PWI Weekly for August 19, 2021
Rampage Thoughts, Pedro Morales & Bill Apter, Christian Cage, and More!
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Welcome to the Latest PWI Weekly!
Last week, I asked whether the addition of Rampage to the weekly TV wrestling lineup was a good thing … or too much of a good thing. And, judging from the responses, our readers seem to feel it’s both.
“I'm glad that we as fans have many options to catch our favorite programs. This period reminds me of the '80s when we had plenty of promotions to watch, most of them on the weekends,” said Thomas Thacker. “I was a regular viewer of all the NWA programs, WWF, AWA, World Class, Continental, CWA, just to name a few. I think more wrestling on TV is good for the industry. Plus, it gives me another chance to see my favorite wrestler, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.”
“Most people work or go to school, and the few hours of leisure time they can scrounge when not eating, doing errands, stuck in traffic, or handling family affairs becomes even more scarce,” wrote Javier Ojst. “With Rampage, I fear some other show's viewership will suffer. AEW can only hope it's from WWE and not one of their own.”
Before I wrap up for today, I’d just like to point you in the direction of our brand-new blog. There’s not too much there just yet, but make sure to keep an eye on that page for exclusive content in the near future, like editorial pieces and photos From The Vault. What would you like to see on our blog? Drop me a line and let me know. —KM
Wrestler Of The Week
AEW earns our Wrestler of the Week slot for a second week in a row, thanks to Christian Cage defeating Kenny Omega for the IMPACT World title last Friday on TNT. (Bet that’s not a sentence you could’ve predicted two years ago!) Cage, who previously held the TNA World championship, chipped away at the first crucial piece of Omega’s “Belt Collection” by hitting the defending champ with the Killswitch onto a standing steel chair. Ouch!
This Week In Headlines
From The Vault
The above photo was taken on February 8, 1971. It shows a young wrestling journalist, named Bill Apter, conducting a post-match interview with newly crowned WWWF champion Pedro Morales. Morales had, of course, just beaten Ivan Koloff for the World heavyweight title. He’d go on to make well over 150 successful defenses of the championship before losing it to Stan Stasiak in December 1973. Stasiak would promptly drop the belt to Bruno Sammartino in his second defense.
The PWI Podcast: Dave Meltzer & More
On the latest PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian Solomon remember the legendary Bobby Eaton, discuss the John Cena-Roman Reigns feud, and offer their thoughts on what AEW might do with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. Plus, Al shares bonus audio from his recent "Hotseat" interview with Dave Meltzer.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
NEW! Order The November 2021 Issue Of PWI
Have you ordered the latest edition of Wrestling’s #1 Magazine? Our November issue is jam-packed with coverage of the world’s hottest wrestlers and promotions.
It includes:
The 2021 PWI Readers’ Poll—you and your fellow readers weigh in on the state of the wrestling industry and single out the best competitors of the moment.
Spotlight On Japan: Feature stories, columns, and photos spotlighting talent from New Japan, All Japan, Stardom, and more!
Feature stories/interviews with Powerhouse Hobbs, Brian Johnson, and more.
A rare, in-depth interview with the industry’s most influential journalist (and creator of the Wrestling Observer) Dave Meltzer.
This latest edition of The World’s #1 Wrestling Magazine is available now for print preorder or immediate digital download.
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW
ICYMI: Visit Our Newly Revamped Website
While our magazine has evolved through the years, both physically and in terms of coverage, we recognize that our website has not always kept up with the high standards of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. This week, we’re thrilled to finally reveal the NEW pwi-online.com, which is cleaner, more user-friendly, and brimming with bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. From the homepage to our new online shop, this responsive design will look better and be much easier to navigate on your device of choice. Look for some exciting things on the new website very soon!
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