UFC Hall-of-Famer BJ Penn is out of UFC 199 in roughly two weeks because he admitted to using an IV back in March. Yes, you read that right.
Originally scheduled to fight against Dennis Siver and then Cole Miller on the June 4th event, Penn has been provisionally suspended by USADA for using an IV “in excess of 50 ML for more than a six-hour period” which is now banned in or out of competition except while used in a hospital, surgical procedure, or as part of a diagnostic clinical investigation.
As you’ll see below, Penn said he was unclear that IV use was now banned year-round, saying it had changed since his last fight which was in July 2014. As FloSports’ Jeremy Botter pointed out on Twitter, Penn was talking about IVs being for “wimps” last year.
The 37-year-old was looking to make a comeback after a near two year absence and three straight lossses.
On his website, Penn released the following:
“I voluntarily disclosed to USADA that during a non-fight period that I had an IV administered under the care of a doctor. The rule for IV usage had changed since my last fight in the UFC and was unaware of the change and voluntarily disclosed the information to USADA. I had no idea that IV use was banned 365 days a year. At no time in my career in martial arts have I ever doped and anticipate all test results from USADA will come back clean and will be working with the UFC to get the matter cleared up and return to fight as soon as possible.”
The UFC released the following:
“The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) informed BJ Penn of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. Penn disclosed the usage of a prohibited method – the use of an IV in excess of 50 ML in a six-hour period – during a March 25, 2016, out-of-competition sample collection. In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Penn has received a provisional suspension, and has been removed from his scheduled bout against Cole Miller on June 4 in Los Angeles UFC will announce a replacement opponent for Miller shortly, and additional information will be provided by USADA and UFC at the appropriate time as the process involving Penn moves forward.”
Filthy Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez and Tom Lawlor is back today with tons to talk about: WWE Extreme Rules, KANE RUNNING FOR OFFICE, Road Report to FUTURE STARS OF WRESTLING featuring DISCO INFERNO AND MATT HARDY, your weekly TNA Impact TV review and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
The Big Takeaway: It was a night of Money in the Bank qualfiers, returns and breakups. Of course, the big news was the return of Seth Rollins. Despite the wishes of the fans, he’s going to be a heel in his program with Roman Reigns. Those two will be facing each other in the main event of the Money in the Bank PPV for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Enzo Amore also returned. Kevin Owens, Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Dean Ambrose, and Sami Zayn all qualified for the Money in the Bank match at MITB. Charlotte broke up with Ric Flair, saying that he had been living in her spotlight for months. It was an angle that hit on various points very close to home, but Flair’s performance was fantastic. A.J. Styles also split up with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Shane and Stephanie McMahon were limited to cameos, which was a welcome change.
Show Recap:
Seth Rollins started the show getting a huge ovation, though there were some scattered boos. He was playing up to the crowd as a babyface and got “Welcome back” chants. Rollins said he’s waited 200 days to step inside his ring once again and he’s back. He’s waited for seven months to take back the title he never lost and he fired the first shot last night when he gave Roman Reigns the Pedigree. Crowd chanted “Thank you, Rollins.” Rollins asked if the fans missed him? That got “Yes” chants. Rollins said that was interesting because when he put a chair against Reigns’ back, the fans booed him. Then when he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, fans said he was the weakest champion in history.
Then something profound happened: his knee buckled from carrying the company for so long. That was supposed to get boos. It got cheers instead. Rollins said he got so much fan mail he didn’t know what to do with it, so he put it all in the garbage can and lit it on fire. So Rollins went heel in the interview, saying he never needed the fans when he was going after the World Championship, and he doesn’t need them now. He said there was only room on the Seth Rollins bandwagon for one dude, and it was him. Rollins claimed the fans were never with him during the process to rehab his knee for seven months, which was harder work than the fans have ever put in in their entire lives.
Rollins said he, and he alone, would take back the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. That got a mixed response. Reigns’ music hit. Suddenly Rollins’ response seemed like Ric Flair in Charlotte by comparison. Booed beyond belief.
Rollins acted like he wanted to fight, but when Reigns got in the ring, Rollins left, saying he was going to fight on his time. Shane McMahon showed up. Rollins reluctantly got back in the ring and Shane’s request so they could have a conversation. Shane brought up Rollins has had several defining moments, including breaking up the Shield and winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 32. Shane said Reigns would defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Rollins at Money in the Bank. Both men were content with that announcement. Reigns held up his title to get booed some more.
Later tonight, a series of Money in the Bank qualifying matches: The Miz vs. Cesaro; Chris Jericho vs. Apollo Crews; A.J. Styles vs. Kevin Owens along with Sheamus vs. Sami Zayn.
Renee Young did an interview with Sheamus, who denounced the “new era” in the WWE. He made fun of Zayn’s name and the fact he was form Canada. That was a weird thing to say since Canadians have been carrying a good portion of the company’s workrate lately. Young started to mention she was from Canada before Sheamus interupted her and instructed parents to get their children out of the room because what he would do to Zayne wouldn’t be suitable for all ages. They brought up Sheamus winning Money in the Bank last year, then cashed it in at the Survivor Series and defeated Reigns for the title after Reigns had just defeated Dean Ambrose in a tournament final.
Sami Zayn defeated Sheamus in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match (10:02)
Zayn won with the Helluva Kick, moments after attempting a tope which Sheamus blocked with a right hand. Lots of selling by Zayn, but the two didn’t click as well as you would think. The announcers played the result up like an upset, explaining Sheamus didn’t even qualify for Money in the Bank one year after winning it. I credit it to lousy booking last June. Sheamus was furious after the match. At one point, Zayn did satellite head scissors, which Michael Cole called a huracanrana.
Crews did an interview with Young. She asked him if he felt like he had an advantage after the damage Jericho suffered against Ambrose last night. For some reason, Sheamus jumped Crews from behind. Sheamus screamed about the new era as he rammed Crews’ head into a truck case.
The New Day came out. They’re up to 274 days as tag team champions. There was a Happy Birthday cake in the ring. Kofi Kingston said the cake was there to celebrate Raw’s 1,200th episode. Xavier Woods said Raw is over 23 years old. Big E. said a WWE ring is never safe from a cake, so they decided to take the cake out of the ring. Woods said they would never want the cake to wind up in anyone’s face. Big E. teased throwing it in someone’s face at ringside, then JBL, then Byron Saxton. Then Social Outcasts (sans Adam Rose, of course) jumped Woods and Kingston. The Vaudevillains are out of a tag team title program after one PPV.
The New Day defeated Social Outcasts (1:50)
Kingston pinned Heath Slater after the Midnight Hour. Highlight was Slater taking the Unicorn Stampede. He rolled out of the ring barely able to stand, so Bo Dallas called for a Bo Train. Slater made it about three steps before collapsing. Of course, the cake had to end up in somebody’s face before the segment could end. So Kingston and Woods threw Slater into the cake, which splattered everywhere. They showed three highlights of the cake spot.
Miz and Maryse came out. Miz said he was still the Intercontinential Champion and a future Money in the Bank winner. He compared himself to the movie “Rudy” by overcoming overwhelming odds to retain the championship at Extreme Rules against Zayne, Owens and Cesaro. He wondered who could play him in an underdog movie, and brought up Brad Pitt and Dwayne Johnson. Maryse pulled in for a kiss, but Cesaro came out before they could get it on. Saxton said Cesaro looked like someone from “The Professional,” a weird reference to a 1994 film featuring a 12-year-old Natalie Portman. JBL then compared Cesaro to Roger Federer because they both have genetic superiority. Roger Federer pulled out of the French Open last week because of injuries.
Cesaro defeated the Miz (C) in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match, as well as a nontitle match (11:16)
Another solid match with these two, ending when Miz jumped off the top rope into a Cesaro uppercut, leading to the Gotch Neutralizer. Miz did the usual spots working over Cesaro’s injured left shoulder. Cesaro tried the Giant Swing, but couldn’t complete it because of the shoulder. Maryse has totally revitalized Miz’s career. He’s working better than he has in years, his promos are entertaining, and it has even helped the Intercontinental Championship, which really seemed on the backburner again after WrestleMania.
Rollins did an interview with Young. He said it would be fitting if he defeated Reigns for the Money in the Bank championship since he won it 2 years ago, leading to him cashing it in. Rollins walked up to Stephanie McMahon. Rollins wanted to hug her, but she said things have changed around here. She just wanted a handshake, and a confused Rollins complied.
Chris Jericho defeated Apollo Crews in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match (7:37)
There was a mixup near the finish. Jericho went for the Lionsault. Crews did a nip-up while Jericho was in midair, but didn’t get out of the way. Jericho’s knees hit Crews on the head and they both fell to the mat. Looked like the rest of the match had to be ad-libbed from that point. Jericho won with a codebreaker. Finish kind of buried Crews since Jericho was supposed to be less than 100% after the Ambrose match last night. Jericho was all taped up from last night’s thumbtacks bump. Crews came out without selling anything from the Sheamus beating. Crews didn’t get much of a reaction and looked disappointed.
The latest from Darren Young and Bob Backlund, who chastized Young for taking notes. Then Backlund ordered him to recite all the presidents in honor. Young said he couldn’t do that. Backlund started to do it, and Young said “Damn, coach!” in a way to put Backlund over. Backlund got mad at him for swearing and ordered him to do 100 jumping jacks.
Baron Corbin did an interview with JoJo. They showed Corbin delivering a Draymond Green-caliber low blow to beat Dolph Ziggler last night. Ziggler walked in and said Corbin couldn’t beat him in a technical wrestling match. Corbin said he wasn’t worried about technical wrestling, he was worried about handing out beatings. You haven’t heard mechanical delivery of promos until you’ve heard Corbin. Ziggler said he was going to face Ambrose tonight and do something Corbin could never do: steal the show.
Big Cass came out. Then he waved toward the entrance and Enzo Amore made his return to a huge pop. They did the usual routine with the fans singing along. Amore had Michael Jackson’s jacket from the Thriller video on. Amore claimed he forgot to pay his electric bill and they cut his lights out. The doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, which he calls a hard sneeze. Amore said if he had a dime for every time he got knocked down and didn’t get back up, he would have ZERO DIMES! Amore said as for Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley, “do us a favor and don’t do us no favors.” Cass said throwing his size-17 boot was going to be like throwing a basketball into a swimming pool, because he wasn’t going to miss. If 10% of Amore’s interview ability could somehow transform over to Crews, he’d headline WrestleMania before 2020.
Big Cass defeated Bubba Ray Dudley (2:46)
Devon hit Amore from behind at ringside. This led to Cass’ comeback, which spilled out on the floor. Cass threw Amore into Devon. In the ring, Bubba Ray took the Ric Flair slam off the top rope, and Cass pinned him after the Empire Elbow.
Charlotte, Dana Brooke and Ric Flair came out for a “State of the WWE Women’s Championship Address.” JBL talked about how the Fabulous Moolah started her championship reign in 1956 in Baltimore. Flair took the mic and how proud he was of her. Flair looked emotional, which signaled something was up since this was suppsed to be a heel promo. Some fans started to chant boring. Flair compared Brooke to “Charlotte’s Uncle Arn.” Charlotte said she wanted to thank one person, “and it was obviously me.” She also thanked Brooke, who thanked Charlotte and put over Flair as the “dirtiest player in the game.” Charlotte brought up what she remembered growing up. She remembered various holidays and birthdays where her father wasn’t around for her. She had to watch him on television. Fans chanted “What” at Charlotte and she was getting really mad and appeared to lose her train of thought. Charlotte said she understood why her father missed those holidays because she was the champion. She then turned to her father and ordered him to get out of her ring. Flair didn’t understand what she was talking about. Charlotte said everyone from Flair’s generation was the same because they never wanted to leave the spotlight. Charlotte said Flair never understood how it felt to walk into a room and hear people say “There’s Ric Flair’s daughter.” She said now Flair was Charlotte’s father. Flair started to cry. Charlotte said Flair was “the 2nd dirtiest player in the game” and she doesn’t have time for people who come in 2nd place. She said she doesn’t need him anymore.
Charlotte accused Flair of neglecting her. Flair was in tears. Charlotte said Flair was an immortal to everyone in Baltimore, but to her he was dead. Now, Flair can watch Charlotte on TV just like she watched him through her childhood. She ordered him to leave the ring, which Flair did with remorse. Flair walked to the back and Charlotte crowed about how she was the champ. Flair’s facials were excellent. Charlotte had to work hard to get through this despite al the hecklers, but she’s very skilled on the microphone and did a good job getting this breakup over. JBL, Cole and Saxton sold this heavy, speaking in hushed tones wearing long faces like they had just seen a career-threatening injury angle.
For those who complain that this angle hit too close to home and was uncomfortable to watch, this isn’t the first time Flair’s parenting skills have been used in an angle. One of the few good segments of WCW Thunder in 2000 featured Flair and Arn Anderson in a microphone dual that centered around their personal lives and children. Not to mention Flair wrestling his son David in 1999 & 2000. Granted, that was among the worst booked programs in history, but it was still a subject. Flair himself, as a shoot, called that program “a nightmare.”
Dean Ambrose defeated Dolph Ziggler in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match (12:10)
Ambrose won with Dirty Deeds after blocking the Zig Zag. It was a scientific match to get over Ziggler facing Corbin in a “scientific match” next week. During an Ambrose comeback, JBL said “Can you imagine what it would be like to have two former members of the Shield fight for the championship?” How many times did we see that last year? Then Ambrose did his ricochet off the ropes into the clothesline spot and Cole belted out “How in the world did he do that?” We see that spot every week.
A distraught Flair walked back stage where he came across Arn Anderson, who consoled him and said he was sorry. Young walked up and asked if he had anything he wanted to say. Flair, who tried to smile, declined and left the building.
The Shining Stars put over their debut last week and invited everyone to Puerto Rico, “The Shining Star of the Carribbean.”
Styles came out and said you never know how good someone is until you get in the ring with them. Styles said Reigns is every bit the man he says he is, which got him roundly booed. Styles said Reigns was one of the best he ever got in the ring with, but he still wasn’t phenomenal. Then Styles did another subtle heel dig, saying if it wasn’t for the Usos, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, you would be looking at the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This brought out Anderson and Gallows. Anderson was upset that Styles would say they cost him a chance to beat Reigns. Anderson accused Styles of changing since their days in Japan. Gallows said if he and Anderson hadn’t dropped every person that wanted to fight Styles, there would be a lot of bars that Styles would have never made it out of. Styles tried to be amicable and said they needed to seperate. Styles said, for now, they were done as a team. But nothing can seperate them from being brothers. Gallows wasn’t going for it, saying they weren’t brothers anymore. Anderson said they weren’t friends anymore. Styles said if that’s the case, they don’t need to be in the ring together anymore. He said, as of right now, this was his ring. Anderson and Gallows took the cue to leave and did without shaking hands. Another breakup angle.
Kevin Owens defeated A.J. Styles in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match (16:30)
Owens won with the Pop-Up Power Bomb after Styles attempted a springboard move, but Owens kicked Styles’ legs out from under him. Styles hit the Pele Kick after escaping an attempt at the Pop-Up Power Bomb. Earlier, Owens missed a moonsault and Styles nailed a springboard 450 splash for a near fall. One night after bumping all over the place for Reigns, Styles wasn’t having an off night. Biggest spot came outside the ring when Styles ran up the steps, but Owens caught him over his shoulders and slammed him across the top of the steps. Later, Styles ran towards Owens, who power bombed Styles on the steps, leading to a countout tease. It was like Styles was 30 again and was in TNA putting over Kevin Nash. And yes, that really happened. Clean. Crowd seemed to be waiting for the near falls, but got more involved towards the end. Finish seemed to catch them by surprise.
SUMMARY: Very solid wrestling show. Frankly, this should be a pattern for the summer because the roster is going to be as deep as ever once John Cena, Randy Orton and Neville return. It’s just a question of which programs are made and how to gain the most from them. The Reigns-Rollins program isn’t really unique. Fans have booed Cena for years and cheered various heels against him. Rather than make a new superstar out of Reigns, the WWE has just made him a Cena clone. And the fans will treat him as such, as well as whoever is in a program with him. the good news is there’s plenty of guys he can have quality matches with that won’t expose him.
Glenn Jacobs, who wrestles as Kane in WWE, said he was seriously considering running for Mayor of Knox County, as a Republican.
He said he would make his decision after the presidential election.
He said he’s talked with current mayor Tim Burchett about it.
Knox County covers the city of Knoxville, the area that Jacobs lives in.
Jacobs did an interview with WBIR television saying he’s looking at doing so because he cares so much about the community.
“That’s the only reason I would consider getting into any sort of government because I do care very deeply. and I think it’s incumbent upon people who care about the communities to try and make a difference.
Jacobs noted that for work, he could live anywhere in the U.S., but settled in Knoxville because he love East Tennessee.
Jacobs first lived in Knoxville when he worked under the name Unabom for Jim Cornette’s Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion,. as a tag team partner of Al snow.
Raw is at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore tonight. They’ll be starting work on the Money in the Bank show and the big thing will presumably Seth Rollins’ return interview as the show last night seemed to indicate a Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins title program. They’ll also be pushing John Cena’s return next Monday and we’ll get new directions for a lot of the key talent. They are advertising Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & AJ Styles vs. Sheamus & Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens, but that means nothing as they just announce matches locally and don’t deliver them most of the time. We’re looking for live reports with Superstars matches, dark matches or anything else that isn’t part of the live show at newstips@wrestlingobserver.com
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s Extreme Rules show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON MONDAY FROM NIIGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeMonday on New Japan World)
Matt Sydal vs. Bushi
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
Kushida vs. Rocky Romero
NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON TUESDAY FROM YAMAGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometimeTuesday on New Japan World)
Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk Roman Reigns & Usos vs. A.J. Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson is the advertised main event. We’re looking for reports on that at newstips@wrestlingobserver.com
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A look at what’s next for WWE after Extreme Rules, the UFC sale with lots of exclusive info, Vince & Linda McMahon selling their stock, Chris Weidman’s injury and how that changes plans, the staggering drop in kids viewing for WWE and exactly who watches the TV today, plus UFC 198 coverage and Best of The Super Juniors tournament news are among the stories covered in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
More on the injury returns and summer ideas and why WWE could have its deepest talent roster in a long time in very short order. Plus, talk about the NXT/WWE balance and why talent is actually more important for arena business if in NXT.
There is also an extenisve look at the Extreme Rules show.
In addition, updates on the UFC sale, including news about who is in, who is not in, what it all means, what is being sold, where Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta fit in and UFC fixture who indicates he’s likely gone if the sale goes through, all in covered in this issue.
A glimpse into Vince McMahon’s stock sale, what it means, how much money did he get, and how his stock sale only increased the difference in the value of UFC vs. WWE, and for how much Vince McMahon bought the company.
More on the injury to Chris Weidman, how it happened, his future, Michael Bisping’s title shot and more on UFC 1999.
Also in this issue, find out who watches WWE on television and how many in each different age group.
Find out how WWE has changed the schedule of the Cruiserweight tournament and why, more on the arrest of Adam Rose, more on Stephanie McMahon’s book, how Stephanie will be pushed on television going forward, how Stephanie will be marketed as the face of the company, and another WWE firing.
Finally, there’s full coverage of UFC 198, including business notes including early estimates on success, ramifications of the show, match-by-match coverage, looking at the judging of close fights and poll results.
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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Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk Raw, the Shane McMahon interview, and more on Cody Rhodes as well as take your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.
Pop TV President Brad Schwartz did an interview with PW Insider giving TNA a vote of confidence, saying what station would cancel its second highest rated show. Well, that’s actually happened quite a number of times to wrestling shows including TNA last year. Schwartz did the interview no doubt because of all the stuff about canceling the replay on Saturday after just four weeks and no mentions at all in the upfronts in March about TNA when plugging shows. Schwartz claimed when they started on the station they wanted to give as many people as possible a chance to find it, so they premiered it and repeated it, but now repeats don’t make sense with VOD and DVR’s and people watching when they want to anyway. The problem is Pop is not a staggered network like most entertainment networks so prime time means 6 p.m. on the West Coast, which is why Destination America would do the midnight replay, so they have a prime time showing. He tried to give the idea that it was the plan to do so for a few months and then cut down to one airing, which makes zero sense because why do the time slot change just a month ago if the plan was to dump it? He did explain about growing up watching wrestling on Saturday mornings, but again, if that’s the case you don’t dump it in four weeks. He noted they never marketed the Saturday show and the plan was always to have one two hour broadcast. He claimed repeats don’t work, although that’s notable because Pop’s highest rated show is a repeat.
The ESPN 30 for 30 piece of Ric Flair was written about in Sports Illustrated this week. Rory Karpf is the director. The piece will be 90 to 120 minutes. The WWE has been fully cooperative as far as allowing them to use footage because of the WWE/ESPN relationship.
Sports Illustrated today made a list of the 50 fittest female athletes in the world. They have an explanation of how they do the lists, but it appears to me they’re looking for women who are athletes and also ripped. But from combat sports and wrestling these were the names on the list:
31 – Kayla Harrison – U.S. women’s judo star who is likely to go into MMA after the Olympics
No. 1 was listed as Jessica Ennis-Hill, a women heptathlete.
Results in the best of the Super Juniors earlier today from Niigata:
Matt Sydal (1-1) beat Bushi (0-2)
Kyle O’Reilly (2-0) beat Gedo (1-1)
Ryusuke Taguchi (2-0) beat David Finlay (0-2)
Rocky Romero (2-0) beat Kushida (0-2)
So a tournament story is the champ and top Japan current junior heavyweight has to play catchup.
WWE
The Shane McMahon interview with Mick Foley on his return will air for one hour after Raw ends on the WWE network.
For the weekend, WWE was the No. 5 most searched term yesterday with 200,000 for the PPV. That’s normal range for a WWE PPV show, but down from Payback which was 500,000. The Billboard Music Awards had 2 million and the Golden State Warriors had 1 million. But they beat the Penguins and the French Open.
Ted DiBiase on Twitter mentioned to say prayers for George Steele who was going through some health issues. Best of luck to him in his current situation. He’s beaten some major health issues in the past.
Enzo Amore has been back traveling and will be at TV tonight. That doesn’t mean he’ll be used but it does mean he’s doing better, which is a good sign.
Big E has been announced as attending the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame ceremony in Waterloo, IA. He played football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and prior to that, was state heavyweight champion in high school in Florida. Dan Gable said, “I’m excited to have WWE Superstar Big E at one of our biggest events of the year. Working together always yields the best results. We appreciate the support of WWE.” Gerald Brisco is a huge supporter of the Dan Gable Museum and the Tragos/Thesz Hall of fame. He’ll be doing an autograph session on 7/23 at 2 p.m. and will attend the induction banquet which includes myself, Bob Backlund, Chael Sonnen, Joe Blanchard, Lex Luger, and JJ Dillon being honored.
For those traveling to Las Vegas for Money in the Bank, the Electric Daily Carnival will be in town all weekend and that will bring 100,000 tourists into town. Hotel in Las Vegas are now charging for parking for the new arena, but if you’re an MLife member, parking is free.
The company this past week taped Ride Along shows with the announcers, Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton, and another with The Dudleys.
After the show last night they announced a return to the Prudential Center on 11/1, which will be a Smackdown taping.
Finn Balor is headed to the HMV Super Store at 333 Yonge St. in Toronto tomorrow at 5 p.m. for an autograph session.
WWE stock was down 39 cents per share to $16.64. The decline is likely due to the news Vince McMahon sold so many shares at $16.50 last week.
UFC
Paige VanZant has been inked and a role was especially created for her in the movie “Kickboxer: Retaliation” after producers saw her on Dancing With the Stars. Dave Bautista, Jean Claude Van Damme and Gina Carano are the three leads in the movie.
A note regarding last night’s show when we were talking about the six-man opener on Saturday’s New Japan show and how well Will Ospreay worked with Volador Jr., while Ospreay doesn’t have experience in Mexico, he actually trained at a Lucha Libre school in London for some time so knows the style.
Wrestling Revolver on 6/10 in Cliva, IA at the Seven Flags Event Center features John Hennigan (Johnny Mundo) vs. Billy Gunn, Rhino vs. Trevor Lee, Tommy Dreamer vs. Bull James in a Hardcore match, Bob Holly vs. Sami Callihan, Su Yung vs. Jessicka Havok, Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Jack Evans, AR Fox vs. Michael Elgin plus PJ Black and Jody Kristofferson appear.
The Pentagon Black appearing this coming weekend in Shawnee, KS, is not Pentagon Dark or Pentagon Jr. from Lucha Underground, but the second Pentagon that worked in AAA. He hasn’t lived in Mexico in many years.
Wrestling Invades America from yesterday in Swansea, IL: Da’Marius Jones won over Paco Gonzalez and Mike Outlaw, Justin D’Air b Rosko, Barackus & Tyler Copeland b Kevin Lee Davidson & Brandon Aarons, Billy McNeil b Ace Hawkins, Jim Hoffarth b Jimmy D & Bobby D in a handicap match, Brandon Espinosa b Blake Belakis (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Pro Wrestling Eclipse from last night in Oshawa, ONT: Kobe Durst b Jake Parnell, Jim Nye & Buck Gunderson won over Jason Roberts & Mikey Finnegan and Vaughn Vertigo & Gabriel Fuerza, Michael Elgin NC Tyler Tirva, Ethan Page b Everett Connors, Jewells Malone won four-way over K.C Spinelli, Kaitlin Diamond and Xandra Bale, Phil Atlas d Space Monkey, Cody Deaner & Michael Elgin & Josh Alexander b Tyler Tirva & Tyson Dux & Joshua James. Next show is 7/1, a free show as part of the Canada Day celebrations.
In the Marvel Agents of Shield show, there was a line where a military guy was yelling at the leader of Shield (a comic organization dealing with superhero threats and issues) and said, “That was stupid. Really stupid. Like betting on WrestleMania stupid.” (thanks to Mike DeGeorge)
Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. takes place for Lucha Libre New York on 7/24 in Woodside, NY at Club LaBoom.
Volador Jr. defends his UIPW title against both Caristico and Misterioso on 6/11 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy.
There is a Rayo de Jalisco Jr. 40th anniversary show on 6/18 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico with Ray & Lover Boy & Silver King vs. Capitan Furia & L.A. Park & El Hijo de L.A. Park as the main event.
Ignite Wrestling from Friday night in Fort Pierce, FL: Klassic Brothers b Jude Jean & Josh Parker, Angel Rose b Red Velvett, Martin Stone & Aaron Epic b Rex Bacchus & Slade Porter, Kota Sekifuda b Jester Yorick, Jon Cruz & Jay Rios b Dirty Blondes, JB Cool b Mark Silva, Kahagas b Damian James, TNT b Braydon Knight & Chico Adams, Mr. 450 Hammet b CJ O’Doyle, Lince Dorado b Rhett Giddins (thanks to Kim Artlip)
Absolute Intense Wrestling’s 24-man JT Lightning Invitational tournament takes place on 5/27 and 5/28 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel, with Homicide, Dan Severn, Tim Donst, Ray Rowe, Louis Lyndon, Tyson Dux, Tracy Williams, DJ Zema Ion, Colin Delaney, Cheech, Big Damo from the U.K,. Laredo Kid, Alex Daniels, B.J. Whitmer, Britt Baker, Brian Myers, Colt Cabana, Billy Gunn, Cedric Alexander, Veda Scott, Little Guido, Johnny Gargano, Candice LaRae and Josh Alexander. Opening round matches are Severn vs. Delaney, Myers vs. Gunn, Alexander vs. Gargano, Rowe vs. Damo, Guido vs. Donst, Dux vs. Williams, Alexander vs. Veda Scott, DJZ vs Laredo Kid, Daniels vs Baker, Lyndon vs. Cheech and Whitmer vs. LaRae.
TCW from yesterday in Rozano, Milan, Italy: Antoninio Bellavita b Kombat Komedian to win Revolution title, Antonio Bellavita & Rocco Gioiello & Domenico Dinamite b Martini & Claudio Campari & Ciro Friariello, Saetta Nera b Fenice Rossa, Marchese b Darkness II, Marchese b Death Mask, Marchese b Break Bonsai, Pain b Marchese-DQ, Backslash & Oxlade Black b Sami Grayson & Violent Joe Turbo b Paziente Zero, Scandalo b Darkness II (thanks to Alessio Garbini)
CHIKARA’s U.K. tour is 5/27 to 5/30 with shows in Birmingham, Manchester, North Shields and Glasgow. In Glasgow, the main event is Princess Kimber Lee vs. Hallowicked for the Grand Championship of Chikara.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling on 5/28 in St. Louis at the Ready Room.
June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
June 5 – AAA’s Victoria World Cup men and women’s trio tournament finals at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City which will be a live iPPV show
June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
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 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
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with tons to discuss including a full recap of WWE Extreme Rules, thoughts on all the matches, your Raw preview for tonight, tons of feedback and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
– Frank Gotch defeated Tom Jenkins to regain the American Heavyweight Championship
1947
St. Joseph, Missouri: – M.W.A. Title: Orville Brown beat Vic Christy 2 falls to 1 to retain the title – Bobby Bruns drew Sockeye Jack McDonald – Dan O’Connor beat Michele Leone – Cal Rees drew Jack Page
1961
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Wilbur Snyder & Leo Nomellini defeated Hard Boiled Haggerty & Gene Kinisky to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship – Tiny Mills beat Tony Baillargeon
1963
Kansas City, Kansas: – World Tag Team Champions The Medics defeated Steve Bolus & Steve Kovacs – United States Heavyweight Champion Bob Geigel defeated Joe Scarpello
1967
Duluth, Minnesota: – AWA Tag Team Champions Harley Race & Larry Hennig beat Verne Gagne & The Crusher via dq – Blackjack Lanza went to a draw with Bob Geigel – Johnny Powers beat Reggie Parks
1978
Omaha, Nebraska: – AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Blackjack Lanza & Bob Orton Jr – Rufus R Jones beat Ray Stevens dq when Pat Patterson interfered – Super Destroyer Mark II beat Steve Olsonoski via pin – Pat Patterson drew Evan Johnson
1980
Hasma, Japan: – Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated George Takano – Kengo Kimura pinned Makoto Arakawa – Ryuma Go pinned Haruka Eigen – Kantaro Hoshino pinned Osaumu Kido – Williem Ruska & Riki Choshu defeated Bad News Allen & Tito Santana – Strong Kobayashi pinned Chavo Guerrero – Andre the Giant defeated Seiji Sakaguchi via countout – WWF World Champion Bob Backlund & Tatsumi Fujinami fought Dusty Rhodes & Stan Hansen to a no contest – Antonio Inoki defeated Hulk Hogan via disqualification
1981
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher via dq – Jerry Blackwell beat Baron Von Raschke – Bobo Brazil beat Paul Christy – Spike Huber drew Johnny Valiant – Brad Rheingans beat Ray Stevens dq – Sheik Adnan Al Kassie beat Bobby Bold Eagle – Tito Santana defeated Big John Studd
1985
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Larry Zbyszko – Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Larry Hennig & Curt Hennig – Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts beat Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell – Butch Reed beat Baron Von Raschke by countout – The Crusher beat Rick Renslow – Steve Regal beat Buck Zumhofe – Larry Zbyszko beat Ron Ritchie
1988
Memphis, Tennessee: – Robert Fuller beat Jeff Jarrett by countout – Brickhouse Brown beat Max Pain via forfeit for CWA title – AWA Tag Team Champions Badd Company Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond beat Bob Holly & Pat Rose – Cuban Assassins no contest Billy Travis & Scott Steiner – Tommy Gilbert & Doug Gilbert beat Don Harris & Ron Harris – Tommy Gilbert beat Paul Diamond – Jeff Jarrett beat Doug Gilbert – Robert Fuller beat Billy Travis – Max Payne ddq Scott Steiner
1992
Atlanta, Georgia: – Steve Austin defeated Barry Windham for the WCW Television Title
1993
WCW Slamboree: Atlanta, Georgia: – 2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Bagwell defeated Bobby Eaton & Chris Benoit – Sid Vicious defeated Van Hammer – Dick Murdoch, Don Muraco & Jimmy Snuka vs. Wahoo McDaniel, Blackjack Mulligan & Jim Brunzell ended in a no-contest – Thunderbolt Patterson & Brad Armstrong (subbing for Bob Armstrong) defeated Ivan Koloff & Baron Von Raschke – Dory Funk, Jr. (with Gene Kiniski in his corner) vs. Nick Bockwinkel (with Verne Gagne in his corner) went to a 15-minute draw – Rick Rude & Paul Orndorff defeated Dustin Rhodes & Kensuke Sasaki – Sting defeated The Prisoner (Nailz) – Lou Thesz, Mr. Wrestling II, Verne Gagne and Eddie Graham (posthumously) were inducted into the WCW Hall Of Fame – WCW World Tag Team Champions Brian Pillman & Steve Austin defeated Dos Hombres (Tom Zenk & Ricky Steamboat) in cage match – NWA World Champion Barry Windham defeated Arn Anderson – Davey Boy Smith defeated WCW World Champion Big Van Vader via disqualification
1996
Sapporo, Japan: – Mitsuharu Misawa & Jun Akiyama defeated Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue for the All Japan Tag Titles
2010
WWE Over the Limit | Detroit, Michigan: – Montel Vontavious Porter defeated Chavo Guerrero – Kofi Kingston defeated Drew McIntyre to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship – R-Truth defeated Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) – Rey Mysterio defeated CM Punk in a Straight Edge Society pledge vs. Hair match – The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd) (with Natalya) defeated Chris Jericho and The Miz to retain the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship – Edge vs. Randy Orton ended in a double countout – Big Show defeated Jack Swagger by disqualification, Swagger retained the World Heavyweight Championship – Eve Torres defeated Maryse to retain the WWE Divas Championship – John Cena defeated Batista in an I Quit match to retain the WWE Championship
Ray Leppan, known as Adam Rose, was officially released by WWE Monday as he requested it, according to the company.
Leppan was on an indefinite suspension from the company after being arrested on both tampering with a witness and domestic battery charges on May 11 involving his wife at their home in Lutz, FL. During the proceedings it came out, it was a second incident involving Leppan.
He was already on a 60 day suspension, announced on April 16, for a second wellness policy violation. He wrote that the violation was for testing positive for Adderall XR to treat ADHD. He put up a doctor’s note on Twitter, took it down, and then put it up again. WWE never responded to questions regarding the nature of the suspension, but did not change its ruling.
Leppan started his career working in South Africa as a tag team partner of Paul Lloyd Jr. (P.J. Black in Lucha Underground, Justin Gabriel in WWE). He worked for the local promotion there and was one of its top stars when signed to WWE in 2010, where he worked as Leo Kruger and later Adam Rose, highlighted in the ESPN E:60 Behind The Curtain documentary. The latter gimmick got him a 2014 call-up but the character never got out of prelims. He was a member of the Social Outcasts group at the time of his first suspension.
We’ll discuss this more on Wrestling Observer Live today and on Wrestling Observer Radio tonight.
Best match: fatal 4 way (world title match second best)
Worst match: divas
Four way was hot and well done. Styles-Reigns a worth main event in spite of the interference.
The Jericho- Ambrose cage mess really dragged live, and brought the crowd down; divas match also poor.
Vaudvillians were actually pretty good; have potential, and were protected for the moment by the finish.
Anderson and Gallows also strong . Baron-Ziggler was not much.
–Mike Omansky
Just wanted to provide some feedback on Extreme Rules. I gave the show a slight thumbs up, somewhere between thumbs in the middle, lol. The show had hits and misses, a few good matches, a few highlights, but due to lack of build not much else. I thought the main event for the world title was the best match of the night, although it was a tough choice between the main event and I/C title match. The I/C title match was awesome, but thought the main event was better in my opinion. Worst match of the night was probably a tie between the women’s match and the Asylum cage match. The women’s match could have been so much better, and it’s hard to have a cage match without violence and blood and keeping it PG.
1. Ziggler – Corbin – Was not really into the match, either competitor could have won and would not have really made a difference.
2. Doc & Anderson – Uso’s – Really good match, fast paced, Doc & Karl have been great since they started, The Uso’s looked good as a result, and usually not into the Uso’s very much. Hope they heat up the tag team scene with the addition of Doc & Karl and give them a run as tag champs.
3. Kalisto – Rusev – Good to see Rusev win and get the U.S. title and paired back up on screen properly with Lana. I thought this was a hot act during his first run as US champ and they should have kept it that way instead of the seemingly lack of push that happened after the Cena fued and then Lana paired up with Dolph, just didn’t work. The League of Nations thing didn’t work out, and clearly neither of them was really having any on screen success without the other, so good to see them headed in the right direction again.
4. New Day – Vaudevillains – Good to see New Day win. I was annoyed with their gimmick at first, but they have grown on me and I actually like the act now. Now I’m annoyed by the Vaudevillians, lol. Don’t really see how this can be a very long lasting gimmick for them as I just don’t see it sticking.
5. Miz, Cesaro, Zayn, Ownes – Really great match, these guys are the future of the WWE and good to see them have a great match with each other. Was hoping they would get the title back on Owens as I thought he made a tremendous champion. But would be good to see either Zayn or Cesaro as champ too. And these guys are miracle workers making the Miz look good, lol. However The Miz has improved and I think a push with Maryse with him has been good. Improving as a performer and hope they just stick with that, stay away from the whole Miz TV thing, very annoying.
6. Dean – Jericho – Really lackluster match, a whole bunch of nothing going on in the cage. Hard to have a cage match in today’s WWE. And the whole storyline between Dean and Jericho really was not going anywhere in my opinion. Cool spot at the end however with the bump into the tacks, that was cool at least.
7. Charlotte – Nattie – Very disappointing since they are both so talented and this match was regulated to seemingly almost nothing and elevate who? Dana Brooks? I don’t think Dana is ready for the main roster yet. Her matches have left something to be desired that I’ve seen so far. Hopefully they will just keep her in the “Bodyguard” position for Charlotte and continue to push Charlotte as a really good heal. Daddy Ric can only do so much at ringside, so it will be good to have Dana there to take the bumps outside the ring. No disrespect to Flair, but he can’t actually do a whole lot of bumping at his age and keeping his physical role limited will be more effective I think.
8. Roman – Styles – I thought this was a great match, AJ really took some hardcore bumps. I like Roman as champ and hope they go full heal with his character. Also want to see see Styles as champ. Also really cool to see the return of Rollins and would like to see him as champ again too, lol. But an amazing match of an otherwise somewhat lackluster card other then the I/C title match.
Thanks, Jon Southerland — Clovis, Ca.
Thumbs in the middle. Very mixed bag.
Best match: Roman vs AJ. Maybe the best WWE match this year.
Worst match: Ambrose vs Jericho. Maybe the worst WWE PPV match this year.
The women are hopeless if every title match has a screw job finish.
Thanks, Erin J Hotovy
Thumbs Up
Best Match: Styles v Reigns
Worst Match: New Day v Vaudevillans
Another solid card. Styles had an insane match performance but important to say Reigns did a lot right in there as well. Wonder what is up next for Styles as a reward for the stuff he is doing out there since joining WWE. That main event delivered on a lot of levels. The passion of the crowds love/hate relationship with Reigns added here rather than detract and cant imagine that dynamic if RollinsVReigns is at MITB. The IC 4 way would be best match on a lot of cards. Big fan of the Kalisto-Rusev match as so much they did in that match was very tight. Kalisto has been doing some solid stuff from the del rio feud through the recent big men. Rusev is so underused but its hard to gauge how well they will handle the win based on the wackiness of the secondary titles. Usos and “The Club” had another good match, not sick of the feud though looks like its over (Wargames dreams shattered). The asylum match lagged in parts but overall felt good. Enjoyed Corbin Ziggler but think Corbin, who I am a fan of, needs a little more work on selling. The Dana Brooke spot took me out of the Charlotte-Natalya match. Get what they were going for but just came across weird.
Network was perfect tonight, none of even those minor blips or hiccups.
Thanks!
Michael O’Brien | Brockton, MA
Thumbs up just because of two superb matches. Roman gets the hottest heel reaction in years and Rollins was welcomed like he was HBK. Anything else but a double turn is plain simple stupid.
Best Match: Miz vs. Zayn vs. Owens vs. Cesaro closely followed by Reigns vs. Styles
Worst Match: Corbin vs. Ziggler
Earlier in the day during the USA vs. Puerto Rico International Friendly soccer match on FS1, one of the announcers actually said “Puerto Rico, the shining star of the Caribbean”.
Leonardo II Mendez | San Sebastian, PR
Thumbs Up
Worst Match: Corbin vs. Ziggler
Had a couple of awkward moments & the rhythm could’ve been better at times, but I thought it was an ok match. Liked the finish, although thought he waited a little long to capitalize on the low blow.
Usos vs. Anderson & Gallows
Thought they were rushing a fair bit but decent match.
Rusev vs. Kalisto
There were some awkward moments in the early going, thought the heat section left a lot to be desired, Kalisto’s comeback wasn’t as crisp, smooth & explosive as others, but I thought it was ok, & improved towards the end, which featured some nice spots & I liked the finish.
New Day vs. Vaudevillians Didn’t last long but I thought it was a good solid match.
Owens vs. Cesaro vs. Zayn vs. Miz Thought the crowd jumped the gun on the awesome chants, but it was a hell of an outing. No losers here. Was surprised to see Miz win, thought for sure the title would end up on Zayn or Owens.
Jericho vs. Ambrose Thought the crowd were a bunch of cocks. Thought they worked a real good match, with a good structure & nice pacing, but the crowd weren’t interested until the tacks, which frankly I was surprised to see used, I thought both they & the barbed wire 2×4 were just going to be teased, not that I feel that would’ve been a wise decision. They were out there trying to work, but the crowd wanted pace & spots. Ok, it was following a great match, but there was no need for some of their behaviour.
Natalya vs. Charlotte Tough stipulation match to have given the two matches that’d gone before. I thought it was decent, but wasn’t a fan of the finish, thought it was very anticlimactic, & was pretty surprised by Dana Brooke’s appearance, given her ongoing program with Becky. Interested to see where they’re going.
Best Match: Styles vs. Reigns Thought it was an amazing performance from Styles, he worked so hard, & Reigns wasn’t a passenger. Lots of creative spots, great layout, great flow & rhythm to the match, very spectacular, although I would’ve liked a little more dramatics given everything they did, & for them to bring down the pace a little at times. Again no losers here.
