Daily Update: WWE notes, Joey Janela, Jose Aldo

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Main roster arrivals and WWE departures

Last week was a period of arrivals and departures for WWE.

Without much advance warning, Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa all debuted on Raw last Monday. After news of them being backstage was reported online, WWE tweeted out pictures of them to hype that they were at the show. Triple H then opened Raw and confirmed that they would be debuting later in the night. Ricochet made a save for Finn Balor and teamed with him to defeat Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush, Black defeated Elias, and Gargano & Ciampa got a win against Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival in a non-title match.

WON NEWSLETTER: March 4, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns returns to WWE after leukemia remission

The return of Roman Reigns and information on leukemia and how some athletes have returned quickly while having it is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

This issue is back to the usual format with a news filled issue, including comparisons of Georges St-Pierre to the other all-time greats in MMA, as well as details regarding the comings and goings in WWE including Bruce Prichard, TJP, Tye Dillinger, Arn Anderson and others.

Look at the background of the hiring of Prichard and departure of Anderson, Prichard’s past roles in WWE, how long Prichard is committed to doing live events with Conrad Thompson, and what this hire says about Vince McMahon.

Also look at plans for 2020 WrestleMania, 2019 Fan Axxess, Hardy’s contract, WWE injury updates, XFL notes, how AAF negotiated with WWE to buy XFL name, how that led to Vince doing the XFL, and football on WWE Network. Also look at how the AAF is doing.

Also look at “Fighting with my Family,” WWE star running for mayor has a major hurdle based on his past, Ric Flair’s real birthday party, Flair and Hogan history, Nikki Bella wins award, and new WWE signees.

Read notes from all the WWE and NXT events at arenas this past week, with results, highlights and business notes.

Have a look at the Matt Hughes situation, with what he’s alleged to have done, his response, and what others have said about him as well as his life post-accident.

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.

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier

WWE

  • Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. Cesaro & Sheamus has been added to tonight’s SmackDown. The episode is taking place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is the go-home show for Fastlane. R-Truth will issue another United States title open challenge, while The Miz will face Jey Uso.
  • 205 Live’s number one contender’s tournament continues tonight with Cedric Alexander vs. Akira Tozawa and Humberto Carrillo vs. Oney Lorcan in first round matches. The winners will face each other in the semifinals on the right side of the bracket. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese is the other semifinal.
  • Triple H tweeted about the passing of King Kong Bundy: “Saddened to hear of King Kong Bundy’s passing. A WrestleMania attraction, a true big man and a fan-favorite of the @WWE Universe. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
  • Asuka posted another update on the back injury that she suffered at last night’s SmackDown house show, again noting that she’s feeling fine: “Good morning. I’m very very fine and energetic. Thank you for your concern”
  • Despite Fastlane being billed as the last time the Shield will team up, the Wells Fargo Arena is advertising the same match pitting the Shield against Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre for the 4/22 Raw. The match may just be a placeholder for advertising.
  • Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that the former Kizarny is at the WWE Performance Center this week as a guest coach.
  • John Cena will be signing copies of his “Elbow Grease” children’s book at the Strand Book Store in New York City at 4 p.m. Eastern time on April 5, which is the Friday of WrestleMania week.
  • In addition to the WLW appearance, Tomasso Ciampa has also been pulled from a upcoming Chaotic Wrestling appearance. Hanson will instead be appearing at the Chaotic Wrestling show. It’s taking place in Haverhill, Massachusetts on March 15.
  • Vince McMahon appeared on Forbes’ Billionaires List at number 691, with a net worth of $3.2 billion.
  • ABC News has an article on Dwayne Johnson buying his dad, Rocky Johnson, a house.
  • Former Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman has been introduced as the head coach and general manager of the XFL’s Tampa Bay team.
  • WWE announced that they have signed a deal with SBS in Belgium to broadcast Raw and SmackDown in the country.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Goldberg wins WWE Universal title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, 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~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

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