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  • New Japan Best of the Super Juniors Night 2 results: Chase Owens vs. Will Ospreay

    Here’s a recap of the four Best of the Super Juniors B block matches that took place this morning in Shizuoka. Thankfully, New Japan World cut the tag team matches that fill these shows. Not that they’re bad, but they’re super formulaic. Some people get into them, and for the very good ones I can get into them too. Most of the time, I just can’t.

    Chase Owens vs. Will Ospreay

    This was pretty good. Owens is solid. Not flashy like some guys in this tournament, but works really well with a lot of people. Ospreay’s offense was tremendous here, doing everything including the Sasuke special to Owens on the outside. Owens cut him off and pinned him with the package piledriver in a surprise (at least, for me).

    There will probably be many examples like this during the tournament, not just because they want to add an air of unpredictability in the tournament but also because they probably had to change a lot of results due to the Young Bucks being pulled from the tournament.

    Trent Baretta vs. Volador Jr.

    I guess the rule in Japan if you’re a luchador that’s lost his mask is you can wear it for as long as you want, but you have to take it off sometime during the match. The first half of this was okay, nothing special. Volador did a cool dive to the floor. Seems like every time there was a big spot, things would slow down for a while. Things picked up after a while, but the match as a whole was just kind of there save for a few cool spots by Volador. He hit the top rope hurricanrana that won his match on the opening day, but Baretta kicked out. Volador went to charge in the corner, but Baretta lifted up up into the Dudebuster and nailed it for the win.

    Bobby Fish vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

    Both Fish’s theme and Liger’s theme are no longer dubbed over. For some reason, though, Owens’ theme was. Fish smacked Liger’s leg with some kicks early and focused on throse throughout the match. Liger made a comeback and hit the liger bomb for a nearfall. Liger went for a hurricanrana off the top rope but Fish grabbed the ropes, causing Liger to land on his bad leg. Fish kept working on Liger’s leg in a long ankle lock submission. Liger escaped, then managed to hold Fish down long enough by grabbing the ropes t o pick up the sneaky win. Do what you gotta do, I guess.

    Tiger Mask vs. Ricochet

    This was okay for most of it. Nothing bad, but Tiger Mask’s work is always just there, just good enough not to be bad. Ricochet didn’t do anything flashy for this match either and as a result the match in general was just kinda there. Ricochet picked up the submission win with a modified armbar.

    Current tallies:

    Block A:

    • Gedo – 2
    • Kyle O’Reilly – 2
    • Rocky Romero – 2
    • Ryusuke Taguchi – 2
    • Bushi – 0
    • David Finlay – 0
    • Kushida – 0
    • Matt Sydal – 0

    Block B:

    • Baretta – 2
    • Chase Owens – 2
    • Jushin Thunder Liger – 2
    • Ricochet – 2
    • Bobby Fish – 0
    • Tiger Mask – 0
    • Volador Jr. – 0
    • Will Ospreay – 0

  • WOR: Cody Rhodes update, Extreme Rules, New Japan and PWG, more!

    Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with tons to talk about! Full details on Cody Rhodes’ departure from WWE, Extreme Rules play-by-play recap, Best of the Super Jr’s, Dave’s live PWG report, Sasha Banks update, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz when what each side is saying this week, questions and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • B&V: WWE Extreme Rules recap: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles!

    Bryan & Vinny Show returns tonight with a full recap of WWE Extreme Rules, a WWE Network show with two AWESOME matches, the four-way and the main event with AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE title. Tons of thoughts on all the matches and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • WOL: Cody Rhodes quits WWE, Extreme Rules PPV preview, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with all the news! A full preview of WWE Extreme Rules, Cody Rhodes gets released from WWE, all the weekend news, calls, emails, texts and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • WWE Extreme Rules 2016 live results: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles rematch

    Just three weeks after Payback, we’re right back into the big event mix for WWE with Extreme Rules, their annual WWE Network show where nearly every match has a stipulation or twist added onto it. This year’s show emanates from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — the second time the event has been hosted in the Garden State.

    This is the eighth Extreme Rules show in company history as they began back in 2009, headlined by Edge vs. Jeff Hardy in a ladder match. Last year’s show featured then-WWE Champion Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton in a steel cage match.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s 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.

    **********

    There was an angle where Big Cass laid out both Dudleys in the ring. He gave Devon the East River Crossing.

    DOLPH ZIGGLER VS. BARON CORBIN — NO DQ

    A basic match with Ziggler getting a series of near falls until Corbin did a blatant low blow (legal in a no DQ match) and got the pin with the End of Days. Not as good as their match last month.

    DOC GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON VS. USOS IN A TORNADO MATCH

    Fast paced match, fairly short.  It was all four in the ring at the same time and no DQ. The crowd was totally behind Gallows & Anderson and booed the Usos.  Gallows & Anderson got the clean win.  Gallows brought in the ring bell, but Jimmy superkicked him.  Jimmy went to the top rope and Gallows moved, so Jimmy landed on the ring bell.  Gallows & Anderson then used the Magic Killer on Jimmy for the pin and win.

    US CHAMPION KALISTO VS. RUSEV

    Good match. Rusev won the title after slamming him off the top rope onto the apron. They sold it like Kalisto reinjured his back from Raw on Monday and they were checking on him. Rusev then jumped in and put the Accolade on for the submission. Kalisto had gone to the top rope after delivering a moonsault to the floor.  They were pushing like Kalisto was injured at the end, and was coming into the match injured. The EMTs came out after the match.

    WWE TAG CHAMPIONS THE NEW DAY (Big E & Xavier Woods) VS. VAUDEVILLAINS

    Another short match: 6:00.  Match was okay for the time it had. The Vaudevillains used the Whirling Dervish on Woods but he kicked out. For the finish, Big E tackled English to the floor. Kofi Kingston hit Gotch with an enzuigiri which led to Woods pinning Gotch with the shining wizard.

    – A.J. Styles interview vowed to walk out as champion.

    I-C CHAMPION THE MIZ VS. CESARO VS. SAMI ZAYN VS. KEVIN OWENS

    This was a super match with tons of near falls and saves. Cesaro and Zayn, in particular, were great. Michael Cole called it a match of the year candidate, a previously banned Vince McMahon term. The finish saw Zayn hit Cesaro with the Helleva Kick, but Owens pulled Zayn out of the ring when he went for the pin. Zayn threw Miz into the barricade, and then Miz crawled into the ring and pinned Cesaro.They did everything in their arsenals including Cesaro doing a 16-rep swing on Miz. Cesaro had Miz in the Sharpshooter and he tapped but ref Dan Engler was distracted by Maryse. Owens did cannonballs on everyone. Cesaro did running uppercuts on everyone three times on each guy alternating.   

    DEAN AMBROSE VS. CHRIS JERICHO — ASYLUM CAGE MATCH

    The short matches earlier led to this match running more than 26:00 in the cage. It was a weird match that didn’t have much heat for a long time as they traded climbing up and getting the different weapons. They were also hurt following a great match. It was just too long with too many weapons although they did pick it up at the end with Ambrose pulled down a bucket that had thumbtacks. They wrestled for along time after with Jericho using a codebreaker for a near fall. Ambrose came off the top of the cage with an elbow for a near fall. 

    Jericho used the Walls of Jericho but Ambrose used a kendo stick to break it. They also used a leather strap, fire extinguisher, and then saved a barbed wire board until late with Jericho using it. The match ended Jericho going for a Codebeaker, Ambrose blocking it and slamming Jericho into the thumbtacks, then giving him the Dirty Deeds into the tacks.  Jericho’s body had thumb tacks sticking to him everywhere and he was selling it tremendously, bleeding from his triceps.

    WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION CHARLOTTE VS. NATALYA — SUBMISSIONS MATCH

    Dana Brooke came out dressed as Ric Flair (wig, robe) and distracted Natalya when she had Charlotte in the sharpshooter. This allowed Charlotte to get Natalya from behind and put her in the figure eight for the submission. During the match, they traded submissions but were just getting the crowd just as the match was ending.  Match wasn’t as good as last month. The crowd has never recovered since the four-way which tore down the house.  Ric Flair, Brooke and Charlotte celebrated together at the end. So, the story of this match was to elevate Brooke into the top mix. It’s clear they are putting Charlotte and Brooke into a duo to eventually set them up as rivals.

    WWE CHAMPION ROMAN REIGNS VS. A.J. STYLES IN AN EXTREME RULES MATCH

    The big spot at the end was after Reigns won, Seth Rollins jumped in and hit the Pedigree. The crowd went totally nuts for him as a babyface and chanted “Thank you Seth.”  He posed with the belt so Reigns vs. Rollins is the probable Money in the Bank main event. 

    The match ended with Styles going for the phenomenal forearm but Reigns nailed him with the spear for the pin. Styles had a death wish, taking some crazy (and I mean crazy) bumps including a high backdrop through a table where he landed on his tailbone. Anderson & Gallows interfered first and laid out Reigns but he still kicked out of the pin.  The Usos came out and laid out Styles with superkicks and a splash off the top but he kicked out.

    Reigns hit Anderson and Gallows with Superman punches. Reigns kicked out of a Styles clash, and Styles used a Styles Clash on a chair but Jey Uso pulled Styles off him. Styles got a chair and destroyed Reigns and the Usos with more than a dozen chair shots before going for the spingboard forearm. Another super match. 

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (5/22): Lex Luger, Sting win solo WCW gold

    1958

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Verne Gagne drew Otto Von Krupp 
    – Sonny Myers beat Hans Schmidt by dq
    – Bobby Bruns beat Ricci Sexton 

    1965 

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – In a title change only acknowledged in Omaha; Mad Dog Vachon beat Mighty Igor Vodik to regain AWA title
    – Johnny Valentine drew Sid Freeman
    – Haru Sasaki beat Ivan Kalmikoff
    – George Drake beat Ken Hollis

    1970 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – In a steel cage match, The Crusher defeated Mad Dog Vachon 
    – Dr. X & Double X beat Flying Redheads Red Bastien & Billy Red Lyons in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Edouard Carpentier beat Butcher Vachon 
    – Lars Anderson drew Paul Diamond
    – George Gadaski beat Bobby Jones

    1974 

    Duluth, Minnesota:
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Buddy Wolff in an Indian Strap Match 
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Larry Hennig & Paul Perschmann

    1983

    Bloomington, Minnesota:
    – Mad Dog Vachon beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Wahoo McDaniel & Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel & Blackjack Lanza
    – Ken Patera beat Jim Brunzell dq
    – Baron Von Raschke no contest Jesse Ventura
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Mike Graham dq
    – Brad Rheingans beat John Tolos
    – Kenny Jay beat Sgt. Goulet
    – Mr. Saito beat Tom Stone

    1984

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – NWA World Champion Kerry Von Erich fought Jumbo Tsuruta to a double countout 
    – Harley Race defeated Ric Flair

    1985 

    Shreveport, Louisian:
    – The Nightmare defeated Terry Taylor for the Mid-South North American Title

    1987

    Jacksonville, Florida:
    – NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Florida Heavyweight Champion Mike Rotundo 
    – The Freebirds defeated Sting & Rick Steiner 
    –  Dusty Rhodes defeated Big Bubba via disqualification

    1988 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Rick Steiner pinned Kendall Windham
    – NWA Western States Heritage Champion Larry Zbyzsko fought Brad Armstrong to a 10-minute time-limit draw
    – The Powers of Pain & Ivan Koloff defeated Tim Horner, the Italian Stallion, & Bugsy McGraw 
    – Ron & Jimmy Garvin defeated Kevin Sullivan & NWA World TV Champion Mike Rotundo in an elimination match
    – Nikita Koloff defeated Al Perez via disqualification
    – The Road Warriors defeated the Sheepherders 
     – NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) in a match where the losers were whipped with a belt
    – Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, & Sting (w/ Magnum TA) fought NWA U.S. Champion Barry Windham, NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard to a double countout 

    1989 

    Bluefield, West Virginia:
    – Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes to win the NWA United States championship 

    1992 

    SMW Volunteer Slam: Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Smoky Mountain Wrestling crowned their first champion, Brian Lee, who won a tournament by beating Paul Orndorff in the finals
    – SMW Tag Team Champions The Heavenly Bodies, Stan Lane & Tom Prichard defeated Davey & Johnny Rich

    1994 

    WCW Slamboree | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma defeated Brian & Brad Armstrong.
    – WCW United States Champion Steve Austin defeated Johnny B. Badd 
    – Terry Funk and Tully Blanchard battled to a double DQ 
    – Larry Zbyszko defeated WCW Television Champion Steven Regal in a non-title match 
    – Dustin Rhodes defeated Bunkhouse Buck in a Bullrope match 
    – WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated mystery opponent Barry Windham 
    – Cactus Jack & Kevin Sullivan defeated The Nasty Boys in a “Broadstreet Bully” match to win the WCW World Tag Team Title
    – Sting defeated Vader to win the vacant WCW International World Title

    Marietta, Georgia:
    – Scott & Steve Armstrong defeated New Georgia Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Champions The Gangstas New Jack & Mustafa via disqualification
    – The Thrillseekers, Chris Jericho & Lance Storm defeated Well Dunn
    – Tracy Smothers pinned Dory Funk Jr.
    – SMW Tag Team Champions Brian Lee & Chris Candido defeated The Rock N’ Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson
    – SMW champion Jake Roberts & Bruiser Bedlam fought Randy Savage & the Dirty White Boy to a no contest

    1995 

    Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada:
    – Jeff Jarrett defeated Razor Ramon to win the WWF Intercontinental Title

    2000 

    Grand Rapids, Michigan:
    – Jeff Jarrett defeated Kevin Nash in a falls count anywhere match to win the vacant WCW World Title

    2005

    WWE Judgement Day | Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Nunzio defeated Akio    
    – MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) (with Melina) defeated Hardcore Holly and Charlie Haas to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
    – Carlito (with Matt Morgan) defeated Big Show    
    – Paul London defeated Chavo Guerrero to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship    
    – Booker T defeated Kurt Angle    
    – Orlando Jordan defeated Heidenreich to retain the WWE United States Championship    
    – Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero by disqualification    
    – John Cena defeated John “Bradshaw” Layfield in an I Quit match to retain the WWE Championship

    2011

    Over the Limit: Seattle, Washington:
    – Daniel Bryan defeated Drew McIntyre
    – R-Truth defeated Rey Mysterio
    – Ezekiel Jackson defeated Wade Barrett by disqualification, Barrett retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship    
    – Sin Cara defeated Chavo Guerrero
    – Big Show and Kane defeated The New Nexus (CM Punk and Mason Ryan) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship    
    – Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) defeated Kelly Kelly to retain the WWE Divas Championship    
    – Randy Orton defeated Christian to retain the World Heavyweight Championship    
    – Jerry Lawler defeated Michael Cole in a Kiss My Foot
    – John Cena defeated The Miz (with Alex Riley) in an I Quit match to retain the WWE Championship

  • Daily Update: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Conor McGregor speaks

    WWE EXTREME RULES TODAY AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON THE WWE NETWORK AND PPV

    Looking at this show on paper, it should be really strong.  This also feels more about blow-offs where as last month was more about doing finishes that built to rematches three weeks later.  With Money in the Bank, it’s more about a strong WWE title match and then the right people underneath in the Money in the Bank match.  With John Cena and Seth Rollins likely back for that show and Money in the Bank having more interest than most shows, it should be the biggest one since Mania.  Follow along live with Dave Meltzer.

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with a huge Wrestling Obsever radio, covering Extreme Rules, more on Cody Runnels, Sasha Banks, PWG, New Japan Super Juniors, Tanahashi, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz and more.  You can send questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’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

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin preshow match – This match has happened several times already.  We know it’s a decent match.  If we’re judging this on 50/50 booking rules, Corbin won the last TV match, but Ziggler won the last PPV match.  Corbin at this stage should win, but he should have last month as well.

    Kalisto vs. Rusev for U.S. title – I’d go with a title change here.  The belt will mean more with Rusev defending against the new group of top faces.  Rusev & Lana are a strong act and for a lot of reasons, they’ve been downplayed.  

    Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson tornado match – The Usos won the last TV match, and Anderson & Gallows should be put over to build for a title feud, so that should make them the favorites.  Should be a good match.  

    Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho asylum cage match – Ambrose did win the first match, but Jericho’s role in this program is to make Ambrose stronger.  The rules here are no escapes from the cage and only a pin or submission can win.  There will be all kinds of weapons used.  This should also be a good match.

    Charlotte vs. Natalya submissions match for women’s title – Natalya’s role here was always to eventually put Charlotte over and to have good matches in the process.  The last PPV match was hurt by the finish.  This is more difficult as you can’t do near falls.  Still, Natalya has studied submissions with Josh Barnett to expand her game so this may be the match for her too really shine in. 

    New Day vs Vaudevillains for tag team title – The crowd will go crazy for the ring entrance.  The match should be good, and we’ll probably see the best of the Vaudevillains because those two have never been in a match anywhere near this level of importance.  I think there are better heel teams on the roster and no reason for this program to be lengthy.  The only reason I could see a Vaudevillains win is to do a long program.

    The Miz vs. Cesaro vs Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens for IC title – For the title right now, Owens would be the best champion.  This kind of match is designed for a heel to get a fluke win and Miz has gotten beaten at every turn in the build up, and in WWE, that usually makes them the favorite in the match.  This does have a shot with the talent involved to be the best match on the show.  Plus, with Money in the Bank coming, Cesaro, Zayn and Owens all fit good into that match and Miz can always get a new title program.   

    Roman Reigns vs. A.J. Styles in an extreme rules match for the WWE title – We’ve almost been promised a ton of outside interference.  I don’t think anyone expects Styles is going to win.  Styles is an incredible big match wrestler and Reigns has been strong in his PPV singles matches.

    The smart money doesn’t appear to be in yet but here were tonight’s odds

    • Roman Reigns -1050
    • A.J. Styles +550
    • New Day -720
    • Vaudevillains +440
    • Charlotte -840
    • Natalya +480
    • Rusev -900
    • Kalisto +500
    • The Miz -600
    • Cesaro +725
    • Kevin Owens +1100
    • Sami Zayn +1400
    • Dean Ambrose -1200
    • Chris Jericho +600
    • Baron Corbin -900
    • Dolph Ziggler +500  

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS ON MONDAY FROM NIIGATA (this won’t air live but should be up sometime Monday on New Japan World)

    • Satoshi Kojima & Jay White & Ricochet vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay
    • Yuji Nagata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson & Volador Jr.
    • Matt Sydal vs. Bushi
    • Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo
    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
    • Kushida vs. Rocky Romero
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Bobby Fish vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Trent Baretta vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil

    Raw will be Monday night in Baltimore at the Royal Farms Arena.

    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)

    • David Finlay & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi
    • Yuji Nagata & Satoshi Kojima & Kyle O’Reilly & Matt Sydal vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Juice Robinson & Jay White
    • Tiger Mask vs. Volador jr.
    • Jushin Liger vs. Chase Owens
    • Bobby Fish vs. Ricochet
    • Will Ospreay vs. Trent Baretta
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bush

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Norfolk.  

      THE ROUND-UP

      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!

      Figure Four Weekly 5/16/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit deposition takes a strange turn – Details on the developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit, and more. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 23, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Extreme Rules preview, Vince McMahon sells portion of WWE stock, tons more

      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.

      CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

      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. 

      All the news from WrestleMania 15, the All Japan Tokyo Done show, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 business numbers, details on All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, plus tons more. Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively. 

      SUNDAY NEWS

      Cody Runnels has left WWE as noted yesterday.As best we can tell it’s not an angle and he has said he will explain his reasons soon.  Wife Brandi wrote on Twitter that she’s getting ready to work tonight’s show and talked about false rumors being spread.  His brother Dustin (aka Goldust) worked a WWE house show last night.  

      Conor McGregor was on ESPN this morning for an interview with Kenny Mayne, his first TV interview in the U.S. since the UFC 200 debacle went down. He called his issues with Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta a “publicized civil war” and didn’t say really anything new other than he was thinking of going to the press conference in Las Vegas and never imagined things would turn out like they did.  Well, had he done that, everything would have ended up better off. He was throwing around fake numbers like he was Hulk Hogan, clamming that he made UFC $400 million from him last week. He talked about all the attention he got on Twitter, about the discussed Floyd Mayweather fight with his version of the story that Mayweather was supposed to get $100 million and he was to get $7 million, and he’s not taking a pay cut to fight him. He said Mayweather needs him because he’s got nobody else he can make money with in boxing. 

      Some additions to the Victoria World Trios Cup tournament which takes place 6/3 in Puebla and 6/5 in Mexico City:

      • Team Mexico Internacional:  Dr. Wagner Jr. & Dragon Azteca Jr. & Rey Mysterio Jr.
      • Team Lucha Underground:  Johnny Mundo & Brian Cage & Chavo Guerrero Jr.
      • On the women’s side: Team USA: Cheerleader Melissa (not under a mask like in Lucha Underground) & Santana Garrett & Sienna (Allysin Kay).

      As of this writing, day two of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament isn’t up on New Japan World, but should be up some time later in the day.

      WWE

      • Regarding Seth Rollins questions, he is ready to return now, but it’s a question of the exact time and situation. There are all kinds of rumors and the only thing we just heard from someone backstage at Extreme Rules is that they haven’t seen him but have heard the talk.  With John Cena as an advertised return, he’s more likely to be a surprise at some point.
      • The Shane McMahon podcast with Mick Foley will air after Raw tomorrow night. 
      • The aforementioned Cena will appear Wednesday night on the Late Late Show with James Cordon on CBS. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
      • WWE hired a new announcer named Austin Romero, who started on Friday working the NXT tour using the name Mike Rome.
      • A new Camp WWE will be out this week on the Network.

      UFC

      • UFC is releasing a new Fight Pass series called “Where Are They Now?”  The first season will start airing shortly and will be six episodes long, covering Din Thomas, Tait Fletcher, Shonie Carter, Bobby Southworth, Noah Inhofer and Luke Cummo, who were all past fighters on The Ultimate Fighter when the show was doing big ratings.

      MISCELLANEOUS

      • Raven is doing a DVD on ring psychology and building matches and working matches.
      • Preston City Wrestling from last night in Liverpool before a sellout of 500 fans.  The show was sold out in advance in a new market.  They announced a return to Liverpool of 11/18 and put tickets on sale last night.  They ran on 6/4 back in Preston with Drew Galloway as the headliner. Scott Hall was there and got great reports on how nice he was and how much he was popping watching the John Morrison vs. Noam Dar match. Hall worked in Grado’s corner for the main event where he lost his PCW title bid to champion Sha Samuels.  Lionheart b Dave Rayne, Sammy Ward b Jimmy Jay (making his pro debut), Viper b Session Moth Martina, Noam Dar b John Morrison, Iestyn Rees b Bram, Dave Mastiff b Joe Hendry, Bubblegum b Dean Allmark (easily a ****+ match I’m told) Sha Samuels b Grado to win PCW title. (thanks to Stephen Lyon)
      • NSPW drew a record sellout crowd of 631 in Quebec City last night:  Team Montreal b Team Quebec City in a War Games cage match, Shayne Hawke b Alex Price in a hair color vs. hair color match, Heavy Metal Chaos & Vanessa Kraven b 3.0 & Coach Enzo, The Foundation b StrangeBulls, Matt Angel b Cedric Alexander to keep the NSPW jr. title, Dru Onyx & Surfer Mitch b Kickin n Stompin-DQ, Marko Estrada b Travis Toxic.  With the win, and no title defense scheduled until 9/10, Estrada will break Edouard Carpentier’s record for the longest champion in Quebec history.  Carpentier held the Montreal Athletic Commission title, sometimes called world and sometimes called International title, from January 30, 1963 to September 30, 1965. (thanks to Pat Laprade)
      • Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling did a 57th anniversary of Wrestling at the Chase show last night and set its all-time record crowd in East Carondelet, IL of 375 fans.  Barbara Goodish, the wife of Bruiser Brody, as the special guest at the show.  Chris Harges & Brandon Espinosa b Ken Kasa in a handicap match when Kasa filed to win over them in 15 minutes (that was an old Sam Muchnick style handicap match that dates back to the Frank Gotch days), Moondog Rover b Jimmy D, Sean Vincent b Dave Vaughn-DQ, Cooter & Daniel Gunner b Brandon Tucker & Jason Chaos, Johnny Blade b Flaming Fury Ax & Troll b Big Jim Hoffarth & Jason Vaughn, Gary Jackson b Curtis Wylde, Attila Kahn b Ron Powers-DQ, Big Jim Hoffarth won Bruiser Brody Memorial Battle Royal (thanks to Larry Matysik).
      • Freedom Pro Wrestling from last night at the Nashville Fairgrounds before 325 fans:  Among those at the meet and greet were Kevin Nash, Eric Young, Tatanka, MVP and Rockstar Spud.  Nash was the guest General Manger and said he was supposed to wrestle but he’s too old.  They made fun of C.M. Punk at the show.  Robbie E came out and cut down Nashville (even though he’s a face in TNA) and Punk’s music came out.  They had a guy in a La Parka mask wearing a C.M. Punk T-shirt as “La Marka” doing a C.M. Punk routine.  The idea is that he’s a “Mark,” and was so enamored seeing Kevin Nash that Robbie E then threw him out of the ring:  Ethan Carter III b Robbie E, The Mest Brothers b Motley Two, Samuel Shaw b Shawn Schultz, MVP b Teddy Fine, Arams b D3 and Action Ortiz in a three-way, James Storm b Crimson, C.J. O’Doyle b Tatanka, Eric Young b Rockstar Spud.  Crimson cut a promo on Nash, who was likely gone by this time, and then challenged two members of the Tennessee Titans at ringside (Dorial Green-Beckham was one of them) and then Chase Stevens and then said he wanted a former world champion, and that’s when Storm’s music played.  Young worked as a face in the main event.  They announced 7/2 as a return date with Tommy Dreamer, Stevie Richards and Blue Meanie announced (thanks to Lee Thomas).
      • Smash Infinity on 6/11 in Oshawa, ONT at the Harmony Creek Community and Events Centre.
      • Conflict Wrestling on 6/12 in Kitchener, ONT at 3 p.m. with Will White vs. John Atlas as the main event.
      • Lucha Libre Mexicana on 5/28 in Shawnee, KS at Soccer Nation features Tinieblas Jr.
      • St. Louis Anarchy from Friday night in Alton, IL:  Jojo Bravo b Sammy Guevara, Kevin Lee Davidson b Ken Phoenix, Paco Gonzalez & Mike Outlaw & Nick Cutler & Jason Roberts b Evan Gelistico & Danny Adams & Everett Connors & Austin Blackburn, Zakk Sawyers & Mikey McFinnegan b Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell, Stephen Wolf b Curt Stallion, Gerald James b Jonathan Gresham, Ricky Stars b Alex Castle, Devin & Mason Cutter b Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful, Mat Fitchett b Evan Gelistico, TJ Perkins b Davey Vega (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer) 
      • St. Louis Anarchy from last night in Alton, IL:  Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful b Nick Cutler & Ken Phoenix, Jake Parnell b Danny Adams in a Hardcore match, Zakk Sawyers & Mikey McFinnegan b Devin & Mason Cutter, Everett Connors b Angelus Layne-DQ, Jonathan Gresham b Davey Vega, Mike Outlaw won four-way over Ricky Stars, Curt Stallion and Jason Roberts, Gerald James b Alexandre Rudolph, Evan Gelistico & Austin Blackburn b Jojo Bravo & Paco Gonzalez, Mat Fitchett b TJ Perkins (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
      • IWA Mid South on 5/26 in Clarksville, IN  at Jammerz with Reed Bentley defending the title against Joseph Schwartz in the main event.
      • ECCW 20th anniversary show from last night in New Westminster, BC before 250 fans:  Buddy Wayne b Alex Plexis, Dynamite Dan & Pete Powers b Jamie Diaz & Air Adonis, Shreddz b Bishop, Moondog Manson won Battle Royal, The Cunninghams & Ray Brooks b Ladies Choice & Skag Rollins & Wrathchild, Phantasmo b Moondog Manson in a Hardcore match for the title.  Original owner Dave Republic came out and cut a promo about the history of the group and brought out early stars Abbadon and Dr. Luther. (thanks to Travis Woloshyn)   
      • Pure Wrestling Association on 5/28 in Campbell River, BC at the Navy League Hall.
      • Ring Wars Carolinas on 6/18 in Lumberton, NC at the Priscilla King Arena.
      • Steel City Wrestling on 6/19 in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus.
      • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Manny Fernandez b Anthony Idol-COR, Homicide DDQ Brandon Groom.  Next show is 7/5 in Hanford, CA at The Longfield Center with Manny Fernandez and Homicide. (thanks to Jon Southerland) 
      • Article on a minis show in Atlantic City (thanks to John Adams Jr.)

      EVENTS

      • 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   
      • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

    • WWE Reading, PA, live results: AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens; Dean Ambrose vs. Rusev

      Submitted by Danny West (Thanks to Joe Collins as well)

      – WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day over Vaudevillians

      New Day warmed up the crowd well. Also, the sky is blue. This was the epitome of face/heel work. People loved New Day, hated Vaudevillians. Was a fun start to the show.

      – Apollo Crews over Curtis Axel

      Crews got a lot more love here than he’s been getting on TV, but still a little lukewarm for someone of his ability. Axel worked the crowd very well as a cowardly heel. Amazing how much better he is when he isn’t surrounded by the rest of the Outcasts.

      – Jack Swagger over Viktor

      Reading is a working class bunch, so they get onboard with an American even if he’s pretty irrelevant in the big picture these days. Short, predictable, but functional

      – Goldust over Tyler Breeze

      Fandango interfered at one point, but Goldust still prevailed. Decent contest. After the match, Fandango and Breeze beat on Golddust. R-Truth (of course) came to the rescue. Crowd chanted “Golden Truth.”

      – Big Show/Kane over Rowan/Strowman

      Big Show got the 2nd biggest pop of the night. Kane got the 3rd biggest. This was a very playful affair with lots of Big Show goofiness. Crowd was obviously appreciative of his tenure in the business. The older guys were super super over. It was a nice change of pace from the “Please retire” chants they sometimes get.

      AJ Styles over Kevin Owens

      KO was messing with kids, ruining signs, etc. Styles did his usual amazing stuff, You would never know his ankle isn’t 100%. Phenomenal Forearm won it after a long and strong bout. AJ brought a previously heckled KO kid from the aisle into the ring to introduce him. Kid had a Roman Reigns shirt, but AJ Styles gloves. He told AJ on the mic that he liked both of them. AJ said, “That’s alright with me.” Great moment.

      Intermission

      – Becky Lynch over Summer Rae

      Yay for Becky winning something. Armbar tap out. She got a great crowd reaction.

      – US Champion Kalisto over Alberto Del Rio and Cesaro

      Crowd was into all three of these guys. Lots of antics out of Cesaro. Lots of Kalisto’s usual “whoa” moments. Finish was especially good. Kalisto’s finish happened after he used his feet to rebound Cesaro out of the ring and over Del Rio’s head. Great match.

      – Dean Ambrose over Rusev (w/Lana)

      Lana introduced Rusev and did some promo for Extreme Rules. Dean’s pop was huge — by far the biggest of the night. Rusev didn’t get a ton of heat until he berated America. “USA” chants were straight out of 1991. Rebound lariat, Dirty Deeds, pin. Lana was ejected from ringside for being a nuisance.

    • WWE Albany, NY, live results: Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, Sami Zayn vs. Heath Slater

      Submitted by Nick Connor from the Times Union Center

      – Dolph Ziggler beat Bo Dallas after hitting a superkick.

      – Big Cass beat D-Von w/ Bubba Ray with the East River Crossing

      – The Shining Stars beat Titus O’Neil and Sin Cara after hitting their version of Total Elimination

      – The Usos beat Gallows and Anderson in what was probably the match of the evening. Huge pop for Usos. Roll-up finish.

      Intermission

      – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte beat Natalya with a rollup to retain

      – Sami Zayn accepted a Heath Slater open challenge and beat him with a Helluva Kick. Great pop for Sami too.

      – WWE Champion Roman Reigns over Sheamus in the match. Reigns won with the spear.

    • NXT Winter Haven, FL, live results: Samoa Joe vs. Andrade Cien Almas

      I’m at Winter Haven FL for NXT Live in front of a sold out house of approximately 350.

      – No Way Jose beat Tucker Knight 

      Entertaining match with Jose using new baseball inspired moves like setting Knight in the corner and running the three corners like bases before a slide in drop kick. The ref even made the safe sign for the home run. Jose won it with his finish. 

      – Peyton Royce beat Liv Morgan 

      Fast action by Morgan including a big monkey flip out of the corner and spinning headscissor rana. Peyton worked holds and won it with a fisherwoman suplex.

      – Chris Girard beat Buddy Murphy 

      Very good match with a lot of crowd interaction “You Got Dumped!” “Blake Is Better!” “Where’s Alexa?” solid support of Girarad for all his running uppercuts. Major combination at the end including running to the buckles for uppercuts and a huge spinning neck breaker for the win. 

      – Mojo Rawley beat Elias Samson 

      Comedy spots early on to upset Drifter. The hammer man dance and a lot of wiggling. Mojo won it with a running clothesline in to the corner.

      – NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat The Authors Of Pain 

      Big heels got a lot of heat on Chad Gable to set up the Jason Jordan hot tag. Assisted German Suplex for the win. 

      – Adrienne Reese beat Nikki Storm 

      Strong match, Nikki had control most of the match, talking trash, keeping Adrienne grounded. Finish was the top rope diving stunner.

      – In-ring promo with Mandy Rose she says that she is a bikini model champion. This got a lot of heat and “Wannabe Diva” chant. 

      – TM61 beat Angelo Dawkins and Patrick Clarke 

      Well-paced match, TM61 hit their double team spinebuster for the win.

      – NXT Champion Samoa Joe beat Andrade Cien Almas  

      Great match. Joe is the dominant champion so he cut off the fired-up Andrade at every turn. Andrade hit the moonsault into a standing moonsault for a near fall in his best hope spot. Joe caught Andrade in the clutch out of nowhere for the submission victory.