AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
As said last week, WWE PLEs are moving from Peacock to ESPN
Unlimited after this past weekend's Clash In Paris. The new
ESPN Unlimited service launched on August 21 and costs those
streaming $29.99 a month. The plan is to have all who
subscribe to ESPN via cable, satellite, or OTT bundles get
access to the WWE PLEs and the rest of the content on ESPN
Unlimited. But as of this writing, ESPN Unlimited does not
currently have deals with Xfinity, Cox, or YouTube TV for
subscriber authentication, but customers of DirecTV, Hulu +
Live TV, Charter, Fubo, Optimum, and Verizon Fios will have
access at no additional cost.
Most current subscriber numbers of the providers not able to
access ESPN Unlimited are: Comcast with around 31.8 million
subscribers, Cox around 7 million, and You Tube TV around 4
million. While Alex Sherman and other business pages have
stated they expect deals by the end of the year, that's
little consolation for college football fans this past
weekend or WWE fans who want to watch Wrestlepalooza.
John Cena may be the face of these ESPN Unlimited ads,
but....hey, John, 42 million can't see you...that
is....unless they use a VPN and watch on Netflix.
In even more WWE and MAGA interaction, the past week's NXT
on CW saw a hideous recruiting ad for ICE, telling potential
applicants to "defend the homeland". While it's been
suggested that Nexstar Media Group (pro-MAGA owners of CW
and NewsNation) sold the ads, it's difficult to imagine the
ads would be sold if TKO objected.
Forbidden Door saw Tony Khan announce (along with Dr. Martha
and Oje Hart) that AEW now holds the record for largest
wrestling event inside the O2 Arena, with Tony Schiavone
announcing the attendance was 18,992, surpassing the 18,885
in attendance that WWE had for the 2023 Money In The Bank
premium live event headlined by the Bloodline: Civil War tag
team match. Given the high-ticket prices charged for MITB,
WWE retains the record for gate for the venue.
All Elite Wrestling announced a return to Australia next
year, with shows set to take place in Brisbane and Sydney on
back-to-back nights in February. Grand Slam Australia will
take place at the take the 2026 edition at Sydney’s Qudos
Bank Arena on February 14. They'll also reward Brisbane fans
who turned out for last year's GSA by returning for the
House Rules Brisbane event on February 15. No word if Grand
Slam Australia is a tape-delayed episode of Collision or
something further.
But at Forbidden Door, AEW also announced that it will
return to the United Kingdom this December for Dynamite and
Collision, as Utilita Arena in Cardiff, Wales for Collision
on Saturday, December 13 and AEW Dynamite debuting in
Manchester, England at Co-op Live on Wednesday, December 17.
Tickets for both events will go on sale this Friday at 10 AM
local time via LiveNation.co.uk.
In news first reported by Postwrestling, the TBS schedule
shows the September 17th AEW Dynamite will be followed
immediately by a one-hour version of Collision titled
“September To Remember”. It'll be followed by a 30 minute
Countdown to ALL OUT.
Then, on September 20, Postwrestling also reports that TNT
will air special titled “AEW Saturday Tailgate Brawl: All
Out” at 7:00 pm ET.
This one-hour program looks like it will serve as the final
TV lead-in to the All Out pay-per-view...and as it turns out
for a very appropriate reason:
Andrew Zarian, who many of you reading this blog remember to
be a leading source of news on the WBD-AEW TV deal when it
took place, is getting back in the game after months of busy
time at his legitimate job. He's tweeting "Hearing that
there will be an announcement regarding AEW PPVs on HBO Max
in the coming weeks..."
Even if it's a discount on PPVs, rather than a "Network"
type plan such as exists with WWE Network, Peacock, or
eventually ESPN Unlimited...those of us who pay monthly for
AEW PPVs will happily save any money we can. The existing
PPV carriers would obviously continue to be an option. It
should be noted HBO Max recently updated their terms of use
(I'm a subscriber, and got the insanely long legalistic
email with it) which now features a new section on "one-time
purchases". The change to terms of use are set to go into
effect....probably not coincidentally.....on September 20; a
nice 4D Klingon chess move against WWE's counter-programming
of Wrestlepalooza.
Congratulations to Memphis wrestling icon Sputnik Monroe on
his induction into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, reported
by WMC Action News 5 in Memphis. As I've mentioned in past
blogs, Sputnik Monroe was an early pioneer who helped
integrate the professional wrestling industry during the
1950s and 1960s by refusing to wrestle in segregated arenas
and forcing promoters to desegregate venues like the Ellis
Auditorium to allow him to draw large, integrated crowds.
This led to the Mid-South Coliseum, built in 1964, being
planned as an integrated facility. Monroe's actions made him
a significant and unique part of the Civil Rights movement
in Memphis. He's only the second wrestler to receive this
honor.
It's Labor Day in the United States. Whether or not we like
it....yes, it's fall, with the leaves getting some color in
upstate New York already (and one across the street from
me), the NFL season starting Thursday and schools opening
everywhere this week (or already open last week). Starbucks
already has pumpkin spice Lattes (weren't we just planning
summer vacations?) That means that wrestling indies will
(read SHOULD) soon be thinking about the season of giving.
In 2024, independent wrestling promotions helped their
communities during the Holiday season through wrestling
shows, Comic-Cons, playing video games,10-day marathons
sitting on top of a trailer, bowling parties, online trivia
contests, chicken BBQ's, portrait sittings, Twitch streams,
and a dozen other means. Fans in 31 states and
provinces gave and gave and gave at 170 charity
shows/events/efforts that took place to help their
communities for the Holidays with that came to
369,707.70 in cash donations, 18,081
pounds (that's OVER NINE TONS) of canned and non-
perishable food, 26,843 toys; at least 60 winter
jackets, at least 70 pairs of socks and underwear,
250 backpacks, "bags full of winter clothes" and "tons of
school supplies", 40 blankets, 8 pairs of gloves, a dozen
pair of wool socks, 4 knit hats, over 200assorted
"personal care items"; as well as animal blankets, cat
litter, indoor dry/wet food, cat/dog toys, and unscented
baby wipes for animal rescue groups.
Given the current regime in Washington, far more help will
be needed from every private source possible to help the
hungry, the sick, the cold, the homeless, LGBT people,
sexual/domestic violence victims, animal welfare, and too
many more causes.
Indies, it's time to start planning what you can do NOW.
Fans, if your local indie hasn't scheduled or announced an
event or events for the Holiday season, ask them why not.
Better yet, offer to help them organize one. It might be you
that needs help tomorrow.
11 indie promotions got an early start, and
28 promotions/organizations have already scheduled a total
of 63 shows and events through the end of the Holiday
Season:
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 8 for
Family Giving Tree, and the third annual Back-To-School
Backpack Drive collecting 62 backpacks for local kids in
need, grades K-12.
* EPW Wrestling came to Philadelphia, MS on August 9 for the
annual Headlocks for Toys Toy Drive, with WWE/WCW/nWo star
Buff Bagwell, collecting over 100 toys.
* Ottawa/Gatineau, ON independent Mystery Wrestling ran a
24-hour livestream wrestling match on August 11/12 raising
$36,900 CDN ($26,802.50 US) for the 14th annual Fighting
Back: Wrestling with Cancer effort.
* Capital City Championship Wrestling returned to Ottawa, ON
on August 15, raising a collective total for the Canadian
Cancer Society of $132,000 CDN/$95,517.20 US at the 14th
annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up with Alex's Lemonade Stand
Foundation to raise money for its annual fundraiser against
childhood cancer on August 17 in Elk Grove, CA raising
$3,790.
* Mall Mania, a wrestling event and fan expo with Tommy
Dreamer and Arn Anderson, came to the Four Seasons Town
Centre in Greensboro, NC on August 17 and raised $300 for
Blue Hearts for Autism.
* Pro Wrestling King, in cooperation with Fishers BBQ and
Chips' Annual School Supplies Drive, held a Pack a Back Pack
show on August 17 in South Bend, IN, collecting 30 full back
packs with school supplies, and shoes.
* Love Wrestling Canada did their August 19 Quizplex monthly
online fundraiser, raising $150 for Dallas Hope Charities.
* Prestige Wrestling ran its most unique show ever on August
23 in Hillsboro, OR for FJR raising $4,500 for RAINN-
the nation's largest sexual abuse charity,
* Memphis Wrestling came to Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo
Furniture Market on August 22 to raise money for St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital with Rikishi appearing, raising
at least $25,000 at this event.
* Rock Solid Wrestling returned to Kirkland Lake, ON on
August 23 to benefit the Community Living Kirkland Lake in
Kirkland Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged
adults, raising at least $3,000.
* West Coast Pro Wrestling returns to Oakland, CA on
September 4, to benefit Oakland for All
* EMERGE Professional Wrestling returns to Columbus, IN on
September 6, with a food pantry collection for Love Chapel.
* Great Canadian Wrestling will hold their fall and winter
series of wrestling shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food
for the local community food banks in each locality in which
they run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies/fruit, canned pasta, cereal,
toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby
supplies. Future shows scheduled thus far are: Barrie,
ON/September 6, Belleville, ON/September 13, Whitby,
ON/September 14, Peterborough, ON/September 26, Kingston,
ON/September 27, Fenelon Falls, ON/September 28, Cobourg,
ON/October 4, Aurora, ON/October 5 , Collingwood, ON/October
18, Bolton, ON/October 20, Great Canadian Wrestling
Expo/Oshawa, ON October 31-November 2, Lindsay, ON/November
8, Meaford, ON/November 15, Orillia, ON/November 16, Owen
Sound, ON/November 22, Smith's Falls ON/November 29,
Brockville, ON/November 30, Newmarket, ON/December 6,
Oshawa, ON/December 27, Peterborough, ON/January 3
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a drive to
bring back to school items, backpacks or snacks for school
kids at their September 11 show in Monroe, MI.
* Show-Me State Wrestling presents Freedom Bash 2025 on
September 12 to benefit the Jefferson City Salvation Army
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Lines Cross on September 13 in
Houston, DE to benefit Autism Awareness
* NEOPro Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, ON on September
13, collecting food for Project Share
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
13.
* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returns to Muncie, IN on
September 13, benefits suicide awareness.
* 4Ever Pro Wrestling comes to Scottsburg, IN on September
19 for Going Gold for an childhood cancer awareness
fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Bree's
Blessings.
* Limitless Wrestling returns to Westbrook, ME on September
20 to collect food for Locker Project Maine
* Ruthless Pro Wrestling takes part in BLEED FOR THE CAUSE:
Tables, Ladders, And Charity on September 20th at 1720 Venue
in Los Angeles with a pre-party taking place the night
before on the 19th at Knucklehead in Hollywood. A night of
ultra-violent wrestling and death metal for a good cause.
All profits will be donated directly to the LA Children's
hospital cancer ward. If you purchase a ticket for the main
event on the September 20 show that ticket to get into the
pre-party on the 19th! There will be vendors as well as
charity raffles to win merch and other prizes.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 27 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament, raising money to benefit Suicide
Awareness.
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club,
St Catharines, ON on September 28, for FIRED UP 2025.
Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation
for Children.
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a
toy/food/clothing drive at their October show (date to be
announced in September)
* Magnum Wrestling presents Over The Top at Granary Green,
Ralston, NE on October 3 to raise funds for All proceeds
from this event will go to Little Leaf Learning Center.
* Did you get your tickets yet? IWF returns to North
Arlington, NJ on October 4th and limited seats remain!
World-class athletes compete for the Heavyweight, American,
Tag Team and Women's Championships - all to benefit the
Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation.
* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returns to Houghton Lake,
MI on October 4, collecting new and gently used costumes to
donate to needy families
* Timmy Global Health presents the 24th annual Timmy
Takedown on Saturday, October 11 in Kirklin, IN. Timmy
Global Health works to connect people to primary healthcare,
and supports community leadership and engage global health
advocates in a community-oriented primary care mode. It
engages students and volunteers to impact both our
international partner’s work and their local home
communities.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on October 11 in Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Dropkick Depression presents It's Fun to Play on October
11 at the YMCA of Piscataway, NJ. Come see some family
friendly, action-packed professional wrestling as we raise
money for a good cause. Proceeds from this event will
benefit ALS United, an organization helping those who have
been diagnosed with ALS live a long, comfortable life with
medical care, resources, programs, and support.
* Interspecies Wrestling presents the Canadian version of
Cannonbrawl on October 18, in Chateauguay, QU, Canada as
ISW and friends honor and fundraise for one of their own.
Jeff Cannonball, who has been diagnosed with ALS. We want to
help lighten that load a little - for Jeff, Sam, and little
Milo. This event will feature wrestlers from all over Canada
and the United States,100% of the proceeds from this event,
and all things associated with it (streams, auctions,
raffles) will go directly to Jeff and his family to help
with the costs associated with his care
* 365 Pro Wrestling returns to Goderich, ON at Goderich
Memorial Arena on October 18 for a benefit wrestling show
and BBQ to benefit the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation,
which works to build an accessible playground in Goderich,
and to provide financial relief to families with ill or
injured children in the local community.
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold its annual
fundraising dinner and Q&A with Great Muta on October 31 in
Bloomington, MN; then the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam
7 on November 1 in North St. Paul, MN, raising funds for the
Women of Nations shelter that works with survivors of
domestic violence/sexual abuse.
* Independent Pro Wrestling presented Hammering Cancer 6 on
November 9 in Hamilton, ON to raise money and awareness for
the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
* Total Wrestling Federation presents Wreck the Halls on
November 15, at the Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd,
Sacramento, CA in its annual Shriners Hospital toy drive
show.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on November 22 to Harrington,
DE for a Boys and Girls Club benefit
* UWC Pro Wrestling returns for its annual Toys for Tots
Show on November 29 at 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, NJ.
Admission is FREE with a $20 suggested value new toy
donation, or $20 at the door (all ages). This event happens
conveniently after all those wonderful Black Friday
sales!!!!
* MCW Pro Wrestling returns in December for its annual Toys
for Tots Show.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on December 6 in Houston, DE
for the annual Toys for Tots show.
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12 day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 7-17.
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