahon describes the fight as something they don’t necessarily support, but outlines why she feels the WWE and UFC are not in competition with each other.
  • As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio, everyone in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic had to actually make weight for the tournament. WWE posted the video last night. Also, in case you missed the opening ceremonies, that’s on YouTube as well and has well over 700,000 views already.
  • The Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch has a short article on Cesaro’s path to the WWE and what it takes to make it in professional wrestling in advance of Sunday’s WWE house show in the area.

PRO WRESTLING

  • Dave Bautista joined former WWE writer Alex Greenfield for a particularly noteworthy conversation on Wednesday’s MLW Radio Writers Room podcast. Bautista talks candidly about the creative dissatisfaction he had with his 2014 WWE run, his thoughts on modern WWE crowds and leaving the company originally in part because of acting opportunities being given to John Cena that weren’t afforded to him.
  • Ring Rust Radio had former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway on the show this week.
  • Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced Dalton Castle, Pete Dunne, Sami Callihan, Tommy End, Trevor Lee, Adam Cole, John Hennigan (Lucha Underground’s Johnny Mundo and the former John Morrison) and Jack Gallagher as the next entrants in their 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament.
  • Evolve will hold WWE Cruiserweight Classic Spotlight Matches at their events this summer. Announced matches are: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins at Evolve 64 on July 16th in Queens, NY. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 65 on July 17th in Melrose, MA. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese and TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 66 on August 19th in Joppa, MD. And Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 67 on August 20th in Brooklyn, NY.
  • UPROXX mashes up NBA players with their pro wrestling counterparts.
  • WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff did an interview with Great North Wrestling’s The Hannibal TV talking about Russian characters in wrestling, Brock Lesnar’s return to MMA at UFC 200 and modern wrestling.

UFC & MMA

  • Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Weichel has been added to Bellator 159, set for Friday, July 22nd in Mulvane, KS.
  • One of WSOF’s top prospects returns to action as Phil Hawes (4-0) faces veteran Louis Taylor (12-3) in a middleweight fight on their Everett, WA, show on July 30th. We’re still awaiting word if that will be in conjunction with Bryan Alvarez Appreciation Night.

Miscellaneous

  • Today, Headlock for Hunger presents Jim Ross and Jimmy Garvin. They will be at Ingles store 7, on Tunnel 29 road in Asheville, North Carolina, from 4:30-7:00. This is a food drive.
  • Ian Hamilton has a review of the WhatCulture “Loaded” debut YouTube show on BackBodyDrop.com.
  • Here’s more on the University of Minnesota drug scandal. According to the article, coach J Robinson told police investigators in April that he had “fully taken care of” his team’s drug problem and refused to turn over the names of student-athletes involved.
  • Results: Paragon Pro Wrestling on Fight Network June 26 – PPW champion Alex Chamberlain defeated Lemon Drop, Scotty O’Shea and Kid Quick defeated Royce Isaacs and Hubby Cub, Gangrel defeated Beast the Butcher, PPW tag team champions Wes Brisco and Jesse Sorenson retained the titles defeating former champions Caleb Konley and Drew Donovan.
  • Nigel McGuinness has a new podcast up on iTunes. It’s not really wrestling oriented but if you’re interested, it is called “My Unconventional Life”.

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

  • July 1- PWEclipse – Presents a free event for Canada day at Lakeview Park, Oshawa.
  • July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
  • July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
  • July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
  • July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
  • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com
  • July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
  • July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Pate, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
  • July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
  • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
  • July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
  • July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
  • July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
  • July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
  • July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
  • July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
  • July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario        
  • July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
  • July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano. Here’s what you missed.  
  • July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
  • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
  • July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
  • July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
  • July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC