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  • WON Preview: UFC 196 sets records; Hayabusa; Eddie Einhorn

    SUBSCRIBERS READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    We’ve got a major history issue of the Wrestling Observer this week, a double issue with a story on the life of Hayabusa and the story behind one of the more noted sports owners, Eddie Einhorn, and his two major forays in pro wrestling including his challenging of the wrestling establishment in the 70s, and his failed attempt to unite them in the 80s.

    Our lead story goes into the records set at UFC 196, including why PPV numbers were so strong, lessons about the UFC audience, what the audience wants from big fights now, numerous records set last week, the value of stars and momentum and what comes next.   Update on what may be the end of UFC’s long struggle to get legalized in New York.

    WrestleMania update, with the entire lineup, as well as updates on WWE injuries, what happened in the Chris Jericho vs. Neville match, what was supposed to happen, and the ironies of the WWE officiating.  WWE’s most underutilized talent is right now, and look at the Roadblock show with full coverage.

    Ticket sales and gate for WrestleMania this year, and how it compares with previous company records, boxing attendance record, more people talked about for the WWE Hall of Fame this year that haven’t gotten out, more on a physical Hall of Fame, more on comparisons of WWE TV revenue with that of NASCAR, Mick Foley talks Mania, Foley’s new TV show, WrestleMania in Europe, notes on NXT TV taping dates, Notes on the 2017 WrestleMania, why William Regal has warned wrestlers about certain bumps, Paul Heyman signs a new distribution deal, AAA star getting tryout, the interesting career and role John Cena’s grandfather played in major league baseball and college baseball, plus reports on all the WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on all the shows.

    The struggles of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the next set of major shows, as well as the New Japan Cup finals and where everything looks to be going next.

    Major story on the life and career of Hayabusa, looking at his childhood, becoming a wrestling fan, his start in the business, his rise to stardom, his career title history, the politics that hampered his career at different times, injuries, big show matches, story behind many of his career breaks, the heyday of FMW and its fall, as well as the various attempts to get it back going.  We also look at the end of his career, how close he came to death, his thoughts while he was paralyzed, the death of FMW, and Hayabusa’s life after pro wrestling.  There is a lot about the high-flying style that he popularized and the business of Japanese pro wrestling underneath the major league promotions.

    Results of the fan voting awards from Nikkan Sports, of Japan’s major newspapers, covering the best of 2015.

    The death of music legend Keith Emerson, and his role in two of the most iconic wrestling themes in different parts of the world.

    Eddie Einhorn, both from his role in making college basketball a popular television sport, and his attempt in the 1970s to get into pro wrestling and ran opposition to the NWA and WWWF.  We look at the background of Pedro Martinez, his partner, including when he ran wrestling in Madison Square Garden and his famous fight with Toots Mondt.   We look at the glory days of the Buffalo/Cleveland area, what killed the NWF, how the IWA was formed, the original roster members, some big names who got their start and the stars who were with him.  Einhorn’s second run in pro wrestling, trying to unite the establishment in fighting Vince McMahon in 1985, and why that didn’t work.

    The start of the IWA and its major stadium shows just outside of New York, as well as why they didn’t succeed, and the post-Einhorn IWA.

    The ratings of all the major wrestling and MMA programming from the past week, as well as results of the major arena events around the world and reviews of the key television shows.

    READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    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 sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant Baba passes away  A look at the life and times of Giant Baba, details on the Mankind vs. Rock empty arena match at WWF Halftime Heat, plus tons of news.

    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 iPPV this week

    –Second generation wrestling star accused of kidnapping and rape of ex-girlfriend

    –More on issues in AAA

    –AAA doing an iPPV shortly

    –More on Octagon’s issues with AAA regarding the use of his name and creation of Octagon Jr.

    –Wrestle-1’s big show of the month and where they are going next

    –All Japan vs. Big Japan main event

    –Legends coming back to All Japan next month as in May

    –Another pro wrestling star signed to headline the next Rizin show who should not be fighting

    –Very controversial return of a woman wrestling star in Japan

    –Notes on the career of Charlie Fulton

    –The Who’s Who in wrestling in the 70s and 80s who Fulton faced during his career

    –Fulton’s greatest successes

    –Why Lonnie Mayne beat up one of Fulton’s most notable partners

    –Fulton’s role as the WWF’s Iron Man in 1982

    –Ed Leslie mad at Hulk Hogan

    –Full coverage of the wXw 16 carat gold tournament

    –Why Drew Galloway was a last minute sub

    –Lots of things scheduled for WrestleMania weekend

    –Preview of NCAA Division I wrestling tournament

    –Notes on the movie on the life of the Great Sasuke that played in the U.S. this past week

    –More on the life of Lord James Blears

    –Blears coming up with the original idea for entrance music on promos

    –Ed Francis talks about his longtime partner

    –Oldest living wrestlers

    –Movie planned on major European star

    –Lucha Underground’s first house show

    –Notes on ROH’s final show before WrestleMania weekend and Daniels & Kazarian’s new move

    –Updated ROH plans for WrestleMania week

    –Notes on Drew Galloway winning TNA title

    –What happened with Ken Anderson and TNA

    –A look at TNA’s return to action

    –A look at UFC’s weekend show

    –Chael Sonnen talk about his future

    –Background of press conference issue talked about by Daniel Cormier

    –Another failed drug test in UFC

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Vinny Massaro names a wrestling move after Daniel Cormier

    –Update on injuries from shooting on former UFC star Mikey Burnett

    –Someone just debuting in pro wrestling going after MMA world title in May

    –Kimbo Slice & Ken Shamrock suspension notes

    –Bellator ratings for 2016

    –Matt Mitrione signs with Bellator and the state of Bellator’s heavyweight division

    –More on ONE FC’s addressing the weight issue

    –Jason Miller arrested once again

    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.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    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.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/17): Scott Norton wins IWGP World Title

    1926

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Joe Stecher beat Ivan Lindow 

    1971

    Portland, Oregon: 
    – NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr drew Lonnie Mayne
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Kurt & Karl Von Steiger beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon dq
    – Pat O’Brien beat Haru Sasaki dq
    – Dutch Savage drew Steven Little Bear
    – Stan Stasiak beat Moose Morowski
    – Tony Borne beat Bing Ki Lee
    – Eric Froelich drew Bobby Nichols

    1975

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – Andre the Giant beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Horst Hoffman beat Superstar Billy Graham 
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Buddy Wolff 
    – Billy Robinson beat Moose Cholak 
    – George Gadaski beat Kenny Jay 

    1976

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Chris Taylor won a 18 man $20,000 Battle Royal
    – Andre The Giant beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Chris Taylor beat Kim Duk
    – Jos LeDuc ddq Mad Dog Vachon
    – Larry Hennig beat Jimmy Valiant
    – Dick Blood (Ricky Steamboat) beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Scott Irwin ddq Jan Nelson

    1978

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    Andre the Giant won 17 man Wrestle Royal 
    Terry Funk beat Black Lack Lanza 
    Andre the Giant and Dick the Bruiser beat Ric Flair, Dusty Wolfe, and Baker 
    Dick Murdoch beat Evan Johnson 
    Pat O’Connor and Rocky Johnson beat Bobby Jaggers and Bob Brown 
    David Von Erich beat Doug Somers 

    1979

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Non Title Cage match: Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat AWA Tag Team Champions Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens
    – Billy Robinson ddq Bobby Duncum
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Cecil DuBois & Iron Sheik
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Joe Scarpello
    – Doug Gilbert drew Buddy Wolff

    1981 

    Allentown, Pennsylvania:
    – The Moondogs (Rex & King) defeated Tony Garea & Rick Martel for the WWF World Tag Team Titles

    1982

    Shreveport, Louisiana:
    – Bob Roop defeated Ted DiBiase for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title 

    1993 

    Dublin, Ireland:
    – Big Van Vader defeated Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Title

    1999

    Tokyo, Japan: 
    – Koji Kanemomoto defeated Jushin Liger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship

    2001 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Scott Norton defeated Kensuke Sasaki to win the IWGP Heavyweight championship

    2002 

    WrestleMania: Toronto, Ontario, Canada: 
    – Triple H pinned Chris Jericho (with Stephanie McMahon) to win the Undisputed WWF championship  
    – Rob Van Dam pinned William Regal to win the WWF Intercontinental championship
    – The Undertaker pinned Ric Flair in a great street fight 
    – WWF Tag Champs Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo beat The Acolytes, The Hardy Boyz, and The Dudley Boys in a Four-Way Elimination match
    – The Rock pinned Hulk Hogan 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Canek won the AAA Rey de Reyes Tournament, defeating Pirata Morgan, Cibernetico & Octagon

  • Sting’s pro wrestling career is over, neck injury too severe

    TMZ reported today what has been pretty well known for some time, that Sting is retired as a pro wrestler due to the neck injuries suffered in the Night of Champions match with Seth Rollins.

    Sting was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and told that he needed surgery, which is it believed he has not yet gotten.  According to the story, Steve Borden has seen several doctors who all agreed that he shouldn’t return to the ring.

    Sting was injured twice in the match with Rollins in September, both times taking power bombs into the turnbuckles.  He went limp briefly the second time but was able to finish the match.

    The story said Sting may officially announce his retirement at the Hall of Fame ceremony on 4/2 in Dallas, where he is the main event inductee.

    Due to the injury, Sting vs. Undertaker was never under consideration for this year’s WrestleMania nor was he ever talked about after September for a spot on the show.

    The story at www.tmz.com stated Sting would be open to a non-physical role with the company.

    Borden, who turns 57 later this month, started wrestling in 1985 after being discovered by Rick Bassman working at a Gold’s Gym.  He began his career in Tennessee working for Jerry Jarrett as a tag team with Jim Hellwig, who became the Ultimate Warrior.  The pair were then hired by Bill Watts, where they split up when Hellwig wasn’t happy with the company.  Sting remained and became part of Eddie Gilbert’s Hot Stuff International heel group, often teaming with Rick Steiner.

    Gilbert turned him babyface just as the UWF was being purchased by Jim Crockett, and Sting came over in the purchase but wasn’t used well until a 45 minute draw on the first Clash of the Champions with Ric Flair.  The last 15 minutes of the match peaked with a 7.8 quarter hour, and the match itself did a 7.1 rating, both records for post-1983 TBS wrestling that were never broken, and Sting remained one of the top stars in wrestling since that time.

  • UFC Fight Night 85 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    The Octagon returns to Australia this weekend for UFC Fight Night 85 in Brisbane. The event takes place locally on Sunday, but due to the time difference, airs on Saturday night in the US. The event is headlined by a five-round heavyweight bout between Mark Hunt and former champion Frank Mir. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for the event on Saturday.

    STUDS

    Alan Patrick ($10,800)

    Alan Patrick has a favorable match-up when he gets short-notice replacement Damien Brown in a preliminary bout fight on Saturday. Brown is taking the fight on just a week’s notice after Patrick’s original opponent, Chad Laprise, was shifted to a different bout against Ross Pearson. Brown has won five straight fights to get in the UFC, but sports just a 15-8 overall record. Patrick is coming off his first career loss and is looking to bounce back in a very big way. He has knockout power but has only finished half of his opponents. However, with the short notice that Brown has, it is very favorable for Patrick to get a finish. This could be a fight card where finishes may be hard to come by. You have to take the odds on this one, and Patrick is a very good play for Saturday.

    James Te Huna ($10,500)

    James Te Huna hasn’t fought since June 2014 and is currently on a 3-fight losing streak where has been finished in the first round in each of those fights. He has been battling injury issues but makes his return on Saturday for his second fight at 185 pounds. It is a must-win fight for Te Huna, and he has a favorable match-up when he takes on Steve Bosse. Bosse fights inside the Octagon for the second time and is looking to bounce back from a spectacular knockout loss from a head kick by Thiago Santos. Bosse probably isn’t a UFC-caliber fighter and is likely only getting a second opportunity due to stepping up on short notice to make his debut. It is a perfect bounce back opportunity for Te Huna, who owns 13 wins by stoppage. I expect him to get his 14th stoppage victory this weekend.

    VALUE PLAYS

    Ross Pearson ($9,300)

    Ross Pearson comes in as an underdog in his fight against Chad Laprise on Saturday, and that already makes him a value play as he is an underdog I think that has an excellent chance at scoring a win. Pearson has been rotating wins-and-losses in his last seven fights, and with coming off a loss, history says he should get the win this time out. He fights Chad Laprise, who was moved to this bout just over a week ago. Coincidentally, Pearson and Laprise both lost their last bouts to the same opponent- Francisco Trinaldo. It was Laprise’s first career loss and he was knocked out in the process. Pearson has power and he does good against opponents with less experience, and he racks up quite a good number of punches as he lands with a lot of volume. At his price point, he has a lot of upside if you choose to put him on your roster. He makes for great value on Saturday.

    Dan Kelly ($8,300)

    Dan Kelly has one of the lowest salaries of all the fighters on Saturday’s card, and it is interesting considering he is 10-1 in his career. He has a blue-chip prospect for his opponent in Antonio Carlos Junior, but one who struggled against a heavy takedown fighter in Patrick Cummins. Kelly is an Olympian in judo and works excellent from the clinch, and his striking has developed nicely. He doesn’t do anything flashy but he does everything well. Kelly does have an uphill battle in this bout, but he will have the crowd behind him in a huge way. Carlos Junior hasn’t scored an actual win in almost nine months, and he may not pull the trigger as much considering his last fight ended in 30 seconds with multiple eye pokes coming from him. Kelly makes a good target as an upset pick.

    FIGHTERS TO AVOID

    Richard Walsh ($9,400)

    Richard Walsh is an underdog and has some solid value at his price, but I think he is a fighter to avoid on Saturday. He has a tough opponent in Viscardi Andrade, but Walsh will have the crowd behind him. The two men are almost the same type of fighter, but Walsh has shown he can be put to sleep if a big punch lands. Andrade likes to keep the fight on the feet and strike and Walsh won’t be able to match him there. Walsh may get some takedowns and some top position, but I don’t see him landing a lot of strikes or finishing Andrade. He may get the win but I’m not sure he has enough to justify putting him in your line-up, thus I am avoiding him.

    Brendan O’Reilly ($8,200)

    Brendan O’Reilly is not getting a lot of respect heading into Saturday’s event as he finds himself as the biggest underdog on the card and has the lowest salary. It is for good reason as this seems to be a fight booked to get his opponent, Alan Jouban, back on the winning path. O’Reilly is a low-level welterweight who has a lot of holes in his game, especially on his feet. Against a big power puncher like Jouban, that is going to be a problem. Jouban is probably the smartest pick on the card in all honesty, but his salary is extremely high. I see O’Reilly being finished and finished quick. I can’t justify putting him on your roster, but anything can happen in a fight.

    OUR LINE-UPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Alan Jouban ($11,200), James Te Huna ($10,500), Mark Hunt ($10,300), Ross Pearson ($9,300), Dan Kelly ($8,300)

    Despite Alan Patrick being my top play above, I am not having him in my line-up. I did when I originally drafted this team, but I made some changes. First off, I’m going with Alan Jouban. I think he makes quick work of Brendan O’Reilly and maximizes his points potential. James Te Huna I see as another fighter who gets a first-round finish. Steve Bosse just isn’t a UFC fighter and that will show again. Mark Hunt is an excellent pick. He has that power and Frank Mir doesn’t have much of a chin to wishstand the punches Hunt will throw. Hunt is also smart enough to avoid going to the ground. I see Hunt getting a stoppage in the first half of the fight. Ross Pearson and Dan Kelly are my two underdog picks. Pearson throws a lot of volume and can easily catch Chad Laprise, but I expect a decision win by him. Dan Kelly is a hail mary pick and he has a tough road to win, but he can get the upset.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Dan Hooker ($10,600), Mark Hunt ($10,300), Johnny Case ($9,700), Ross Pearson ($9,300), Rin Nakai ($9,000)

    Nakai has only one loss in her career and it’s to the current Bantamweight champion. Tate had more trouble with her than anyone else in her recent streak leading into the title challenge and I think her relentless style will wear down Leslie Smith, leading to a late KO or sub. Johnny Case is on a 12 fight win streak, including 4 in the UFC and I think he’ll continue that run against Jake Matthews, who was exposed in his fight with James Vick. It’s been too much, too soon for Matthews and Case is really tough. Unlike Matthews, I think Hunt will make the locals happy when he knocks out Mir early. I think Hunt is a steal at $10,300. I’m shocked that Ross Pearson is the underdog against Chad Laprise. They’re both coming off losses to Francisco Trinaldo but other than that, Pearson’s faced much tougher competition and is a battle-tested  veteran that has power and Laprise was KO’d last time out. My final pick is another hometown hero in Daniel Hooker. Hooker is unbeaten in Australia with his only two career losses coming in Japan and the US. He should be good  for finishing points as well since his last 7 wins have all been by stoppage.

    PEACH MACHINE- Dan Hooker ($10,600), Viscardi Andrade ($10,000), Johnny Case ($9,700), Hector Lombard ($9,600), Rin Nakai ($9,000)

    I like Rin Nakai. She took Miesha Tate to task in her most recent tilt. Alliteration is awesome. I like Johnny Case and I don’t like Jake Matthews. Boom. Magny will be mauled by Mombard. Or Lombard. Don’t hate Dan Hooker. Viscardi will be victorious.

  • WOR: Tons of mid-week news from WWE, UFC, Lucha Underground, TNA and more!

    Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back tonight with tons of news — full reviews of Lucha Underground and TNA with new champions, Smackdown spoilers, ratings, Neville injury update, UFC this weekend plus big matches in the works for UFC 198 and 200, UR FIGHT~!, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • WWE NXT results: American Alpha vs. Vaudevillians, Shinsuke Nakamura debuts

    The BIG News: Sami Zayn will face the debuting Shinsuke Nakamura at Takeover: Dallas

    The Medium News: Bayley will defend her championship against Asuka at the afore-mentioned Takeover: Dallas show

    The Little News: American Alpha became the new #1 Contender’s to the NXT Tag Team Title and will theoretically face The Revival at Takeover: Dallas

    Sami Zayn is out to kick off the show. I wonder when they taped this segment since theoretically it was taped minutes after the last show ended, but Sami looked refreshed.

    Zayn put Joe over, but said his focus is still the same and his goal is to still become a 2x NXT Champion. One thing does bother Zayn and that’s that he does not have a match at Takeover: Dallas.

    This brought out Mr. William Regal, who agreed that Sami deserves something special at Takeover and he deserves to face one of the best in the world. Mr. Regal announced Sami Zayn vs Shinsuke Nakamura for Takeover. Now I can officially say how much I am marking out.

    They had a video with Nakamura saying he will see Zayn at Takeover. The fans chanted “Holy sh*t” as the announcers put over Nakamura huge.

    The Hype Bros defeated Angelo Dawkins & Kevin Crawford

    They announced American Alpha vs Vaudevillians for later. They did that last week and instead the opening match went 45 minutes. I will go out on a limb and say this match will not go that long.

    Dawkins and Crawford looked good working with Ryder. Mojo still hasn’t improved to do more than just the basic Mojo spots. Mojo did break out a discus punch to the face and the Bros won with a Hype Ryder in decidedly less than 45 minutes.

    -Dana Brooke and Emma were walking backstage when Deonna Purrazzo suddenly appeared. Emma told her the beating she’s going to get tonight is worst than the one Asuka gave her. Deonna said she would win and the heels laughed at her.

    Emma submitted Deonna Purrazzo

    Could they please change Deonna Purrazzo’s name? This match was not very good and downright clumsy at times. I know it’s important to get new girls on tv, but I feel bad if Purrazzo is the best of the next group of girls.

    The entire match seemed to telegraph a flash pin for Purrazzo. Emma hit several big moves and wouldn’t go for falls and act so cocky. Plus the announcers were blatantly pointing this out. It was all set up for Purrazzo to pin Emma, but before that happened Emma submitted her with the Emma Lock.

    Tommaso Ciampa defeated Jesse Sorensen

    Ciampa stampeded to the ring and got there before the ring announcer even introduced him. Ciampa ran across the ring and hit move after move on Sorensen. Ciampa hit a running knee in the corner and a discus clothesline for a 2 count.

    They went to the mandatory rest hold before Sorensen made his comeback. Sorensen went for the 10 punches of doom, but Ciampa tripped him up and kneed him in the head. On the mat Ciampa hit several knees to the head before submitting Jesse with a rolling armbar.

    Bayley & Asuka defeated Eva Marie & Nia Jax

    Izzy, the little girl who dresses like Bayley, was now moved to dead center in the front row, as opposed to by the ramp. I only noted that because Bayley didn’t go over near her and the announcers didn’t even bring it up. Nia started the match, Eva tagged in and quickly got caught in the ring with Asuka. I never felt so bad for Eva as Asuka beat the heck out of her.

    Nia blind tagged herself in and they got the heat on the champ when Nia laid her out with a Samoan Drop. Eva did that wacky stretch where you pull your opponents arms behind her back with your knee pressed into the back, but Eva forgot the second part.

    Eva slapped Asuka on the apron and then Nia accidentally legdropped Eva. This was not Eva’s night. Eva got a kick to the back of the head by Asuka before being pinned with a Belly to Bayley Suplex.

    – After the match Mr. Regal walked out, congratulating both Bayley and Asuka on winning before booking them against each other for Takeover.

    – We had a split screen interview where the announcers interviewed Austin Aries. Aries said he is happy to be here, but it’s too bad his debut got ruined by Baron Corbin. Aries said he told Mr. Regal, who apologized, that he should feel sorry for Baron. Aries said Baron will soon find out why Aries is the greatest man who ever lived.

    In a NXT tag team #1 Contender’s Match, American Alpha defeated The Vaudevillians

    Main event time! One of these two teams will become the #1 Contender’s to the NXT Tag Team Championship while the other team will move to the back of the line. Corey Graves alerted us to Dan Gable recently giving props to Chad Gable.

    Gable and Gotch worked really well together and made me wish I could see a match just between the two of them. Coming back from commercial the heels had cut off Gable and were wearing him down. The crowd wasn’t dead for this match, but they weren’t as psyched as they have been for Gable in the past.

    Jordan hot tagged in and suplexed everyone on their heads. Gable tagged himself in and had English pinned with Chaos Theory, but Gable broke it up. Jordan gave Gable a belly to belly overhead suplex on the floor and American Alpha won with Grand Amplitude.

    That does it for this week! Takeover is now 16 days away and the card is fricking amazing. Until next week when Asuka faces Emma, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers.

  • F4D: Filthy Tom Lawlor talks UFC 196 result, TNA Impact Wrestling, Shane McMahon, his speech for the F4W Presidency

    Figure Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor returns after a long hiatus with a ton to talk about — his fight with Corey Anderson at UFC 196, two episodes of TNA Impact Wrestling, Shane McMahon on Raw, plus his speech on why he should become the new PRESIDENT OF THE F4W EMPIRE. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    In an appearance on the Max & Marcellus ESPN radio show on 3/11, Dana White said that UFC 196, which took place six days earlier in Las Vegas, broke all kinds of records and ended up doing 1.5 million buys on PPV.

    The number, if accurate, would be significantly up from both the November (Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm) and December (Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo and Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold) shows that are believed to have done in the 1.05 to 1.2 million buy range. It would beat every UFC event to date with the exception of UFC 100, which is estimated at 1.6 million buys. The difference is that UFC 100 was supposed to blow away all numbers, with title matches featuring the company’s two biggest drawing cards at the time, Brock Lesnar and Georges St-Pierre.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • WOL: Do you hate everything like Vince McMahon says? TJ Perkins and more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with tons to discuss: Is Vince McMahon right, does everyone hate their job, their boss and their life? FIND OUT! Also, TJ Perkins shows up to talk TNA and EVOLVE, and we’ve also got tons of news, calls and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/16): Dean Malenko wins WCW United States Title

    1957
    K

    ansas City, Kansas:
    – Buddy Rogers beat Kit Fox 
    – Central States champion Richard Brown beat Lou Plummer 
    – Bobby Bruns beat Joe Costello 

    1960 

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Joe McCarthy defeated Mario Galento to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title

    1965

    Trenton, New Jersey:
    – WWWF U.S. Tag Team Champions Gene Kiniski & Waldo Von Erich defeated Wahoo McDaniel & Don McClarty 

    1969

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – The Sheik beat Bulldog Brower (Sheik managed by Abdullah Farouk)
    – The Mighty Igor and “Whipper” Billy Watson defeated the Assassin and Al Costello
    – Ivan Koloff beat Ivan Kakmikoff 
    – Edouard Carpentier beat Fred Atkins 
    – Dutch Momberg and Dewey Robertson went to a 15:00 draw

    1971

    Portland, Oregon:
    – NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr drew Lonnie Mayne
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Kurt & Karl Von Steiger beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon dq
    – Pat O’Brien beat Haru Sasaki dq
    – Dutch Savage drew Steven Little Bear
    – Stan Stasiak beat Moose Morowski

    1973 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Gene Kiniski defeated Terry Funk to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title

    1976

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Chris Taylor won a 18 man $20,000 Battle Royal
    – Andre The Giant beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Chris Taylor beat Kim Duk
    – Jos LeDuc ddq Mad Dog Vachon
    – Larry Hennig beat Jimmy Valiant
    – Dick Blood beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Scott Irwin ddq Jan Nelson

    1978

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Verne Gagne & Rufus R Jones beat Pat Patterson & Buddy Wolff
    – Handcuff Match: The Crusher beat Super Destroyer
    – Angelo Mosca beat Billy Robinson to win British Empire title
    – Bob Orton Jr drew Jim Brunzell
    – Greg Gagne beat Blackjack Lanza
    – Evan Johnson beat Ivan Crankovic
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Dave Kochen

    1981

    Oakland, California:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Ray Stevens & The Crusher
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Greg Gagne
    – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Tito Santana beat Steve Regal
    – Pepper Gomez beat Guy Lambert

    1992

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Kamala defeated Koko B. Ware to win the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title 
    – Jimmy Valiant defeated Dr. Death (not Steve Williams) for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title

    1996

    Lima, Ohio:
    – D’Lo Brown defeated Bobby Blaze to win the Heartland Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title 

    1997 

    WCW Uncensored: Charleston, South Carolina:
    – Dean Malenko defeated Eddie Guerrero to win the WCW United States Title 
    – Buff Bagwell defeated Scotty Riggs in a strap match
    – WCW Television Champion Prince Iaukea defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. 
    – Team NWO (Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Scott Hall & Kevin Nash) defeated Team Piper (Roddy Piper, Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael & Jeff Jarrett) and Team WCW (Lex Luger, The Giant & Scott Steiner)
    – Harlem Heat defeated The Public Enemy in a Texas Tornado match

    2003

    Queens, New York:
    – Justin Credible defeated Steve Corino to win the Premier Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title