WON Preview September 19, 2016: CM Punk loses, TJ Perkins wins CWC, Backlash review

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

WON: September 19, 2016: CM Punk loses UFC debut, TJ Perkins wins Cruiserweight Classic, Backlash review, more…

A look at every angle of the C.M. Punk to UFC story headlines this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Examine the background, the fight, how and why UFC handled this completely different from the usual combat sports usage of a celebrity, the closest UFC equivalent. Find out early estimates on PPV numbers and how much revenue Punk generated extra and what Punk’s success as a draw on this show said about wrestling fans and MMA fans.

Also read about the sanctioning of Punk, comments from people in UFC regarding his pay, which Punk helped by being there. Also, look at who is really to blame for fights like this happening and why they will probably continue to happen, and look at the direction numbers take the sport. Inside are quotes from Punk talking about the day, his reaction to the fight, and what he wants next.

Our other lead story looks at the Randy Orton injury, how the Brock Lesnar finish looks in hindsight, the false advertising on the PPV and whether or not Orton should have been rested and the nature of his being rested.

This issue has coverage of the WWE Backlash PPV and A.J. Styles winning the WWE title, with match-by-match coverage, star ratings, business notes and poll ratings.

For coverage of UFC 203, there is match-by-match run downs, business notes and poll ratings. There is also a look at what fight brought 498,000 new viewers to the show. Finally, this issue contains information on the major differences between the fans C.M. Punk brought to PPV as compared with the fans Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor brought… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

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Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

WON BACK ISSUE:August 23, 1999: WCW Road Wild review, NJPW G1 Climax results – WCW Road Wild and NJPW G1 Climax reviewed, plus tons of news. 

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues must let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. There is coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obituary issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Also in this issue:

  • What caused the CMLL and Elite breakup
  • How they are still having a relationship
  • How Caristico worked the major show of the week for both groups, even though they were on the same night at the same time
  • A look at last week’s Arena Mexico show
  • A look at this week’s legends show and what makes it unique among big shows historically
  • Elite’s debut at Arena Naucalpan
  • What huge match was set up, and will probably not be happening
  • AAA talent going to Japan for a multi- promotional show
  • Another wrestler quits AAA
  • What wrestler is expected to be the next one to quit
  • How much Pagano earned for his hair loss at TripleMania
  • Finals of the Dragon Gate tag team tournament
  • Notes on the next Dragon Gate PPV show
  • More on the upcoming honoring of Giant Baba
  • How the honoring came about
  • Genba Hirayanagi retires
  • NOAH building to a major show on 9/23
  • New Japan 2015-16 fiscal year business
  • More on the injury to Katsuyori Shibata
  • A look at this week’s big New Japan show
  • Angles at New Japan’s Korakuen Hall show
  • New Japan having a big show in New Zealand with a lot of U.S. stars
  • Zero-One junior heavyweight tournament notes
  • Update on Kairi Hojo injury
  • Stardom’s five star tournament finals
  • Notes from Real Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Antonio Inoki in the international news
  • More on the health of FrenchyMartin
  • Debut of a new promotion using major indie names
  • Kurt Angle’s brother sentenced on murder charges
  • Notes from the Evolve weekend and different big matches
  • Cody Rhodes talks his father
  • Notes on Ronda Rousey appearing for Shayna Baszler’s title win in Cleveland
  • Next year’s Thesz-Tragos Hall of Fame ceremony
  • A look back at the career of Rick Rude
  • Former WWE tag champs reunite
  • Lucha Underground signs international deal
  • Adam Cole contract notes
  • More on the next ROH PPV show
  • Frankie Kazarian sets ladder match up for a difficult comparison
  • ROH & Preston City Wrestling fallout noted
  • ROH announces UK bouts
  • The update on the TNA financial situation
  • People leaving TNA
  • Notes on TNA TV
  • How UFC’s PPV business is doing this year
  • Notes on the Bisping vs. Henderson fight
  • A huge date in October where many major issues will be settled
  • Lots of new UFC fights
  • Kyle Snyder wants to do UFC and thoughts on that
  • Update on the Fertitta brothers
  • Rizin announces more of its next show
  • Former UFC star and Lesnar foe wants to come out of retirement

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

RATES: For the United States, it is $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. Get $1 off in every price range if ordering by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228).