DAILY UPDATE<\/u><\/p>\n
<\/u><\/p>\n
Latest News:<\/p>\n
CMLL cancels events amid coronavirus outbreak
\nNevada to consider indefinite ban on combat sports due to coronavirus
\nUFC Fight Night live results: Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira
\nLucha Libre AAA postpones Rey de Reyes 2020
\nWWE SmackDown ratings up for show from Performance Center
\nFlorida county may have to \u2018pull the plug\u2019 on WrestleMania if WWE doesn\u2019t
\nWWE SmackDown video highlights: Bray Wyatt confronts John Cena<\/p>\n
Latest Audio:<\/p>\n
WOR free podcast: Dr. Alex Patel on the coronavirus pandemic 3\/14
\nWOL: All positive show on what you love about pro wrestling 3\/14
\nWOR: In-depth on the coronavirus with Dr. Alex Patel, latest news 3\/14<\/p>\n
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W\/WON convention?\u00a0We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information,\u00a0check this post\u00a0for activities and prices.<\/p>\n
WON NEWSLETTER:\u00a0Coronavirus cancellations, Rob Gronkowski, more<\/p>\n
A story on the Corona Virus and pro wrestling and MMA shows around the world is the lead story in a double-issue of\u00a0 the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week.<\/p>\n
We go through:<\/p>\n
Where everything stood at press time for large and small promotions all over the world, as well as other sports.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Which companies can survive this period the best and how this threatens the future of many companies and wrestlers, a well as WWE and other name indie talent that likely can’t be coming to the U.S. because of travel bans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is one of the biggest stories to have faced the world in our lifetime, and it affects every business, but sports and entertainment businesses, like all, will take an unforeseen shock.<\/p>\n
The issue also covers:<\/p>\n
Rob Gronkowski and WWE, what is believed to be the extent of the deal, who is Gronkowski, his prior experience in WWE, what he had said about doing pro wrestling in the past and what kind of impact his being in WWE could have.<\/p>\n
The series of copycat lawsuits filed by a number of legal firms against WWE, the claims in the cases and a response by Jerry McDevitt to the cases.<\/p>\n
The situation with David Starr being pressured out of wXw and Progress, the attempt to unionize wrestlers in the U.K.\u00a0 and companies that have jumped on board.<\/p>\n
Full coverage of the Elimination Chamber show with notes on the show, updated plans for WrestleMania, business notes and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.<\/p>\n
Update WWE PPV talks, Davey Boy Smith in Hall of Fame, salary of WWE’s top executives, the change in Paul Levesque’s backstage role, how talent contracts have changed, who owns the most WWE stock, XFL ratings and how this week changed the narrative, Cena movie delayed by a year of release due to Corona Virus, Rousey in WWE offices, change that was made in Friday tapings, Canadian ratings, UFC star talks about doing WWE, injury updates, more on a new athlete that just started, plus he most-watched shows on the WWE Network and details of all NXT & WWE arena events over the past week.<\/p>\n
An extensive feature on Wayne Bridges, one of the biggest names in European pro wrestling during the 70s and 80s.\u00a0 We look at his sports background before pro wrestling, how he could into pro wrestling, his unique role in some major movies, his Japanese tours and his time in North America, the history of the world heavyweight title as recognized in the U.K., plus his biggest run as world heavyweight champion, appearing on the big Wembley and Royal Albert Hall shows, tragedies in his life and much more.\u00a0 This is a great history piece about an era of pro wrestling that a lot of U.S. fans aren’t aware of.<\/p>\n
Complete coverage of UFC 248, including the show, what happens next, the judging, who the media thought won the key fights, and business notes.<\/p>\n
Oregon wrestling in the 80s and its top heel, Rip “The Crippler” Oliver, who passed away last week.\u00a0We look at the atmosphere when he first arrived, his life and career before Oregon, his attempts to leave and why he always ended up back, his records set, biggest feuds, extensive title history, the 1982 tag team tournament at the Omni in Atlanta,Billy Jack Haynes, Roddy Piper, Buddy Rose and the death of the Don Owen territory.<\/p>\n
Update the situation with Scott Steiner.<\/p>\n
End of an era, as after 41 years, Stu Sacks leaves Pro Wrestling Illustrated and a career in wrestling journalism that goes back 50 years to his childhood.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
All the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ORDERING INFO:\u00a0Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered\u00a0via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to\u00a0dave@wrestlingobserver.com\u00a0or by going to\u00a0www.paypal.com\u00a0directing funds to\u00a0dave@wrestlingobserver.com.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.<\/p>\n
If you order by\u00a0mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA\u00a095009-1228, you can get $1\u00a0off in every price range.<\/p>\n
SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE<\/u><\/p>\n
\n
WWE
\nStarting on Monday, the United Kingdom and Ireland are being added to the United States\u2019 30-day European travel ban. Americans in those countries will be allowed to come home and will be funneled through specific airports. That ban would be in place if WrestleMania were to still happen on April 5.
\nWrestling Travel posted a statement on the UK and Ireland being added: \u201cAs you might have already heard the UK and Ireland have been added to Trump\u2019s Travel Ban meaning that travel to the USA will not be possible for WrestleMania. We are currently assessing all options and waiting to hear what is happening with WrestleMania itself and whether or not it will be postponed or cancelled before any further steps are taken. We are sure that you can appreciate this is not a situation anyone could have foreseen, nobody would have expected a pandemic and travel ban to the USA from the UK or Ireland to be put in place. As soon as we know what is happening with Mania we will let you know of your options and what happens next. Please rest assured that we will keep you updated and appreciate your patience.\u201d
\nDave Meltzer was on WFAN with Evan Roberts today talking about WrestleMania and how the coronavirus is affecting pro wrestling.
\nA player for the XFL\u2019s Seattle Dragons has tested positive for coronavirus. The player, who took part in the Dragons\u2019 last two games against the Houston Roughnecks and St. Louis BattleHawks but was asymptomatic at the time, reported his symptoms to the team\u2019s medical staff on Tuesday and was put into quarantine. The XFL issued a statement to USA Today: “The league is alerting players, staff, vendors and partners associated with the Dragons, Roughnecks and BattleHawks. The XFL is monitoring the situation closely and taking every measure necessary in accordance with recommendations set forth by the CDC.\u201d
\nDwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson announced that production on his \u201cRed Notice\u201d movie for Netflix is being paused for the next two weeks: \u201cWe are pressing pause on our @netflix production of RED NOTICE effective this Monday for the next two weeks. It\u2019s my privilege to speak eye to eye with our entire crew to help give a little clarity and guidance, as the most important thing right now is for us to get everyone home to their concerned families. Gotta protect our babies, spouses, loved ones and elderly. We\u2019ll continue to monitor and assess this situation closely to make the best decisions for our families first and then our businesses. We\u2019re a resilient nation who ultimately, will always rise to the occasion to be accountable and work together to overcome whatever hardship lies in front of us. Our country will do its job, as the rest of the world will do theirs. Everyone please stay healthy, vigilant, safe and let\u2019s protect one another. We\u2019re all in this – together. DJ\u201d
\nMick Foley provided an update on the status of his comedy tour: \u201cIMPORTANT: Due to the very serious coronavirus concerns, my shows with @HEELZiggler in Houston and Fort Worth are being postponed. In addition, there is a very good chance that all tour dates for March and April will be postponed as well. I think it’s the safest move to make.\u201d
\nTriple H tweeted about last night\u2019s SmackDown: \u201cTonight was an effort that brought together everyone @WWE so we could go on air and entertain our most important constituency … YOU. Thanks for letting me get my hands (and @MichaelCole\u2019s facial hair) dirty!!! #ThankYou #Smackdown @WWEPC\u201d
\nStephanie McMahon also tweeted after SmackDown: \u201cCongratulations to everybody who worked so hard to make tonight\u2019s #Smackdown come to life! From our crew to the @wwe superstars to the team at the PC, it was awesome! I especially liked that new announcer, @TripleH, he was a cameraman too! Like the man said, we do it all for you!\u201d
\nAfter Jeff Hardy\u2019s neckbreaker Twist of Fate was called the Twist of Fury on SmackDown, Matt Hardy responded to someone who asked why he trademarked Twist of Fate: \u201cI DID NOT. The @WWE & Jeff are completely free to use \u2018Twist of Fate.\u2019 The change 100% came on their end. I wouldn\u2019t ever do anything to hinder my brother. I\u2019m thrilled to see him back on #WWE TV, looking healthy & happy.\u201d
\nJohn Cena watched last night\u2019s 205 Live from the tech area at the Performance Center.
\nBray Wyatt tweeted today: \u201cIf WrestleMania gets delayed The FIEND hereby challenges @JohnCena to a Bar Fight Deathmatch\u2122\ufe0f. This will take place at @Hooters. Not kidding.\u201d
\nDash Wilder, whose real name is Daniel Wheeler, has applied to trademark \u201cCash Wheeler.\u201d
\nIn an interview with TV Insider, Becky Lynch compared Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey: \u201cIt\u2019s a different animal with Shayna Baszler. The thing about Shayna is whatever you want to say about it, she has been wrestling longer. She is the one who got Ronda into wrestling because she was such a huge fan. We also haven\u2019t seen what she can truly do on Raw. We\u2019ve seen it on NXT. It\u2019s a whole new kettle of fish up on Raw. Ronda is an anomaly. She came in and had this background and pedigree and a worldwide star. We all knew what she was capable of. Shayna is a little less well-known, but I think in that realm she had a lot more to prove. Like I said in my promo on Monday, she is looking to rewrite history because normal people like me don\u2019t beat trained killers like Ronda. But I did, and I will again. I think she is looking to change that. So she is looking to come in as vicious as she possibly can.\u201d
\nWWE Network News has the content listing for the 10 WCW Saturday Night episodes from 1993 that are being added to the WWE Network on Monday.
\nWWE\u2019s YouTube channel has uploaded Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior from WrestleMania VI and The Undertaker vs. Triple H from WrestleMania XXVII.
\nOther Wrestling
\nWe\u2019re opening up spots on Wrestling Observer Live through at least the end of March for indie wrestlers or promoters who have had bookings or shows canceled to tell their stories and plug their merch. Anyone interested should email kennethnida@gmail.com.
\nCody Rhodes responded to someone on Twitter who asked if it\u2019s really necessary for AEW to continue with storylines right now: \u201cA lot of folks are sitting at home. Some scared…all bored. Just like real community leaders have come forward, entertainment leaders have to follow suit(safely). People need to laugh, cry, forget, love, all the good stuff. My personal opinion, we shouldn\u2019t hold back.\u201d
\nBorder City Wrestling wrote about the status of their Lockdown Impact Plus special with Impact Wrestling: \u201cTo our valued Border City Wrestling fans, as you may have heard, St Clair College has cancelled all on-campus events, including Lockdown, until early April due to Coronavirus prevention efforts. We are currently exploring all available options for the event to take place while also taking into consideration public safety and guidelines from the health professionals. Please keep checking this page for further updates. For those who have already purchased a ticket and would like a refund, please contact your original point of sale.\u201d
\nWill Ospreay and WrestleTalk are streaming a live show with no fans in attendance on Monday. Ospreay vs. Bea Priestley will be one of the matches on the show.
\nThe trailer for “You Cannot Kill David Arquette,\u201d the documentary on Arquette\u2019s return to pro wrestling, is now available.
\nwXw uploaded David Starr\u2019s farewell speech from 16 Carat Gold night two.
\nMMA
\nUFC 246: McGregor vs. Cerrone re-aired on ESPN at noon Eastern time today and will be shown again at 9 p.m. Eastern.
\nAmerican Top Team has cancelled classes at its main academy in Coconut Creek, Florida, though the gym will remain open to professional fighters and coaches.
\nAli Abdelaziz said Khabib Nurmagomedov hasn\u2019t changed his training for UFC 249 and — as far as he knows — the April 18 PPV is still taking place in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n
Daily Pro Wrestling History:\u00a0WWE WrestleMania XX<\/p>\n
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