Daily Update: WrestleMania changes, Conor McGregor, Nikki Bella

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: #KofiMania

A combination of timing, fan support, and strong performances have come together to make Kofi Kingston the unlikely star of WrestleMania season.

It was only a few weeks ago where this seemed completely implausible. Kingston wasn’t even originally supposed to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. He was on the outside looking in, with Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Mustafa Ali, and Jeff Hardy set to take part in the match.

WON NEWSLETTER: March 25, 2019 Observer Newsletter: UFC PPVs to ESPN+, Wrestlemania 35 preview

A look at the details and ramifications of the new UFC PPV deal with ESPN+ is the lead story in the new double issue of the Observer. Look at the winners and loses of the deal, the economics of the deal, how it affects fans, what fans are going to be left behind, the role of Dana White, and the negotiations that led to UFC looking outside of TV for PPV.

This issue has a complete rundown of the WrestleMania card as it stands, as well as notes on matches not yet announced. Also look at the secondary market for the big shows over Mania weekend, as well as All In. 

Also look at the details of WWE’s planned move, update on Gallows & Anderson, Dana Warrior, a planned WWE match that fell through, why WWE stock is up, Sue Aitchison in the Hall of Fame, update on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Matt Hardy future, and several new WWE signings.

Read a major feature on the career of The Destroyer. Look at Dick Beyer’s transition from Syracuse line coach to The Destroyer, who came up with the gimmick, how it transpired, and the role of Fred Blassie and Jules Strongbow in the story.

Read full coverage of ROH’s 17th anniversary show, the ROH/NJPW Madison Square Garden show, and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Also look at the suspension of T.J. Dillashaw and his vacating the UFC welterweight title, update the New Japan Cup, cover AAA Rey de Reyes and CMLL El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas.

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@wrestlingobserver.com or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by  mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA  95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier

WWE

  • Per Dave Meltzer, tonight’s SmackDown show is expected to feature changes to the WrestleMania card, including the main event. The three-way aspect of the main event is not changing.
  • SmackDown tonight will be at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The highlight will be Kurt Angle facing AJ Styles in what is being billed as Angle’s final match on SmackDown.
  • 205 Live has a six-man tag team match, with the Lucha House Party taking on Drew Gulak, Jack Gallagher and Humberto Carrillo.
  • Despite her saying she’s retired on Total Bellas, TMZ reported that Nikki Bella is “definitely open to returning to the ring” and making cameos in the future if the timing is right.
  • Ronda Rousey, Charlotte and Becky Lynch appeared on SportsCenter this morning to talk about their main event match at WrestleMania. Roman Reigns was also on this morning’s episode of First Take and discussed his leukemia being in remission.
  • Rousey thanked Joan Jett after it was announced that Jett will perform “Bad Reputation” during her entrance at WrestleMania 35.
  • After advertising inadvertently confirmed Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for WrestleMania, Kingston offered a storyline explanation by tweeting “Last week the gauntlet match was also advertised to kick off the show. It did not. Vince has been messing with us for a while now. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was just more of the same.”
  • Mustafa Ali responded to his in-ring name being shortened to Ali: “Mustafa means the ‘chosen one’ with an emphasis on being chosen from amongst the people. Name or not, nothing has changed. I fight for the people. I am one of them.”
  • Susan Levinson has been named senior vice president and head of WWE Studios.
  • Bray Wyatt has resurfaced with a new look.
  • Matt Hardy vs. Rey Mysterio from WrestleMania XIX has been uploaded in full on WWE’s YouTube page.

Pro Wrestling

  • Joey Ryan commented on becoming a free agent, writing on Twitter: “It’s Official. I am now a free agent. Free from any contracts. Free from any bosses. Free from any restrictions. The last few years of my career haven’t been without highlights (being featured in many major media outlets, becoming a top seller on Pro Wrestling Tees, shocking the world at All In, Main Eventing the Cow Palace, a role on GLOW, the growth of Bar Wrestling) but now it honestly feels like I have a new lease on my direction and where I’m going in pro wrestling. Most of my accomplishments have been fan driven due to the overwhelming support I have received so I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the fans who have accompanied me on this journey so far and hope you will continue on the adventure.”
  • Kenny Omega appeared on TSN to promote his “Omega Man: A Wrestling Love Story” documentary on the station. Omega also did an interview with John Pollock of Post Wrestling.
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. David Starr and Rocky Romero vs. Ryusuke Taguchi have been added to Revolution Pro Wrestling’s show in New York City on Friday, April 5.
  • LA Park vs. Jimmy Havoc is set for MLW’s event at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York on April 5.
  • Jonathan Gresham will face Masashi Takeda at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport in Jersey City, New Jersey on Thursday, April 4.
  • Impact World Champion Johnny Impact says that he is refusing to compete on Team Impact at United We Stand in Rahway, New Jersey on April 4. Instead, he will compete in the Ultimate X match. A future X Division title shot is on the line during the match.

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Final Monday Nitro

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Event:

  • Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!

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