Daily Update: XFL season kicks off, Bloodsport, The Rock

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WON NEWSLETTER: February 10, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Major WWE corporate shakeups, more

We look at the changes in WWE business and details on what Vince McMahon was talking about regarding changes in the network and PPV distribution in the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We examine the departure of Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, the drop in the stock price, what it will take to get the price back up, McMahon talking business options, what WWE can learn from how UFC handled a similar situation, the business of WrestleMania, the key players, the different options, the UFC PPV deal, and McMahon talks AEW.

Also in this issue:

WWE fourth quarter numbers in every category, profits, losses, arena business, corporate spending and all categories.

McGregor vs. Cerrone business including details of it being the largest streaming PPV in history, how it did on traditional PPV, how UFC ha helped ESPN+ numbers, ESPN+ subscribers as well a the bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, and how successful it has been financially.

WrestleMania and the net Saudi Arabia show, a new WWE TV deal, Takeover Portland, what medical treatment wrestlers from many different companies are looking at doing, new WWE signings, John Cena in Fast 9, update on talent that has  wanted their release, Jake Atlas debut, lots of ratings info, WWE Network price notes, Mauro Ranallo talks getting off twitter, Total Bellas story lines, Bret Hart update, most watched shows on WWE Network and coverage of all of last week’s WWE arena events.

New Beginning shows in Sapporo, with a full rundown of the booking, the business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

A feature on the Jericho Cruise, the top matches, how TV was taped, and what happened.

UFC event from Raleigh with match-by-match coverage and business notes.

A feature on the death of Romeo Cormier and the famous Burke/Martin/Cormier family and the heyday of pro wrestling in Eastern Canada. 

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

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.

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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.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The first season of the revived XFL kicked off today with the DC Defenders defeating the Seattle Dragons by 31-19 in a game that aired on ABC. The Houston Roughnecks are leading the LA Wildcats in the late game on FOX. The Tampa Bay Vipers vs. NY Guardians will air on FOX at 2 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow, while the St. Louis Battlehawks vs. Dallas Renegades will be on ESPN at 5 p.m. Eastern.
  • The XFL is ranked first on today’s Google Trends in the United States.
  • Shane McMahon was on the sidelines for the DC Defenders game.
  • Jonathan Coachman and Alyse Ashton hosted today’s XFL Pregame.
  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared video of the eulogy he gave at his father Rocky Johnson’s funeral.
  • WWE’s Lio Rush has been announced for this year’s wXw 16 Carat Gold tournament. It’s taking place in Oberhausen, Germany from March 6-8.
  • Today is Big Show’s 48th birthday. WWE uploaded a Playlist video on his biggest feats of strength.
  • WWE Network News reported that a new episode of Day Of will premiere on the WWE Network next Friday. It will focus on this year’s Royal Rumble PPV.
  • CNN published an article on Aja Smith becoming the first full-time African American female referee in WWE history. 
  • Ahead of tonight’s NXT house show in Las Vegas, Matt Riddle tweeted about wrestling at the same venue where he had his first UFC fight: “12 years ago I had my first fight with the UFC and now 12 years later at the very same venue (THE PALMS) I wrestle for NXT in front of my friends and family, moments like this make me extremely proud because I never gave up on myself even when this seemed impossible #bro”
  • The Undisputed Era joined Xavier Woods on the latest episode of UpUpDownDown.

Other Wrestling

MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Pedro Morales wins WWWF World title

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