THE ROUND-UP<\/p>\n
\n
THE LATEST NEWS<\/p>\n
John Cena partnering with Nickelodeon on three projects
\nWWE reveals bracket and schedule for Mixed Match Challenge
\nImpact Wrestling TV taping results: Four-sided ring, title change, more
\nFormer champion returns, wins title at Impact TV tapings
\nWWE NXT results: Undisputed Era vs. Strong & Aleister Black<\/p>\n
THE LATEST AUDIO<\/p>\n
WOL: WWE and FOX speculation, Mixed Match Challenge update, tons more! 1\/11
\nWOR: Smackdown, 205 Live, ratings, New Japan line-ups, ALL IN show, more! 1\/11<\/p>\n
IMPACT ON POP TV AT\u00a08 P.M.\u00a0EASTERN\u00a0TONIGHT<\/p>\n
\u200bF4W NEWSLETTER:\u00a0Figure Four Weekly 1\/8\/2018: Jericho continues to make wrestling a better place<\/p>\n
At 47 years old, Chris Jericho would have been forgiven if his match against Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 wasn’t a classic. No one expected Jericho vs Omega to live up to Kazuchika Okada vs. Omega from the year prior. There was no way it could have. It was enough that Jericho, someone who’s been with WWE since 1999 and has enjoyed a privileged position for most of his run, was wrestling in NJPW at all. Interest for this year’s Tokyo Dome show was up fairly substantially from the last few years across the board, with attendance figures and New Japan World subscriber numbers rising year-over-year.<\/p>\n
WON NEWSLETTER:\u00a0January 15, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 review, plus tons of news<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a double issue week, packed\u00a0with more major news than any issue in a long time, including notes on the top two matches at WrestleMania, the Hall of Fame main eventer, updates on several major contract issues and a lot of notes on what will be the two biggest stories of the year, the UFC and WWE television negotiations.<\/p>\n
There is extensive coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show including all the business notes, how New Japan World is doing and the cycle of subscribers, the value of Jericho vs. Omega to New Japan, attendance notes, what was unique on the show, Jericho going forward in New Japan, all the angles going forward, what’s next for Kenny Omega, what’s next for Kazuchika Okada, questions on the booking, who were the most popular people on the show, long and short-term angles coming off New Year’s Dash, and a look at New Japan’s big shows through August.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Look at the next eight live shows on New Japan World, plus full Tokyo Dome and New Year’s Dash rundowns with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the shows.<\/p>\n
Updated plans for the Royal Rumble, including the makeup of the women’s match, demand for tickets for Rumble and Mania week and a record to be set on the show.<\/p>\n
Notes on WWE & UFC and how the changing landscape of television affects both companies as they go into their most important negotiations for many years, are in this issue.<\/p>\n
There is a feature on John McCarthy stepping away from officiating, with a background of his start in UFC, his role in the growth and changes of the sport and his new role as an announcer.<\/p>\n
Look at NJPW vs. WWE matches taking place in the U.K., as well as the story of the first and only time the WWF champion and IWGP champion wrestled each other at the Fukuoka Dome and the politics that allowed it to happen.<\/p>\n
Read about WWE injuries, the Mixed Match Challenge, WWE Hall of Fame 2018, NXT Takeover notes, more on Miz’s new TV show and the challenges it faces, Ronda Rousey and Bryan Danielson.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ORDERING INFO:\u00a0Order the print Wrestling\u00a0Observer right now and get it delivered\u00a0via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to\u00a0Dave Meltzer, or by using\u00a0PayPal\u00a0directing funds to\u00a0Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.\u00a0
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If you\u00a0are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue,\u00a0or\u00a0two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.<\/p>\n
WON BACK ISSUE:\u00a0December 25, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Blue Demon passes away, WCW talent walks out on tapings, more\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alejandro Munoz Moreno, who was a 1960s Mexican movie star and possibly the second most famous wrestlers in that country’s history as the Blue Demon, passed away on 12\/16 from a heart attack at the age of 78. Demon, who would probably be ranked just behind El Santo as the most famous cultural wrestling icon in Mexico, starred in even lower budget movies than those which made Santo one of the most beloved and probably the longest enduring wrestling legend in any culture.<\/p>\n
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE<\/u><\/p>\n
<\/u><\/p>\n
Vitor Belfort told Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting that\u00a0Sunday\u00a0will be his last fight. He\u00a0said he’s opening a gym franchise\u00a0on Monday\u00a0called Belfort Fitness and Lifestyle and is looking for franchises in both Brazil and the U.S.\u00a0He said he would only fight if he was offered $10 million.\u00a0In other words, he’s retiring.<\/p>\n
Scott D’Amore and Don Callis at Impact did a press call this morning.\u00a0They noted that there will be an Impact channel on Twitch including old and new content, behind the fourth wall and wrestlers not in a studio setting.\u00a0Don Callis said the move to a four-sided ring was because the talent preferred it.\u00a0Callis also said he has no plans to appear in front of the camera.\u00a0They will be introducing new championship belts in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Callis talks about Impact moving back to a four-sided ring.<\/p>\n
Regarding Moose, he suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his knee at the tapings last night.\u00a0We’re told he’s not expected to miss the tapings the rest of the week.\u00a0He said the knee was stiff\u00a0but he’ll be fine.<\/p>\n
AXS announced this schedule for the upcoming weeks from the Tokyo Dome show:\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/12 –\u00a0Young Bucks vs. Sho & Yoh and Marty Scurll vs. Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Kushida
\n1\/19 –\u00a0Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa & Bad Luck Fale vs. Trent Baretta & Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii, Davey Boy Smith Jr & Lancer Archer vs. Evil & Sanada, Minoru Suzuki vs. Hirooki Goto
\n1\/26 – Cody vs. Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White
\n2\/2 – Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho
\n2\/9 – Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito
\n2\/16 – Highlights from New Year’s Dash<\/p>\n
Bryan and I will be doing a talk show on\u00a04\/6 at 9:30 a.m.\u00a0in New Orleans for about 90 minutes at the Bourbon Room at the Royal St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans.\u00a0Tickets are currently available for the show.<\/p>\n
WWE
\nThe Miz is replacing Samoa Joe in some bookings for a main event position including 3\/16 in Madison Square Garden where he’s in a three-way for the IC title against John Cena and champion Roman Reigns.
\nWWE is doing a double bill with the American Airlines Center in Dallas hosting both Raw & Smackdown on 3\/19 and 3\/20.\u00a0They are offering a combo pass for tickets as well.
\nOddsmaker Jim Murphy has pegged Asuka as the favorite in the Royal Rumble.\u00a0The top nine favorites, many of whom are not announced for the match, are:
\nAsuka +150
\nRonda Rousey +350
\nNikki Bella +700
\nPaige +700
\nBecky Lynch +700
\nCharlotte Flair +1250
\nSasha Banks +1250
\nAlexa Bliss +1250
\nNia Jax +1250<\/p>\n
Men’s odds right now are:
\nJohn Cena +350
\nShinsuke Nakamura +350
\nRoman Reigns +650
\nSeth Rollins +650
\nSamoa Joe +750
\nKevin Owens +750
\nFinn Balor +750
\nAJ Styles +1000
\nBraun Strowman +1000<\/p>\n
Both Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose are battling the flu.
\nThe WWE will open\u00a0Monday’s\u00a0show with another Martin Luther King Jr. package, which they do every year on MLK Jr. Day.
\nWWE Hall of Fame tickets go on sale a week from\u00a0tomorrow, so expect the announcement of a major name\u00a0on Monday.
\nAdd Gene Okerlund to the Raw 25th anniversary show.
\nJeff Hardy will be performing in concert on\u00a0these dates:
\n1\/18 in Concord, NC at Amici’s Pizza Bar & Grill
\n1\/19 in Wilmington, NC at The Real Cafe
\n2\/2 in Florence, SC at 507 Live
\n2\/3 in Hickory, NC at The Vault<\/p>\n
There will be NXT tapings\u00a0at Full Sail University on 3\/7.
\nMichelle Wilson talks the WWE Network.
\nGreat Khali said that WWE has been a failure in India.
\nUFC\/MMA
\nTickets for the 2\/24 FOX show in Orlando go on sale\u00a0Friday\u00a0priced from $195 down to $55.\u00a0The top fights are Yoel Romero vs. David Branch, Jessica Andrade vs Tecia Torres, Ben Saunders vs. Alan Jouban and Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs. Aleksandar Rakic.\u00a0
\nBryan Caraway vs. Cody Stamann has been added to the 3\/3 show in Las Vegas at the T Mobile Arena.
\nThe 1\/20 Bellator show will be airing both on the new Paramount Network and on CMT. (thanks to Floyd Adams)
\nMISCELLANEOUS
\nThe Los Angeles Times reported that a rematch with Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez is expected for 5\/5.\u00a0The report is Alvarez has agreed to the date and Golovkin’s team is expected to agree to it shortly.\u00a0They fought to a controversial draw last year even though most felt Golovkin should have won the fight and the scorecard for Adelaide Byrd, who had it even, was heavily criticized.
\nFive Star Wrestling in the U.K. announced a second television show on FreeSports.\u00a0Besides the live\u00a0Thursday\u00a0night show, there will be one hour shows both on Saturday and\u00a0Sunday\u00a0mornings featuring highlights of the three-hour\u00a0Thursday\u00a0night live shows.\u00a0Names the promotion is listing are John Morrison, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, Jake Hager, Moose, Carlito, Chris Masters, PJ Black, Adam Maxted, Zack Gibson, El Ligero, Dave Mastiff, Eddie Ryan and more.
\nMajor League Wrestling\u00a0tonight\u00a0in Orlando at Gilt Nightclub:
\nJimmy Havoc vs. Shane Strickland in a death match
\nMVP vs. Low Ki
\nMatt Riddle & Jeff Cobb vs. Tom Lawlor & Seth Petruzelli
\nPenta 0M vs. Rey Fenix
\nDarby Allin vs. Sammy Guevera
\nMJF vs. Brody King
\nSantana Garrett vs. MJ Jenkins
\nJason Cade & Jimmy Yuta vs. Dirty Blondes
\nMike Parrow vs. Vandal Ortagu
\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tony Schiavone and Rich Bocchini will be announcing the show<\/p>\n
Brian Cage is in Orlando for Impact so he’ll be debuting at this set of tapings. Tyrus also returned for the tapings.
\nThe NWA is working with Impact because\u00a0on Sunday\u00a0they will be filming an empty arena match with Jocephus vs. Tim Storm from the Impact Zone in Orlando with the winner being top contender for champion Nick Aldis.\u00a0The match will be filmed before the Impact tapings that night.
\nCurrent WBO world bantamweight boxing champion Amanda Serrano (234-1-1, 26 knockouts) has signed a deal with Combate Americas to make her debut in MMA.
\nChampionship Wrestling from Hollywood announced a TV event in China and that more information will be released next week.
\nZack Sabre Jr. vs. Tyler Bate takes place on 2\/3 in Dublin for Over the Top Wrestling.\u00a0
\nECWA on 1\/20 in New Castle, DE at the United Asbury Methodist Church.
\nOne’s next show will be on 1\/20 in Jakarta, Indonesia featuring Tiffany Teo vs. Xionig Jing Nam to become the first One strawweight champion.\u00a0They also run 1\/26 in Pasay, The Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena with Geje Eustaquio vs. Kairat Akhmetov for the interim flyweight title as the main event.
\nPro Wrestling Revolution on 2\/24 in San Jose at Mt. Pleasant High School headlined by Dragon Lee.
\nThe Mississippi State baseball team is calling itself The Road Warriors because their new stadium being built is forcing them to spend the first half of the season on the road.\u00a0Their coach is a huge pro wrestling fan and created some Road Warriors spiked shoulder pads to wear at the games. (thanks to Kyle Niblett)
\nMichael “Elgin headlines for PW Eclipse\u00a0on Saturday\u00a0night in Oshawa, ONT
\nPride Sports Pro Wrestling tomorow night in Caldwell, TX at the Civic Center with Lance Archer, Rodney Mack, Shane Taylor, Tim Storm, Vordell Walker and more.\u00a0They also run\u00a0Sunday\u00a0night in College Station, TX at Hurricane Harry’s with Shane Taylor vs. Masada, plus MVP, Lance Archer, Byron Wilcott and more.\u00a0(thanks to Doug Brown)
\nWest Coast Wrestling Federation on 1\/20 in Yuba City, CA at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds at\u00a07 p.m.
\nAAW on 1\/20 in Chicago at Logan Square Arena has Rey Fenix vs. Matt Riddle for the AAW title, Mat\u00a0Fitchett & Davey Vega defend the tag titles against Shane Strickland & Keith Lee, Sami Callihan & Jake & Dave Crist vs. David Starr & Trevor Lee & Jeff Cobb, Juice Robinson vs. MJF, Jessicka Havok & Kyle Rae vs. Allysin Kay & Scarlett plus ACH, Eddie Kingston, Myron Reed and AR Fox.
\nAAW\u00a0also runs 2\/3 in LaSalle, IL at the Knights of Columbus with Jessicka Havok vs. Allysin Kay for the women’s title, and the winner of the 1\/20 AAW title match defends against ACH plus Jeff Cobb vs. AR Fox and Penta 0M, Trevor Lee and more.\u00a0They also have a 2\/17 show at the Logan Square Arena that sold out instantly with a main event of Tetsuya Naito vs. Sami Callihan.
\nCWE before a sellout last night in Brandon, Manitoba:\u00a0Tony Kozina b Chayse Britton, Kevin O’Doyle b Austin Arrow, AJ Sanchez b Danny Duggan, Tommy Lee Curtis & Brian Rich & Agent Red (managed by Jake Roberts) b Jacob Creed & Bobby Collins & Canadian Cougar, Mr. Inkredible b Kevin Lee Davidson, Tyler Colton b Mentallo.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nQueen of Combat on 1\/20 in Gibsonville NC with Su Yung vs. Tessa Blanchard as the main event plus Chelsea Green and Taeler Hendrix appearing. (thanks to Jake Koch)
\nEl Hijo del Fantasma, Tessa Blanchard, The Boys, Matt Cross Shane Strickland, Space Monkey and Deonna Purrazzo will be on the 2\/17 WrestleCircus show in Austin, TX. (thanks to Jake Koch)
\nSmash Wrestling on 1\/21 at the Phoenix in Toronto with Matt Riddle vs Brent Banks plus a ladder match, as well as Jeff Cobb, Mark Haskins and Joe Hendry.
\nBloomberg has a Lucha Libre pictorial.<\/p>\n
Today in Professional Wrestling History:\u00a0The first episode of Monday Night Raw<\/p>\n
WRESTLING OBSERVER \/ F4W – WRESTLEMANIA 34 in NEW ORLEANS<\/p>\n
Here we go again! It’s back to New Orleans for Wrestlemania 34 and a huge weekend of spectacular pro wrestling related fun and wackiness. EdinSanAntonio Productions along with the Wrestling Observer \/ F4W is proud to present the annual Wrestlemania trip details.\u00a0This huge weekend\u00a0includes a number of website member only events. Not only will we be attending Wrestlemania 34 togther, we will also be hosting a live Wrestling Observer podcast recording with “Big” Dave Meltzer and Bryan “Chico” Alvarez, taking questions from attendees.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EVENT DETAILS: Purchase TICKETS\u00a0for the Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE MAILBAG!<\/p>\n
WHAT: WOR LIVE Podcast Recording with Dave and Bryan
\nWHEN: Friday, April 6th\u00a02018 – Doors at 8:45 AM, Show starts at 9:30 AM and concludes at 11:00 AM
\nWHERE: The Bourbon Room,\u00a0Royal St. Charles Hotel in downtown New Orleans: 135 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130<\/p>\n
CONTACT INFORMATION<\/p>\n
Poll opinions:\u00a0dave@wrestlingobsever.com
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\nWrestling\u00a0Observer Radio questions:\u00a0mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com<\/p>\n
Support the\u00a0Empire~!<\/em>\u00a0with\u00a0F4W shirts. Grab yours today!<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE ROUND-UP THE LATEST NEWS John Cena partnering with Nickelodeon on three projects WWE reveals bracket and schedule for Mixed Match Challenge Impact Wrestling TV taping results: Four-sided ring, title change, more Former champion returns, wins title at Impact TV tapings WWE NXT results: Undisputed Era vs. Strong & Aleister Black THE LATEST AUDIO WOL:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5602"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5602\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5602"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5602"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/googmn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}