At this time, we don’t have additional details, but we have learned that TNA’s Awesome Kong was sent home from the U.K. tour due to a physical dressing room altercation with Reby Hardy. Here’s the full results from Friday’s tapings.
These matches have been announced for the Saturday tapings in London at SSE Wembley:
TNA Champion Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III cage match
Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
Eric Young & Bram vs. Roode & James Storm cage match
Velvet Sky & Gail Kim & Madison Rayne vs. Jade & Marti Bell & Rebel cage match
Bellator MMA is back on Spike TV tonight with it’s first show of 2016, Bellator 148 – Daley vs Uhrich. Originally, Josh Koscheck was to headline this show with Paul Daley in the co-main, leading to a rematch of their controversial 2010 fight in UFC, which led to Daley receiving a permanent banishment from the company for hitting Koscheck after the final bell. Should Daley win tonight, they will probably just go straight to the Koscheck match on one of their tentpole shows later this year.
The rest of the card is your standard Bellator fare. Chris Honeycutt and Paul Bradley are rematched after their 2015 fight ended in a no-contest due to an accident clash of heads. Honneycutt is an undefeated prospect that Bellator is hoping to build around and he was dominating the first fight before it was stopped. Two big heavyweights clash in what should be a fun fight with Tony Johnson Jr and Raphael Butler. Both have impressive records and the winner will likely be a future opponent of Bobby Lashley should they decide to stripe Vitali Minakov of the Heavyweight title and create a new champion. Rounding out the card and probably kicking off the show will be Bellator stalwart Patrick Freire up against Ryan Couture. Freire is coming off a loss on the last Bellator show of 2015 against Derek Anderson and Couture has two straight submission wins. Whether he’s ready for it or not, a win over Pitbull will probably mean that Couture will at least be in discussions for a title shot against Will Brooks.
The SpikeTV broadcast starts at 9 pm eastern and will have live coverage here once the show starts. The prelims are streaming at http://bellator.spike.com/ starting at 7:40 pm eastern.
Prelims results:
Carl Seumanutafa (10-6) over Javy Ayala by 2nd rd TKO (ground and pound)
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (3-0) over Amber Thackett by 1st rd submission (armbar)
Justin Smitley (10-6) over Art Arciniega by decision
Heavyweights Raphael Butler (9-1-1) vs Tony Johnson Jr (9-2) Mark Beltran – ref
Sean Grande said that Scott Coker has worked things out with Vitaly Minakov and he’ll be back in Bellator to defend his title later this year and also said that the winner of this fight is a possible contender. He also brought up the names of Bobby Lashley and Cheick Kongo. A low blow broke things up after 2 minutes of grappling against the cage. After the restart , it was more grappling before they both started throwing hard punches for about 15 seconds and then right back to grappling. Butler ended up on top and held him down for the last minute. Close round, 10-9 Butler
More grappling to start round 2 with Butler in control of a cage clinch for the first minute or so before Butler got away from the cage. They stayed clinched up with Johnson walking him around the cage. When I said “fun fight” in the opening, this was not what I had in mind. Butler got a takedown 3 minutes in. Butler landed some elbows that didn’t do much damage while Butler just tried to work out of bottom position. Johnson took his back at 4:15 and started landing punches to the head. Butler up at 4:30. 10-9 Johnson, 19-19 overall
Johnson with a takedown right away. Butler briefly to his feet but Johnson took his back and dragged him down. Johnson flipped him over and right into side control but Butler gave up his back again. Butler up at 2:30. They noted that the only time Johnson has ben stopped is by Daniel Cormier, the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Ref broke it up due to lack of action but Johnson took him right back down again and immediately took his back. Johnson landing a lot of punches to the head but not terribly hard and Butler still defending. A lot of the punches seemed close to the back of the head but Beltran not even warning him. Ref stopped it with about 30 seconds left, even though he didn’t even warn Butler to defend himself.
WINNER – TONY JOHNSON JR (10-2) by TKO (punches) at 4:24 of the third
For anyone who may have missed the Rizin show on New Year’s Eve, Spike is running a show that will air right after this called “The Emperor and The King” which one would assume will include both the Fedor and King Mo fights from Rizin.
Lightweights Patricky Freire (14-7) vs Ryan Couture (10-3) John McCarthy – ref
Sean Grande brought up how Patricky Pitbull had Eddie Alvarez beat when they fought but then Jimmy pointed out that Pitbull went on to lose that fight. As I’m typing that, Couture rocked Pitbull with a punch that knocked him down but he let him back up. Ptibutt rocks Couture with a punch at 2:15 but Couture stays on his feet. Couture bleeding from his nose from that shot but moving forward with punches. Pitbull dropped Couture with one punch. Couture stayed down for a long time flat on his face after the punch
WINNER – PATRICKY FREIRE (15-7) by KO (punch)
Lashley and Josh Thomson were in a commercial for Dave and Busters between fights that was just dreadful. Royce Gracie was interviewed via sattelite about next month’s fight with Ken Shamrock Jiu Jitsu that his Dad taught him will beat the wrestling of Shamrock.
Welterweights Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs Paul Bradley (22-6) Mike Beltran – ref
Honeycutt gets a huge pop as he’s from Fresno, where this show is taking place. Bradley dropped Honeycutt with a punch early and then swarmed him with punches. Ref stepped in and stopped it. Honeycutt protesting but he was wobbly and not defending at all.
WINNER – PAUL BRADLEY (23-6) by TKO (punches)
Crowd booed the hell out of Bradley during the winner’s announcement and post-fight interview. He called out the crowd for booing, saying he was just doing his job. Bradley says “I hope I’m in contention for a title shot”.
They aired the Javy Ayala/Carl Seumanutafa fight from the prelims next. Carl won by 2nd round KO due to ground and pound as posted above. Ayala dominated the first, almost a 10-8 round. He nailed a flying knee early in the second and was all over Seumanutafa. Carl managed to work his way to the top position and then started to take over. Ayala looked exhausted and Carl busted him open with an elbow to the head and methodically worked his way into mount and it was stopped fairly quickly after that when he just kept landing unanswered punches. Ayala just leeking blood at the end of it.
Main Event –
Welterweights Paul Daley (37-13-2) vs Andy Uhrich (11-5) John McCarthy – ref
Paul Daley cut an AWESOME taped promo for the Fresno crowd. “People of Fresno, I came here to entertain you all. Your hometown boy, Josh CROTCH-check is nowhere to be found. I’m gonna show you real entertainment and how a real fighter fights. This is just a preview of the ass-whupping your hometown boy is gonna get”. They cut to a shot of Koescheck in the crowd, clearly amused but feining anger. Andy Uhrich comes out to the Hulk Hogan theme “Real American”.
Daley controlling the distance early. Uhirich landing light strikes from distance and shoots for a takedown but easily stuffed by Daley. Crowd actually chanting for Uhrich during a clinch. Daley dropped him with a punch at the end of a combo and Uhrich is out.
WINNER – PAUL DALEY (38-13-2) by KO at 2:00
Daley and Koscheck yelling at each other, as Koscheck is at cageside. Daley all over Koscheck in his post-fight promo. He says he came out and entertained the fans and “Crotch-check” would’ve put them to sleep. Koscheck just making the “keep talking” motion. This fight should have some steam when it happens.
Thanks for joining me tonight. Dave has you covered for UFC on FOX tomorrow afternoon!
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s TNA TV tapings from Manchester, England as well as tonight’s NXT shows in Pittsburgh and Largo, FL to Dave Meltzer
Our only weekend poll will be for the UFC show tomorrow night on FOX, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
Tons of stuff for your viewing pleasure tonight.
BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM FRESNO
Raphael Butler (263) vs. Tony Johnson (264.4)
Ryan Couture (155) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.4)
Chris Honeycutt (171) vs. Paul Bradley (171)
Paul Daley (170.2) vs. Andy Uhrich (169.8)
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON AXS TV
Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles
Amber Gallows vs. Leva (Blue Pants) for NWA women’s title
Taylor Made vs. Santana Garrett for Shine championship
CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME
Hombre Bala Jr. & Super Halcon Jr. vs. Arkangel de la Muerte & Cancerbero
Fuego & The Panther & Triton vs. Puma King & Tiger & Virus
Guerrero Maya Jr. & Titan & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Pierroth
Gran Guerrero & Mephisto & Niebla Roja vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Polvora
Thunder vs. Euforia
Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Negro Casas & Ultimo Guerrero
LION FIGHTS TONIGHT FROM TEMECULA, CA AT 10 P.M. ON AXS TV
Jared Papazian (133) vs. Travis Clay (131.2)
Coke Chunhawatr (137.4) vs. Anmvar Boynazarov (140.4)
Chris Culley (150.2) vs. Brian Del Rosario (146.6)
Kronphet Phetrachapat (143.6) vs. Gaston Bolanos (142.4)
Ashley Nichos (119.2) vs. Tiffany Van Soest (119) for Womens’ super bantamweight title
Charlie Peters (146.4) vs. Fabio Pinca (145.2)
VICTORY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON UFC FIGHT PASS AT 10 P.M.
Josh Neer vs. Anthony Smith for the middleweight title
Jake Lindsey vs. Yuri Villefort
NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL FOR SHINSUKE NAKAMURA’S FAREWELL MATCH AT 4:30 A.M. TONIGHT EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
David Finlay vs. Kawato Hirai
Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask
Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale
Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi
Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson vs. Kenny Omega & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii in the All-Star trios match
We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday from the TNA tapings in London, WWE in Macon, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos for tag titles) and Chattanooga (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, Big Show and Kalisto) as well as NXT shows in Royal Oak, MI and Venice, FL.
UFC ON FOX ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ
Daisuke Harada & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi for GHC jr. tag titles
Taiji Ishimori vs. Kenou for GHC jr. title
Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Mohammed Yone & Katsuhiko Nakajima for GHC tag titles
Minoru Suzuki vs. Go Shiozaki
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura for GHC heavyweight title
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.
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.
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.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
Dana White said today that Cain Velasquez will be undergoing back surgery but is expected to make a full recovery in four weeks.
Gypsy Joe has been on a ventilator since last Thursday. Joe had one of the longest wrestling careers in history. He’ll be having a procedure done and try to get him off the ventilator. If that doesn’t work he will be released to hospice care. He was something of a legend in Japan for his willingness to take punishment and for his conditioning into his 60s.
Alberto Del Rio is out of action with a back injury. He was scheduled on WWE’s weekend shows to face Kalisto. The injury came from taking a vertical suplex from Brock Lesnar in the Royal Rumble. He will be reevaluated on Monday in Birmingham.
Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus and Brock Lesnar vs. Luke Harper are now confirmed for the next WWE Network live special on 3/12 from Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum. There will also be a Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho. A.J. Styles, Paige and New Day will also be on the show.
Abel “Juan” Reynosa passed away this past week at the age of 59. Reynosa wrestled most of his career in his hometown of San Antonio. He got his main career pushes as Taras Bulba working in Tennessee and had a run as a headliner in the latter days of World Class Championship Wrestling, feuding with Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich.
Lucha Underground did 109,000 viewers on Tuesday night on El Rey for the live show and an impressive 85,000 for the immediate replay. Those were the best numbers the show has ever done, which makes sense, because they had more publicity going in than any episode to date, particularly the ESPN hit.
WWE
With Sheamus injured, the scheduled Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus house show main events are now Reigns vs. Rusev (who is now the one man League of Nation) for the WWE title.
Adrian Jaoude, who is a WWE developmental performer from Brazil, who they are grooming to be a major Brazilian star, will be competing in the 2016 Olympics. The WWE web site has a story on him.
Advertised for 2/17 in Fresno is Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt and Ryback & The Dudleys vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman (thanks to Bryan White)
The March NXT show in Columbus, OH sold out immediately today. That was expected given it’s a small building and it’s the Arnold Fitness Expo weekend.
The stock was up 8 cents today to close at $17.90.
Bethe Correia vs. Raquel Pennington has been added to UFC’s next FOX show on 4/16. Correia is coming off a loss to Ronda Rousey that was a huge PPV success.
MISCELLANEOUS
Hiroshi Tanahashi did worktoday’s New Japan show in Tokorozawa. He dislocated his shoulder last week but is refusing to take any time off.
WaleMania II was officially announced for 3/31 at Winston’s Supper club in Dallas. Tickets go on sale Monday at www.MLW.com andwww.WaleMania.EventBrite.com There will be a live podcast with Konnan, Court Bauer and Mister Saint Laurent. From 8-9 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only there will be a meet and greet cocktail party with a special guest to be announced (may be a big one), red carpet arrival and first access to the venue for a seat for the podcast. The podcast for VIP & GA ticket holders will be 9-11 p.m. with a live Q&A with fans. 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. will be an after party featuring a Wale concert. Many major names from pro wrestling will be there. VIP tickets are $50 and GA are $15. You must be 21 or older to attend and you will be ID’d.
Lucha Underground debuts in Canada. It will be on TLN Sunday at 10 p.m. Eastern., with the episode that aired in the U.S. on Wednesday
Kurt Angle is publicly campaigning for Marco Rubio for president.
Raquel of TNA, real name Gabi Castrovinci from Tough Enough, is now training in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo. They’ve been filming her for a possible TV show.
Tuesday night CMLL results from Guadalanjar: Furia Roja & Carlos Roggi b Explosivo & Star Black, Canelo Casas & Metalico & Rafaga b Magnum & Magnus & Oro Jr., Fuego & Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Cuatrero & Forastero & Sanson, Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno, Marco Corleone & La Mascara & Rush b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Thunder (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Sean Wheelock, a regular guest of our show, will be announcing the Victory Fighting Championships tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 10 p.m.
If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including more injuries to WWE stars, big names going to NXT before the main roster, an interview with DASHER HATFIELD of Chikara, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of the UFC On FOX 18: Johnson vs. Bader weigh-ins from the Prudential Center at the MGM Grand in Newark, New Jersey. The fighters will hit the scale at 4 PM eastern time. The card airs on Saturday with the main card on FOX at 8 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off at 3:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass before heading over to FOX Sports 1 at 5 PM eastern time with additional preliminary bouts. This will be the Octagon’s seventh visit to Newark.
The event is headlined by a title eliminator bout in the UFC’s light heavyweight division as #2 ranked Anthony “Rumble” Johnson takes on #4 ranked Ryan Bader, winner of five straight fights. In the co-main event, it will be a pivotal bout in the heavyweight division as former UFC Heavyweight Champion and #8 ranked Josh Barnett takes on #7 ranked Ben Rothwell. Also on the main card is the FOX network debut of rising 19-year-old prospect Sage Northcutt, who meets Bryan Barberena in a welterweight bout.
MAIN CARD (FOX- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT): Anthony Johnson (205.25) vs. Ryan Bader (205) Josh Barnett (241) vs. Ben Rothwell (265) Iuri Alcantara (135.25) vs. Jimmie Rivera (135) Sage Northcutt (170) vs. Bryan Barberena (170)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 5 PM ET/2 PM PT): Tarec Saffiedine (169.75) vs. Jake Ellenberger (170) Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira (156) Rafael Natal (185) vs. Kevin Casey (185.25) Dustin Ortiz (125) vs. Wilson Reis (126) George Sullivan (171) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (171) Alex Caceres (145) vs. Masio Fullen (145)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT): Matt Dwyer (169) vs. Randy Brown (171) Damon Jackson (145) vs. Levan Makashvili (145) Tony Martin (155) vs. Felipe Olivieri (155)
St. Louis, Missouri: – World Heavyweight Champion Gus Sonnenberg beat Frank Jorgenson – Joe “Toots” Mondt beat Dick Daviscourt – Nick Lutze beat Pat McGill – Roy Steele beat Tom Draak
1963
Jacksonville, Florida: – One Night Tournament for the World Tag Team Title: Karl & Kurt Von Brauner defeated Yukon Eric & Don Curtis to win the World Tag Team Titles – Reg Parks defeated Russian Crusher – Lou Bastein defeated Pedro Godoy – Dale Lewis defeated Marco Polo
1966
Omaha, Nebraska: – Cage Match: AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat Mr Wrestling Tim Woods – Reggie Parks & Mighty Igor Vodik beat Nebraska Tag Team Champions Mitsu Arakawa & Haru Sasaki dq – Mad Russian Stan Pulaski beat Billy Red Cloud – Ivan Kalmikoff drew Danny Plechas
1975
Miami Beach, Florida: – Florida Title: Cowboy Bill Watts defeated The Mongolian Stomper (Lou Thesz special ref) – North American Title: Bob Armstrong defeated Terry Funk – Tony Parisi & Dominic DeNucci defeated Dick Slater & Bob Roop
1976
Kansas City, Kansas: – Akio Sato defeated Rick McGraw – Bob Geigel defeated Tank Patton – Ray Candy & Johnny Loyal defeated Ripper Collins & Percival A. Friend – Bob Brown & Ed Wiskoski fought Mike George & Pat O’Connor to a double-DQ – Ron Bass & Dutch Mantell defeated Jerry Oates & Ted Oates
1981
Biloxi, Mississippi: – Junkyard Dog & Killer Karl Kox defeated Ernie Ladd & Leroy Brown to win the Mid-South Wrestling Tag Team Titles
1983
San Juan, Puerto Rico: – Pierre Martel defeated Mad Dog Lafaib to win the WWC North American Heavyweight Title
1986
Orlando, Florida: – Cocoa Samoa & Hector Guerrero defeated Cuban Assassin & Prince Iaukea – Kendall Windham beat Bob Roop – Joe Savoldi & Mike Graham drew Kevin Sullivan & Purple Haze – Jesse Barr defeated Abdullah The Butcher by dq – Wahoo McDaniel defeated “Nature Boy” Ric Flair
1993
Dallas, Texas: – The Bad Breed (Axl & Ian Rotten) defeated John Hawk (JBL) & Bobby Duncum Jr. to win the Global Wrestling Tag Team Titles
1996
Canton, Ohio: – Konnan defeated the One Man Gang to win the WCW U.S. Heavyweight title
1998
Raleigh, North Carolina: – Steve Corino defeated Joey Matthews to win the SCW Light Heavyweight title in a ladder match
1999
Memphis, Tennessee: – Baldo (Albert/A-Train/Matt Bloom) defeated Jerry Lawler in a tournament final to become the first Memphis Power Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion
2011
Wrestle Reunion: Los Angeles, California: – Claudio Castagnoli (Cesaro) defeated El Generico (Sami Zayn) to retain the PWG title – Low Ki defeated Davey Richards – Roddy Piper won a legends battle royal
2012
Royal Rumble: St. Louis, Missouri – World Title Steel Cage Match: Daniel Bryan defeated Mark Henry and Big Show to retain the title – WWE Title Match: CM Punk beat Dolph Ziggler to retain the title – Sheamus won the Royal Rumble
We’ll start the show this week discussing two men Les has great history with and fond memories of: The Mongolian Stomper Archie Gouldie, and the great Gordon Solie (18:41), whose 87th birthday would’ve been this week. Then we’ll turn our attention to the AJ Styles/Chris Jericho match (36:17) and talk about why Les thinks it was a terrific match that may not be getting the credit he thinks it deserves. We’ll segue into thoughts on the Royal Rumble and Raw (42:01), shed some light on how one of Jim Cornette’s favorite phrases came to be (51:04) and close things out by going into the mailbag (55:06). Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
The Bryan & Vinny Show is back today with a PACKED show! We’ve got our usual Granny Q&A to open up the show, then full reviews of Raw from Monday with Vinny, NXT from Full Sail with a three-way main event to determine a number-one contender to the title, and THE DEBUT OF SEASON TWO OF LUCHA UNDERGROUND! A fun show as always so check it out~!
With MMA’s legalization in New York delayed a bit longer this past week and with UFC touching down in New Jersey, who better to talk to about the MMA scene in the Empire State than New York-based MMA journalist and author Jim Genia?
Jim dropped by the 31st edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out with the following items on the menu:
– How Jim got into MMA writing
– His thoughts on Ronda Rousey’s debut on Saturday Night Live and the subsequent vitriol that erupted online
– The mess that was the former UFC 196 and thoughts on the roles of both Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez
– Whether Jim thinks Velasquez is past his “expiration date” as a fighter
– A detailed look at what this past week meant for MMA being legalized in New York, and what he’s learned in over 10 years of covering the case.
– His memories of seeing Frankie Edgar, Jon Jones, Chris Weidman and Aljamain Sterling on the regional scene and their current plight today
– Our thoughts on some of the action coming up on Fox in Newark, NJ….and more!
Take a look at Jim’s coverage here, here, and here, buy his book, and then click below to listen to the show:
There’s a big weekend coming up of events, including TNA tapings in the U.K., New Japan having Shinsuke Nakamura’s last match which airs late tomorrow/early Saturday our time live on New Japan World, Pro Wrestling NOAH has a big show, UFC has a show on FOX and Lucha Underground will be taping Ultima Lucha season two.
SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK
Dolph Ziggler & Titus O’Neil & Usos vs. New Day & The Miz
Kalisto vs. Neville for the U.S. title
A.J. Styles vs. Curtis Axel
Charlotte vs. Natalya non-title
Chris Jericho & Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper
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
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Hiroshi Tanahashi is planning on working the upcoming New Japan tour. It used to be considered a sign of toughness in another era to do that. Today, the sign of toughness is the ability to admit when you’re hurt and make the tough decision to take time off. He’s in a lot of pain, and will be working lots of tags and trying to get through it.
TNA announced that Will Ospreay vs. Mark Andrews would take place on tomorrow’s TV tapings in Manchester, England. I hope they give them time because they’ll put on a fantastic TV match.
WWE and 2K announced a new multi-year exclusive contract giving 2K worldwide rights to develop and publish WWE video game properties across all major platforms. They will continue to do WWE 2K and WWE Super Card franchises.
A pre-sale for WWE Axxess tickets starts Monday at 9 a.m. Central time.
A pre-sale for the final Raw and Smackdown prior to WrestleMania, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is on right now through tomorrownight at 10 p.m. You need the code BKRAW. HHH, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Sheamus, Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio are the listed stars.
WWE Studios and Blumhouse Production have bought a new indie movie called “Sleight”, a science fiction thriller about a street magician in New York. WWE Studio officials saw the movie at Sundance and decided to get involved.
WWE stock was up 25 cents per share today to close at $17.82.
Battarelli Research yesterday published an analysis saying “WWE is about to get body slammed.”
The upcoming show in Magdeburg Germany is sold out, in a small arena (thanks to Bronco Groen)
A 3/15 show in Asbury Park, NJ for the NXT brand is sold out.
Wale attended the WWE show on Monday night in Miami. He took photos with Vince McMahon, HHH and Dwayne Johnson.
Announced for 3/19 in White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center
Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt
Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. title
Dudleys & Kane vs. Braun Strowman & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper
Johny Hendricks’ Bigg Rigg Steak House in Midlothian, TX closed up after one year.
Bellator has its first show of the year tomorrow night in Fresno at the Save Mart Center, on Spike, headlined by Paul Daley vs. Andy Uhrich.
UFC announced these fights for its 4/10 show in Zagreb, Croatia. Tickets go on sale 2/12
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Ruslan Magomedov
Igor Pokrajac (from Zagreb) vs. Jan Blachowicz (Poland)
Francis Ngannou (the Paris heavyweight that has a freaky physique) vs. Bojan Mihajiovic (Serbia)
Nicholas Dalby (Denmark) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (Poland)
MISCELLANEOUS
The Saturday night PBC show on FOX ended up doing 2.5 million viewers and peaked at 3.5 million for the Danny Garcia vs. Robert Guerrero main event. I would suspect the UFC numbers on Saturday will be somewhat similar. It was the largest PBC audience in several months.
ROH sent out a release that Shinsuke Nakamura won’t be appearing on their 2/26 PPV show. I think that’s been known since 1/5.
Steve and Colby Corino are headed to Zero-One in March.
NJPW Europe noted it’s your last chance to buy Shinsuke Nakamura King of Strong Style T-shirts
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from last night in Omaha: Branden Juarez DDQ L-Ray, Robert Storm b Mad Dog McDowell, Zac James b Pat Powers, Paul & Joey Daniels b Dalton Lee Roth & Purple, Ariya Daivari b Blue Rocket, Arik Cannon b Mark Sterling to win the PWP title. Next show is 2/13 in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.
Brian Last and David Bixenspan talk to Mongolian Stomper’s friend Beau James, as well as Stampede wrestling author Heath McCoy on the Stomper
Marvelous Puroresu on 2/13 in Elmhurst, NY at the Queensbro Elks Lodge at 4 p.m. with Rocky Romero vs. Amazing Red. Mio Momono make her pro wrestling debut. She’s a highly touted protege of Chigusa Nagayo (the most popular female wrestler of her time), who will also be wrestling on the show. Also appearing are Kyoko Kimura, Renee Michelle, Kimber Lee, Heidi Lovelace, Will Ferrara and Cheeseburger
NWA Mid South on Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex with Matt Riviera & Rob Conway vs. Jeremy Moore & ? for the NWA world tag team titles and John Saxon vs. Greg Anthony for the National title. Gary Cappetta will be attending as guest ring announcer and to be inducted into the Mid South Hall of Fame.
ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
Maryland Championship Wrestling on 2/13 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena features the Hardy Boys. The main event is King McBride defending the MCW title against Matt Hardy, who will have Jeff Hardy in his corner.
CZW will induct WWE ref and former CZW star Drake Weurtz (Drake Younger) into its Hall of Fame on 2/13 at the show at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. The main event will be a ladder match with Matt Tremont defending his CZW title against Devon Moore in a ladder match.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 2/13 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Toby Farley for the NWA title.
Capital City Championship Combat on 3/19 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.
CHIKARA Pro on 1/30 in Philadelphia at the Wrestle Factory in their season opener.
NWA Parade of Champions on 3/31 in Fort Worth at the Ridglea Theater includes a Jim Cornette Q&A at 3 p.m., A meet and greet from 5-7 p.m. with Sabu, Cornette, Marc Lowrance and Mike McGuirk plus matches with Jax Dane, Ray Rowe, Amber Gallows, Chase Owns, Rob Conway, Matt Riviera and more.
Beyond Wrestling on 1/31 in Somerville, MA have a show that is sold out for a month that features Matt Riddle, Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Hero, Chris Dickinson, Tommaso Ciampa and more.
Rockstar Pro has an iPPV on 2/5 from Dayton headlined by Armageddon Games.
Nova Pro Wrestling on Sunday in Springfield, VA with Sonjay Dutt and the Bravado Brothers at the Annandale Sports Center at 5 pm.
Lucha Libre VOZ on 3/19 at the Arizona State Prepatory Academy in Phoenix with El Hijo del Rey Misterio vs. Rush vs. Bestia 666 vs. Niebla Roja.
Grand Slam Pro Wrestling on 2/6 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.
Collector’s Realm at the Dutchess Marketplace in Fishkill, NY has Sami Callihan appearing on Saturday from Noon to 1:30 p.m.; and Jim Duggan on 2/13 from Noon to 2 p.m.
The Laugh It Up Comedy Club at Mahoney’s in Poughkeepsie NY has Jim Duggan doing a show at 6:30 p.m. on 2/13 and Jim Cornette doing a show on 3/5 at 11 p.m.
If anyone has video footage from Buffalo Wrestling Federation out of Las Vegas (also known as Buffalo Jim’s Wrestling), from 1999 to 2004, please contact Roy Lucier at roywarrenlucier@yahoo.com
Nine Legends, a new wrestling film starring Bill Goldberg, Mike Tyson, Bret Hart, Rob Van Dam, Lita, Randy Couture, Ted DiBiase, Dynamite Kid and Chris Jericho is now available to stream at www.ninelegendsfilm.com for just $5. Check out this trailer.
If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~!
