Daily Update: Roland Bock passes away, weekend spoilers, ratings

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer is up on the site covering the follow topics:

  • The story of John Cena’s retirement, the finish, the reaction, what WWE did and didn’t expect and thoughts on why they did what they did and why judging it now makes little sense in the big picture. We look at different aspects of the decision making and the fallacy of the “time-honored tradition phrasing here. We look at where Cena viably stands among the greats, the show itself, and Cena’s legacy.
  • We look at the post-match and post-show reaction, Paul Levesque and also look at the history of retirement matches with the biggest names in the history of the business. This is a real history lesson about what really is the tradition.
  • We have a story on Wrestle Kingdom’s card, why it turned out this way, as well as the finals of the New Japan tag team tournament.
  • We update the WBD sale story with the latest on Netflix and Paramount, just how strongly WBD publicly viewed the Paramount offer in a negative way and more
  • We run down the 2025 Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, with the winners, why they won, how the voting went, the nature of the voting and more in a year Saya Kamitani became the first woman wrestler to win MVP
  • A look at the retirement show and the career of El Hijo del Santo, the Santo gimmick, the cultural significance of the Santo name, Santo Jr, and notes on Santo’s career and most famous matches
  • We update the Continental Classic and Worlds Collide with business updates as well.
  • We look at the odds for upcoming matches
  • We look at the careers of Solomon Grundy, Miss Janeth and Ricky Romero Jr/Ricky Youngblood
  • We have the most detailed look at the television ratings of all the wrestling shows this past week as well as placings, comparisons and more, as well as an explanation of what the annual drops actually mean.
  • We look at another week of sellouts in CMLL, including the big Friday show and the Mistico vs Soberano feud
  • We look at Guerra de Titanes from AAA
  • We look at the financials from Cyberfight and what wrestler in specific they credited a better economic year to
  • Yota Tsuji talks the future of New Japan
  • What pro wrestling events in Japan were the most streamed in 2025
  • Update on Andrade
  • Former WWE tag champ going into Bare Knuckle boxing
  • Major AEW overseas ratings growth
  • Ticket sales to upcoming WWE and AEW shows
  • Chris Jericho update
  • Injury updates
  • Ilia Topuria marriage issues slows down career
  • An appeal by TKO on judge’s ruling about current fighter contracts
  • Notes on Paul vs. Joshua
  • Mick Foley breaks ties with WWE over Trump
  • TKO stock skyrockets
  • NXT Awards

This Week’s Back Issue

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Sunday Update

–Bryan and I will be back tonight talking about the weekend news, including AAA, CMLL, AEW, WWE, Jake Paul vs.  Anthnony Joshua, Roland Bock and much more.  My week in review show with Garrett Gonzales heavily went into the John Cena vs Gunther finish, the goals and whether they were achieved.

— Roland Bock, who had a unique pro wrestling career, who was very well known in Japan for his four matches with Antonjo Inoki, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. The November 25, 1978, match in Stuttgart, Germany is known as the Stuttgart Massacre in Japan. There is a  lot of backstory, given Inoki had fought Muhammad Ali, Willem Ruska and had the reputation in Japan as being the best fighter, even though aside from Ali, the matches were works.  He went to Germany for a tournament in 1978 where he got to wrestle and beat many major sports stars in pro wrestling matches, which was to build to Inoki vs. Bock in Stuttgart. Now they had matches earlier on the tour, a draw and a DQ.  Exactly what happened here and why is disputed, but in the Stuttgart match, Bock basically blocked everything Inoki did and overpowered him for 40 minutes. It was not a shoot, but Bock did not let Inoki do much of anything and dominated, winning a decision.  

The idea in those days that anybody beat Inoki in a match without outside interference was unheard of. The match did air on Japanese network TV and became one of the most famous matches of Inoki’s career, and Bock was the guy who was “stronger” than Inoki. Bock had injuries and in 1981 they finally brought him to Japan. He ran through everyone like it was nothing. Sold nothing, beat everyone with a double-arm suplex quickly. It finally led to the Inoki vs. Bock match on January 1, 1982.  Bock did sell and the crowd was very into the match, but Bock threw down the ref for the DQ, so Inoki didn’t beat him. His pro wrestling career pretty much ended. 

Bock was a European champion in Greco-Roman, and went to the 1968 Olympics in Greco-Roman as a heavyweight, the same Olympics and division as Bob Roop, although they didn’t face each other and neither medaled. Bock was more famous in Germany as the former Olympic wrestler who ran a famous rock nightclub and was a one-time pro champion. Since his death people have talked about the Stuttgart match as an all-time great match. It was not, unless you are into watching a match where one guy isn’t cooperating and is so strong you can’t do anything with him. But absolutely this was an all-time famous match in Inoki’s career and talked about for decades in Japan. Both famous Inoki vs. Bock matches are on New Japan World.

SPOILERS FROM TODAY

–The Continental Classic just finished up and the semifinals are Kyle Fletcher vs. Jon Moxley and Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita. The final standings are:

Gold League

  • Kyle Fletcher 9
  • Kazuchika Okada 9 (Fletcher is first place based on head-to-head-match winning over Okada)
  • Kevin Knight 7
  • Pac 7
  • Mike Bailey 6
  • Jack Perry 6

Blue League

  • Konosuke Takeshita 13 (went undefeated in the tournament)
  • Jon Moxley 9
  • Claudio Castagnoli 7
  • Mascara Dorada 6
  • Orange Cassidy 6
  • Roderick Strong 3

For Collision on Christmas Day

  • Fletcher b Perry – told this was awesome
  • Takeshita b Dorada -told this was great
  • Strong b Castagnoli in the upset. Fast match. After the match was an angle with Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir drawing with Mark Briscoe & Toni Storm
  • Pac drew Knight – Really hot
  • Gabe Kidd called out Darby Allin.  Allin returned.  These two have a match at Worlds End
  • Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron b Maya World & Hyan
  • Moxley b Cassidy in a match where the winner would get second place. Very brutal match.  Cassidy got a standing ovation after
  • Okada b Mike Bailey – winner here would advance. There was an Okada vs. Takeshita stardown with both holding their  belts.
  • Jay Lethal also turned on Bandido and unmasked him. This was for ROH in a Lethal & Bandido vs. Lee Johnson & Blake Christian match 
  • There was also a Deonna Purrazzo & Madison Rayne vs. Billie Starkz & Diamante match with a very tearful post match with Rayne and Purrazzo and Rayne hugged people at ringside, bowed and waved to the crowd and Bobby Cruise said to give her a big hand. They didn’t say this was her retirement match but people had that impression it was either that or her leaving the promotion the way it was handled. (thanks to Daniel Saidian, Michael Yeon and Anthony Ramos)

— I was told three CC bouts were at the ****1/2 range.  

— We’re looking for your thoughts on both AAA Guerra de Titanes last night as well as the CMLL Dream match on Friday. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

— We don’t have an update from last night on Dominik Mysterio other than the story of him having a shoulder injury from a bad landing on a DDT spot is a real injury.  

– -AEW Dynamite on Wednesday did 511,000 viewers and a 0.08 in 18-49. Just totally crazy, figures as 24,000 in 18-34, 78,000 in 35-49 but 68,000 between 50 and 54. Collision did 333,000 and 0.05. News numbers were very big with the Trump speech. Obviously this doesn’t include HBO MAX.

— Canelo Alvarez and Alexa Grasso were ringside at AAA’s Guerra de Titanes show in Guadalajara. Both were shown on camera. The announcers went nuts for Alvarez, who was under a mask and then unmasked on camera. Konnan noted Alvarez is from Guadalajara and he’s the area hero.

— Chris Jericho will be doing a live YouTube show with himself and the podcast crew The Winnipeggers streaming live on Jerich’s YouTube Channel on Saturday at 9 p.m. Eastern. That would be during the Worlds End PPV show. I mean this doesn’t necessarily mean anything but it sure makes it seem like Jericho is going elsewhere (thanks to Stephen Lyon)

— Jake Paul was the No. 1 searched topic of the weekend on Google with more than 1 million searches. We will have the viewership for his fight on Tuesday afternoon. Andrew had 100,000 for his Misfits boxing match. Andrei Arlovski had 50,000. It’s all about social media influencers and nothing about sports.

— Arvloski had a backstage brawl at yesterday’s Misfits Boxing event with influencer Jack Doherty, who does a gimmick where he bumps into people and hides behind his bodyguard, and Arlovski started throwing punches. His bodyguards weren’t that quick to jump in this time around.  But his guys did start swinging and Arlvoski knocked one down and kicked him before security broke it up.

— Danielle Monet, 42, the former Summer Rae, noted that she was diagnosed a few weeks ago with precancerous melanoma. She encouraged people to get their skin checked every year.  She had it removed and needed stitches yesterday.

— The Philadelphia Eagles did a John Cena tribute today. (thanks to Bill King)

— WWE did a survey sent to many people who attend live events on what kind of alcoholic beverages did WWE fans purchase when attending live shows.

— Brian Ortega moves to lightweight to face Renat Moicano on the UFC show on 3/7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

— At yesterday’s RAF show in Fishers, IN, Wyatt Hendrickson tech falled Mason Parris 13-2 to keep the heavyweight title. The biggest story is Yoel Romero, at 48, destroying Pat Downey, 12-0 via tech fall. He’ll face Bo Nickal on 1/10 for Nickal’s championship.

–Raw spoilers for tomorrow:

  • Asuka b Rhea Ripley when Iyo Sky tried to help Ripely but it backfired
  • They had an in-ring with Becky Lynch and Maxxinde Dupri. Lynch tapped out but this actually builds for her getting a shot on Dupri on the 1/5 Raw.
  • Je’Von Evans b Rayo Americano Dunne
  • They added Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel  Rodriguez vs. Nikki Bella for the world women’s title on the 1/5 Raw after an angle
  • Bayley b Perez
  • Gunther did a promo and ended up in a staredown with CM Punk
  • Bronson Reed & Austin Theory b Punk & Rey Mysterio when Reed pinned Mysterio. More brawling after ending up with Bron Brakker laying out Punk.

— Trick Williams is officially on the main roster. The story is  he’s a free agent listening to offers from both brands.

— The 1/2 Smackdown show has Jade Cargill vs. Michin and Aleister Black vs. Damien Priest.

— Hirsoshi Tanahashi in his next-to-last career match today beat El Desperado.

.

— House of Glory from  Friday night in New York: Ken Broadway b  Marcus Mathers, Idris Jackson & Angel Jacquez b Raheem Royal & Joey Silver, Shotzi Blackheart b Allie Katch to keep the HOG women’s title, JJP &  KB Priem b Midas Back & Jay Lyon, Darren Richardson b Amazing Red in a no DQ match for the cruiserweight title, Matt & Jeff Hardy b Zilla Fatu & Lance Anoa’i when Anoa’i turned on Fatu to keep the HOG tag titles, Charles Mason b Mustafa Ali to keep the HOG title.  Andrade attacked Mason and will face Mason for the title soon (thanks to Samuel Rosenthal)

— Bayley was raising money  for Christmas and getting donations in San Jose yesterday.

— Among birthdays today are Mauro Ranallo (56), Eddie Colon (43), Oney Lorcan (40), and Otis (34). Outlaw Ron Bass would have turned 77 today and Del Wilkes, The Patriot, would have turned 64. Among those who passed away on this date include Umanoske Ueda at 71 in 2011, Bob Ellis at 89 in 2018, and Kevin Greene at 58 in 2020 (thanks to Tony Richards)

–Our annual listing of independent promotions and their work in similar endeavors the past few weeks. Thanks to Bob Magee for the rundown:

Thus far, 148 indie promotions in 28 states and Canadian provinces have scheduled a total of 214 shows and events through the end of the Holiday Season.

Total 2025 contributions as of December 18 are 23,480 toys, 112 backpacks/sets of school supplies, a van filled with winter jackets and clothing, another 50 winter coats, 2 boxes of bedclothes/linens, 20 Halloween outfits,26,503 pounds (over 13 TONS) of canned/non-perishable food, a “number of large bags” of pet food, and $696,980.15 US in cash donations.

* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 8 for Family Giving Tree, and the third annual Back-To-School Backpack Drive collecting  62 backpacks for local kids in need, grades K-12.

* EPW Wrestling came to Philadelphia, MS on August 9 for the annual Headlocks for Toys Toy Drive, with WWE/WCW/nWo star Buff Bagwell, <b>collecting over 100 toys.</b>

* Ottawa/Gatineau, ON independent Mystery Wrestling ran a 24-hour livestream wrestling match on August 11/12 raising $36,900 CAD ($26,802.50 US) for the 14th annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer effort.

* Capital City Championship Wrestling returned to Ottawa, ON August 15, raising a collective total for the Canadian Cancer Society of $132,000 CAD/$95,517.20 US at the 14th annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer.

* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise money for its annual fundraiser against childhood cancer on August 17 in Elk Grove, CA raising $3,790>.

* Mall Mania, a wrestling event and fan expo with Tommy Dreamer and Arn Anderson, came to the Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro, NC on August 17 and raised $300 for Blue Hearts for Autism.

* Pro Wrestling King, in cooperation with Fishers BBQ and Chips’ Annual School Supplies Drive, held a Pack a Back Pack show on August 17 in South Bend, IN, collecting 30 full back packs with school supplies, and shoes.

* Love Wrestling Canada did their August 19 Quizplex monthly online fundraiser, raising $150 for Dallas Hope Charities.

* Prestige Wrestling ran its most unique show ever on August 23 in Hillsboro, OR for FJR raising $4,500 for RAINN-the nation’s largest sexual abuse charity.

* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, TN on August 24 and raised $48 for Special Olympics.

* Memphis Wrestling came to Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo Furniture Market on August 22 to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with Rikishi appearing, raising at least $25,000> at this event.

* Rock Solid Wrestling returned to Kirkland Lake, ON this August 23 to benefit the Community Living Kirkland Lake in Kirkland Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged adults, raising $3,588 CAD/$2,565 US.

* West Coast Pro Wrestling returned to Oakland, CA on September 4, raising $500 for Oakland for All.

* Veteran Pro Wrestling returned to Spring Hill, FL for a show on September 6 as part of a Toys for Tots effort that will last until>December 5, taking digital donations for toys to be distributed.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Barrie, ON this September 6; collecting 300 pounds of canned food for the local food bank.

* EMERGE Professional Wrestling returned to Columbus, IN on September 6, with a food pantry collection for Love Chapel, filling a truck with around 50 pounds of canned/non-perishable food.

* Top Tier Wrestling returned to Hamilton, ON this September 6 with a food drive collecting three truckloads of canned and non-perishable food to the Six Nations Food Bank in  Ohsweken, ON.

* Smash Master Wrasslin/Phantom Six Wrestling/5XW presented Smash Family Picnic in Bethlehem, PA on September 7; raising $700 for cancer research.

* Insane Wrestling Revolution held a drive to bring back to school items, backpacks, or snacks for school kids at their September 11 Monroe, MI show collecting 20 bags worth of school supplies.

* Show-Me State Wrestling presented Freedom Bash 2025 on September 12 to benefit the Jefferson City, MO Salvation Army, helping work with the homeless, food pantry, and more.

* Cottage Hills Wrestling Alliance appeared at the Alton, IL Alton Pride event on September 13 with multiple shows throughout the day.

* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returned to Muncie, IN on September 13, in a suicide awareness show.

* Arkansas Wrestling Association presents Slamming For A Cure in Blytheville, AR on September 13.

* Brew City Wrestling comes to Waukesha, WI on September 13 for A Night For Barbara, raising <b>$1,760</b> for funeral costs

* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Lines Cross on September 13 in Houston, DE to raising $2,176 for Autism Awareness.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September 13, distributing an average of 700 pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* NEOPro Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, ON this September 13, collecting 394 pounds of canned and non-perishable food for Project Share.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Belleville, ON this September 13; canned food collection for local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Whitby, ON this September 14; canned food collection for local food bank. 750 pounds of canned/non-perishable food was collected.

* Cannonball Fest took place on September 14 in New Providence, NJ, raising over $40,000 to benefit Jeff Cannonball in his fight against ALS. Their GoFundMe for Jeff Cannonball saw an additional $154,022 contributed through the evening of December 1.

* AWARE returned to Newton, GA on September 15, raising $362.50 for Arms REACH Ministries, providing direct social services to Baker County residents.

* Limitless Wrestling returned to Westbrook, ME on September 20 to collect 776 pounds of dry goods and non-perishables for Locker Project Maine.

* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, IL on September 21 to raise $25 for Special Olympics.

* Love Wrestling held another Quizplex on September 23 raising $250 CAD/$180 US to benefit the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg, MB.

* Empire State Wrestling returned to Niagara Falls, ON this September 26 for its third annual non-perishable food drive with Little Free Pantries NT, collecting 100 pounds of food.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Peterborough, ON this September 26, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

* Primetime Wrestling returned to Prince George, BC on September 26/27 raising $1,000 CAD/$714 US to benefit Spirit of the North Healthcare Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment Unit. The promotion also donated many of their tickets to Striking CUPE and Postal workers to treat them and their families to a night out when their paychecks were affected.

* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on September 27 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury Memorial Tournament, raising $300 to benefit Suicide Awareness.

* Titan Championship Wrestling returned to Bayville NJ on September 27 as part of raising funds for pet adoption and care at Rock 2 Adopt. $15,000 was donated.

* AML Wrestling returned to Winston-Salem, NC on September 27, raised $1,000 for Bustin’ For Autism.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Kingston, ON this September 27, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September 27, distributing an average of 700 pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Brantford, ON this September 27, collecting 2 boxes of food for the Brantford Food Bank.

* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club, St Catharines, ON this September 28, for FIRED UP 2025. Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Fenelon Falls, ON this September 28, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank, with 325 pounds of canned and non-perishable food collected over the three weekend shows.

* Magnum Wrestling presented Over The Top at Granary Green, Ralston, NE on October 3 to raise $16,630 for Little Leaf Learning Center.

* Wrestling With Purpose presented A Night For Marcus on October 3 in Pembroke, NC, raising <b>$1,200</b> for an area cancer victim.

* Ignite Pro Wrestling comes to Carterville, IL on October 4, raising $700 for breast cancer awareness.

* IWF returned to North Arlington, NJ on October 4 with world-class athletes compete for the Heavyweight, American, Tag Team and Women’s Championships, raising <b>at least $4,000</b> to benefit the Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation.

* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returns to Houghton Lake, MI on October 4, collecting new and gently used 20 full Halloween costumes to donate to needy families.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Cobourg, ON this October 4, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Aurora, ON this October 5, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank, collecting <b>475</b> pounds for the weekend.

* Timmy Global Health presented the 24th annual Timmy Takedown on October 11 in Kirklin, IN, raising <b>$20,900</b> The event is run by Dr. Chuck Dietzen (fka independent professional wrestler Dr. Death and Dr. Doom),  founder of Timmy Global Health. Timmy Global Health works to engage volunteers for global health for children world wide.

* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on October 11 in Houston, DE to benefit the American Cancer Society, raising <b>$2,218</b>

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK for a special Sunday matinee on October 12, distributing an average of <b>700</b> pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* Phoenix Championship Wrestling and Phoenix Villains came to Mesa, AZ on October 18, raising <b>$3,000</b> for Christmas presents for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returned to Winfield, WV on October 18 for Barnyard Beatdown 5, raising $700 for West Virginia Horse Network, Inc.

* Pro Warrior Alliance/ACPW returned to York, PA on October 18 for Headlock on Hunger, collecting <b>nearly 1,000 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods.</b>

* Interspecies Wrestling presented the Canadian version of Cannonbrawl on October 18, in Chateauguay, QU, Canada as ISW and friends fundraise for one of their own. Jeff Cannonball, diagnosed with ALS. They raised <b>$10,021.27 CAD/$7,132.32 US</b>.

* Great Lakes Championship Wrestling returned to Burlington, WI on October 18 for Burlington Brawl, raising <b>$8,500</b> for 2 Veterans charities, including Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, Anderson-Murphy VFW, and Project RISE UP, an ADA compliant playground.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Caledon/Bolton, ON on October 19, collecting 230 pounds of canned and non-perishable food for local food banks.

* Love Wrestling held another Quizplex on October 21, raising $190 to benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association.

* Insane Wrestling Revolution held a toy/food/clothing drive at their October 23 show collecting <b>3 large boxes and bags of winter jackets, beddings and toys for The Oaks of Righteousness Homeless Shelter.</b>

* Premier Wrestling Federation returned to Jacksonville, NC on October 24 as a benefit for Colby Corino who suffered a serious neck and spine injury raising <b>$1,900</b>. The related GoFundMe as of November 20 is <b>$19,471</b>

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on October 25, distributing an average of <b>700</b> pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* Premier Wrestling Federation teamed up with the Down Syndrome Network of Onslow and Carteret Counties (DSNOCC) during the 14th Annual Buddy Walk on October 25.

* EPW Wrestling returns to Booneville, MS on October 25, raising <b>$4,155</b> in a benefit for medical and last expenses for James “Bonecrusher” Mitchell.

* Primetime Wrestling comes to Prince George, BC on October 25 at the Real Canadian Superstore in the Fight Hunger Food Drive for the Salvation Army of Canada Food Bank collecting around <b>100 pounds</b> of canned/non-perishable foods, plus toiletries and diapers.

* Amped Up Wrestling returned to Inglewood, CA on October 26 to benefit Ability First Center JHAM, raising <b>$3,500</b>

* In cooperation with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, Reena Rumble took place in Toronto on October 27. This family-friendly wrestling extravaganza brought some of the biggest names in the ring, including Matt Hardy, Josh Alexander, Mike Santana, Carlito, and Gisele Shaw! It was Toronto’s #1 wrestling charity event, supporting a great cause, and raised <b>$110,386 CAD/$79,177.12 US</b>

* Midwest All-Star Wrestling held its annual fundraising dinner and Q&A with Great Muta on October 30 in Bloomington, MN; then the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam 7 on November 1 in North St. Paul, MN, raising funds for the Women of Nations shelter that works with survivors of domestic violence/sexual abuse. While a final total has still not been announced due to the government shutdown, staff of Women of Nations indicated the event nearly equalled last year’s event, raising at least <b>$100,000</b>

* Generation Next Pro Wrestling returned to Cynthiana, KY on November 1, collecting 3 full boxes of canned food for the City of Cynthiana Community Food Drive.

* ACWF returned to Murphy, NC on November 1 raising $95 and collected 6 toys to benefit Shop With A Cop and Toys for Tots.

* Ephesians Pro Wrestling came to Rockwell, TX on November 1 in a Toys for Tots show, filling <b>3 boxes full of toys</b>.

* Wrestling for a Cause returned to Broken Arrow, OK on November 1 to raise <b>$2,100</b> for a young area cancer patient.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Stratford, ON this November 1; collecting canned/nonperishable food for the local food bank.

* Let’s Wrestle/Limitless Wrestling returned to Dover-Foxcroft, ME on November 1, raising $400 for Helping Hands With Heart.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Gwillimbury, ON this November 2, collecting 260 pounds of canned/nonperishable food for local food banks over the weekend.

* Boca Raton Championship Wrestling returned to Boca Raton, FL on November 2, Holiday Toy Drive for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, collecting “a few hundred”  toys.

* Stunt Cat & Friends Save Christmas came to Scranton, PA on November 8, raised at least <b>$3,000</b> to benefit United Cerebral Palsy Angel Tree.

* MMWA Pro Wrestling returned to the South Broadway Athletic Club in St. Louis, MO on November 8 to benefit St. Anthony’s Food Pantry with around  <b>100</b> pounds of canned/non-perishable food.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November 8, distributing an average of <b>700</b> pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* Fantastic League of Wrestling/All Star Lucha Libre/Zero1 USA presented United Against Hunger in Valparaiso, IN on November 8 to raise enough money for 500 turkeys, approximately <b>$9,900</b>.

* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned to Houston, DE on November 8 raising <b>$2,365</b> to benefit Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network, Inc.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Lindsay, ON on November 8, collecting around 100 pounds canned/nonperishable food for the local food bank.

* XWE Pro Wrestling presented Headlock on Hunger: Homecoming on Saturday, November 8 from the Hocking College Student Center in Nelsonville, OH, collecting <b>228</b> pounds of canned/non-perishable food.

* Outkast Wrestling Revolution returned to Grays Ferry, CT on November 8 and donated a very large tote filled to the top and a big box full of toys to the children of Grays Ferry Elementary School.

* Independent Pro Wrestling presented Hammering Cancer 6 on November 9 in Hamilton, ON to raise <b>$4,500 CAD/$3,224.54 US</b> money and awareness for the Juravinski Cancer Centre.

* Three Legacies Wrestling collected a full van’s worth of winter coats for the Coats of Friendship coat drive on November 15

* United Pro Wrestling debuted in Scottsville, KY on November 14 at the James E. Bazzell Middle School, collecting around 140 toys with a Toys for Tots toy drive event.

* 1 UP Wrestling presented Slamsgiving on November 15 to benefit the Food Bank of Central New York, collecting <b>36 bags of food, PLUS an additional 450 donated meals.</b>

* NEO Pro Wrestling returned to Canton, OH on November 15, collecting <b>200 pounds of food</b> along with a monetary donation will provide 300 meals to benefit the Akron-Canton FoodBank, plus more to be determined.

* United Wrestling/Nova Scotia presented Cassidy’s Fight in West Hants, NS, Canada on November 15; raising <b>$4,500 CAD/$3,206.61 US</b> to benefit a young cancer victim.

* Brew City Wrestling returned to Waukesha, WI on November 15 for the annual Headlock for Hunger show, collecting “a couple of barrels” of canned and non-perishable food.

* Love Wrestling Canada’s Big Bad Boris did a 40-hour Exstream through November 15 to benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association, raising <b>$2,620 CAD/$1868.43 US</b>

* SCW Pro Wrestling returned to Blue Grass, IA on November 15, collecting two tubs full of toys

* Phoenix Championship Wrestling returned to Mesa, AZ on November 15, collecting 168 pounds of canned/non-perishable food for tbe Mesa United Food Bank.

* AWARE returned to Newton, GA on November 15, raising $95 for to Cancer Ties.

* Mega Championship Wrestling returned to Elyria, OH on November 15 with a Thanksgiving Food Drive; collecting at least 300 pounds of canned and non-perishables for Lorain County Department of Aging, Elyria Freedge, and VFW Post 1079

* Wrestling Is 4 The Dogs Charity Event took place at the Millenium Wrestling Academy, Los Angeles, CA on November 15, to help dogs in need, raising <b>$2,900</b> which will go to Melitas Dream Rescue and Underdog Community Project

* Total Wrestling Federation presented Wreck the Halls on November 15, in Sacramento, CA collecting 30 toys in its annual Shriners Hospital toy drive show,

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Meaford, ON on November 15; canned food collection for local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Orillia, ON on November 16; canned food collection for local food bank, collecting 270 pounds for the weekend.

* Capital Pro Wrestling came to Lansing, MI on November 16, raising $500 for Fledge’s Free Pantry Wish List.

* Supreme Pro Wrestling held its annual food drive show, Still Hungry, on November 16 in Elk Grove, CA, collecting at least 100 pounds of canned and non-perishables for the Elk Grove Food Bank.

* Midwest Championship Wrestling Illinois collected 50 toys for kids in need during this holiday season at St. Jude’s Children Memorial Hospital in Peoria, IL.

* Prairieland Independent Wrestling returned to Virdin, IL on November 21, raising $450 for Wrestling For A Cure to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Central and Southern Illinois

* Sean Henderson and Premier Wrestling Federation returned to Philadelphia, PA on November 21, raising <b>$1,800</b> in a benefit for Colby Corino.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on November 22, distributing an average of <b>700</b> pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on November 22 to Harrington, DE for Slamsgiving, a Toys for Tots show, with <b>four boxes of toys collected and $2,314 in cash donations</b>.

* Lucky Pro Wrestling returned to Leominster, MA on November 22, beginning its annual Toy Drive, collecting seven boxes of toys.

* Ignite Pro Wrestling returned to Marion, IL on November 22, raising <b>$4,000</b> for the Shop With A Cop toy drive.

* Battletested Pro Wrestling came to Oak Creek, WI on November 22, collecting around 150 toys for Operation Takedown for Toys drive to benefit the Salvation Army.

* Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling returned to Nanaimo, BC on November 22 with its annual Headlocks for Hunger food drive event, collecting <b>400 pounds</b> for the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank.

* Unsanctioned Pro Wrestling returned to Columbus, OH on November 22, working together with Bravo Artist and Ace of Cups, collecting 120 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods to benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

* Next Level Pro Wrestling returned to Sacramento, CA on November 22, collecting 257 pounds for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

* Wrestling for Disaster Funds took place at the Timberland Event Center, Camden, OH on November 22, raising $2,500 to benefit Ohio Hope Builders.

* Independent Pro Wrestling returned to Brantford, ON on November 22, collecting 19 pounds of food for the Brantford Food Bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling held ComicCons in Owen Sound, ON on November 22 and Ajax, ON on November 23, and collected 150 pounds of canned/non-perishable food.

 * T-Fest 10 took place on November 21 and 22 in Edmonton, AB to benefit Canadian Mental Health Association and Wellspring Cancer Support Alberta, raising at least $6,690 CAD/$4,787.45.

* Gulf State Wrestling held its Toys for Tots show on November 23 in Berwick, LA, collecting around 200 toys.

* Hype and Glory Wrestling presents Wrestling for Community on November 23 in Fouke, AR, raising over $1,000 money for Shop With A Cop

* Jersey Championship Wrestling returned to Ridgefield Park, NJ on November 23, collecting 8 large bags worth of canned/non-perishables for the local foodbank.

* Southern States Wrestling returned to Kingsport, TN on November 28, collecting a van trunk full of non-perishable food items, and unwrapped toys for Hunger First.

*1 Up Wrestling and RetroGameCon featured an epic evening of gaming, trivia, cosplay, and giving in Syracuse, NY called Thanksgaming on November 26 raising $1,673 and a few big boxes of food donations, with proceeds benefiting the Food Bank of Central NY.

* United States Wrestling returned to Laurel, DE on November 28 for an autograph session/Toys for Tots drive collecting 35 toys and counting.

* UWC Pro Wrestling returned for its 31st annual Toys for Tots Show on November 29 in New Egypt, NJ, collecting about 400 toys, 7 bikes, and cash for another 8 bikes).

* Ephesians Pro Wrestling returned to Rockwell, TX on November 29 in a Turnbuckles for Tots show, filling 6 boxes full of toys.

* Ascend Pro Wrestling returned to Norwood, OH on November 29 for the Secret Slamta holiday toy collection, and “will eventually will have 700+ toys going to those in need”.

* Top Tier Wrestling returned to Hamilton, ON this November 29, collecting <b>at least 300 toys for Starlight Children’s Foundation</b>

* Midwest All-Pro Wrestling returns to Brandon, SD on November 29 for MAPMANIA: 10 Year Anniversary show. The show happened despite a massive blizzard with a partial roster and a crowd of nearby residents and hotel guests attending. A number of large bags of pet food were donated to help the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

* IWA Productions returns to Mt. Vernon, IL on November 29, canned food drive, collected 30 cans of food and almost $120 in cash donation

* MMWA Pro Wrestling returned to Imperial, MO on November 29, collecting around 300 pounds of canned and non-perishable food for a local food pantry collection, despite a Midwest blizzard  that affected other shows.

 * Three Legacies Wrestling returned to Lancaster, PA on November 29, with around 100 toys collected, plus collecting food for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Smith’s Falls, ON this November 29 for a ComicCon, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Brockville, ON on November 30 for a ComicCon, collecting 275 pounds collected for the weekend of canned/non-perishable foods for local food banks.

* Live Pro Wrestling, Cojo’s Toy World, and the Portuguese Kids returned to New Bedford, MA on November 30, collecting 427 toys and counting for Christmas Wishes.

* Battlefield Pro Wrestling returned to Brodheadsville, PA on November 30 with a Teddy Bear Toss with an estimated 300 teddy bears thrown into the ring. Every teddy bear collected will be donated to local fire companies, EMS, police departments, and hospitals to bring comfort to kids in need.

* ACTION Wrestling held its annual Toys for Tots Show in Tyrone, GA on December 5, collecting 2 boxes of toys.

* Wrestling With Purpose presented December 5 in Pembroke, NC for the Clash 4 The Kids Toys for Tots show, collecting <b>350 toys.</b>

* Chaotic Wrestling returned to Tewksbury, MA on December 5, collecting a box of canned and nonperishable food items for Tewksbury Community Pantry.

* IJW Wrestling returned to Philadelphia, PA on December 5, collecting 50 toys at their Toys for Tots show

* Big Time Wrestling presented Not So Silent Night on December 5 in Newark, CA with Toa Liona and Harley Cameron collecting 200 toys at its annual toy drive for Family Giving Tree.

* Pure Kick Ass Wrestling and UCW returned to Brownsville, TN on December 5, collecting 45 toys for Toys for Tots.

* Hamilton Pro Wrestling returned to Hamilton, ON this December 5 for Wreck The Halls, benefits Good Shepherd and Friends with Hearts with <b>at least 200 toys and 360 pounds of canned and non-perishable food</b>

* Ignite Pro Wrestling returned to Carterville, IL on December 6, collecting toys for Toys for Tots.

* Dreamwave Wrestling returned to Lasalle, Il on December 6 for Good as Gold. Thanks to the incredible generosity during the 2025 Toy Drive at Uprising 7 and Good As Gold Weekend, Dreamwave collected  “a staggering 215 toys”</b>

* Hometown Pro Wrestling came to Asheville, NC on December 6, hosting “Christmas for All” at the Asheville Mall with a charity drive collecting “hundreds of dollars” for families affected by Hurricane Helene, making its debut at the Asheville Mall working in conjunction with Southern States Wrestling and North American Wrestling Alliance.

* Flex Wrestling comes to Savona, NY on December 6, collecting a box of toys for Steuben County Toys for Tots. The promotion will also start a yearlong partnership with Toys for Tots starting in February

* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returned to Houghton Lake, MI on December 6,  collecting around 70 pounds of canned and non-perishable foods food drive for Roscommon County Food Pantry

* Pro Wrestling Epic returned to Pontoon Beach, IL on December 6 for Chiva Jam 2: Feliz Navidad, collecting 5 boxes, worth $2,000 for Toys for Tots.

* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club, St Catharines, ON this December 6 for the Jingle Bell Brawl, raising <b>$3,000 CAD/$2,169.43 USD to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children.

* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on December 6 in Houston, DE for the annual Toys for Joy show. <b>Two full boxes, a table of toys plus $1,100 cash were collected for Toys for Tots, plus $2,000 through Toys for Joy for the Carrol Jester Family.</b> Jester was the former Fire Chief of Houston who recently passed away.

* Rocket Pro Wrestling returned to Joliet, IL for Christmas Chaos for Children on December 6; collecting 253 toys at its annual toy drive for LaRabida Children’s Hospital

* Delmarva Wrestling Digest presented Holiday Hope: Wrestling for Wellbeing on December 6 in Seaford, DE for their 11th annual Toy Drive, <b>collecting 8 boxes</b>of toys donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation and A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital.

* KSWA held its 25th and final annual FanFest and Holiday Toy Drive for Saturday, December 6, in Pittsburgh, PA, collecting over <b>nine construction bags full of toys</b>

* Generation Next Pro Wrestling returned to Cynthiana, KY on December 6, collecting 50 toys for the Christmas Toy Drive. It’s a part of the larger Cynthiana Bike Fest campaign that saw a 14 foot trailer to Leesburg Church already and a truck load to Harrison County Fire Department.

* Texoma Pro Wrestling returned to Ardmore. TX on December 6, collecting at least 80 toys for local children

* KnokX Pro Wrestling returned to Sun Valley, CA on December 6 for Jingle Bell Knokx, collecting at least 100 toys (and continuing to collect…).

* EPW Wrestling returned to Booneville, MS on December 6, Annual Toy Drive benefiting the Booneville Junior Auxiliary Angel Tree, collecting at least a box of toys.

* 1UP Wrestling presented Final Fight II on December 6 in Syracuse, NY, collecting a box of toys for Toys for Tots.

* IWC Wrestling returned to Elizabeth, PA on December 6 for The Pittsburgh Classic, collecting a car trunk full of toys for the Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes collection.

* Universal Championship Wrestling returned to Anderson, SC on December 6, Toy Drive for Children In Anderson, collecting 115 toys to be distributed through Rejuvenate Church in Anderson South Carolina to children in the community in need.

* Texas Independent Professional Wrestling returned to Bonham, TX on December 6, collecting 5 “big bags of toys” for Fannin County Crisis Center/Toys for Tots.

* Prairieland Independent Wrestling returned to Carlinville, IL on December 6 for Christmas Showdown, with toy collections for area children in cooperation with McCormick Strength Training, D&D Fitness and Tanning, and The Zone Virden collecting <b>1,000 toys on the weekend. 

* MCW Pro Wrestling returned to Perryville, MD on December 6 for its annual Toys for Tots Show, collecting 30 toys.

* Battlefield Pro Wrestling returned to Allentown, PA on December 6 with the second Teddy Bear Toss of the Holiday season, with around 100 teddy bears thrown into the ring.

* Royalty Wrestling returned to Sellersville, PA on December 6 with at least a hundred toys collected for Toys for Tots.

* Wrestling for a Cause returned to Broken Arrow, OK on December 6 for Fight For Them All, raising $800 for cancer charities.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Newmarket, ON this December 6, collecting 170 pounds of canned and non-perishable food for the local food bank.

*  Pure Pro Wrestling returned to Holland, MI on December 6, collecting a box of toys for the VFW’s Toys for Tots collection.

* Championship Entertainment Productions came to Seaford, NY on December 7 for Toydrives and Piledrives, collecting 90 toys this weekend in its toy drive and raising just over $1,500 for charity.

* Florida Premier Wrestling and the Christmas Toy Project presented Hope for The Holidays in St. Petersburg, FL on December 7, collecting a U-haul full of toys, around 500 toys</b> and funds for those in need.

* Pro Wrestling Symphony returned to Nashville, TN on December 7, collecting 144 pounds of canned/nonperishable foods for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

* Kentucky Wrestling Federation returns to Frankfort, KY on December 7, collecting a box full of Toys for Tots. The roster is also doing a Galilean Home Ministries visit to 33 local mentally challenged individuals bringing each their own bag of toys and treats. In addition, they have done a lot of community outreach to help those with the Wanda Joyce Robinson foundation as it helps children that come from homes affected by incarceration.

* Ringside Collectibles and Wrestlingfigures.com held the eighth annual Major Wrestling Figures Holiday Toy Drive through December 9, concluding with the Massacre on 34th Street Fight Holiday Toy Drive at the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, NY. The Toy Drive collected $30,000 in toys, around 3,000 toys.

* Revolt Ministries, associated with The Guardian’s Legacy promotion in Florida is beginning its annual 12-day Stuff The Bus Toy Drive in Panama City, FL from December 7-17, with 11,398 toys, surpassing their yearly goal of 10,000 toys.

* Deadlock Pro Wrestling returned to Cary, NC on December 12, raising at least $20,000 to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

* Bizarre Underground returns to Tulsa, OK on December 12, collecting <b>300 unwrapped toys.

* SoCal Pro Wrestling returned to San Carlos, CA on December 12 for its annual Holiday Toy Drive, collecting 100 toys.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December 13, distributing an average of 700 pounds of food, including meats, canned goods, non-perishables, and assorted foodstuffs.

* Remarkable Wrestling returned to Nesconset, NY on December 13, collecting 52 toys for Tots for Tots.

* Blitzkrieg Pro Wrestling returned to Enfield, CT  on December 13, collecting at least 200 toys for its annual Toy Drive  

* Mega Championship Wrestling returned to Elyria, OH on December 13 for Night of Champions, collecting 50 items for a winter coat drive.

* Brew City Wrestling returned to Waukesha, WI on December 13 collected 50 toys; as part of Presents for Ayden with Insane Championship Wrestling-Milwaukee on December 19 and 4th Wall Wrestling on December 20.

* Chinlock Wrestling returned to Kingston, ON, Canada, on December 13, with <b>$1,600 CAD/$1,155.18 USD</b> donated to BGC South East to support children and youth, plus 200 pounds of food for the Partners in Mission food bank.

* Pro Wrestling Entertainment returned to Portland, TN on December 13 for Christmas For The Kids with Big Ben Bishop and Mickie James, collecting at least 50 pounds of canned goods for Hands of Hope Food Pantry and distributing 100 gifts to area children.

* Honor Among Wrestling returned to LeClaire, IA on December 13 for its annual Toy Drive Show, collecting 200 toys for Iowa Children’s Hospital.

* New Breed Wrestling returned to Eldon, MO on December 13 for its annual Toys for Tots Show, collecting <b> $3,500 worth of toys.</b>

* American Premier Wrestling returned to Statesboro, GA on December 13 for the 26th annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser Dinner/Show, with at least one overflowing box of toys collected….

* State Line Wrestling returned to Pensacola, FL on December 13, collecting 25 toys for Toys for Tots.

* Pro Wrestling 225 returned to Plaquemine, LA on December 13, raising $500 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

* The Establishment Wrestling returned to Casselberry, FL on December 13 for Wreck The Halls on December 6,  and Wreck The Rewrapped Halls on December 13 with a Toys for Tots collection. collecting 3 boxes of toys.

* NTLL Lucha Libre returned to Palmdale, CA on December 14 for its annual Toy Drive, collecting 200 toys

* Gulf Coast Wrestling Alliance returned to Corpus Christi, TX on December 14, collecting around 50 toys for their Toys for Tots collection.

 * Mall Mania presented the Christmas Chaos Wrestling & Gaming Expo on December 14 in Greensboro, NC raising <b>$2,000</b> to benefit Blu Hearts for Autism.

* World Domination Wrestling Alliance returned to Martinsburg, WV on December 13, collecting 5 boxes of canned and non-perishable food for Salvation Army Food Drive

* Love Wrestling held another Quizplex on December 16 to benefit Toys for Tots.</i>

* Demand Lucha returns to Toronto, ON on December 18, Toy Drive for Starlight Foundation Canada

* Hybrid Wrestling Entertainment returns to Green Bay, WI on December 19, collecting canned and non-perishable food for Paul’s Pantry

* Island Pro Wrestling returns on December 20 to Charlottesville, PEI, Canada at PEI Brewing Company to benefit the PEI Humane Society.

* Next Level Pro Wrestling returns to Sacramento, CA on December 20, benefiting Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

* Live Pro Wrestling – Iowa’s Wrestling returns to Tama, IA on December 20, free will toy collection

* Real Shoot Wrestling returns to Clarksburg, WV on December 20, free with an unwrapped, unopened toy

*  Future Stars of Wrestling returns to Las Vegas, NV on December 20 with a Toy Drive.

* Winter Wonderslam returns to Pahrump, NV on December 21 at the Mccullough Arena, distributing toys in southern Nevada.

* Three Legacies Wrestling presents the Fill Our Ring Toy Drive from November 11-December 21 in Lancaster, PA, and has collected at least 50 toys so far. They seek to fill a wrestling ring for the campaign.

* Supreme Pro Wrestling returns to Elk Grove, CA on December 21 for Hostile Holidays, the annual toy drive show.

* Southern States Wrestling returned to Kingsport, TN on December 26 to collect non-perishable food items, and unwrapped toys for Hunger First.

* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on December 27.

* MCW Pro Wrestling returns to Joppa, MD on December 27 for Season’s Beatings, including a collection for a local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Oshawa, ON this December 27, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Peterborough, ON this coming January 3, collecting canned/non-perishable foods for the local food bank.

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Bryan Rose
Bryan Rose

Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.