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  • April 18, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Blackjack Mulligan and Balls Mahoney pass away, NJPW Invasion Attack

    During the 70s and 80s, Blackjack Mulligan was one of the legendary characters in pro wrestling, a man whose life and career had major ups and just as legendary downs.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Lucha Underground results: Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma & Dragon Azteca jr. team up

    The show starts with a recap of the Gift of the Gods Title’s concept and its lineage. The Mundo-Cage rivalry is recapped, as is Matanza’s title win. Dario meets with Mundo, Taya, and Cage and asks them to behave so he doesn’t have to fix his window again. Dario says he has a new trios tournament and Mundo says you want us to team, while Cage wants to fight Mundo.

    Dario disagrees and says he likes his idea better, so we’re going to go with that since they all want gold. Hilarious bit where Cage says “I’m not a man…” and Dario replies “you’re a machine, I know…just win the tournament!” Robert Rodriguez’s band plays us in once again while Argenis is mid-ring to face Killshot.

    Killshot vs. Argenis

    Killshot debuts a new camo vest and puts dog tags in the corner before a prayer. Striker says we’ll get a different Killshot – so he should win a time or two this year. Big chop in the corner by Killshot before he throws him into each corner and does it again. A backbreaker gets 2. Pinwheel armdrag by Argenis leads to a top rope palm strike by him as well. Killshot sends him to the floor and hits a flip dive. Somersault cutter hits and gets 2 for Killshot. Striker’s editing goes into detail about how Killshot told him he was in the military, but didn’t go into it. C4 armdrag

    by Argenis gets 2. Powerbomb into a corkscrew brainbuster by Killshot  leads to a Cro Cop kick and a double stomp off the top. In an odd move, Striker’s then-live commentary wonders if he’s had military training – exposing the editing. Modified spiking Michinoku driver wins for Killshot.

    Black Lotus tells Dragon Azteca Jr that Matanza killed Dragon Azteca, but that she had no choice but to help Dario and plans to stay close to him. Dario meets with Daga and asks him what he sees with the medallions. Daga says they’re coins, but is correct and told that they’re the Gift of the Gods. Dario says that tonight, Daga will face the most violent man without the last name Cueto – Texano. 

    Daga vs. Texano

    Vamp tells us that Daga excels at shoot style while Texano’s family history is gone over. Daga backs him into the ropes and slaps him before flipping back. Legsweep and tumble exchange gets them back on even ground. A shoulder tackle by Daga is no-sold and met with a big slap. Texano rolls through a sunset flip and gets 2 off a buzzsaw kick. Texano chops and lariats him to death in the corner.

    A Stinger splash misses and Daga lands a superkick. Daga gets crotched and dropkicked off the top rope to the floor. Daga kicks him on the apron and hits a corkscrew dive. Daga dominates him on the floor and rolls in to break the count before slamming Texano into the announce table.

    Texano hits a running forearm in the corner and lands an outside-in dropkick to the chest for 2. Daga kicks his face and slaps him arrogantly before a forearm exchange breaks out mid-ring. Texano superkicks him, but eats a huge dropkick. Super leg lariat hits for Texano, but only gets 2. Texano goes for the powerbomb, but a Daga rana gets 2. Texano lariats him into a Fatu sell and goes for a German, but it’s countered into an ankle lock. Texano shoves him off and hits a monkey flip, with the sitout powerbomb getting the win for Texano.

    In a room full of scented candles, Mil Muertes and Catrina talk. She summons the Disciples of Death out of thin air and asks for forgiveness. Catrina says they are in the Trios Title tournament and Mil will be Lucha Underground Champion again. Matanza is greater than any challenge he has yet faced – including the earthquake that made him. Mil roars in anger. Rey comes down with red and gold gear, while Puma has his usual stuff on and Dragon Azteca Jr. has a weird snake/dragon headdress on. Cage shoves them away in the entrance area.

    Rey Mysterio Jr, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr. vs. Johnny Mundo, Taya, and Cage

    Cage starts with Azteca and locks a headlock before nixing that and hitting a shoulderblock. Azteca avoids a corner charge with flips and a big armdrag. Double rollthrough to avoid the discus lariat and he tags in Puma. Striker’s edited voice clip talks about the history between Mundo and Puma. Handspring headscissors takes Mundo down, but a Taya distraction leads to a Moonlight Drive and 2. Taya comes in and hits a flying elbow in the corner before kicking Puma in the face. Striker’s edited voice runs through her history on the company.

    Mundo lands some elbows to Puma while the ref is distracted. Shotgun knees to the face gets a 2 count. Cage tags in and goes for a pumphandle suplex, but it’s flipped out of – so a Doctor Bomb hits and gets 2. Standing moonsault gets 2 for Cage. Cage slaps Mundo in, so he’s legal now. 

    Taya and Mundo stomp away at Puma in the corner. They stop this and try to prevent a tag. Mundo trips Rey, but Azteca comes in and hits a rana for 2. Azteca tags Rey in and he hits the flying seated senton and then the wheelbarrow arndrag. Rey hits a spinning headscissors on Mundo, knocking him into Taya for a double 619, but it’s avoided. Dives aplenty by Puma and Azteca! Springboard crossbody by Rey gets 2 on Mundo. Rollthrough on a sunset filp leads to a seated dropkick and a 2 count for Rey. Magic Killer by Mundo and Taya gets 2 thanks to a Puma save. Cage comes in and lariats both Puma and Azteca into flips. 

    Cage goes for a moonsault, but gets stopped by Mundo. Mundo eats a big rana off the top and an SSP by Puma gets 2. Mundo hits a standing C4, but eats a kneeling superkick. Cage catches Rey on a rana and throws him into Taya in the corner. He has Azteca on his shoulders, and catches a flying Puma for a combo fallaway slam for 2. Rey hits a flipover headscissors and the 619, while Azteca hits a flying corkscrew DDT. 630 senton hits Mundo for the win! That was the best trios match all season. This was all-action and a ton of fun.

    Dario tells Matanza that he will have his toughest match to date next week against Mil Muertes. Dario tells him that he is in the cage because he is a valuable asset, and you have to protect your valuables – and no one understands the beauty in his destruction like Dario does. Matanza shakes the cage in anticipation – well, that was a unique buildup to a world title match.

    To see every screenshot for the show, click here.

  • Banned substance knocks Lyoto Machida out of Dan Henderson rematch

    In a shocker, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (22-7) is out of his Saturday UFC on Fox tilt against Dan Henderson due to out-of-competition use of a banned substance. 

    UFC released the following Wednesday:

    “The UFC organization was made aware today by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency  (USADA), the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, that Lyoto Machida declared the usage of a banned substance during an out-of-competition sample collection last week. Machida stated that he was unaware that the substance was prohibited both in and out of competition and, in accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, his disclosure of usage will be taken into consideration by USADA during any potential results management and adjudication process.

    Given this information, UFC officials have elected to remove Machida from his scheduled bout against Dan Henderson this Saturday in Tampa, Fla. Henderson will be re-booked for a new bout in the near future.”

    This is the first drug test failure for the 13-year fighter. The 37-year-old was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak against Henderson, whom he had beaten by split decision in February 2013.

    The main card has been decimated by injury and now, this. The main card on Fox is expected to now be:

    – Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira
    – Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres
    – Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Darrell Horcher
    – Cub Swanson vs. Hacran Dias

    While Machida hasn’t commented publicly yet, Henderson did on Twitter:

    P.O.S. -No respect https://t.co/03O5oM7sM9

    — Dan Henderson (@danhendo) April 13, 2016

  • WOL: Death of Balls Mahoney; MMA news; Zack Ryder thoughts, more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today with tons of topics to discuss: The death of Balls Mahoney, Irish MMA controversy after in-ring death, Dada 5000 back to life, Raw ratings, Scott Steiner witnesses a shooting, Zack Ryder and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

    Right click save

  • Daily pro wrestling history (04/13): Samoa Joe wins TNA World Title; Terry Funk wins ECW World Title

    1960 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Hard Boiled Haggerty and Butcher Vachon defeated Lord James Blears and Herb Freeman to win the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Titles

    1963 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Hercules Cortez beat Bulldog Lee Henning
    – Crusher beat Larry Hennig 
    – Bearcat Wright beat Texas Bob Geigel
    – Kay Noble beat Kathy Starr to win the womans world title (vacated by June Byers)
    – Jessica Rogers beat Mars Monroe

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Non Title Texas Death Cage Match: Waldo Von Erich beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne
    – Doug Gilbert beat Fritz Von Erich dq
    – Duke Hoffman drew Ernie Dusek
    – Rocky Hamilton beat Guy Mitchell

    1964 

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
    – Enrique Torres and Bearcat Wright defeated Don Leo Jonathan and Kinji Shibuya for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles

    1965

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Karl and Kurt Von Brauner defeated Jackie Fargo and Mario Milano for the Mid-America NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1970

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadad:
    – Gene Kiniski defeated Mark Lewin to win the Vancouver NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title 

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Bob Geigel and The Stomper defeated Killer and K.O. Kox for the Central States NWA North American Tag Team Titles

    1971

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1974 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Ripper Collins defeated Jimmy Snuka to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Indian Strap Match: Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heiniemi
    – Nick Bockwinkel & Superstar Billy Graham beat Ken Patera & Dusty Rhodes
    – Buddy Wolff beat Ric Flair
    – Handicap Match: Ivan Putski beat Raoul Guzman & Pancho Vazquez
    – Greg Gagne beat Rocky Montero
    – Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose) beat Tom DeMarco

    1977 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Roddy Piper defeated Chavo Guerrero to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title

    1980 

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Ole Anderson defeated Killer Karl Kox for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura
    – Jerry Blackwell no contest Dino Bravo
    – Greg Gagne beat Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Bobby Heenan beat Super Destroyer Mark III COR
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Chris Markoff
    – Buddy Wolff beat Ricky Hunter

    1983

    Miami, Florida:
    – Terry Allen and Brad Armstrong defeated The Fabulous Kangaroos (Johnny Heffernan anad Don Kent) to win the NWA Florida Global Tag Team Titles
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair fought Barry Windham to a draw to retain his title

    Shreveport, Louisiana:
    – Ted DiBiase and Mr. Olympia defeated Tiger Conway, Jr. and Mr. Wrestling II for the Mid-South Tag Team Titles

    1984

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Harley Race
    – Chris Adams beat Jimmy Garvin
    – Blackjack Lanza no contest Ken Patera
    – The Grapplers beat Jim Brunzell & Steve Olsonoski
    – Dick the Bruiser beat Luke Graham
    – Ron Ritchie beat Roger Kirby
    – Jerry & Ted Oates beat Scott Farris & TG Stone

    1985

    Cloverdale, British Columbia:
    – Mike Dupree and Sonny Myers defeated Rick Davis and Tim Patterson to win the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Mega Maharishi (Ed Wiskoski) and Kendo Nagasaki defeated Don Running Bear and Billy Two Eagles for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team
    Titles

    1994

    Rochester, New York:
    – Diesel defeated Razor Ramon to win the WWF Intercontinental Title

    1997

    ECW Barely Legal: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Louie Spicolli pinned Balls Mahoney
    – Chris Chetti and J.T. Smith defeated The F.B.I. (Little Guido and Tommy Rich)
    – The Eliminators (John Kronus and Perry Saturn) defeated ECW World Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von) to win the title
    – Rob Van Dam (subbing for the injured Chris Candido) pinned Lance Storm
    – Gran Hamada, The Great Sasuke and Masato Yakushiji (subbing for the injured Gran Naniwa) defeated bWo Japan (Taka Michinoku, Terry Boy, and Dick Togo)
    – ECW World Television Champion Shane Douglas pinned Pitbull #2 to retain the title.
    – Taz defeated Sabu 
    – Terry Funk defeated The Sandman and Stevie Richards (with The bWo) in a three-way dance to earn an immediate ECW World Heavyweight Title match
    – Terry Funk pinned ECW World Heavyweight Champion Raven to win the title 

    1999

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Ghost Face (Tarzan Goto) defeated Doug Gilbert for the IWA Japan World Heavyweight Title 

    2000 

    Indianaoplis, Indiana:
    – Taz defeated Mike Awesome to win the ECW World Heavyweight Title (Taz was under contract for WWE and Mike Awesome was working for WCW)

    2001

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Bruce Hart defeated Principal Richard Pound for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title

    North Richland Hills, Texas:
    – Steve Corino defeated Rodney Begnaud (Rodney Mack) for the vacant NWA North American Heavyweight Title 

    2002 

    Melbourne, Australia:
    – A.J. Styles pinned Jerry Lynn to win the vacant WWA International Cruiserweight Title 
    – Scott Steiner defeated WWA World Heavyweight Champion Nathan Jones by submission to win the title

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Genichiro Tenryu won the AJPW Triple Crown Title by defeating Toshiaki Kawada

    Fajardo, Puerto Rico:
    – Carly Colón defeated Vampiro to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title 

    Bayamón, Puerto Rico:
    – Nuevo Gran Apolo defeated Savio Vega for the IWA World Heavyweight Title
    – The Starr Corporation (Chicky Starr and Victor the Bodyguard) defeated Ricky Banderas and Shane the Glamour Boy to win the IWA World Tag Team Titles 
    – Super Crazy won the IWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title by forfeit from El Lobo

    2005 

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Matt Morgan defeated Elijah Burke to win the OVW Heavyweight Title

    2007

    Osaka, Japan:
    – Yuji Nagata defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the title
    – El Samurai and Yujiro defeated Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Taichi Ishikari
    – BxB Hulk, Jushin Liger and Milano Collection A.T. defeated Wataru Inoue, Koji Kanemoto and Tetsuya Naito
    – Riki Choshu and Takashi Iizuka defeated Tomoaki Honma and Toru Yano
    – Manabu Nakanishi defeated Orlando Jordan
    – Black Strong Machine and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tomohiro Ishii and Togi Makabe
    – Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Gedo and Jado defeated Yasushi Kanda and Masaaki Mochizuki to retain the title
    – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Minoru defeated Ryusuke Taguchi to retain the title
    – IWGP Tag Team Champions Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko defeated Shiro Koshinaka and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to retain the title

    2008

    TNA Lockdown: Lowell, Massachusettes:
    – Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle to capture the TNA World title
    – Jay Lethal won an X Division Escape Match for the TNA X Division Title
    – Team Cage (Rhino, Kevin Nash, Sting, Matt Morgan, and Captain Christian Cage) defeated Team Tomko (A.J. Styles, Team 3D, James Storm, and Captain Tomko) in the Lethal Lockdown Match

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Mike Bennett vs EC3 plus tag team action

    Previously on Impact:

    Last week on Impact, Drew Galloway retained the TNA World title in a hard fought battle with former champion Matt Hardy. Enticing the crowd, Ethan Carter III and “The Destroyer” Lashley had another staredown that ended with Lashley backing off.

    Tonight:

    For the first time ever, “Miracle” Mike Bennett takes on Ethan Carter III. TNA has been slowly building to this match since Bennett’s debut, which was also Impact’s debut on Pop TV. Additionally, TNA Tag Team champions Beer Money issued an open challenge to any and all tag teams for tonight.

    Show Recap:

    Matt Hardy’s music kicks the night off as Josh Matthews welcomes us to the show. The Pope is back on commentary after suffering a beating at the hands of Lashley last week.

    Matt, Tyrus, Rockstar Spud, the beautiful Reby Sky and her little rascal, Maxell stand in the ring. Matt looks pretty snappy in his suit tonight. He talks about all the hard work he’s put into his career, and he feels he’s built a great legacy for the last name “Hardy”. He claims Jeff is ruining all of that and tarnishing their last name.

    Jeff comes out to the ring. Josh mentions that Matt has always lived in Jeff’s shadow and he’s bitter about that. Basically, Matt wants Jeff gone and wants him to stop using the last name “Hardy”. Matt suggests that Jeff should change his name to “Creature” or “Willow”. This prompts Matt to challenge Jeff to match, but Jeff won’t fight his brother. The crowd chants, “Jeff is better.” After a little more pressure from Matt, Jeff finally accepts and we have a faceoff.

    – Beer Money makes their way down to the ring for their open challenge. James Storm roars into the ring on the Boozer Cruiser… again.

    TNA Tag Team champions Beer Money (Bobby Roode & James Storm) vs. Decay (Crazzy Steve & Abyss) w/ Rosemary vs. Eric Young & Bram vs. The BroMans (Robbie E & Jesse Godderz)

    Back from commercial, The BroMans, Decay and Eric Young, and Bram accept Beer Money’s open challenge. The match starts with a wild brawl with all eight guys fighting in and around the ring.

    In a hilarious spot, James Storm got on the Cruiser and rode it around the ring in a complete circle until he collided with Bram. The BroMans take over and start clearing the ring. Surprisingly, Jesse Godderz hit some impressive moves, including jumping up and hitting a hurricanrana off the top of the ropes onto Crazzy Steve. Robbie E. hit a dive to the outside taking out everyone on the floor. EY and Bram had yet another miscommunication causing EY to accidently hit Bram. EY turned around and ate a superkick from Storm. Beer Money picks up the win and retains their titles.

    – Backstage, Matt reveals to Jeff that their match is set for next week. Matt wants the match to be an ‘I Quit Match.” Jeff challenges Matt and Tyrus to tag match for later. The winning team gets to pick the stipulation for next week. Either an “I Quit Match” or a “Full Metal Mayhem”.

    – Back from commercial, somebody jumped Eddie Edwards backstage but Eddie didn’t see who did it. Josh reveals that Eddie is scheduled to challenge Trevor Lee for the X Division title.

    – “The First Lady of Pro Wrestling” Maria Kanellis comes to the ring and says she saved the Knockouts Division by getting the title off of Gail Kim. Maria claims to be the boss and leader of the Knockouts. Maria brings out “her Knockouts Champion” Jade. She says that Jade is champion because of her and Jade owes her. Therefore, Maria wants Jade to hand her the belt, but Jade refuses. #byefelicia

    Gail Kim Interrupts. The Dollhouse and The Beautiful People all come out as well. Basically, they don’t like Maria and everyone wants to be in charge. Billy Corgan comes out and announces Jade will defend the title against Madison Rayne. He also announces that next week all the Knockouts will battle it out and the winner will become the leader of the Knockouts Division.

    – Backstage, EC3 promises to teach Mike Bennett a lesson tonight that someone should have taught him long ago.

    – Back from commercial, Eric Young and Bram are backstage arguing. EY is upset about the constant miscommunication. EY has the King of The Mountain title with him and tells Bram to make things right.

    TNA X-Division champion Trevor Lee w/ Shane Helms vs. DJ Z

    Edwards is injured from the mysterious attack which took place earlier, so he’s out of the title match. DJ Z comes out to fill the vacant spot in a non-title match. He’s on fire to start the match by hitting a sweet dive to the outside. On commentary, Pope speculates that Helms and Lee might have had something to the with Eddie’s attack from earlier.

    They have a really good match with DJ Z getting in some really cool offense. DJ Z had the match won, but Shane distracted the referee. Lee got the advantage and set up for his finish but DJ Z rolls him up for the surprise win. Post-match, Shane and Lee went to beat down DJ Z, but Edwards ran out for the save.

    – Backstage, Jeff Hardy reveals his partner for tonight is TNA World Champion Drew Galloway, making it Matt and Tyrus vs. Jeff and Drew.

    “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/Maria Kanellis vs. Ethan Carter III

    As EC3 makes his way to the ring, Josh reminds us that he has never been pinned or submitted. EC3 dominated the early moments of the match. Bennett got the brief advantage after Maria distracted EC3. EC3 regained control and back dropped Bennett to the outside then gave him a sick suplex on the ramp. Bennett took back over and slowed the pace of the match down.

    EC3 made a fiery comeback by hitting his version of the Stinger Splash which Josh called the EC3 Splash. EC3 hits the TKO and had the match won, but Maria put Bennett’s leg on the bottom rope to break up the pin. He chases Maria around the ring, which gave Bennett the chance to hit the ace crusher. Bennett grabs a chair, but EC3 ducks and locks on a submission. Earl tries to get the chair out of the ring, but Maria grabs it. While this is going on Bennett taps out, which the referee doesn’t see. EC3 grabs the chair and beats Bennett with it, getting disqualified.

    – We get a recap of Al Snow attacking Mahabali Shera and Grado two weeks ago.

    – Backstage, Al Snow apologizes for his actions and breaking Grado’s arm. He reminds us that he’s been suspended without pay. He’s going to the ring to call out Mahabali Shera to give a public apology. 

    Snow is in the ring and calls Shera out to apologize. Shera is full of passion and anger as he professes his urge to knockout Al, but Al wants him to listen first. Al mentions that he’s 53 and has been doing this since he was 18. He gets a nice reaction from the crowd for that.

    Al says everyone tells him wrestling is passing him by. He becomes intensely emotional, especially when talking about how difficult wrestling had been early in his career. Al promises to pay for Grado’s medical bills and wants to help Shera accomplish his dream of becoming World Champion. Al apologizes and they embrace. As they leave, Al jumps Shera and viciously beats him down. Al was great in his role and was so good that despite being the heel, the crowd chanted, “You’ve still go it” after he backstabbed Shera.

    – In the back, Snow gives a passionate speech about wrestling not changing, and how he’s disgusted that a “fat turd” like Grado is in TNA.

    TNA Knockouts champion Jade vs. Madison Rayne

    As the match gets started, Josh announces that next week all the Knockouts will face off in a ladder match for control of the Knockouts. They explain that whomever wins will have the authority to make matches and grant title shots. Jade is in control of the match and dominates the action. Josh says that Jade reminds him of Ronda Rousey because they’re both hard hitting. Madison takes the lead for a brief moment, but it’s not enough as Jade picks up the win and retains her title.

    TNA Champion Drew Galloway & Jeff Hardy vs. 
Matt Hardy & Tyrus w/Rockstar Spud & Reby Sky

    As the competitors make their way to the ring Josh reminds us what’s at stake. If Matt and Tyrus win, next week’s match between Matt and Jeff will be an “I Quit” Match. If Jeff and Drew win, the match will be “Full Metal Mayhem”.

    Matt teases starting the match with Jeff, but he quickly tags out to Tyrus. Jeff and Drew use some of the old Hardy Boys double team moves to gain control of the match, and they clear the ring.

    Tyrus and Matt get the advantage and isolate Drew in their corner. Drew makes the hot tag to Jeff who runs wild and takes out Tyrus. Jeff hits the twist of fate and goes for the Swanton bomb, but Tyrus steps in the way. Jeff dives onto Tyrus, which gives Reby the chance to give Matt a hammer. Matt uses the hammer on Jeff and hits the twist of fate to win the match. Next week Matt faces Jeff in an “I Quit” Match.

    Post match, as Drew helps up Jeff, Lashley hits the ring and takes out both Drew and Jeff. Lashley hits the spear on Drew. On the outside, Lashley spears Drew into the steal steps. Lashley poses with the TNA World title.

    – Next, we get a cool video in black and white. It shows Jeff leaping off of a huge structure with a graphic promoting next week’s match between Matt and Jeff on the screen.

    Next Time on Impact:

    It’s Hardy vs. Hardy as Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Matt Hardy in an I Quit Match. The Knockouts compete in a ladder match battle royal for control of the Knockouts Division. Also, the X Division Champion Trevor Lee will defend his title against both Eddie Edwards and DJ Z in a triple threat.

  • Total Divastation: a look at WWE Total Divas season finale part 1

    By Kevin LaRose for F4Wonline.com

    Tampa, FL

    Nikki and Nattie are going to the doctors to look at Nikki’s back x-rays. Her back doesn’t look good. Nikki does cryotherapy and Nattie watches her, then Nattie does it. There’s a whole in Nattie’s towel that’s right near her nipple. Everyone laughs.

    Nashville, TN

    At Raw, the Bellas and Fox look on the Internet. They are learning about Paris. Fox tells the Bellas that she is fighting with Rosa. Nikki bails because she sees Cena and Brie is forced to hear about Rosa all by herself.

    Paris, FR

    The Divas land in Paris, and Eva is excited for the opportunity to get closer to the other Divas. Everyone is going to the Eiffel Tower except the Bellas, because they are coming back to France in a couple of weeks with their grandma and they are going to go then. Fox decides she’s not going to go because Rosa is going.

    They arrive at a bomb ass suite where they will all be staying while in France. The girls start drinking that French wine, and eating hors d’oeuvres. Mandy distributes goody bags. Rosa doesn’t want to stay with Fox. Fox tells everyone that she’s scheduled a high class couture photo shoot for them all on Thursday. Paige feels alienated that no one is sleeping in their suite. Eva and Mandy decide to stay in Paige and Fox’s suite. The other Divas are so happy to not be staying with Paige, Fox, Mandy, and Eva. Fox decides to repair her relationship with Eva. They make up and Fox is happy. Fox tells everyone about Rosa. She is so pissed at Rosa. 

    Nikki and Brie go shopping. They buy a bunch of macaroons. Everyone else goes to the Eiffel Tower, except for Fox. She is too busy being mad at Rosa to enjoy the world. The divas talk about how romantic Paris is. Rosa wishes that Bobby was the only man that she ever slept with. Mandy asks Nattie how many penises she’s seen. Everyone is really impressed by the Eiffel Tower, especially Nattie. Paige knows that Fox is going to regret not going to the Eiffel Tower. I once went up the Eifel tower. It was cool.

    At the top they had display of a mannequin Mark Twain talking with a mannequin Alec Eiffel. But if I was on a show and I was visiting Paris, the last place I’d go would be the Eiffel Tower. That’s pleb stuff and it would make me look like a total pleb dweeb. If I went to Paris on a show, I’d be more like Anthony Bourdain; I’m gonna show you the gritty, real Paris. The kind of Paris they don’t show you on TV. This is garbage.

    At the top, Bobby is waiting for Rosa. He proposes to her while all the Divas watch and cheer. It’s supposed to be romantic and awesome, but it’s totally cliché and boring. How impressive, Bobby. I can’t believe no one has ever thought of proposing marriage anywhere within the vicinity of the Eiffel tower, let alone on top of it. This. Has. Never. Been. Done. Before. I feel lucky and #blessed that TV cameras were there to capture what is sure to be remembered as our generation’s moon landing. 

    Now everyone is at a press event, and Rosa shows off her ring. Fox is sulking in the corner, but she feels a little bad that she missed the Eiffel Tower proposal. Everyone gets their picture taken on the roof and some reporters ask them some real softball questions, like “who is the trouble maker?” I guess that’s what passes for real journalism nowadays. Shame on you, French media. They go back to their hotel, and Rosa and Bobby have sex.

    Cena has arranged a wine and cheese tasting for the Bellas, but he’s not there. They love all the cheese. Nikki makes a funny joke about Brie eating brie, and then Brie tries to make a joke but she does a horrible job.

    Finally, the other Divas go to a fancy restaurant overlooking the city. Paige arranged the whole thing. They are very impressed. They are amazed again when they see the Eiffel Tower. Rosa gives a speech. She does a horrible job. Fox is sulking the whole time. Can’t she just be happy for Rosa?

    In the morning, Brie is wearing an incredible kimono, and she wakes up Nikki. Nikki is pissed because she is so tired from eating so much cheese. Nikki complements Brie’s robe. Fox goes into Eva’s room and laughs at her for making her bed. She starts complaining about Fox. Fox is upset that Rosa is only focused on her baby and her fiancé and hasn’t been meeting Fox’s needs as a friend.

    All the girls talk about going to Jim Morrison’s grave, and Eva tells everyone she isn’t going. Eva and the Bellas are going bike riding together. Mandy is so pissed. She feels like Eva is ditching her. 

    Eva and the Bellas go to a bakery. Eva feels fortunate to be with such well-traveled friends. Eva tells them that some people are mad that Eva came with them today, but Eva says that Eva needs to do what Eva needs to do.

    The other divas go shopping, and Fox pulls Rosa aside. They talk out their issues. They cry. They hug. 

    Eva and the Bellas get on bikes. Nikki and Eva are wearing heels. They are very impressed by Paris. Brie is excited that she is exercising, and Nikki is pissed that Brie is so focused on exercising. Nikki starts yelling at Brie. Brie feels bad, and decides to eat a macaroon. 

    Eva and the Bellas are at a cute little outdoor café, and they comment on how much they love outdoor cafes. Brie breaks down and orders French fries.

    Back in the hotel, the other Divas talk about how they don’t wear underwear. Paige has another surprise for everyone. A beautiful man comes into the hotel, and Paige tells everyone that they are going to paint him. Somehow Paige managed to set up easels for everyone. She set this all up so that Nattie can see another man’s penis. This is not a normal thing. Nattie reacts with mock outrage. Nattie loves the naked man. They all take a picture with the naked man.

    In the other suite, Nikki surprises everyone with a beautiful private chef, and he is going to teach them all how to make macaroons. The chef shames them all for not offering him some wine. Nattie stumbles into the room, followed by Rosa.

    In the other room, a private chef is cooking everyone dinner. John has arranged another special trip for the Bellas. This time to the restaurant featured in the film Something’s Gotta Give. That movie is ok. I actually love it because Keanu plays a really cool doctor. They invite Nattie to the restaurant. Mandy is pissed that Nattie and Eva are going out to dinner and she wasn’t invited. She storms off into her bedroom and cries into her pillow. Paige follows Mandy and asks her what’s wrong. Fox and Rosa come into the room, and everyone hugs and holds Mandy.

    That’s it for part 1 of the 2 part season finale.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn; AJ Styles vs. ADR

    It was a skeleton crew because much of the crew flew out last night to Italy.

    – Maryse opened the show and introduced Miz for a Miz TV segment.  Miz said that his guest was his wife, Maryse.  He asked her, “What is it like being married to The Miz?”  Zack Ryder came out and said he wanted his title rematch tonight.  Miz first said yes, but then said, he forgot, because Ryder already had a match booked tonight against Baron Corbin.

    – Baron Corbin beat Zack Ryder

    – Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady beat The Ascension in the #1 contenders tag team tournament

    – A.J. Styles did an interview.  Alberto Del Rio came out.  This led to a match which Styles won with a roll-up.

    – There was a backstage segment with Goldust, R-Truth and Fandango.

    – The Vaudevillains beat Goldust & Fandango in the #1 contenders tag team tournament. The crowd in San Diego didn’t know The Vaudevillans or how to take them. It was a quick match.

    – Chris Jericho did an interview and got heat by insulting San Diego.

    – Sami Zayn beat Chris Jericho via DQ.  Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose both came out.  Jericho was yelling at Ambrose, and Zayn threw Jericho into Owens. Owens attacked Zayn for the DQ. Owens & Jericho were beating on Zayn until Ambrose jumped in for the save and Zayn & Ambrose cleaned house to end the show.

  • B&V&C: Missy Hyatt Q&A with Brent Kremen, Retro Raw and Nitro

    The Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show is back! We open with two special guests, former wrestling star Missy Hyatt and Brent Kremen, to talk Brent’s unsuccessful attempt to give Missy a necklace on WrestleMania weekend and how it all went awry. Then it’s our usual Tuesday night Retro Raw and Nitro reviews from this week in 1997! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • ECW favorite Balls Mahoney passes away at 44 years old

    We can confirm that Jonathan Rechner, known better to the wrestling world as Balls Mahoney, has passed away at the age of just 44 years old. Cause of death is unknown as of this time, but he just celebrated his birthday on Monday.

    Social media began talking about the news Tuesday night with many of Rechner’s former co-workers and compatriots paying tribute. 

    After a run in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (Boo Bradley) and even an infamous appearance in the WWF as the evil Xanta Klaus, Rechner came to prominence as Mahoney — known for using weapons like his beloved steel chair, brawls, and teaming/feuding with similar ilk like Axl Rotten, Masato Tanaka, the Dudley Boys, and others. While never a singles titleholder in ECW, he did win the tag titles three times. 

    Ironically, Rotten also recently passed away at just 44 years old.

    He was part of the ECW revival by WWE, making infrequent appearances and feuding with Big Daddy V, Snitsky, and Matt Striker. He even “dated” Kelly Kelly in a very strange pairing. Rechner had competed frequently on the indies since getting cut by WWE in 2008.

    He leaves behind a young son, Christopher.

    We’ll have more on this story as details become available.