Daily Update: WWE stock, Charlotte Flair, Mark Henry talks Hogan
THE ROUND-UP
THE LATEST NEWS
AJ Styles vs. Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas set for tonight’s WWE SmackDown
WWE Raw ratings rebound strongly following Extreme Rules
WWE officially introduces new group of NXT signees
Ronda Rousey to wrestle at WWE house show in China
WWE Reading, PA, live results: Styles & Bryan vs. Joe & Miz
WWE Raw video highlights: Extreme Rules fallout
Reigns vs. Lashley to decide Brock Lesnar’s next challenger
WWE announces Raw Tag Team title rematch for next week
Ronda Rousey vs. Alexa Bliss set for WWE SummerSlam
WWE confirms Lesnar will defend Universal title at SummerSlam
WWE Raw live results: Ultimatum for Brock Lesnar
THE LATEST AUDIO
WOL: Raw recap, SmackDown preview with Sempervive 7/17
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: History of Wrestling, 1962-63 7/17
WOR: Masa Saito, Bruiser Brody, Terry Gordy, RAW, G-1, tons more! 7/17
F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Hogan takes first step towards WWE return
Nearly three years after being fired from the company, Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE took a major step forward on Sunday. After Hogan was spotted flying into Cleveland — which was apparently a failed attempt to avoid him being seen coming to Pittsburgh, where WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view was being held — WWE announced on Sunday afternoon that Hogan had been reinstated into their Hall of Fame.
WON NEWSLETTER: (July 16, 2018) Daniel Cormier/Brock Lesnar fallout from UFC 226
Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar and details behind their proposed fight as well as how this relates to Lesnar in WWE is the lead story in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue also covers the G-1 Special at the Cow Palace as well as G-1 notes for week one.
Look at why Cormier’s win of the heavyweight title is very different from his light heavyweight win, the arguments about the greatest MMA fighter of all-time and others in that discussion, as well as the drug testing issue, the Cormier-Lesnar angle, and the earliest date Cormier vs. Lesnar can take place.
Have a more in-depth look at how the WWE and UFC television deals went down.
Read about the WWE stock price, how this complicates talks of a sale of the company, and current market value.
Get the update on a lot of WWE injuries and returns, Dwayne Johnson and the presidency, Ronda Rousey advertising, Paul Heyman being at Raw last week and why he was there, wrestling becoming part of Kane’s Mayoral race, changes in the 2018 PPV schedule, and a second Jim Ross autobiography.
Read about the New Japan Cow Palace show, looking at the injuries to Hiromu Takahashi and Jim Ross with updates, thoughts on New Japan injuries, neck problems from the past and in other companies, why the injury probably took place, and what happened after the show with Jim Ross.
This issue has full coverage of UFC 226, with business notes, early PPV numbers, poll results and match-by-match coverage.
Read the updated thoughts on Extreme Rules.
Get in-depth information on the Enzo Amore situation after the police investigation ended.
Look at WWE’s biggest U.S. house show of the year so far in Madison Square Garden featuring Undertaker and Ronda Rousey.
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
WWE stock closed above $80 per share for the first time ever today, coming in at $80.53. That was a bit more than a one percent increase on the day. WWE’s market capitalization is currently above six-billion dollars.
During an appearance on “Conversations With Maria Menounos,” Charlotte Flair said she expects to be cleared to return on July 31 after undergoing surgery for her breast implants rupturing. Charlotte worked through the issue before having surgery.
Charlotte made her NXT TV debut on this day in 2013.
Mark Henry told TMZ that he thinks Hulk Hogan is genuine about wanting to clear his name and that Hogan has been hurt by people treating him differently after his leaked racist diatribe were made public in 2015. Henry noted that there’s a “50/50 split” towards Hogan returning among the black wrestlers in WWE. On Busted Open Radio, Henry also discussed the conversation he had with Hogan. He said Hogan told him he wants to fix things. And if Hogan is willing to do that, Henry said he will help him.
Ratings for Sunday’s episode of Total Bellas had a sizeable drop. The show averaged 594,000 total viewers and posted a 0.27 rating in the 18-49 demo. Last week’s numbers were 719,000 viewers and a 0.32 rating.
WWE displayed a tribute graphic for Masa Saito at the start of last night’s Raw.
Michael Hayes tweeted about yesterday being the 17th anniversary of Terry Gordy’s death: “17 years ago today we lost Terry Gordy, here on earth. We never lost Terry in our mind, memories and heart. I can’t thank Bam enough for deciding to b my Freebird Brother. Love and miss U ALWAYS!!!”
The Revival & Mike Kanellis defeated Heath Slater, Rhyno & Chad Gable and No Way Jose defeated Curt Hawkins on this week’s Main Event tapings.
Diamond Dallas Page has been guest coaching at the Performance Center this week. Pepper Parks, who was formerly Braxton Sutter in Impact Wrestling, was a guest coach last week.
The Miz won the MVP award in this year’s MLB celebrities and legends softball game, which aired after the Home Run Derby last night.
Drew Mcintyre was the guest on this week’s episode of Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia.
Corey Graves tweeted that WWE Shop won’t be releasing the “Shut up, Saxton” T-shirt that they had already put up: “Sorry guys, no #ShutUpSaxton shirt. Out of my hands. We tried.”
Pro Wrestling
The FIght Network, which Anthem Sports & Entertainment (the parent company of Impact Wrestling) owns, will have a daily block of programming on Showcase TV in the UK starting at 9 p.m. every night. That will include Impact airing on the channel at the same time as it does on Pop TV in the United States, along with replays on Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. Impact’s UK and Ireland Twitter account tweeted that the show will still be airing on 5Spike as well.
Impact announced that Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Curtis Granderson will make an appearance at Slammiversary and will be the “Title Holder” for the Austin Aries vs. Moose World Championship main event. The PPV is taking place in Toronto this Sunday, and John Hennigan will also throw out the first pitch at Sunday’s Blue Jays game. Granderson previously appeared at Slammiversary 2009.
PROGRESS Wrestling revealed that, due to his commitments with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Zack Sabre Jr. won’t be able to wrestle at their Wembley Arena show on September 30. Sabre had been scheduled to challenge for the PROGRESS Championship in the main event. NJPW’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed show will take place in Long Beach on September 30, and Will Ospreay also had to be pulled from the PROGRESS card because of it.
Jimmy Havoc vs. Christopher Daniels, Mark Haskins vs. Jonathan Gresham, Joe Hendry vs. Hangman Page, and Kip Sabian vs. Flip Gordon will be the first round matches in ROH’s International Cup tournament in Edinburgh and Doncaster next month. The winner will challenge for the ROH World Championship in London on August 19.
Marty Scurll vs. Kenny King, Karen Q vs. Jenny Rose, and Jay Briscoe vs. Christopher Daniels have been announced for ROH’s TV tapings at Center Stage in Atlanta this Saturday.
Cody Rhodes cut a promo about Flip Gordon challenging for Nick Aldis’ NWA title at ROH Honor for All this Friday.
Rey Horus is replacing Aerostar at MLW’s Battle Riot show and will team with Drago in a title match against Tag Team Champions Pentagon Jr. & Fenix. Jake Hager vs. Simon Gotch has also been added to the show, which will take place in Queens, New York this Thursday.
Prowrestling.com interviewed Tom Lawlor about wrestling for MLW.
Joey Janela appeared on today’s episode of the Steve Austin Show.
UFC/MMA
Robert Whittaker said he realistically won’t be able to return and defend his middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum until “like February of next year.” Whittaker is recovering from surgery for a broken hand.
While appearing on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show yesterday, Stipe Miocic demanded a rematch against Daniel Cormier and said Brock Lesnar’s actions at UFC 226 were a “sh*t show” and “disrespectful.” Miocic also tweeted about wanting a rematch with Cormier: “I have 4 belts. I broke the record for consecutive title defenses. I cleared out the heavyweight division. @dc_mma, let’s have rematch as proven champs.”
Conor McGregor praised Vladimir Putin after attending Sunday’s World Cup final in Russia as one of Putin’s guests.
Khabib Nurmagomedov said he didn’t confront McGregor at the World Cup because he’s more interested in facing him in a cage.
Dave Meltzer has an article for MMA Fighting on Saturday’s UFC and Bellator ratings.
Chael Sonnen thinks that Colby Covington’s antics are working and that more fighters are going to start copying them.
After their social media feud, Brendan Schaub criticized Dana White for the way he bashes fighters.
Chris Leben is coming out of retirement for a bare-knuckle boxing match against Phil Baroni on October 20.
Daily Professional Wrestling History: CM Punk wins WWE title at Money in the Bank 2011
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 Granny’s 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 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!