Week in Wrestling - Friday, April 7, 2017
Check out my full review of the Wrestlemania Weekend Festivities I attended in Orlando (here)
Undertaker Retires
Wrestlemania appeared to be the final match of The Undertaker, who took off his gloves, his jacket and his hat. He placed them in the ring at the conclusion of the show. Undertaker had quietly retired last year after WrestleMania, leaving his gloves in the ring but that was not a public thing. The year before, in his loss to Brock Lesnar, Vince McMahon booked that finish with the idea it would be Undertaker’s last match and he needed to get the equity of the streak to build a star for the future. But this year, with the ceremony, it appears to be the real deal.
Wrestlemania appeared to be the final match of The Undertaker, who took off his gloves, his jacket and his hat. He placed them in the ring at the conclusion of the show. Undertaker had quietly retired last year after WrestleMania, leaving his gloves in the ring but that was not a public thing. The year before, in his loss to Brock Lesnar, Vince McMahon booked that finish with the idea it would be Undertaker’s last match and he needed to get the equity of the streak to build a star for the future. But this year, with the ceremony, it appears to be the real deal.
WWE Network Number
The most important thing to look at are the WWE Network numbers. The paid subscriptions to the WWE Network the day after WrestleMania were 1,661,000, broken down as 1,237,000 in the U.S and 424,000 outside the U.S. There were also 288,000 people who were subscribing on WrestleMania day (meaning 1,949,000 total) that were getting it based on one of the many different free offers, broken down as 215,000 in the U.S and 73,000 outside the U.S.
For a comparison, on the day after WrestleMania last year, there were 1,454,000 paid subscribers, broken down as 1,109,000 in the United States and 345,000 outside the United State. And year-over-year paid was up 207,000, which is 14 percent, so this has to be considered a positive Mania season.
The most important thing to look at are the WWE Network numbers. The paid subscriptions to the WWE Network the day after WrestleMania were 1,661,000, broken down as 1,237,000 in the U.S and 424,000 outside the U.S. There were also 288,000 people who were subscribing on WrestleMania day (meaning 1,949,000 total) that were getting it based on one of the many different free offers, broken down as 215,000 in the U.S and 73,000 outside the U.S.
For a comparison, on the day after WrestleMania last year, there were 1,454,000 paid subscribers, broken down as 1,109,000 in the United States and 345,000 outside the United State. And year-over-year paid was up 207,000, which is 14 percent, so this has to be considered a positive Mania season.
JR Back in WWE
Jim Ross returned to WWE this week, calling the Undertaker's last match at Mania. There were reports that Undertaker had asked for him to announce his last match. When Ross came out, nothing was said about his wife passing away and the only mention of it was Daniel Bryan on Talking Smack on 3/28. Perhaps there was the feeling that they didn’t want any reality downers to moods.
Ross, 65, signed a two-year contract with WWE on 3/31. Ross was the voice of what is likely to be the closest thing to worldwide competition for WWE, New Japan Pro Wrestling. While the potential of ITV was of more immediate concern to WWE because of the magnitude of the television reach vs. WWE’s own reach in what is WWE’s No. 2 business market.
Jim Ross returned to WWE this week, calling the Undertaker's last match at Mania. There were reports that Undertaker had asked for him to announce his last match. When Ross came out, nothing was said about his wife passing away and the only mention of it was Daniel Bryan on Talking Smack on 3/28. Perhaps there was the feeling that they didn’t want any reality downers to moods.
Ross, 65, signed a two-year contract with WWE on 3/31. Ross was the voice of what is likely to be the closest thing to worldwide competition for WWE, New Japan Pro Wrestling. While the potential of ITV was of more immediate concern to WWE because of the magnitude of the television reach vs. WWE’s own reach in what is WWE’s No. 2 business market.
Ross is under contract to AXS (not New Japan) as the play-by-play voice of the show through early 2018, so there is about a nine or so month period where, at least in theory, Ross will be doing both shows. Officials at AXS confirmed that in their minds, nothing has changed with Ross, that he is under contract and will be the lead New Japan announcer. Ross’ AXS deal was not exclusive, which enabled him to take the WWE deal.
We do know that those at Impact, which are in charge of the creative on the ITV show, were not surprised and were aware this move was being made for several weeks. When Ross did his talk shows in Orlando, among those working with him on the shows were Impact performers and head Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett and Bruce Prichard, while Jeremy Borash was the host of the show.
The catalyst for his coming back was clearly WWE didn’t want the familiar voice of Ross as the lead announcer on the ITV wrestling show.
We do know that those at Impact, which are in charge of the creative on the ITV show, were not surprised and were aware this move was being made for several weeks. When Ross did his talk shows in Orlando, among those working with him on the shows were Impact performers and head Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett and Bruce Prichard, while Jeremy Borash was the host of the show.
The catalyst for his coming back was clearly WWE didn’t want the familiar voice of Ross as the lead announcer on the ITV wrestling show.
Mauro Update
Mauro Ranallo was not at WrestleMania this week or at television, making four weeks he’s been absent due to battles with depression. Ranallo’s publicly putting over winning the Observer award was something that is one of those unique things that you aren’t supposed to do, or at least when working in WWE. Ranallo, based on reports from friends, has gotten healthier over the past week. He did make one statement on Twitter, saying, “While it breaks my heart that I won’t be at WrestleMania, I’m extremely happy for my friend Jim Ross,” and hashtagged it “Keep Up The Good Fight.”
The company is in a very weird position right now because Ranallo not being there makes this a public issue.
Mauro Ranallo was not at WrestleMania this week or at television, making four weeks he’s been absent due to battles with depression. Ranallo’s publicly putting over winning the Observer award was something that is one of those unique things that you aren’t supposed to do, or at least when working in WWE. Ranallo, based on reports from friends, has gotten healthier over the past week. He did make one statement on Twitter, saying, “While it breaks my heart that I won’t be at WrestleMania, I’m extremely happy for my friend Jim Ross,” and hashtagged it “Keep Up The Good Fight.”
The company is in a very weird position right now because Ranallo not being there makes this a public issue.
Superstar shake-up
Regarding the “Superstar shake-up,” when we first heard about it, the talk was that the key moves would be Roman Reigns to Smackdown and A.J. Styles to Raw. This was months ago. This past week we were told that Reigns isn’t going anywhere and the key moves were said to be Styles to Raw and The New Day to Smackdown. The latter makes sense since the tag team division in Smackdown has been weak from day one. However, with Cena leaving for a while, moving Styles also, which is taking the two most over guys on that side off the table, makes no sense. Smackdown gave you the impression that Styles will be moving over. But that would mean one major Raw star would have to be moved over, although with Nakamura, they did get the biggest call-up. I could easily see Charlotte and Bliss being flip-flopped. Smackdown needs help in the tag division and Raw has several teams that could help.
Regarding the “Superstar shake-up,” when we first heard about it, the talk was that the key moves would be Roman Reigns to Smackdown and A.J. Styles to Raw. This was months ago. This past week we were told that Reigns isn’t going anywhere and the key moves were said to be Styles to Raw and The New Day to Smackdown. The latter makes sense since the tag team division in Smackdown has been weak from day one. However, with Cena leaving for a while, moving Styles also, which is taking the two most over guys on that side off the table, makes no sense. Smackdown gave you the impression that Styles will be moving over. But that would mean one major Raw star would have to be moved over, although with Nakamura, they did get the biggest call-up. I could easily see Charlotte and Bliss being flip-flopped. Smackdown needs help in the tag division and Raw has several teams that could help.
Drew Galloway Back in WWE
The Galloway deal was put together at the last minute, as it wasn’t finalized until Saturday morning. Galloway was not earmarked as one of the names for the ITV project, perhaps due to the U.K. television exclusivity aspect of the contracts because aside from the crew that worked the first tapings, the “want” guys for the project were Galloway, Magnus (who will be there and has returned to TNA) and Will Ospreay (who was not on the list of talent appearing likely because of ROH contracts not allowing people to work on a show that’s basically put together by Impact). Galloway was also the top regular and champion for What Culture Pro, which has a lot of money behind it, and he had considered as his home promotion. He was also one of the top stars for ICW and perhaps the key star on the U.K. scene.
The Galloway deal was put together at the last minute, as it wasn’t finalized until Saturday morning. Galloway was not earmarked as one of the names for the ITV project, perhaps due to the U.K. television exclusivity aspect of the contracts because aside from the crew that worked the first tapings, the “want” guys for the project were Galloway, Magnus (who will be there and has returned to TNA) and Will Ospreay (who was not on the list of talent appearing likely because of ROH contracts not allowing people to work on a show that’s basically put together by Impact). Galloway was also the top regular and champion for What Culture Pro, which has a lot of money behind it, and he had considered as his home promotion. He was also one of the top stars for ICW and perhaps the key star on the U.K. scene.
Goldberg May not Be Done
Regarding Bill Goldberg, he said goodbye on the 4/3 show in Orlando, but it was after the show ended in something that aired on the WWE Network. They couldn’t push his or Jericho’s farewell (if the injury is the farewell as he’s not touring until May so it’s possible he’ll come back for the 4/30 show in San Jose to put over Owens), when the end of the show was about Undertaker’s farewell. There is a belief Goldberg will be back because his character was too hot and his merchandise was selling too well and the promos were strong enough that they really don’t want him gone. Although to use him, you’d have to have the right story and strategy. The ironies here are amazing because they spent years shooting down every idea to bring him back when he was younger and healthier, and now when he’s 50, they don’t want him leaving.
Regarding Bill Goldberg, he said goodbye on the 4/3 show in Orlando, but it was after the show ended in something that aired on the WWE Network. They couldn’t push his or Jericho’s farewell (if the injury is the farewell as he’s not touring until May so it’s possible he’ll come back for the 4/30 show in San Jose to put over Owens), when the end of the show was about Undertaker’s farewell. There is a belief Goldberg will be back because his character was too hot and his merchandise was selling too well and the promos were strong enough that they really don’t want him gone. Although to use him, you’d have to have the right story and strategy. The ironies here are amazing because they spent years shooting down every idea to bring him back when he was younger and healthier, and now when he’s 50, they don’t want him leaving.
WWE Women's Tournament
The women’s tournament was officially announced as a new special WWE network show. The 32-woman tournament will feature women from 17 different countries, so the idea is to give it an international flavor. Most of the best women who do not have an existing contract with WWE or another promotion are expected to be invited.
The women’s tournament announcement was made as a business summit with media partners held in Orlando by Paul Levesque, Stephanie McMahon, and the three women’s champions in the company before Mania, Bayley, Bliss and Asuka. The idea was to be similar to the cruiserweight classic, which would mean a ten or 11 or so week television show taped at different intervals at Full Sail University most likely, although that is not official. A number of women set for the tournament are getting contract offers, so the idea seems to be to sign at least the key people they are looking at pushing as the winners.
The women’s tournament was officially announced as a new special WWE network show. The 32-woman tournament will feature women from 17 different countries, so the idea is to give it an international flavor. Most of the best women who do not have an existing contract with WWE or another promotion are expected to be invited.
The women’s tournament announcement was made as a business summit with media partners held in Orlando by Paul Levesque, Stephanie McMahon, and the three women’s champions in the company before Mania, Bayley, Bliss and Asuka. The idea was to be similar to the cruiserweight classic, which would mean a ten or 11 or so week television show taped at different intervals at Full Sail University most likely, although that is not official. A number of women set for the tournament are getting contract offers, so the idea seems to be to sign at least the key people they are looking at pushing as the winners.
No More Flair Podcast
At the Wrestlecon kickoff party, Ric Flair said he was out of the podcast business completely because he can’t stay objective about WWE due to his daughter’s position and his statements affecting her career. He said that straw that broke the camel’s back with the company was saying that he thought Balor would never main event at WrestleMania due to his size. He said he got so much heat from the company for that comment that you wouldn’t believe it. Can you imagine the equivalent of this in any other sport? The company very much doesn’t want the perception that they are all about size, even though if you look at the top three matches and where the 205 Live match was at Mania, it’s is still a strong attribute. One of the reasons Bret Hart gave up his podcast was his feeling that it wasn’t worth it due to the reaction if he said anything negative about the company.
At the Wrestlecon kickoff party, Ric Flair said he was out of the podcast business completely because he can’t stay objective about WWE due to his daughter’s position and his statements affecting her career. He said that straw that broke the camel’s back with the company was saying that he thought Balor would never main event at WrestleMania due to his size. He said he got so much heat from the company for that comment that you wouldn’t believe it. Can you imagine the equivalent of this in any other sport? The company very much doesn’t want the perception that they are all about size, even though if you look at the top three matches and where the 205 Live match was at Mania, it’s is still a strong attribute. One of the reasons Bret Hart gave up his podcast was his feeling that it wasn’t worth it due to the reaction if he said anything negative about the company.
Foley Gone Again
Foley is no longer employed by the company. He was not under contract when he was General Manager, and when he stopped appearing on television, he was no longer getting paid, so he joked that his firing was actually a real thing. He said he originally wasn’t going to attend any WWE events in Orlando because that would be true to the firing storyline, but Stephanie McMahon talked him into coming to the shows and in particular being on camera during the HOF.
He’s having his hip replacement surgery on 4/19. He did a surprise walk-on for Jim Ross talk show the day of Mania where he contacted Ross the day of the event and asked if he could come down.
Foley is no longer employed by the company. He was not under contract when he was General Manager, and when he stopped appearing on television, he was no longer getting paid, so he joked that his firing was actually a real thing. He said he originally wasn’t going to attend any WWE events in Orlando because that would be true to the firing storyline, but Stephanie McMahon talked him into coming to the shows and in particular being on camera during the HOF.
He’s having his hip replacement surgery on 4/19. He did a surprise walk-on for Jim Ross talk show the day of Mania where he contacted Ross the day of the event and asked if he could come down.
Stephanie Wants Ronda
Stephanie McMahon, when on ESPN, pushed that they would love to have Ronda Rousey in their promotion. There were those who believed that due to Rousey’s loss to Amanda Nunes, she would be worthless so WWE and there would be no interest. “I would love for Ronda Rousey (to come),” she said. “I know that she loves WWE and we certainly love her. It would be a match made in heaven. Hopefully one day we’ll have that opportunity.”
Rousey was on vacation this past week, and this year WWE was trying to get Conor McGregor at Mania, and two MMA fighters as guests would be a bit much. Rousey hasn’t been to a WWE or PWG show in some time, but one of her best friends, Marina Shafir, is engaged to Roderick Strong and is due to have a child shortly, and another is Shayna Baszler, who has become a pro wrestler.
Stephanie McMahon, when on ESPN, pushed that they would love to have Ronda Rousey in their promotion. There were those who believed that due to Rousey’s loss to Amanda Nunes, she would be worthless so WWE and there would be no interest. “I would love for Ronda Rousey (to come),” she said. “I know that she loves WWE and we certainly love her. It would be a match made in heaven. Hopefully one day we’ll have that opportunity.”
Rousey was on vacation this past week, and this year WWE was trying to get Conor McGregor at Mania, and two MMA fighters as guests would be a bit much. Rousey hasn’t been to a WWE or PWG show in some time, but one of her best friends, Marina Shafir, is engaged to Roderick Strong and is due to have a child shortly, and another is Shayna Baszler, who has become a pro wrestler.
NXT News -
- The NXT Takeover show before WrestleMania may have been the show of the week in Orlando.
- Two-and-a-half hour show is far easier to digest than one lasting six hours and 45 minutes.
- The top three matches on this show were better than any matches at WrestleMania, and there were only five matches in total. Every match was good and three were great, and all a different in style.
- The show drew a sellout of just under 12,000 fans.
- In the three key matches, Bobby Roode beat Shinsuke Nakamura, since Roode is going to be the face of the company for a long run and Nakamura was moved to the main roster.
New Japan Pro Wrestling News -
- New Japan Pro Wrestling sold out both of its shows on 7/1 and 7/2 at the Long Beach Convention Center, which was considered a homerun.
- Between 4,300 and 4,400 tickets were put on sale for the two shows combined, so about 2,150 to 2,200 per show. The remaining tickets were held back for VIPs and if need to, to be sold at a later date.
- There will be about 3,000 people at both shows total.
- While the deal is not finalized, the working idea looks to be that AXS will air the 7/1 show live in prime time on a Saturday night at 8 p.m., while the Sunday show will be taped and air in prime time later in the week, perhaps on 7/7 although that isn’t clear.
|
|
Ring of Honor News -
- Ring of Honor set its all-time attendance record on 4/1 with 3,500 fans, for Supercard of Honor show headlined by the Hardys losing their ROH tag titles to the Young Bucks in an incredible ladder match.
- The record was a combination of the match, in particular, how hot the Hardys are right now, and with it being WrestleMania weekend and so many fans were in Orlando.
- The show was built around the main event, and that delivered in a big way. One could argue it as the best match of the week in Orlando, and at worst, it was in the discussion as one of the best.
- Bobby Fish is figured into the booking plans going forward. Similarly, Adam Cole’s contract is up on 4/30, but he’s expected to stick around.
TNA News -
- The company has inked new television deal with GameTV in Canada to air the show on Thursday at 8 p.m. That’s notable because Anthem’s own property, The Fight Network, airs the show at the same time. Game TV is in 9.5 million homes in Canada which has more reach than Fight Network alone, which is a subscription channel as opposed to an over-the-air channel.
- Impact was the second highest rated show on Fight Network behind UFC shows.
- Aron Rex has left the company and is once again talking about retiring.
By: Larry Causion Jr. CausionCreations.com
Posted: Friday, April 7, 2017
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Posted: Friday, April 7, 2017
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter