DAILY UPDATE
The Latest News
WWE SmackDown ratings drop against game one of World Series
NSAC extends Khabib & Conor’s temporary suspensions
WWE & EVOLVE notes: Mustafa Ali, Kassius Ohno, Street Profits
Report: UFC, ONE discussing Demetrious Johnson-Ben Askren trade
WWE Mixed Match Challenge: Standings, next week’s matches
ROH TV results: Jeff Cobb wins Television title
WWE SmackDown video highlights: Mysterio vs. Miz, Orton vs. Hardy
WWE Mixed Match Challenge results: Team Awe-ska vs. Day One Glow
WWE 205 Live TV taping spoilers: Falls count anywhere match
SmackDown tag team title match set for WWE Crown Jewel
The Latest Audio
WOL: Crown Jewel, Evolution, Smackdown, more! 10/24
Wrestling Weekly: Roman Reigns, Ambrose’s turn, next top guy 10/24
B&V&C: Retro Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 10/23
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Roman Reigns reveals leukemia diagnosis
Roman Reigns opened the October 22, 2018 episode of Raw by revealing that he’s battling leukemia. After missing the weekend house show events, Reigns came out wearing street clothes and addressed the audience while using his real name. He announced that he’s been living with leukemia for the past 11 years, and unfortunately it’s back. Reigns then relinquished the Universal Championship.
WON NEWSLETTER: October 22, 2018 Observer Newsletter: WWE Crown Jewel controversy, plus tons of news
A detailed look at how the problems with Saudi Arabia affect WWE’s 11/2 show is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Read about the crowd reactions, John Layfield’s television appearance, the different stages of reaction, the profit margin of the shows this year and next, and reaction of some senators.
Look at the issues with UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov coming after UFC pulled Nurmagomedov’s teammate off the company’s next show, as well as where Nurmagomedov stands in popularity, and what is next for him.
Find out about the NXT U.K. television deal and how it went down, Kevin Owens injury update, ticket sales for Evolution, next PPV cards from WWE as well as major house show cards, and what FOX is looking for out of the wrestling product.
Also look at the WrestleMania main event, what happen at Smackdown, WWE signs 7-foot-3 basketball player, WWE cuts three wrestlers, this week’s schedule as well as a look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Find out about Eddie Alvarez signing with ONE and their financial information.
Look at the game changing team DAZN signed with Canelo Alvarez and how this changes the economics and culture of fight sports.
This issue has a huge feature on the life and times of Don Leo Jonathan, his legacy, his biggest matches, his title history around the world, his world titles, shoots, comparisons to modern wrestles, praise from other wrestlers and more.
Read full coverage of both the good and the bad of Bound for Glory, with business and other thoughts on the show, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results. Also look at surprises for the show that fell through.
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].
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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
On what was another bad day for the market, WWE stock was down nearly six percent today. It closed at $77.37 per share, giving the company a $6.03 billion market capitalization. WWE will release their third quarter financial report tomorrow.
Mickie James appeared on Busted Open Radio and was asked about the injury/concussion that Alexa Bliss is dealing with. James said Bliss will definitely be at the Evolution PPV (where James & Bliss are scheduled to face Trish Stratus & Lita if Bliss can wrestle) and said she knows Bliss is doing better every day. James said: “Obviously, we all know this isn’t ballet and it comes with the territory. So, as long as it’s what’s best for business and what’s best for her long-term health, and everything else like that. I have no doubts that, regardless, we’re all gonna be out there and it’s gonna be amazing. And it’s a pretty historic moment, especially for women’s wrestling, and it’s gonna be great.”
The Associated Press ran an article on how WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia contradicts the women’s evolution. Bliss and Natalya were both quoted in the story.
“You’re not going to change a culture overnight. I think WWE is taking such positive steps in doing positive things over in Saudi Arabia. One day, I believe that we will be over there,” Natalya said about the women’s division possibly being able to wrestle in Saudi Arabia in the future.
“I don’t feel like it’s out of reach,” Bliss said. “Who knows? I don’t think it’s ever not a possibility.”
The Usos paid tribute to Roman Reigns during their match against AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan on SmackDown last night. They also dedicated their win to him in a post-show promo.
WWE Network News reported that The Undertaker & Kane vs. Diamond Dallas Page & Leviathan (Batista) from a 2001 OVW show and a post-Raw dark segment with Undertaker & Kane and Steve Austin & Triple H from the same year will be tomorrow’s additions to the WWE Network’s hidden gems section.
WWE.com ranked the 10 best matches in 205 Live history. Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy’s no DQ match from July topped the list.
Nikki Bella did an interview with the New York Post to promote Evolution.
“Wonderful Life” by Bring Me The Horizon, “Mariana Trench” by Nita Strauss, and “Voices” by Motionless In White are the official songs for this year’s TakeOver: WarGames.
Pro Wrestling
The Young Bucks vs. KUSHIDA & Chris Sabin has been added to the card for ROH’s Global Wars show in Toronto on November 11. The Briscoes vs. Beretta & Chuckie T vs. Cody Rhodes & Hangman Page is set for Global Wars in Buffalo, New York on November 9. Jeff Cobb vs. Christopher Daniels and Jay Briscoe vs. Scorpio Sky have been announced for Lowell, Massachusetts on November 8.
Chris Jericho announced that his Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise is officially sold out.
MLW announced Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Tommy Dreamer for their tapings in the Chicago area on November 8.
MLW also posted video of an angle today where Sami Callihan attacked Tom Lawlor.
PWG released the preview video for the DVD of night one of this year’s Battle of Los Angeles.
A Lucha Underground season four marathon is listed on the El Rey Network schedule for Halloween.
The Great Sasuka vs. Amazing Red is set for Joey Janela’s LA Confidential on November 17.
WALTER appeared on the most recent episode of the Steve Austin Show.
PAC (Neville) cut a promo for the Dragon Gate Network.
UFC/MMA
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that the UFC is close to finalizing Gunnar Nelson vs. Alex Oliveira for UFC 231 in Toronto on December 8.
Renato Moicano vs. Mirsad Bektic is also official for UFC 231.
After it was reported that the UFC and ONE Championship are working on a “trade” with Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren, Scott Coker responded by tweeting “Trades…” and the thinking face and light bulb emoji.
Daily Professional Wrestling History: WCW Halloween Havoc 1993
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