According to quarter hour viewership numbers released by Wrestlenomics for last week’s Dynamite, the show lost 283,000 viewers from the first quarter to the overrun segment which went seven minutes in total.
The show peaked with the first quarter at 971,000 viewers but by the time the main event started, Dynamite dropped to 733,000 viewers for the Jon Moxley vs Mark Briscoe main event match.
The overrun, instead of adding viewers as it is usually the case, lost viewers and went from 733,000 to 688,000 viewers.
The biggest drop came going from the Christian, Luchasaurus, and Nick Wayne angle with Adam Copeland to the Rush vs Jay White segment, with Dynamite going from 920,000 viewers to 799,000 viewers.
Brody King, Andrade El Idolo, and Bryan Danielson picked up victories and three points each in yesterday’s Continental Classic tournament matches on Collision.
King defeated Claudio Castagnoli in the first match, and now King moves to six points while the former ROH World champion remains at three. El Idolo picked up his first three points after defeating Daniel Garcia, who remains at zero following two matches. Also, Danielson had his first match since October and won the three points by beating Eddie Kingston, who also is at zero.
Kingston is effectively defending the ROH World and NJPW Strong Openweight titles in this tournament as those two titles along with the Continental Classic title will be rolled up into the AEW Triple Crown title once this tournament is over.
Chris Jericho surprised fans attending the Vietnam Pro Wrestling’s Immortal Glory event yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City by making an unannounced appearance 9,500 miles away from his home!
The former AEW champion came out to his Judas theme song as a stunned crowed went bananas. Jericho was mobbed at ringside by the rest of the VPW crew and then got in the ring to salute the fans. Jericho did not wrestle in the event.
Jericho is notable for making indie appearances unannounced but we’re pretty sure the Vietnamese fans never imagined in a million years that the popular star would stop by for a visit!
Tonight’s Collision will feature three Continental Classic tournament matches from the Blue League and the return of Bryan Danielson.
Danielson has not wrestled since October 25 due to a broken orbital bone and had to get surgery. The man known also as the American Dragon will take on Eddie Kingston tonight in his first tournament match.
Claudio Castagnoli vs Brody King and Daniel Garcia vs Andrade El Idolo are the other two matches from the tournament which will air tonight. Both Castagnoli and King have three points each while Kingston and Garcia lost their first matches. This will be the first outing for both Danielson and El Idolo in this tournament.
Kiera Hogan vs Abadon was also announced on social media as taking place during tonight’s show.
WWE had a big presence at today’s Big 12 Championship game between Texas and Oklahoma State as part of their new collaboration and licensing deal.
The partnership, announced in mid-November, consists of a custom-made championship title belt for this year’s Big 12 Football Championship Most Outstanding Player, presented on-field at the conclusion of the game by a WWE Superstar. Additionally, a co-branded WWE x Big 12 logo will be featured throughout the venue and on the field.
Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Jade Cargill, Samantha Irvin, The Undertaker, and Michelle McCool were all present at the game with Taker presenting the custom-made championship. Cargill also presented Nelly with a replica Undisputed WWE Universal title backstage.
Matt Hardy voiced his frustration over the lack of creative direction that both he and his brother Jeff had to endure over the past several months in AEW.
Speaking on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt lamented how AEW used them over the last four months, calling the situation very frustrating.
“We’ve been very patient but there has been a lot of frustration with things we’ve done and kind of how we’ve been utilized in some ways,” Hardy said.
Matt said he knows there’s a great spot for both he and Jeff in AEW if they are correctly used. He said he understands that they’re not the same Matt and Jeff Hardy from 1999 or 2000, but there’s a lot that they can do to help the young guys coming up and give them their rub.
“We just need to be utilized in the right way. And we hope we can get there,” Matt said.
CM Punk will be appearing on next week’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown which will be the Tribute to the Troops episode.
Unlike previous years, WWE is not taping a separate show for this yearly event and instead has opted to make the whole Smackdown a celebration for the troops.
The show takes place fro the Amica Mutal Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
Apart from the first two United States title #1 contender tournament matches, Charlotte Flair vs Asuka was also announced for the show.
CM Punk is expected to be part of Monday Night Raw moving forward after Orton was moved to Smackdown.
Ric Flair’s Rampage promo where he invited 18 to 28 year old women with no boyfriends or husbands to come to his room following the show was edited off the final Rampage broadcast which aired yesterday on TNT.
Flair’s comments drew a huge backlash online, with people asking why a 74-year-old is still inviting an 18-year-old to party all night long in his room. While some wrestling legends came to Flair’s defense on X, AEW took the more cautious approach and decided to leave that part on the editing floor.
The Nature Boy yesterday responded to the criticism and said that he’s just having fun and has earned the right to do what he wants to do but apologized to Tony Khan and said that if he’s embarrassing the company, he would gladly walk away from it, adding that he does not need the work or the money.
Five major WWE executives were laid off yesterday among the others who were removed from their position. It was the second round of layoffs at WWE headquarters following the TKO merger.
Michael Weitz, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning, was let go after almost 18 years with the company. He was the liaison with the Board of Directors and lead the financial management and business development team. Before joining WWE, he was an Executive Director at Time Warner Inc.
Karen Mullane, the Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, has been with the company for just over three years. She was previously the Chief Financial Officer at CreateMe Technologies.
Craig Stimmell, Head of Global Sales and Partnerships, was in charge of securing WWE sponsorships and sales. He’s been with the company for a year and a half and previously worked as Head of Global Brands for Snap Inc for 3 years.
Stewart Frey, Senior Vice President of Streaming Technology, led the product, engineering, DevOps, metadata and streaming operations for WWE’s technology teams. This was his fourth position within WWE over the past almost 8 years. He previously worked with Viacom as VP of Media & Technology Services for 17 years.
Matt Geyer, Senior Vice President of Gaming, was laid off after two years. He lead WWE’s worldwide gaming division. He previously worked for Warner Bros. Entertainment for 13 years.
WWE laid off over 100 employees in September after the merger with TKO was announced.
Because the wrestling world needs another tournament, that’s what WWE is presenting next, a tournament to crown the #1 contender for Logan Paul’s United States championship.
Paul appeared on Smackdown last night, his first since winning the title at Crown Jewel, to announce a tournament with the winner facing him. The tournament kicks off next week on the Tribute to the Troops-themed episode of Smackdown.
The eight competitors in this tournament are Karrion Kross, Dragon Lee, Bobby Lashley, Santos Escobar, Grayson Waller, Kevin Owens, Austin Theory, and an NXT star who remained unnamed. The first two matches will be Bobby Lashley vs Karrion Kross and Dragon Lee vs Santos Escobar.
There’s no PLE in December so it’s not known when the winner will be able to cash in on the prize.
Randy Orton was pursued by both Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis to sign to their respective brand last night on Smackdown and the Viper eventually chose the blue brand.
The main event segment saw Paul Heyman come out to persuade him to join Raw instead of Smackdown and both Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso made their presence felt by attacking Orton, only for LA Knight to make the save. After taking out Uso with an RKO, Orton dumped the Raw contract and signed the Smackdown one to a big pop from the crowd much to the dismay of Paul Heyman.
“Hey Paul, you can call Roman Reigns and you can tell him Daddy’s back,” Orton told Heyman.
But that was not all, as Aldis came in to celebrate with Orton and raise his hand, Orton delivered another RKO which Aldis took to perfection. Orton showed “some” regret…and then oh well, celebrated.
Bianca Belair is announced for the opening in ring promo. She started out by giving a shout out to her teammates at Survivor Series. She then goes on to say she is not finished with Damage Control because she is coming after Iyo Sky and wants her title back and Damage Control except Bayley come out to confront her.
Dakota Kai, serving as the spokeswoman of the group, tells her she must go through all of Damage Control to get to Iyo and Bianca says no problem who’s first. Charlotte Flair and Shotzi came out and said Bianca isn’t the only one coming after you. And a fight ensues until Damage Control retreats out of the ring.
Damage Control walking in the back found Bayley and Bayley said nobody told her then they all walked away from Bayley.
Butch VS. Bobby Lashley
Butch put up a good fight with Lashley, but it was Lashley picking up the win with a spear.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Paul Heyman walks into Nick Aldis’ office and asked if he invited Randy Orton to Smackdown and Aldis said he did. Heyman asked if his Tribal Chief knew about that, and he said I have a memo here that all communication with Roman Reigns has to go through Paul Heyman so let this be your communication about this. Aldis goes on to say he intends to sign Randy Orton to a Smackdown exclusive deal and if he has to offer up the entire Bloodline to do it that is exactly what he is going to do his question to Heyman is what are you going to do about it?
Heyman thinks for a moment then looks and Aldis and says anything it takes.
Kayla Braxton finds Butch and asked him about Ridge walking out on him last week and Butch said he needs to focus on himself and Pretty Deadly comes in and says his career is dead and he attacked them until Pretty Deadly left him lying in the backstage area.
Santos Escobar VS. Joaquin Wilde
Escobar puts Wilde away with the Phantom Driver
Winner: Santos Escobar
After the match Escobar continued to attack Wilde but Dragon Lee comes out to save Wilde, but Escobar comes in and attacks Lee. Lee countered Escobar and Escobar leaves the ring holding his head.
Adam Pearce is in Nick Aldis’ office and Pearce questions him about attempting to sign Randy Orton. If he takes his contract to the ring for Randy tonight, he is going to join him with a contract for Monday Night Raw.
Out to the ring next the WWE United States Champion Logan Paul. Paul said there is going to be a tournament starting next week to determine a Number 1 contender and it will feature, Santos Escobar, Dragon Lee, Karrion Kross, Bobby Lashley, Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, an NXT Superstar and Kevin Owens. Owens then makes his way to the ring.
Owens tells Paul in his ring is a complete nightmare and he first saw him 10 years ago on that app. And he knew then he was an unbearable jackass. Waller and Theory come out and Waller says Paul doesn’t need to engage with Owens. Theory started talking about Owens not being able to punch anyone in the face again and Owens punches him in the face and knocks him down as Paul and Owens in the ring with a stare down as we cut to break.
Grayson Waller VS. Kevin Owens
During the match Waller hurt Owens arm and Waller stuck Owens arm in the bottom ring pad and went for a kick but Owens moves out of the way and rolls a stunned Waller up and gets the win.
Winner: Kevin Owens
They show a video package of the return of C.M. Punk.
Bianca Belair VS. Kairi Sane
The referee sent Charlotte, Shotzi, Dakota and Iyo to the back. Bayley comes out after the rest of Damage Control had told her to stay in the back for this match and pulls Bianca down by her hair and Kairi goes to the top for the elbow, but Bianca recovers and stops her and pulls her from the top rope onto her shoulders and hits the KOD and gets the win.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are in the ring and Nick Aldis introduces Randy Orton. Pearce tells Randy he deserves to be on Monday Night Raw and if he signs his contract, he will give him the winner of Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title. Aldis says if you sing with Smackdown I will give you the guys that that took you out.
Heyman comes out and says the Bloodline will make the decision for you. Solo and Jimmy Uso came out. As they double team Randy, LA Knight comes out to help Randy. Knight fights with Solo to the back and Orton grabs Jimmy and gives him a DDT. As Jimmy gets up Randy hits him with an RKO. Randy walks over and grabs both contracts and Heyman yells go to Raw you’re safe on Raw. Randy throws the Raw contract out of the ring and signs with Smackdown.
Randy then gets the microphone and says Paul go call Roman Reigns and tell him Daddy’s back. Aldis then gets in the ring and raises Randy’s arm and Randy hits Aldis with an RKO!
Randy then poses for the crowd as Heyman is shown with his phone to his mouth saying call Roman Reigns.
Randy Orton will be returning to Friday Night Smackdown tonight as he starts seeking retribution on the Bloodline.
United States champion Logan Paul will also be on tonight’s show, his first appearance since he won the title from Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel a month ago in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
There’s only one match announced so far for tonight’s broadcast and that’s between Kevin Owens and Grayson Waller. CM Punk, who also returned to WWE at the Survivor Series, is not scheduled for tonight’s show.
Smackdown will take place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Brandon Thurston from Wrestlenomics is reporting that WWE laid off more employees from its corporate headquarters today as TKO continues to consolidate WWE and UFC employees to cut costs.
It’s unknown on how many people lost their job today but the last layoffs in September saw over 100 people receiving their pink slip.
When the merger of WWE and UFC under the TKO umbrella was announced, Endeavor and TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro said that the company would be looking to save around $100 million post-merger, eliminating jobs which are “double” between WWE and UFC.
The cuts were all made from WWE’s side so far as UFC already went through this when it was acquired by Endeavor.
NXT’s McKenzie Mitchell wrote on social media today that she has been released by WWE.
Mitchell, who was an interviewer at NXT, wrote, “Today I was released by WWE. I met my husband, moved cross country from CT to FL for @wwenxt (a place I’ve always considered home), and met friends that became like family. I’ve always said and firmly believe in “when door closes, another opens.”
After working for Impact Wrestling from 2016 to 2019, Mitchell was hired by WWE along with Matt Camp in September 2019.
She is married to NXT commentator Vic Joseph.
Today I was released by WWE. I met my husband, moved cross country from CT to FL for @wwenxt (a place I’ve always considered home), and met friends that became like family. I’ve always said and firmly believe in “when door closes, another opens.”https://t.co/scUFllumrYpic.twitter.com/s1YCmmTz4Z
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, UFC President Dana White said that it was amazing to see CM Punk back in WWE and 100% gives his blessing to the move.
“I texted him that night after he walked out in Chicago,” White told SI. “It was amazing. I texted and congratulated him, it was incredible.”
Punk fought for the UFC twice before he was cut with a 0-1-1 record. His first fight at UFC 203 in September 2016 ended when he was taken down with a rear naked choke by Mickey Gall and his second fight took place at UFC 225 in June 2018 against Mike Jackson. Punk also lost the fight via unanimous decision but the result was overturned to a no contest years later after Jackson tested positive for weed.
“I’ve had nothing but a great relationship with him since the day we met,” continued White. “He’s a super nice guy. He’s one of the easiest people I’ve ever dealt with.”
White also noted that everyone in the training camp with him respected CM Punk, which “spoke volumes” of the kind of person his.
The UFC President also noted that he doesn’t think there will be any problems with Punk in WWE as the two sides look to create more history – and more money.
Tickets for All In 2024 went on sale to the general public this morning on Ticketmaster.co.uk.
As reported earlier, a large portion of Wembley Stadium will be blocked off as attendance is expected to be much lower than this year’s. But AEW started on a great note with estimates of nearly 30,000 tickets being sold this week so far.
Tickets are considerably higher than the 2023 event so the company will still pull in a large gate for less tickets sold. Tickets in the 500 level – the top part of Wembley – start from £27.25 each without taxes.
The setup for All In next year will look different as well with a stage on the end zone. AEW President Tony Khan said that this is because of a shorter load-time after Wembley requested a change to add more Taylor Swift concerts in the days before All In.
This week’s episode of Dynamite on TBS drew 858,000 viewers, up 13,000 viewers from last week’s Thanksgiving Eve episode. This was the highest number since October 17. In the 18-49 demo, the show scored a 0.29, up 0.03 and also the highest since October 17. It was #4 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
The world of professional wrestling, a spectacle of brawn and bravado, weaves a tapestry rich with the threads of mythology, athleticism, and theater. It’s a realm where Herculean figures clash in the squared circle, their narratives stretching beyond the confines of reality into the hallowed halls of legend.
With each thunderous slam and high-flying feat, these warriors etch their tales in the annals of entertainment history. Here, we dive headfirst into the tempestuous ocean of pro wrestling, exploring its nuances and what it takes to stand atop this unique pantheon of greatness.
The True Origins of Professional Wrestling
Professional wrestling’s origins can be traced back to various cultures, with cave drawings in France depicting wrestling moves dating back 15,000 years. The sport’s modern form began to take shape in the 19th century. The first modern wrestling troupe was founded in 1848 by the French showman Jean Exbroyat, who also introduced “flat hand wrestling,” a rule that forbade holds below the waist. This style spread across Europe and became known as Greco-Roman wrestling.
In the United States, professional wrestling, as we recognize it today—featuring traveling performers paid for staged matches—emerged in the late 1860s and 1870s post-Civil War era. During this time, characters and storylines began to develop, enhancing the entertainment aspect of the sport.
Titans of the Ring: The Wrestlers
In the pantheon of pro wrestling, the gladiators are as diverse as they are dynamic. From the Herculean powerhouse to the gravity-defying high-flyer, each archetype embodies a facet of the art form. These larger-than-life personas are the beating heart of the industry, their personal sagas both in and out of the ring fueling the fires of fandom. They train with the intensity of Olympians while perfecting the art of storytelling, each match a chapter in an ongoing epic.
Numerous influential figures have shaped the world of professional wrestling. In the early 20th century, Frank Gotch and Martin “Farmer” Burns were dominant forces, with Gotch becoming America’s first sports superstar. The mid-20th century saw the rise of Gorgeous George, whose flamboyant persona set the template for future wrestling characters. The late 20th century brought icons like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and André the Giant, who became household names and elevated the sport to unprecedented heights.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Force
Behind the curtain lies the engine of the wrestling world—the writers, choreographers, and producers. Their vision brings coherence to the chaos, weaving individual feats of athleticism into a grand narrative tapestry. Their role is pivotal; they are the unseen puppeteers who set the stage for heroism and villainy, orchestrating the ebb and flow of the wrestlers’ odysseys with a maestro’s touch.
The Fans: A Community United
The fervor of pro wrestling aficionados is the lifeblood that sustains the industry. They are not passive observers but active participants, their cheers and jeers as integral to the atmosphere as the action itself. This collective is a microcosm of society, a sanctuary where individuals from all walks of life converge, united by their shared passion for the spectacle. Their loyalty is the currency that underpins the wrestling entertainment empire.
Crossing Over: Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts
The line between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) is more permeable than one might think. Wrestlers often transition between the two, their skills in the ring complemented by genuine combat prowess. Understanding MMA odds isn’t just for sports bettors—it’s become part of the wrestling fan’s lexicon. Both worlds celebrate physical and mental fortitude, and the crossover stars who straddle these domains amplify their mystique, drawing fans from both camps.
The Business of the Mat: Economics of Wrestling
Pro wrestling is not just entertainment; it’s a colossal business enterprise. From ticket sales to merchandise, every piledriver and body slam reverberates through the economy. Television rights deals and pay-per-view events are the golden geese, laying the foundation for empires like WWE. The financial stakes are high, and the pressure to maintain momentum and keep fans engaged is a relentless force driving the industry forward.
The Spectacle of WrestleMania: Pro Wrestling’s Grandest Stage
Once a year, the wrestling world converges upon a single event that epitomizes the zenith of its craft: WrestleMania. This grandiose spectacle serves as the Super Bowl of professional wrestling, where storylines reach their crescendo and athletes perform at the pinnacle of their abilities. It’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends the sport itself, drawing celebrities, media attention, and legions of fans from across the globe. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the most legendary matches here, such as Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, and most recently, Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes.
WrestleMania is not just a showcase of physical prowess; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of pro wrestling’s blend of sport and storytelling. Here, immortality is within grasp, and the legacy of the legends is cemented in history.
The Evolution of Women in Wrestling
The narrative of women in professional wrestling has undergone a profound transformation. Once relegated to the sidelines as valets or eye candy, female wrestlers have shattered the glass ceiling with their athleticism and charisma. Today, they headline major events, their matches lauded for technical prowess and emotional depth. The evolution of women’s wrestling reflects broader societal changes, championing equality and empowerment. The rise of female superstars has not only expanded the sport’s audience but has also redefined what it means to be a wrestler, irrespective of gender.
Conclusion
In summary, pro wrestling is more than a mere sport or show—it’s an intricate ballet of physicality, creativity, and community. The athletes, behind-the-scenes maestros, and the fans create a symbiosis that transcends the bounds of traditional entertainment. Within the confines of the ring, legends are born, and myths are made. It’s a world where the pursuit of greatness is the eternal script, and every participant, from wrestler to fan, plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama. In the end, pro wrestling’s allure lies not just in the might of its heroes, but in the enduring spirit of its storied tradition—a narrative that continually evolves yet remains timeless in its appeal.
The ROH Women’s title will be on the line at Final Battle with Athena defending her championship against Billie Starkz.
The match becomes the first official one for the December 15 pay-per-view which will be airing exclusively on the Honor Club streaming service.
Meanwhile, a new ROH TV champion will also be crowned on the show after Samoa Joe surrendered the title a few weeks ago. The match will be a survival of the fittest six-way elimination match and qualifying matches have started on ROH TV.
Dalton Castle and Komander became the first two entrants of this match after they beat Evil Uno and Gringo Loco respectively on last night’s show.
