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  • Daily Update: MSG sends well-wishes to Bret Hart

    Bret Hart well-wishes

    by Tony Leder

    The wrestling world learned of Bret Hart’s battle with prostate cancer yesterday.  The people and organizations wishing him well came flooding in.   Tons over social media including Madison Square Garden sending well-wishes to Bret Hart on both their iconic marquee screen and social media.   So did many within WWE and the rest of wrestling in HHH,  Jerry Lawler, Bret’s nephew Davey Jr, and tons more.   ESPN released an article on the news as did NBC.   Steve Austin on an appearance on the Opie Radio Show: “I wish him all the best. I love that guy. I got so much respect for him. He truly is one of the best ever.  An absolute artist in the ring.  I hold him in very high regard, and he’s a very dear friend.”

    Here is a video I enjoyed yesterday and I wanted to share:

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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 – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    WEDNESDAY UPDATE

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Episode 2 of the Dana White YouTube series “Looking for a Fight” is up now. Previous episodes of the show have introduced us to Sage Northcutt, Randy Brown and Mickey Gall. Gall, of course, makes his UFC debut this weekend against Mike Jackson on UFC Fight Pass.
    • Dave has two articles about this past Saturday’s UFC on Fox card at MMAFighting: A postmortem for the card itself and an article about the ratings/viewership.
    • Former UFC Flyweight Championship challenger Chris Cariaso announced his retirement from MMA today. He was submitted by Demetrious Johnson in the 2nd round of a title fight at UFC 178 in September 2014. He also lost his next two fights to top contenders Sergio Pettis and Henry Cejudo. The 34 year old retires with a 17-8 record, including 7-6 in UFC. He had previously fought in WEC and Strikeforce.
    • Former Strikeforce, Pride and Dream Heavyweight fighter Sergei Kharitonov has signed with Bellator MMA. Kharitonov last fought in the US during the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix where he beat Andrei Arlovski in the opening round before losing to Josh Barnett in the semifinal. He’s been fighting in Europe and Asia since then.

    MISC

    • For those wondering when Fujin and Rajin (Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka from NJPW) will debut in CMLL, they are scheduled to be on today’s CMLL Informa program at 5 pm CT. They aren’t scheduled to be on any streaming shows in the near future, but will start very soon on CMLL’s Tuesday and Sunday shows, which are not streamed anywhere.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/03): The Eliminators win the ECW Tag Team Titles

    Thank you to everyone who helps out with the F4Wonline.com daily update!  You know who you are….  not Bryan today.

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Observer Feature: Terri Runnels on her Marlena run, history with the Rhodes family, more

    By Gary Mehaffy, special to WrestlingObserver.com

    Terri Runnels has been a recognizable face in the wrestling industry for well over 20 years. From her early days as Alexandra York in WCW to managing the enigmatic Goldust as Marlena in WWF/E, she has seen, and done, it all.

    In this 30 minute interview, I talked to Runnels about a variety of topics:

    – How she got into the industry

    – How she feels women have been treated by fans and workers alike

    – How the Goldust and Marlena characters developed from hated heels to beloved babyfaces

    – Her feeling that Brian Pillman was in a dark place the evening before he passed away

    – How Dusty Rhodes initially thought she was a gold digger when she began dating Dustin (something she found ironic, given that out of her and Dustin she was the one who owned a home and had money in the bank). 

    – We discuss what she will be up to at this year’s WrestleCon, whether or not we’ll ever see her and Dustin’s daughter Dakota in a wrestling ring – and even what her favourite breakfast is!

    This is a fun, insightful interview that I think everyone who is a fan of Terri’s will enjoy.

  • WOL: WrestleMania matches, CSAC war on weight cutting, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Josh Nason returns today with tons to talk about including MORE ON THE GREAT BRAUN STROWMAN STORY OF 2016, WrestleMania, Vince McMahon and whether WWE would be better off without him, CSAC war on weight cutting and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners

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    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/03): The Eliminators win the ECW Tag Team Titles

    1962

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Luther Lindsay and Ricky Waldo defeated Rikidozan and Toyonobori to win the JWA All Asia Tag Team Titles

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Larry Hennig 2 out of 3 falls
    – Duke Hoffman beat Karl Von Schober dq
    – Tiny Mills beat Don Kramer 
    – Don Jardine (The Spoiler) beat Strangler Jackie O’Dell

    1965

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Bobby and Lee Fields defeated Terry Garvin and Chin Lee to win the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1967

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Enrique and Ramón Torres won the Georgia NWA World Tag Team Titles from Butcher and Mad Dog Vachon 

    Lafayette, Louisiana:
    – Danny Little Bear defeated Jack Dalton for the NWA Gulf Coast Louisiana Heavyweight Title 

    1968

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki defeated Crusher Lisowski and Dr. Bill Miller to win the NWA International Tag Team Titles

    1970

    Tampa, Florida:
    – NWA World Title: Dory Funk, Jr. defeated Missouri Mauler
    – Brass Knuckles Title: Danny Miller defeated Mr. Saito
    – Bronko Lubich & Chris Markoff defeated Sam Steamboat & Louie Tillet
    – Jack Brisco & Sailor Art Thomas defeated Mephisto & Dante by dq
    – Bob Orton defeated Cyclon Negro
    – Buddy Fuller & Bob Roop defeated Duke Keomuka & Skull Von Stroheim

    Hiroshima, Japan:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne drew Strong Kobayashi
    – Great Kusatsu & Thunder Sukiyama beat Michael Nador & Monster Rousimoff (Andre the Giant) to win IWA World Tag Titles

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bob Orton & Benny Ramirez fought The Viking & Steve Bolus to a draw    
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Blackjack Black    
    – Black Angus defeated Terry Martin    
    – Danny Little Bear & Baron Von Raschke defeated Chati Yokuchi & Yasu Fuji in three falls    
    – Harley Race defeated Omar Atlas in three falls    

    1973 

    – Johnny Powers defeated Karl Von Krupp to win the NWF North American Heavyweight Title

    Sarasota, Florida:
    – Southern Title: Mark Lewin defeated Buddy Colt
    – Florida Title: Jack Brisco defeated Gorgeous George, Jr.
    – Florida Tag Titles: Big Bad John & Tim Woods defeated Chris Markoff & Blackjack Slade
    – Phil Robley & Dick Slater drew Roberto Soto & Kevin Sullivan

    1976

    Raleigh, North Carolina:
    – The Minnesota Wrecking Crew (Gene and Ole Anderson) defeated Rufus R. Jones and Wahoo McDaniel to win the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    Mobile, Alabama;
    – Eddie Sullivan defeated Bob Sweetan to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title

    1977

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Giant Baba & Tenyru drew with Pat O’Conner & Akio Sato 
    – Bulldog Bob Brown defeated “DI” Bob Slaughter (Sgt.)
    – Ernie Ladd beat Ted Oates

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – The Crusher beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Non Title: Larry Hennig & Ray Stevens beat AWA Tag Team Champions Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum
    – Peter Maivia beat Angelo Mosca
    – Jim Brunzell double count out Pedro Morales
    – Greg Gagne beat Roger Kirby
    – Super Destroyer beat Billy Francis
    – Moose Morowski beat Iron Sheik

    1980

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bruiser Brody and Ernie Ladd defeated Jerry and Ted Oates to win the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team Title in a one night tournament final 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Non Title Cage match: The Crusher beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Jerry Blackwell dq
    – Super Destroyer Mark II beat Super Destroyer Mark III
    – Chris Markoff drew Buck Zumhofe

    1983

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Cage match: AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Rick Martel
    – Ken Patera beat Steve O
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Bobby Duncum
    – Jesse Ventura beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Rene Goulet

    1984 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – David Von Erich defeated Michael Hayes to win the NWA United National Heavyweight Title

    1989 

    Main Event: Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – The Mega Powers (Hulk Hogan and WWF Champion Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth)) defeated The Twin Towers (Akeem and The Big Boss Man) (with Slick), 
    – Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated Hercules 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Brickhouse Brown defeated Iceman Parsons to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title

    1990

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Curtis Thompson (Firebreaker Chip) defeated Scotty the Body (Raven) for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – The Southern Rockers (Steve Doll and Rex King) defeated Robert Fuller and Brian Lee to win the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1991

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Kevin Von Erich defeated The Angel of Death to win the Texas Wrestling Federation Texas Heavyweight Title

    Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
    – El Bronco and Invader I defeat The Texas Hangmen (Killer and Psycho) to win the WWC World Tag Team Titles

    Landover, Maryland:
    – The Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels) defeated Demolition (Smash and Crush)
    – Roddy Piper defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect (with Bobby Heenan) by countout
    – WWF Champion Sgt. Slaughter (subbing for Randy Savage) defeated The Ultimate Warrior in a Steel Cage match to retain the title

    1996

    Big Apple Blizzard Blast: Queens, New York:
    – The Eliminators (Kronus and Saturn) defeated Cactus Jack and Mikey Whipwreck for the ECW World Tag Team Titles

    1998

    Tokyo, Japan:

    – Yoshihiro Tajiri defeats Gedo in the finals of a eight-man one-night tournament to become the first BJW Junior Heavyweight Champion

    2004

    Cleveland, Ohio:
    – Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty defeated WWE Tag Team Champions The Basham Brothers to win the titles
    – Kurt Angle defeated Hardcore Holly 
    – The World’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) defeated Funaki and Ultimo Dragon

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: TNA Champ Matt Hardy vs. Kurt Angle

    Tonight on TNA Impact:

    Ethan Carter III will break his silence and speak for the first time since losing the TNA World Title to Matt Hardy. Also, the TNA X Division Champion Tigre Uno puts his belt on the line against Gregory Shane Helms. Plus an appearance by TNA World Champion, Matt Hardy, and more on the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.

    Show Recap:

    – Earlier today, Ethan Carter III ran into a camera crew. He’s willing to tell everyone what has been on his mind. He is shown throughout the show getting ready for his interview.

    – After the sweet opening theme song and credits, TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, Reby, and Tyrus make their way to the ring. Matt talked about his brother Jeff Hardy and he recapped how Eric Young piledrove Jeff through a table last week. Reby took the mic from Matt and said she was sick of hearing people say her husband was in Jeff’s shadow.  EY & Bram come down to the ring. EY wants a shot at the champ but Kurt Angle interrupts them. Kurt announces that he’s getting a shot at the TNA World title in tonight’s main event. Beer Money comes out to try and even the odds. A brawl breaks out with all six guys. Crazy Steve & Abyss come down but before they can make it to the ring, The Wolves run out and attack Steve and Abyss. Beer Money and The Wolves announce they’ll face EY, Bram, Crazy Steve and Abyss in Hardcore War. 

    – Backstage, Drew Galloway was being interviewed about winning the World Title shot in the Feast or Fired. Tyrus interrupts him and they set up a match for later.

    Lashley vs. Aiden O’Shea

    Aiden jumped Lashley as he was trying to take his t-shirt off. The beautiful and stunning Raquel made her way to ringside. Lashley sent Aiden to the outside. Raquel got in Lashley’s way and Aiden regained the advantage. Lashley made his own comeback and beat Aiden with the spear. After the match, Raquel got on the mic and said, “I can bring you pain or pleasure.”

    – Last week before the reveal of Feast or Fired, Eli Drake talked about the briefcase and that he has a 75% of getting the World title shot. Jesse Godderz was then interviewed and talked about Eli Drake winning the Feast or Fired.

    – “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis came out but without “Miracle” Michael Bennett. Maria wants to talk about women’s wrestling. Maria thinks the Knockouts Division is broken and that she is here to fix it. Knockouts Champion Gail Kim comes down the ring. This is a pretty good segment. Both Gail and Maria played their roles well. Gail challenged Maria but Maria escaped from the ring.

    Hardcore War: TNA World Tag Champions The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) and Beer Money (James Strom & Bobby Roode) vs. Eric Young, Bram and Decay (Crazy Steve and Abyss)

    A really good match with a lot of weapons. In fact, everyone came to the ring with a weapon. Davey Richards and Crazy Steve start the match. Davey had a chair and Steve had a baseball bat wrapped in a chain. Steve went to use the chair but Davey grabbed the bat and hit the chair back into Steve’s face. Bram is the next entrant to the ring with corner turnbackle pad pipe. The heels beat Davey all over the place. James Storm is the next entrant and he comes out with a Keg of Beer. EY comes out next with a Singapore cane. Back from commercial, Eddie Edwards is now in the match. Abyss comes to the ring with Janice. The final entrant is Booby Roode who has a hockey stick. Beer Money and The Wolves clear the ring and then all four do the Beer Money Signature. Beer Money and EY & Bram fight to the back. Steve spits the mist into Davey’s eyes and picks up the win.

    Drew Galloway vs. Tyrus

    Drew brings his Feast or Fired World title shot briefcase to the ring. These two had a good match. The action went back and forth with both having the chance to shine. Drew was about to finish off Tyrus when suddenly, the lights went out and when the lights came back on Michael Bennett and Maria were in the ring. He attacked Drew with the briefcase. Drew did a great sell job here. He sold it like he was dead, especially in the eyes. 

    TNA X Division Champion Tigre Uno vs. Gregory Shane Helms

    Shane Helms came out but was clearly not dressed to wrestle. Helms isn’t wrestling but he has a mystery representative, Trevor Lee. They have a good match but the crowd was flat for some spots. Lee dominated the early part of the match but Uno made a comeback. Tigre hit a sweet looking hurricanrana. Trevor Lee hits a fisherman buster into a roll up for the win. Trevor Lee is the new TNA X Division Champion.

    EC3 Interview

    EC3 cut a great promo from his home. This cemented his babyface turn, as EC3 was a total babyface here. He was tremendous talking about how he acted like a “piece of s**t” and that he just wants to win. This was done really well with the way it was shot and the incorporation of music. It’s worth going out of your way to see this promo. EC3 is going to take a plane to the U.K. to find Matt Hardy and he wants his world title back.

    TNA World Champion Matt Hardy (w/Reby & Tyrus) vs. Kurt Angle

    Another really good main event from TNA. Matt gets the advantage early but Kurt makes a comeback and hits three rolling German suplex. Tyrus jumps on the apron and Kurt sent Matt into him. Tyrus then took a really slow bump off of that from the apron to the floor. Back from commercial, Kurt locks on the ankle lock but Matt rolls through and sends him to the outside. Tyrus attacks Kurt on the outside and instantly went over and harassed The Pope on commentary. The fans broke into a small “Pope” chant.

    Angle scores several near falls but is unable to pick up the win. Kurt hits Matt with another series of German Suplex. Kurt kicked out of Matt’s twist of fate. Kurt hits yet another series of German suplex, which bring the total to around 12. Kurt went to the top rope but Tyrus and Reby tried to stop him. This gave Matt enough time to hit the twist of fate from the top rope to win the match. Matt retains the TNA World Title and beats Kurt in the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.

    Next Week on TNA Impact:

    We’re in the UK where the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour continues as Kurt says goodbye to his U.K. fans. Bobby Lashley goes one on one with Bram and TNA World Champion Matt Hardy will make an appearance.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs Rusev & Alberto Del Rio

    Roman Reigns def. Rusev by DQ

    Alberto Del Rio interfered for the DQ and Dean Ambrose made the save. This set up a tag team match for later in the show.

    U.S. Champion Kalisto pinned Kevin Owens. 

    Dolph Ziggler was on commentary and distracted Owens.  After the match, Owens laid both Ziggler and Kalisto out.

    – The Miz did an interview talking about his upcoming match with A.J. Styles.

    Ryback beat Erick Rowan

    After the match, Braun Strowman attacked Ryback.  Ryback has no gear.  He’s ditched the singlet and is now wearing regular tights.

    – Renee Young interviewed Becky Lynch.  Sasha Banks came out during the interview.

    A.J. Styles beat The Miz via submission with the calf killer

    After the match, Chris Jericho cut a promo and challenged Styles to a match next week on Smackdown, which will be taped this coming Tuesday in Portland, OR.

    – They advertised Brock Lesnar’s first live Smackdown appearance in a decade for Tuesday night in Portland, OR.

    – Roman Reigns did an interview regarding the main event.

    – The New Day did an interview. The Social Outcasts, minus Bo Dallas came out.

    WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day beat The Social Outcasts.

    Charlotte beat Alicia Fox with the figure eight. 

    Brie Bella was at ringside.

    Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose beat Rusev & Alberto Del Rio.

  • B&V: Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week!

    The Bryan & Vinny Show is back tonight with tons to talk about including full reviews of Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week! Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Vader, Sid, the NWO, Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper, more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

    Right click save

  • Daily Update: WWE Raw ratings fall, Ben Henderson gets immediate title shot

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL.  Please send to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

    Smackdown will be taped on tonight in Memphis, TN.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    More on the front page, but the Raw audience was a new non-football season record low.

    As noted on the front page, Benson Henderson’s Bellator debut will be a welterweight title shot on April 22nd.

    Some interesting movement on the betting lines for UFC 196 in the two title fights. Conor McGregor opened as an underdog in his Lightweight title challenge of Rafael Dos Anjos but is now a slight favorite, due to most of the money coming in on the Featherweight champion. While Miesha Tate is still an underdog against Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, the line has moved a lot in the last week, with most of the money coming in on Tate.

    Embattled Edmond Tarverdyan, he was fined $5000 and suspended for 3 months due to failing to disclose his criminal past.  Edmond was popped in 2010 for felony identity theft and a resisting arrest charge, which is a misdemeanor.  He ended up pleading no contest to reduced misdemeanor charges but since he didn’t disclose this information to the CSAC he can’t corner anyone for 90 days.  He is having a rough year…

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • TMZ Sports interviewed a fake Edmond Tarverdyan (Ronda Rousey’s coach) and hilarity ensued. Technically, the Edmond Twitter account is in violation of Twitter’s rules for not being clearly marked as a parody, but obviously nobody’s reported him, he’s not verified either, and the account being a parody is fairly obvious.  
    • Past TUF cast member Jamie Yager (remember him?) returns to action for the first time in three years on a WSOF undercard fight on 2/20 against Greg Parker.
    • After the initial overnight number for Saturday’s UFC on FOX show came in at 2.43 million viewers, final numbers released today bumped that up to 2.685 million viewers, as we had speculated it would. The FS 1 prelims did 702,000 viewers. The main card number was down about 14% from last January’s FOX show. The prelims were up about 16% in total viewers as has been the case for most shows of late.
    • In other MMA ratings news, Bellator 148 Friday on Spike TV did a disappointing 566,000 viewers for the show headlined by Paul Daley knocking out Andy Uhrich. This show was greatly hurt by the withdrawal of former UFC star Josh Koscheck from the originally scheduled main event and the number was way down from their 2015 average.
    • Bellator 149 on February 19th has a late change to the main card as Mike Bronzoulis had to pull out of his fight with Melvin Guillard. Bellator veteran Derek Campos steps in to face the UFC vet who is coming off losses in 3 of his last 4 fights. In a weird bit of trivia, those three losses came in UFC, WSOF and Bellator.

    MISC

    • For those who haven’t been keeping up with the NWAClassics.com streaming service, they recently released a previously unearthed Terry Funk vs. Mark Lewin match from 1979.
    • This week’s Between the Sheets podcast with Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan covers January 26 to February 1, 1991 including the WWF under firing for Gulf War exploitation, Dave Meltzer under fire from the WWF for what he wrote about their Gulf War exploitation, the WBF holds its first press conference, the birth of RINGS, WCW Clash of the Champions:  Dixie Dynamite, and much more.
    • Fire Pro Podcast this week talks about Royal Rumble 1999 and the week in news here.
    • Here’s a podcast with indie promoter/wrestler Dan Maff.
    • Metro Pro Champion Jeremy Wyatt def. the Beer City Bruiser, The Math Magician def. Tracy Smothers, and Central States Champion Ace Steel def. the Kansas City Wolves this past Saturday at Metro Pro Wrestling’s event at the Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/02): Midnight Express won the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Ratings drop to non-football record low for RAW

    Raw set another all-time record low for the era for a non-football season broadcast last night averaging 3.37 million viewers.

    The prior lowest audience outside of holidays and football season was 3.46 million set on June 29, 2015.

    In particular was a strong third hour drop to 3.09 million viewers.   Most of the third hours against the NFL topped last night’s final hour.  This RAW was headlined by Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. New Day.

    Going in, expectations weren’t strong with the Iowa Caucus coverage expected to hurt.  The show was down 18 percent from last week, which showed the combination of the day after the Rumble increase and the Dwayne Johnson appearance didn’t carry over a week later.

    For the three hours:

    8 p.m. 3.59 million viewers
    9 p.m. 3.46 million viewers
    10 p.m. 3.09 million viewers