Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson announced Tuesday that he has signed with Bellator MMA.
Henderson’s contract expired after his split decision win over Jorge Masvidal on 11/28 in Seoul, South Korea, and it was well known he was in talks with Bellator since that point. UFC had the right to match the Bellator offer, but declined according to a tweet from MMA Junkie’s John Morgan who spoke with Dana White.
It is expected Henderson will fight at welterweight in Bellator where he would be considered a strong favorite if he were to face current champion Andrey Koreshkov. The 170 pound division is wide open for him to talk into a title fight, but he’d have more money fights at lightweight. Lightweight is the company’s strongest division with the likes of current lightweight champion Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, and Josh Thomson.
On Facebook, Henderson (23-5) thanked the UFC, including a number of people behind the scenes as well as White and Lorenzo Fertitta. He also did an interview on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour show.
“I’m beyond excited for this next phase of my career,” he wrote. “It’s a big move, like any move when switching employers or jobs after having worked somewhere for such a long time.
Henderson started with Zuffa in 2009, as part of the WEC lightweight division. He had a classic all-time match later that year when he won the interim title in a match with Donald Cerrone, and followed that up with by beating Jamie Varner for the title. Henderson lost the title to Anthony Pettis in another of the great fights of the era, via decision, in 2010, featuring Pettis doing the Showtime kick off the cage to knock Henderson down in the closing minute of the fight. Henderson then defeated Frankie Edgar on February 26, 2012, to win the UFC lightweight title. He defended it four times before losing to Pettis on August 31, 2013. He fought at welterweight in his last two UFC fights.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada: – Bobby Managoff won the Montreal World Heavyweight Title by defeating Yvon Roberts
Des Moines, Iowa: – NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Leroy McGuirk beat Billy Goelz 2 out of 3 falls – Farmer Jones beat Jack Hader – Lee Henning beat Vic Christy
1952
Houston, Texas: – Ray Gunkel and Miguel Guzman defeated Ivan Kalmikoff and Duke Keomuka to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles
Vancouver, British Columbia – The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan) defeated Don Leo Jonathan and Gene Kiniski for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles
1966
Orlando, Florida: – NWA World Title: Gene Kiniski defeated Klondike Bill in 2 out of 3 falls – The Medics defeated Eddie Graham & Sam Steamboat in 2 out of 3 falls – Jesse James defeated Red Roberts – Jose Lothario defeated Tom Bradley
1968
Kansas City, Kansas: – Bob Brown and Bob Geigel won the NWA North American Tag Team Titles by defeating Ron Etchison and Klondike Bill in a Texas Death Match – Pat O’Connor defeated Pedro Valdez – Stan the Moose defeated Steve Bolus
1969
Omaha, Nebraska: – Stan Pulaski defeated Mike DiBiase to win the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Title
1972
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – King Curtis Iaukea and Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Karl Gotch and Rene Goulet to win the WWWF World Tag Team Titles
1973
Kansas City, Kansas: – Bob Geigel and Rufus R. Jones defeated Roger Kirby and Harley Race to win the NWA North American Tag Team Titles
1974
Portland, Oregon: – Killer Karl Krupp and Kurt Von Steiger defeated Dutch Savage and Jimmy Snuka for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles
1977
Tampa, Florida: – Dusty Rhodes & The Assassin defeated Steve Strong & Superstar Billy Graham – Buddy Wolff defeated Steve Keirn – Jack & Jerry Brisco & Jos LeDuc defeated Pat McGinnis & Seigfried Stanke & Ox Baker – Mike Graham defeated Bob Orton, Jr. – Mr. X drew Skip Young – Kevin Sullivan defeated Angelo Poffo
1980
Sapporo, Japan: – Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Steve Keirn to win the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title
Shreveport, Louisiana: – Ted DiBiase defeated Mike George to win the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title
1981
Lake Charles, Louisiana: – Leroy Brown and Ernie Ladd defeated The Junkyard Dog and Killer Karl Kox for the Mid-South Tag Team Titles
1988
Memphis, Tennessee: – Max Pain (Daryl Peterson) and Gary Young defeated Manny Fernandez and Jeff Jarrett in a tournament final to win the Continental Wrestling Association Tag Team Titles – Jeff Jarrett & Manny Fernandez beat AWA Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers dq
1991
Saturday Night’s Main Event: Macon, Georgia: – Hulk Hogan and Tugboat defeated Dino Bravo and Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart) – Jim Duggan defeated WWF Champion Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan) by disqualification – The Legion of Doom (Animal and Hawk) defeated The Orient Express (Kato and Tanaka) (with Mr. Fuji)
1992
Caguas, Puerto Rico: – Ron Garvin defeated Carlos Colon for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title
1993
Memphis, Tennessee: – The Moondogs (Splat and Spot) defeated The Harris Brothers (Ron and Don) to win the USWA Tag Team Titles
1997
Crossing the Line: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – ECW World Heavyweight Champion Raven pinned Steve Williams to retain the title – ECW Tag Team Champions The Eliminators (Kronus and Saturn) defeated Sabu and Rob Van Dam to retain the title – Terry Funk pinned Tommy Rich – Tommy Dreamer and The Pitbulls defeated The Triple Threat (Chris Candido, Shane Douglas and Brian Lee)
2003
Osaka, Japan: – Jushin Liger and Takehiro Murahama defeated Black Buffalo and Tsubasa for the Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles
Humacao, Puerto Rico: – Carly Colon won the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title from Chicky Starr
2004
Sapporo, Japan: – Minoru Suzuki and Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Osamu Nishimura and Hiroyoshi Tenzan for the IWGP World Tag Team Titles
El Rey Network announced Monday morning that Lucha Underground has been renewed for a third season.
According to the release, production will begin immediately in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles and will premiere on El Rey in early 2017.
The second season of the cult wrestling phenomenon began a week ago and are just about to wrap up their final set of tapings. Last week’s premiere drew 109,000 viewers for the initial Wednesday airing with 85,000 for the immediate replay.
From the release:
“‘Lucha Underground’ has caught fire by developing a loyal and passionate fan base,” said El Rey Network Chairman and Founder Robert Rodriguez. “I am proud that its home is El Rey Network, and we’re excited to announce a season three return for even more no-holds-barred action.”
“I am so excited that the fans will be able to continue to enjoy the incredible action and stories,” said Executive Producer Mark Burnett.
“It is with great remorse that I feel compelled to speak truthfully to my friends, family and my millions of fans around the world. In the past few years, I’ve spent more than enough time paying the price for all those years trying to be the best there ever was as a professional wrestler. I executed excellently and my proudest claim was that I never seriously hurt or injured another wrestler in my 23 year career. I’ve paid a price for all that “fake” wrestling. Aside from a devastating career-ending concussion and numerous surgeries when I was younger, in recent years I’ve had two knee replacements, two hernia operations, surgery on my right elbow, and, just a few months ago, I underwent a four-corner fusion of my right wrist that even now makes it most difficult to write or type.
Mark Helprin wrote: “We are all perfect clocks that Divinity has set to ticking when, even before birth, the heart explodes into a lifelong dance.” I’ve had a great lifelong dance and I’m a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle. With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer. In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.
My fans have always looked upon me as a hero and I’ve always done my best to live up to that in and out of the ring. I beat the odds when I suffered my stroke in 2002, but it is now yet again, that I draw upon the many adults and young children I’ve met throughout my life who courageously fought and usually lost in their battles against this deadly disease. One year ago, I watched a brave young man named Whesley fight brain cancer to the end. If I can find even an ounce of his courage to stand unafraid and face the tough road ahead of me, I will march toward this destiny with his spirit chanting in my ear.
I make a solemn vow to all of those that once believed in me, the dead and the living, that I will wage my fearsome fight against cancer with one shield and one sword carrying my determination and my fury for life, emboldened by all the love that’s kept me going this long already. Love is my weapon and I’ve got much of it around me all the time, for which I’m truly blessed and eternally grateful. My children, grandchildren, and my loving wife Steph have been and will constantly be at my side. I refuse to lose, I will never give in or give up, and I will win this battle or die trying.
Most important of all, I hope I can take the fight to prostate cancer. To be a leader in awareness and to set the example for men everywhere who find themselves in my very same shoes, that prostate cancer can be beaten.
The January 25th post-Royal Rumble edition of Monday Night RAW did a 2.93 rating and averaged 4,098,000 viewers for the 3-hour broadcast. Other than the June 15th, 2015 RAW, which did a virtually identical 4.1 million viewers, this was the highest number for RAW since the post-Mania show’s 5.35 million, and the rating was the highest since that March 30th show did a 3.67.
However, both numbers were significantly down from last year’s post Rumble RAW. That show had a 3.27 rating and averaged 4,410,000 viewers. For the month of January, the average viewership total was 3,624,000 with a 2.56 rating. Those numbers were down 10.51% and 13.31% respectively from the January 2015 averages. This was the 14th straight month that both numbers dropped from the previous year’s total.
What should that mean for this week?
The February 2, 2015 edition of RAW averaged 4.28 million viewers and a 3.01 rating. Given the pattern of how recent RAWs have been performing as compared to the same week the previous year, tonight’s show should do a rating somewhere between 2.5 and 2.7 with a viewership total between 3.7 million and 3.9 million.
This month and for only the second time ever, WWE will present Fastlane, the now yearly traditional February PPV, I guess. The show takes place on February 21 from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, headlined by a triple threat match between Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose for the number one contender slot to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
This year, WWE threw tradition out the window and made the Royal Rumble match a WWE World title bout in which Reigns had to defend his title against 29 others, from the number one position no less. Of course, he got tossed by the boss (HHH), but don’t worry, he’s getting a rematch at Fastlane, sort of.
Let’s look at how each competitor got here in storyline:
Reigns: He lost in the Royal Rumble so he is due a rematch. One would think he would simply demand his rematch at Wrestlemania, but The Authority made this Fastlane match before he thought of that, I suppose.
Ambrose: He was the runner-up to HHH in the Royal Rumble, and is ALSO the current Intercontinental Champion. If this were the 80’s, that would make him the number one contender automatically. That’s valid enough to put him in the match, kinda.
Lesnar: He had an average showing in the Rumble, and prior to that, was last seen beating the Undertaker at Hell in a Cell in October. He’s the biggest draw, so yeah, he’s in, but in storyline, he hasn’t earned it. Why did The Authority do this? It makes no sense to put the former UFC champion in this match because he’s clearly a major threat unless… he’s joining The Authority. Speculation on my part would suggest to me that Lesnar is winning at Fastlane and turning heel, and will be gifted the title from HHH on Raw. Somehow this will lead to Reigns vs. Lesnar at Wrestlemania with HHH in Lesnar’s corner and The Rock in Reigns’ corner. But that’s purely speculation…
Prediction: Ambrose and Reigns team up to take out Lesnar early, but then both become consumed with hurting / one-upping each other and forget about Lesnar, who recovers and destroys Ambrose before turning his sites to Reigns. Reigns looks like he’s on the verge of defeat, but makes his comeback only to have HHH come to the ring and throw Lesnar the belt which he uses to put Reigns away, probably.
My guess is that the real reason they are doing this match as a three-way is because they remember the excellent three-way match with Lesnar, Rollins, and Cena from last year’s Royal Rumble and think that this match will be able to top that one.
I hope they are right, because the storyline is pretty stupid unless The Authority is just banking on the fact that this match will be so brutal, it won’t matter who wins because they’ll be too badly beaten to put up a fight against HHH at Wrestlemania. From The Authority’s perspective, why give Reigns a chance? They hate him! Why give Ambrose a shot? He is Reigns’ best buddy! Why put Lesnar in there? He is the most dominant force in the WWE and broke HHH’s arm! All this adds up to something fishy smelling.
Here’s what should have happenend: the day after the Royal Rumble, Reigns should have taken Vince McMahon hostage in the ring and demanded his rematch right then. That’s what “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would have done. Instead, just like John Cena would have done, Reigns just eats his crow and gets back in line. He’s so impotent! He put HHH out for a month! He KO’d Vinny Mac! He battled the beast and got screwed at Wrestlemania last year! WHY ISN’T REIGNS MAD? If they are trying to make the next John Cena, they’re doing a good job of it by having Reigns not really care about losing the belt.
This guy is fighting The Authority! Yes, the storyline from 16 years ago is still happening, only instead of an ass kicking, beer swilling, bird flipping madman, we have a cool guy trying to remain cool by not caring. That’s not cool. In fact, that’s decidedly un-cool! Stone Cold didn’t care what Vince wanted. Stone Cold didn’t bother to ask. Stone Cold didn’t wait in line. He took what he wanted, and he was the coolest! Rebels are cool, not guys who take turns.
Hey WWE, we’re not thrilled with the character development of Roman Reigns. He’s mediocre at best. Please listen to us wrestling fans. It’s not that hard. If you’re hell bent on rehashing the storyline from 16 years ago, that’s fine, but go back and look at what worked then and start from there. It’s really simple WWE, just ask yourself one question: what would Stone Cold Steve Austin do?
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including thoughts on UFC on FOX from last night, Sage Northcutt’s submission, Lucha Underground allegedly coming to iTunes, tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
– Big Damo & Jimmy Havoc vs. Mike Bennett (No Maria) & Drew Galloway (Jokers Wild) (One Night Only)
The match was basically a handicap match, with Bennett & Galloway doing the partners not getting along deal, as they are currently in a program together, although by the time this airs it probably won’t be the case, but who knows. As I say, 2-on-1 with Galloway in-ring for his team, at one point he went to tag Bennett who dropped down from the apron, then later he wanted the tag and Drew wouldn’t give it to him, Galloway made his comeback, hit the double-arm DDT, Bennett made a tag without Drew’s consent, threw him from the ring, and stole the pin. Drew was one of the more over guys on the show, Havoc got a nice reaction, the match was fine.
– Matt Hardy promo to open, he’s said he has beaten EC3 so many times it’s now boring. He’ll never get a shot at Hardy again. Introduces Rockstar Spud (to his hometown). Points out that 1 year ago EC3 left him battered and bloodied, with his head shaved. Now the public are jumping on the latest bandwagon supporting EC3. He took some good old fashioned revenge, and took what EC3 craved. EC3 eventually interrupts with a run in and beats Tyrus, then Hardy. Spud tries to attack, but ends up getting away. EC3 challenges Spud to a “fight”, no ref, no rules.
Xplosion:
– Jessie Godderz beat Tigre Uno by submission with a Boston crab.
Impact Episode 1:
– Here came an hilarious part of the show for me personally. A time or two before this, Borash had added an incentive for the crowd being rowdy, the incentive being particular fans that were seen as the most rowdy would get backstage passes, which they seemed to follow through with. But this time he took it up another level. He encouraged the fans to give Gail a great ovation for the following segment, and said these extra rowdy fans would get to go in the knockouts locker room! Needless to say Gail came out, all the pervs and the place in general went nuts, and she got most probably the biggest reaction of the entire show. Maybe this is commonplace in wrestling, but this was a first for me, and I was in a fit of laughter. So when this airs, if you see some random guy in a second row laughing hysterically, that’s me.
Gail cut a promo on Maria and her involvement in the cage match, said the knockouts division has always been about wrestling and all Maria does is talk etc., calls her out, Maria comes out, doesn’t want to fight, waffles on-and-on (I was tired before the show, and I was already getting agitated as this was close to an-hour-and-a-half into the show and we’d seen two short matches, so I wasn’t paying great attention), they go back-and-forth on the mic, Maria walks-off (was standing outside the ring the whole time), Gail chases her, gets jumped by Jade who gives her a beating on the entrance ramp, grabs the mic, cuts a promo on Gail, holds the title aloft and makes clear our next knockouts program.
Birmingham street fight: EC3 vs Rockstar Spud
We were told by JB beforehand Dixie had made this match. No ref, both guys in street clothes. Standard street fight, lots of brawling around ringside, chair involvement, Carter took a lot of the match with Spud getting on top via shortcuts, crowd wanted tables, eventually got a table, EC3 powerbombed Spud through the table in-ring, locked him in a Cobra Clutch, Spud began tapping frantically, refs, Pat Kenney and maybe some other officials came running down, pulled EC3 off and successfully persuaded him that enough-was-enough.
Impact Episode 2:
– Opens with Dixie carter in ring, TNA roster outside ring. They’re here to celebrate Kurt Angle. Dixie hoped this day would never come, and can’t thank Angle enough for everything he’s done. Drew Galloway gets in the ring, says it was an honor to be picked to wrestle him on his farewell tour. Asks him please don’t go, but then says thank you so much. Angle talks, says he came to TNA to find himself, he’s a better person for being here. Bobby Lashley interrupts. It’s a bad day, but a great experience, an amazing thing for him, so thank you. But, he can see it as he looks at Angle’s eyes and Kurt’s just not ready to wrestle him.
– Borash mentions this is the Feast or Fired episode of impact, and we’ll find out who got what later.
Xplosion:
– Marti Bell and Rebel of Dollhouse vs Beautiful People (Rayne & Sky)
Crowd were really into The Beautiful People, especially Velvet, match was what you’d expect to be polite, but it wasn’t atrocious. Velvet won with a stunner, or some sort of variation. Not sure who she pinned.
Impact:
– King of The Mountain Title Match: Bram, EY, Will Osprey, Jimmy Havoc and Big Damo.
Match didn’t seem that long, Ospreay had his fans, Ospreay took a bump off the ladder into the turnbuckle and appeared to get momentarily wedged between buckle and ladder but seemed ok, Havoc did a dive off the penalty box onto multiple combatants, Young & Bram did the deal where heel partners start off working together and then prize gets between them, Havox took a piledriver from Young onto the steps, Ospreay was climbing the ladder and then Young leaped from the top rope and caught him with a flying neckbreaker from the ladder which led to the Young win.
Feast or Fired briefcases:
Beer Money: Tag title shot
Eli Drake: KOTM title shot
Drew Galloway: World title shot
Grade: Fired
– Mike Bennett & Maria come out for a promo, Bennett talks about Angle leaving and Carter having his chances, says he’s going to be #1 contender and win the title, as well as save wrestling, asks Dixie to come out and grant his request, Drew comes out, they go back-and-forth on the mic, Bennett tells Drew to go and get Dixie for him, Drew turns to do so and then turns back around and attacks Bennett, Bennett powders to end the segment.
– Knockouts Champion Gail Kim vs Jade.
Nice match, been a big admirer of Gail’s for a number of years, crowd really got into it. Gail did this ridiculous spot where he did a rope-walk whilst holding onto Jade, then leaped onto Jade for a hurricanrana, who reversed it into a powerbomb. I think she was ok, but it didn’t look pretty and was a pretty risky spot. Finish came when Gail performed a flying crossbody, Jade reversed the pin, then Gail reversed again for the win. The crossbody may’ve came a little earlier, but it definitely ended with the pinning sequence. With the nature of the finish this appeared to set-up another match, and for the aftermath Jade was screaming at Gail from the ring while Gail was on the ramp in a way that seemed to suggest this.
– TNA Tag Champions Wolves vs Beer Money
Crowd were super into Beer Money, really hot for the match, probably the most over match on the show, nice match, probably really good (again, I was beat), loud “this is awesome” chants, Davey Richards got injured leaping from the top rope and taking a super Codebreaker, after taking it whilst lying on the mat he faced my side of the arena clearly in a lot of pain, clutch his knee or shin (would think he injured his knee), rolled outside, Earl Hebner communicated with him and threw up the X, there was a “conference” between the three guys, they went a few more minutes with just the three guys, Hebner communicated with Richards just before the finish, DWI on Edwards by Beer Money to win the titles. Richards was helped to back by doctors and officials. Wouldn’t like to speculate but didn’t look good.
– Borash is about to introduce the Angle-Lashley match, Grado comes running down (pretty over), says he has video evidence that he was screwed out of his job, is about to cue it when Drake & Godderz come out, cut a promo on Grado, 2-on-1 beatdown, Shera makes the save (who maybe the worst wrestler I’ve ever seen live, he looked terrible) Shera gets clobbered from behind with the briefcase by Drake, Drake & Godderz set Grado up for a briefcase shot, miscue, Jesse eats the briefcase, RKO on Drake, Grado steals the briefcase to end the segment.
– Kurt Angle vs Lashley:
Amateur wrestling to start-off, Germans from Kurt, Lashley powders, Kurt works over Lashley, Snake-Eyes for the transition move, Lashley works over Kurt, particularly his neck (being very careful of course), Angle makes his comeback with suplexes galore, Angle Slam nearfall, a Powerslam nearfall for Lashley in here somewhere, Angle Lock escape from Lashley, Spinebuster nearfall for Lashley, two nearfalls from two separate Spears, goes for a third and hits the post, very long Angle Lock escape, Kurt did his deal where he wraps his legs around the ankle, pulled him back to the middle, this went on maybe a couple of minutes, really putting over Lashley, third Spear for the clean Lashley win. Crowd was starting to get tired, so they weren’t super-hot, but had their moments. Good match, but nothing fantastic, but again I taped-out long ago.
They embraced post-match, then as they were standing with their arms linked and aloft, Lashley ambushed Kurt with a punch and then gave him a fourth Spear to turn heel. I think there may’ve been a fifth Spear on Angle I’m not sure, Galloway ran down and attempted to calm the situation, turned his back and got a Spear for his troubles, Edwards ran down and got a Spear, absolutely monster heel Lashley, EC3 came down, there was a mid-ring stare-down, Lashley shot him a sly smile and backed-off, so Lashley-EC3 appear to be an upcoming big program, if this part airs, which I assume it does. Crowd really got into the post-match. Babyfaces all embraced Kurt and stood with their arms aloft, they left the ring to Kurt who cut a short promo saying wrestlers don’t show enough appreciation to their fans and greatly thanked the crowd, before departing with “I’ll see you again soon, some day”, or something to that effect. It was a nice moment.
One Night Only PPV taping
16 man gauntlet match, which for some reason only had 13 entrants. Borash said everybody would be involved but I saw no EC3, Lashley, Beer Money, Angle, or Richards (for obvious reason). Final four were Grado, Hardy, Galloway & Bennett, Hardy was eliminated, then Grado shortly afterwards, Bennett & Galloway went at it for a few minutes with Drew getting the win. Not a lot of people seemed to leave and they appeared to enjoy the gauntlet, especially with Drew winning who remained pretty over despite his numerous appearances throughout the show.
Order of entry: Bennett, Mandrews, Tigre Uno, Jade, Will Osprey, Bram, Eric Young, Eddie Edwards, Drew Galloway, Matt Hardy, Tyrus, Rockstar Spud, Grado.
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re looking for reports on today’s Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha tapings in Los Angeles, as well as today’s TNA tapings in Birmingham, England, today’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos & Ryback) and Tupelo, MS (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) to Dave Meltzer
Raw will be Monday in Birmingham. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.
Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis.
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.
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.
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
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.
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Last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio with myself and Bryan Alvarez talking all the weekend news from UFC, TNA and WWE. We also talk in detail about the Awesome Kong/Reby Hardy incident that took place on Friday in the Manchester, England dressing room.
Pro Wrestling Sheet announced that at today’s Lucha Underground tapings that talent were told that there would be a third season, but not when filming was to begin. The scheduled right now is for July. It also said Lucha Underground would be hitting the iTunes store in a few months.
Beer Money captured the TNA tag team titles today in Birmingham, England, cashing in their briefcase, beating The Wolves.
At the UFC post-fight press conference, they said would be announcing the date for Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rematch within the next week.
Tye Dillinger is the latest WWE injury, collapsing when landing reversing out of a vertical suplex against Sami Zayn, apparently blowing out his right knee. He will be evaluated tomorrow.
I’ll be on the MMA Hour at www.mma.fighting.com with Ariel Helwani tomorrow at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Other guests on the show will be Benson Henderson, Fabricio Werdum, Scott Coker and Anthony Perosh.
WWE
Stephanie McMahon will be on Good Morning America tomorrow in the 8 a.m. hour.
Dwayne Johnson on Monday: “Ha well at WWE events, going off script is what I live for. So much more fun for the fans. Nightmare for Vince.”
WrestleMania Fan Axxess tickets for Dallas go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow with the code TWWETME
A John Layfield interview with Ron Simmons will air after Raw tomorrow night.
For yesterday, UFC was the seventh most searched term in the U.S. with more than 100,000. Among those ahead included the Pro Bowl, Serena Williams and NHL All-Star game. No. 16 was Sage Northcutt with 50,000.
Former WWE star Dave Bautista posted this: “Anyone who buys that goofy UFC Reebok shit is endorsing the fighters getting fucked out of their sponsorships. Just a thought.”
A crazy clip from a Joe Lauzon fighter from last night.
MISCELLANEOUS
Southern States Wrestling did a Mongolian Stomper tribute on its TV show this week
Lucha Underground debuts tonight on TLM in Canada with shows at 10 p.m and midnight.
Bret Hart has started a company called Sharpshooter Funding, a capital investment firm to help small Canadian businesses that his son, Dallas, will be the head of sales for.
TV Asahi 2 in Japan announced they will be airing five hours of Antonio Inoki’s most famous matches on 2/20, which is Inoki’s 73rd birthday.
Gabi Castrovinci, known as Raquel in TNA (she was on Tough Enough this past season), had her first match last night against Santana Garrett in Orlando. Full results: Josh Parker b Rex Bacchus, Josh Hess & Ace Andrews b CT Brown & Alexx Light, Braydon Knight b Tyranus, Brandon Scherrer b Chico Adams, Mike Reed b Jonny Vandal, Santana Garrett b Rex Bacchus, Santana Garrett b Raquel to retain the Wonder of Stardom title, Rhett Giddins b Mark Silva-DQ, Rhett Ghddins b Mark Silva to keep the Florida title. Next show is 2/20.
This week’s FREE DKP sees us show our appreciation for the year that European wrestling went worldwide! 2015 was unquestionably a hallmark year for the European scene with several promotions firing on all cyclinders and a crop of talent which has taken the business by storm. Alan is joined by DKP debutant Oli Court to discuss your Ospreays, your Ends your Scurlls and your Walters and so much more. A fun show on a really positive topic! CHECK IT!!! *note: some minor audio issues early, but it’s much improved in the last hour*
