Daily Update: Cody-IYO, NWA reality show, GCW

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • Previewing the four major weekend shows as well as interest levels of the shows
  • What should be the business goals of the show
  • Preview of the G-1 Climax tournament
  • CMLL business notes and coverage of Fantastica Mania
  • Trying to make sense over claims about the UFC numbers
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling and MMA TV shows, comparisons, competition and more
  • CMLL bring back the concept of club championships
  • Latin Lover talks Konnan’s situation
  • The story behind the return of Los Perros Del Mal and their history in AAA
  • Stardom PPV coverage
  • Unique comedy angle to set up a world title match
  • Attempt to set up kickboxing legend vs. Minoru Suzuki match
  • My thoughts on June 26, 1975, watching Ali vs. Inoki and the entire closed circuit show
  • Final X notes
  • Ronda Rousey as Executive Producer of a new movie
  • Bully Ray-Josh Barnett silliness
  • Book on Rikidozan
  • More crazy independent stories
  • The Tommy Dreamer departure from TNA
  • The update on the WBD sale being approved
  • The move made by WBD for a new show that flies in the face of all the anti-AEW doomsayers
  • Tony Khan press conference notes
  • Martha Hart honored as Cagarian of the year
  • Update on FTR
  • Darby Allin tries another crazy idea
  • ROH tapings
  • More in the Kajan Johnson lawsuit
  • Dana White talks Zuckerberg vs. Musk fight
  • UFC sponsor in hot water
  • Complaints regarding McGregor on Jimmy Fallon
  • UFC changes how it does rankings
  • Dustin Poirier’s arrest update
  • Cris Cyborg retirement and thoughts
  • CM Punk return imminent
  • Notes on interviews by Paul Heymand and Paul Levesque
  • Logan Paul talks being ripped off by Floyd Mayweather
  • Notes from WWE & AEW arena events

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE IYO SKY
Official WWE photo of IYO SKY. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Tatum Paxley vs. Kelani Jordan match from NXT last night.
  • On its replay of Night of Champions, Netflix has blurred out Bron Breakker’s head after he was busted open by Seth Rollins in their steel cage match.
  • Cody Rhodes spoke highly of IYO SKY, saying he loves being on the same card as her because he knows she’ll always deliver:
    • There are cards we have that I’ll look and be very thankful for some of the names, and IYO’s one that I’m always – [IYO is] incredible. 
    • In a way, it lightens things. Like, all right, if I blow it, they’re going to be fine. IYO’s gone out there and put in a shift already. She’s killed it.
  • Sheamus made a social media post teasing that he’ll be resuming his Intercontinental title quest once he returns from the shoulder surgery he underwent in December 2025.

Other Wrestling

  • On Close-Up with Renee Paquette, Chris Jericho said none of his three children are interested in pursuing professional wrestling or any kind of career in show business. Jericho said he’ll fully support whatever they want to do and just wants them to have something that they’re passionate about.
  • NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi told Planeta Wrestling that he doesn’t miss in-ring wrestling and has spent the past six months getting fully immersed in his executive role:
    • After January 4th, I’ve spent the last six months in the office, practically relearning the job from scratch. As president, it’s important to maintain a clear vision for NJPW and for everyone in the company to share that vision and move in the same direction. That’s why I’ve been having lunch meetings with everyone in the company, as well as keeping an eye on our talent and their dedication in the ring. Personally, I don’t miss life in the ring at all. I’m satisfied that I gave everything I had to give for 26 years.
  • Game Changer Wrestling promoter Brett Lauderdale told Fightful that, while the promotion has had discussions with MyAEW, the best option for GCW right now is to stay with Triller:
    • I’ve talked to AEW about MyAEW. I think it’s a nice option to have and obviously every company is different. We’re different than most other independent companies. So for a lot of people, it’s a no brainer and they should join today or yesterday or tomorrow. It’s a great affiliation to have. It’s a company with a lot of resources. Obviously, it’s an opportunity to have some stability. Now there are other companies who depend on a certain amount of revenue and who have depended on a certain amount of revenue and generated a certain amount of revenue from their streaming and pay-per-views and whatnot for years or many years and they need to make decisions based on business that allow them to continue either as they’ve continued or to a level that their fans expect. So don’t know where that puts House of Glory. I don’t know where that puts GCW now or in the future, but right now the best business decision for GCW is to stay with Triller. But like I said, that’s a great option for so many companies to finally have a new platform, some new hope, and again, a great affiliation. I think it’s great for indie wrestling.
  • The NWA is seeking contestants for a new reality show the promotion plans to launch on Comet TV later in 2026. An NWA contract will be awarded to the winner of the show, which will feature eight competitors. Prior wrestling experience is not required, and male and female participants are both encouraged to apply:
    • Calling all current and aspiring pro wrestlers! 
    • Today the National Wrestling Alliance announces an open casting call for an upcoming competition-based reality show planned to join weekly flagship broadcast NWA POWERR on Comet TV. Do you have what it takes to step INTO THE FIRE?
    • The opportunity of a lifetime begins now for just eight contestants looking to secure a chance to join the National Wrestling Alliance roster and earn a professional wrestling contract. Submissions are now being accepted for the new competition series, NWA’s INTO THE FIRE, to air on Comet at a date to be determined later in 2026. 
    • INTO THE FIRE allows eight individuals the chance to live their dream, but only one will ultimately earn a professional contract from NWA President and CEO William Patrick Corgan.
    • Apply today for NWA’s INTO THE FIRE to secure your spot, and get ready for August 21st and 22nd in Tampa, Florida, as the search for a future NWA star begins!
  • Stardom’s Hazuki and Fuwa-Chan have been announced for New South Pro Wrestling’s show in Gadsden, Alabama on August 8.
  • At Produce Wrestling’s event in Brooklyn, New York on August 3, Hazuki, Fuwa-Chan & Ranna Yagami will face Nixi XS, Janai Kai & Jordan Blade.
  • Tokyo Joshi-Pro announced the 24-competitor field for this year’s Princess Cup Tournament.
  • Talk is Jericho and Post Wrestling have interviews with Dark Side of the Ring co-creator Evan Husney.
  • Former WWE wrestler Heidenreich will make a special appearance for 1Up Wrestling in Baldwinsville, New York on July 11.
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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.