Daily Update: TNA notes, CM Punk, Sheamus

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the  Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site:

  • In depth with the changes in ratings, are pro wrestling and MMA being undercounted, are they less popular than we thought, how the changes have happened, streaming, how this relates to baseball, football, and other entertainment shows.
  • John Cena’s last matches, and the surprises in current WWE booking plans for now until December.
  • A look at Crown Jewel and WrestleDream, the cards, how the shows look and the current interest level in them.
  • Favorites in the betting in all the major future matches
  • A look at The Smashing Machine, the heyday of Mark Kerr, the box office and what we’ve learned, comparisons with Iron Claw, the performances by Dwayne Johnson Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader and the Pride Grand Prix in 2000 with Sakuraba vs. Gracie and key what ifs that people don’t talk about
  • All In Texas attendance and how much the state will be paying AEW based on the deal, plus original plans for that week and three shows that were once thought and talked about but didn’t happen with two international promotions.
  • Full coverage of UFC 320, what’s next for the winners, the business side of things and match-by-match.
  • The most complete and detailed look at the ratings for all the major shows as well as comparisons with last year, segment-by-segment notes, demos and more.
  • Expectations of when a major milestone in history of buildings that house wrestling will be reached and when 1 million fans in one specific building attending wrestling in a year is expected
  • King of Pro Wrestling thoughts
  • New Japan’s last major show looked at
  • 40th anniversary of a landmark tag team event taking place
  • Hulk Hogan’s widow looking at medical malpractice suit
  • Death of the former Sabrina
  • Dave Bautista makes surprising revelation
  • Mistico vs. Bandido in Xalapa
  • Renee Dupree talks the old WWE locker room
  • Bound for Glory notes
  • Lots of injury and contract updates
  • The story of Ultimo Dragon’s ten belts and Mercedes Mone beating that record
  • Sting’s son has his first match
  • Advance tickets sales for the WWE & AEW shows over the next two months
  • The strange secret suspension of  Conor McGregor
  • More on the White House show
  • MMA fight of the year on the Dana White Contenders Series
  • Has the WWE boom period ended or is it ending?
  • The WWE product right now
  • Jimmy Jacobs talks differences in backstage at WWE and TNA

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full number one contender’s battle royal from NXT last night, which was won by Tatum Paxley as she earned an NXT Women’s Championship shot against Jacy Jayne at Halloween Havoc.
  • Matt Cardona reacted to competing on NXT against Josh Briggs: “Thank you…I may have lost the match, but tonight was a win. I’ll never quit…and I’m ALWAYZ READY. @WWENXT”
  • On his Instagram stories, CM Punk sent out a message thanking the fans in Australia following today’s house show in Melbourne:
    • Australia. Perth, Melbourne. I was crushed over a year ago when I was injured and missed visiting you all. The last few days have been unforgettable. Love the passion and the noise.
  • Sheamus mourned the loss of his dog Betty:
    • Unlike my wife, who’s great at writing long, beautiful messages, I’m not always the best with words. But where do I start… Over four and a half years ago, I saw this chunky little pup at the National Humane Association — a dog who had been discarded by her owners. I instantly knew she was coming home with me.
    • What an incredible journey it’s been. Even though our time together was cut far too short, I’ll never regret the decision to make her part of our family. She brought so much joy and happiness into our home and into the lives of everyone who met her.
    • Even after losing her leg, she never lost her spirit — she was still just as happy, just to be home, surrounded by love. You stole my heart, and the hearts of everyone who knew you.
    • Thank you for the countless amazing moments and memories. I’ll never forget you. Rest well, sweet girl. I love ya Betty

Other Wrestling

  • Bodyslam Wrestling in Denmark uploaded the complete Mercedes Mone vs. Aliss Ink match from last week where Mone continued to add to her belt collection.
  • In honor of Child Grief Awareness Day, Hangman Page, Powerhouse Hobbs, Amanda Huber, and more visited Highmark Caring Place – a center for grieving children, adolescents, and their families.
  • Hobbs was interviewed on radio station 96.5 The Fan.
  • TNA shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the locker room greeting Mike Santana after his World Championship victory at Bound for Glory.
  • Santana made a social media post reflecting on his journey to the TNA World title.
  • Here is the description for this Thursday’s After the Glory episode of TNA Impact:
    • On a special After the Glory edition of TNA iMPACT!, go beyond the ring with exclusive access to the biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory. Don’t miss never-before-seen interviews, backstage footage and more. Plus, the champions will be in studio to take you inside their epic clashes. 
    • Tune in this Thursday at 8/7c on TNA+ around the world, AXS TV in the US, and Sportsnet+ in Canada.
  • TNA announced that it is delaying the on-sale date for its upcoming Orlando and El Paso events in order to increase the seating capacity:
    • The Ticket Pre-Sale and the Official Ticket On-Sale dates for the TNA Wrestling live events in Orlando, Florida and El Paso, Texas, have been changed as we finalize ticketing demands and expand the seating capacity for all shows.
    • The Pre-Sale for both the Orlando live events at Full Sail University (November 13-15) and at the El Paso County Coliseum (December 5-7) is now Wednesday, October 22, starting at 10am ET. The Official Ticket On-Sale for all shows in Orlando and El Paso is Friday, October 24, starting at 10am ET.
  • NJPW has opened applications for its LA Dojo class that runs from January 5-March 26. Coaches will include KUSHIDA, Fred Rosser, The DKC, Shane Haste, and Royce Isaacs.
  • Saraya met up with one of her old teachers for the first time in 18 years:
    • Got to see my science teacher after 18 years. Was incredible. He would come to watch my shows before I got signed to come to America. I would be taking days off school to do the indies and he would make sure the school didn’t give me a hard time about it. Truly encouraged my wrestling journey and couldn’t adore him enough!
  • Diamond Dallas Page appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show today.
  • Author Brian Solomon was a guest on Busted Open Radio, promoting his new book “Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon.”