Daily Update: WWE PPV cards, Pete Dunne, Spike TV rebranding

THE ROUND-UP

The Latest from the F4W Staff

NEWS

AUDIO

FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/30/2017: Recapping the 2017 Royal Rumble

Given the star power in the match, Randy Orton winning the 2017 Royal Rumble was always going to be underwhelming to some. It was only who he eliminated last that redeemed the moment to most who were disappointed. Orton capped off a solid Rumble match at the Alamodome by last eliminating Roman Reigns, who entered at #30 after interference from Braun Strowman cost him his shot at the Universal Championship earlier in the night… Subscribers click here to continue.

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more

An update on the lineups for WrestleMania, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber, the direction of WWE and how they are getting there, the title situation and why the matches are taking place is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.

Have a look at the situation with Seth Rollins and his injury, the current WrestleMania lineup, as well as how the next two PPVs will set up WrestleMania.

There is full coverage of the Royal Rumble, with a look at how everyone did, notes on Royal rumble records, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results, and more.

This issue looks at the John Cena title win, examine how many world title reigns Ric Flair really had and the ones WWE pretends didn’t happen, ticket sales as compared to the 1997 show in the same building, problems with the setup and more.

Examine the probable retirement of Ronda Rousey and her legacy, both good and bad.

Inside has an update on the situation with Conor McGregor and UFC and WWE, as well as the proposed Mayweather fight and the impending battles over contracts that fighters and UFC are likely to be having.

There is full coverage of the San Antonio Takeover show, the NXT awards, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and business notes.

Coverage of the UFC on FOX show as well as examining what lessons can be learned from the ratings, and what’s next for the fighters, is inside.

Look at plans for the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend, Mick Foley update regarding his position as General Manager, Paul Levesque talks working with outside promoters and Matt Riddle, plus we look at Riddle’s pro wrestling background. Plus, also look at the directions planned for upcoming house shows, what types of talent WWE has been contacting for WrestleMania and tournaments, Finn Balor update, notes on this coming weekend’s house shows, plus coverage from the NXT & WWE weekend events, with match highlights and business notes from the shows.

Finally, check out the coverage of the first U.K. prime time live television wrestling event since 1968.

Subscribers click here to continue.

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.

WON BACK ISSUE: January 17, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Gary Albright, Observer awards, more

Gary Albright, a former world class amateur wrestling star and headliner on many big shows as a pro in Japan, died after collapsing in the ring at an independent show in Hazleton, PA before about 100 fans on 1/7. He was 36. The preliminary reports from the corner attributed the death of the 6-foot-4, 340-pound powerhouse to a heart attack, technically speaking a combination of severe atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and acute pulmonary edema… Subscribers click here to continue.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • WWE added Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper and Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews & Kalisto in a handicap match to Sunday’s Elimination Chamber card on last night’s SmackDown. The updated Elimination Chamber lineup is:
    John Cena defending the WWE Championship against AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Bray Wyatt, and Baron Corbin in an Elimination Chamber match
    Alexa Bliss defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Naomi
    Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper
    American Alpha defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against The Usos, Heath Slater & Rhyno, The Ascension, Breezango, and The Vaudevillains in a tag team turmoil match
    Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James
    Nikki Bella vs. Natalya
    Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews & Kalisto in a handicap match
  • Another match was also added to the March 5th Fastlane card last night as Jack Gallagher became the number one contender for Neville’s WWE Cruiserweight Championship by winning a fatal five-way match on 205 Live. Neville vs. Gallagher joins Kevin Owens vs. Goldberg for the Universal title and Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman as the matches already announced for Raw’s last brand-exclusive pay-per-view before WrestleMania.
  • It was announced last night that Gran Metalik would be making his 205 Live debut next week.
  • NBC in Chicago ran a story about former WWE broadcaster Mike Adamle and the health issues he’s battling. Adamle has been diagnosed with dementia and is possibly suffering from CTE as well, among other health problems. Adamle participated in the interview to tell his story and in the hopes that it would help others experiencing similar issues. Adamle is a former NFL player and has been a broadcaster for a number of outlets.
  • Lena Headey and Nick Frost have been added to the cast of “Fighting With My Family,” the film that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s production company is producing based on Paige and her family.
  • Paige and Alberto Del Rio were interviewed by TMZ Sports, with Paige saying that she’d consider trying out MMA when her time with WWE comes to an end.
  • Daniel Bryan was the special guest referee for the Dean Ambrose vs. Miz dark match in Seattle last night after SmackDown and 205 Live went off the air.
  • Andre the Giant’s daughter was backstage at last night’s SmackDown. Natalya posted a picture with her on Instagram.
  • Nigel McGuinness makes his debut on commentary for NXT on the episode that airs tonight on the WWE Network.
  • SiriusXM’s Sam Roberts will again be appearing on a WWE PPV pre-show as he returns for this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber broadcast.

Pro Wrestling

  • wXw announced today that Pete Dunne would no longer be wrestling for the promotion on February 24th, with Revolution Pro Wrestling also announcing that Dunne would be wrestling for them on the same date instead against the former Pentagon Jr.
  • Ring of Honor announced that The Young Bucks would be defending their tag titles against Jay White & Lio Rush at the promotion’s Manhattan Mayhem show on March 4th in New York City.
  • Donovan Dijak posted a video on Twitter cutting a promo about his ROH TV title match against Marty Scurll this Saturday, while noting that it’s the final time for the foreseeable future that he’s scheduled to appear for ROH.

UFC/MMA

  • The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Spike TV is expected to be rebranded as the Paramount Network, with an announcement expected tomorrow morning. Spike TV is home to Bellator and also used to be a TV partner with the UFC, WWE, and TNA. It isn’t known what a rebrand could mean for Bellator’s place on the channel yet, but MMA and pro wrestling in the past have been important for Spike’s male-oriented programming schedule.
  • Yoel Romero trolled Michael Bisping by starting a GoFundMe to cover Bisping’s medical expenses following their fight later this year.
  • Conor McGregor posted a boxing training video on Instagram.
  • The UFC released the first and second episodes of their Embedded series for UFC 208.
  • Kevin Iole has a column on the ratings success that the UFC has had with women’s fights.
  • Ryan Bader reiterated that he’ll likely be signing with Bellator.

F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO

BUS INFO:

  • The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon).
  • The bus will leave at 4pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at f4wfan@hotmail.com or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.

DINNER INFO:

  • WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
  • WHEN: Friday March 31st
  • WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
  • WHO: All your best empire buddies
  • DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at Srjaialaiot@yahoo.com (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).

Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/8): Randy Savage wins the WWF IC title

CONTACT INFORMATION

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