WON Preview: May 30, 2016 Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

By Dave Meltzer
Published: 26 May 2016, 14:47

READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks. Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split. It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place. Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

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Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

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.

Also in this issue:

A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
NOAH’s major show of the week
Will Ospreay and injuries
New Japan Dominion ticket sales
Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
Kota Ibushi’s return
Notes on the career of George Steele
More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
NOAH’s major show of the week
Will Ospreay and injuries
New Japan Dominion ticket sales
Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
Kota Ibushi’s return
Notes on the career of George Steele
More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
Zack Sabre Jr. update
Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
More on the UFC sale talks
One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
Notes on the letter UF
Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
Zack Sabre Jr. update
Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
More on the UFC sale talks
One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
Notes on the letter UF

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Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Rates are:

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.

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