A lot of the upper section was empty. Pre-show, Dasha interviewed some fans asking who they wanted to see tonight. Also, there was a pre-show vote to see a past NXT match: Rollins vs. Mahal, Neville vs. Zayn or Bayley vs. Banks. The latter won the vote so they showed highlights of the match.
Hugo Knox vs Wesley Blake
Fairly basic match. Crowd started chanting in the middle of the match but wasn’t into either superstar much. Knox won with a split leg moonsault on the second attempt after messing up the first one.
Alexander Wolfe & Sawyer Fulton vs. American Alpha
Loud pop when American Alpha’s music hit and a loud chant for American Alpha before the match had even started. Crowd chanted “Jordan give us a wave”. Crowd booed him when he didn’t but when Gable did a takedown in the ring, he waved to a big pop. After early back and forth action, Gable is worked on until he makes the hot tag to Jordan to a loud pop.
Match then ends quickly after two belly to belly suplexes and two German suplexes. AA wins with the double ankle lock spot and a double tap out. Post match, The Revival come out and cut a promo putting over the TakeOver title match from last week. They offer AA a tag title match, then change their mind and walk off before running to the ring to attack. AA then hit Grand Amplitude on Dash and count to 3 for a good pop.
Bobby Roode vs. No Way Jose
Roode comes out to generic music which confused the crowd until he walked out and the crowd popped for him. Good reaction for Jose. Crowd was into him. Comedy spots early in the match then mid match, Jose’s music plays and they both dance before Roode attacks Jose. Jose in control for a short while until Roode makes a comeback and wins with the Double A spinebuster.
Nikki Glencross & Peyton Royce vs. Carmella and Bayley
Good reaction for Carmella who cut her usual pre match promo. Bayley came out to loud pop, loudest so far. Crowd sang to her then sang Happy Birthday to her. Peyton and Nikki work over Bayley until she makes the hot tag to Carmella. Peyton tries to kick Carmella but hits Nikki instead. Carmella tags in Bayley who pins nikki with the Bayley to Belly for the win.
Tye Dillinger vs. Andrade Almas
Dillinger out to a loud pop and loud 10 chant. He cut a pre-match promo and revealed he was wearing a football shirt belonging to a rival team to a loud chorus of boos. Early part of the match saw the 2 of them play the crowd with the football shirt with Almas making Dillinger stamp on it. Fairly basic match with the odd high spot. Almas wins with the running double knees to Dillinger in the corner.
NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
Good reaction for Asuka, but little reaction for Alexa & Nia. Good back and forth action. Alexa was impressive in the match. Asuka makes a comeback after a few near falls and hits Alexa with a jumping knee and makes her submit to the Asuka Lock for the win.
Finn Balor & Shinuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries & NXT Champion Samoa Joe
Good pop for Balor but really loud for Nakamura with the crowd singing his theme song during his entrance and after his music had stopped. Another good reaction for Joe as well. Good back and forth action with Balor getting the hot tag to Nakamura. The finish comes when Balor kicks Aries as he attempts a suicide dive followed by Nakamura hitting Aries with the Kinshasa followed by Balor hitting him with the Coup de Gras for the 3.
Post match, Balor cuts a promo on Liverpool and puts over Robbie Brookside, saying how he welcomed him to the Performance Centre and helped so many NXT stars and helped NXT as a whole. Balor and Nakamura then pose for the crowd to complete a good show.
The bidding period is expected to end this week, on or around 6/16, regarding a sale that is expected to be in the $4 billion price range for 100 percent ownership of the UFC.
Waterloo, Iowa: – Joe Dusek beat Rudy Strongberg by dq
1950
Kansas City, Kansas: – Karl Davis beat Fred Blassie in a 2 out of 3 falls special mud match – Sonny Myers defeated Emil Dusek in 2 out of 3 falls – Ralph Garibaldi and Joe Dusek went to a time limit draw – Bob Geigel and Tommy O’Toole wrestled to a 30 minute draw
1957
Wichita, Kansas: – Mike Clancy beat Wild Red Berry 2 falls to 1 – Bobby Bruns beat Jim Austeri
1961
Kansas City, Kansas: – The Alaskan defeated Ronnie Etchison via DQ in three falls – Sonny Myers & Bobby Graham defeated Buddy Austin & Don McClarity in three falls
1962
St. Louis, Missouri: – NWA Champion Buddy Rogers beat Johnny Valentine – Edouard Carpentier defeated Rip Hawk and – Hans Schmidt & Stan Stasiak defeated Bobby Managoff & Billy Watson
Houston, Texas: – Sailor Art Thomas defeated The Mummy for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title
1963
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Crusher beat Waldo Von Erich and in a Non Title Lumberjack match – Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski beat AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff
1966
Kansas City, Kansas: – Ron Reed defeated Chuck Karbo in three falls – North American Tag Team Champions; The Mongolian Stomper & Bob Ellis defeated The Butcher & Alex Perez in two straight falls
1972
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Billy Robinson beat Ivan Koloff dq – George Gordienko beat Big K – Larry Hennig & Dusty Rhodes beat Wahoo McDaniel & Ramon Torres
Kansas City, Kansas: – Roger Kirby defeated The Viking – Rufus R. Jones defeated Black Angus via DQ – The Stomper defeated Harley Race in three falls
1974
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke were co-winners of a two ring 24 man $50,000 battle royal – Nick Bockwinkel drew Wahoo McDaniel – Superstar Billy Graham beat Oddjob – Larry Hennig beat Bull Bullinski – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Blackjack Lanza & Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose)
1975
Green Bay, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Ivan Putski & Dusty Rhodes in 2 out of 3 falls – Chris Taylor beat Buddy Wolff – Bobby Heenan beat Jim Brunzell dq – Khosrow Vaziri (Iron Shiek) beat Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose)
1979
Los Angeles, California: – Seiji Sakaguchi and Riki Choshu defeated Hiro Matsuda and Masa Saito to win the NWA North American Tag Team Titles
Denver, Colorado: – Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Duncum beat Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne – In a No dq Match Super Destroyer Mark II beat The Crusher – In a Pose Down, Paul Ellering beat Jesse Ventura – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens dq – Pat Patterson beat Doug Gilbert
Tupelo, Mississippi: – The Blond Bombers (Larry Latham and Wayne Farris) defeated Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1980
Monterrey, Mexico: – Sangre Chicana defeated Cachorro Mendoza for the NWA World Middleweight Title
Green Bay, Wisconsin: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Mad Dog Vachon – In a Ladder Match for $5,000 Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell – In a Loser Leaves Town Match, Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Steve Olsonoski & Juan Valez
1982
One day after losing the World Class American Title to Fritz Von Erich in Fritz’s retirement match, King Kong Bundy is awarded the title due to Fritz vacating it
1983
Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada: – Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke beat Nick Bockwinkel & Blackjack Lanza – Ken Patera beat Wahoo McDaniel – Rick Martel beat Jerry Blackwell dq – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe
1986
Sedalia, Missouri: – Rufus R. Jones and Mike George defeated Hacksaw Higgins and J.R . Hogg to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Titles
1990
Dallas, Texas: – John Tatum defeated Bill Dundee for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1992
Memphis, Tennessee: – Eddie Gilbert defeated Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title
1996
Memphis, Tennessee: – Brickhouse Brown defeated Bart Sawyer for the vacant USWA TV Title
1997
Pantitlo, Mexico: – Cibernetico defeated Mascara Sagrada for the Mexico National Heavyweight Title
WCW Great American Bash: Moline, Illinois: – Ultimate Dragon defeated Psychosis (with Sonny Onoo) – Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) (with Sister Sherri) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) by disqualification – Konnan defeated Hugh Morrus – Glacier defeated Wrath (with James Vandenberg and Mortis) – Akira Hokuto (with Sonny Onoo) defeated Madusa to retain the WCW Women’s Championship, Madusa was forced to retire – Chris Benoit defeated Meng in a Death match – Kevin Greene defeated Steve McMichael (with Debra McMichael) – WCW World Tag Team Champions Scott Hall & Kevin Nash defeated Ric Flair & Roddy Piper – Randy Savage defeated Diamond Dallas Page in a Falls Count Anywhere match
1998
– During an edition of Monday Nitro, Chris Jericho was awarded the Cruiserweight Title
2002
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – Shane Douglas defeated Vampiro and Taiyo Kea in a three-way match to become the first MLW World Heavyweight Champion
2003
WWE Badd Blood: Houston, Texas: – Rodney Mack and Christopher Nowinski defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) – Scott Steiner pinned Test to win the managerial services of Stacy Keibler – Booker T defeated WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian by disqualification – La Resistance defeated Rob Van Dam and Kane to win the World Tag Team Titles – Goldberg pinned Chris Jericho – Ric Flair pinned Shawn Michaels – Steve Austin defeated Eric Bischoff in a “Redneck Triathlon” – Triple H defeated Kevin Nash in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the World Heavyweight Title
ROH made a big announcement today, that they will be returning to the famed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City for their biggest PPV of the year, Final Battle. This will mark the first time ROH has run the building since 2014. The company has declined to use the Hammerstein due to increasing facility rental costs, but recently decided to head back to the building. The Hammerstein Ballroom will now be the site of all of ROH’s future NYC shows. This site has a lot of history, and should be good news for fans who remember the amazing ECW shows from the late 90’s and early 2000’s that took place in the iconic building, as well as ROH’s previous tenure in the location.
TNA will be rebroadcasting last night’s Gold Rush show tonight on Pop TV. Apparently there were some technical difficulties due to weather that prevented the show to be seen in its entirety in certain markets. That show will at 9pm eastern tonight.
TNA tapes in Orlando tonight, while NXT will be in Liverpool, England.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com (Apparently Ed has blocked Bryan Alvarez from attendance in response to Bryan blocking Ed on Twitter… LOL) – It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez (yes he’ll be there), Vinny, Granny, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly 6/13/2016: Gawker files for bankruptcy – Depending on your point of view, Hulk Hogan went one step further towards either succeeding or failing in his lawsuit against Gawker Media last Friday when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the type that allows the company to continue operating.
A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.
The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power. Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.
Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.
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.
Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks (18-1) has signed a deal with the UFC and will debut on July 8th against Ross Pearson on the TUF 23 finale show in Las Vegas. Brooks was released from Bellator recently after an impasse on where both wanted his career to go. After twice beating Michael Chandler in two title fights, he successfully defended his title twice before the release. He goes into the Pearson fight on a seven fight win streak, while Pearson is 4-4 in his last eight.
For the first time ever in women’s wrestling, the SHINE champion, the SHIMMER champion, and the TNA champion will face each other this Friday at the SHINE 35 iPPV in Ybor City, FL. SHINE’s titleholder is Taylor Made, Shimmer’s champ is Madison Eagle, and TNA’s is Allysin Kay, and the loser will drop their belt. The show will also feature a Money In The Bank match between Kellie Skater, Mia Yim, Santana, and Nicole Matthews.
Former UFC fighter John “Doomsday” Howard will debut for World Series of Fighting this Friday on NBC Sports Network. He received a late-notice injury replacement today as his original opponent Thiago Meller pulled out due to injury and he’ll now face Michael Arrant.
WWE & Pro Wrestling
Here’s a feature on Australian talent Damian Slater being tabbed for the WWE Cruiserweight tournament.
2K announced they have made some updates for the WWE Supercard game with “Money in the Bank, a persistent new game mode where fans can pick battles, earn and collect contracts, as well as redeem rewards for defeating their opponents”. Here’s the download.
The Fight Network presents an MMA Tripleheader this Friday, June 17 with WSOF, Hard Knocks & RFA. The broadcast begins live at 9 p.m. ET with World Series of Fighting 31: Ivanov vs. Copeland from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., followed by Hard Knocks Fighting 50 live from Calgary, Alberta, Canada’s Century Casino at 11 p.m. ET. Finally, RFA 39: Barcelos vs. Moffett will air via short tape delay from Indiana’s Hammond Civic Center at 2 a.m. ET.
Bellator 156 runs Friday night with a main event of Marcos Galvao vs Eduardo Dantas in a Bantamweight title fight that was originally scheduled for October of 2015 and later postponed to February of this year. Former middleweight champion Brandon Halsey also fights on the undercard for the first time since losing his title to Rafael Carvalho
This Friday’s AXS TV show is RFA 39 from Hammond, IN. Featherweight champion Raoni Barcelos (9-1) puts up his title against Bobby Moffett (also 9-1) in the main event.
Fedor Emilianenko will fight on UFC Fight Pass on Friday against Fabio Maldonado for Russian promotion Fight Nights. Earlier in the day, Fight Pass will also broadcast BRACE 41 from New Zealand. Greg Atzori takes on Kieran Joblin in a lightweight fight in the show’s main event. Faith Van Duin, fresh off a first round KO loss to Cris Cyborg in an Invicta title challenge last July, drops to Bantamweight to face Charlene Watt in the co-main.
Hard Knocks 50 will air Friday night on streaming service GFL.TV as well as the Fight Network in Canada. The main event is a bantamweight title fight with Jesse Arnett defending against Mike Hernandez. Arnett has made no secret about wanting a shot in UFC
The sequel to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s cult classic action film, HARD TARGET 2, arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 6. This movie stars Scott Adkins, and NOT JCVD. Check out the new trailer here.
Results: Pure Wrestling Association, from May 28th, 2016 in Campbell River, BC – Nolan James defeated Chris Dexton, BJ Laredo defeated Shreddz, Cremator Von Slasher w/Riea and Rigor Von Slasher defeated Zakk Green, Scott Steel defeated Bishop to remain Pure Violence Champion, E.O. Mike Becherer defeated Nolan James to remain VIPW Vancouver Island Champion, Krofton defeated Lak Siddartha w/ Riea and Rigor Von Slasher
Results: High Impact Wrestling Evolution 6/10 Regina, Saskatchewan, Cannonball Kelly def Bucky McGraw, Alexander Prime def Amir Jordan, El Asesino (c) def Brett Morgan by DQ, The World Class Renegades (Ace Riviera & Shaun Moore) (c) def The Brotherhood (Dixie Dragon & Jacob Creed), Tony Cage def Brett Evans, Team Flex Appeal (Michael Allen Richard Clark & Mike McSugar) def Merle Graves & Shao Ming, HIW Central Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Tyler Colton (c) def Mentallo
Results: Kat Von Heez def Slammer, Big Jess Youngblood def Barricade, Britton Baylis & Steven Styles def Mutato & Rex Roberts, RCW British Commonwealth Title Match Scott Justice (c) def Tiger Ali, Leon Grayson def Zarif Metovic, RCW Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Bobby Sharp (c) def Nite
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR
June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, & B.J. Whitmer
June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us,” Drago vs. Chris Hero, at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) Tickets available.
June 18 – MCW “Base Brawl” returns to the Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus DR in Waldorf, MD. Tickets here. Ron Simmons, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac will be there.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
June 19 – New Japan Dominion – Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match
June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title
June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com at the Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This is a combo MMA & kickboxing show.
June 24 – Thrash Wrestling “Passion for Smashin” – Schubert Centre 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 2E6
June 25 – The United Wrestling Coalition returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall in Wrightstown, New Jersey on June 25, 2016 for UWC Fan Appreciation Night!
June 25 – PWA Night of Champions – Century Casino Showroom – 1010 42 Ave SE Calgary, Alberta
June 25 – Pure Wrestling Association, Wakas Community Hall, 180 Tsulquate Rd, Port Hardy, BC
June 25 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
Never fear, the original alternate is back with topics including:
– There was a little man in the ALF suit?
– The natural hockey hotbed of Las Vegas Nevada
– The WWE Cruiserweight World Classic and its interesting possibilities
– The fabulous Starrcade ’90 flashbacks featuring Canadian grappling luminaries Troy Montour and Danny Johnson
– The Horsemen’s inspirational message to “Get In Touch With Your Emotions”
– Thoughts on the New Japan Best of the Super Juniors aka the Taguchi revival series, Ricochet, Will Ospreay, Kota Ibushi’s shadow, Hiroshi Tanainjury, New Japan’s top six situation, the upcoming Dominion lineup, sending good vibes to Yumi Fukawa, Did someone say Pro Wrestling Bezzle?, Shimmer, and much, much more.
Lazier than Al Perez’ one eye, yet still deeper than Ole Anderson’s fake ass voice. It’s the Black Scorpion of radio shows (there’s only one, Sting…); It’s the Adam and Mike BIG AUDIO NIGHTMARE proudly here at F4WOnline.com.
ROH announced Wednesday that they will be returning to New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom for its biggest show of the year as it will become the company’s regular New York City location.
The 15th Final Battle in ROH history will be held there on Friday, December 2nd. They had been running the venue up until 2014, but moved out due to a significant increase in the cost.
ROH had hinted moving away from frequent ROH show location Terminal 5 as it was recognized was too small for them for big events. It was rumored at the time that the company would either be moving to the Manhattan Center or the Hammerstein, both part of the same complex that is around the corner from Madison Square Garden. They’ve run the Hammerstein before, packing the venue frequently.
The company held Final Battle at the Hammerstein for six straight years (2008-2013) before bringing the event to Terminal 5 in 2014. They ran the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA, for the show last year, headlined by ROH Champion Jay Lethal vs. AJ Styles.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show: 1983 was an incredible year in wrestling if you think about it. The wrestling world was about to change forever. The release of the new TEW 2016 got me to thinking back about the year in wrestling in 1983 and I talk about it on this episode. Also I answer some listener questions including pinfalls in wrestling historically and much more! This show is free today so feel free to send it around!39936511/home/tonyleder/f4wradio.com/feed/karlstern.rssDragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show: 1983 was an incredible year in wrestling if you think about it. The wrestling world was about to change forever. The release of the new TEW 2016 got me to thinking back about the year in wrestling in 1983 and I talk about it on this episode. Also I answer some listener questions including pinfalls in wrestling historically and much more! This show is free today so feel free to send it around! Contents of today’s show include:
How pinfalls in pro wrestling worked historically from the Frank Gotch era until today. Why “hooking the leg” is even a thing.
Jesse ‘The Body” Ventura as an announcer working with Gorilla Monsoon, Jim Ross, Tony Schivonie, and more.
1983 the year in pro wrestling. Who was working where and what was happening in one of the most important years in wrestling history.
The new Total Extreme Wrestling 2016 game. Everything you want to know about the text editor game and the mods to go with it.
To order the Super Stern Stick directly for just $20 and free shipping world-wide simply use this link- http://www.paypal.me/dragonkingkarl/20
Ring of Honor television from Toronto was another installment from the War of the Worlds tour featuring ROH vs. NJPW. A loaded lineup on this episode included another stellar matchup between Kushida and Kyle O’Reilly in the main event. Elsewhere, Tetsuya Naito collided with Moose and Jushin Liger teamed up with Cheeseburger.
Mark Briscoe provided guest commentary alongside announcer Kevin Kelly and matchmaker Nigel McGuinness. Several times throughout the show Mark said he felt Roderick Strong continues to disrespect him. He and Roddy are set for a match at the Best in the World pay-per-view with Chicken seemingly set for a singles push.
Later in the show, Roddy strolled out to ringside. He confronted Nigel about having to team with Mark in an eight-man tag match. The match (Briscoes & Strong & Jay Lethal vs. Bullet Club) airs next week on ROH TV, which was plugged several times throughout the show.
In another sign of disrespect to Mark, as Roddy argued with Nigel he at first never acknowledged Mark until calling him the “Briscoe that doesn’t matter.” Mark got in his face and Nigel stepped in to break things up. Roderick backed away while also flapping his arms insinuating Mark was chicken.
The show itself opened with the entrance of a former pro football player turned pro wrestler who was in the news recently as speculation continues about his future with ROH. He was followed by the current IWGP heavyweight champion representing Los Ingobernables de Japon, who sauntered to the ring for a non-title match.
Tetsuya Naito beat Moose (with Stokely Hathaway)
On commentary, Nigel noted that Naito had one knee taped up. Naito also reportedly became ill on this tour. He still had a good match. Moose more than held his own too. Early on when Moose started signaling for the “Moose” chants, Natio spat in his face. Moose hit a dropkick then also dropkicked Naito as he was perched on the top turnbuckle sending Naito sailing out to the floor.
Moments later, Naito teased doing a dive only to mock Moose. When Naito did eventually jump over the ropes for a plancha, Moose caught him and gave him a fallaway slam into the guardrail. Naito cut him off and did a flurry of moves before mocking Moose again. After a commercial break, Moose fired up looking to make a comeback.
When Naito executed a hurricanrana off the top turnbuckle, Moose miraculously hulked up and delivered a lariat that turned Naito inside out for a nearfall. Moose suplexed Naito upside down into the turnbuckles. Naito countered and applied a Koji clutch and Moose got a rope break. Moose also kicked out after getting dropped with a swinging DDT. However, Moose eventually fell victim to a Destino and Naito covered him for the pinfall.
ANX cut a promo vowing to “make wrestling great again.”Of course, they are spoofing a certain WWE Hall of Famer currently running for president. During their entrance as part of their supposed new campaign, they did their best Jimmy Hart in bringing megaphones to the ring.
The backstory of the match was ANX had previously attacked Cheeseburger and beat him down so he enlisted the help of his mentor, Liger, in gaining revenge.ANX began pummeling Liger and Cheeseburger at the outset. Liger and Cheeseburger fought back. ANX got heat on Cheeseburger for awhile until Liger came in off a hot tag. ANX dispatched Liger to the outside and did some double-team offense on Cheeseburger. They finished off Cheeseburger and Titus pinned him.
In the weekly Bullet Club backstage promo, Adam Cole was mad about the main event at the next PPV being a world title rematch with Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal. Cole claimed he should be in the match. He also objected to the camera operator and the sound engineer so the Young Bucks took over those duties as Cole basically vowed Bullet Club would take part in some angle on the PPV.
Silas Young interrupted the show to cut a promo on ACH. Silas ranted about his usual subjects pertaining to manliness and accused ACH of dressing like he was in a Japanese cartoon. He began arguing with a fan at ringside who was wearing a ACH t-shirt. Silas shoved him and security grabbed Silas. During the commotion, ACH ran in and did a wild springboard dive onto Silas and the security team. Silas Young vs. ACH is set for the PPV.
Kyle O’Reilly beat Kushida
Much like their previous matches, this was outstanding. From their matwork to their selling and into the highsports, they told a great story of O’Reilly finally being triumphant. In a pre-tape promo beforehand, O’Reilly talked about waiting an entire year for that moment.
Kushida began working an arm on O’Reilly only for Kyle to counter and work a leg on Kushida. O’Reilly applied a knee bar and went for an achilles lock. Kushida got a rope break but really sold his leg thereafter. Even though they did some highspots, they still kept selling and at times did so subtly and sold throughout the match.
Just before a commercial, O’Reilly dropped Kushida with a knee strike. After the break, Kushida was in the midst of a hope spot when O’Reilly turned him inside out with a lariat. Kushida came back with a brainbuster moments later. Kushida went back to work on the arm just before the action spilled outside.
As they fought at ringside, O’Reilly sat Kushida down in a chair. O’Reilly then dove off the apron for an attempted flying knee. In the same big spot they did in one of their previous matches, Kushida jumped out of the chair and caught the flying O’Reilly in an armbar as he crashed to the floor. Back in the ring, they both fell in a heap after dueling kicks and forearm strikes.
They rose once more for a few more final exchanges. O’Reilly momentarily caught Kushida in a guillotine. Kushida countered into a kimura lock. O’Reilly then maneuvered that into cradling Kushida for the deciding pinfall.
According to Pop TV, they will be replaying the Tuesday, June 14th episode of TNA Impact Wrestling at 9 PM EST Wednesday night due to the technical issues with airing the first-run show last night.
The show did air, but nearly two hours late in the U.S. It’s unclear what caused the problems but there were thunderstorms in Atlanta, GA, where the Pop TV transmitters are located. Of note, the show aired with no problems in Canada so it was not a problem with the show not being taped or not finished on time.
Here are results from the show which included the newest inductee announced for the TNA Hall of Fame. It was the first show after Sunday’s Slammiversary PPV where Bobby Lashley became the company’s new world champion.
Although billed as a live show, TNA actually tapes about two hours ahead of time when they bill the show as live. The company did tape a second show Tuesday, and are taping two more shows Wednesday before another expected round of tapings in July.
– The show opened with Chris Jericho doing the Highlight Reel with Dean Ambrose as his guest. Before long, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Alberto Del Rio, and Kevin Owens were all out. This set up a six-man tag team match as the main event.
– Kofi Kingston won a four-way over Big Cass, Luke Gallows and Aiden English when Kingston pinned English.
– Baron Corbin pinned Zack Ryder. After the match, Dolph Ziggler, who was on commentary, had a staredown with Corbin to set up their match on Sunday.
– US Champion Rusev beat Kalisto. After the match, Rusev kept beating on Kalisto. Sin Cara ran in and Rusev put him in the Accolade. Titus O’Neil then made the save.
There was an interview segment where The Club and New Day went at it. This set up A.J. Styles vs. Xavier Woods next.
– AJ Styles beat Xavier Woods with the calf crusher.
– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte beat Natalya. Dana Brooke and Becky Lynch were fighting outside the ring and Natalya was distracted and lost to the figure eight.
– Dean Ambrose & Cesaro & Sami Zayn beat Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho & Alberto Del Rio. Ambrose pinned Owens after Dirty Deeds. Owens had turned on Jericho and Del Rio before the finish.
