Daily Update: WWE notes, Ian ‘Doc’ Dean passes away, Conor-Khabib

By Joseph Currier
Published: 14 Aug 2018, 16:50

THE ROUND-UP

THE LATEST NEWS

THE LATEST AUDIO

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Matt Riddle’s future starts to become clear

It may have been a bit delayed, but Matt Riddle signing with WWE seems all but inevitable at this point. Riddle dropping the EVOLVE Championship to Shane Strickland at EVOLVE 108 this past weekend is only the latest indication of that. When Riddle pulled out of OTT’s SummerSlam weekend shows in Ireland, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE had reconsidered its position on Riddle.

WON NEWSLETTER: (August 13, 2018)Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov to set records

A detailed rundown of WWE business is in the new issue of the Observer. Look at the company value; the WrestleMania quarter revenue, why profits are surprisingly low and why that really doesn’t matter right now, executive bonuses, profits for the first six months of the year, what is known about the WWE Network and actual WrestleMania ticket sales.

A look at the story behind the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight and PPV prospects is the other lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Look at how McGregor showed that if you can draw giant money you can get away with almost anything.

Also look at what the big advance ticket sale for ROH in Madison Square Garden shows. Look at what should have been expected, the ticket broker market for the show, how many tickets were sold first day, the last time MSG sold out for wrestling, the largest U.S. non-WWE gate in history, and the big picture on the show.

Read about Glenn Jacobs winning the mayoral race in Knox County, TN, other pro wrestlers who have won public office election, and the Jacobs campaign.

Also look in detail on the All In show with the lineup, ways to watch, how the WGN deal came about and more.

Read more thoughts on the WWE television situation in 2019 including the idea of NXT moving to television, what is and isn’t planned about that and how to make it work, as well as a flaws in doing so.

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.

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

Natalya thanked everyone for all the support they’ve shown her family and wrote that her father would be blown away that everyone thought so much of him. Natalya asked that, in lieu of flowers, people donate to The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.
A tribute video for Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart aired on Raw last night.
Sin Cara posted on his Instagram Stories that he’s at a doctor’s office in Birmingham, Alabama today, indicating that he’s injured and visiting the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center.
Tye Dillinger didn’t wrestle at last night’s SmackDown house show in Columbia, South Carolina after suffering an apparent injury during a match against Shelton Benjamin on Sunday. Benjamin defeated Aiden English last night.
Michael Cole commented on Renee Young’s performance on commentary for last night’s Raw: “Words can not express how proud I am of @ReneeYoungWWE. What she accomplished last night is no easy feat. That chair is a tough one to sit in. She brought poise, professionalism, a refreshing view. Renee and @WWEGraves were a great team. Thanks for helping me feel young again”
WWE uploaded a post-show video where Young reflected on her performance and said she felt really good about it. She was asked about Vince McMahon being in her ear during the episode and said that Vince only spoke to her once. She said Vince told her to slow down on a couple of spots.
Ronda Rousey was startled when a bat was flying around ringside during Ember Moon and Alexa Bliss’ match on Raw.
Dana White tweeted video of Roman Reigns’ promo from last night where Reigns said he was going to win the Universal Championship and send Brock Lesnar so far back into the UFC that he was going to “find his head stuck in Dana White’s ass.” White wrote “LOL” in the tweet.
In what was Dean Ambrose’s first match in almost eight months, Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman & Finn Balor defeated Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin in a dark match last night. Heath Slater & Rhyno defeated The Ascension and No Way Jose defeated Curt Hawkins on the Main Event tapings.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander vs. Jack Gallagher in a non-title match and Lio Rush vs. Akira Tozawa are set for 205 Live tonight. Alexander’s title defense against Drew Gulak will be on Sunday’s SummerSlam pre-show.
Ariya Daivari posted another video hyping that he’ll be returning to 205 Live soon.
Ricochet, who hasn’t wrestled since the end of June, told TV Insider that he feels good and has been training hard all week ahead of challenging for Adam Cole’s NXT North American Championship at TakeOver: Brooklyn on Saturday.
Lance Storm is guest coaching at the WWE Performance Center this week.
Today is Kofi Kingston’s 37th birthday. Johnny Gargano also turned 31 today, Bob Backlund turned 69, and Bobby Eaton turned 60. Eaton’s profile is today’s featured article on Wikipedia.
WWE released the opening video for SummerSlam, which features actor Terry Crews introducing the PPV.
WWE also posted their full list of SummerSlam-related events in New York City.
Deonna Purrazzo, who was in the Mae Young Classic but has yet to make her NXT in-ring debut, tweeted that she’ll be on Thursday’s road tour house show in Lowell, Massachusetts and Friday’s show in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Scott Dawson made his pro wrestling debut 14 years ago yesterday. He wrestled in the same city that he debuted in (Greensboro) on Raw last night.
Stuff.co.nz published a story on NXT’s Dakota Kai.
WWE has launched a website where customizable T-shirts can be purchased.

Pro Wrestling

Robbie Brookside paid tribute to his former Liverpool Lads tag team partner Ian “Doc” Dean after Dean passed away at 48 years old: “RIP Ian Doc Dean. I met you in 1984, you were dressed in a Doctors coat, a pair of rubber boots and a helmet. From then on we drove down every road and sailed the 7 seas. The great times will always be with me forever. I shall miss you my dear friend. Forever with me.x”
Cody Rhodes & The Young Bucks defending their Six-Man Tag Team titles against Silas Young, Beer City Bruiser & Brian Milonas has been announced for ROH’s TV tapings in Philadelphia on August 25, along with Punishment Martinez defending his TV title against Aaron Solow. Solow won the title shot through the Dojo Pro wrestling series on Amazon Prime.

UFC/MMA

Tickets for October’s 229, with Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event, are being priced at $2,505, $2,005, $1,505, $1,005, $755, $555, $405, $355, $305, $255, and $205.
Dustin Poirier said he’s leaning towards picking Nurmagomedov to beat McGregor.
Ariel Helwani reported that Glover Teixeira is out of his scheduled main event against Jimi Manuwa at UFC’s Fight Night show in Sao Paulo on September 22 due to a shoulder injury. Helwani wrote that there’s fear Teixeira will need surgery but noted that a final decision has yet to be made.
Paige VanZant wants to return by the end of 2018 after undergoing a second surgery to repair her broken right arm.
Brendan Schaub criticized the UFC for putting marketing money into Greg Hardy instead of Nick Newell.
Scott Coker said that Bellator would love to talk to Eddie Alvarez once he’s officially a free agent.
Golden Boy Promotions filed an application in July to hold their first MMA event on November 24 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz is listed as the main event.

Daily Professional Wrestling History: Punk vs. Cena at SummerSlam 2011

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.

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Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!d