Daily Update: John Cena, Raw 25 fallout, Melissa Santos gives birth
THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
WWE to address Cruiserweight title status, 205 Live GM tonight
Raw’s 25th anniversary episode draws huge ratings for WWE
WWE releases Enzo Amore in aftermath of rape allegation
WWE Raw 25 off-air notes: Matches and appearances in Manhattan
NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania recap: Brothers tag tournament finals
WWE Raw video highlights: The 25th anniversary show
The Miz wins Intercontinental Championship on WWE Raw 25
WWE Raw 25 live results: The Undertaker & Steve Austin return
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: Enzo Amore fired, WWE Raw 25 feedback, tons more! 1/23
WOR: Enzo Amore situation, Raw 25 breakdown, more! 1/23
Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge and 205 Live are in Washington, DC. Big E & Carmella vs. The Miz & Asuka is the mixed match challenge match.
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly 1/22/2018: Recapping WWE Raw 25
With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night. It was the most-anticipated Raw of the year, with WWE putting their full promotional force behind the event and inviting seemingly every available name from the past. With a rare opportunity to present an episode that reached a bit beyond WWE’s usual audience, Raw’s 25th anniversary show took place in New York City on Monday night.
WON NEWSLETTER: January 22, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Paige’s in-ring career with WWE over, Reigns steroid allegations, more
A look at the career of Paige and the injuries that appeared to end it is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Read about her career, the movie on her life that is forthcoming, how the movie affected the last few years, details of the injury, how this compares to Bryan Danielson, how the movie got started, her life before WWE and her role in the changes in the WWE women’s division.
Look at the situation with Conor McGregor, as well as a huge show UFC is looking at doing in the fall.
Read comments on the Roman Reigns allegations and the WWE background on how different allegations have been handled.
There are changes in plans of the rumble show, an update on a lot of talent talking with WWE, many coming into WWE, history of why Bobby Lashley left WWE, former TNA star talks wanting to move to WWE, Jey Uso’s DWI arrest, notes on a lot of new talent starting at the Performance Center, Cena projects on Nickelodeon, who is coming in for 25th Raw, who isn’t coming to the 25th Raw and why, and a complete scheduled for Mixed Match Challenge.
Check out how house show plans changed with the Samoa Joe injury, WWE injury notes, WWE signs new giant, UFC star’s name talked about for WWE, Cena and Rock move notes, WWE stock price value and most-watched shows for the week on the WWE Network. Look at the WWE and NXT arena events over the past week with results, highlights and business notes.
Look at the head-to-head battle with UFC and Bellator this week, the hoped for stardom of Francis Ngannou, Sonnen vs. Rampage, Cormier vs. Oezdemir and more.
Read about the UFC show in St. Louis and the most emotional moment in UFC television history. Plus, look at the unique nature of how the television audience changed and why the ratings were so high.
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.
WON BACK ISSUE: January 8, 2001 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Paul Heyman considering selling ECW, more on Wrestler of the Year, more
Citing a number of factors, including the enormous pressure he’s been under over the past year, the large company debt and what he sees as the future landscape of the business, Paul Heyman said he was in serious negotiations to sell either a majority share or all of Extreme Championship Wrestling.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
The Hollywood Reporter reported that John Cena is in negotiations to star in “Duke Nukem,” which is a film adaptation of the video game franchise.
“Ferdinand,” with Cena having voiced its lead character, was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film in the Academy Awards. Cena thanked the Academy for recognizing the movie: “So happy @FerdinandMovie was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. The cast, crew, directors, producers, and more importantly, its message, are amazing. Thank you to @TheAcademy for recognizing a story that reminds us to be proud of who we are. #Oscars2018”
While appearing at an event at the Empire State Building yesterday, Triple H said “I will tell you this — stay tuned” about Ronda Rousey potentially appearing for WWE again.
A WWE 24 special focused on WrestleMania 33 in Orlando will premiere on the WWE Network after the Royal Rumble on Sunday.
Hulk Hogan wrote about not being part of Raw’s anniversary show: “Very hard sitting at home and not being at #Raw25 with all my friends but really enjoyed seeing it all. My how great the show was.”
Jim Ross posted about a photo that was going around where it was claimed that he and Jerry Lawler were sleeping during Raw 25: “Wanted to clear up something that was reported on a few sites last night during #RAW25. It appears that some sites covered their arse when using the term ‘appeared’, but no one was sleeping. Absurd to suggest such. A ridiculous claim. Never happened.”
Despite being on the commemorative chair, Lita tweeted that she didn’t make the guest list for last night.
Bayley met Trish Stratus backstage at Raw 25.
Steve Austin cut a great promo on Mike Rome following his appearance on Raw.
The Miz and Tye Dillinger have been added to the lineup for the men’s Royal Rumble.
Goldust defeated Curt Hawkins and Kalisto & Gran Metalik beat TJP & Jack Gallagher on this week’s Main Event tapings at the Barclays Center.
Mike Bennett wrote that debuting and failing gave him his passion back and made him fall in love with the process again.
Pro Wrestling
After 36 hours of labor, Melissa Santos and Brian Cage welcomed the birth of their daughter. They named her Skylar Faith Button.
NJPW’s two Road to New Beginning in Osaka shows at Korakuen Hall next month will have English commentary.
The NWA congratulated WWE on Raw’s 25th anniversary.
UFC/MMA
Dave Meltzer has an article for MMA Fighting on this weekend’s MMA ratings.
Cris Cyborg posted that she’s agreed with her management to face Amanda Nunes on July 7th during International Fight Week.
Tony Ferguson said it bothers him that he doesn’t know if his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov is for the real lightweight title.
Rory MacDonald noted that his leg injury on Saturday was the worst pain he’s ever felt in a fight.
Today in Professional Wrestling History: Hulk Hogan defeats Iron Sheik to win WWF title
WRESTLING OBSERVER / F4W – WRESTLEMANIA 34 in NEW ORLEANS
Here we go again! It’s back to New Orleans for Wrestlemania 34 and a huge weekend of spectacular professional wrestling related fun and wackiness. EdinSanAntonio Productions along with the Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Empire~! is proud to present the annual Wrestlemania weekend trip details. This huge weekend includes a number of website “members only” events. Below are the two events currently scheduled. Click here for full event details.
WOR Podcast Taping: Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE MAILBAG~!
WHAT: Wrestling Observer Radio LIVE Podcast Recording with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez
WHEN: Friday, April 6th, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:45 a.m. for VIP ticket holders and at 9:15 a.m. for general admission)
WHERE: The Bourbon Room, Royal St. Charles Hotel in downtown New Orleans; 135 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130
WO/F4W Brunch: Purchase TICKETS for the Wrestling Oberver BRUNCH~!
WHAT: All you care to eat brunch buffet on the morning of Wrestlemania
WHEN: Sunday, April 8th, 2018 – T11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Court of Two Sisters restaurant in downtown New Orleans; 613 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
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