Daily Update: WWE notes, Athena, TNA Impact lineup

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This issue includes the following topics:

  • A look at the Netflix/WBD proposed deal, how it went down, what it entails, how this affects AEW, the AEW contract situation with WBD and what it entails and how long it is as well as fears in the entertainment industry if this goes through, as well as steps being taken by Paramount to get it blocked.
  • TNA signs a new TV deal with AMC, the early schedule, what is and isn’t true about the deal, as well as the power of AMC and how pro wrestling has affected and changed the ratings for all of its television partners with the most updated numbers, which also shows why it is still valuable programming.
  • A complete look at Survivor Series including how people viewed the show, changes that can be made to War Games to make it easier to watch, business notes on the show, overall interest level compared to recent PPV shows, where WWE goes from here, Netflix numbers outside the U.S. and more.
  • The history of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada, the making of their final match, where Shinsuke Nakamura fit in as well as AEW, WWE and CMLL, business notes, history, historical significance and how the story has played out since the start of the year.
  • A look at this weekend’s shows and odds
  • Les Hudspith aka Ringo Rigby, former U.K. wrestler who led a very interesting life, between judo, being a main eventer quick in the U.K., the political situation in the U.K. that led to his leaving, coming to the dying California promotion and thriving Mexican scene and crazy street brawls.
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings from the past week, placings, comparisons and more.
  • Coverage of one of the best Arena Mexico shows of the year including Claudio Castagnoi’s title win
  • The next major CMLL show, plus lots of big shows around the country
  • AAA and WWE combine for a big show with two great bouts, and what this leads to
  • End of Stardom tag team tournament
  • End of Dragon Gate tournament
  • Update on All Japan and New Japan tournaments
  • Who has the most five-star matches in 2025
  • Real American Freestyle update and apparently business philosophy
  • Lots of AEW new shows
  • Detailed look at the Continental Classic including a decision to be made this week
  • Bryan Danielson talks injuries, if he can come back, Brie Bella coming back, retiring, traveling and more
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows over the net five weeks
  • Is AEW really closing the gap on WWE as Tony Khan says, a look at different metrics
  • Tom Aspinall update
  • What UFC should do and won’t to make the Amanda Nunes vs. Kayle Harrison fight better and less risky
  • The sad plight of Nick Diaz
  • Nick Khan and Laurence Epstein push their version of the Ali Act
  • Rumors about Ronda Rousey fighting
  • TKO stock value update
  • How much has Dwayne Johnson earned so far in his less than two years with WWE

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans NXT Championship match from last night.
  • Kendal Grey was interviewed on Busted Open After Dark.
  • WWE put together a 12-minute video of fans giving farewell messages to John Cena.
  • After Cena acknowledged Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Golden Globe nomination on Instagram, Johnson responded: “Love ya man and as you know, always grateful for all you’ve done for the business we love. You are truly the GOAT. Bring your moonshine, I’ll bring the tequila”
  • Actor Timothee Chalamet joined Cody Rhodes on a new edition of his “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast.
  • While discussing Chalamet’s SAG Award speech about pursuing greatness, Rhodes explained why he hates nostalgia:
    • I hate nostalgia, but I love my business. I already know what these guys all did for us. Thank you. They’ve set a table that I get to eat at. But man, they can’t keep coming back. We had to – just from a wrestling perspective – we’ve got to move forward. I don’t want them coming back. And I don’t mean any disrespect. I want them to come to a show and sit and watch a show. Watch a show. Watch what they’ve done for their business.
    • But the idea of you saying it – it was something that I found, it definitely didn’t rub me the wrong way. It was incredibly appealing. And I don’t think enough people are in the pursuit of greatness or [they] are afraid to say it. Mediocrity loves company.
  • TV Insider asked Lilian Garcia if she’s ever thought about writing a book:
    • Yes, people ask me that especially when I was doing my podcast ‘Chasing Glory.’ We’ll see. It’s a lot of work. It’s a lot to unpack. I know there is that in me for sure and it will come out in the right timing. Things are still unfolding. I do want to share that when it comes to my dad passing away on Christmas day, there are a lot of people that will lose a loved one over the holidays and it’s hard for them to celebrate the holidays. I implore those people to please do the opposite. I celebrate the holidays even bigger. I do it in my father’s name. If I don’t have anything planned for Halloween night, I’m decorating. That’s how much now the holidays mean to me because I feel his presence. I want to share that. It can be tough when you lose someone during the holidays, but celebrate it even bigger. 

Other Wrestling

  • Athena’s ROH Women’s World Championship reign officially reached the three-year mark today. She’ll acknowledge the milestone with a championship celebration on Thursday’s ROH TV episode.
  • Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald interviewed Adam Copeland & Christian Cage.
  • RJ City made an appearance on Busted Open Radio.
  • Here is the announced TNA Impact lineup for this Thursday:
    • Dog collar match: Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell
    • Matt Cardona vs. Lexis King (winner earns advantage for their team in next week’s WarGames-style TNA vs. NXT steel cage match)
    • The Elegance Brand (Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance) vs. Harley Hudson & Myla Grace
    • Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards vs. Sinner & Saint (Judas Icarus & Travis Williams)
    • We’ll hear from The Hardys
    • X-Division title number one contender’s match: Jake Something vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Ryan Nemeth vs. Dezmond Xavier vs. BDE vs. Jason Hotch
  • Ayabe Ren & Taros were crowned the winners of AJPW Real World Tag League 2025.
  • Matthew Justice has been confirmed for MLW Battle Riot VIII, joining Hammerstone and Karl Anderson as the first three announced entrants. The 40-person match is being held in Florida on January 29.
Google Icon

Exclusive access to podcasts and newsletters

Subscribe
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.