News & Notes: Ratings, NJPW, Trademarks, WWE Network, Summer Rae

WWE RAW and Smackdown Ratings Delayed Till Thursday

WWE RAW’s viewership and ratings have been delayed till Thursday due to this week being Independence Day holiday in the United States. Smackdown’s viewership and ratings will also be delayed till Thursday for the same reasons.

NJPW to Open US Branch Later This Year and More US News

During a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s owner Takaaki Kidani stated the company was very happy with “huge success” of the G1 Specials in the US. He stated they currently have plans for a US tour to occur by March or April 2018 and want to open a new office in Los Angeles later this year.

The company also currently has plans to open a new training dojo for the company in Los Angeles by early 2018.

New Trademark filings for XFL and Roddy Piper

Last month the WWE filed a new trademark for XFL for entertainment usage related to wrestling. The company applied and was approved of a football usage trademark for the XFL in 2012 which was unsuccessfully challenged by the NFL.

Also last month, the widow of Roddy Piper registered three trademarks related to Roddy Piper as part of a trust under her name called “The Kitty J. Toombs Trust.” The three filings were for Roddy Piper, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Piper for both wrestling and merchandise purposes.

Upcoming New Content for the WWE Network This Month

WWE recently released a video showcasing this month’s new content for the WWE Network. Among the new content includes a new “WWE 24” documentary on Kurt Angle to air on July 10 after RAW, three new episodes of Table For 3, and a new “WWE Ride Along” episode with Kurt Angle, Big Show, Sheamus, and Cesaro.

Rumor: WWE Considered an Authority Role for Summer Rae’s RAW Return

WWE is rumored to have considered the idea of an authority role for Summer Rae’s return to RAW, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet. The plans were supposedly shelved due to the WWE’s management not liking the idea of her being taller than most wrestlers as a possible General Manager.

From what I've heard, I believe they think she is too tall for that role. https://t.co/ElceRqRkmK

— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) July 4, 2017