Daily Update: UK division on 205 Live next week, Vader, Matt Cross

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping Backlash 2018

At best, Backlash 2018 was going to be a largely meaningless show that was overshadowed by more important events on the WWE calendar. Surrounded by WrestleMania 34 and the fallout from the company’s biggest event of the year, the Superstar Shakeup, and the Greatest Royal Rumble, Backlash should have been an afterthought. Instead, it will be remembered as one of the worst WWE shows of at least the last few years.

WON NEWSLETTER: May 8, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fallout from the Greatest Royal Rumble

A look at the Greatest Royal Rumble, both the financial and ethical aspects and answering a lot of questions about the show is the lead story in the new double-issue of the Observer.

Look at the different controversies, from why the show is completely different from anything in pro wrestling history, to the questions regarding the women and Sami Zayn, attempts at defending the situation. Review the show itself, with a complete rundown of the Rumble, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, records set for the Rumble, the Lesnar vs. Reigns finish, and Lesnar going forward.

Look at first day ticket sales for New Japan’s show at the Cow Palace, why it’s difficult for New Japan to promote matches when they put tickets on sale, the Okada vs. Tanahashi feud, Chris Jericho in New Japan, talk of running more Dome shows in the upcoming years, as well as full coverage of the Hi No Kuni show in Kumamoto with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

This issue features Glenn Jacobs and his mayor campaign, including his chances of winning the overall election, details of how he won the election and the campaign itself, and wrestlers who came in to support him.

Have a look at the life and career of Universo 2000, the longest reigning world heavyweight champion in pro wrestling of the modern era, who passed away on Wednesday.

There is a story looking back at the birth of UFC with the announcement of Art Davie into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Coverage of the birth of the new PFL, the $1 million tournaments and prize packages, the two-time gold medalist that is starting with the group, and a lot of former UFC names that have entered in the different weight classes.

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

  • With next week’s Raw and SmackDown tapings taking place in London, wrestlers from WWE’s United Kingdom division will be appearing on Tuesday’s episode of 205 Live.
  • NXT is taping television at Full Sail University tonight and we’ll have a full report up on the site later. There will be more tapings tomorrow as NXT builds to TakeOver: Chicago.
  • Lio Rush will challenge for Adam Cole’s North American Championship at tomorrow’s tapings after defeating Marcel Barthel tonight.
  • WWE’s European tour kicked off in Bournemouth, England today with a Raw house show. Seth Rollins retained his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, and Elias in a fatal four-way main event. Alexa Bliss worked the show despite the shoulder injury that WWE said she suffered at Backlash. Nia Jax retained her title in a triple threat match against Bayley and Bliss. Roman Reigns also defeated Samoa Joe, Sasha Banks, Natalya & Ember Moon defeated The Riott Squad, Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler defeated Titus Worldwide, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, No Way Jose, Breezango & The Ascension defeated Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, The Authors of Pain & Curt Hawkins, Mark Andrews defeated James Drake, and Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt retained their Raw Tag Team titles against The Revival.
  • Xavier Woods wrote that he has one hole and two partial holes in his tongue due to an uppercut Cesaro gave him on last night’s SmackDown.
  • In addition to Chris Jericho revealing that he was the backup plan if Shane McMahon couldn’t compete at WrestleMania 34, Daniel Bryan discussed his return to the ring and the plans he had to feud with the Bullet Club if WWE didn’t clear him on today’s episode of Talk is Jericho.
  • The Miz continued his feud with Bryan on social media by mocking him after he lost to Rusev on SmackDown.
  • The New York Post ran a column on Backlash and the reaction Roman Reigns received.
  • Tommaso Ciampa blocked the WWE Network’s Twitter account for wishing him a happy birthday yesterday.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Daily Professional Wrestling History: Jerry Lawler wins AWA World title

CONTACT INFORMATION