THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
WWE Raw ratings get a big post-PPV bump this week
WWE announces matches for tonight’s SmackDown
WWE Raw video highlights: Samoa Joe sends a message to Lesnar
WWE Raw live results: Fallout from Extreme Rules
NXT Aberdeen, Scotland, live results: The UK tour begins
AUDIO
FREE WOL: Sempervive talks Raw, Joe vs. Lesnar, SD, more 6/6
WOR: Raw report, Great Balls of Fire, Demetrious vs. UFC, tons more! 6/6
WOL: WWE Extreme Rules fallout, more! 6/5
WOR: WWE Extreme Rules, New Japan Dominion line-up, tons more! 6/5
B&V: WWE Extreme Rules 2017 6/4
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 5/30/17: How the WWE Network changed the pro wrestling marketplace
Though the service launched over three years ago, it’s still becoming increasingly apparent that the WWE Network has forever changed the pro wrestling marketplace. FloSports raising the month-to-month rate of its streaming products, including FloSlam, for new subscribers to $29.99 per month has most recently reignited the conversation about the pricing of wrestling broadcasts.
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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: June 5, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Record low Raw ratings, death of Frank Deford, more
A look at what the record low ratings for Raw mean and don’t mean, and the value of Raw to the USA Network, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Also, have a look at legendary sportswriter Frank Deford, the current WWE creative direction, more on the push of Jinder Mahal in India, the promotion you’ve never heard of that just drew 58,000 fans to a show this past week and how they did it, and the Best of the Super Juniors tournament coverage.
Also inside is a rundown of the business over the past two months for WWE, Impact and ROH, and a look at the reality of cord cutting and what it means, WWE business metrics, DVR usage, why Raw’s ratings tell only a small story about its value to USA, the television industry as a whole, do ratings matter, and changes in the PPV business.
Examine my time working with Frank Deford and The National, as well as his career, and his work.
Plus, look at the next two WWE PPVs, the main event planned for SummerSlam, and the direction the title picture is going, and more on Jinder Mahal as champion, WWE’s worldwide decisions and the quandary of doing business in India.
Check out the KSW promotion and the angles and stories that drew 58,000 to a show this past week, including notes on their top stars.
There are updates on WWE Network and other promotions airing on it, William Regal talks what WWE wants in talent and puts over a Rugby League star signed and who he was high on that the previous regime saw nothing in, and the new system vs. old system, Hulk Hogan, WWE injuries, Cena’ return, box office for Cena, Batista and Rock, contract expiring for an international star, lots of new women starting with the company, Lucha Libre star signs with the company, new TV show the company is behind with three of its stars, new WWE product in marketing deal with other companies, longest winning streaks, and WWE U.K. deals.
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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: May 15, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Slamboree review, drug testing for wrestling in NY, more
The bill in New York written by State Senator Tom Libous of Binghamton, which would require state mandated drug testing of all pro wrestlers that work in New York, if it passes, would without question wind up in some form or fashion completely changing the pro wrestling industry as we know it. Whether that’s good or bad depends upon your point of view. There are a few things clear about pro wrestling. Even if some promoters can argue that they can regulate their own companies, the fact is, this business is largely a total failure at regulating itself.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
SmackDown tonight has Kevin Owens vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match, AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler, Naomi, Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch vs. Natalya, Carmella & Tamina, and the in-ring return of the New Day. Tyler Breeze tweeted that there will be more Fashion Files on the episode as well.
Owens posted that he has a broken thumb but said he won’t miss any time because of it.
A Cruiserweight Championship match will take place on 205 Live as TJP challenges Neville for the title.
It was confirmed last night that Brock Lesnar will return to television on next week’s episode of Raw, which has been advertised locally for a while. The angle with Samoa Joe choking out Paul Heyman as a message to Lesnar was used to set up his return.
Members of the NXT roster were in Manchester today visiting those affected by last month’s bombing. WWE, Sky News, and other outlets have posted articles about Bobby Roode, Nikki Cross, Mark Andrews, and PROGRESS Wrestling’s Jim Smallman visiting an eight-year-old girl who was injured in the attack. Ember Moon, Roderick Strong, Trent Seven, and Jack Gallagher also donated items at a Red Cross to help with the emergency fund.
Sports Business Journal has a study on how viewership for sports on television has gotten older over the past decade. The study found that the median age for those watching pro wrestling on TV was 54 years old in 2016, which is up from 28 in 2000 and 33 in 2006. Dave Meltzer noted on Twitter that the average age of those watching Raw and SmackDown is in the 40s.
Matt Hardy indicated that Reby Hardy will be giving birth to the couple’s second child soon.
This Friday’s episode of Talk is Jericho will be another edition of Talk’n Shop with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.
The Miami Herald interviewed Jason Jordan about his journey to WWE.
Orlando Weekly has a story on a potential WWE theme park.
Pro Wrestling
With Owens vs. Nakamura happening on SmackDown tonight, Ring of Honor uploaded full video of their first match from War of the Worlds 2014.
In an update on the situation with What Culture Pro Wrestling and YouTube, WCPW had the strike that YouTube gave their channel removed and their “Fight Back” show has been added back to the service. YouTube had given them the strike for supposedly violating their policy on spam and deceptive practices.
Milwaukee Brewers prospect Brett Phillips spoke to MLB.com about being neighbors with “Macho Man” Randy Savage before Savage passed away. “Every day, he’d see me riding my bike home from school and he’d call me over to play basketball,” Phillips said. “You would think one of the days, one of the games, he would let up on me, but that was not the case. I got beat every time. You know how kids are always like ‘one more game, one more game’? No, he was the one saying ‘one more game, we’re going again’ and I’d be exhausted.”
Pro Wrestling Elite announced that Alberto El Patron is off of their shows on July 21st and 22nd due to various factors.
Wrestle:List interviewed FloSlam Senior Vice President of Customer Acquisition and Marketing Nick Schenck about the service.
Brian Pillman Jr. (who is training to be a pro wrestler) posted a photo on Instagram of him wearing one of his father’s vests.
Ric Flair tweeted a picture of a hand injury that he recently suffered.
UFC/MMA
Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson passed away one year ago today. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto spoke to some of Ferguson’s family members for a story on him.
Ray Borg said that he respects Demetrious Johnson for standing up for the UFC’s flyweight division.
Henry Cejudo offered to introduce TJ Dillashaw to the flyweight division.
Ricardo Lamas will now face Jason Knight at UFC 214 in Anaheim on July 29th. Lamas had been scheduled to fight “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung, but a knee injury forced Jung out of the match.
Mark Hunt wasn’t happy that Alistair Overeem received an IV prior to their fight at UFC 209.
Jose Aldo thanked those who have supported him and vowed to come back in a statement that he posted on social media.
Tyron Woodley discussed wanting “legacy fights.”
The UFC 212 prelims averaged 732,000 viewers last Saturday night.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (6/6): Shawn Michaels wins WWF IC title
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