OK opener. Wolfe didn’t do much besides a basic assortment of strikes of chinlocks, but it looked good. Woods got a decent pop for being from Florida.
– King Constantine def. Blake (w/Murphy)
Comedy squash with comedy provided mostly from B&M. Blake had Murphy with him, no Alexa Bliss. Constantine dominated, no-selling most of the way, and finished with a chokeslam into a back breaker.
– Patrick Clark & Kenneth Crawford vs. Dhinsa and Selmani
Sorry for not having names, but the female ring announcer butchered them all and I don’t recognize any of them from TV. Hopefully another report will help identify them.
– Alex Riley defeated Elias Sampson with a roll up
Sampson ran down the local crowd to draw heat, but the fans that reacted were still 50/50 on him. Not much to this, with lots of resting. Faces for the night are batting 4 for 4.
– Carmella defeated Emma in an OK match
Carmella’s ring entrance and mic skills are great, but her offense is terrible, especially the punches. Emma worked the crowd a lot by doing lots of hair pulls.
– Apollo Crews pinned Riddick Moss
Another average match. Moss spent most of the match bickering with the crowd and doing this goofy power walk. Crews won with his signature power bomb.
– Asuka defeated Billy Kay
Physical match. Nothing great, but Asuka’s strikes looked good, and BK had some decent, if unspectacular, offense.
– NXT Champion Finn Balor and the Hype Bros def. The Vaudevillains and Tye Dillinger
First few minutes was Mojo running around crazy, and then each face took turns beating down the heels. Zack Ryder played the face-in-peril before making the hot tag to Balor, and after a hot sequence with Riley and Mojo hitting their signature spots, he finished Tye with the 1916. Really good match to end the show.
– WWE.com promoted Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, Bayley, Enzo and Cass, and all of them were nowhere to be seen tonight. The only advertised names that appeared were Balor, Crews, and Carmella.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with tons to discuss: A bunch of news, lucha update with Dr. Lucha Steve Sims, plus Chris DePetrillo of Figures Toy Company joins us to talk the latest action figure lines! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Kansas City, Missouri: (11,000 attendance) – World Heavyweight champion Frank Gotch beat Raoul de Rouen 2 falls to 0 – The Dago Kid beat Tommy Mowatt – Charlie Baker beat Vic Snyder
1936
Columbus, Ohio: – Frank Sexton defeated George McCloud to become the first Ohio Heavyweight Champion
1965
Kansas City, Kansas: – Buddy Gilbert and Ron Reed defeated Rocky Hamilton and Dutch Savage to win the Central States NWA North American Tag Team Titles
1967
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Killer Kowalski & The Alaskan in 2 out of 3 falls – Mad Dog Vachon beat Reggie Parks – Doug Gilbert beat Mitsu Arakawa (sub Chris Markoff) dq – Moose Cholak drew Jack Lanza
1968
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: – Don Leo Jonathan and Ski-Hi Jones (Grizzly Smith) defeated The Assassins for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles
1973
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Wahoo McDaniel defeated Superstar Billy Graham in an Indian strap match – Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat The Crusher & Bull Bullinski in 2 out of 3 falls – Bill Watts beat Ivan Koloff by dq – Rene Goulet beat Bill Crouch – Reggie Parks beat Ric Flair – Jim Brunzell beat Kenny Jay
1977
St. Louis, Missouri: – Texas Death Match: Dick the Bruiser beat Ivan Koloff – Missouri State Champion Jack Brisco beat Superstar Billy Graham by countout – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Ox Baker & Jimmy Valiant – Ernie Ladd beat Red Bastien – Pat O’Connor beat Bulldog Bob Brown by dq
1979
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund and AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel fought to a double-countout – NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Ricky Steamboat defeated Ric Flair – Greg Valentine beat Canadian Champion Dino Bravo by dq – NWA Tag Team Champions Jimmy Snuka & Paul Orndorff beat John Studd & Ken Patera – Moose Morowski beat Steve Bolus – Dewey Robertson beat Al Costello
1982
Kansas City, Kansas: – Roger Kirby and Jerry Valiant won the NWA Central States Tag Team Titles by defeating Steve Regal and Dewey Robertson
1983
Dallas, Texas: – Terry Gordy defeated The Great Kabuki for the World Class Texas Brass Knuckles Title
San Juan, Puerto Rico: – Terry Gibbs and Buddy Landel defeated Gran Apolo and King Tonga to win the WWC North American Tag Team Titles
1984
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Cage Match: Greg Gagne & The Crusher beat Sheik Adnan & Jerry Blackwell – Nick Bockwinkel beat Blackjack Mulligan dq – Mr. Saito beat Baron Von Raschke – Steve O drew Larry Zbyszko – Stan Lane & Steve Keirn beat Jake Milliman & Jesse Ventura – Kevin Kelly beat Kenny Jay – Steve Regal defeated Buck Zumhofe to win the AWA World Light Heavyweight Title
1988
Dallas, Texas: – Iceman King Parsons defeated Kerry Von Erich for the World Class World Heavyweight Title
1989
Rochester, Minnesota: – The Olympians (Ken Patera and Brad Rheingans) defeated Badd Company (Paul Diamond and Pat Tanaka) to win the AWA World Tag Team Titles – Tommy Jammer drew Colonel DeBeers
1996
Memphis, Tennessee: – The Cyberpunks, PG-13 (JC Ice and Wolfie D wearing mask) defeated Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich for the USWA Tag Team Titles
1999
Nashville, Tennessee: – The Tennessee Volunteers (Steven Dunn and Reno Riggins) defeated Brian Christopher and Spellbinder for the NWA North American Tag Team Titles
2000
Tunica, Mississippi: – Jerry Lawler defeated Bull Pain in a tournament final to become the first Memphis Championship Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Champion
2006
World Wrestling Council “Honor vs. Tradicion III”: Carolina, Puerto Rico: – Cassidy Riley and James Storm defeated WWC World Tag Team Champions Chris Joel and Alex Montalvo to win the title – El Bronco defeated WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Champion Julio Estrada in a Street Fight to win the title – Lance Hoyt defeated WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion Amenazá Bryan by forfeit to win the title – Black Pain defeated WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion Lance Hoyt to win the title – Eddie Colón defeated Matt Morgan
2007
Dragon Gate Memorial Gate 2007: Tsu, Japan: – Genki Horiguchi defeated Open the Brave Gate Champion Matt Sydal to win the title – CIMA, Ryo Saito and Susumu Yokosuka defeated Naruki Doi, Gamma and Masato Yoshino to win the Open the Triangle Gate title – Jushin Liger defeated Open the Dream Gate Champion Don Fujii to win the title
Officially announcing what has been known for more about a year, WWE announced Friday that TMDK (The Mighty Don’t Kneel), a popular tag team from Japan, has signed with the company.
The team is made up of Michael Nicholls (Mikey Nicholls) and Shane Veryzer (Shane Haste), the top foreign tag team in Pro Wrestling NOAH until the arrival of the Killer Elite Squad (Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) from New Japan as part of the Suzuki-gun invasion in early 2015.
The two had reached an agreement last year to leave NOAH for WWE in 2015, but in working out their contract with NOAH, Haste suffered a knee injury that required surgery which put everything on hold. Nicholls & Haste returned to NOAH earlier this month for their farewell tour earlier this month.
The team was named Best Tag Team in Japan in 2013, a very difficult honor for a foreign team to win. They twice held the GHC tag team championship, and had a super hot series of matches for the titles with Masato Tanaka & Takashi Sugiura, the Dangan Yankees.
Both originally came from Perth, Western Australia and wrestled for years on the Australian independent scene before starting as regulars in Japan after passing a tryout in 2011.
One of the most exciting things about WrestleMania weekend (particularly this year!) is the buffet of non-WWE offerings taking place all weekend long. Here on the Dr. Keith Presents show, we certainly love our indy wrestling and Alan is joined this week by two indy wrestling experts in Mike Falcone and a returning guest from our early years: Travis McNeill (T-MACK to some!!!).
In a show that flies by, the lads run the gamete of everything going down in Dallas during Wrestlemania week from Lio Rush’s big title match opportunity in ROH to the Ryder Cup-esque goings on in EVOLVE at EDDIE DEEN’S RANCH, and of course, the amazing hodge podge card at WrestleCon.
The collection of talent on display over the three days is off the charts, the best in the world are converging on Dallas! All the big matches, all the storyline possibilities, it’s all covered this week on a MASSIVE 2-hour DKP!!! CHECK IT!!!!
Your hosts Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa are back with the latest Wrestling Weekly to talk on the passing of former wrestling & baseball announcer Joe Garagiola and just how big a star he was in his day. We also discuss the end of Bobby Roode and Eric Young’s TNA careers (14:27) as well as the start of a TNA run for Pepper Parks, who got started in the business training with Les. (17:31).
From there, Vic put together a list of questions for Les (28:42) that require him to dip into his wrestling memory bank — not just of his career but of his childhood as well. Along the way, Les will share some of the big names he grew up watching, how many of them he had a chance to wrestle, the toughest promoter he ever worked for and a lot more.
The lead story examines the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial and what is next regarding the two sides and appeals. The article examines why Gawker believed they would lose in the trial but prevail in appeal, how the jury came to the $140 million verdict, evidence Gawker is looking at introducing in the appeal, the role of Bubba the Love Sponge, the stupid things Gawker said in the trial, a realistic look at loss of income for Hogan, and why playing the tape had nothing to do with it.
Also in this issue, a complete rundown of WrestleMania weekend including lineups with many matches not yet announced for not only WrestleMania itself but for all of the different events next week in Dallas. There is also an update on the WrestleMania attendance, ticket sales for other events, plus mythical records, and people scheduled to appear that haven’t been announced.
Big shows with are coming up for Evolve, NXT, Wrestlecon and more.
UFC has huge plans for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz rematch, potentially at UFC 200.
MMA promoters are thrilled about the passing of the bill in the New York state assembly to legalize professional MMA. There are plans by both UFC and Bellator for live events in New York as soon as possible.
There have been lawsuits filed against WWE and by WWE that have been thrown out either completely or partially earlier this week.
Sting and Daniel Bryan are both in the news.
Check out the scene in Mexico with AAA losing talent, the Lucha Underground/AAA connection, how Lucha Underground stopped the main event on Elite’s first television taping, what Bellator star headlines that show, who has quit TNA, how the philosophy has changed, and the economics of all this.
Eric Young and Bobby Roode departed from TNA. Read about the background of both men leaving, their status and history in TNA, their value to WWE, their future as well as comments made by both regarding leaving.
This issue features the results of UFC’s Fight Night from Brisbane, Australia over the weekend, with thoughts on the Neil Magny vs. Hector Lombard officiating, ratings notes, plus match-by-match coverage.
CMLL’s Dos Leyendas show, its first big show of the year, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, plus the revealing of family with the country’s top heel, all in this issue.
DDT’s has its biggest show of the year, with the return of Kota Ibushi, held at Sumo Hall.
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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The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
Also in this issue:
CMLL’s unique tournament going on right now and its history of creating some of the biggest stars in the company of the past 20 year
Perro Aguayo for the first time talks the death of his son
Notes on Dragon Gate’s Memorial Gate show
NOAH’s big show this past week with multiple title matches
Former WWE wrestler returns to New Japan at Invasion Attack
Tanahashi talks working with the Young Bucks
Two big weekend shows and four title matches in New Japan
Major woman’s star for three decades is retiring
Former three-time world champion moving to Canada to come out of retirement to go for the freestyle world title
NCAA Division I heavyweight title match and its background
Update on the status of Speedball Mike Bailey
Kurt Angle talks fighting MMA and returning to WWE
UR Fight show with Angle vs. Mysterio
The first modern wrestler to use entrance music wasn’t The Freebirds
What will air in early 2017 on Lucha Underground and future directions of the company
The next month of TNA Impact that was taped this past week
Business notes regarding UFC 196
Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice failing drug tests
What drugs they failed for and why they both failed the IQ test
Potential WWE lawsuit that is being talked about behind the scenes
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
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.
The Bryan & Vinny Show is back today with tons to talk about! We’ve got NXT from Full Sail with a great Finn Balor match and Asuka vs. Emma, LUCHA UNDERGROUND WITH AZTEC WARFARE, Granny’s Q&A and WEEKLY WRESTLING REPORT and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
I’m on site at NXT Largo tonight, expecting a sell out of approximately 300.
– Alex Reyes welcomed us to the show and introduced us to NXT’s newest ring announcer Andrea DiMarco (aka Andrea Ocampo) who was the on-air reporter for the NHL’s Florida Panthers.
– Carmella and Liv Morgan beat Emma and Billie Kay
Very impressive showing by Carmella tonight, countering holds, escaping moves, and taking the hot tag. After Morgan was being worked over by the heels, there was a miscommunication where Emma was knocked off the apron which allowed Carmella to hit a superkick, bronco buster, and her submission leg scissor for the win over Billie Kay.
– Riddick Moss beat Alex Riley
Hard-hitting match with Riley hitting a spinebuster and a big top rope elbow drop for nearfalls. Riddick got his feet on the ropes for a roll-through dirty pin.
– American Alpha beat Sawyer Fulton and Alexander Wolfe
This was a showcase match for Alpha. The heels worked over Gable leading to the big hot tag for Jordan: suplex, spear, straps down, assisted German for the win.
– Dylan Miley beat Patrick Clark
Almost all Miley here. He worked the arm, slams, and hit a big diving headbutt off the top for the win.
– The Hype Bros beat The Vaudevillains
There were a lot of silly antics by the Vauds to try and get under Mojo’s skin. Zack wanted nothing to do with any of their nonsense. Vauds worked over Ryder to get to Mojo’s hot tag. Ran wild with shoulderblocks, but he Vauds almost cut him off. Ryder hit the Hype Ryder for the win.
– NXT Women’s Champion Bayley beat Aliyah
Good match here, Aliyah worked over Bayley’s arm, kept her grounded most of the match. Bayley fired up after being hit in to the turnbuckles pads then ran wild, big suplex, back elbow, and finally a Belly to Bayley for the win.
– In ring promo with Dhinsa and Selmani, they vow to destroy all other tag teams.
– No Way Jose FKA Levis Valenzuela beat Manny Andrade
New music and officially billed as “No Way Jose” tonight, good action between the two, Andrade is excellent and did some flashy moves such as a moonsault then a standing moonsault for a near fall and some crisp arm drags early in the match. The finish saw NWJ hit the big punch for the win.
– Enzo, Big Cass & Apollo Crews beat NXT Tag Team Champions The Revival & Baron Corbin
Crowd was all over Baron and The Revival tonight, the heels worked over Enzo and Apollo mostly during this match, good action all around and always seemed like the brink of chaos. The finish saw Big Cass take the hot tag, run wild and bring Zo back in for the rocketlauncher finish.
DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show: FREE EDITION! Tell your friends! Today is a mailbag show with a wide range of questions and topics including:
The pioneers of wrestling what referees were in the days of Frank Gotch, Ed “Strangler” Lewis, and Joe Stecher. The conversation also includes how state atheletic commissions played into things during the pioneer era and how wrestling pioneer William Muldoon figured into things.
Why is Demolition not in the WWE Hall of Fame? Despite being one of the longest reigning tag teams in WWF/WWE history, Demolition has been all but erased from the record books. They are viritually never mentioned. Well, that’s not entirely true. Demoltion Smash (Barry Darsaw) has been brought back for a few projects and even an appearance as the Repo Man so I tell you why that might be and how it probably also includes a member of the Moondogs.
There is a great and super informative email about the drawing power of Jim Londos defending him as legitimately one of the biggest draws in wrestling history. I learned a lot myself from this one.
This is a free show today so tell your friends to give it a listen! If you would like to order a Super Stern Stick Flashdrive please check out my website http://www.dragonkingkarl.com
