AEW Revolution, WrestleMania, WWE News & Ratings: Wrestling Observer Update
AEW Revolution at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, sold out this past Sunday, according to AEW President Tony Khan, though details surrounding the event and the promotion’s business dealings have dominated wrestling news this week. The sold-out display featured a Texas Death Match for the AEW World Championship between MJF and Hangman Page, where Page’s future title contention hinged on the outcome.
The week also brought to light previously undisclosed information regarding Khan’s attempt to purchase WWE in 2023, prior to its acquisition by Endeavor and the formation of TKO. Court filings revealed that Base 10, a company backed by Khan, submitted a bid for WWE, competing with bids from Liberty Media, KKR, and Endeavor. According to a report from Brandon Thurston of POST Wrestling, the filings indicate that Khan’s offer was not competitive with the final sale price. The documents, part of a shareholder lawsuit alleging unfair practices in the merger process, used pseudonyms for bidders – KKR as “Financial Sponsor 1,” Liberty as “Strategic Party 1,” and Base 10 as “Strategic Party 2.” The SEC filing noted that “Strategic Party 2” would require equity and debt financing to complete the transaction.
The revelation of Khan’s bid comes as AEW continues to navigate the competitive landscape of professional wrestling. AEW Revolution’s card included several championship matches, including Thekla defending the AEW Women’s World Championship against Kris Statlander in a 2 out of 3 falls match, and FTR defending the AEW World Tag Team Championship against The Young Bucks. Other matches included Marina Shafir vs. Toni Storm, a trios match featuring Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy, and Darby Allin against The Dogs, and a ROH World Championship match between Bandido and Andrade El Idolo.
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, WrestleMania preparations are underway. Confirmed matches include several high-profile bouts, and a 31.6% off ticket sale has been implemented. Demand for WrestleMania tickets appears comparable to last year’s event, though adjustments to match cards have occurred. Steve Austin has also been involved in promotional activities for the event.
AAA’s Rey de Reyes event also recently concluded, showcasing a different style of wrestling than WWE and CMLL. In Mexico, referee Dallas Edwards experienced a medical emergency during a match, prompting questions about response protocols.
Ratings data for WWE, AEW, and TNA have been analyzed, revealing viewership numbers and demographic breakdowns. Raw, emanating from Boston on Monday, featured matches including Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio for the IC title, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Je’Von Evans vs. Grayson Waller. As of the latest reports, 12,200 tickets had been sold for the Raw event, suggesting a potential sellout.
Modern Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Sakura Genesis event on April 4th at Sumo Hall is set to feature several title matches, including Konosuke Takeshita defending the World TV title against Shota Umino and Yuto-Ice & OSKAR defending the IWGP tag titles against Zack Sabre Jr & Ryohei Oiwa.
Becky Lynch’s role in the television show *Starfleet Academy* on Paramount has been impacted by the show’s cancellation, despite the completion of the second season. Titan suffered a broken right foot, with the severity of the injury currently unknown. Jeff Jarrett has been appointed co-owner of the Nashville Kats Arena Football League team.
The Usos are scheduled to appear at the Major League Baseball season opener on Netflix between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees, though a planned feature for Anthony Bowens was reportedly altered by Netflix. Global Wars, a joint show between West Coast Pro and Pro Wrestling Revolucion, sold out in Windsor, Ontario, featuring Ricochet vs. Rich Swann and Athena vs. Taylor Rising for the ROH women’s title. Promociones Cantu is scheduled to hold an event in Nuevo Laredo tonight. Tomorrow at Arena Mexico, Atlantis Jr., Templario, and Mascara Dorada will face Angef de Oro, Averno, and Yutani.
Several wrestling figures celebrated birthdays this week, including Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Tyson Tomko, Terry Ray Gordy Jr., Duke Keomuka, Omar Atlas/Buddy Moreno, Heather Feather, Villano III, Skull Murphy, Wally Karbo, Brian Cox, and Gail Kim, who was inducted into the women’s wrestling Hall of Fame alongside Melina Perez, Julia Hammer, Sweet Saraya, Mercedes Martinez, Debbie Maneko, Jasmin St Clair, Linda Dallas, Mickie Knuckles, Missy Sampson, Penelope Paradise, Carmela Foss, Mimi Hagiwara, and Olympic wrestlers Nataia Vorobieva and Pang Qianyu.