Daily Update: Sasha Banks, FyterFest, Conor McGregor
DAILY UPDATE
Latest News
WWE Raw draws lowest day-after-Mania ratings in show history
WWE announces broadcast details for Worlds Collide specials
UFC’s TJ Dillashaw gets two year suspension from USADA
The Usos vs. Hardys Tag Team title match set for WWE SmackDown
NJPW releases cards for Wrestling Dontaku tour
Sami Zayn returns to the ring on WWE Raw
The Undertaker makes surprise appearance on WWE Raw
Lars Sullivan debuts on WWE Raw
WWE Raw live results: The night after WrestleMania 35
Latest Audio
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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Looking at the WWE HOF and the 2019 class
While interest has inevitably decreased over the years, the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony feels like less of an essential part of WrestleMania weekend than ever.
There are a few major reasons why the Hall of Fame ceremony has lost some of its luster. As WrestleMania week has become a destination for promotions from the United States and abroad, fans have to make difficult decisions on how they’re going to spend their time and money.
WON NEWSLETTER: April 9, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Massive Wrestlemania weekend preview
A preview of WrestleMania week leads off this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Read notes on the business for the week, how the business of WrestleMania has changed, what records are going to be set, a look at how fans changed the week, matches changed over the past few weeks, notes on surprises, and who is scheduled.
Have a look at the HBO Last Week Tonight segment on WWE. It starts with a story about Sherri Martel that is important to understanding a key issue involved here. Look at how the business has changed, what has also stayed the same, and why wrestling talent doesn’t get the benefit of the amount of revenue they drive compared to major sports and entertainment stars.
Also look at the 2019-2020 WWE arena schedule. Look at the foreign tours, the update on Saudi Arabia shows, and house shows that are in danger of being canceled because of the next Saudi Arabia show.
Read about the future of Linda McMahon after leaving Trump’s Cabinet and the position she was up for, the story behind the death of the AAF, Vince McMahon’s XFL plans, how much money Vince has earmarked for the XFL, why one analyst thinks stock will hit $157 per share, and thoughts on upcoming TV deals.
Read coverage of this past week’s UFC show in Philadelphia with match-by-match coverage and business notes on the show.
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 [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier
WWE
SmackDown is tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The main highlight is a New Day celebration following Kofi Kingston’s title win. The Hardy Boyz will also challenge The Usos for the SmackDown tag team titles.
Nothing’s been advertised for 205 Live other than the fallout from Tony Nese’s title win at WrestleMania.
Page Six reported that producers of the Wendy Williams show were angry after Sasha Banks pulled out of her appearance on the program at the last minute this morning, reportedly saying that she would not be booked again. Banks apologized on Twitter, saying “Due to personal reasons, I had to pull out of my appearance today on @WendyWilliams . Sorry to everyone who was looking forward to it. Hopefully the opportunity will be there again later. #IfYouOnlyKnew”
Fightful is reporting that referee Rod Zapata was fined for the botched finish of the WrestleMania main event.
Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times reported that LA is the frontrunner to host WrestleMania 37 in 2021. Markazi wrote that the football stadium that’s under construction in Inglewood would host the show if that happens.
WWE.com posted an article on Velveteen Dream ridiculing Buddy Murphy after Murphy lost his Cruiserweight title to Tony Nese at WrestleMania.
WWE’s broadcaster in the UK, Sky, has moved Smackdown Life off Sky Sports Action & Arena and to their other channel, Sky Sports Mix.
NXT stars share their impressions of WrestleMania 35.
Catherine Jones helped design Batista’s WrestleMania 35 gear.
Pro Wrestling
AEW has announced their CEO event will be called FyterFest, with a video parodying the ill-fated Fyre Festival. The website also has a number of “vip packages” that have already been sold out. The event will take place on June 29 and tickets will go on sale in early May.
Hikaru Shida has joined All Elite Wrestling’s women’s division.
Aerostar has seemingly quit AAA, saying that he is not being valued enough and was blocked from working a show. On Instagram, he said he was taking bookings.
Eli Drake is no longer a part of CWE’s 10th anniversary card due to him parting ways with Impact. Michael Elgin will take his place instead.
MLW is returning to the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York for TV tapings on July 25.
UFC/MMA
Irish police are reportedly investigating a brawl that involved Conor McGregor and another person that happened inside the Marble Arch pub in Dublin. The alleged victim says that Conor punched him after exchanging words.
Ryan Bader has signed a multi-year deal with Bellator.
Paulo Costa says that he pulled out of a upcoming fight against Yoel Romero because of an issue with the New York State Athletic Commission regarding a medicine that he took to treat a stomach ailment.
In a battle of Ultimate Fighter champions, season 1 winner Diego Sanchez will fight season 15 winner Michael Chiesa at UFC 239.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Alexa Grasso is set for UFC 238 on June 8.
Daily Pro Wrestling History: Jim Crockett Promotions purchases Universal Wrestling Federation
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