Weekend Roundup: Two Teams Set for Dusty Tag Classic 2024, Chris Jericho Accusations Update, Alex Coughlin NJPW Contract Expiring, NJPW, MLW, Mustafa Ali, Indies

WWE

  • This past Friday’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown drew a preliminary viewership of 2,410,000 viewers on FOX, according to Programming Insider.
  • WWE announced that Nathan Frazer & Axiom and Baron Corbin & Bron Breakker are the first two officials teams for this year’s Dusty Rhodea Tag Team Classic tournament, which starts on January 9th.
  • This past Friday’s SmackDown New Year’s Revolution 2024 show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada featured Bianca Belair and Bobby Lashley officially declaring themselves for their respective Women’s and Men’s Royal Rumble matches at WWE’s Royal Rumble 2024 event later this month.
  • WWE held one dark match prior to the start of this past Friday’s SmackDown show in Vancouver. This was a singles match of Gable Steveson defeating Cedric Alexander.
  • PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Gable Steveson has been in attendance backstage at WWE television tapings of late.
  • Logan Paul recently announced on Twitter that he has launched a buy back program for customers who purchased Base Egg and Base Animal CryptoZoo NFTs for their original price and were deceived over the status of the development of the CryptoZoo game. Paul also announced that he recently filed a lawsuit against his former partners in the CryptoZoo project for defrauding customers and himself.
  • WWE recently released a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of Mick Foley’s first WWF Championship victory on the January 4, 1999 episode of RAW. This victory was notable in wrestling history for featuring WCW spoiling the results of Mankind’s title victory during their WCW Nitro show and the infamous line by WCW commentator Tony Schiavone stating in a mocking tone “that’ll put some puts in seats.” This moment was also notable for the huge swing in WCW viewers who turned into WWE’s show and returned back to WCW’s show to witness the infamous “Finger Poke of Doom” moment between Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan for the WCW World title.
  • As noted before, Drew McIntyre’s contract with WWE is currently expected to expire by this April’s WrestleMania 40 event. In a recent Q&A article, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that there has been no new updates from his sources regarding talks between McIntyre and WWE officials for a potential new contract. Johnson reported that as of last week, McIntyre has yet to sign a new potential deal.
  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently reflected about his recent return to WWE at this past Monday’s WWE RAW Day 1 show setting a new all-time WWE record for most social media views. Johnson statedAmazing stuff. This is all thanks to the people. They break records, not me. I just try and look cool, not screw up and not cuss too much 😊🥃🙏🏾 #peopleschamp
  • As noted before, Charlotte Flair suffered a torn ACL, a torn meniscus, and a torn MCL injuries this past December and underwent surgery this past week. Flair recently provided an update on TikTok revealing that she was able to move her knee for the first time since her surgery.
  • As noted before, longtime WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn departed this past week from WWE following an almost 40 year tenure with the company. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that one source spoken to stated that Dunn had made his decision to leave WWE around two months ago following Endeavor starting to make budget cuts to improve profitability in WWE’s production department. Besides budget cuts, this same source reportedly also stated that Endeavor officials started to make decisions for WWE’s production department during this time without getting Dunn’s input and opinions. Meltzer reported that while many within WWE had expected Dunn to eventually leave once Vince McMahon was ousted from power, they were still shocked when it happened since the general belief was that Dunn’s departure would happen more towards down the line.
  • Cody Rhodes reportedly was WWE’s Iron Man of 2023 with the most matches wrestled at 111, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Dave Meltzer reported that Rhodes’ Iron Man achievement was the lowest in WWE history with the exception of 2020 and 2021 that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meltzer reported that only four WWE wrestlers managed to wrestle 100 or more matches, which were Rhodes, Dominik Mysterio (105), Seth Rollins, (104) and Damian Priest (102). Meltzer also reported that many talents in 2022 wrestled more matches than Rhodes did in 2023 due to talent working more dates on average in 2022 than they did in 2023.
  • In regards to most wins for 2023, Dave Meltzer reported that Rhodes was #1 at 106 wins, followed by Seth Rollins at 85 wins, Sami Zayn at 66 wins, Kevin Owens at 62 wins, and LA Knight at 59 wins. In regards to most losses for 2023, Ludvig Kaiser was #1 at 77 losses, followed by Bayley at 68 losses, Giovanni Vinci at 66 losses, Dominik Mysterio at 65 losses, and Finn Balor at 58 losses.
  • As noted before, Trinity, former Naomi in WWE, is currently expected to be leaving Impact/TNA Wrestling and return to WWE. PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that WWE sources spoken to confirmed that they currently expected Trinity to return to the company by the end of January. One WWE source spoken to stated that they currently believe that Trinity will be finishing up her commitments with Impact/TNA at their upcoming Orlando tapings. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that WWE officials held unofficial talks with Trinity over the past year for a potential return.
  • Wrestlenomics reported that WWE’s top merchandise sellers for this past December in order were Cody Rhodes, CM Punk , Jey Uso, LA Knight, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and Stone Cole Steve Austin.
  • WWE reportedly drew an attendance of 9,080 for their Dec. 28th house show event in Laval, Canada, 9,378 for their Dec. 28th house show event in Houston, TX, 8,763 for their Dec. 29th house show event in Toronto, Canada, 6,480 for their Dec. 29th house show event in Las Vegas, NV, 13,847 for their Dec. 30th house show event in Los Angeles, CA, and 11,031 (10,000 paid) for their Jan. 1, 2024 RAW Day 1 show in San Diego, CA, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • WWE reportedly has sold around 9,296 tickets for their Jan. 8th RAW show in Portland, OR, 5,836 tickets for their Jan. 12th SmackDown in Lincoln, NE, 4,412 tickets for their Jan. 13th house show event in Las Cruces, NM, 3,603 tickets for their Jan. 14th house show event in Rancho, NM, 5,014 tickets for their Jan. 15th RAW show in North Little Rock, AR, 11,037 tickets for their Jan. 19th SmackDown show in Atlanta, GA, 2,099 tickets for their Jan. 20th house show event in Montgomery, AL, 2,041 tickets for their Jan. 21st house show event in Jackson, MS, 6,064 tickets for their Jan. 22nd RAW show in New Orleans, LA, 6,111 tickets for their Jan. 26th SmackDown show in Miami, FL, 11,693 tickets for their Jan. 25th RAW show in Tampa, FL, 6,526 tickets for their Feb. 2nd SmackDown show in Birmingham, AL, 3,493 tickets for their Feb. 3rd house show event in Knoxville, TN, 1,791 tickets for their Feb. 4th house show event in Corbin, KY, 1,793 tickets for their Feb. 4th NXT Vengenance Day 2024 event in Clarksville, TN, 16,658 tickets for their April 5th SmackDown show in Philadelphia, 8,000 tickets for their April 6th NXT Stand & Deliver 2024 event in Philadelphia, 57,225 tickets for their April 6th WrestleMania 40 Night 1 event in Philadelphia, 57,279 tickets for their April 7th WrestleMania 40 Night 2 event in Philadelphia, and 16,595 tickets for their April 8th RAW show in Philadelphia, PA as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newseletter.
  • In a recent interview with FOX News, Matt Riddle gave his thoughts about if he had any hard feelings about his release from WWE this past September. Riddle stated “For me, at the WWE, not at all. I loved every second of it. I was a multiple-time tag-team champion with Randy [Orton], I was an NXT tag-team champion, I won the Dusty Cup Classic, I beat Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship, I wrestled multiple WrestleManias, Royal Rumbles. No, I have no hard feelings. And I would just say, with WWE, they run a ship, they run it a certain way, and when you work for WWE, everything you do is under a magnifying glass. It doesn’t matter if you did anything wrong, if you did something right, if it was in between, it’s perception. And the WWE, unfortunately, if a situation happens, and they don’t like the perception, they make their decision. But I’m not going to argue with them. That’s their company. I don’t run it. I just worked there. I’m thankful that they gave me the time that they did and that’s all I can say. I have zero hard feelings. I don’t know if I can say that for them. They might have some hard feelings, but I feel like they’re pretty professional. They’re more about that paper, that money. So, I don’t think there’s any hard feelings. I mean, they did have to pay me for three months when I didn’t work. That was on them. They fired me.
  • As noted before, WWE is currently very interested in potentially signing Giulia once her current contract with Stardom expires at the end of March of 2024. Fightful Select reported that their sources confirmed that Giulia is currently not expected to sign a new deal with Stardom to stay in the company. It was reported that Giulia was not happy over word of WWE’s interest towards her and a potential deal was leaked online due to her being nowhere close to being able to sign with the company. It was also reported that Giulia did not have an agent representing her for contract talks and instead was handling that process herself towards the end of 2023. In regards to AEW’s lack of interest for Giulia, it was reported that those spoken to stated that this was not the case and instead AEW did have some talks this past Spring during the time AEW officials were having talks about the idea of having Stardom talent potentially work at their events. Those spoken to within WWE reportedly currently believe that Giulia will be sent to the Performance Center first unless she was prepared on the necessary things such as adjusting her in-ring style to fit WWE’s style of wrestling ahead of time.

AEW & ROH

  • Kurt Angel recently released a video in support of Stokely Hathaway over Hathaway’s currently storyline issues with Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale. In the video, Angle stated “Willow and Stat, it’s former World Champion, Kurt Angle. It hurts me deeply how you treated my boy. Stokely had a flight to Japan to run Moxley over with a Mitsubishi at Wrestle Kingdom, but he chose to be on Rampage to watch you two live. That, to me, is it changed man. 2024 is for the short, bald, kings with a so-so credit score. Oh, it’s true. It’s damn true. #GiveStokelyAChance.” Angle continued stating “Okay, I’m glad that’s freaking done. Stokely, where’s my money, or am I going to have to kick your ass?” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
  • Mariah May announced on Twitter that a fire recently took place at a building she is currently living in but everyone was safe and she made some new friends with animals she helped carry out to safety. May statedSad news… the building I live in had a fire. Good news… everyone is ok and the firefighters are sexy. And I made friends with some animals I carried out. A win is a win.
  • AEW filed trademarks for “AEW: Get The Feeling” and ‘”Get The Feeling” for wrestling and education-related purposes on January 4th to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that AEW officials originally had different plans for the layout for the booking of their Continental Classic tournament. Meltzer reported that AEW CEO Tony Khan originally planned to have more time limit draw results for tournament matches but changed this to just the Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli match based on feedback he received from others in AEW’s creative team. Meltzer reported that AEW officials always had planned for the finals to be between Eddie Kingston and Jon Moxley.
  • As noted before, Keith Lee was pulled from AEW’s Worlds End event this past December due to Lee not being medically cleared to compete and was replaced with Dustin Rhodes for his scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at the event. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that on the day of the event, Lee had planned to work through his injury issues but he was visibly seen not moving well around backstage. Meltzer reported that following AEW’s doctor not medically clearing Lee to compete, Rhodes volunteered to be Lee’s replacement for his match.
  • As noted before, Chris Jericho was recently accused by Haus of Wrestling’s Nick Hausman of committing sexual misconduct towards former AEW talent Kylie Rae during RAW’s time in the company. Earlier this past week, Hausman clarified or backtracked his comments stating that he did not have any real evidence to support his accusations and instead has a personal hatred of Jericho for why he went public with his comments. Hausman also stated that he only meant to allude that Jericho is a big bully in AEW and not him being an actual sexual predator in the company. Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources have yet to uncover any evidence or be able to confirm anything related to Hasuman and CM Punk attorney’s lawyers claims of Jericho being under any sort of NDA regarding the infamous All Out 2022 backstage brawl incident. Meltzer reported that those same sources have also not been able to confirm anything regarding Hausman’s claims of Jericho committing sexual misconduct in AEW.
  • AEW reportedly drew an attendance of 10,039 (slightly under 10,000 paid) for their Dec. 30th Worlds End event in Uniondale, NY and 5,483 for their Jan. 3rd Dynamite show in Newark, NJ, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • AEW reportedly has sold around 2,151 tickets for their Jan/ 10th Dynamite Homecoming 2024 show at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL, 1,998 tickets for their Jan/ 13th Collision & Battle of the Belts IX shows in Norfolk, VA, 1,622 tickets for their Jan. 17th Dynamite show in North Charleston, SC, 1,852 tickets for their Jan. 20th Collision show in St. Charles, MO, 1,267 tickets for their Jan. 24th Dynamite show in Savannah, GA, 1,215 tickets for their Jan. 27th Collision show in Bossier City, LA, 1,251 tickets for their Jan, 31st Dynamite show in New Orleans, LA, 1,828 tickets for their Feb. 3rd Collision show in Edinburg, TX, 2,568 tickets for their Feb. 7th Dynamite show in Phoenix, AZ, 993 tickets for their Feb. 10th Collision show in Henderson, NV, 1,198 tickets Feb. 14th Dynamite show in Cedar Park, TX, 13,702 tickets for their March 3rd Revolution 2024 event in Greensboro, NC, and 38,585 for their Aug. 25th All In 2 event at Wembley Stadium in London, England as of this past Thursday, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • AEW reportedly generated a live gate revenue of around $800,000 for their Dec. 30th Worlds End event in Uniondale, New York, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • Wrestlenomics reported that AEW’s top merchandise sellers for this past December in order were AEW, Swerve Strickland, MJF & Adam Cole, Adam Copeland, The Acclaimed, MJF, Jon Moxley, Hangman Adam Page, Will Ospreay, and Prince Nana. In regards to specific merchandise, the top sellers in order were AEW live event grab bags, Double or Nothing 2023 DVD, All Out DVD, Revolution 2023 DVD, Hook action figure, MJF & Cole “Better than You Bay Bay” shirt; Full Gear DVD, Strickland micro brawler, Hangman Adam Page micro brawler, and Adam Copeland shirt. In regards to Pro Wrestling Tees, the top sellers in order were AEW, CM Punk AEW, Bullet Club, Bullet Club Gold, Strickland, Copeland, and Adam Page.
  • Post Wrestling’s John Pollock reported that AEW drew an average viewership of 823,000 for Dynamite, 464,000 for Collision, and 337,000 for Rampage per show this past December. In regards to comparisons, Dynamite averaged 906,000 viewers and Rampage averaged 464,000 viewers per show for December of 2022.
  • In regards to key demographic viewership, Dynamite averaged 369,000 18-49 viewers and 144,000 18-34 viewers, Collision averaged 195,000 18-49 viewers and 68,000 18-34 viewers, and Rampage averaged 137,000 18-49 viewers and 44,000 18-34 viewers per show this past December. In regards to comparisons, Dynamite averaged 391,000 18-49 viewers and 157,000 18-34 viewers and Rampage averaged 167,000 18-49 viewers and 53,000 18-34 viewers per show for December of 2022.
  • In a recent episode of the Grilling JR podcast, co-host Jim Ross provided an update on the status of his health and potential full-time return back to AEW’s commentary team. Ross stated “It’s pretty good. I got an MRI yesterday. They had to make sure that nothing was wrong with the bone in my tibia, where that radiation issue is located. Haven’t got the results to that back yet. I had it done yesterday. So sooner or later, we’ll get the results of that. Don’t feel like there’s anything to be worried about. My doctor just wants to be more cautious than not. The wound is healing, but as long as this blood sugar issue is prominent, it’s gonna be hard to heal. I wish we could have known that a year ago. But in any event, it is what it is, and I’ll just make it work. That’s always been my mantra, to overcome adversity. So it’s all good. The wound is still there, still hurts. But I’ve kind of gotten adjusted to it, in a way. It sounds morbid as hell, but it’s what it is. You gotta keep fighting. So I’m gonna keep fighting, and then get past this thing. I had a great time in Oklahoma. Tony Khan let me sit in on a match [with the] announcers. It was kinda cool. Fans were seemingly happy to see me, which made me feel great. So it’s all good. It’s just a matter of continuing to battle, stay positive, and get to the finish line. That’s where we are now. We’re en route to the finish line. We’re not there yet, but we’re closer than we’ve ever been. Therefore, I don’t know exactly when I’m coming back on the air. Sooner than later, hopefully.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
  • Wrestling legend Magnum TA reportedly was in attendance backstage at this past Wednesday’s Dynamite show in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to PWInsider.

Impact, NJPW, Indies, & Misc. Wrestling

  • New Japan Pro Wrestling recently released their full schedule of major events for the first half of 2024.
  • Will Ospreay shared a heartful letter he received from NJPW containing messages of support and thanks from others for his career in the company. Ospreay stated‘If you about to crash, we will be there to support you, and if it rains on you, we will be your umbrella.’ Reading this note and all the messages brought me to tears in my hotel room. Thank you all for taking care of me & treating me like family.
  • Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Alex Couglin’s contract with NJPW is currently set to expire at the end of this month. It was reported that it is currently not known if Coughlin and NJPW officials have had talks for a potential new deal nor if Coughlin was given a new offer to stay in the company.
  • NJPW talent Tama Tonga recently announced that he will be leaving the company after the end of this month. Tonga stated that his decision was due to him wanting to find work that is closer to where his family lives and wanting to spend more time with his family. Tonga also stated that he loves Japan, NJPW, and everyone in NJPW’s locker room.
  • NJPW reportedly drew an attendance of around 30,000 (27,422 paid) for their Jan. 4th Wrestle Kingdom 18 event at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • NJPW reportedly has sold around 1,332 tickets for their Jan. 13th Battle in the Valley 2024 event in San Jose, CA, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • As noted before, former WWE talent Matt Riddle made his official debut appearance for NJPW at this past Friday’s New Year Dash 2024 event in Tokyo, Japan. The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that his sources stated that NJPW officials currently have Riddle scheduled to work at their upcoming tour of events in Japan this February.d
  • Game Changer Wrestling recently announced that they will be holding a co-promoted event with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling on April 6th as part of their The Collective 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • TJPW reportedly drew a paid attendance of 1,235 for their Jan. 4th Tokyo Joshi Pro ’24 event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • TJPW recently announced that Maki Itoh will be taking some time off from the company and wrestling due to her currently with numbness issues in her arm.
  • TNA Wrestling reportedly currently is scheduled to hold a new set of Impact! television tapings on March 22-23 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to PWInsider.
  • TNA officially revealed their newly designed TNA X-Division Championship belt earlier today.
  • Impact/TNA reportedly has sold around 917 tickets for their Jan. 13th TNA Hard To Kill 2024 event in Las Vegas and 708 tickets for their Jan. 14th Snake Eyes Impact! tapings in Las Vegas, NV as of this past Saturday afternoon, according to WrestleTix.
  • In a recent Q&A article, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Mercedes Mone is not the big name surprise who will be making their official TNA debut at TNA’s Hard To Kill 2024 event this Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Major League Wrestling recently announced the full card for their MLW Reload special on January 20th on beIN Sport.
  • MLW also recently announced two new matches for the card of their SuperFight 2024 event on February 3rd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first match announced was a MLW World Heavyweight Championship match of Satoshi Kojima vs. Alex Kane (c). The second match announced was a singles match of Mistico vs. Averno.
  • Saturday’s Kings of Colosseum 2024 event for MLW in Philadelphia featured former Impact talent Sami Callihan helping Rickey Shane Page successfully retain his MLW National Openweight Championship against AKIRA and officially revealing himself as the newest member of The Calling.
  • MLW commentator Matt Striker recently apologized for controversial comments he made during MLW’s Kings of Colosseum 2024 event on Saturday. During the show, Striker commented on Riddle’s return to MLW stating “He’s from another world. How do you let this guy go? This guy is a star, a mega-million dollar star. I don’t care what he does. How do you let him go? This is our coup de grâce right here.” Striker continued afterwards stating “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The court of public opinion would love to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle’s mouth. But the court of public opinion does not convict, I’m sorry. I know it’s the world in which we live but, it’s not the case. He can do whatever he wants, he can kick your ass. Anyone out there (has) got a problem with him, step to him out on the street, watch what happens. End of conversation.” On Sunday, Striker apologized on Twitter over the online backlash his comments caused statingI’ve given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf. Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better.” (Transcript h/t: PostWrestling.com)
  • As noted before, Kota Ibushi suffered injuries to both of his ankles at NOAH’s The New Year 2024 event this past Tuesday in Ariake, Japan and is currently scheduled to undergo surgery. NOAH released an official statement earlier today providing an update on Ibushi’s current injury status. NOAH stated “Kota Ibushi’s Recent Diagnostic Results. Kota Ibushi, who sustained an injury at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Ariake Arena event on January 2nd, has been diagnosed with a right tibiofibular ligament tear and a right ankle lateral ligament complex injury as a result of a more thorough examination than his initial diagnosis. Ibushi is scheduled to undergo another detailed examination of his left leg and to concentrate on treatment. We will inform you of his progress as soon as we know more. We apologize for any inconvenience and concern this may cause our fans and other concerned parties as we ask for their cooperation & understanding in light of the situation. Thank you very much.” (English translation via Fightful.com)
  • NOAH reportedly drew a paid attendance of 5,135 for their Jan. 2nd The New Year 2024 event in Ariake, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • Saturday’s APC 20th Anniversary event for Association les Professionnels du Catch in Nanterre, France featured former WWE talent Mustafa Ali’s first match since his release from WWE this past September. Following his match. Ali gave a speech to the crowd statingI’ve been thinking for more than the past 90 days, what’s the first thing I want to say? And it’s as simple as this — and if I tear up, I apologize because I believe this from the bottom of my heart — every upper management person that I have ever worked for in this industry has told me to my face, ‘no one will ever cheer for someone named Mustafa Ali.’ [Crowd boos and says ‘fuck them.’] Nah, even better than ‘fuck them.’ Show them. To those people watching, right now I’m in a sold out house at APC, and every single person in this building is chanting ‘Mustafa Ali!’ [Crowd chants ‘Ali.’] I’m going to leave the ring with one more note, and this is what I want in the industry. I want change in the industry. I want guys that are at a certain level to reach down and pull people up. The young man that I just shared the ring with, let me tell you something, I have been in the ring with Rey Mysterio, I’ve been in the ring with AJ Styles, you name them, I’ve been in the ring with them and you, my good man, are just as good as them. It was an absolute honor to perform here. I landed this morning, and I have not slept, and I don’t give a shit cause this gives me life. Thank you all. Goodnight.” (Transcript h/t: Fightful.com)
  • All Japan Pro Wrestling reportedly drew a paid attendance of 2,678 for their Dec. 31st MANIAx 2023 event in Tokyo, 1,008 for their Jan. 2, 2024 New Year Giant Series 2024 event in Tokyo, and 1,331, for their Jan. 3rd New Year Giant Series 2024 event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • Stardom reportedly drew a paid attendance of 3,063 for their Dec. 29th Dream Queendom 2023 event in Tokyo, 960 for their Jan. 3, 2024 New Year Stars 2024 ~Happy New Year Stardom~ event in Yokohama, and 1,536 for their Jan. 4th Ittenyeon Stardom Gate 2024 event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  • Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre reportedly drew an attendance of 16,500 for their Dec. 29th Super Viernes event in Mexico City and over 10,000 for their Jan. 1, 2024 Sin Salida 2024 event in Mexico City, Mexico, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. In regards to CMLL’s Dec. 29th Super Viernes event, Dave Meltzer reported that the attendance of 16,500 was the official number given by CMLL while the real attendance is currently believed to have been closer to 15,000. This Super Viernes event was also notable for being Andarde El Idolo’s last match and event for his recent return to the company.

Wrestling TV Ratings for Week of Dec. 29, 2023 to Jan. 4, 2024

  • WWE Friday Night SmackDown – 1,355,000 viewers, 0.28 rating (prior week – 2,108,000 viewers, 0.55 rating)
  • WWE RAW – 1,751,000 viewers, 0.60 rating (prior week – 698,000 viewers, 0.18 rating)
  • WWE NXT – 768,000 viewers, 0.25 rating (prior week – 670,000 viewers, 0.19 rating)
  • AEW Rampage – 326,000 viewers, 0.11 rating (prior week – 363,000 viewers, 0.10 rating)
  • AEW Dynamite – 801,000 viewers, 0.26 rating (prior week – 843,000 viewers, 0.31 rating)

Total viewership in terms of overall tally for the week: 5,001,000 viewers***, down 170,000 viewers compared to prior week’s 5,171,000 viewers.

*** AEW did not hold a Collision show on December 30th due to their Worlds End pay-per-view event taking place on the same date and time slot.