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  • Daily Update: Dangerous weather cancels wrestling shows, UFC 197 tickets

    Nasty weather cancels a number of wrestling shows

    There have been quite a few cancellations of weekend wrestling shows on the east coast due to a predicted crazy winter storm. We have a few updates. The biggest show of note to be cancelled is tonight’s ROH show in North Carolina. Tomorrow’s ROH show in Duluth, GA is still on as of this writing. 

    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!    Our lastest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

    We’re looking for reports tonight from the NXT tapings in Orlando at the University of Central Florida Gym at Dave Meltzer  The top matches are Finn Balor vs. Neville for the NXT title, Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe for the No. 1 contender position and Bayley vs. Carmella for the NXT title.  We’ll get a good read on where they are going for the Takeover show tonight.  Austin Aries is backstage at the show.

    We’re also looking for reports on the GFW show tonight in Poughkeepsie.  The original main event of Nick Aldis vs. Bobby Roode for the GFW title will have to be changed because Roode will be unable to get into Poughkeepsie.

    For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on all three Fantatstica Mania shows from Korakuen Hall on New Japan World including today’s show at Dave Meltzer

    EVOLVE IPPV TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM FROM THE ORPHEUM IN YBOR CITY, FL.

    First round matches in weekend long Evolve tag team tournament

    Sami Callihan & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Hero & Tommy End

    Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese vs. The Bravado Brothers

    Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Team Tremendous (Dan Barry & Bill Carr)

    Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak & TJ Perkins

    Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi

    Tracy Williams vs. Peter Kassa

    Ethan Page vs. PJ Black

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN/6 P.M. PACIFIC  ON AXS TV

    Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Finals of New Japan Cup

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM

    Starman & Stigma vs. Escandalo & Sangre Azteca

    Blue Panther Jr. & Delta & Triton vs. Misterioso Jr. & Puma King & Sagrado

    Angel de Oro & Maximo Sexy & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Kraneo & Luciferno

    Blue Panther vs. Ripper

    Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja vs. Thunder & Polvora & Dragon Rojo Jr.

    Rush & La Mascara & Marco Corleone vs. El Terrible & Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero  

    LEGACY FIGHTING TONIGHT FROM THE ARENA THEATER IN HOUSTON AT 10 P.M. EASTERN/7 P.M. PACIFIC ON AXS TV

    Jeremy Hardy (255) vs. Dale Mitchell (264.6)

    David Acosta (126) vs. Roberto Sanchez (125.7)

    Michael Rodriguez (145.3) vs. Alex Black (145.1)

    Charles Cheeks III (147) vs. Rey Trujillo (150.2)

    Jonathan Harris (155.2) vs. Justin Reiswerg (155.5)

    Jared Chaffee (155.4) vs. Ray Blodget (155.9)

    Evangelista Cyborg Santos (170) vs. Artenas Young (168.8)

    NEW JAPAN FANTATSICA MANIA LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME LATE TONIGHT/EARLY TOMORROW FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    Mascara Dorada & Titan vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Kushida & Fuego & Juice Robinson vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Hechicero

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Bobby Zavala & Okumura for the Arena Coliseo tag team titles

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Stuka Jr. vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cavernario Barbaro

    Jushin Liger & Atlantis & Tiger Mask vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Dragon Lee vs. Virus for CMLL world lightweight title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr. & Mistico vs. Kazuchika Okada & Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Saturday has a WWE house show on Fort Myers, FL with Roman Reigns, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and others; ROH in Duluth, GA at the Infinite Energy Center (War Machine vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for ROH tag title, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Jackson for ROH title, Roderick Strong vs. Nick Jackson for TV title, ACH & Matt Sydal & Alex Shelley vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Michael Elgin; Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Cheeseburger & Moose; Adam Cole vs. Stevie Richards; Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Will Ferrara vs. Silas Young vs. Caprice Coleman vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander and Corey Hollis vs. Dalton Castle); Evolve from Orlando as they continue the tag team tournament on iPPV at www.wwnlive.com and there is also a joint GFW & PWS show from Rahway, NJ.  We’ll be looking for reports on all these shows at Dave Meltzer

    AAA GUERRA DE TITANES ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN MEXICO CITY AT JUAN DE LA BARRERA GYM

    Nino Hamburguesa & Dinastia & Pimpinela Escarlata vs. Gran Apache & Mini Charly Manson & Black Mamba

    Fabi Apache & Goya Kong & Lady Maravilla vs. Lady Shani & Sexy Star & Taya in a lumberjack strap mach

    Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & ? vs. Daga & Parka Negra & Super Fly

    Aero Star & Fenix vs. Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. & Villano IV vs. Averno & Chessman for the No. 1 contender for tag titles

    For the vacant trios titles:  Electroshock & Garza Jr. & La Parka vs. Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Taurus

    Dr. Wagner Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Mesias & El Texano Jr. – Winning team faces each other in a singles match at Rey de Reyes for the vacant AAA Mega heavyweight title

    WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

    Chauncey Foxworth vs. Jaleel Willis

    Jorge Medina vs. Bryce Mitchell

    Teddy Holder vs. Shamil Gamzaov

    Luiz Firmino vs. Caros Fodor

    NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA LIVE  ON NEW JAPAN WORLD ON LATE SATURDAY NIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Tiger Mask & Kushida & Fuego & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Jushin Liger vs. Virus

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Juice Robinson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Barbaro Cavernario

    Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero

    Volador Jr. vs Mephisto for NWA welterweight title

    Evolve has a 2 p.m. show from the Downtown Rec Center in Orlando with the finals of the tag team title tournament at www.wwnlive.com

    ROYAL RUMBLE SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO, FLA.

    Royal Rumble match

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens last man standing for IC title

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto for U.S. title

    New Day vs. Usos for tag team title

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for women’s title

    Dudleys vs. The Ascension vs. Jack Swagger & Mark Henry vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow – winners get into the Royal Rumble

    Raw is Monday night from Miami.  Brock Lesnar is not advertised for Monday’s show but everyone else is scheduled.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Tickets went on sale today for UFC 197 on 3/5, with Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate.  As of earlier today, there were a few tickets left, but not many.  It’s the highest scaled event in UFC history.

    TNA sent this out regarding having a verbal agreement with A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows before they chose WWE instead.  They claimed they all agreed on 12/14 to come and then backed out.  We do know that Anderson & Gallows were expected to come to TNA for the debut on Pop TV but a WWE deal came that changed their mind, and Styles was looking for a guaranteed contract for 2016 with whoever offered the best deal.  Check out the story.

    Hart family member, Smith Hart, has been diagnosed with both bone cancer and prostate cancer.  Our best to him.

    Dana White and Urijah Faber will be on AXS TV’s Inside MMA at about 12:30 a.m. Eastern tonight after the Legacy Fights show.   

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

    WWE

    • Smackdown was up 18 percent from last week to 2,757,000 viewers.  Considering it is new on USA and we haven’t established exactly what the usual audience will be, that is a very good sign.
    • WWE stock had a good day, up 79 cents to $16,74 per share to end the week.
    • As expected, NXT will be part of the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH on 3/5 and 3/6.
    • WWE will debut WWE 24 WrestleMania Silicon Valley right after the Royal Rumble on Sunday.
    • John Cena posted a photo of A.J. Styles on instagram. 
    • Best signature moves in the Royal Rumble

    UFC

    • Ronda Rousey will be hosting Saturday Night Live tomorrow night on NBC.
    • Holly Holm and Miesha Tate are also both in New York today doing media for their fight.  It would make sense for them to be in the audience for the SNL although I’ve heard nothing in that direction.
    • A lightweight fight with Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson has been added to the 3/5 show in Las Vegas. 
    • Matt Mitrione will be undergoing surgery on his broken right orbital bone next week according the MMA Fighting.com.
    • Andrew Holbrook has pulled out of next week’s fight with Sage Northcutt on FOX due to an injury.  Northcutt will instead face Bryan Barbarena in the FOX opener.
    • Nick Diaz will be eating and signing autographs at Hooters in Kennesaw, GA tonight from 6-8 p.m.  Ticket price includes unlimited wings and soft drinks.
    • Nick Diaz will also be doing a seminar from Noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Georgia Fitness Pro in Duluth, GA and he will be attending the fights tomorrow night at the electric Cowboy in Kennnesaw, GA.  More Info.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore has booked a show in Niagara Falls, ONT on 5/7,.
    • Vivid Video, which announced Tammy Sytch signing to do a porn video, already has a trailer up, which tells you the video was shot some time back.  All the stuff about negotiations going on were a public work.
    • Chris DeJoseph talks Lucha Underground
    • The Fight Network has been launched on Vodafone Portugal’s Extended TV package on Ch. 246.
    • The Fight Network will be airing One Championship Dynasty of Champions show at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning from Changsha, China and at 10 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night will air World Series of Fighting live from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis.
    • Championship Wrestling from Hollywood premieres on 2/13 on KOFY-TV in San Francisco in the Saturday at 4 p.m. time slow.
    • CWE tonight in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar.
    • Jim Cornette will be appearing on 3/5 at the Laugh it Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie, NY with an 11 p.m. show talking about his career in wrestling.  Jim Duggan will also be appearing for a talk show at the club on 2/13.
    • A story on the documentary:  “At What Cost: Anatomy of Professional Wrestling

  • DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Bouncin’ Around Japan!!!!

    DR. KEITH PRESENTS: Bouncin’ Around Japan!!!!

    The Year In Review series continues on the DKP and to steal a phrase, WE’RE BOUNCIN’ AROUND JAPAN!!! Joe Gagne joins Alan to discuss all the big stories, great matches and events from the dirty mat of Big Japan to the grassy green mat of NOAH, and everything else in between. We got your Daisuke’s, your Yuji’s, your Minoru’s and your Kento’s right here folks! CHECK IT!!!

    Right click save

  • Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont on his first UFC experience

    Through the years, MMA fans have all cringed when mainstream sports writers get their first taste of the sport and then assail the sport in print. So when the Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont got a break from his Boston Bruins beat for a night and headed to the TD Garden for UFC Fight Night last Sunday, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he had the same reaction many before him, including the Globe’s Bob Ryan, had before.

    However, Kevin survived his experience and is ready to tell the tale on the 30th edition of Josh Nason’s Punch Out! This is a free edition of the show, so please link and share liberally.

    In a 40-minute talk (link below), Josh and Kevin talked about:

    – How he got the assignment to begin with

    – The whereabouts of former Bruins goalie and UFC fan Tim Thomas

    – His approach to the assignment

    – His likes and dislikes at the event

    – His thoughts on Dana White after interviewing him for 45 minutes

    – The parallels of pro hockey players to MMA athletes and the two sports in general

    – Whether he’d ever go back…and plenty more.

    Take a look at Kevin’s coverage here and here, and then click below to listen to the show:

    *****

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  • WOL: Royal Rumble, Dr. Lucha talks FantasticaMania and Lucha Underground, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Josh Nason is back today with tons to talk about including the Royal Rumble, the winter storm changing all sorts of shows, WrestleMania bus info, plus Dr. Lucha appears to talk FantasticaMania, Lucha Underground, Alberto Del Rio and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Wrestling Weekly: AJ Styles, Royal Rumble predictions, Road to Mania begins

    It’s the Royal Rumble edition of the show!  After Les and Vic get done discussing a different kind of rumble; people who just don’t know how to act on the road or in the supermarket when snow is coming, we’re pretty much all about WWE (12:00) the rest of the way!  Should AJ Styles be in the Rumble, is the Rumble a good place to introduce new faces you have high hopes for, the less than inspired start to Wrestlemania season, what appears to be a lack of enticing matchups for Mania, Royal Rumble predictions and more~

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  • Update on canceled shows due to state of emergency, huge NXT TV taping

    Here are some notes regarding wrestling shows this weekend including things affected by the state of emergency on the East Coast.

    *As noted earlier in the week, the ROH show in Fletcher, NC (Asheville) scheduled for tonight has been canceled.  However, the Saturday show in Duluth, GA is still on.

    *Maryland Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Joppa, MD is being moved to 2/13.  The Hardys will remain on the new date.  Tickets for tomorrow will be good for 2/23.  If you’ve got any other questions send to mcwwresetling@gmail.com

    *Atomic Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Reading, PA has been moved to 2/19

    *ECWA tomorrow night from Woodbury Heights, NJ will be postponed and all tickets will be good for their next show

    *OTW Fan Nation’s show tomorrow in Philadelphia has been canceled.

    *Finn Balor vs. Neville for the NXT title has been added to tonight’s NXT TV tapings in Orlando, FL at the University of Central Florida Gym.  This is the biggest show the company has promoted within the state of Florida.  Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe for the No. 1 contender position and Bayley vs. Carmella were the key matches advertised.  HHH also announced there would be a huge surprise tonight.

    *Bobby Roode announced that he would be unable to make tonight’s GFW show in Poughkeepsie, NY due to issues with the weather.  The show is still going on as scheduled at the Mid Hudson Civic Center

  • Daily pro wrestling history (1/22): Sting/Lex Luger win the WCW World Tag Team Titles

    1945 

    Hollywood, California:
    – Danny McShain defeated Dick Trout to win the World Light Heavyweight Title 

    1959

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Reggie and Stan Lisowski defeated Herb and Seymour Freeman for the Minneapolis NWA World Tag Team Titles

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Dick Hutton beat Bob Ellis by countout in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Lee Henning and Bill Longson beat Bobby Bruns and Joe Hamilton
    – Rip Hawk defeated Lou Klein 
    – The Mighty Atlas beat Joe Costello 

    1960

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Lee Henning defeated Bob Ellis to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title

    1962

    Vancouver, British Columbia:
    – Gene Kiniski and Killer Kowalski defeated Roy McClarty and Whipper Billy Watson for the Vancouver NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Titles

    1966

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Johnny Valentine no contest Dick the Bruiser
    – AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat Wilbur Snyder by countout
    – Verne Gagne beat Moose Cholak
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Angelo Poffo & Bobby Managoff
    – Dale Lewis drew Guy Mitchell

    1967

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – No dq Match, Referee Jim Raschke: AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat Killer Kowalski 
    – Larry Hennig beat The Alaskan dq 
    – Harley Race beat Doug Gilbert
    – Reg Parks beat Kenny Yates 

    1970

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – The Spoilers defeated Ron and Don Wright for the NWA Tennessee Tag Team Titles

    Syndey, Australia:
    – The Texas Outlaws (Dick Murdock & Dusty Rhodes) defeated Mario Milano & Mark Lewin to win the IWA tag title

    1974

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jos & Paul LeDuc & Louie Tillet defeated Mad Dog & Stan Vachon & Bob Orton 
    – One Fall To A Finish: Paul Jones defeated Dick Slater 
    – Florida Title: Buddy Colt defeated Mike Graham by dq to retain title
    – Southern Title: Dusty Rhodes defeated Tex McKenzie to retain title

    1975

    Lubbock, Texas:
    – Dick Murdoch defeated Blackjack Mulligan to win the Amarillo NWA International Heavyweight Title 

    Miami, Florida:
    – Dusty Rhodes & Mike Graham defeated Terry Funk & Bob Roop 
    – Lou Thesz no contest “Cowboy” Bill Watts 
    – Lumberjack Match: Dick Slater (sub for Mongolian Stomper) defeated Jos LeDuc 
    – Judo Jacket Match: Hiro Matsuda defeated Prof. Toru Tanaka 

    1976

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Akio Sato fought Rick McGraw to a draw
    – Ripper Collins defeated Bob Geigel
    – Ron Bass & Dutch Mantell defeated Mike George & Ray Candy
    – Jerry Oates & Ted Oates defeated Bob Brown & Ed Wiskoski

    1977

    Detroit, Michigan:
    – Gino Hernandez beat Bulldog Kent
    – The Sheik and Abdullah the Butcher beat Dick The Bruiser and Tony Marino
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Spoiler # 2
    – New Fabulous Kangaroos beat Lou Klein and Dominic DeNucci
    – Charlie Cook beat Denny Albert
    – Ray Candy beat Traitor Hampton

    1981 

    Niraskai, Japan:
    – Jumbo Tsuruta won the NWA United National Heavyweight Title from Abdullah the Butcher 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Bobby Eaton defeated Steve O for the NWA National Television Title

    1982

    Columbus, Georgia:
    – The Masked Superstar and Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) defeated Bob and Brad Armstrong for the NWA National Tag Team Titles

    1984

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Angelo Mosca defeated Sgt. Slaughter to win the Toronto NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title

    Orlando, Florida:
    – Kendo Nagasaki (Kazuo Sakurada) defeated Mike Rotundo to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    1985

    AWA/NWA Star Wars: Baltimore, Maryland: 
    – Bob Backlund & Sgt Slaughter won a 12 team battle royal
    – Tommy Rich & Sgt Slaughter beat Scott Irwin & Bill Irwin
    – Bob Backlund beat Masked Superstar dq
    – Ole Anderson & Thunderbolt Patterson beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors dq
    – Ronnie Garvin beat Bob Roop
    – Ron Ritchie beat Rip Rogers

    1993 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Alex Porteau defeated Mike Dahl to win the Global Wrestling Federation Light Heavywieght Title 

    1994

    Royal Rumble: Providence, Rhode Island
    – WWF Tag Team Champions The Quebecers (Jacques and Pierre) defeated Bret and Owen Hart to retain the titles
    – WWF Champion Yokozuna defeated The Undertaker in a Casket match to retain the title
    – Bret Hart and Lex Luger co-won the Royal Rumble match

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Bruiser Brian defeated Colonel DeBeers for the Championship Wrestling USA Television Title 

    1995

    Royal Rumble: Tampa, Florida:
    – Jeff Jarrett won the WWF Intercontinental Title from Razor Ramon 
    – Shawn Michaels won the Royal Rumble
    – In a tournament final, Bob Holly and The 1-2-3 Kid defeated Bam Bam Bigelow and Tatanka to win the vacant WWF Tag Team Titles

    1996

    Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – Sting and Lex Luger won the WCW World Tag Team Title by defeating Harlem Heat 
    – Randy Savage won the WCW World Title from Ric Flair

    1999

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Toshiaki Kawada defeated Mitsuharu Misawa to win the AJPW Triple Crown Title 

    2003

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – A.J. Styles pinned Larry Zbyszko
    – David Flair and Mike Sanders defeated Ron Killings and Jerry Lynn
    – Triple X (Low Ki and Elix Skipper) defeated NWA World Tag Team Champions America’s Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm)to win the titles

    2005

    Seoul, South Korea:
    – Buff Bagwell and Dusty Rhodes defeated Rikki Nelson and Terry Taylor to win the vacant NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title 

    2006

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Jun Akiyama defeated Akira Taue to win the NOAH GHC Heavyweight Title 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Shinjiro Otani defeated Steve Corino to win the AWA title

    2012

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Takeshi Morashima defeated Go Shiozaki in Osaka to win the GHC title
    – Jun Akiyama & Akitoshi Saito beat Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson to win the GHC tag team titles

  • NJPW/CMLL Fantasticamania results: Volador/Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero/Mephisto

    Fuego & Stuka Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Pretty fun match. They worked this in the lucha style so Fuego and Stuka Jr. were very in their element. Fuego in particular looked really impressive and has lots of charisma. Tanaka and Komatsu worked their style and seemed kind of off, but never looked bad or anything. Just didn’t look as fluid as they usually do. I guess they have time to learn it in the next year or so. Fuego got the win for his team, pinning Komatsu with a roll up.

    David Finlay & Jushin Liger & Kushida & The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Kushida was wearing a big silver watch mask to the ring, but didn’t wrestle in it. A fun match. Panther botched a spot early as he looked to do something off the middle rope, didn’t do it, then went to something else and messed up big time. After that, everything was pretty good. They did a fun spot where four of the guys wrapped their legs against one another, forming a circle, then Liger applied the Rito Romero special on Okumura in the middle of the circle. Hechicero submitted Finlay with a heel hook.

    Zavala got a mic after the match and said he and Okumura would win the Arena Coliseo tag team belts tomorrow. Guerrero Maya and Panther didn’t agree with that.

    Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Atlantis & Juice Robinson

    In an amazing moment pre-match, Naito came out and did his usual super long entrance. The amazing thing was that the announcer somehow managed find things to say about Naito the entire time he was stalling. Lots of mask ripping by the heels. Not much, but was fine. Robinson made a comeback but Evil came in and hit their finish, a reverse press slam called Out of Control for the win.

    After the match Naito not only ripped part of Atlantis’ mask off, but also had an altercation with Milano Collection AT and laid him out too. Seems to be a recurring theme, but then again Naito’s attacked many guys at ringside as that’s his new gimmick.

    Mexican National Welterweight Champion Barbaro Cavernario vs. Titan

    I liked this match. Not blow away, but there were a ton of cool moves which made it pretty memorable. Most of it was Titan, who really stood out in terms of dynamic high flying ability. He wrapped his legs around Cavernario’s chest at one point, threw him out of the ring and followed it up with a big Asai moonsault. Cavernario did his big splash from the top rope to the floor. Lots of nice back and forth stuff with Cavernario retaining the title with a flash surfboard.

    CMLL Welterweight Champion: Bushi vs. Mascara Dorada

    I’m not sure why CMLL has two welterweight titles, but the situation with title belts in Mexico is far worse than it is here or anywhere else. Bushi came out with a new outfit and new music. He was dressed completely white for whatever reason. They brawled into the crowd early where Bushi did a big dive off the stairwell. Bushi worked on him a good while till he made a comeback, wiping him out with a stepover tope con hilo to the floor. Naito kept interfering until Atlantis drove him out of the arena with a steel chair. After a few close near falls Dorada wins his title back with the Dorada Screwdriver. Another good match with Dorada’s offense looking really good.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Virus

    Despite the title being vacated, Nakamura is still wearing the title to the ring. Maybe they’re letting him keep it until he leaves the promotion. Hell if I know. He and Taguchi, who is doing a Pharaoh gimmick on these tours because he’s Taguchi, removed each other’s masks. They’ve had a rivalry of sorts on house show tours for the last month or so. Virus and Dragon Lee mostly worked with one another and looked pretty good. Another good match, with good spots when it was needed. A lot of comedy, but it was fine and didn’t drag too much. Virus submitted Dragon Lee with what is now known as the PTO, but he calls it la motocicleta.

    Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Fun main event. It was a good showcase for Mistico and Volador Jr as they looked awesome as a team, and both Mephisto and Guerrero had some fun moments as well. Both Mistico and Ultimo Guerrero played to the crowd at the start of the match, with Guerrero nearly leaving due to being frustrated by Mistico’s reactions. Mistico and Volador did a double tope con hilo to the outside. Both of them work really great as a tag team and have some good tandem work. They did another great move where Mistico hopped over Voldor, flew out of the ring and wiped out Mephisto on the outside with a hurricanrana. Mephisto wiped out Volador with a tope con hilo (a lot of those tonight!) while Ultimo Guerrero landed a reverse suplex from the top rope, getting the win over Mistico.

    Overall, the key phrase of the show was fun. Nothing here is going to win match of the year or anything, but in terms of environment and with everyone really into the theme of this tour, it was good times.

  • B&V 1/22: NXT, Vinny’s Raw Report, Granny’s contest, more!

    The Bryan & Vinny Show is back today with a packed edition of the program! We’ve got the usual NXT from Full Sail report, Vinny’s Raw reactions from Monday Night, Granny joins us for another contest plus SHE HAS WATCHED WRESTLING RECENTLY AND WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Josh Nason’s Punch-Out: Voices of Wrestling’s Brandon Howard on Royal Rumble, Styles, stats

    Success can’t be determined by merely looking at a single number in the world of pro wrestling and it’s time to rethink how we gauge success. To help navigate our way through what we know and what we should look for, we brought in the talented Brandon Howard of Voices of Wrestling for the 29th episode of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out!

    Brandon and Josh talked for an hour on a variety of wrestling topics like:

    – His research project on RAW TV ratings, house show attendance, and the year that was 2015

    – Who the best wrestler in the world when star ratings are taken into consideration and why WWE talent didn’t make the top 25

    – Whether he’s excited for AJ Styles to come to WWE and what his leaving Ring of Honor might mean to their bottom line

    – Our shared cynicism about whether WWE can get Nakamura and friends right

    – What one stat/business metric he’d love to get from WWE

    – HHH’s sincerity (or lack thereof)

    – His deep dive into social media statistics and what indy organizations can learn from it

    – Why he decided to become a pro wrestler and what he learned when he first started training

    – And lots more. Geek out on some wrestling business with us, will ya? (Note this show was recorded before the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards were released.)

    Website subscribers can listen to the show below by clicking the link that says ‘Right click to save’.

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