[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Talking Smack Appreciation Day:

Originally Posted by Observer One of the staples of WWE Network original programming is having its broadcast schedule significantly reduced. WWE issued a statement today confirming that Talking Smack will no longer air weekly and will instead only be shown after SmackDown-exclusive pay-per-views: "We continuously review WWE Network's programming line-up based on a variety of factors, including viewership and subscriber research. Talking Smack and Raw Talk will air following pay-per-view events, and Tuesday will continue to feature 205 LIVE."

Originally Posted by Observer Evidently Renee Young wasn't given the heads-up on Talking Smack being canceled as she wrote on Twitter, "Hmmmm, that's one way to get news" to a tweet asking her about it. Then she wrote, "Really disappointed about Talking Smack. We tried to make the show great. Guess I'll go back to welcoming my guest at this time."

Originally Posted by PWI WWE issued the following statement to PWInsider: "We continuously review WWE Network’s programming line-up based on a variety of factors, including viewership and subscriber research. Talking Smack and Raw Talk will air following pay-per-view events, and Tuesday will continue to feature 205 LIVE."

Originally Posted by Observer The atmosphere was said to be really good last night at the Mae Young Classic, which comes down to the final two with 14 matches tonight. The talk going in was 5-10 contracts would be offered and you'll probably get a good idea of some of them based on who makes the final four. Unlike the cruiserweight tournament where they had figured everyone they liked would sign and that didn't happen, there is no avenue for the women to make big money in wrestling outside of WWE like there is for men, so it would be a surprise for anyone offered a deal to turn it down.

WWE had a lot more trouble trying to get contracts signed prior to the event than with the UK and CWC tournaments.

Originally Posted by Observer For the G-1 Climax tournament, the first four shows which are 7/17, 7/20, 7/21 and 7/22, and the last three shows from 8/11 to 8/13 at Sumo Hall will have English language commentary on New Japan World. All tournament matches will air with Japanese language commentary.

Originally Posted by Observer WWE's 30 Years of Survivor Series, first scheduled to be released on 10/3 has been moved to a 10/24 release date.

Originally Posted by WrestleInc This week's Impact Wrestling episode, featuring Bobby Lashley and World Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron defeating The LAX in the main event, drew 374,000 viewers. This is up 8.4% from last week's 345,000 viewers and a new record for 2017. Impact ranked #99 on the Cable Top 150 this week, up from last week's #107 spot.

Originally Posted by PWI On his Twitter this afternoon, Austin Aries released a statement regarding his departure from World Wrestling Entertainment last week: My official statement on my @WWE departure. Thank you to my supporters and detractors. Exciting announcements soon. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/7Y4NkUMFVz — Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) July 14, 2017

Originally Posted by PWI Renee Young, in responding to a fan question on Twitter, stated that her WWE Network series Unfiltered, in which she conducted one-on-one interviews, has also been canceled. Yep — Renee Young (@ReneeYoungWWE) July 14, 2017

Originally Posted by PWI Ring of Honor announced three new dates for an October "Global Wars" tour in conjunction with New Japan Pro Wrestling, hitting all new markets for combined shows featuring talents from the two promotions ... Three events in three days – October 12th in Buffalo, NY, October 13th in Pittsburgh, PA, and October 14th in Columbus, OH

Originally Posted by PWI For those wondering, SummerSlam will indeed be a four hour PPV. It begins on August 20 at 7 p.m. ET and has an (at least) four hour block. Also, there is a lot of talk that Nikki Bella will be returning to action soon and appearing on the show. She is clearly in great shape.

Originally Posted by WrestleInc On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was discussing this past Tuesday's episode of SmackDown Live and how it appears that WWE is building to a John Cena vs. AJ Styles match at SummerSlam. When a rumored AJ Styles vs. Nakamura match at SummerSlam was mentioned, Meltzer said that WWE wasn't going in that direction at all. He noted that they may do that match someday, but they're not doing it now.

Originally Posted by WrestleInc NJPW's G1 Climax 27 tournament starts on July 17 at 2am ET, which will be shown for free on NJPW World. To celebrate, NJPW also has the final show from each G1 Climax - going back to 2007 - for free on NJPW World.

Originally Posted by WrestleInc As noted, WWE has stopped using pyro during entrances as a cost-cutting measure for the company and because they felt it's no longer necessary. On Twitter, Road Dogg responded to fans talking about the change by first reiterating the reasons mentioned above and then responding, "Pyro in a wrestling show isn't a priority in life." "lower"? Are these things a "low" down move to you? It's just economics and neither are necessary — Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) July 13, 2017 I agree. In 3 months it'll be the norm and no one will care, that's our current society. Pyro in a Wrestling show isn't a priority in life. — Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) July 13, 2017

Originally Posted by Sports Illustrated via TPWW Frontpage Though the dispute has gotten ugly at times, especially on social media, it was nearly settled within the past month, according to sources close to the negotiation. Both sides came to terms on an agreement, sources say, with the Hardys paying $10,000 to $15,000 for the rights to the trademark. The deal would have included a non-disparagement clause, which Matt’s wife, Reby, mentioned on Twitter. A $1,000 fine would have been levied for the first offense, and then $5,000 penalties would have been enforced thereafter. The Hardys were even willing to sign off on a press release, publicly ending the ordeal on good terms. Yet Anthem then wanted 50 percent of all Hardy revenue, including Jeff Hardy’s art and music, which was viewed by the Hardys as a monumental heist and money-grab.

Details regarding the "Broken" situation between Hardy's and Anthem. https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/201...ken-wwe-impact

Originally Posted by Observer There were mixed feelings in GFW and Anthem regarding how to handle the Alberto El Patron situation, but a suspension right now was the way to do it because an outright firing would look bad if charges were dropped. The company has a history of not doing much to stars under the Dixie Carter regime, such as no punishment for drug test failures (and they did drug test and there were many who fit into that category), and never punishing Kurt Angle for one DUI after another until finally after so many, they agreed to have him go to rehab. Some wanted him gone, since that would be the reaction from the corporate side, but realized until the case is settled that probably wouldn’t be the best option. Others on the wrestling side, where the old school history is to back stars and cover up or overlook indiscretions in the past (the modern world makes that tougher) wanted to keep him, believing him to be a big deal, with the idea he may help them sell tickets to events or improve their television deal status both domestically and internationally with the idea of selling his star power based on Twitter followers and Hispanic media reach. There was also the thought that when Paige’s contract with WWE expires, that she may come here and they see her as a potential major star. But even from that side, it was clear right now he had to be suspended.

Originally Posted by Observer Bayley was on Austin’s podcast this past week and seems clearly frustrated by her position. She said that she went to HHH and asked about making a change in her character. She said HHH told her that would be up to Vince McMahon. Austin warned her about not being true to herself and her character and how his turn in 2001 was the biggest mistake of his career

Originally Posted by Observer Rapper Mega Ran was one of the people in the New Day entourage during the Rap battle segment on the 7/4 Smackdown. About two weeks earlier Woods, who is friends with Ran, had told him about an idea he had pitched for a rap battle and he helped prepare the Usos for it. The original script they were given had Wale doing a rap first and Big E was against that happening. Ran said he didn’t write any of the material but helped with the cadence. The New Day let the Usos see their script and lines but the Usos only ran their lines back to get the approval of one producer, so the New Day didn’t know what the Usos would be saying and didn’t know the Usos would make an R rated reference to Woods regarding the sex stuff with Paige (which also included Brad Maddox) from years ago when they were all in developmental together that leaked

Originally Posted by Observer According to those with New Japan, it’s actually unlikely they will be doing anything in New Orleans in conjunction with Mania week, at least at this point. From one aspect it would make sense since they’d be able to draw a big crowd, but they are usually in the middle of a Japanese tour at that time, plus I don’t think they want to be seen as piggy backing off a WWE event. There have been people who have talked about it and talked to New Japan about working with them on it, but at this point it’s not going to happen. The key is that New Japan doesn’t want to be positioned as an indie piggy backing off WWE’s biggest event, even though tons of U.S. companies and U.K. companies do that and it’s their biggest money week of the year

Some other sheet news includes:

• WWE revealed Mattel will be debuting two new WWE action figures during next week's San Diego Comic Con event. https://twitter.com/WWE/status/885952127046123521
• The Herald-Dispatch had a recent interview with Dean Ambrose talking about his "Unhinged" character, The Shield, and feelings when winning/losing titles. http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/...king-early-on/
• ESPN had a recent interview with Nia Jax talking about her favorite rivalry and WWE's Performance Center. http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/...orite-rivalry/
• In a "WWE Did You Know" type fact, NJPW originally had plans for Kenny Omega to take over Bullet Club after Prince Devitt/Finn Balor left but changed plans once AJ Styles got hired. Omega revealed the plans during a recent episode of the Observer Radio show.