Weekend Roundup: Karrion Kross, AEW Winter Is Coming 2023 Date, AEW & WBD Update, Bryan Danielson & NJPW Update, Impact, Indies

Indie / Misc

Steve C.

Nov 5, 2023

WWE

Friday’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown drew a preliminary viewership of 2,017,000 viewers on FOX, according to SpoilerTV.
During Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel 2023 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it was announced that the “WWE Experience,” which will be an unparalleled, immersive experience, with wrestler appearances, shops, and more, is currently scheduled to open in January of 2024. Time Out Riyadh reported that this new WWE Experience complex will be located at the recently renamed Boulevard Riyadh City.
Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel 2023 event in Riyadh also featured Seth Rollins defeating Drew McIntyre to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Following the match, Will Ospreay commented on Twitter with paying attention eyes emojii. Following Ospreay’s post, Rollins responded stating that “The water is warm” in reference to Ospreay’s recent comments about being interested in a potential WWE career once his current contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expires in February of 2024.
Saturday’s Crown Jewel 2023 event in Riyadh also featured Logan Paul defeating Rey Mysterio to become the new United States Champion. In a recent interview with ESPN, Paul gave his thoughts about his U.S. title victory and if this will mean he will show up more often on WWE programming. Paul stated “I think I have to. You’re going to have to watch Raw. You’re going to have to watch SmackDown. I’m going to make some surprise appearances and show these wrestlers who’s the real king. I have a bit of occupational ADHD,” he continued. “So, wherever my attention goes, wherever the people are the most entertained. And at the moment, that is the WWE, and [I’m] just focused on building my brands and protecting this belt, keeping it around my waist.“
Saturday’s Crown Jewel 2023 event in Riyadh also featured Kairi Sane making her official return to WWE. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that WWE has officially added Sane’s profile back to their active roster page for their SmackDown brand on their official website.
In a separate recent interview with The Daily Mail, Logan Paul gave his thoughts about his potential plans to head to WWE’s Performance Center for some training to improve more in the company. Paul stated “Imagine if I go to the Performance Center in Orlando and train with the best? I have access to the best resources. It might be something I have to do, I’m all about legacy, and perhaps my legacy is to be made to WWE.“
The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported in Sunday’s Daily Update that WWE’s Crown Jewel 2023 event generated around 200,000 searches on Google for Saturday.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced on Instagram his selection for qualifying matches for the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge matches at next month’s NXT Deadline 2023 event. Foley stated that Dijak vs. Tyler Bate and Fallon Henley vs. Tiffany Stratton will be taking place at this Tuesday’s NXT show with the winners advancing to their respective Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge matches.
Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that WWE officials made a late change to one of their original plans for their double set of SmackDown tapings on October 27th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was reported that this change involved a segment featuring Karrion Kross and Scarlett being scrapped for the second taping for the November 3rd episode. This segment reportedly was meant to act as Kross and Scarlett’s televised return to SmackDown after a lengthy absence. Those spoken to reportedly stated that this segment would not have made sense for almost anyone involved and was nixed very early in the day of October 27th but still made it onto run sheets as late as 7PM EST. It was also reported that WWE officials still do not have any creative plans for Kross while they were happy with Scarlett’s performance alongside Shotzi at their NXT Halloween Havoc 2023 shows, as well as their new Chamber of Horrors online series.
As noted before, Sonya Deville has been out of action for WWE since this past August due to a torn ACL injury. Deville recently posted an injury update on Tiktok stating “Keep showing up. #acl #injured #neverstop #wwe“
As noted before, the October 30th episode of WWE RAW drew 1,390,000 viewers and a 0.43 key demographic rating. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that RAW’s overall viewership was the third lowest ever for a regular RAW show in RAW series history on the USA Network. Meltzer also reported that the main event quarter featuring the Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn match drew the lowest ever viewership for a main event quarter for a regular RAW show in RAW series history on the USA Network at 1,200,00 viewers.
As noted before, FOX CEO Lachlan Murdoch announced in an investor’s earnings call this past Thursday revealing that the reason why FOX did not keep their SmackDown television deal was due to cost related issues over the lower than expected ad rates revenues from SmackDown shows. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the current speculation is that FOX will be replacing SmackDown with college football, college basketball, and MLB Playoffs for their Friday night primetime slot once SmackDown officially leaves the network.
As noted before, WWE announced that their Fastlane 2023 event this past October broke several all-time records including largest ever gate for a wrestling event in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that recent audited numbers has caused WWE’s record breaking gate claim for Fastlane 2023 to be in doubt. Meltzer reported that WWE claimed they drew an attendance of 14,259 for a live gate that would be higher than the previous record of $1,250,000 set by WrestleMania VIII. Meltzer reported that recent audited numbers have Fastlane 2023’s real attendance at around 12,406 and a live gate of $1,181,229 which would not set the new all-time record for Indianapolis.
In regards to pay-per-view buys, Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE’s Fastlane 2023 event generated around 11,500 to 12,000 based on updated numbers and estimates.
As noted before, Erik of The Viking Raiders recently underwent neck fusion surgery. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the typical recovery period from neck fusion surgery is around one year to longer but some have managed to recover as early as just over six months.
WWE drew an attendance of 11,476 (10,200 paid) for their Oct. 27th double SmackDown tapings in Milwaukee, WI, around 8,000 for their Oct. 26th house show event in Cologne, Germany, around 8,000 for their Oct. 27th house show event in Hamburg, Germany, 10,504 for their Oct. 28th house show event in Berlin, Germany, 8,291 for their Oct. 29th house show event in London, England, and 8,064 for their Oct. 31st house show event in Glasgow, Scotland, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
WWE reportedly has sold around 6,931 tickets for their Nov. 6th RAW show in Wilkes-Barre, PA, 6,375 tickets for their Nov. 10th SmackDown show in Columbus, OH, 3,953 tickets for their Nov. 11th house show event in Johnson City, 2,402 tickets for their Nov. 12th house show event in Roanoke, VA 6,186 tickets for their Nov. 13th RAW show in Washington, DC, 4,484 tickets for their Nov. 17th SmackDown show in Evansville, IN, 2,852 tickets for their Nov. 18th house show event in Canton, OH, 2,228 tickets for their Nov. 18th house show event in Tupelo, MS, 2,792 tickets for their Nov. 19th house show event in Saginaw, MI, 2,351 tickets for their Nov. 19th house show event in Jonesboro, AR, 5,869 tickets for their Nov. 20th RAW show in Grand Rapids, MI, 13,737 tickets for their Nov. 24th SmackDown show in Chicago, 15,559 tickets for their Nov. 25th Survivor Series 2023 event in Chicago, IL, 2,136 tickets for their Nov. 26th house show event in Peoria, IL, 7,421 tickets for their Nov. 27th RAW show in Nashville, TN, 8,804 tickets for their Dec. 1st SmackDown show in Brooklyn, NY, 3,324 tickets for their Dec. 2nd house show event in Bangor, ME, 2,445 tickets for their Dec. 3rd house show event in Portland, ME, 2,131 tickets for their Dec. 3rd house show event in Newark, DE, 3,948 for their Dec. 4th RAW show in Albany, NY, 6,008 tickets for their Dec. 8th SmackDown show in Providence, RI, 2,065 tickets for their Dec. 9th NXT Deadline 2023 event in Bridgeport, CT, 2,497 tickets for their Dec. 9th house show event in Utica, NY, 1,761 tickets for their Dec. 10th house show event in State College, PA, 4,728 tickets for their Dec. 15th SmackDown show in Green Bay, WI, 2,301 tickets for their Dec. 16th house show event in Moline, IL, 2,082 tickets for their Dec. 17th house show event in Rochester, MN, and 8,357 tickets for their Dec. 26th house show event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Wrestlenomics reported that WWE’s top merchandise sellers for this past October in order were LA Knight, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Jey Uso, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, NWO, Eddie Guerrero, and Scott Hall. In regards to specific merchandise, the top sellers in order reportedly were Knight “Yeah” black shirt, Cena “Never Give Up” shirt, Knight “Yeah” yello shirt, Main Event Jey Uso black shirt, Austin 3:16 shirt, Knight “Let Me Talk to Ya” shirt, NWO shirt, Reigns “Greatness Among You” shirt, Cena red, white and blue shirt, and Ripley “Mami’s Always on Top” shirt.
Hulu recently announced that their upcoming new WWE-themed reality series featuring Bianca Belair and Montez Ford titled Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez will premiere on their service on February 2, 2024.
Fightful Select reported that their sources within Warner Bros Discovery confirmed that NBC Universal is expected to make a string bid to the NBA for their next television deal. It was reported that should NBC managed to get the NBA TV deal for USA Network, this would affect their budget available for a potential new deal with WWE to retain RAW and NXT series for USA Network.
WWE recently announced their full schedule of events for their next tour of the United Kingdom in April of 2024.

AEW & ROH

During Saturday’s AEW Collision show in Wichita, Kansas, AEW announced that this year’s Winter Is Coming show will be taking place on December 13th at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
MJF recently revealed on Twitter that he is currently in a relationship with former Major League Wrestling talent Alicia Atout.
MJJ also reflected on Twitter about respect and his current journey in his wrestling career. MJF stated “In this sport respect isn’t given. It’s earned. Every time I step into the ring I used to only do it for myself cuz I figured nobody gave a shit if I was alive or dead. Now when I walk through that curtain I walk out with everyone who believes in me. I’m not a finished product. But I’m trying.“
In a recent episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, co-host Matt Hardy stated that him and his brother Jeff Hardy will be going in a new direction for their characters soon in AEW. Hardy stated “Let them go nuts. Let them have fun. If you’re one of those fans online that get mad that all the internet wrestling reporters post stuff and make headlines because we talk about interesting viewpoints, interesting opinions, if you get mad about all that and you don’t like me and you think I’m a pariah, fine. Have it your way. There’s plenty of people that don’t, and those are the people that I am catering to now. Because once again, even at AEW, myself and Jeff, we’ve been very, very nice for a long time. We were willing to give back and give back and give back, but now, we really haven’t been shown the respect that we should have been getting all along, so now we’ll stop giving, and we’ll start taking. So we’re not becoming heel. We are becoming real. You are gonna see the most realistic version of Matt Hardy that you’ve ever seen coming up in the future.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, Chris Jericho gave his thoughts about AEW expanding into Japan in the future. Jericho stated “The emphasis is on the growth of the organization itself and how much of an impact we can make. That’s why we gather the best wrestlers from all over the world. In terms of growth, we recently had 81,000 people at Wembley Stadium in London, England. I think it is natural for AEW to come to Japan, since we have our expansion outside of Japan in mind, and I think that something like an AEW raid on DDT or New Japan will happen in the future. That’s why we are strategically focusing on developing young wrestlers and showing the fans something new.” (English translation via Fightful.com)
In a recent interview with NJPW’s official website, Zack Sabre Jr. gave his thoughts on how no other American wrestler has influenced him more than Bryan Danielson. Sabre Jr. stated “People often ask me about self reflection at different points of my career, and it’s hard to do in the moment. But I did allow myself a bit of time to think before the bell went in Seattle (at WrestleDream). We had wrestled in Germany in wXw as well, but the match that had a real influence on my career was that Triple X Wrestling match in Coventry. The Tam O’shanter pub (laughs).I’m still grateful to Triple X for giving me an opportunity I was nowhere near ready for at that time. And for Bryan (Danielson) as well. He could easily have phoned it in, gone through the motions, but he treated me as someone deserving of all his energy. I bought the first Ring of Honor tape back in the day, so I don’t think there’s another American wrestler who’s had such an influence on me, directly and indirectly.Results are everything though. I can acknowledge Bryan Danielson somewhat graciously, but I’m still furious that our bout in Seattle did nothing to settle the matter of who is the best technical wrestler in the world. Only that he’s a scoundrel that resorted to a strike because he knew he couldn’t match the tekkers. So there’s no doubt we have to run it back when the time is right.“
As noted before, AEW announced this past Thursday that they had signed WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Ric Flair to a multi-year contract that was later revealed to be two years in length. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Flair’s deal with AEW is actually two separate contracts. Meltzer reported that AEW originally deal with Flair was just for a sponsorship contract for his Whooooo! energy drink to become the official energy drink of AEW. Meltzer reported that following this deal, AEW CEO Tony Khan held a late talk with Flair over the idea of him being involved in Sting’s retirement announcement. This reportedly led to a second deal for Flair that was closed on October 24th and was for a performer type contract. Meltzer reported that Khan’s talks and deal with Flair was kept as a secret from almost everyone in AEW prior to the company’s official announcement.
AEW reportedly drew an attendance of 4,079 for their Oct. 28th Collision show in Uncasville, CT and 4,112 for their Nov. 1st Dynamite show in Louisville, KY, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
AEW reportedly has sold around 3,983 tickets for their Nov. 8th Dynamite show in Portland, OR, 2,063 tickets for their Nov. 10th Collision show in Oakland, CA, 2,236 tickets for their Nov. 15th Dynamite show in Ontario, CA, 3,153 tickets for their Nov. 17th Collision show in Los Angeles, 9,137 tickets for their Nov. 18th Full Gear 2023 event in Los Angeles, CA, 2,027 tickets for their Nov. 22nd Dynamite show in Chicago, IL, 2,042 tickets for their Nov. 25th Collision show in Pittsburgh, PA, 2,633 tickets for their Nov. 29th Dynamite show in Minneapolis, MN, 1,293 tickets for their Dec. 2nd Collision show in Erie, PA, 2,055 tickets for their Dec. 5th Collision & Rampage shows in Montreal, 3,721 tickets for their Dec. 6th Dynamite show in Montreal, Canada, 1,474 tickets for their Dec. 13th Winter is Coming 2023 Dynamite show in Arlington, TX, 2,667 tickets for their Dec. 20th Dynamite show in Oklahoma City, 1,384 tickets for their Dec. 23rd Collision show in San Antonio, TX, 1,880 tickets for their Dec. 27th Dynamite show in Orlando, FL, and 4,265 tickets (presale) for their Dec. 30th World’s End event in Long Island, NY as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
As noted before, AEW’s All In event this past August at Wembley Stadium drew a U.K. record setting paid attendance of 81,035, a turnstile count of 72,625, and a total attendance of 85,228. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that while there has been some confusion over AEW’s actual attendance for All In, WWE not quickly jumping in on AEW’s paid attendance number leads to credence of that number being accurate or else WWE would have called it out for being fake by now.
Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that AEW officials have made major changes to their original plans of late, especially for their upcoming Full Gear 2023 due to the current injuries situation affecting many of their key players. Meltzer reported that Adam Cole, Bryan Danielson, and Jon Moxley had been figured into key players for AEW’s shows in recent weeks and for Full Gear 2023 that most of it has been changed and rewritten as a result.
As noted before, AEW and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre announced this past October that they have started a new working partnership between both companies. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the terms of CMLL’s partnership deal with AEW does allow CMLL talent and Lucha Libre AAA talent to be booked for the same night of television tapings but not on the same specific show itself. Meltzer reported that was the reason why Penta El Zero Miedo was allowed to be booked for the October 18th Dynamite show in Rosenberg, Texas despite being an AAA talent due to Mistico was only booked to appear at the Oct. 20th Rampage show that was taped the same night.
Wrestlenomics reported that AEW’s top merchandise sellers for this past October in order for AEW Shop were MJF & Adam Cole, Orange Cassidy, AEW, Bullet Club Gold, Adam Copeland, The Acclaimed, MJF, Toni Storm, Jade Cargill, and Prince Nana. In regards to Pro Wrestling Tees, the top merchandiser sellers in order reportedly were Cole, Cassidy, AEW, Bullet Club Gold, Copeland, Acclaimed, MJF & Cole, Storm, Nana, and MJF. In regards to specific merchandise, the top sellers for AEW Shop in order were AEW Mystery Grab Bag, MJF & Cole “Better Than You Bay Bay” shirt, Bullet Club Gold shirt, Copeland “Rated R era” shirt, Cargill action figure, MJF & Cole New York shirt, MJF & Cole Chicago shirt, Paul Wight Captain Insano micro brawler, Copeland “Feature Presentation”shirt, and Nana “Swerve When I Drive” shirt.
As noted before, Bandido has been out of action for AEW since this past June due to a broken wrist injury. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Bandido is currently booked to work at an event for Riot in Mexico on December 9th which means that he is a few weeks away from being able to make his return to in-ring wrestling for both AEW and the indies.
Fightful Select reported that their sources within Warner Bros Discovery stated that AEW and WBD have yet to reach a new media rights deal for MAX which would include AEW’s television shows, pay-per-view events, and library. Despite no new deal being in place yet, it was reported that those spoken to within WBD stated that they have been happy with their current partnership with AEW and are hopeful that it can continue in the future. Those same sources also stated that WBD has been pleased with AEW’s ratings for shows, especially Collision since they had anticipated that it would have a hard time in the Fall period due to college football.
In a recent interview with the AEW Unrestricted podcast, AEW commentator Kevin Kelly gave his thoughts about the reasons for his decision to leave NJPW and join AEW’s commentary team. Kelly stated “Because my wife said, ‘I don’t want to be alone anymore.’ I’m not lying. We’ve been together 33 years, married 30. I told her, when the time is right, you tell me and I will stop going to Japan because I’ve been gone weeks at a time, months at a time. Come home briefly, go back weeks at a time. We’ve all missed birthdays and family vacations and those types of things, but when you’re missing Christmas and you’re missing New Years and you’re missing anniversaries and you’re missing everything, it just gets to be too much. So, when this AEW opportunity came around, the first conversation that Tony and I had was about still keeping up on New Japan commitments and he said, ‘Yeah that’s fine, we’ll have Ian or somebody fill in.’ He and I figured it would probably be 12 dates a year and I talked to [my wife] about it, and she was like, I don’t want to be alone anymore. I was like, okay, say no more, that’s it. I talked to New Japan, I talked with Tony. I got these two [shows] that I definitely have to do for New Japan, but after that, I’m just going to be here in the states, here in North America within a couple hours flight. I’ll be gone away from home as much as AEW needs me, but I’ll always be that close. I’ll never be more than half of a day away.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
Dave Meltzer reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio that his sources stated that many AEW talents have become frustrated over recent delays in AEW’s creative process that has led to talent being informed of the plans for shows much later than previously before. Meltzer reported that there have been instances of talent not knowing what they would be doing on the day of the show and the feeling of this becoming similar to WWE when Vince McMahon was in charge of the creative there. Following Meltzer’s report, AEW official Jerry Lynn responded on Twitter that the reason why AEW’s creative process has felt delayed for talent is due to AEW officials have been frustrated for a while over talent continuing leaking plans to podcasts, wrestling outlets, and other places. Lynn stated “Because wrestlers and God knows who else have and continue to leak info to the sheets, podcasts, etc. So Tony tries to keep things confidential. You wouldn’t want to know everything before you see a movie. Anyone who leaks info is doing damage to the product and the industry.”
Samoa Joe broke the all-time record for longest ever reign as ROH World Television Champion at 577 days and counting this past Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 576 days held by Jay Lethal from April 4, 2014 to October 23, 2015.
Lady Frost has been absent from Ring of Honor since the October 19th ROH TV show. Frost announced on Twitter that the reason for her recent absence is due to her currently dealing with an undisclosed injury but is currently hopeful of being able to return to in-ring wrestling this week. Lady Frost stated “I haven’t talked about it, but I’ve been out of action for 3 weeks. Hopefully, I’ll be back this week! 🙏🏼 In the meantime, check out my big cartel site for merch or if you feel inclined to send Turbo/Stanley a welcome home gift you can do so at $RealLadyFrost 🐾 🤍“

Impact, NJPW, Indies, & Misc. Wrestling

As noted before, Saturday’s Power Struggle 2023 event for NJPW in Osaka, Japan featured Bryan Danielson making a surprise video appearance challenging Kazuchika Okada for a match at next year’s Wrestle Kingdom 18 event. Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reported that his sources stated that NJPW officials original plans for Danielson were for him to fly to Japan to make an in-person appearance at their Power Struggle 2023 event. Those plans were dropped following Danielson suffering a broken orbital bone injury and surgery afterwards.
Saturday’s NJPW Power Struggle 2023 event in Osaka also featured Catch 2/2 (Francisco Akira & TJP) defeating SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru to become the winners of this year’s Super Junior Tag League tournament.
Tokyo Sports reported that NJPW talent Tetsuya Naito will be undergoing right eye surgery on November 7th to repair his superior oblique palsy that has been causing him blurry vision issues for the past several years. It was reported that this will be the third time that Naito will have surgery on his right eye over this issue. (English translation via PostWrestling.com)
SANADA broke the all-time record for longest ever reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at 212 days and counting as of Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 211 days held by Shingo Takagi from June 7, 2021 to January 4, 2022.
NJPW reportedly drew a paid attendance of 801 for their Oct. 28th NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2023 event in Las Vegas, NV, 824 for their Oct. 28th Super Junior Tag League 2023 event in Tsuruga, 731 for their Oct. 30th Super Junior Tag League 2023 event in Tsubame, 575 for their Oct. 31st Super Junior Tag League 2023 event in Toyama, and 1,503 for their Nov. 1st Super Junior Tag League 2023 event in Komatsu, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
NJPW’s new English commentator Walker Stewart recently announced on Twitter that he will not be traveling to Japan and instead will be providing English commentary from a remote location for NJPW’s upcoming World Tag League 2023 tournament. Stewart stated “🚨 NOVEMBER APPEARANCES 🚨 Want to know where you can find me/hear me/see me throughout the month of November? Look no further! So far in the month of November, it’s all #njpw! I’ll be live in Osaka and Garland, TX, and remote for the rest of the month! Very excited for more @njpwglobal events, and MORE English coverage on @njpwworld . (I am open for independent wrestling bookings – announcing, commentary, production, and seminars. Email is in bio, or DM for info! Would love to hit new countries and places I’ve never been before.)“
In a recent interview with NJPW’s official website, Zack Sabre Jr. gave his thoughts about which wrestling promotion he would like to check off next from his list of promotions he has worked for during his wrestling career. Sabre Jr. stated “IMPACT. I think IMPACT is the one major promotion I haven’t wrestled in yet. Alex Shelley is their world champion, we’ve never wrestled, Chris Sabin, I don’t think we’ve wrestled. Josh Alexander as well, that would be a great matchup for me. But definitely Mike Bailey- we’ve faced each other a few times but I think we should do it on a major scale. And we both lost to Ospreay so this would be a chance to redeem ourselves.“
Former WWE talent Alexis Gray announced on Twitter that she recently signed a deal with Women of Wrestling. Gray stated “Yes, I wrestle with WOW now. I’m the newest superhero, ready to bring this cool breeze, and Caribbean spice with me.“
Sunday’s Giant Series 2023 event for All Japan Pro Wrestling in Sapporo, Japan featured former Pro Wrestling NOAH talent Katsuhiko Nakajima defeating Yuma Aoyagi to become the new AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion.
Pro Wrestling NOAH reportedly drew a paid attendance of 1,309 for their Oct. 28th Demolition Stage 2023 In Fukuoka event in Fukuoka, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This event was notable for being Katsushiko Nakajima’s final appearance in the company.
In a recent interview with TJ Sports, former WWE NXT talent Yulisa Leon, now known as Julissa, stated that she is currently signed to a deal with KAOZ Lucha Lubre. Julissa stated “I belong to KAOZ and we will surprise a lot of people. We have a lot of plans & surprises set and we will go forward from there.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
Julissa made her official in-ring return since her WWE release this past September at this past Friday’s event for The Crash Lucha Libre in Mexico. Julissa defeated Keyra, Trish Adora, Zamaya, and champion Dulce Tormenta in a Five-Way match to be crowned the new The Crash’s Women’s Champion.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Impact Wrestling President Scott D’Amore gave his thoughts about the upcoming changes to Impact’s product for their rebranding back to their former TNA Wrestling name in 2024. D’Amore stated “We’re going to be the hardest working company in professional wrestling. That’s why when I said, ‘TNA, we’re back’, that was such a huge statement. We’re back to doing what we do best. We are going to take chances, give a stage for wrestlers to take a chance, and evolve wrestling. I’m excited for those that are joining us. We’re headed somewhere, we’re going on a journey, and we hope people hop on board with us. For those who don’t, that’s OK–wrestling has a lot of different products. But for those who jump on, the only direction we’re moving is forward. We know we’re good at what we do, and we’re going to be a game-changer and a force in 2024. So stay tuned. You’re going to see upgrades to our look and pacing. We’re in a position to inspire the next generation. Will Ospreay mentioned to me he grew up a TNA Wrestling kid, and that TNA holds a special place in his heart. TNA Wrestling changed the landscape of wrestling with AJ Styles in the main event. AJ’s back is what the company was built on. TNA was an agent for change. Whether you were smaller or overlooked, you could shine in TNA. Keeping tag team wrestling alive with America’s Most Wanted or Triple X, that was a priority for TNA. The Knockouts division showcased strong women in an equal setting with the men. We are still that agent of change. TNA has a place in wrestling, and it fits into the landscape in 2024. You will see some changes to our shows. The pacing is going to be quicker, there will be a shakeup talentwise, and you’re going to see us disrupt and change wrestling. We’re going to push the limits, like we did with Ultimate X and King of the Mountain. That might mean, every once in a while, we sometimes fall on our face in a reverse battle royal, but hopefully not too often. We owe it to our fans to take chances.“
Impact recently announced two new matches for the card of their TNA Wrestling Hard To Kill 2023 event on January 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first is a TNA Knockouts World Championship match of Jordynne Grace vs. Trinity (c). The second is a TNA World Championship match of Moose vs. Alex Shelley (c).
Major League Wrestling recently announced that Tony Deppen will be making an appearance at their Fightland 2023 event on November 18th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was announced that Deppen’s storyline “suspension” with the company recently was lifted.
MLW also recently announced one new match for the card of their Fightland 2023 event on November 18th in Philadelphia. This is a
MLW also recently announced one new match for the card of their One Shot event on December 7th in New York City, New York. This is a MLW World Heavyweight Championship match of Matt Cardona vs. Alex Kayne (c).
Consejo Mundial De Lucha Libre reportedly drew an attendance of over 10,000 for their Oct. 27th Grand Prix De Amazonas 2023 event in Mexico City, Mexico, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Lucha Libre AAA talent Pagano reportedly suffered a serious shoulder injury at AAA’s event on October 28th in Neza, Mexico, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
FOX 8 Greensboro reported that former WCW wrestler Evan Karagias was arrested on November 1st following an incident in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was reported that Karagias was charged with simple assault and injury to personal property and had posted a bond of $25,000 for his release from jail. Details regarding the circumstances of Karagias’ arrest is currently not known.
Stardom reportedly drew a paid attendance of 362 for their Oct. 28th Goddess of Stardom Tag League 2023 event in Numazu and 1,116 for their Oct. 29th Halloween Dark Night ~House Of Terror~ event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Wrestling TV Ratings for Week of Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, 2023

WWE Friday Night SmackDown – 1,145,000 viewers, 0.35 rating (prior week – 2,253,000 viewers, 0.59 rating)
WWE RAW – 1,391,000 viewers, 0.43 rating (prior week – 1,476,000 viewers, 0.46 rating)
WWE NXT – 674,000 viewers, 0.20 rating (prior week – 787,000 viewers, 0.21 rating)
AEW Rampage – 319,000 viewers, 0.09 rating (prior week – 342,000 viewers, 0.11 rating)
AEW Collision – 472,000 viewers, 0.13 rating (prior week – 518,000 viewers, 0.16 rating)
AEW Dynamite – 832,000 viewers, 0.28 rating (prior week – 774,000 viewers, 0.24 rating)
Impact Wrestling Impact! – 86,000 viewers, 0.01 rating (prior week – N/A)

Total viewership in terms of overall tally for the week: 4,919,000 viewers (down 1,628,000 viewers compared to prior week’s 6,547,000 viewers)