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  • Daily Update: Hogan’s secret backer, NXT TakeOver, Sasha and Enzo return

    Peter Thiel admitted in a New York Times article that he was, as reported earlier in the week by Forbes, secretly funding Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit, noting that most people can’t defend themselves and even a famous millionaire like Terry Bollea didn’t have the resources to do this one alone. He said he had planned this against Gawker several years ago. “I refuse to believe that journalism means massive privacy violations. I think much more highly of journalists than that. Its precisely because I respect journalists that I do not believe they are endangered by fighting back against Gawker.” 

    Thiel said the published estimates of him spending $10 million were “roughly in the ballpark.” He said this is not a business venture and he’s not expecting any money out of funding Hogan’s case. He said he considered this “one of my greater philanthropic things that I’ve done. I think of it in those terms.” He also said this is not the only case that he’s funded. Here is another article on this aspect of the on-going Hulk Hogan saga.

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT house show in Lakeland, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com.

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK

    • Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Money in the Bank qualifier
    • Rusev vs. Kalisto for the U.S. title
    • Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
    • R-Truth & Goldust vs. Fandango & Tyler Breeze
    • The Miz vs. Cesaro for IC title

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT LIVE FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERNFRIDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    • Matt Sydal & Michael Elgin vs. Rocky Romero & Yoshi-Hashi
    • Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Juice Robinson & Jay White
    • Tiger Mask vs. Chase Owens
    • Trent Baretta vs. Bobby Fish
    • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
    • Jushin Liger vs. Volador Jr.
    • Ricochet vs. Will  Ospreay 

    On  Friday, we’re looking for reports on the WWE house show in Springfield, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and the NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M.

    The show returns with the first of several two hour specials from the 2015 G-1 Climax tournament

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
    • A.J Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
    • Tetsuya Naito vs. Bad Luck Fale

    CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO IN MEXICO CITY ON FRIDAY NIGHT

    • Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Cancerbero & Raziel
    • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Silueta vs. Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis
    • Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto
    • Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Felino
    • Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Titan vs. Kraneo & Rey Bucanero & Ripper
    • Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. El Terrible & Shocker & La Mascara

    Saturday we’re looking for reports on the WWE shows in Peoria, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and Winnipeg (Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto De Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks).

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAYNIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
    • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
    • David Finlay vs. Gedo
    • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
    • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
    • Matt Sydal vs.. Kyle O’Reilly
    • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

    Sunday we’re looking for reports on WWE shows in Madison, WI (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and LaCrosse, WI (Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto Del Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks).

    UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

    Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

    • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
    • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

    FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

    • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
    • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
    • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
    • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
    • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
    • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
    • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
    • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
    • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
    • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
    • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
    • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

    Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Bushi vs. David Finlay
    • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
    • Kushida vs. Gedo
    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

      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 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

      Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

      The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

      Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

      Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

      Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

      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.

      Rates are:

      For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

      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: April 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

      THURSDAY NEWS

      HHH on Twitter yesterday noted that the name of the 6/8 NXT Takeover show would be “Takeover: The End.” Some people seem to think that means it’s the end of NXT. It isn’t. It’s just likely the end of the Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor program with their third meeting in a cage.

      We’re sorry to hear about the death today of Beverly Crookshanks, better known as Beverly Dundee. Dundee was the wife of Bill Dundee who was part of a huge angle in Memphis where after Bill lost his hair in a match with Jerry Lawler, he put up his wife’s hair to get another shot at Lawler’s hair. Lawler won again and mocked Dundee for years about shaving his wife’s head and him having to go home to a bald woman. She had a stroke several months ago and her health had declined since then. Here is a youtube video where you can see Lawler and Dundee.

      UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has been named the honorary chairman of the World Cup of Wrestling which takes place on 6/11 and 6/12 at the Forum in Los Angeles.  All six members of the freestyle Olympic team are scheduled to represent the U.S.

      Sasha Banks has been cleared to work after what is believed to have been a concussion. She will be working in Winnipeg and LaCrosse, WI at the house shows this weekend. Not sure about TV. On the original plans for Money in the Bank, she was to have a match and to return to TV to build it.

      Enzo Amore is also scheduled for house shows this weekend in Springfield, IL, Peoria and Madison, WI.

      WWE

      • Brandi Runnels talks her departure from WWE.
      • Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will be appearing together on 7/23 at The Sands Resort in Bethlehem, PA for a Q&A show. Former ROH owner Cary Silkin said that he would be going to that event to try and collect $41,000 the he said Flair owes him for not living up to his contract and quitting on ROH in 2010.
      • John Cena talks about building the WWE brand. 
      • Randy Orton and his new wife are expecting a daughter in November.
      • There will be a new episode of Camp WWE put on the network tonight at 10 p.m.
      • On NXT last night, they started promoting the debut of Andrade Cien Almas, who is the former La Sombra.
      • WWE stock, which fell last week due to Vince & Linda McMahon selling stock, is back to normal range as it was up 13 cents per share today to $17.43.

      UFC

      • Alex Caceres replaces B.J. Penn as the opponent for Cole Miller on the 6/4 UFC show in Los Angeles.  
      • Matt Brown vs. Jake Ellenberger was announced for UFC 201 on 7/30 in Atlanta.
      • Kid Yamamoto pulled out of his 6/18 fight with Chris Beal. He’s being replaced on the show by Joe Soto.
      • Jim Alers vs. Jason Knight was added to the 7/23 show in Chicago.

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • Mike Tyson has joined the cast of “Kickboxer: Retaliation,” which is the movie starring Dave Bautista, Jean Claude Van Damme, Paige VanZant, Gina Carano and Georges St-Pierre.
      • Dixie Carter did media in India and said TNA was looking for a female pro wrestler from India.
      • The first series of Ring of Honor action figures are now up for preorder at www.figurestoycompany.com and www.wrestlingsuperstore.com. This series features Jay Lethal, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Steen. Figures are available individually or as a complete set with some special deals available when you order. Estimated delivery is in July.
      • An interview with Ricochet is here. 
      • Chris Honeycutt vs. Mikkel Parlo at middleweight has been added to the 6/17 Bellator show in Fresno at the SaveMart Center.
      • New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron Man 8 championship takes place on 6/11 in Wakefield, MA. There will be four singles matches and the four winners come back in a four-way 45 minute match where whoever wins the most falls in 45 minutes is the winner. Announced in are Slyck Wagner Brown, Brad Hollister, Chris Escobar, Tod Loco, Kevin Tibbs and the rest are to be announced.
      • Former WCW and TNA employee Jason Hervey, best known as Eric Bischoff’s warner in BHE, was arrested in January according to TMZ reports that came out today, noting he had spent 48 hours behind bars for a DUI and carrying a weapon while under the influence charge as there was allegedly a loaded handgun in his car when pulled over. Hervey is best known for his days as a child actor on “The Wonder Years” TV show.  
      • AAW on 6/17 in Merionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Sami Callihan & Dave Crist vs. Eddie Kingston & Homicide, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. Devin & Mason Cutter, Chris Hero vs Drago, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa vs. ?, plus AR Fox, Aerostar, Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Cedric Alexander, Drew Gulak, Silas Young, Moose, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace, Jessicka Havok, Kimber Lee and Kongo Kong.
      • Metro Pro Wrestling’s sixth anniversary show features Demolition on 6/4 in Kansas City at the turner Rec Center.
      • Woman’s Fatale 19 is in Ste-Therese, Quebec at the Cultural Centre Communautiare.
      • WCWF has its third anniversary show on 6/4 at 7 p.m. at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City headlined by Nathan Brick vs. Lord Luxury.
      • Legends of the Ring on 6/11 in Monroe, NJ at the Crowne Plaza Hotel has an autograph show with Matt & Jeff Hardy, Bret Hart, Gene Okerlund, Sting, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Demolition, Warlord, Barbarian, Candice Michelle, Dutch Mantell, Terry Funk, Scott Steiner and Butch Reed. 
      • CWE tonight in Brandon, Manitoba at the Assiniboine Community College with Frankie Kazarian & Silas Young vs. Orin Veidi & Jacob Savage and Lio Rush vs. Jason Kincaid vs. AJ Sanchez.
      • Evolve on 6/11 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center
        Elimination match:  Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJP vs. Lince Dorado vs. ?
        Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Page
        Ethan Carter III vs. ?
        Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams
        Matt Riddle vs. Trevor Lee
        Fred Yehi vs. Cedric Alexander
        Bravado Brother vs. Jason Cade &Darby Allin
      • Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame show from Friday night in Wichita Falls, TX before 450 fans:  Americos b Jastin Taylor, Greg Anthony b Matt Riviera, Moonshine Mantell b Double D, Charlie Haas b Houston Carson, Tim Storm b Andrew Anderson.  Eric Embry, David Manning and Gary Young attended the show.
      • The J.T. Lightning 24-man Invitational tournament takes place on 5/27 and 5/28 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  Dylan Postl (Swoggle as he’s now gong) appears plus opening round matches of Colt Cabana vs. Homicide, Dan Severn vs. Colin Delaney, Brian Myers vs. Billy Gunn, Josh Alexander vs. Johnny Gargano, Ray Rowe vs. Big Damo, Little Guido vs. Tim Donst, Tyson Dux vs. Tracy Williams, Cedric Alexander vs. Veda Scott, DJ Zema Ion vs. Laredo Kid, Alex Daniels vs. Britt Baker, Louis Lyndon vs. Cheech and BJ Whitmer vs. Candice LaRae.
      • Lex Luger appears on 6/11 in Gray, TN at Daniel Boone High School for a combination wrestling show at Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show.  The event has free admission.
      • John LaRocca and Alan Counihan talk the Champion Carnival tournament.
      • Here is a story comparing Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather to the Ali vs. Inoki match 40 years ago.
      • Here is a story on an indie event in Louisville.
      • A review of the autobiography of Jeannie Clarke-Williams, a former wrestling valet in WCCW and WCW who was married to Chris Adams and Steve Austin can be read here.

      Today in Professional Wrestling History: Smoking Gunns win WWF Tag Team Titles; Eric Young wins TNA TV Title

    • WON Preview: May 30, 2016 Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

      Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

      The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

      Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

      Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

      Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

      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. 

      Rates are:

      For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

      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 sent to you today. 

      Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

      Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

      The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

      Also in this issue:

      • A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
      • Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
      • Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
      • First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
      • Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
      • Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
      • A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
      • NOAH’s major show of the week
      • Will Ospreay and injuries
      • New Japan Dominion ticket sales
      • Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
      • Kota Ibushi’s return
      • Notes on the career of George Steele
      • More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
      • A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
      • Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
      • Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
      • First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
      • Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
      • Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
      • A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
      • NOAH’s major show of the week
      • Will Ospreay and injuries
      • New Japan Dominion ticket sales
      • Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
      • Kota Ibushi’s return
      • Notes on the career of George Steele
      • More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
      • Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
      • New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
      • Zack Sabre Jr. update
      • Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
      • Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
      • More on the UFC sale talks
      • One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
      • Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
      • Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
      • More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
      • Notes on the letter UF
      • Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
      • New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
      • Zack Sabre Jr. update
      • Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
      • Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
      • More on the UFC sale talks
      • One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
      • Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
      • Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
      • More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
      • Notes on the letter UF

      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 sent to you today. 

      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 sent to you today.

      New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

      Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

      Rates are:

      For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

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

    • JNPO: MMA/hip-hop journalist Andreas Hale on Nate, Aljamain, WWE brand split

      On the 39th Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, longtime MMA and hip-hop journalist Andreas Hale (Yahoo, The Source, Sherdog, many more) drops by to talk NJPW Best of the Super Juniors, WWE brand split, UFC’s fun Memorial Day weekend show, Nate Diaz, the state of boxing, and tons more.

      > Listen to the show below by clicking the link or saving to your computer.

      In this hour-long edition, the guys jumped into the following:

      – How pro wrestling was Andreas’ gateway drug into other combat sports

      – What he’s watching and why he’s watching it

      – Talk on the WWE brand split and why both guys are skeptical of the outcome

      – Last weekend’s disaster of a Bellator middleweight title fight and why their belts don’t seem to matter

      – How UFC and Bellator fail on their community outreach programs

      – Whether Kimbo Slice resonates with the black community

      – Thoughts on Nate Diaz and his Wednesday interview with Ariel Helwani

      – Andreas’ thoughts on the boxing scene and the plethora of PBC shows

      – What both guys are excited about with this weekend’s UFC Fox Sports One show on Memorial Day

      Beers. Food. You. Us. Let’s go.

      Right click save

    • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/26): Smoking Gunns win WWF Tag Team Titles; Eric Young wins TNA TV Title

      1932 

      Kansas City, Kansas:
      – Wild Red Berry defeated Bobby Novakll

      1941

      Wichita, Kansas:
      – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Roy Dunn defeated Rube Wright 
      – Everette Marshall defeated John Pesek

      1945

      Wichita, Kansas:
      – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Lord Albert Mills in 2 straight falls
      – Ray Eckert beat Jack Hader 
      – Joe Szabo defeated Pat O’Dowdy

      1950

      Chicago, Illinois:
      – Gorgeous George defeated Don Eagle for the AWA (Boston) World Heavyweight Title 

      1959

      Dallas, Texas:
      – The Corsicans (Joe and Jean) defeated Angelo Martinelli and Luis Hernandez for the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

      1961

      Houston, Texas:
      – Duke Keomuka & Tony Martin defeated Rito Romero & Dory Dixon for the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

      1962

      St. Paul, Minnesota:
      – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Tiny Mills 
      – Pat O’Connor beat Bob Geigel in 2 out of 3 falls

      1964 

      Nashville, Tennessee:
      – Jackie & Don Fargo defeated Tojo Yamamoto & Alex Perez to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles 

      1966

      Kansas City, Kansas:
      – Pat O’Connor & Richard Moody defeated The Butcher & Dandy Jack
      – Bob Ellis defeated Oki Shikina 
      -The Mongolian Stomper defeated Bob Brown

      1966 

      Sendai, Japan:
      – Killer Karl Kox & Joe Carrolo defeated Michiaki Yoshimura & Giant Baba to win the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Titles

      1967 

      Sapporo, Japan:
      – Michiaki Yoshimura & Antonio Inoki defeated Waldo Von Erich & Ike Eakins for the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Titles 

      Dayton, Ohio:
      – Al Costello & Karl Von Brauner defeated Bill Miller and Bobo Brazil to win the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

      Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
      – In a non Title Death Match; Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race after 9th fall
      – Chris Markoff beat Reggie Parks 
      – Mitsu Arakawa drew with Jack Lanza

      1968 

      Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
      – Tiger Jeet Singh & Bull Curry defeated Whipper Billy Watson & Bulldog Brower for the Toronto version of the NWA International Tag Team Titles

      1973

      Amarillo, Texas:
      – Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk defeated Killer Karl Krupp and Karl Von Steiger to win the NWA International Tag Team Titles

      Dallas, Texas:
      – Black Gordman and Goliath defeated Jose Lothario and Ivan Putski to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

      1975

      Memphis, Tennessee:
      – Karl Von Steiger & Otto Von Heller defeated George Gulas & Jerry Jarrett for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Titles

      1978

      Portland, Oregon:
      – Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero defeated Ron Bass & Roddy Piper to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

      Denver, Colorado:
      – Verne Gagne (sub Jim Brunzell) & Greg Gagne beat Nick Bockwinkel & Angelo Mosca (sub Bob Orton Jr),
      – Rufus R Jones beat Pat Patterson
      – Jim Brunzell beat Bob Orton Jr 
      – Ray Stevens beat Steve Olsonoski

      1982

      Tokyo, Japan:
      – Tiger Mask defeated the Black Tiger to win the WWF Jr. Heavyweight Title 

      1983 

      Tenryu, Japan:
      – Chavo Guerrero defeated Ultra Seven in a tournament final for the vacant NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title 

      Kansas City, Kansas:
       – Bob Brown & Buzz Tyler won a tournament final for the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team Titles

      1984 

      Chicago, Illinois:
      – Road Warriors beat AWA Tag Team Champions The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke via dq
      – Dick The Bruiser beat Jerry Blackwell via dq
      – Fabulous Ones beat Steve Regal & Steve O 
      – Nick Bockwinkel no contest with Blackjack Lanza

      1985

      Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
      – George Steele defeated Matt Borne 
      – Barry O pinned Don Kolov 
      – Bob Orton defeated Jimmy Snuka via count-out 
      – Paul Orndorff defeated Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) via disqualification 
      – Ricky Steamboat pinned Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny V) 
      – WWF Women’s Champion Wendi Richter pinned the Fabulous Moolah 
      – Mike Rotundo & Barry Windham defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff via countout

      1989

      Dallas, Texas:
      – Eric Embry defeated Super Zodiac (Gary Young) to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title 

      1996

      WWF In Your House: Florence, South Carolina:
      – The Smoking Gunns defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Godwinns to win the championship
      – Bob Holly defeated Isaac Yankem
      – Marc Mero defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley 
      – Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin in a strap match
      – Yokozuna defeated Vader
      – WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust defeated The Undertaker
      – Jake Roberts defeated Justin Bradshaw
      – WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels vs. Davey Boy Smith ended in a double pin

      2000

      North Richland Hills, Texas:
      – The Necro Butcher defeated Canyon for the vacant NWA Texas Hardcore Title 
      – Rodney Begnaud (Rodney Mack) defeated Mike Fox to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

      2011 

      – Eric Young defeated Gunner to win the TNA TV Title
      – Kurt Angle defeated Rob Van Dam

    • TUF 23 recap: Divorce ultimatums…and some fighting too

      This season, both the women’s strawweight division and the men’s light heavyweight division will be competing. At the end of the season Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha fight on the TUF 23 Finale with Joanna Champion defending her strawweight title. Last week Claudia Gadelha’s team won again and took a 4-0 lead. She picked Eric Spicely vs. Elias Urbina IV for this week’s fight. Here we go!

      *****

      We open with Dana White talking about Gadelha’s lead and Abdel Medjedoub’s personal problem. On last week’s show, his wife threatened to divorce him if he didn’t quit UFC. After talking to Medjedoub, he agrees to allow another phone call. He tries to explain to her that if he leaves the show, he’ll never do anything in MMA again, but she’s not having it. She basically gives him an ultimatum – come home or we’re done.

      White makes Medjedoub a very unique offer – leave the show for a few days but if he comes back before the next fight, Sunday he can stay on the show. White’s position is he doesn’t want Medjedoub to have to choose between his career and marriage. Medjedoub takes him up on the offer and backs his bag to fly to Montreal and try to straighten things out.

      Finally we get to see some actual training with Elias Urbina IV. He admits he’s the baby of the show and talks about how growing up his family was intent on keeping him and his siblings in the sport of wrestling. If they had one dollar left that dollar went to wrestling shoes. Urbina says he doesn’t fear anything and that he feels relaxed in the cage whether it’s on the feet or on the ground.

      Meanwhile, Team Jedrzejczyk is game-planning for what they’ll do if Medjedoub can’t return. While they believe Khalil Rountree would get a second shot, he’s having so much pain in his knees training Jedrzejczyk advises him to take time off and heal up.

      Eric Spicely talks about his girlfriend dying in a camping accident when her canoe flipped under a bridge and she smashed her head into a pillar – she drowned while she was unconscious. He talks about how she never had any vices or issues – all she cared about was family, sports and school. He vows to continue to win in her memory.

      Pranking has infected the house. The guys put baby powder in the blow dryers. The girls respond by pouring baby powder on them while they’re in the hot tub. Khalil pranks Myron by jumping out of the shower when he goes to use the bathroom. Etc.

      Weigh-in. Urbina is 203.5 and Spicely is 205.5.

      Medjedoub flies back and is welcomed by Team Gadelha with hugs and smiles all around. Whatever he did it has been resolved. He refuses to talk about it on the camera, only saying he admits 1000% all the fault was his, and it will remain between him and her. 

      * Eric Spicely (Team Gadelha) vs. Elias Urbina IV (Team Jedrzejczyk)

      Spicely nearly catches Urbina in an armbar, and Urbina does something I’ve never seen before – he picks up his opponent and SWINGS HIM into the fence trying to shake him off. Spicely rolls for a leg and Urbina ends up dropping hard elbows on his ribs, but Spicely just won’t let go. He makes a transition to the back and get one hook in at the point Urbina nearly had top mount. Urbina keeps his chin tucked and concentrates on controlling Spicely’s arms. Spicely tries to soften Urbina up with rights to the head. The rest of R1 is Urbina defending.

      Whatever happens now, this fight’s not going three rounds given the TV time left.

      Urbina is attacking with kicks. Spicely shoots in for a single and misses. He shoots for the double and Urbina keeps his footing until 56 seconds. He nearly gets to his knees and pops up but Spicely drags him down to the ground and gets both hooks in. Chris Tognoni warns Spicely about shots to the back of the head. Urbina keeps defending and blocking as best he can but that’s all he can do. Dana is pissed off.

      Spicely 20-18 X3. Team Gadelha is 5-0. Gadelha predicts a clean sweep and picks Amanda Cooper to fight Jamie Moyle next week. See you then!

    • NJPW BOSJ day 5 results: Taguchi vs. Romero; Gedo vs. Matt Sydal

      Day 5 results are in (though you probably already know that reading this evening’s edition of the Observer), which featured A Block action in Iwate:

      Gedo vs Matt Sydal

      The heel Gedo jumped Sydal immediately with a superkick to the gut. He was in control for most of the match. Sydal escaped from Gedo and took him down, remained in control and got the win rather quickly with a shooting star press. Okay for what it was.

      Kyle O’Reilly vs. BUSHI

      This was just there. Crowd was kind of into it, but not really. It was solid but the crowd hurt it a bit. There was a ref bump but O’Reilly avoided the mist and hit the brainbuster for a nearfall. The referee recovered way too quickly over that ref bump; doing it in every Bushi match is going to get really tiresome, plus they come up with the most contrived ways to execute them. O’Reilly immediately sank in the armbar and got the submission.

      Kushida vs. David Finlay

      Another solid match here. Kushida worked on Finlay’s arm early. Finlay came back with a German suplex and did the uppercut in the corner. Finlay broke out the stretch muffler but Kushida made it to the ropes. Some hot nearfalls toward the end. After some back and forth reversals Kushida got in the hoverboard lock and after some fighting, Finlay submitted.

      Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero

      Taguchi decided to wear a pirate costume to the ring. And when I mean costume, I mean a plastic hook and an eyepatch. Not imaginative, but gets the job done I guess. Another okay match. Everything looked fine, nothing wrong with it. Romero kicked out of a running hip strike. Taguchi went for another but Romero grabbed him. Taguchi countered by reversing into an ankle lock submission, which got him the win.

      Current tallies:

      Block A:

      • Ryusuke Taguchi – 6
      • Kyle O’Reilly – 6
      • Rocky Romero – 4
      • Matt Sydal – 4
      • Gedo – 2
      • Kushida – 2
      • Bushi – 0
      • David Finlay – 0

      Block B:

      • Baretta – 4
      • Jushin Thunder Liger – 4
      • Ricochet – 4
      • Chase Owens – 2
      • Volador Jr. – 2
      • Tiger Mask – 0
      • Bobby Fish – 0
      • Will Ospreay – 0

    • WOR: WWE Brand Extension 2016, Hulk Hogan, Lucha Underground, tons more!

      Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back to talk the WWE brand extension and Smackdown move to Thursday, tons of questions about it from listeners, the latest on Hulk Hogan, TNA breaks a ratings record, Super Juniors and Lucha Underground reports, UFC sale notes, Overeem vs. Stipe, Floyd vs. McGregor, mailbag and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

      Right click save

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    • May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      In an attempt to revitalize the ratings on Smackdown in particular, the WWE has announced both a brand split and moving Smackdown live on the USA Network on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    • WWE NXT recap: Asuka gets a challenger; TM61 debuts; Aries, Nakamura

      • The Big News: Austin Aries will face Shinsuke Nakamura at NXT TakeOver: The End
      • The Medium News: Nia Jax won a Triple Threat match and will now face Asuka for the Women’s Championship, also at Takeover.
      • The Little Beaver Sized News: TMDK debuted, changed their name to TM61 and, shockingly, lost their debut.

      Welcome to the only article you’ll read today that has absolutely nothing to do with the Brand Extension! However if you read this, you will probably become familiar with some of the future guys and girls of Raw and Smackdown.

      *******

      The show kicks off with NXT General Manager announcing that Bayley is not cleared to compete, so she will not be facing Asuka at NXT TakeOver: The End. Tonight, there will be a triple threat match with Carmella, Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax and the winner will get the title shot at TakeOver.

      There is a new intro video, which culminates in showing all three champions, as opposed to just the NXT Champion.

      *******

      Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated TM61

      Gargano and Ciampa are announced as two of the competitors in the Cruiserweight Classic, and are facing the debuting TM61: Shane Thorne and Nick Miller tonight. They are the former TMDK, so are they now The Mighty 61? Despite their new name, they cut an inset promo saying The Mighty Don’t Kneel.

      This was a really good debut match. Honestly, this is probably the best debut match for someone since Sami Zayn debuted three years ago against Cesaro. Ciampa got the hot tag and he didn’t fare very well either at first. The new duo hit a really nice combination where one used a moonsault and the other used a fist drop on Ciampa.

      This match went through a commercial break and Gargano & Ciampa got a good amount of offense on Thorne after the break. Thorne hit a beautiful dropkick before tagging out to Miller. Ciampa went for a slingshot sunset flip, but Miller caught him and TM61 hit a double team neck breaker, but only got a 2 count. Ciampa and Gargano got a surprising win over the debuting duo with their combo superkick/knee strike.

      *******

      We got a video package building to the Samoa Joe-Finn Balor cage match at NXT Takeover: The End, which concentrated more on Samoa Joe.

      *******

      Bayley cut a promo and flat out said it sucks that she can’t compete at NXT TakeOver: The End against Asuka. Before she could continue, Nia Jax walked up and mocked her for losing, adding she should give Nia credit for putting her out. Nia shoved Bayley away, so Carmella and Alexa both walked up, causing Nia to walk off. Carmella and Alexa exchanged words and then Bayley wished Carmella luck.

      *******

      A video aired for the impending debut of Andrade “Cien” Almas, the former Manny Andrede. He was shown taking off his mask, but had his back to the camera.

      *******

      Austin Aries came out to the arena for a promo. He said the phrase “The Best” is the most overused term in sports. Everyone is the best…until the next person comes along, which is why Austin always called himself The Greatest. Austin says that timing is everything and when he walked into NXT there were other people grabbing attention, so the fans picked up on it and began chanting for Nakamura. He announced that after Joe and Balor finish their business, he is challenging the winner for the title.

      This brought out Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura did his full entrance while Aries stood there bemused.  Nakamura spoke Japanese, stopped and asked Austin if he understood Japanese and Aries said he didn’t understand Nakamura in a funny line. Nakamura then said the NXT Championship wasn’t coming to greatness, it was coming to the King of Strong Style.

      Out comes Mr. William Regal who made Aries vs Nakamura at Takeover in 2 weeks. They shook hands afterwards and the match is on!

      *******

      American Alpha cut a promo on The Revival, who they will face at NXT Takeover: The End, but they know what to expect. Dash & Dawson will go out and punch them in the face, but this is not a boxing match, it’s a wrestling match and they are the best tag team around.

      *******

      No Way Jose defeated Jonathan Oregon

      No Way Jose is back. Apparently on May 14, he did a No Way Jose Day on Twitter and posted pictures of himself all day, which people apparently loved. Go figure. Byron Saxton reported on WWE.com that No Way Jose is his nickname and Corey Graves pointed out exactly what everyone is thinking regarding that stellar reporting.

      Jose is nonstop movement, so it makes sense that he uses an Airplane Spin. Oregon, who had Vandal written on his butt, got 3 seconds of offense. Jose did his windup into a punch to the face before winning with the Cobra Clutch Slam.

      After the match, Jose went over and danced with Tom Phillips and Corey Graves. Phillips made an ass out of himself and Graves refused to, however he was drawn into dancing. Remember when Mahabali Sheera did his dance at Bound for Glory and it somehow made like 6 guys to do it with him? This was similar, but not nearly as asinine.

      *******

      To combat the Samoa Joe video earlier, we got a NXT Takeover: The End main event video that focused more on Finn Balor.

      *******

      Asuka said it doesn’t matter who wins in the main event because she will defeat them at NXT Takeover: The End.

      *******

      In a #1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match, Nia Jax defeated Carmella and Alexa Bliss

      Carmella was trying to give a cue to Alexa that they should take Jax out at the bell, but Bliss decided to roll outside instead and watch the other two ladies compete. Nia slammed Carmella down, so Alexa tried to sneak up with some sort of top rope move. However, Nia turned around and stared Alexa down before she tried anything.

      Jax got posted and fell outside, so the two perky blondes squared off momentarily while the monster recovered. Alexa grabbed Carmella by the throat and did a leg trip, followed by a moonsault for a 2 count when Nia came in to drop an elbow, however Alexa moved and Nia landed on Carmella. Something funny to note is Nia was on her knees and was almost taller than Alexa, who was standing up. Alexa actually got a near fall with a Sparkle Splash on Nia at one point.

      Nia got sent outside again. Carmella tried a suicide dive, but got caught. Alexa, the annoying little pixie she is, stopped Carmella from being killed. Carmella slapped her Triangle Choke on Alexa, but Nia broke it up. Carmella got a rear choke on Nia, but Nia got out of it and eventually hit the legdrop on Carmella, picking up the win.

      Nia Jax will now go to NXT Takeover: The End and challenge Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship! Before that, Asuka came out to stare down her future challenger as the show went off the air.

      *******

      Next week is already the go home show for Takeover, what will happen then? Until then, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

    • Lucha Underground results: Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma in star-laden Trios match

      Two titles are on the line tonight as Cage battles Chavo for the Gift of the Gods Title, and Rey Mysterio Jr, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr. defend against the team of Fenix, PJ Black, and Jack Evans. It’s an unlikely team of opponents though, as Fenix is a babyface and thus an odd man out. Joey Ryan also faces Mascarita Sagrada, who is looking for his first win with Famous B by his side. 

      The show begins with a recap of the cop drama and the Trios Titles being won by Rey, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr. Chavo stealing Cage’s medallion is shown, and we see him letting Chavo win so he can get a shot tonight. In Vampiro’s lair, he tells Pentagon Jr. that he’s not ready to face Matanza – while Pentagon says he has zero fear. Vamp welcomes the Voodoo Greyskulls to the show, and he runs down tonight’s card as Cage battles Chavo for the Gift of the Gods Title.

      Striker talks about the main event which will see PJ Black, Jack Evans, and Fenix facing Rey, Azteca, and Puma. Joey Ryan is mid-ring while Striker calls him a hit and quit it kinda guy. Famous B comes out and gets a nice Famous B chant. He transitions it into a Mascarita chant and introduces him wonderfully, outside of getting jumped and calling him ‘MASCARITA GODDAMN!”

      Joey Ryan vs. Mascarita Sagrada

      Joey jumps him, but Sagrada recovers, sends him to the floor and dives onto him. Sagrada gets crotched, and then Joey offers up his lollipop to Brenda. Joey can’t lift him over his head, but is overjoyed when he lands a basic slam. Wasteland by Sagrada and a diving headbutt gets 2. Joey gets kicked low, which hurts Sagrada. A small package gets 2 for Sagrada and then Joey gets a very awkward tornado DDT for the win. B and Brenda console Sagrada while the commentators talk about how Sagrada has yet to win with Famous B by his side.

      We get a Taya personality profile about how she sees confidence when she looks in the mirror. She also kicks the asses of a bunch of wacky suited ninjas, as you do. Taya says she sees the perfect woman in the mirror, and Mundo agrees. Her red dress and ass-kicking made it seem like they were going for a Ronda Rousey in Expendables 3 vibe – only with more lucha ninjas. King Cuerno talks to Mil Muertes’s body in a coffin in his office. Mil acted like he was king – but he was still in Cuerno’s jungle. Well, that was different and great. Chavo comes down and then Striker adds a billion nicknames for Cage, including the Sentinel.

      Chavo Guerrero vs. Cage – Gift of the Gods Title

      Chavo gets a “Cage is gonna kill you” chant right away. Cage’s new black and gold singlet looks fantastic. He starts with tons of lariats in the corners while Vamp buries Striker for saying Chavo was once one of the best in the world. Chavo tries to gain an edge with sneaky tactics, but gets caught in an apron tree slam. He rakes the eyes and gets Cage to the floor – but a dive is caught and he eats several slams against the railing. Chavo sends him to the floor with a tilt a whirl headscissors and a dive.

      Chavo lands a draping DDT and gets 2. Chavo goes for the legs, but Cage tosses him into the buckle and monkey flips him. Cage catches a dive and lands a Finlay roll before a moonsault misses. Chavo gets 2, and works on the knee. Cage hits an apron kick and lands his power superplex into the ring. European uppercut sends Chavo into the corner, where Chavo tries to kick him – but eats a sitout Alabama slam that gets 2. Cage’s F5 is countered and Chavo hits a running tornado DDT for 2.

      Rolling kick hits for Chavo, but a discus lariat only gets 2 for Cage thanks to Chavo getting his feet on the rope. Chavo avoids a superplex and gets a sunset bomb and a frog splash for 2.5! Chavo doe the Eddie shuffle and lands Three Amigos – but only gets two of them and Cage turns into a suplex, then a powerbomb, and then Weapon X for the win and the Gift of the Gods Title. Cage trades in his title for a shot at Matanza next week – where it will be Monster vs. Machine.

      Taya takes Jack and PJ to the locker room where Fenix is laid out. Mundo replaces him and then punts Fenix for good measure. Officers Neehan and Reyes search Dario’s office since Dario and “his hot ninja” are gone. They find tons of money before Castro busts them for trying to rob Dario without him – so Reyes arrests Cisco while Neehan points a gun at him. Well, this was different and furthers the cop drama while also ending The Crew. Taya comes out and tells everyone that Fenix won’t be here, but PJ and Jack have a better partner – Mundo!

      Johnny Mundo, PJ Black, and Jack Evans vs. Trios Champions Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr.

      Jack starts with Azteca and lets everyone know he still hates dragons.  Jack flips around a bit, but eats a dropkick and some nasty chops in the corner. Azteca hits a double-jump armdrag sending Jack to the corner. A triangle dropkick sends Jack to the floor. PJ comes in to face Puma, and Puma gets tied to a tree of woe before Jack attacks in the corner. Mundo lands a tornado kick while Puma tries to rise up. PJ comes in and gets 2 off of that match. Mundo and PJ land a double backbody drop for 2.

      Puma uses Jack and PJ against each other and forces PJ to DDT Jack with a flying lariat. Rey comes in to face Mundo and sends him down with a deja vu headscissors. Puma and Azteca kick away at Mundo. They get 2 off a legdrop while Jack jumps in for a save. Johnny turns Puma and Azteca’s bodies against each other by catching Azteca and sending Azteca into Puma in the corner. PJ gets 2 off a pop-up cutter. Evans comes in and lands a tornado kick before Rey sends Mundo to the floor. Azteca lands a springboard rana to the floor and sends Mundo into the apron.

      Evans goes up, but gets crotched. Puma sends him down and that results in Evans hitting a wacky kick before hitting a pop-up rana that sends Puma into PJ where PJ eats a rana. Rey kicks PJ into the ropes for a 619, which hits. Puma’s 630 hits and only gets 2 because Mundo pulls the ref out. Mundo kicks Rey low before Mundo and Taya land a double superkick. PJ kicks Puma in the crotch and Evans kicks Puma low too! PJ goes for a brainbuster, but Jack kicks him low first and then the Wellness Policy hits. Johnny goes for the End of the World, but it only gets 2! Mundo goes for a German superplex, but Puma flips back and tags Azteca. Azteca gets a code red, but Jack chairshots him and Mundo cradles him for the win! PJ Black, Jack Evans, and Johnny Mundo win it – giving us two new champions tonight.

      To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.