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F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Looking at the WWE HOF and the 2019 class

While interest has inevitably decreased over the years, the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony feels like less of an essential part of WrestleMania weekend than ever.

There are a few major reasons why the Hall of Fame ceremony has lost some of its luster. As WrestleMania week has become a destination for promotions from the United States and abroad, fans have to make difficult decisions on how they're going to spend their time and money.

WON NEWSLETTER: April 9, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Massive Wrestlemania weekend preview

A preview of WrestleMania week leads off this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Read notes on the business for the week, how the business of WrestleMania has changed, what records are going to be set, a look at how fans changed the week, matches changed over the past few weeks, notes on surprises, and who is scheduled.

Have a look at the HBO Last Week Tonight segment on WWE. It starts with a story about Sherri Martel that is important to understanding a key issue involved here. Look at how the business has changed, what has also stayed the same, and why wrestling talent doesn't get the benefit of the amount of revenue they drive compared to major sports and entertainment stars.

Also look at the 2019-2020 WWE arena schedule. Look at the foreign tours, the update on Saudi Arabia shows, and house shows that are in danger of being canceled because of the next Saudi Arabia show.

Read about the future of Linda McMahon after leaving Trump's Cabinet and the position she was up for, the story behind the death of the AAF, Vince McMahon's XFL plans, how much money Vince has earmarked for the XFL, why one analyst thinks stock will hit $157 per share, and thoughts on upcoming TV deals.

Read coverage of this past week's UFC show in Philadelphia with match-by-match coverage and business notes on the show.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

This is going up a lot later than usual, but there's a massive amount of stuff happening as you can imagine. If you missed any, just click the links at the top of the update. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and if you're not into social media, just keep hitting refresh on the front page a lot this weekend.

In addition to live coverage of NXT TakeOver and MLW Battle Riot II, we will have recaps of RevPro, Stardom, WrestleCon: US vs. The World, Joey Ryan's Penis Party (yes, it feels weird just to type it), Joey Janela's Spring Break III, pt. 1, and Black Label Pro throughout the night and even into the morning.

In case you missed it, it appears Dave and Bryan will be heading on a cruise you might have heard about before.

WWE

Pro Wrestling

PW Insider reported Friday that Darby Allin will be a free agent as of next week, meaning he's done with WWN and EVOLVE. Mike Johnson reported that Allin had been actively looking to get out of his contract.

Highspots uploaded Ric Flair and Road Warrior Animal’s in-ring segment from yesterday’s WrestleCon Supershow.

In honor of Amazing Red's retirement this week, Canadian promotion Premier Championship Wrestling uploaded a 2005 Red vs. Kenny Omega match to their YouTube channel.

Here's an ABC6 feature on ROH announcer Ian Riccoboni on Saturday's MSG show and the 'Last Week Tonight' segment.

Benzinga did a feature about the indie scene during Mania weekend.

On Saturday at 8:30 AM Eastern at Sullivan's Taphouse at the Hilton Midtown Manhattan, Ohio Valley Wrestling, Gladiator Sports Network, and OVW owner Al Snow will make an announcement about a new round of financing.

UFC

Outside several former UFC fighters competing in bare knuckle fighting in Biloxi, MI, Saturday, it's (thankfully) a fairly quiet weekend for big MMA. If you remember, 2018 Mania week featured Conor McGregor tossing a metal dolly through a bus window in Brooklyn coincidentally enough.

Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch is expected for the company's MSG show on June 14th. This would also be a first round match in the Welterweight Grand Prix that will see the title defended in every round.

UFC's short film series 'UFC: 25 Years In Short" was nominated for a Sports Emmy.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIA Weekend Event:

Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!

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