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  • Daily Update: Fedor, WWE Cruiserweight Classic, Raw ratings

    Fedor Emelianenko was on the MMA Hour today promoting his Friday night fight on Fight Pass against Fabio Maldonado from Russia. Emelianenko said he was back in talks with UFC and they are looking at a proposed deal. He said right now it is limbo. He said it hasn’t gotten so far as talking an opponent. UFC years back was looking at Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar and had the deal agreed to when Emelianenko decided he didn’t want to fight at the time. More on the story here.  

    We have an article already on the front page regarding the WWE cruiserweight classic and who is in the tournament. There are some interesting names from a political standpoint entered. Clement Petiot in the tournament wrestles under the name Tristan Archer.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s TNA Slammiversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Baton Rouge, anything from Lucha Underground this past weekend, as well as non-Raw notes (Superstars matches, anything not on television) from New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon, NXT in Belfast, Northern Ireland and TNA tapings in Orlando.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.

    TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.

    THE ROUND-UP

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – The latest battleground in the WWE concussion litigation is whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be compelled to testify. Issues cited in a WWE opposition to the plaintiffs’ effort are included in the lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 13, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, more

    A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.

    The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power.  Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.

    Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

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    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues. 

    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 10, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fans celebrate life of Giant Baba at Tokyo Dome, PRIDE 5 recap, more. The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.

    MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking Raw, the cruiserweight tournament, Fedor and the rest of the latest news. You can send questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Going against what could be the deciding game of the NBA playoffs, Raw could take it on the chin tonight without anything major being advertised. It’s the go-home show for Money in the Bank. More than 20 million viewers are expected to watch the game tonight.

    Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Becky Lynch & Natalya has been added to Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV in Las Vegas.Last night’s Stanley Cup finals did 5,407,000 viewers against the TNA show. It was the most watched NHL final ever on NBC that didn’t involve the original six teams.  Last night’s game did a 35.1 rating in Pittsburgh and a 9.2 rating in the San Francisco Bay Area. The connection to wrestling includes the Penguins HBK line named after Shawn Michaels. Not missing a trick, HHH sent the Penguins some WWE title belts to wear.

    The Fight Network announced today a deal to get the AXS version of New Japan World Pro Wrestling with Jim Ross and Josh Barnett as announcers. The shows will air on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. starting on 7/7.

    The $1.8 million judgment awarded to Jesse Ventura in his lawsuit against the estate of Chris Kyle was thrown out on appeal in the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals. The three judge panel reversed the $1.3 million award saying it fails under law and vacated another $500,000 defamation award but said that could be sent back to court for a new trial.

    WWE

    “Growing up in Kirkdale I knew what a headbutt was but I certainly didn’t know about wrestling!”

    UFC

    • Don Frye on the return to UFC of Brock Lesnar from Submission Radio: 

    Don’s reaction when he saw Lesnar was returning at UFC 200

    “Oh my god….. why? Why – since Mark Hunt is going to destroy him. So it’s going to be such a fun fight to watch Mark kick his head off. So I’m looking forward to it.”

    Why Mark Hunt will destroy Lesnar

    “Oh Mark’s an animal. Yeah he’s an animal. I mean, god damn, he’s one of the better fighters walking the planet. You know and he’s got the strength and the speed and the skill, and shit, he’s like ten-foot-tall and bullet proof.”

    If Don’s surprised that Lesnar agreed to fight Hunt

    “Yeah, you know, I was with everybody else. I thought they were going to give him some fish. Who’s that pro wrestler (CM Punk) that keeps bailing out of his fight all the time? Yeah, I mean, give him CM Punk (laughs) or somebody worse than that. But jeez, I gotta give it to Lesnar for accepting the fight. First you gotta step into the cage first, and then I’ll give the guy all the credit in the world just for being man enough to let that door close behind him.”

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Lucha Mexico, a documentary on wrestling in Mexico is scheduled for a 7/15 theatrical release in 25 markets including New York and Los Angeles. Among those in the movie are the late Perro Aguayo Jr., Blue Demon Jr., Tony Salazar, Strongman, Fabian El Gitano and more. For more info go to www.LuchaMexicoFilm.com.
    • Sting will be headlining a 9/17 Icons of Wrestling convention at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia doing photos from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and then sign autographs with no makeup from Noon to 2 p.m. VIP package if $350 for six autographs, one photo with makeup and front of the line access. One autograph and one photo with no makeup is $100. For more info go here.
    • The New York Times on Ali books mentioning the new Ali vs. Inoki book is here.
    • Preston City Wrestling announced an iPPV of their Tribute to the Troops show on 6/25 at the Preston Guild Hall which is a free show that will draw 3,000 people. Rob Van Dam, Billy Gunn, Drew Galloway and Ken Anderson are scheduled. Sha Samuels defends the PCW title against Galloway, Anderson & Gunn face the UK Hooligans, Joe Hendry vs. Joey Hayes and more to be announced.
    • There is a movie that comes out on Friday in Finland on the wrestler StarBuck, whose goal was to become a musician and wrestler  which has gotten awards at the Night Visions Festival in Helsinki, Finland as the Audience Favorite as well as the Critic’s Choice award at the Helsinki International Documentary Film Festival. 
    • Honky Tonk Man and Hornswoggle are scheduled for Empire State Wrestling on Saturday night in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
    • New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron 8 results from Saturday night: Dan Terry b Beau  Douglas, First round: Mike McCarthy b T.J. Warren, Kevin Tibbs b Jay Freddie, Todo Loco b Chris Escobar, Slyck Wagner Brown b Brad Hollister, Non-tourney: Giant Pharaoh b Jack Maverick, Final most falls in 45 minutes: Todo Loco won three falls to win to two for McCarthy and one for Brown and Tibbs. Loco was behind and scored two falls in the closing minutes. (thanks to Sheldon Goldberg)
    • NWAOnDemand.com has added a long Mongolian Stomper vs Scott Casey match today. New subscribers can get the first week free.
    • Pro Wrestling Revolver from Saturday night in Clive, IA: Rhino b Trevor Lee, AR Fox won scramble match over Dave Crist, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Chainsaw King, Connor Braxton, Kurt Stallion and KLD, Jessicka Havok b Paco Gonzalez, Scotty 2 Hotty b Jake Manning, Tommy Dreamer b Arik Cannon in an Extreme rules match, Bob Holly b Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin b PJ Black, Billy Gunn b Johny Mundo. Wentz jumped of a balcony. Holly vs. Callihan said to be a major chop fest.
    • CZW on 7/8 has a Freelance vs. CZW show at Bottom Lounger in Chicago and then a show on 7/9 in Dayton. They have an iPPV on 8/12 at Flyer’s Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.
    • WrestlePro on 6/11 in Keyport, NJ: Dan Maff b Bull James, Chris Avery Queling b Johnny Clash, Taboo Crew over Gino & J.J. Lee, Team Espana and Aesthetic Males, Kevin Matthews b Chris Dickinson, Fallah Bahn & Swoggle (Hornswoggle) & COPS & Merry Men in Tights b Butler Jackson,& Heavenly Bodies & Chris Payne & Brian Myers in an elimination match, Beefcake Charlie won a gauntlet match, Sonjay Dutt won six-way to keep the GFW NextGen title over Mario Bokara, Habib, Niko Rios, Bobby Wayward and Beefcake Charlie, Anthony Owens b Matt MacIntosh to keep Wrestle Pro title, Damien Sandow b Colt Cabnaa, Pat Buck b Jeff Jarrett in a cage match.  Others on the show but not wrestling included Dutch Mantel, Booker T and Buff Bagwell plus at a meet and greet included Tatanka, Amber Gallows, Kevin Sullivan, Karen Jarrett, Eddie Edwards, Stevie Ray and Butch Reed.
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night at Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-on-the-Lake,. OH with Ethan Cater III vs. Rex Brody, Alex Daniels vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Flamita, Sonjay Dutt vs. Josh Prohibition, Veda Scott vs. Shayna Baszler, Brian Myers vs. Grado, plus Laredo Kid and B.J. Whitmer.
    • Colby Corino has been added to the 7/24 SMW show in Elizabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym facing Timmy Lou Retton. Buff Bagwell & Toby Farley vs. Jordan Kage & Chris Richards headlines, plus Kevin Nash and Scott Hall will be doing a meet and greet.
    • Smash Wrestling on 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
    • Magnum T.A. talks his relationship with Dusty Rhodes.

    TODAY in professional Wrestling History: Yokozuna beats Hulk Hogan for the WWF title

  • Kota Ibushi & Tajiri among those named for WWE Cruiserweight Classic

    WWE announced the complete lineup for this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic tournament with some expected names and some surprises.

    The only major star not previously talked about is Gran Metalik (believed to be Mascara Dorada) which is a major coup considering he’s a CMLL wrestler and with the CMLL/New Japan/ROH alliance, it becomes an interesting move on his part.

    The biggest names involved include Kota Ibushi (rumored from the start) who has been taking it easy in Japan since his return after a serious neck injury; Tajiri (a former star in ECW and WWE), Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa, and Zack Sabre Jr. The latter just worked Kurt Angle Sunday night.

    Originally, Andrade Cien Almas was to be the star of the tournament, but they’ve decided to keep him out of it and leave on the regular NXT roster.

    The list:

    • Kota Ibushi
    • Gran Metalik
    • Tajiri
    • Zack Sabre Jr.
    • Noam Dar
    • Cedric Alexander (expected once he announced he was leaving ROH)
    • Da Mack – A German wrestler
    • Tony Nese – Evolve talent that qualified at Saturday’s iPPV
    • Zumbi – A Brazilian wrestler who had been working for Elite Lucha Libre but had kind of disappeared
    • Clement Petout – A bodybuilder from France
    • Fabian Aichner – A bodybuilder from Italy
    • Harv Sihra – One of the Bollywood Boyz tag team from British Columbia and half of the GFW tag team champions
    • Gurv Sihra – The other half of the Bollywood Boyz tag team and brother of Harv
    • Rich Swann – Anounced even though he’s been out of action with a shoulder injury but has apparently healed up
    • Brian Kendrick
    • Akira Tozawa – One of the top stars in the Dragon Gate promotion
    • Jack Gallagher – a U.K. wrestler
    • Johnny Gargano – a regular in NXT
    • Tommaso Ciampa – another regular in NXT
    • Ho Ho Lin – A small wrestler from Hong Kong
    • TJ Perkins – The former Manik from TNA who was recently cut by that promotion and works for Evolve as TJP
    • Anthony Bennett – A New Jersey independent wrestler
    • Drew Gulak – A top independent star that works in Evolve
    • Tyson Dux – The veteran Canadian independent star
    • Lince Dorado – Masked Florida independent wrestler that works in Evolve
    • Sean Maluta – the nephew of Afa Anoa’i, related to a number of current WWE stars
    • Raul Mendoza – Known as Jinzo in Mexico from the DTU promotion
    • Kenneth Johnson – a  Detroit based independent wrestler
    • Alejandro Saez – A wrestler from Chile who is known as XL
    • Damien Slater -An Australian based independent wrestler
    • Jason Lee – Japanese talent
    • Arya Daivari – The younger brother of Shawn Daivari, the former WWE talent

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/13): Yokozuna beats Hulk Hogan for the WWF title

    1924 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Jim Londos in 2 out of 3 falls  

    1940

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Orville Brown defeated Bobby Bruns to win the Kansas City version of the Midwest Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title

    1947 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Ray Steele beat Bronko Nagurski
    – Dizzy Davis defeated Bob Cummings
    – Butch Levy beat Jack Conley

    1957

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Ed Francis defeated Al Lolotai for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title

    1960

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Tony Borne defeated Bull Curry to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title

    1961 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Art Neilson & Ray Shires defeated Red Bastien & Lou Bastien in three falls
    – Bobo Brazil defeated Killer Kowalski in three falls 
    – Bob Ellis defeated The Sheik via DQ in three falls

    1963 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Masked Medic #1 and Masked Medic #2 beat Pat O’Connor and Tiny Mills 2 falls to 1
    – Sonny Myers beat Bob Geigel 2 falls to 1 via dq
    – Larry Hamilton drew Steve Kovacs 
    – Rock Hunter beat Steve Bolus

    1969

    Duluth, Minnesota: 
    – The Crusher & Bill Watts beat Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson
    – Red Bastien beat Dr. X 
    – Billy Red Lyons beat Big K

    1970 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – In a Steel Cage Match The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Dr X & Double X beat Edouard Carpentier & Pepper Gomez
    – Paul Diamond beat Larry Hennig
    – Butcher Vachon beat Billy Howard
    – Blackjack Lanza beat Moose Cholak

    1972

    Tijuana, Mexico:
    – Alfonso Dantes defeated Rey Mendoza for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title 

    Columbia, South Carolina:
    – Jerry Brisco defeated Rip Hawk to win the Mid-Atlantic Eastern title 

    1974

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Interns (Tom Andrews and Jim Starr) defeated Bob Geigel and Rufus R. Jones to win the Central States version of the NWA World Tag
    Team Titles
    – Jim Brunzell defeated Bobby Garcia
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Ciclon Negro via DQ 
    – Bob Brown defeated Don Fargo via DQ

    1975 

    – Black Gordman and Goliath won the NWA Americas Tag Team Title from The Hollywood Blonds (Jerry Brown and Buddy Roberts)

    Morioka, Japan:
    – Great Kusatsu and Mighty Inoue defeated Tor Kamata and Duke Savage in a tournament final to win the vacant International Wrestling
    Alliance Tag Team Titles

    1978

    Miami, Florida:
    – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito and Mr. Sato (The Great Kabuki) to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1981 

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – The Kelly Twins (Pat and Mike Kelly) defeated Wilbur Snyder and Spike Huber to win the World Wrestling Association (Indiana) Tag Team Titles

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke beat AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura dq
    – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe 
    – Jerry Blackwell ddq Brad Rheingans 

    1982

    Monterrery, Mexico:
    – Centurian Negro defeated Gran Hamada for the Universal Wrestling Association World Middleweight Title

    1983 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeated Fishman to win the vacant WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    Salt Lake City, Utah:
    – Rick Martel beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell beat Baron Von Raschke & Mad Dog Vachon 
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Blackjack Lanza

    1985 

    Koga, Japan:
    – Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated The Dynamite Kid for the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title

    Ibaraki, Japan:
    – Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu beat Terry Gordy & Tiger Jeet Singh & Mario Milano
    – Riki Choshu & Yoshiaki Yatsu beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors dq
    – In an International Junior Heavyweight title match; Kuniaki Kobayashi beat Dynamite Kid dq

    1986

    Nassau, Bahamas:
    – Lex Luger defeated Ron Bass to win the NWA Bahamas Heavyweight Title 

    Houston, Texas:
    – In a Texas Tornado Street Fight; Steve Williams & Dusty Rhodes & Bill Watts beat Ivan Koloff & Nikita Koloff & Kortsita Korchenko 
    – Terry Gordy beat Terry Taylor
    – AWA Champion Stan Hansen no contest Nick Bockwinkel
    – Rock & Roll Express beat Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts 
    – Magnum TA beat Baron Von Raschke

    1987

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Bill Dundee defeated Chick Donovan to win the AWA International Heavyweight Title 

    1988 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Curt Hennig
    – Brickhouse Brown double count out Max Pain 
    – Great Sensei & Dutch Mantel beat Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden dq

    1991 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Gran Hamada and Perro Aguayo defeated Los Brazos (Brazo de Oro and Brazo de Plata) to win the UWA World Tag Team Titles

    1992

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeated El Egipicio to win the Mexico National Heavyweight Title

    1993

    WWF King of the Ring | Dayton, Ohio:
    – Yokozuna pinned Hulk Hogan to win the WWF World Title 
    – Bret Hart pinned Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring Tournament

    1994 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D.) defeated The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronus) for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1997 

    Xochimilko, Mexico:
    – Nygma defeated El Salsero to win the Mexico National Welterweight Title

    1998 

    Alexandria, Virginia:
    – Buddy Landel defeated Jimmy Cicero to win the Independent Professional Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Title

    Garden City, Manitoba, Canada:
    – E.Z. Ryder and Darren Daulton defeated Damage Inc. (Skar and Sledge) to win the Canadian Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles

    1999 

    WCW Great American Bash: Baltimore, Maryland:
    – The Jersey Triad (Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon) defeated Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles

    Okayama City, Japan:
    – Koji Nakagawa and Gedo defeated Masato Tanaka and Tetsuhiro Kuroda to win the FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Titles

    2002 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Shouichi Ichimiya defeated Chocoball Mukai for the Dramatic Dream Team Ironman Heavy Metalweight Title 

    2003

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Yutaka Yoshie and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to win the IWGP World Tag Team Titles

  • ROH Milwaukee, WI, live results: Jay Lethal & Colt Cabana vs. The Young Bucks

    Submitted by Andrew Vrchota

    Sold out show.

    Pre-show:

    – Cheeseburger defeated Some Canadian Guy With A Fanny Pack. Cheeseburger was super over. The guy’s fanny pack was more over than the guy himself.

    Main Show:

    – Steve Corino promo on Whitmer, who was on commentary.

    – ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction defeated Kamaitachi and Juice Robinson via Best Meltzer Ever. Juice was super over.

    – Dalton Castle defeated Will Ferrera via Deadlift German Suplex.

    – Motor City Machine Guns defeated Lio Rush and Moose. This was a fun match. Rush is very impressive. MCMG put Lio over after the match by giving him the ring for the crowd to cheer him.

    – Donovan Dijak defeat Trent Baretta. Prince Nana accompanied Dijak to the ring. Dijak is a decent heel.

    – Four Corner Survival: Kyle O’Reilly defeated Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin and ACH via submission. This match ruled. Every sequence was jaw dropping. Elgin and Kyle had a great sequence of Germans and kicks. Roddy was great, per usual, as was ACH. 

    – BJ Whitmer promo. Two random dudes brought out a hog-tied Corino. 

    – War Machine destroyed two local talents.

    – ROH TV Champion Bobby Fish defeated Rocky Romero via leg submission. Great match. Fish is awesome. Dalton Castle was on commentary for this match and they had a stare down after the match.

    – Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young defeated The Briscoes and ANX in Tag Wars finals. BCB and Silas hit their finishers on ANX. Crowd celebrated like Milwaukee won the World Series.

    – Colt Cabana and ROH Champion Jay Lethal defeated The Young Bucks via Double Lethal Injection. Crowd was super hot for this match. Bucks looked good after returning from injury. They hit an Indie Taker, but no Meltzer Driver. No disrespect to the Bucks, but they looked gassed and/or didn’t want to risk another injury. After the match, Colt had Lethal’s title and hinted he wanted a rematch. Lethal grabbed his belt and left.

  • WWE Lake Charles, LA, live results: Sami Zayn vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens

    Submitted by Anthony LeBato

    – Enzo and Cass def. The Dudleyz

    Show opened with Enzo & Big Cass “Sawft” chant being interrupted by Dudleyz. They f​inished the chant after winning. 

    – Goldust beat Fandango

    R-truth and Goldust did some stuff with the crowd, and then Tyler Breeze showed up and attacked Goldust.

    – US Champion Rusev def. Titus O’Neil

    Rusev hits the Accolade and finishes Titus. Rusev proceeds to say he is the best champion after he wins, hits Titus with the mic, and puts him in the Accolade again. The Lucha Dragons run out and beat up Rusev. Titus and Lucha dapped each other up.

    – Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan vs. Big Show and Kane

    Nothing particularly exciting besides Show chasing Rowan around the outside of ring with a chair and not using it. Rowan tries to antagonize crowd and runs into a chokeslam from Big Show when he turns around. Braun then comes in after the bell and attacks Show. He turned around and Kane and Show double chokeslammed Braun.

    – Eva Marie, Lana & Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks, Summer Rae & Becky Lynch

    Eva comes out first, demands better introduction from announcer. As everyone else was fighting outside the ring, Sasha does a double knee backbreaker into the Banks Statement and makes Brooke tap out.

    – Viktor vs Zack Ryder

    Ryder hits the elbow drop from top rope to win.

    – Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Dean Ambrose

    Dean received the loudest pop of the night. Match starts with KO immediately rolling out of ring. Sami and Dean wait for KO to get back in, KO comes back in immediately rolls out, Dean goes for roll up on Sami. Dean out of ring for most of match, with KO and Sami mostly fighting in ring. Dean does between rope dive outside onto KO. Sami and Dean fighting on top rope, KO comes under and Sami powerbombs him while Sami suplexs Dean off top rope. Dean hit the top rope elbow drop to KO, KO kicks out, gets up, and runs off the ropes into Dirty Deeds for the win. Zayn was outside the ring due to an Owens kick.

  • RevPro Wrestling live results: Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.; Mike Bailey vs. Will Ospreay

    Submitted by Murdo MacKenzie

    Sold out show tonight. Stacked card, hot crowd, and hot building.

    Marty Scurll def. Noam Dar via submission (chicken wing) at 17:22

    They started with some good ol’ World of Sport style catch as catch can wrestling. Dar got the upper hand early. Scurl played the ‘villain’ really well while Dar was the babyface. Yet, the crowd is 50/50 for both guys. This was a very good match. I’m a big fan of the ‘villain’ gimmick. Scurll has lots of nice little spots that work the gimmick perfectly. Example: setting up the superkick, then just as he calls for it, he faints and stiff kicks his opponent’s shin. Great stuff.

    Pete Dunne def. Martin Stone after hitting a pump handle fallaway slam at 12:28

    Dunne is the British Cruiserweight Champion but the belt is not on the line this evening. This was very much a tough guy, punch/kick match. A good match. After, Stone cut a promo to say thank you to the fans for supporting him. Despite him not living in the UK, he will always be a British wrestler. He puts over Dunne as well.

    – Big Damo submitted Big Daddy Walter at 13:30

    This a battle of the big guys with both wrestlers trying to…well, I guess out ‘big’ the other guy. This match was ok for a big guy brawl.

    – Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr announced for the Rev Pro Summer Sizzler in July.

    – Will Ospreay def. “Speedball” Mike Bailey after hitting the Springboard stunner at 17:25

    Incredible reaction for Ospreay with chants of “You deserve it”. He’s truly given a ‘heros return’ ovation. They worked a karate vs wrestling/lucha story for the match. “They are artists” chants along with “F*ck you Vader” chants. Ospreay hits a Vader bomb at one point. Looks like that’s a new part of his arsenal.

    Ospreay gets on the mic and thanks the UK fans and Rev Pro for being his home. He puts over Rev Pro booker Andy Quildan for always believing in him. Osprey states even though he’s only been wrestling for 4 years, this style will take a toll on his body and he most likely won’t work as many dates next year. However, he’ll always find time to come back home to Rev Pro. Nice touch.

    Josh Bodom def. Chris Hero at 17:33

    Bodom wins after the ref takes a bump from a hero stumble. Bodom hits a low blow while the ref is down and then a spinning back fist for the win.

    Redman & Garrett def. British Tag Team Champions The Revolutionists at 8:46 to win the titles

    This match started out pretty good with a nice top rope dive from Garret onto James Castle by the entrance, but the match went a bit crazy when all 4 guys were having a free for all in the ring including double pins. Not sure if the match was a NO DQ or tornado rules but it ended in a bit of a mess with Redman & Garrett picking up the victory and becoming NEW Undisputed British Tag Champions

    Kurt Angle def. Zack Sabre Jr via submission at 9:03

    Big reaction for Sabre, huge reaction for Kurt. They played Kurt’s WWE theme and the fans chanted, “You suck”. They begin by trading holds and reversals with Zabre getting the better of Angle and subsequently Angle taking charge. Dueling chants throughout the match. The match started at a slow pace with the expectation that they were building to something special. However, they quickly went to near falls/submissions. After a trio of rolling German suplexes, Angle clamped on the ankle lock and it was over.

    Mutual respect at the end. Angle cuts a promo to say he was amazed at the level of talent at Rev Pro this evening and thanked the fans. He put over Sabre as one of the best guys on the indie scene. He than apologised for not being able to go at 100% , but he has a knee injury. He said he would be back and we will see him again, “Oh it’s true”, etc.

    This show is available on RevPro’s OnDemand service on Tuesday for those wanting to check it out.

  • May 10, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fans celebrate life of Giant Baba at Tokyo Dome, PRIDE 5 recap, more

    The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • TNA Slammiversary 2016 live results: Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley; Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy

    For the first time since October 2015, TNA Wrestling returns to world of pay-per-view with Slammiversary, the 12th such event in company history and the sixth held in Orlando, FL. The show is available on most major cable providers, as well as FITE.tv.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, so you can send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

    For the second straight year, Drew Galloway finds himself in the main event as last year, he was involved in the King of the Mountain title five way. This year, he defends his title against a game challenger in Bobby Lashley who is looking to regain the title. Also on the show, the Hardy brothers do battle in a Full Metal Mayhem match and all of the organization’s titles are on the line. 

    X-DIVISION CHAMPION TREVOR LEE VS. EDDIE EDWARDS VS. DJ ZEMA ION VS. ANDREW EVERETT

    This match was one big move after another — too much for the crowd at some times and getting them back in it for others. The finish saw Edwards win the title pinning Lee with an inside cradle as Lee went for his fisherman buster. Good opener. Gregory Helms was kicked out from ringside at the beginning after coming out with both Lee and Everett. Everett did a springboard twisting dive, took a backdrop onto the ring steps, and also did a super Frankensteiner off the top rope.

    – EC 3 interview. He put over that Bennett was the first guy to pin him but that was a catalyst for becoming the best wrestler.  Carter tried to get the fans to sing his song and only a few did.

    – They showed a clip of Dixie Carter announcing Sting for the TNA Hall of Fame in 2012. They announced that the 2016 inductee would be on TV Tuesday night.

    BARON DAX & BASILLE BARACKA (w/AL SNOW) VS. MAHABALI SHERA & GRADO

    The match was really bad. The finish saw Dax have Shera over his knee like a backbreaker, and Baracka coming off the middle rope with a Bret Hart forearm. Snow uses a whistle as his gimmick which didn’t work 26 years ago with John Tolos and is only slightly better now. Snow’s gimmick is he wants wrestling to be great again. This match wasn’t a good example of that. Dax & Baracka are the former Marcus Louis &  Sylvester Lefort from NXT with Lefort now sporting a shaved head. 

    – Gail Kim and Maria Kanellis are going back-and-forth in the back as they were supposed to wrestle but Kanellis has a broken hand. Kim said Kanellis is a liar, and said she’s wrestling with a bad knee. Billy Corgan is out as William Corgan. He said he’s got the X-rays and the hand was broken. Corgan, at first, seemed to be playing heel as he was wearing sunglasses. He showed the X-ray and said that the minute Maria is cleared, Gail will get the match. Maria said her hand may never heal and she may never be able. Corgan announced a triple-threat match with Sienna vs. Jade vs. Gail Kim for the Knockouts title and it’s starting…right now.

    JADE VS. GAIL KIM VS. SIENNA FOR THE KNOCKOUTS TITLE

    Another bad match. Gail had Sienna pinned with Eat Defeat but Allie pulled Kim’s leg. Kim attacked Allie and then went after Maria. Allie threw the belt in to Sienna but Marti Bell jumped in. Bell then turned on Jade and hit her with a cane, leading to Sienna pinning her. They did more than the prior match but the crowd wasn’t much into it and they tried cool moves but most of the stuff didn’t look crisp.

    Jeremy Borash interviewed Bobby Lashley. He made Borash announce him as the new world champion.

    JAMES STORM VS. BRAXTON SUTTER

    Storm did an interview saying he’s been at every Slammiversary. He said 14 years ago a man gave punk kids like he, Abyss and A.J. Styles a chance.  Storm said that people said he’d never make it. Fans were chanting Orlando. He said there’s a lot of guys who need an opportunity because 14 years ago, nobody knew James Storm.

    This was a short and perfectly professional match that the crowd didn’t care about because they don’t know Sutter (the former Pepper Parks). Sutter survived both a backstabber and codebreaker, but was pinned after a superkick which was the one move that didn’t look good.  Storm then drank beer with Sutter after the match.  It felt like Storm was going to take him under his wing and then, one will turn on the other.

    – Eli Drake interview with Borash. Drake is a really good promo. He called Bram a cross-eyed halfwit, and that Eli Drake is perpetual bad assery.

    – They showed a clip of Dixie Carter inducting Kurt Angle into the Hall of Fame. With the exception of Earl Hebner, everyone in their Hall of Fame is gone from the company.

    KING OF THE MOUNTAIN CHAMPION ELI DRAKE VS. BRAM

    Not much to this at all. They did a few countout teases. The big spot was Drake giving Bram a backdrop on the floor after Bram had taken the mats off previously. Bram used a DDT, which they call the Brighter Side Of Suffering, but Drake rolled out of the ring.  Drake got back in, hit a clothesline and got the pin.

    – Mike Bennett interview. He said he was the best wrestler on the planet and has the hottest wife in TNA.  At least the second one, you can make a good argument for.   

    ETHAN CARTER III VS. MIKE BENNETT

    Carter won with a TKO on a chair and the One Percenter. The crowd was into it at the end, but this was a tough crowd for obvious reasons and also because most are people who don’t watch the TV and don’t know the stories. They both worked hard. Bennett kicked out of the first One Percenter. The second time, Maria threw in a chair, which distracted ref Brian Hebner so he didn’t start the count for several seconds. Bennett used his Miracle In Progress (Michinoku driver on a chair), but the ref was distracted and slow in counting. Carter kicked out of a piledriver. Not a great match, but easily the best since the opener.

    – Matt Hardy did his preacher interview.

    MATT HARDY VS. JEFF HARDY IN A FULL METAL MAYHEM MATCH

    They did a ton of weapons. Both worked real hard. The match story is that the new Matt kept kicking out of everything including a Twist of Fate and senton as well as a Twist of Fate through a table.  The finish saw Jeff come off the top rope, jumping over the post, and put Matt through a table, pinning him on the floor as it was falls count anywhere rules. Lots of ladder spots. Jeff opened a ladder that stretched from one side of the rope to the other, and Jeff put Matt through the ladder off the top. Matt powerbombed Jeff through a keyboard set up bridging the apron to the guard rail. The problem was there was little reaction to some of the insane kickouts.  

    – Decay interview. 

    TNA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS DECAY (ABYSS & CRAZZY STEVE) VS. BROMANS (ROBBIE E & JESSIE GODDERZ)

    Rosemary is in the Decay corner and Raquel in the BroMans corner. Abyss & Steve retained as Abyss gave Jessie a Black Hole Slam and then powerbombed Steve on top of him.  All action, good match. Robbie & Jessie are very underrated as a team, particularly with Jessie’s athletic ability. He had Steve in the Boston crab/Adonis crab twice and Steve tapped, but the ref had mist blown in his eyes the first time and missed the tap. The second time, Abyss saved him. The women also got involved for a spot.

    – Drew Galloway said he’s worked 16 years to be the world champion in the main event on PPV. He said he’s been defending this title in multiple companies, and said he tapped out Kurt Angle so he sure as hell can beat Bobby Lashley.

    TNA WORLD CHAMPION DREW GALLOWAY VS. BOBBY LASHLEY — KNOCKOUT OR SUBMISSION ENDS IT

    Real good match. Lashley won the title clean in the middle when Galloway passed out from a head and arm choke. They kept the shenanigans out of this one. Galloway was bleeding afer missing a running flip dive and crashing through a table. Galloway came back and used a tombstone piledriver, but he missed the running kick and Lashley hit a big punch that led to him putting on the choke. Galloway used moves like an Emerald Fusion and a sharpshooter — both on the ring steps. 

    We’ll talk more about this show tonight on Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • Daily Update: TNA Slammiversary in Orlando, Adam Cole, and Trump

    Just want to express my sadness and sympathy for the horrible tragedy in Orlando. That goes ahead and beyond any other news.

    If you are in Orlando, the Red Cross is asking for blood donations, especially O negative, O positive and AB. From what I understand, the lines of people volunteering to give blood were long all over the city.

    By coincidence, TNA is running in Orlando tonight with its Slammiversary show and it must be tough to do so under the circumstances. The show is the biggest show TNA has done in a long time, built up for several weeks. We’ll be doing live coverage on the site starting at 8 p.m.

    For those in France, TNA will air live on SFR Sports 2 tonight at 2 a.m. local time. SFR Sports is the new name of MCS, which has aired TNA programming for the past six years.  It will be replayed on 6/19 at 8:40 p.m.

    TNA usually announces the newest member of its Hall of Fame at the Slammiversary show, but there is talk the announcement will be delayed until Tuesday night’s Impact and teased tonight.  

    We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s TNA Slammiversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Baton Rouge (Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Rusev, Enzo, Cass, Kane, Big Show, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Sami Zayn, Dudleys, Lane, Sasha Banks), Lake Charles, LA (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, A.J. Styles, Sheamus, Dolph  Ziggler, Charlotte, Alberto Del Rio,Natalya, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, New Day), Progress in London, NXT in Derby, UK, at the Download Festival, Lucha Underground in Los Angeles and ROH in Milwaukee at the Turner Hall Ballroom (Finals of tag wars with Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Beer City Bruiser & Silas Young vs. All Night Express, Christopher Daniels vs. Kamaitachi plus the finals of Tag Wars) to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com.

    TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV FROM UNIVERSAL IN ORLANDO AT 8 P.M.

    • Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA title – match can only be won via knockout or submission
    • Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy full metal mayhem
    • Jade vs. Sienna for Knockouts title
    • Abyss & Crazzy Steve vs. Jessie Godderz & Robbie E for tag titles
    • Trevor Lee vs. Eddie Edwards vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Andre Everett for X title
    • Eli Drake vs. Bram for King of the Mountain title
    • Ethan Carter III vs. Mike Bennett
    • Grado & Mahabali Shera vs. The Tribunal

    Raw will be Monday in New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon. It’ll be the go-home show for Money in the Bank. NXT also runs in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There are also TNA tapings in Orlando.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.

    TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England

    THE ROUND-UP

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – The latest battleground in the WWE concussion litigation is whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be compelled to testify. Issues cited in a WWE opposition to the plaintiffs’ effort are included in the lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 13, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, more

    A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.

    The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power.  Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.

    Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 3, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Rick Rude, WWF Backlash review, more. A look at the life and career of Rick Rude, a review of WWF Backlash, plus tons more.

    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    For those of you who are hockey fans, or aren’t I want to mention the passing of Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey. He was one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and the biggest star of the long era between Rocket Richard and Bobby Orr.

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio covering the news from the weekend including TNA, WWE plus taking e-mail questions you can send tomailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Adam Cole will be off tonight’s ROH show in Milwaukee as he was last night’s show in Hopkins, MN, due to being hospitalized with pneumonia.

    A story I did on Marc Ratner, who was elected to the boxing Hall of Fame today. A few pro wrestling tidbits in it including some back story on Vince McMahon’s going to Ratner for credibility to do a legit show featuring some big names in 2003.

    Donald Trump at a rally in Richmond, VA on Friday talked about having sports celebrities speak at the Republic convention instead of politicians like usual. Trump talked about getting great sports people who like him a lot, mentioning Bob Knight, the former Indiana basketball coach, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Brian France and Dana White. Interesting is he didn’t mention Vince McMahon. He specifically asked the crowd if they knew who Dana White was, and then said all of those guys were winners and champions. Trump made a jab at Chris Christie, who spoke at length at the 2012 convention saying how he spent more time promoting himself than the nominee. Trump said that our country needs to see winners, and that we don’t see winners anymore. He said we have clowns running our country and people who don’t know what they’re doing.

    We’ve got Revolution Pro results and hopefully a report up later on the big show in London at York Hall:  Marty Scurll b Noam Dar, Pete Dunne b Martin Stone to keep the cruiserweight title, Big Damo b Big Daddy Walter, Will Ospreay b Mike Bailey, Josh  Bodom b Chris Hero, Charlie Garrett & Joel Redman wont he British tag titles from Sha Samuels & James Castle, Kurt Angle b Zack Sabre Jr.  Angle vs. Sabre was about 9:00.  Ospreay vs. Bailey evidently tore the house down.  Announcements were made for upcoming matches with Bodom vs. Tomohiro Ishii and Sabre vs. Katsuyori Shibata.

    WWE

    • Dwayne Johnson will be appearing Thursday night on the Tonight show with Jimmy Fallon to promote the movie “Central Intelligence” which debuts this coming weekend. He’ll also be on the Graham Norton show on Thursday night at 11:30 p.m. on BBC America. 
    • Tomorrow’s go-home Raw show is going to have a tough time as there is no return of John Cena to counteract what could be the deciding game of the NBA Championship series with the Warriors up 3-1 over the Cavs. 
    • Paul Levesque left the NXT tour after yesterday’s shows to head to China for WWE business. Levesque was honored yesterday at the Download Festival with the Golden Gods Spirit of Lemmy Award. Levesque and Lemmy were friends and Lemmy performed his entrance music, including on some WrestleManias.
    • Levesque will be interviewed by bodybuilder and trainer Dave Palumbo on the RX Muscle web site live tomorrow at Noon Eastern time. Palumbo is the nutrition guy for Levesque, Stephanie McMahon and has also worked with Linda McMahon in the past. He’s very well informed on the subject. (thanks to Jim Kerr)
    • From the Evolve stuff over the weekend it’s confirmed that Tony Nese has been added to the cruiserweight classic tournament.
    • A very controversial interview from Rene Dupree and also quotes from the former Rodney Mack regarding Chris Nowinski and his business relationship with WWE which Nowinski has said has no foundation here.
    • Darren Young of WWE is participating in today’s Gay Pride parade in Los Angeles. This takes on more meaning after the news of earlier today.
    • Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and ROH’s Taeler Hendrix will be signing autographs at the Houston Comicpalooza on 6/18 and 6/19.
    • LeBron James was wearing an Undertaker shirt shooting around today on the NBA network 
    • UFC
    • Brock Lesnar not only will be wearing a Reebok uniform when he fights Mark Hunt, but his nationality listed on his uniform will be Canadian with a Canadian flag. Lesnar now lives on a farm in Saskatchewan. I wonder if he can now be the next Gene Kiniski as a pro wrestler called Canada’s Greatest Athlete. Mike Sharpe doesn’t count because he was a spoof and when Kiniski got the name the reporter who gave it to him was serious. 
    • Josh Barnett talks his new movie “Never Back Down” at the G-1 Climax tournament.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Kazuchika Okada was backstage yesterday at the Lucha Underground tapings. He did a photo posing with Rey Mysterio Jr. He was in California on a vacation between dates as New Japan is off until Sunday’s Dominion show.
    • The incredible A.J. Styles vs Hiroshi Tanahashi match from last year’s G-1 Climax tournament is being advertised on AXS for thiscoming Friday night.
    • Mike Mooneyham talks Dan Miller.
    • Combat Zone Wrestling had its 15th annual Tournament of Death yesterday in Townsend, DE at Markland’s Little Acres: Rickey Shane Page beat Tim Donst in a fans bring the weapons match, Conor Claxton beat Masada in a madness match, Alex Colon beat Danny Havoc in a light tube bundles match, Matt Tremont beat Jeff Cannonball in a Home Run Derby match, Aaron Williams beat Ron Mathis, Rickey Shane Page beat Conor Claxton in a barefoot rites of passage match, Matt Tremont beat Alex Colon in a Sharp Shit death match, Lucky 13 & Devon Moore beat Dale Patricks & G-Raver, Josh Crane beat DJ Hyde in a panes of glass match with help from Zandig and BLK OUT, Rickey Shane Page beat Matt Tremont to win the tournament
    • I want to again list a Go Fund Me for Shadow Jackson, a Georgia independent wrestler who suffered a massive heart attack last week. 
    • Bellator announced new Fights for the 6/24 Dynamite show in St. Louis, with a women’s 125 pound kickboxing match with Denise Kielholtz (44-2) vs. Gloria Piertore (10-1-1) and a featherweight fight with Kevin Ross (31-9) vs. Justin Houghton (7-2).
    • Freelance Wrestling from Friday night in Chicago before 300 fans. It was noted the atmosphere for this promotion is tremendous: Prince Mustafa Ali won six-way scramble match for title shot over Alex Ohlson, GAP, Craig Mitchell, Suge D, and Brubaker, Matt Knicks b Chris Castro, Robert Ego Anthony over Jeff Cobb, Mr. 450 Hammet and Kobe Durst, Space Monkey & Rey Furia b Brothers of Funstruction, Sally Stitches (Heidi Lovelace) won over Masked Character and JJ Garrett, Beauty & The Beat b The N Words, Prince Mustafa Ali b Isaias Velasquez to win the Freelance title. I was told it was a great show with a really spectacular main event. (thanks to Lance LeVine)
    • Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from Saturday night in St. Louis: Brandon Aarons b Tyler Copeland, Brandon Espinosa b Danny Adams, J-Mal Swagg & Damion Cortess b Ace Hawkins & Barackus, Moondog Rover b Matt Kenway, Brian James b Big Jim Hoffarth, Shaft b Jimmy D, Da’Marius Jones and A.J. Williams co-win a three-way over Gary Jackson and the title was held up. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • Cody Rhodes and Jushin Liger are scheduled to appear for Northeast Wrestling on 8/28 in Bethany, CT.
    • Cody Rhodes vs. Tommaso Ciampa is scheduled for 9/18 for XWA in Providence, RI at the John Hope Center.
    • Revolution Pro Wrestling on 7/9 in Petaluma, CA at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building.
    • Insane Championship Wrestling on 7/29 in Manchester, UK at the O2 Ritz, 7/30 in Birmingham, UK at the O2 Institute and 7/31 in Glasgow, Scotland at the O2 ABC.
    • The Globe tabloid has a brief story on the Jimmy Snuka case (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno: Dark Usag b Eli Everly, Big Dogg b Cresenzo, Homicide b Danny Suarez (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • WrestleMerica from last night in Barnesville,GA before 250 fans:  Merica Strong b Scotty Beach in an intergender match, David Tita b Johnny Nixx, Iceberg b Scotty Bullwinkle in a first blood match, Tyler Dean b Zane Stevens-DQ, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa b Corey Hollis & Johnny Skyler.  Next show is 7/9 with Gangrel. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Jeff Cobb vs. JR Kratos and Timothy Thatcher vs. Rocky Romero headlined for Fighting Spirit Pro on 7/19 in Atwater, CA. Atwater is between Turlock and Merced, about two hours from San Jose and 2 1/2 hours from San Francisco.

    TODAY in professional Wrestling History: Bockwinkel and Stevens win AWA Tag TeamTitles in a steel cage

  • WWE Jackson, MS, live results: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins

    Submitted by Andrew Harrison

    – Apollo Crews beat Sheamus in a good opener.

    – The Shining Stars beat Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger in a lousy match. Swagger was pinned after finally getting the hot tag.

    – Karl Anderson beat Jey Uso. Gallows was ringside, but didn’t wrestle. He did interfer. Lots of Usos signs, and there were a few Bullet Club chants.

    – WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day got the biggest pop of the night, and beat the Vaudevillians in a long match. Everybody sold a lot.

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte pinned Natalya by using the ropes for leverage on a roll-up.

    – Cesaro beat Alberto Del Rio in a decent match.

    – In a three-way match with Seth Rollins, WWE Champion Reigns pinned AJ Styles after a ton of near falls in the main event. Crowd was three quarters behind Reigns with the rest behind Styles. AJ gave a quick smile when he heard people chanting for him. Rollins looked great. Match drew “this is awesome” chants.