THE ROUND-UP
The Latest from the F4W Staff
NEWS
A look at what’s streaming live during WrestleMania week
WWE SmackDown video highlights: The finale of ‘Total Bellas’
Naomi added to SmackDown Women’s title match at WrestleMania 33
WWE 205 Live results: Neville & Austin Aries continue their feud
WWE SmackDown live results: The final build to WrestleMania 33
ROH TV results: The Hardys and Briscoes battle for the tag titles
AUDIO
WOL: Smackdown, final WrestleMania build, more! 3/29
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: WrestleManias I-III 3/29
B&V&C&S: Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! 3/28
FREE WOL: WALE OBSERVER LIVE! 3/28
WOR: WWE WrestleMania RAW go-home show, more! 3/28
FIGURE FOUR WEEKLY: 3/27/2017: Looking ahead to Wrestlemania 33
As what has now become nearly a full week of WrestleMania-related events begins, the card for WWE’s marquee event of the year is virtually complete. There are 12 matches announced for WrestleMania 33 heading into the final week of build on television, though some issues still remain. Triple H vs. Seth Rollins has to be officially announced, participants in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal have to be confirmed, and we’ll see if there are plans for the SmackDown tag titles and a few other notable wrestlers left without anything scheduled…
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WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: April 3, 2017: Massive Wrestlemania weekend preview, plus tons of news
With WrestleMania coming up on 4/2 in Orlando as part of the biggest weekend of pro wrestling events, as far as pure volume goes, ever in the U.S., this year, more than any other, it has been the name more than the combination of the parts.
There really isn’t the one giant main event, or two, like most years have. Brock Lesnar vs. Bill Goldberg was counted on as the main event dating back to when the program was first put together late last year. It’s not like the angle is cold because it’s not. Goldberg’s interviews have been stronger than anyone could have expected, and his impact and popularity hasn’t seemed to fizzle. Sure, his winning the title from Kevin Owens was sure to draw a few boos. But in Philadelphia, a city where if people were going to turn on him, that would be the place, while mentions of him to the live crowd drew boos, when he actually came out, it was the loudest chants of the night.
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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: March 6, 2000: WWF No Way Out review, Mick Foley retires, more
Unlike most other wrestlers of similar fame, to do a career retrospective on Mick Foley is best saved for an examination probably years down the road. He was the classic overachiever, who defied all the odds, and was possibly the single greatest influence inside the ring on styles changing in the business of the past ten years. In a career destined, because he wasn’t that great athletically and didn’t have what was believed to be the right look and physique, for being mid-card for life, he ended up when his career came to a close, as one of the five biggest stars in North America, and even as a best-selling author… Subscribers click here to continue.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
After missing SmackDown again last night, Mauro Ranallo tweeted: “Feeling love from everyone. I am stronger. I want to wish my @WWE family another AMAZING #WrestleMania #KeepUpTheGoodFight #MentalHealth”
Tonight’s episode of NXT is the go-home show for TakeOver: Orlando. Kassius Ohno vs. Elias Samson in a loser leaves NXT match, Johnny Gargano vs. Akam vs. Dash Wilder, and the return of Heavy Machinery will air on the show.
The Usos were added to the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown last night, which means that there won’t be a SmackDown Tag Team Championship match scheduled for WrestleMania.
The WrestleMania go-home episode of SmackDown was watched by 2,698,000 viewers, which is up two percent from last week.
As part of the content that he’s producing for Yahoo, Paul Heyman wrote about other promotions running events in the same city as WrestleMania.
WWE announced a multi-year agreement with StubHub, making them WWE’s official ticket resale marketplace.
WWE Shop will be available in India on Monday.
Kevin Owens tweeted the cover art for the DVD on him that WWE will be releasing in July.
The Detroit News posted an oral history of WrestleMania III on the show’s 30th anniversary.
WWE Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer Michelle Wilson wrote an article for AdWeek offering seven lessons marketers can learn from WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns will be the guest on this Friday’s episode of Talk is Jericho.
USA Today looks at the evolution of WWE’s women’s division.
Alexa Bliss spoke to the Columbus Dispatch ahead of WrestleMania.
Eric Young wrote a piece for ESPN about idolizing Shawn Michaels.
Pro Wrestling
Jim Ross opened up about the death of his wife Jan on this week’s episode of his podcast. Ross also explained why he’s still fulfilling his commitments in Orlando, saying that being around his friends and working is what he needs and what his wife would’ve wanted. Ric Flair and Goldberg were the guests on the podcast, with the Goldberg interview having been taped before Jan’s passing.
In an awful story, independent wrestler James “Rude Boy” Riley was arrested on child pornography charges on Wednesday. Riley has since been pulled from some wrestling appearances, including for Punk Pro Wrestling in Orlando this week.
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s weekly TV show in Japan is moving up an hour to 2 a.m. and has been extended to a full hour from the previous 30 minutes.
The Hardys released a video of them reincarnating the old TNA tag titles while taking shots at Impact management.
Impact Wrestling uploaded full video from the World of Sport press conference that took place on Monday.
Timothy Thatcher will face Keith Lee at EVOLVE 83 in Brooklyn, New York on April 23rd.
UFC/MMA
Dominick Cruz will be on the broadcast team alongside Joe Rogan at UFC 210.
While appearing on the MMA Hour, Chael Sonnen discussed his loss against Tito Ortiz at Bellator 170. “Tito sucks,” Sonnen said. “I mean, Tito is so bad. And when you lose to a guy, then you suck. That’s the way it works, man. I wouldn’t put that guy without putting myself down. Tito is the worst fighter I ever fought and that makes me the worst fighter. And I just didn’t know that about myself.”
The UFC is targeting Fabricio Werdum vs. Alistair Overeem for UFC 213 during International Fight Week in July.
Demetrious Johnson reflected on his title reign in an interview with FloCombat.
Today in Professional Wrestling History (3/29): 30 years since WrestleMania III
F4W / WO EMPIRE WRESTLEMANIA GROUP INFO
BUS INFO:
The Empire bus to WrestleMania, hosted by Leva “Blue Pants” Bates, will cost $50.00 and will be round trip from the Rosen Inn at 9000 International Drive 32819 (a few blocks away from Wrestlecon).
The bus will leave at 3:30 p.m. (time subject to change) for WrestleMania and will leave the show no later than one hour after completion. 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 p.m. for us)
WHO: All your best empire buddies, including BIG DAVE MELTZER
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. Send payment via Paypal to [email protected] (please send as a gift to a friend).
Pro Wrestling Tees is now carrying our latest line of F4W shirts. Support the Empire~! Grab yours today!
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