THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
Hardy vs. Nakamura US title match pulled from WWE SmackDown
WWE officially announces new TV deals for Raw and SmackDown
WWE Raw ratings bring good and bad news this week
Eli Drake signs multi-year deal with Impact Wrestling
WWE UK tournament night two live results: Four title matches
Bellator MMA revamps TV deal and schedule
WWE’s Hideo Itami set for Naomichi Marufuji anniversary show
Two more matches, GLOW cast members set for WWE SmackDown
WWE Raw video highlights: Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: Is Bayley a babyface or a heel? 6/26
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Pro Wrestling in the early 1960s 6/26
WOR: RAW, WWE UK, WWE NOAH, BOLA, Rashad retires, more! 6/26
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Ronda Rousey shines at Money in the Bank
The question of who should be the “top guy” in WWE going forward has been definitively answered. Ronda Rousey followed up on her incredible debut performance from WrestleMania with an even better showing at Sunday night’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. In what was only her second televised bout and her first singles match ever, Rousey proved that she belongs in the ring.
WON NEWSLETTER: WON Preview (June 25, 2018): Wrestling Observer Newsletter: The death of Vader
A detailed look at the career of Leon “Vader” White is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Look at his career highlights, his recent health issues and his death, his football days and how he got started in wrestling.
Also look at the program that first put him on the map as a star, his feud with Otto Wanz. Check out the debut of Big Van Vader, and how he was not the original person chosen for the spot. Find out about Vader’s first match including the celebrity involved and the riot.
Go through his WCW career, his feud with Mick Foley, the development of the moonsault, his UWFI deal and the WCW champion vs. UWFI champion before 46,000 fans with Takada.
This issue has an update of what happened behind-the-scenes that led to ROH having a date in Madison Square Garden and having it taken away, and the issues between the two companies.
Read full coverage of the Money in the Bank show with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, as well as coverage of NXT Takeover Chicago.
Look at where WWE is going for Extreme Rules and SummerSlam.
There is an update on the Cow Palace show and the G-1 Climax tournament.
We’ve got a story on what happened with Big Cass and his being fired.
Look at WWE’s plans to run a show in Melbourne at MCG Stadium and the huge ticket prices for the event.
Also have a look at the WWE shows in London at Royal Albert Hall and the beginning of the U.K. division and what has and hasn’t been said.
Read a postscript on the C.M. Punk lawsuit.
Find out about the honor John Cena is nominated for, the TV commercial for the WWE video game, WWE injury updates, a WWE survey, Cena lawsuit settlement, who put together key matches at Money in the Bank, Undercover Boss, note on a new signee and gimmick idea.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected]. 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.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Bayley and Sasha Banks having to attend “mandatory counseling” has been announced as an angle for next week’s Raw. Bayley snapped on Banks last night and attacked her after a six-woman tag match.
Alicia Fox made a brief return to WWE television last night, appearing in a backstage segment with Kurt Angle and Bayley. Fox has been cleared to return after suffering a broken tailbone prior to the Royal Rumble. She also made some news during WrestleMania weekend when video of her arguing with UFC fighter Travis Browne (Ronda Rousey’s husband) made its way online.
Bobby Roode & Breezango defeating Curt Hawkins & The Ascension and Chad Gable defeating Mike Kanellis were the matches filmed for Main Event prior to Raw this week.
Lio Rush is making his 205 Live debut on tonight’s episode. There will also be a six-man elimination tag match with The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) facing Drew Gulak, Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher.
Total Bellas drew 666,000 total viewers and a 0.30 rating in the 18-49 demo on Sunday night. That’s down from 726,000 and 734,000 over the last two weeks.
Ronda Rousey starred in a new commercial for Twizzlers.
9 News in Australia posted an article on the expensive prices for premium tickets for WWE’s Super Show-Down PPV that is being held in Melbourne this October.
WPSD TV in Paducah, Kentucky ran a story on Ricochet being from the city and the success he’s having in WWE.
Pro Wrestling
MLW’s Battle Riot show will take place in Queens, New York on July 19 and then air as a two-hour special on beIN Sports (the station where MLW’s weekly TV show airs) on Friday, July 27 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. It will be headlined by a 40-man Battle Riot match, where someone enters every minute and eliminations occur by pinfall, submission, or throwing someone over the top rope. The winner will receive an instant title shot whenever they want it.
Here’s the updated lineup for the Battle Riot match: John Hennigan (Morrison), Pentagon Jr., ACH, Kevin Sullivan, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Teddy Hart, Rich Swann, Barrington Hughes, Jake Hager (Jack Swagger), Jimmy Yuta, Pierre Carl Ouellet, Lance Anoa’i, Swoggle (Hornswoggle), Konnan, Sami Callihan, Joey Ryan, Jason Cade, and Tom Lawlor.
Hennigan vs. Low Ki was also announced for the Battle Riot card.
Pro Wrestling NOAH tweeted video from their event today where it was announced that WWE is allowing Hideo Itami to face Naomichi Marufuji at Marufuji’s 20th anniversary show at Sumo Hall on September 1.
The former Enzo Amore, now going by the name “Real1,” appeared on today’s episode of the Steve Austin Show to discuss his release from WWE.
Nick Gage vs. Meng is the second match to be revealed for Joey Janela’s Lost in New York in Queens on August 17, joining Matt Riddle vs. Pierre Carl Ouellet on the card.
Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Tetsuya Naito are on the PS4 cover for Fire Pro Wrestling World, which will be released on August 28.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of Impact Wrestling, announced Peter Einstein as their new chief operating officer.
UFC/MMA
Daniel Cormier said, after his fight with Stipe Miocic, facing Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones is his ideal plan to end his career with before retiring.
Rose Namajunas wasn’t receptive to an apology from Conor McGregor that she didn’t think was sincere following his bus attack incident. McGregor apologized to her through a message on Instagram.
Bellator is planning a welterweight grand prix that will begin on their September 29 show in San Jose. That event will also feature Rory MacDonald vs. Gegard Mousasi and Rampage Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva.
Jackson said he wants to beat Silva into retirement when they face each other.
Silva is picking Chael Sonnen to win Bellator’s heavyweight title tournament.
Daily Professional Wrestling History: Steiner Brothers win IWGP tag titles
12th Annual F4W Empire Vegas Convention
Greetings friends and fans of the F4W / Wrestling Observer website. It’s time to announce the details of the 12th annual F4W / Wrestling Observer Empire Las Vegas Convention~!
This year’s event will be taking place in Las Vegas from August 16th to the 20th and will again be in conjunction with WWE’s SummerSlam weekend a.k.a. Super China Buffet Day~! There will still be the usual events, but our big draw will be WWE’s summer blockbuster PPV, SummerSlam. As per tradition, we will all gorge ourselves at a Las Vegas buffet, and then watch SummerSlam in a rented out movie theater. All information and ticketing prices are available now. Sign up ASAP as spots are limited for some events.
This year will also feature a Future Stars Wrestling show which will include the first ever Gladys Gibson Doubles Match Classic! Already booked for the show are the teams Mia Yim & Leva Bates, Shotzi Blackheart & ???, Samantha Heights & Brittany Blake, and Miranda Alize & Kylie Rae. Also appearing will be Kris Wolf and Xia Brookside along with many more future stars. There may even be a classic star or two making an appearance. You won’t want to miss this show! Check out the convention’s Facebook page for all additional information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Poll opinions: [email protected]
Feedback: [email protected]
Show results and news tips: [email protected]
Wrestling Observer Radio questions: [email protected]
Support the Empire~! with F4W shirts. Grab yours today!