NXT from the WWE Performance Center did 697,000 viewers this week, down 21,000 viewers from last week’s show. NXT was #42 on the top 50 cable chart in the 18-49 demo with a 0.21 rating. The difference between the two shows this week was of 69,000 viewers, which is down from the 188,000 difference of last week. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Dynamite rating for 03/11/2020
AEW Dynamite this week won the ratings again but suffered a massive drop in viewers, getting 766,000 viewers, down 140,000 from last week’s broadcast. With a 0.26 in the 18-49 demo, Dynamite placed #25 in the top 50 chart. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
New episode of Apple’s Carpool Karaoke features WWE Superstars
A bunch of WWE Superstars are featured in another round of Apple’s Carpool Karaoke, an episode which is available to watch for free starting today if you have an iOS device.
The WWE Superstars singing this time around are Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, The Bella Twins, Daniel Bryan, Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, Marina Shafir, The Miz, and Maryse.
In late 2018, WWE did an episode of Carpool Karaoke which had Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Becky Lynch, The New Day, Alexa Bliss, Braun Strowman, Natalya, Nia Jax, Naomi and Charlotte Flair all doing their best to sing.
You can check out the preview below.
7 best wrestling themed pokies with free spins
Every WWE fan was excited by the news of Bluberi partnering up with a few famous wrestlers last fall. As a result of their negotiations, a WWE legends pokie machine series is due in October 2020, bound to knock everyone’s socks off. But while the work is underway, many other WWE-themed pokies are waiting to be enjoyed, you can also find other online Casino games in sites like https://backinamo.uk/ which offer a great variety of this type of games online.
WWE pokies: wrestlers going wild (and helping you win!)
Good quality wrestling-themed pokies are not as common to come by. Even if you are a fan of Black Diamond pokies, those might take a while to locate.
This is why they become quite a welcome morsel for players that just love the atmosphere of the ring and wrestling the opponent down to win. Let’s have a look at some of the top wrestling games Aussie players will be sure to enjoy, while others prefer to gamble using a slot online which is great for this purpose.
Karate Pig
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 40
- Provider: Microgaming
Karate Pig is an exciting 2D non-progressive pokie by Microgaming suitable for novice players.
While the game might be a let-down for players used to top of the line HD pokie games, there is still a decent jackpot of $50,000 in play, as well as wilds, scatters, multiplying bonuses and surely – free spins. Karate Pig is packed with features, engaging and vibrant.
Lucha Libre
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 25
- Provider: Real Time Gaming
This Mexican themed pokie takes a special place in many players’ hearts. Reason? The provider made sure to pour in a significant number of wrestling-related visual treats, making it quite spectacular and engaging. The bonus round gets launched by landing two or more special symbols. There are free spins in it for you as well.
The game has hilariously named features and options – such as the “Time To Rumble” Feature. Would you like to try the “Spanko Especial” or maybe prefer the notorious “Supremo Foot of Fury”? There is also the much-dreaded “Thunder Clap Bam Bam.” Each of those represents a wrestling move to defeat your opponent.
Nacho Libre
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 10
- Provider: iSoftBet
This succulent pokie with a $15,000 max cash jackpot is your opportunity to help the main character Ignacio win when playing online casino games. And not just for a “thank you,” naturally. If you loved the movie – you would have the same feelings about this pokie.
The five luchadores (wrestlers) are masked except for one. The traditional card symbols have the wrestlers standing next to them. This is a lot more engaging than just the letters. During the game, you want to land the Nacho Libre logo, launching a free game.
As for free spins, it’s left up to you to decide. Option one: claim 15 free spins with one full tower of wilds while the free spin round is in progress. Option two: go for the offer of 10 free games, getting your wins tripled.
Andre, the Giant
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 25
- Provider: NextGen Gaming
Andre the Giant is a pokie dedicated to a WWE legend. The reels are set inside the ring. Andre is the wild symbol in the game, appearing on reels two and four. He does expand across the three rows when he goes wild, though.
Three or more scatters offer an exciting possibility of scoring 10 free games, during which you can collect Special Attack Moves, repeating your free game win later on.
A bonus prize 20x the triggering bet is another exciting possibility – as long as you manage to hit three Special Attacks or more. The popular Gamble feature allows doubling or quadrupling the win.
EL Luchador
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 25
- Provider: RealTime Gaming
Another wrestling-themed pokie by RealTime Gaming, EL Luchador is quite popular across casinos aimed at Australian players. The wrestling ring used as background and the clamoring audience sound effects set just the right mood.
There is the Match Multiplier that multiplies spins between 2x and 5x, applied to wins resulting from other bonuses. The free spin bonus game offers 10 free spins, doubling the payouts. This is pretty good, especially considering those are only a few of the features this game offers.
Lucha Legends
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 25
- Provider: Microgaming
Microgaming was one of the few companies that were quick to visualize the symbols and memorabilia of the WWE world in their pokies. Lucha Legends is one of the pokies every player must try. Released in 2018, this one is your typical online pokie with 25 paylines, mesmerizing graphics, and design.
You’ve got five wrestlers, a very charismatic referee, and his notable mustache, a ring girl, a wrestling belt, as well as the usual lower win symbols A, K, Q, and J.
The pokie is packed with action. The wrestlers selflessly smash Wilds to get Super Wilds to double and triple the wins. Those are some spectacular graphics and highly lucrative multiplications not to be missed.
Hulkamania
- Layout: 5×3
- Paylines: 20
- Provider: Endemol Games
Hulk Hogan might be too old for wrestling, but no Aussie should miss this pokie. Hulkamania is all about the celebrated WWF veteran, featuring Hulk himself (in a few trademark poses), the letters of his name (H, U, L, K), gold coins, a bundle of cash, his famous sunglasses, gold bars, and other attributes.
This old school pokie features highly lucrative bonus features likely to result in pretty impressive wins. The stakes are very accommodating for all categories of players ranging between $0.01 up to $15.
How do you get free spins in this game? Just wrestle the big man himself by choosing the moves that will get the job done. This cleverly designed pokie filled with Hogan’s imagery will be a fun trip into the past for true fans and a real discovery for younger audiences.
Ready to step into the ring? Lords of Blackjack to the rescue!
At this point, you might be wondering where some of those pokies may be enjoyed. Lords of Blackjack is a superb destination to locate just the right kind of online casino games.
You get only top gambling venues, thoroughly vetted and tested by Australian expert players, to ensure compliance and honesty. Playing online has never been more secure and enjoyable.
WWE issues statement on current WrestleMania 36 status
WrestleMania from Tampa Bay remains up in the air with the meeting yesterday between Tampa Bay officials giving WWE an extra week to decide what to do since the show is in the first week of April.
“While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues,” a WWE statement said. “The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay.”
The statement didn’t do much to help fans who are planning to fly to Tampa and attend the show with a final decision likely to come next week. The Commissioner yesterday said that the group will reconvene next week to take the decision for WWE if WWE doesn’t take one for them.
What does contingency plans are remain to be seen.
It’s not been a good week for Vince McMahon as the XFL also announced it will halt all games for the rest of the season, meaning there will be no winner for the first season. XFL said that they will pay the teams and everyone involved all the money they are due for the remainder of the season regardless.
Next week’s Dynamite to air from Jacksonville, March 25 episode still TBD
With the March 18 and 25 Dynamite shows taking place in two states that have banned mass gatherings, the shows will be moving to new locations. AEW announced that next week’s show will take place from the Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, while the March 25 episode is still being worked on.
“As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, we are relocating next week’s AEW DYNAMITE show on March 18 from Rochester, NY, to Jacksonville, FL. This show will be televised live on TNT from Daily’s Place, and be managed under a restricted attendance policy. The DYNAMITE show in Rochester will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at Blue Cross Arena. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the Rochester show will be offered a refund via the point of purchase, or have their original ticket valid for admission to the event on July 8. Additional details will be forthcoming,” the statement regarding the New York show said.
“In addition, the DYNAMITE show on March 25 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, will be relocated to a new venue, which will be announced shortly. This show will be televised live on TNT on March 25, and be managed under a restricted attendance policy. The DYNAMITE show in Newark will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 22, at the Prudential Center. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the Newark show will be offered a refund via the point of purchase, or have their original ticket valid for admission to the event on July 22. Additional details will be forthcoming.”
The March 25 episode was supposed to feature the Blood & Guts match and that was possible by holding the show in a larger arena. It remains to be seen if the match will still go on in the new location.
Tonight’s Smackdown moves to the WWE Performance Center
Tonight’s Smackdown is off from Detroit, Michigan and will be moving to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
WWE finally announced the decision late last night in a statement which read, “Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance. The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”
The Little Caesars Arena was nearly full for tonight’s show and refunds are available at the point of purchase for those who bought tickets to the event.
AEW Dynamite from Rochester next week postponed due to ban
WWE wasn’t the only one hit with the ban on events in New York as AEW also had a Dynamite scheduled for next week in Rochester with the big unveiling of The Exalted One. AEW has now rescheduled their debut in Rochester to Wednesday, July 8.
It remains to be seen what happens next week for Dynamite as most likely they will not run in a market where the event would probably be postponed again. PWInsider.com added to the story that the company still wants to hold a live Dynamite somewhere, although no hints were given as to where.
All Elite Wrestling has not publicly addressed the change yet.
WWE show at MSG appears to be off as NY Governor bans mass gatherings
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has banned gatherings of more than 500 people in the state of New York, affecting all concerts, sporting events, Broadway, and other events.
WWE has a non-televised live event at Madison Square Garden on March 22 at 3PM, an event which now has to be canceled. Thousands of tickets remained unsold and despite WWE pushing a DX reunion, tickets didn’t move as expected.
The company has not announced yet what they will do but refunds will certainly be issued to those who purchased tickets.
No decision yet on WrestleMania by Tampa Bay officials
Tampa Bay city officials did not take a permanent decision when it comes to WrestleMania, with the commissioner saying that since the show is a few weeks way, they don’t want to make that decision now. The meeting was held today at 1:30PM ET and was streamed live on Facebook.
WWE officials, who are also currently in Tampa, had a meeting today as well to see what could be the way forward since the coronavirus looks like it’s getting worse every day. The Commissioner added that if WWE doesn’t take the decision themselves, they would reconvene the panel to make the decision for them in a week or so.
WWE has made no public announcement yet on what the outcome of their meeting was and what is the contingency plan if Tampa Bay city officials pull the plug on the show.
#UPDATE ON #WRESTLEMANIA: As of now, #Wrestlemania36 remains on, although @HillsboroughFL says the event's future could be determined within the week (see clip). @GovRonDeSantis says it's up to Tampa & @WWE to figure out. Updates coming here, plus from @WFLADaisy & @WFLA. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/9obbXJKS04
— JB Biunno #HeyJB (@WFLAJB) March 12, 2020
Newark Mayor cancels all mass gathering events for 30 days putting Blood & Guts Dynamite in doubt
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka today announced that all non-essential public gatherings in Newark, including sporting events, should be canceled for 30 days due to the coronavirus.
The 30 days would put AEW Dynamite, set for March 25, in that time frame and would mean that the show which will be headlined by Blood & Guts be postponed. AEW will be running the massive Prudential Center for their New Jersey debut, already selling thousands of tickets for the show.
All Elite Wrestling has not yet addressed the situation.
The Mayor’s advisory came out after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recommended that any event with more than 250 people in attendance including concerts, sports events, parades, and others should be canceled.
Florida Governor wants all major events in the state postponed or canceled
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that cities and counties in his state should postpone or cancel any mass gathering over the next 30 days as the coronavirus pandemic keeps getting bigger every day.
DeSantis added that if the event is not canceled, event organizers should have screening measures in place to prevent people who have been exposed to the virus from entering.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Governor said he did not have the authority to ban mass gatherings outright but is encouraging sports leagues and other organizers to host events without fans with the ability to watch them online.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will be meeting with officials and experts within the city and county at 1:30PM ET today to discuss the future of major events, including WrestleMania.
Lance Archer makes AEW debut, aligns with Jake Roberts
Jake Roberts’ client has arrived, and his name is Lance Archer.
Archer, who recently inked a deal with All Elite Wrestling, made his AEW debut last night and was accompanied by Jake “The Snake” Roberts at the start of the show.
The WWE Hall of Famer and his client sat in the crowd as they watched Cody wrestle Ortiz but the duo departed before the match was over.
Last week, Roberts made a surprise appearance on Dynamite interrupting Cody’s promo, warning him that his client is coming and he’s there to take Cody’s share of the pie.
Archer, 42, has wrestled for Impact Wrestling, WWE, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and several other indie promotions throughout his career after making his debut 20 years ago.
Rules announced for Blood & Guts match
All Elite Wrestling announced the rules for the Blood & Guts match that will take place on the March 25 episode of Dynamite live from Newark, New Jersey.
Based exactly on the WarGames concept, the rules for Blood & Guts are also pretty much the same as the original WarGames. The first two men will wrestle for five minutes and additional bodies will enter at two minute intervals. Once all five members of each team are in the cage, the match officially begins and the only way to win is to make your opponent submit or they quit. Unlike WWE’s version of WarGames, the Blood & Guts cage will be covered.
The Inner Circle and The Elite will be the first two factions to be part of this match. Representing The Inner Circle will be former AEW champion Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Santana, Ortiz, and Sammy Guevara. The Elite will have Cody, the AEW Tag Team champions Kenny Omega and Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks.
More names join the Stephen Amell-led Heels TV series
Deadline.com is reporting that Chris Bauer, Allen Maldonado, and James Harrison have signed up to be series regulars in the upcoming Starz wrestling series Heels.
Heels, led by wrestling fan and The Arrow star Stephen Amell, is an eight-episode hourlong drama set around the men and women who chase their dreams in the world of small town professional wrestling. Apart from Amell, Alexander Ludwig, Kelli Berglund, and Alison Luff were also announced part of the cast.
According to Deadline, Bauer will play Wild Bill Hancock, a larger-than-life former wrestling star who is now a high-level pro wrestling scout. Maldonado portrays Rooster Robbins, one of the best wrestlers in the circuit who always has something to prove, and always backs it up. Harrison is Apocalypse, a been-around-the-block journeyman wrestler who’s been at it for decades and has no illusions of fame or glory.
Heels is produced by Lionsgate TV in association with Paramount TV Studios.
The British Bulldog announced for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020
WWE today announced that the late British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020. There have been petitions and several calls for the company to induct the former Intercontinental champion for the past several years. The announcement came on the After The Bell podcast.
Making his debut in 1978, Smith wrestled first for ITV’s World of Sport when he was just 15 years old and was then recruited by Bruce Hart who took him to Canada to train at his father’s Dungeon, joining the Stampede Wrestling promotion in the process.
In 1984, Smith joined the WWE with his cousin The Dynamite Kid, and now brothers-in-law Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Smith and Kid wrestled as The British Bulldogs and won their first titles at WrestleMania 2 before losing them to the Hart Foundation nine months later.
After walking out from WWE, the British Bulldogs worked for Stampede Wrestling and All Japan For Wrestling before Smith returned to the WWE in 1990 on his own. In 1992, Smith’s biggest wrestling moment came at SummerSlam from London, England where he defeated his brother-in-law Bret “Hit Man” Hart in the main event of the show. But things didn’t last long and he was released along with the Ultimate Warrior for allegedly using HGH.
The following year, Smith joined WCW and formed an alliance with Sting. Again, problems followed Smith and he was released that same year after he was involved in a fight in a bar.
In 1994, WWE hired Smith back and had a three-year run, forming the Allied Powers with Lex Luger, Camp Cornette with Owen Hart, and reuniting the Hart Foundation in 1997. After the Montreal Screwjob happened, Smith quit WWE along with Bret and Jim Neidhart.
He followed Bret to WCW in 1997 and Neidhart joined as well but injuries dented his career there. A bump on a trap door in the ring was the cause of a major spinal infection, an injury which left him nearly paralyzed and required him to be hospitalized for six months. WCW released him and Smith became addicted to morphine and painkilling drugs.
In 1999 he made his third and final return to WWE following the death of his brother-in-law Owen Hart. His run was short again and he left WWE eight months after his return.
Smith died on May 18, 2002 after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Invermere, British Columbia. At the time he was dating Bruce Hart’s estranged wife Andrea Redding. He had two children with his ex-wife Diana, Harry, and Georgia. Harry later went on to become Davey Boy Smith Jr.
In his WWE run, he won the Intercontinental title once, the European title twice, the Hardcore title twice, and the Tag Team titles twice.
Rob Gronkowski signs WWE deal which includes being in-ring performer
Rob Gronkowski has signed his WWE deal and will be appearing on the March 20 episode of Friday Night Smackdown on FOX.
On Backstage on FS1 this week, Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet said that the deal is close to being finalized but other non-wrestling journalists have confirmed that Gronkowski has signed on the dotted line already.
It is believed that the deal will include being a performer in the ring and PWInsider.com adds to the story that he will be used similar to the way Ronda Rousey was during her year there. Gronk is also expected to be part of WrestleMania in some way.
The three-time Super Bowl winner is a massive WWE fan and a personal friend of Mojo Rawley. He currently works with FOX Sports as an analyst.
Smackdown from Detroit tomorrow still a go but backup plan in place
After local FOX affiliate in Detroit reported that this Friday’s Smackdown from Little Caesars Arena was canceled, WWE issued a statement saying that the show has not been canceled and it will go ahead as planned, at least for now.
“WWE has not cancelled Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, however, based on the current situation, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues,” the statement read.
The arena is almost sold out with thousands of fans expected. The arena website and social media accounts make no mention of the event being canceled.
The backup plan is to have the show at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, where NXT was held yesterday night.
John Cena, Jeff Hardy, and Paige are all scheduled to be part of Smackdown tomorrow.
Trump announces European travel plan, ending WrestleMania holiday for thousands
A European travel ban announced last night by President Donald Trump will effect thousands of European wrestling fans who were heading to Tampa for WrestleMania next month. The travel ban begins tomorrow, Friday at Midnight, effectively ending their WrestleMania plans.
The 30-day ban covers foreign nationals coming from the 26 Schengen countries which are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
British citizens have been spared – for now – as the Trump administration did not name the United Kingdom as part of the ban.
It’s unclear how WWE will handle any refunds – if they do – for fans already booked for WrestleMania who were coming from any of the 26 countries.