THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James set for WWE Elimination Chamber
Raw ratings down big from last week’s post-Royal Rumble highs
The Rock’s production company developing a film about WWE’s Paige
Former All Japan & NOAH wrestler Ryuma ‘Jun’ Izumida passes away
NJPW Road to New Beginning results: Three 10-man elimination tags
UFC Super Bowl weekend show does great ratings for FS1
WWE Raw video highlights: Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns
Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar officially booked for WWE WrestleMania 33
Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley set for next week’s Raw
WWE Raw live results: Goldberg responds to Brock Lesnar’s challenge
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express joining WWE’s 2017 Hall of Fame class
AUDIO
WOR: Raw, more on the XFL, Minoru Suzuki, Rock and Roll Express, more! 2/7
WOL: Raw, Smackdown, Okada vs. Suzuki, Rock and Rolls in the Hall of Fame, more! 2/6
WOR: Everything you ever wanted to know about the XFL 2/6
B&V: Bryan and Vinny’s Super Bowl breakdown, NWA WCW from 30 years ago this week! 2/5
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 1/30/2017: Recapping the 2017 Royal Rumble
Given the star power in the match, Randy Orton winning the 2017 Royal Rumble was always going to be underwhelming to some. It was only who he eliminated last that redeemed the moment to most who were disappointed. Orton capped off a solid Rumble match at the Alamodome by last eliminating Roman Reigns, who entered at #30 after interference from Braun Strowman cost him his shot at the Universal Championship earlier in the night… Subscribers click here to continue.
WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: February 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Royal Rumble review, Ronda Rousey retired, more
An update on the lineups for WrestleMania, Fast Lane and Elimination Chamber, the direction of WWE and how they are getting there, the title situation and why the matches are taking place is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.
Have a look at the situation with Seth Rollins and his injury, the current WrestleMania lineup, as well as how the next two PPVs will set up WrestleMania.
There is full coverage of the Royal Rumble, with a look at how everyone did, notes on Royal rumble records, match-by-match coverage with star ratings, poll results, and more.
This issue looks at the John Cena title win, examine how many world title reigns Ric Flair really had and the ones WWE pretends didn’t happen, ticket sales as compared to the 1997 show in the same building, problems with the setup and more.
Examine the probable retirement of Ronda Rousey and her legacy, both good and bad.
Inside has an update on the situation with Conor McGregor and UFC and WWE, as well as the proposed Mayweather fight and the impending battles over contracts that fighters and UFC are likely to be having.
There is full coverage of the San Antonio Takeover show, the NXT awards, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and business notes.
Coverage of the UFC on FOX show as well as examining what lessons can be learned from the ratings, and what’s next for the fighters, is inside.
Look at plans for the 2018 Royal Rumble weekend, Mick Foley update regarding his position as General Manager, Paul Levesque talks working with outside promoters and Matt Riddle, plus we look at Riddle’s pro wrestling background. Plus, also look at the directions planned for upcoming house shows, what types of talent WWE has been contacting for WrestleMania and tournaments, Finn Balor update, notes on this coming weekend’s house shows, plus coverage from the NXT & WWE weekend events, with match highlights and business notes from the shows.
Finally, check out the coverage of the first U.K. prime time live television wrestling event since 1968.
Subscribers click here to continue.
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 17, 2000 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Gary Albright, Observer awards, more
Gary Albright, a former world class amateur wrestling star and headliner on many big shows as a pro in Japan, died after collapsing in the ring at an independent show in Hazleton, PA before about 100 fans on 1/7. He was 36. The preliminary reports from the corner attributed the death of the 6-foot-4, 340-pound powerhouse to a heart attack, technically speaking a combination of severe atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and acute pulmonary edema… Subscribers click here to continue.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
The first match for WrestleMania 33 was officially set on last night’s Raw as it was announced that Goldberg would be facing Brock Lesnar in Orlando. Before that, Goldberg will challenge Kevin Owens for the Universal title at Fastlane. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman has also been announced for Fastlane.
Another match will be added to the Fastlane card tonight as a fatal five-way match between Cedric Alexander, Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins, Noam Dar, and Tony Nese was booked for 205 Live to decide Neville’s next challenger for the Cruiserweight title.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match is the most hyped thing for tonight’s SmackDown. It will be the Elimination Chamber go-home show, with Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James having been added to the PPV’s card earlier today.
WWE issued an update on Shinsuke Nakamura’s storyline knee injury, noting that there were no tears in Nakamura’s knee and that he wouldn’t require surgery.
The custom WWE Championship that WWE sent the New England Patriots after their Super Bowl 51 win was heavily featured during the team’s victory parade today. Rob Gronkowski posted a picture with the title before the parade began and it appeared several times on the TV broadcast.
Sami Zayn spoke to ESPN about wanting to help change how Muslims and Arabs are portrayed in American media.
Triple H posted a tweet welcoming WWE’s newest Chinese recruits to the Performance Center.
Last night’s video promoting the makeover of Emmalina claimed that she would be appearing on Raw next week. Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley and Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho hosting a Festival of Friendship are also advertised for the show.
Pro Wrestling
EVOLVE announced that Michael Elgin and Donovan Dijak would be wrestling for the promotion over WrestleMania weekend, which probably says something about Dijak’s future with Ring of Honor. Elgin & Dijak will challenge for Tracy Williams & Fred Yehi’s EVOLVE tag titles on March 30th in Orlando, Florida. Elgin will also face Zack Sabre Jr. the next night.
Matt Riddle vs. Drew Galloway and Tracy Williams vs. Keith Lee have been announced for EVOLVE 79 in Queens, New York on February 25th. EVOLVE 78 will take place in Joppa, Maryland the night before that with Galloway vs. Jeff Cobb and Tracy Williams vs. ACH announced.
OTT Wrestling announced a big match for their April 15th show at National Stadium in Ireland. The Young Bucks will team with Kenny Omega against Ricochet, Will Ospreay & Ryan Smile.
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. the former Pentagon Jr. will take place for Revolution Pro Wrestling in Orlando on March 31st over WrestleMania weekend.
UFC/MMA
Today is the four-year anniversary of Conor McGregor signing a contract with the UFC.
Daniel Cormier said that he’s confident Anthony “Rumble” Johnson will quit at UFC 210.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk said that she would be open to fighting at 125 lbs.
The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) Rules and Regulations Committee recommended some use of instant replay and four other rule changes for MMA.
Anderson Silva wants another fight with Michael Bisping after UFC 208.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell is reportedly being targeted for UFC 211.
Bellator is heading to Italy on April 8th for a combined MMA/kickboxing show.
F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO
PRE MANIA TAILGATE:
Who to Blame: Ken Hesser
Details from Ken: I ran one prior to the Miami, Atlanta, and last Orlando Manias, and all were well received. Typically, I keep these things really informal, with music, cornhole and refreshments, BYOB or food. Fun should start around 3 PM, so if you’re coming over on the bus, please stop by for a few minutes! PM if you’re coming by! – KennyH75 (I still need a ticket for the show by the way).
BUS INFO:
The Empire bus to WrestleMania will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlcon).
The bus will leave at 4pm (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave WrestleMania no later then one hour after the show. If you would like a seat email Ed at [email protected] or message him on the BOARD~! for Paypal payment instructions.
DINNER INFO:
WHAT: Dinner at Texas de Brazil
WHEN: Friday March 31st
WHERE: 5259 International Dr Ste F1, Orlando, FL 32819 at 5 p.m. (they may open at 4:30 for us)
WHO: All your best empire buddies
DETAILS: The cost of the dinner will be $68.00 which includes the dinner, salad bar, soft drinks and tea, and dessert, tax and tip. This is a pre pay dinner and you can send payment to paypal at [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend). Payments must be made by March 24th (if you wait until after that, Ed will charge an extra $5.00 for being a pain).
Today in Professional Wrestling History (2/7): Bobby Roode & Austin Aries win tag team gold
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