Category: Daily Updates

The full list of participants and first round matches were announced for this summer’s Super J-Cup today with the first round taking place on July 20th at Korakuen Hall inTokyo, Japan. If you enjoyed the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, it’s unfortunately not happening again as Ricochet is not in the tournament. However, if that match is any indication, there’s a ton of other potential awesome matchups. This is going to be worth going out of your way to see. 

The original Super J-Cup was held in 1994, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestling shows of all time. Our own Dave Meltzer called the 1994 Super J-Cup “the most incredible single night of wrestling ever.” Does this line-up have the potential to top it? We will find out, starting on July 20 leading to the finals on August 21. 

• Kushida vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Rysuke Taguchi vs. Daisuke Harada
• Bushi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
• Titan vs. Will Ospreay
• Jushin Liger vs. Eita
• Yuma Aoyagi vs. Taichi
• Gurukun Mask vs. Kenou
• Matt Sydal vs. Kaji Tomato

THE ROUNDUP

• UFC Fight Night 90 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid
• TNA Impact Wrestling live results: Hardy vs. Hardy – The Final Deletion
• WWE Smackdown & Main Event spoilers: No Brock announcement; Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn
• Off-air notes from WWE Raw plus Superstars spoilers
• New Japan on AXS report: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in the G1 finals

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the latest wackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on @WONF4W or @BryanAlvarez. We will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun. 

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit. 

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer. 

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 31, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Death of Owen Hart – The life and death of Owen Hart, details on WWF Over the Edge, plus tons of news.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

Boom! Studios will be releasing a WWE comic bookand WWE graphic novels. So, if you can’t get enough WWE with all of the new content the impending brand split is giving us, you can collect the comic books too.

Revolution Pro Wrestling announced Marty Scurll vs. Jay White for their August 7th show at The Cockpit in London.

NEVER Openweight Champion Katsuyori Shibata will make his much-anticipated Ring of Honor debut at the promotion’s August 19th Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view. Also announced for the show were Los Ingobernable de Japon members Tetsuya Naito and Evil, and Bullet Club Members Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Yujiro Takahashi.

In a story discussed in past Wrestling Observers, ROH star Moose may be heading to TNA…if he accepts their offer.

The UFC 200 Press Conference with Brock Lesnar, Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier and more is available here. 

WWE and Pro Wrestling

• Raw got killed in the ratings Monday night, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as expected. In fact, it was the most watched show on all of cable TV.
• Here’s the latest on the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker case. If you’re into more legal proceedings talk, it’s for you. 
• Mark Henry is NOT leaving WWE. Henry states that his indy bookings have been approved by WWE. He’s going to appear at WLW’s Night of Champions 2.

UFC and MMA

• Ross Pearson’s media scrum
• Eddie Alvarez media scrum
• Will Brook’s UFC debut media scrum
• RDA’s UFC media scrum
• Derrick Lewis’ UFC media scrum
• Claudia’s Gadelha’s UFC media scrum
• Roy Nelson’s media scrum
• Joanna Jedrzejczyk media scrum
• Claudia Gadelha’s open workout

Miscellaneous (podcasts, plugs, results)

• Ring Rust Radio had Lucha Underground star Johnny Mundo on the show this week, and it was a great episode with plenty of exclusive content.
• Appearing at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago on August 18-20 will be WWE’s John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and the Bellas.
• Ronnie Garvin discusses what it was like dealing with former Jim Crockett and booker Dusty Rhodes in the Mid-Atlantic territory and what role Rhodes played in Garvin’s 2 month NWA World Championship reign.
• If you’re a gambler, OHMBet.com is taking bets on whether or not Mark Hunt will hit his signature walk-off KO. Right now it’s at +120.
• On the latest episode of Creative Control, it’s former ECW Senior Official John Finegan!

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

• July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com. Keep up with all the action on Twitter by following @WONF4W, @BryanAlvarez, @DaveMeltzerWON, @FO_VVerhei, @EdinSanAntonio, @PaulAceFontaine, @FilthyTomLawlor or @PeachMachine. Use #F4WVegas or search for our group FaceBook page. You can also follow Granny’s adventures. 
• TOMORROW – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
• TOMORROW – UFC Fight Night Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Rafael Dos Anjos vs Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title
• FRIDAY – The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha for the UFC strawweight title
• SATURDAY – UFC 200 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight title; Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt; Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes for the UFC women’s bantamweight title; Jose Aldo vs Frankie Edgar for the interim UFC featherweight title
• SATURDAY – New England Championship Wrestling presents World Women’s Wrestling at The Brockton Fair, 600 Belmont St, Brockton, MA
• SATURDAY – Pure Wrestling Association “Summer Assault” 11 Year Anniversary – Alpine Club, 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario
• SATURDAY – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
• SATURDAY – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Page, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
• SATURDAY – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
• SATURDAY – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
• July 13 – UFC Fight Night in Sioux Falls, SD. Michael McDonald vs John Lineker
• July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NYwww.iyfwrestling.com
• July 16 – Bellator 158 : London featuring Paul Daley vs Douglas Lima, Michael Venom Page, Linton Vassell and Matt Mitrione
• July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
• July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
• July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
• July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
• July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
• July 22 – Bellator 159 from Mulvane, KS. Darrion Caldwell vs Joe Taimanglo. Melvin Guillard vs David “Caveman” Rickells
• July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
• July 23 – UFC on FOX from Chicago – Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko.          
• July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
• July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano, and plenty more. Here’s what you missed on their last show.  
• July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett in this video.
• Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Ave St. Catharines, ON
• July 24 – Crossfire Wrestling – Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON, for our 5 year Anniversary show “BRING THE HEAT V”
• July 24 – PWEclipse – Summer Surrender, Oshawa, Ontario
• July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
• July 30 – WSOF 32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington. Also featuring Ben “Phoenix Jones” Fodor vs Caros Fodor in a brother vs brother fight
• July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
• July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East
• Montreal, QC
• Aug 21 – Chavo Guerrero Jr. will appear for Smash Wrestling on in Pickering, Ontario at Super Showdown lV.

TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: WWF Canadian Stampede; Goldberg defeats Hogan for WCW World Title

• ​Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

This is the biggest week in UFC history coming up, with shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and championship matches all three nights. There’s been lots of promotion. An interesting note is if the Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt fight will be mentioned on Raw, as this would be the last Raw episode leading to the fight. Probably not, since aside from a web site article when it was announced, WWE has done nothing to promote it. It’s pretty clear whatever WWE is getting out of the deal wasn’t contingent on the buy rate or else they’d have pushed it. Although she has to take it and can’t respond, you can just imagine Stephanie McMahon seething about what Lesnar said at the UFC media call this past week about how he doesn’t give a shit about what she thinks.

The UFC preview show airs tonight at 10:30 p.m. Eastern and 7:30 p.m. Pacific on FS 1. It’s a one hour show on the big four fights on PPV: Lesnar vs. Hunt, Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones, Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes and Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo. FOX will be airing the show on 7/9 at 2 p.m., or a few hours before the card starts.

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Huntington, WV to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com.

We’re also looking for your thoughts on today’s New Japan Kizuna Road show, thumbs up, down or in the middle, best and worst match to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

Raw will be Monday night from Columbus, OH. Given that Raw is on July 4th, it is likely to be the lowest rating for a Raw show in the history of the show. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz in a rematch from Smackdown, Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title and a Team USA vs. Team International 16 man elimination match have all been announced. Shane McMahon is scheduled to return.

Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo. No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised. Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are the top names advertised.

THE ROUNDUP

• WWE Main Event: Dudleyz vs. Enzo & Cass highlight tag team only show
• TUF 23 recap: Miesha Tate guest coaches as the season winds down
• USA vs The World 16 man elimination set for RAW, more
• WWE Tokyo, Japan, live results: Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins; Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens
• Ric Flair returning to podcasting

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Stay up to date on all the lastest whackiness by following Ed in San Antonio on Facebook. Plus, follow us on Twitter as we (Bryan), will be live tweeting from all the events. Use #F4WVegas to get in on the fun. 

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit. 

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer. 

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw preview, New Japan Kizuna Road, CMLL Anniversary show and taking questions you can send to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com.

Both the New Japan show today and the CMLL iPPV on Friday night were really good.Matt Sydal & Satoshi Kojima& Ricochet (pictured above) beat The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega to win the trios titles. The Young Bucks & Omega all came out wearing WWE New Day T-shirts. Proof that New Japan is very different from WWE where such a thing could never happen. 

Central Intelligence featuring Dwayne Johnson is estimated at No. 6 at the box office this weekend at $12.33 million in week three. I just saw that movie last night and it was hilarious.

Pro Wrestling NOAH will decide its reps in the upcoming Super J Cup tournament on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo with the winners of Yoshinari Ogawa vs. Taiji Ishimori, Kenou vs. Genba Hirayanagi and Hajime Ohara vs. Daisuke Harada winners going to the tournament which starts on 7/20 at Korakuen Hall. The Tuesday show also features Naomichi Marufuji & Toru Yano (Yano will be on the next ROH PPV show in Las Vegas) defending the GHC tag titles against Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka.

The movie “Marauders” with Dave Bautista had a limited release this weekend. It can also be purchased via digital download and on iTunes. Bautista plays an FBI agent investigating a series of bank heists. Bruce Willis also stars.

Sexy Star unmasked at a boxing show last night in Mexico City and said she was going into that sport. She hasn’t been wrestling anywhere but Lucha Underground for a while having quit AAA. She’s talked about going into boxing for some time and her husband, Jhonny Gonzalez, is a well-known boxer, and before that she dated the even bigger name boxer Erik Morales.

WWE

• The WWE crew flew home yesterday from Japan. They have the traveling day off and start back at Raw tomorrow.
• There will be a former General Manager on Raw on Monday. It’s not Paul Heyman, as we’ve noted, as he’s involved in marketing a bikini contest being held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas starting today and will be there all week.
• Steve Austin getting mainstream pub here.
• Bret Hart talks current WWE here.
• This isn’t a story about Undertaker, but a Deadspin story about a party house in Florida that used to be owned by Undertaker is here.  (thanks to Alex Marvez)

UFC

• I talked to Don Frye prior to his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame here. 
• The Las Vegas Review Journal talks to Lorenzo Fertitta about sale. 
• Fertitta looks back at UFC 100 and previews UFC 200.
• Richard Abreu, who is 7-2 and came from TUF Brazil, had a potential Anti-Doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test. USADA informed UFC of the issue earlier today.
• Georges St-Pierre talks UFC fighter pay. 
• TJ Dillashaw claims Cody Garbrandt made up the story of knocking him out in practice. 
• Eddie Alvarez believes there is no such thing as overtraining and it’s an excuse for people to take it easy.
• Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez talk UFC 200. 

UFC odds for this week’s fights from 5 Dimes:

• Eddie Alvarez +275
• Rafael dos Anjos -335
• Alan Jouban -125
• Balal Muhammad +105
• Derrick Lewis +115
• Roy Nelson -135
• Claudia Gadelha +105
• Joanna Jedrzejczyk =-125
• Ross Pearson +315
• Will Brooks -380
• Daniel Cormier +245
• Jon Jones -290
• Frankie Edgar -115
• Jose Aldo -105
• Johny Hendricks -120
• Kelvin Gastelum +100
• Amanda Nunes +210
• Miesha Tate -250
• Cain Velasquez -275
• Travis Browne +235
• Brock Lesnar +150
• Mark Hunt -170
• Diego Sanchez -105
• Joe Lauzon -115
• Jim Miller -245
• Takanori Gomi +205
• Gegard Mousasi -275
• Thiago Santos +235
• Cat Zingano -185
• Julianna Pena +160
• Raphael Assuncao +350
• TJ Dillashaw -440 

MISCELLANEOUS

• An Olympic wrestling preview is here.
• Cody Runnels will be appearing as a guest star in an upcoming episode on the fall season of “Arrow,” the show with Stephan Amell. He feuded with Amell in WWE last year building up a match at SummerSlam. Both were at a pro wrestling convention in New Jersey making the announcement, saying that the two of them have become friends.
• Sorry to hear about the death of Bonnie Gomez, the wife of the late Pepper Gomez. She passed away on Friday. There will be a service next week in Alameda, where she has lived most of her life.
• The fake Bobby Heenan and Cyndi Heenan twitter accounts were both taken down today. 
• Preston City Wrestling from yesterday in Blackpool, UK before 200 fans for a packed house: Iestyn Rees b El Ligero, Martin Kirby & Joey Hayes b Chris Masters & Dave Rayne, Team Single DCOR London Riots (to set up a street fight match on 8/6), Billy Gunn b Bob Holly (crowd loved them both, fans were chanting “1998” at both of them), Viper b Sammy Stoker, Sha Samuels & Lionheart b Noam Dar & Grado, Zack Sabre Jr. b Bubblegum in a very good match. Sabre said he wanted to face Bubblegum again on 9/24. (thanks to Steve Magnnis)
• Here is an update on all the issues with the University of Minnesota wrestling program, and the alleged drug issues and J Robinson (the coach who has been very successful in building the program to one of the strongest in the country and a former college roommate of Gerald Brisco).
• A story on Kurt Angle is here.
• A story on the increase in U.S. interest in New Japan Pro Wrestling here. (thanks to Adam Abdalla and Chris Cruise) 
• Michael Beadle beat Greg Anthony last night in Morgan City, LA to win the NWA National championship during a show called Cajun Heat that drew more than 1,000 fans.   
• Lucha Xtreme TV results from last night in Fresno: Manny Fernandez b Dark Usagi, Big Dogg b Donny Suarez, Anthony Idol b Chris Nar, Homicide b Anthony Idol.
• A new company called Best in the West says they will be running monthly in the Fresno area and opening up a wrestling school. They are going head-to-head with Lance Cardoza & Manny Fernandez’s Lucha Xtreme on 7/16. Best in the West will be in Madera at the Elks Lodge #1918 with at 6 p.m. Wiseguy vs. Chupacabra. Lucha Xtreme will be in Fresno at the Tioga Sequoia Beer Garden as part of a wrestling and stand up comedy TV tapings with Fernandez and Homicide as the top names. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Magnum & Vaquero Jr. b Diplomatico & Carlo Roggi, Escandalo & Fujin & Raijin b Pegasso & Starman & Triton, Esfinge b Furia Roja in a mask vs. mask match (Roja unmasked as Ivan Alejandro Lemus Perez, 20 years old from Guadalajara, 6 years experience), Diamante Azul & Michael Elgin & Maximo Sexy b El Terrible & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys, Atlantis & Kushida & Volador Jr. b Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Mr. Niebla-DQ. 
• PMLL from Friday night in Tijuana: Exodo & Galaxy b Alastor & Thunder Kid, Cheyenne & Martinete b Efekto & Pitbull, Dinastia & Octagoncito b Mini Abismo Negro & Mini Psycho Clown, Amnesia & Extassis b Argenis & Elegido, Super Rhino b Drakma in a loser loses his mask match that also included Luminoso, Shamu, Zaeta, Romeo, Dick Angelo Jr., and Scream (Drakma unmasked as Eduardo Gonzalez, 35, from Toluca, with 17 years experience), Bestia 666 was the last guy left in a cage with Pentagon Jr., Damian 666 and Nicho, The Psycho Circus b Averno & Chessman & Villano IV to win the Frontera Cup). (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Caristico and La Mascara appear on 7/23 in Pacoma, CA at the San Fernando Valley Boys & Girls Club.
• Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. takes place on 7/24 in Woodside, NY at Club LaBoom.
• Laredo Kid vs. Brian Cage headlines on 7/13 in Benbrook TX a the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.
• Michael Elgin & Kushida & Mascara Dorada vs. Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Mr. Niebla headlines tomorrow night in Puebla for CMLL.
• Caristico & Mascara Aerea & Mascara Dorada vs. Mr. Elektro (Electroshock) & Rey Escorpion & Rush headlines on 7/15 in Tijuana at Auditorio Municipal.
• A trailer for a new interview with Lanny Poffo is here.

TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: AJ Styles & Jerry Lynn win NWA Tag Team Titles

• ​Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

Pretty quiet week leading to a monster week next week with three UFC events in three days including UFC 200.  We’ll be doing one weekend poll which is for the New Japan show in Iwate on late Saturday night/Sunday morning with thumbs up, down or middle and best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobsever.com

No WWE shows tonight.

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON AXS TV

Kushida vs. Ricochet for IWGP Jr. title

Young Bucks vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly for IWGP jr. tag title

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in G-1 Climax final

This is another two-hour show featuring the match that finished second in the 2015 Match of the Year balloting as the main event.  This was all taped at last year’s final night of the G-1 in Sumo Hall in Tokyo.

CMLL IPPV AT WWW.CLEENG.COM FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME

Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Felino & Puma & Tiger

Atlantis & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. Euforia & Mr. Niebla & El Terrible

Rey Cometa vs. Cavernario hair vs. hair

16-man One Night World Grand Prix tournament:

Diamante Azul, La Mascara, Maximo Sexy (CMLL world heavyweight champion), Rey Escorpion, Rush, Shocker, Ultimo Guerrero, Volador Jr., Johnny Idol, Kushida  (IWGP jr champion), Michael Elgin (IWGP IC champion), Marco  Corleone, Okumura Sam Adonis, Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa.

LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS AT 10 P.M. TONIGHT ON AXS TV FROM DIAMOND JACK’S CASINO IN BOSSIER CITY, LA

Bi Nguyen (0-0, 106.5) vs. Andy Nguyen (2-2, 107.7)

Dan Ige (3-1, 146) vs. Craig Campbell (2-1, 146.1)

Joe Valdez (3-1, 156.3) vs. David Bosnick (6-3, 155.8)

Charles Byrd (7-4, 186.1) vs. Quentin Henry (10-3, 185.8)

David Burrow (14-7, 170.1) vs. Derrick Krantz (17-9, 170.8)

Tony Kelly (5-0, 143.4) vs. Kevin Aguilar (10-1, 14.3) for the featherweight title

Saturday has WWE in Tokyo Sumo Hall:

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for NXT women’s title

Titus O’Neil vs Curtis Axel

Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

Charlotte vs. Natalya for WWE women’s title

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens

Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

New Day vs. Vaudevillains for tag titles

John Cena vs. A.J. Styles

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho for WWE title

Saturday also has a WWE house show in Pikeville, KY (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks).  We’re looking for reports on the show at dave@wrestlingobsever.com

NEW JAPAN FROM IWATE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 3 A.M. LATE SATURDAY NIGHT EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME

David Finlay vs. Chase Owens

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Togi Makabe & Juice Robinson

Kenny Omega & Young Bucks vs. Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal for Never six man titles

Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi in an elimination match

Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomoaki Honma for Never Open weight title

Sunday has Raw in Huntington, WV (Kane, Big Show, The Miz, Sheamus, Sami Zayn, Rusev, Cesaro, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Kalisto, Sasha Banks).

Raw will be Monday night from Columbus, OH.  Give that Raw is on July 4th, it is likely to be the lowest rating for a Raw show in the history of the show.  Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil for the U.S. title has been announced.  Shane McMahon is scheduled to return.

Smackdown is Tuesday night in Toledo.  No John Cena or Seth Rollins advertised.  Dean Ambrose, A.J. Styles and Kevin Owens are the top names advertised.

THE ROUNDUP

• CMLL wrestler Thunder passes away at 34
• A Chicago Weekend at SHIMMER pt. 1
• NXT Winter Haven, FL, live results: Hideo Itami returns
• WWE Smackdown results: Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz; U.S. title match
• WWE Honolulu, HI: Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens; Ambrose vs. Styles vs. Jericho vs. Rollins

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit. 

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer. 

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Jerry Lawler was reinstated by WWEas soon as charges were dropped in his domestic violence case.  He is expected to return on the Tuesday tapings in Toledo.

Ric Flair and co-host Conrad Thompson return to podcasting this week as part of MLWRadio.com starting on Wednesday.  The show had gone on a hiatus after their prior contract with contract with CBS Radio Play It.

At a court hearing earlier this week, it was ruled that Armando Montalvo was competent to stand trial.  Montalvo was the man shot in front of the WWE Performance Center in Orlando who had  been harassing people at times and was all messed up in love with Lita at the time.  His family stated he suffered from bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.  A pretrial hearing is set for 8/31.

Judge Vanessa Bryant ruled that Christopher Nowinski will not have to be deposed in the lawsuits by Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton against WWE regarding concussions.  Bryant ruled she couldn’t find any reason where Nowinski would have knowledge that would be revelant to the case.

The Stardom promotion in Japan will be streaming all of their shows live going forward on the new Stardom World streaming service which costs 750 yen ($7.29) per month.  To sign up: http://www.stardom-world.com/

WWE

• The WWE Network has uploaded 80 new episodes of Nitro meaning every episode of now up.
• Adam Rose talks what went wrong with is character on the main roster on the Pancakes and Powerslam Radio show:

“I did a commercial, and once I did the commercial, I realized that we were going down the wrong path,” said Rose. “I think on the main stage, it needed to be introduced as a heel, because it was so quirky and so different. I think if it was introduced as a heel, then people wouldn’t have felt forced to love it, and then I felt that they would have naturally fell in love with certain parts of the quirkiness, and it would have naturally evolved to something or someone who people liked. I think that was a big mistake.” Rose adds, “I think one of the hardest things to do in this industry is to get over as a babyface. Some people have a natural connection with the audience. [Someone] like Sami Zayn has a natural connection with the audience. I don’t think Adam Rose had any with the audience because he was completely quirky and over-the-top and ridiculous. And I think that’s why it would have been better introduced as a heel because your automatic reaction to seeing someone like that is not to like it.”

At the conclusion of Adam Rose’s WWE career, he was placed in a misfit group named the Social Outcasts, along with Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas, and Heath Slater. Rose admits that he had no idea about the group until he was given the idea only a few hours before the show started. 

“We had no idea,” said Rose. “I think we were told about 5 o’clock on a Monday night that we were now going to be a group. I think we were four guys who the company saw had something, but we were doing nothing. So I think the idea was like, okay, let’s put them together collectively in a group, and these are guys who don’t know each other really well. I think the awkwardness of it was actually one of the reasons [why it worked]. You get all these well-polished teams, and the idea was for the faction to not be well-polished, and the idea was for us not to get along, to almost be bumping heads and trying to one-up each other the whole time. I think the Social Outcasts has talented individuals in it. I don’t think the Social Outcasts is going to be a deal loss; I think it is going to be, given the right structure, could take off. But, it’s all a matter of where you put it. 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Regarding the Ali vs. Inoki fight, this was Ali and Fred Blassie on The Tonight Show with McLean Stevenson as host just days before leaving for Japan.
• Tammy Sytch is scheduled to be sentenced for a few DUI arrests this coming Tuesday.  Sytch just completed rehab.
• The Matt Mitrione vs. Oli Thompson fight that was promoted last Friday night in Bellator is, in fact, now official for 7/16 in London at the O2 Arena, as the Missouri commission cleared Mitrione.  Mitrione was knocked silly in the opening moments of his fight with Carl Seumanutafa and his fighting again three weeks later seemed way too early.  But it’ll be the semi-main event on that show. 
• Roderick Strong vs Matt Riddle was announced for the 7/16 Evolve show in Queens, NY at La Broom at 4 p.m.  The early start time is to avoid going head-to-head with the WWE show in Madison Square Garden.  Other new Evolve matches announced are Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tony Nese and Riddle vs. Marty Scurll on 7/17 in Melrose, MA.
• They are also running a Sunday at 3 p.m. show before SummerSlam in with a show in Brooklyn headlined by Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak, Tommy End vs. Matt Riddle, Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander plus Cody Rhodes, Drew Galloway, Chris Hero, Tracy Williams, Scurll, TJP, Ethan Page, Fred Yehi and Peter Kaasa.
• Silas Young on Twitter noted that his ROH contract has expired and he’s now a free agent.
• Alpha 1 Wrestling on 8/21 at 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Hamilton, ONT.
• NWA Cajun Heat tomorrow night in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title plus Kevin Nash appears, Greg Anthony vs. Americos, Rob Conway vs Rodney Mack and Jeremy Moore vs Matt Riviera.
• Today is the 50th anniversary of an Ernie Ladd vs. Destroyer match plus a Battle Royal at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston (thanks to Tom Blatter)
• There is an RF Video interview with Hornswoggle being released Check out this preview

• ​Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

UFC had a conference call today for UFC 200. Even though both Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier were there, Brock Lesnar was the guy who got asked the most questions. When asked about Stephanie McMahon’s comments on WWE not supporting his fight necessarily, he said, “I don’t care what she says.” When he was asked what affect it would have on his drawing power if he lost, he said, “I really don’t give a sh*t.”

“This isn’t about my fans. This is about me living my life, being the person I want to be. Granted, without the fans and everything, none of us would be able to do this. I get that.  But I don’t sit up at night wondering, `Is my drawing power gonna be hurt’ or ‘Are my WWE fans gonna tune in and watch me do this.’ I don’t give two sh*ts about that. This is about me. I want to get in there and be an athlete again. That’s what this is about.”

Lesnar also said he didn’t know if he would fight again after this fight. He said training camp is going great. He said being forced out of UFC due to his illness has haunted him, and he wanted to come back before it was too late.

We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in Winter Haven, FL as well as tomorrow’s show at Tokyo Sumo Hall (Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens for WWE title; John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, New Day vs. Vaudevillains for tag team titles, Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chris Jericho, Charlotte vs. Natalya for women’s title, Dolph Ziggler vs. Curtis Axel, Titus O’Neil vs. Baron Corbin, Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for NXT title). Send reports to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com.

SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON USA AT 8 P.M.

• Four-way for U.S. title match with Cesaro vs. Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio
• Rusev vs. winner for U.S. title
• Billie Kay vs. Dana Brooke
• Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman vs. ?
• Sasha Banks vs. Summer Rae
• Non-title: Dean Ambrose vs The Miz

THE ROUNDUP

• WWE Smackdown results: Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz; U.S. title match
• WWE Honolulu, HI: Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens; Ambrose vs. Styles vs. Jericho vs. Rollins
• Two charged in Ryan Jimmo hit and run homicide
• WWE Smackdown spoilers: Dean Ambrose vs. Miz in a champion vs. champion match
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: World Champ Lashley vs. EC3 vs. Galloway

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11. Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – The latest information in WWE’s concussion lawsuit. 

Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: July 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: NJPW G1 tournament preview, Ali vs. Inoki anniversary, more – A preview of NJPW’s G1 tournament, notes on the anniversary of Ali vs. Inoki, plus tons more.

It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.

The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.

This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.

There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.

The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer. 

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

– Famed MMA trainer Firas Zahabi has a very interesting and detailed look at Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt.

– AdWeek has a story on the 30 Most Powerful Women in sports. Both Stephanie McMahon and Ronda Rousey made the cut. I’m not making that up.

– Dwayne Johnson will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that will take place in 2017.

– New names announced for PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles include Ricochet, Matt Riddle, Chris Hero, and Mark Andrews.

– Chris Jericho talks about the Jericho Network, which debuts on 7/7 on PodcastOne. Konnan will have a regular show and the plans are 10-12 shows per month. His goal is to have six strong shows and six shows that will be given a chance to make it. He said it won’t affect his show and he’s not going to be a guest on the other shows. Konnan will be a regular as noted yesterday.

WWE

• The Sling TV service will be adding USA Network, which means Raw and Smackdown live for cord-cutters who use that service.
• Bret Hart talks everything in wrestling.
• A Stephanie McMahon interview is here. 
• There is an online presale for the 8/29 RAW show from Houston with the code HOUSTON. The presale ends at 10 p.m. tonight.

UFC

• The 2016 UFC Hall of Fame Ceremony will be at the Fan Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Noon on 7/10.
• UFC and Topps announced a digital trading card app Topps UFC Knockout 16, which debuted today on download for free at selectiOS and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play.
• UFC 202 continues to get packed up as Cody Garbrandt vs. Takeya Mizugaki has been added the the 8/20 show in Las Vegas. I was hopeful for Garbrandt to get a higher ranked guy next. Tim Means vs. Sean Strickland was also added.
• Erick Koch vs. Drew Dober has been added to the 9/10 UFC 203 show in Cleveland.
• Hank Hill with a UFC 200 TV commercial is running here. 

More events next week in Las Vegas regarding International Fight Week:

• On 7/6 from 6-8 p.m., Megan Olivi will host a Lip Sync Challenge at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo with Stipe Miocic, Bruce Buffer, Arianny Celeste, Rashad Evans and Uriah Hall. Tickets are at Ticketmaster.
• On 7/7 from 9:30 p.m. to Noon there will be a TopGolf Challenge at TopGolf Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel with Stipe Miocic, Carly Baker, Kahili Blundel, Donald Cerrone, Urijah Faber, Max Holloway, Luke Rockhold and Stephen Thompson.
• On 7/9 from 6-8 a.m. will be a 5K race starting at The Green at Town Square with Forrest Griffin as MC plus appearances by Dennis Bermudez, Donald Cerrone, John Dodson, Matt Hughes, Raquel Pennington, Kenda Perez, Ben Rothwell, Ovince Saint Preux and Aljamain Sterling.  Running will be Luciana Andrade, Carly Baker, Dan Hardy and Tecia Torres.
• There will be a UFC 200 viewing party at the Green Valley Ranch Resort at 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway from 6 p.m. on with John Dodson, Neil Magny, Yair Rodriguez and Dustin Poirier. There will also be a viewing party at the Red Rock Casino with Dennis Bermudez, Kenda Perez, Ben Rothwell, Aljamain Sterling and Ovince Saint Preux, and at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino with Jeremy Stephens and Stephen Thompson.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Ken Patera has been added to the Tragos/Thesz Hall of fame weekend list of people attending. He will be at an autograph signing at 2 p.m.on 7/23 at the Dan Gable Museum.  Others scheduled include Brian Blair, Baron Von Raschke, Bob Backlund, Bill Murdoch, Chael Sonnen, Charlie Thesz, Dan Gable, me, George Schire, Gerald Brisco, Greg Oliver, Iron Sheik, Jason Sanderson, JJ Dillon, Larry Hennig, Magnum T.A., Ricochet, Rob Schaumberger, Stan Kowalski, Steve Johnson, Terry Funk Tessa Blanchard, Tully Blanchard, Wade Keller, Wes Brisco and Big E.
• Dutch Mantell can be booked at dirtydutchmantell@gmail.com.
• In Your Face Wrestling on 7/16 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center with Sluck Wagner Brown vs. Cloudy plus Lu Fisto.
• Some early guest names listed for WrestleCon in Orlando for WrestleManai week, besides Jimmy Snuka, include Vader, Robert Fuller, The Godwinns, Katie Lee Burchill, Godfather, Madusa, Tito Santana, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Perry Saturn, Hornswoggle, Jim Mitchell, Hillbilly Jim, Boogeyman, Lanny Poffo, Outback Jack, Headbangers, Jillian Hall and Barry Horowitz.
• House of Hardcore on 8/6 in Pasadena, TX at the Convention Center is headlined by Tommy Dreamer & Mickie James vs. Pepper Parks & Cherry Bomb (Braxton Sutter & Allie in TNA) in a Texas death match, Lance Hoyt vs. Billy Gunn, plus Moose, Carlito, Vickie Guerrero, Thea Trinidad, Sandman, MVP and Tony Nese.
• All Pro Wrestling is part of the Fit of Mind Freedom Festival on 7/9 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Fracisco. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also include a heath Fair, live music and Yoga & Fitness.
• Smash Wrestling on 8/21 in Pickering, ONT at the Recreational Complex with Mark Haskins from the U.K. vs. Tarik for the Smash title. They also run 7/9 in Fort Erie at the Naive Friendship Centre, and 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
• CMLL on Monday in Puebla before a packed house: Malayo & Sauron b Centella Roja & Rey Samuray, Black Tiger & Hombre Bala Jr. & Oro Jr. b Ares & King Jaguar & Policeman, Estrellita & Marcela & Skadi b Amapola & Comandante & Zeuxis, Misterioso Jr. & Pierroth & Sagrado b Fuego & Paris & Triton, Johnny Idol & Mistico & Stuka Jr. b Tama Tonga & Tanga Roa & Rey Escorpion-DQ, Rush b Volador Jr. after Pierroth gave Volador a low blow when Rey Escorpion distracted ref Tirantes. Rey Escorpion then accepted Rush’s invitation to join Los Ingobernables.
• Michael Carpenter at KnightRiderRulz@hotmail.com is looking for a copy of the ROH TV show that aired last night on Comet TV.
• Kurt Brown talks early Lucha Libre shows with Francisco Aguayo.
• Trailer for the movie “Vigilante Dairies” with Rampage Jackson here.  

Evolve will be presenting matches involving people in the Cruiserweight Classic.  Among the bouts will be:

• 7/16 in Queens, NY: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins, Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak, Timothy Thatcher vs. Marty Scurll for Evolve title 
• 7/17 in Melrose, MA: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander, Drew Galloway vs. Johnny Gargano, Timothy Thatcher vs. TJ Perkins for Evolve title  
• 8/19 in Joppa, MD: Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese, TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander, Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle for Evolve title no holds barred, Cody Rhodes vs. Johnny Gargano
• 8/20 in Brooklyn, NY: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander, Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak for Evolve title, Matt Riddle vs. Tommy End

TODAY IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/30): Buddy Rogers wins NWA Title; CM Punk wins WWE World Championship

• ​Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
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UFC 200/International Fight Week press is in full swing.Here’s the full audio of one of the media calls featuring lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, challenger Eddie Alvarez, and interim featherweight title contenders Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo.

Also part of International Fight Week is the unlikely tag team of UFC and Hank Hill. The character from the King of the Hill animated series is plugging UFC 200 in ads during the Adult Swim programming block on Cartoon Network. The ads are specific to the Adult Swim brand and are reportedly the brainchild of Dana White. In one commercial, Hank drinks beer and argues with another character about who is winning the Jones vs. Cormier fight. More animated ads will air later this year on Cartoon Network to promote other UFC cards.

There will be a tour of Japan and Hawaii that starts tonight in Honolulu (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho).

THE ROUNDUP

• WWE Smackdown spoilers: Dean Ambrose vs. Miz in a champion vs. champion match
• TNA Impact Wrestling results: World Champ Lashley vs. EC3 vs. Galloway
• WWE RAW Hits & Misses: New Day mocks, Highlight Reel, By-the-numbers booking
• NJPW Kizuna Road results: G1 announcements, Naito and Bushi vs. Okada and Ospreay

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – For now, the WWE concussion lawsuit continues to center around the matter of whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be deposed by the plaintiffs, with WWE sides arguing back against yet again in court filings this past week and Nowinski’s lawyer joining in.That said, the most newsworthy part of the story comes from a literal footnote in WWE’s pleading, which refers to an affidavit attached to the filing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

Plus there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

Inside this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stephanie McMahon was asked about Brock Lesnar fighting at UFC 200 and gave interesting insight into the WWE’s thought process. McMahon describes the fight as something they don’t necessarily support, but outlines why she feels the WWE and UFC are not in competition with each other.

• As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio, everyone in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic had to actually make weight for the tournament. WWE posted the video last night. Also, in case you missed the opening ceremonies, that’s on YouTube as well and has well over 700,000 views already.
• The Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch has a short article on Cesaro’s path to the WWE and what it takes to make it in professional wrestling in advance of Sunday’s WWE house show in the area.

PRO WRESTLING

• Dave Bautista joined former WWE writer Alex Greenfield for a particularly noteworthy conversation on Wednesday’s MLW Radio Writers Room podcast. Bautista talks candidly about the creative dissatisfaction he had with his 2014 WWE run, his thoughts on modern WWE crowds and leaving the company originally in part because of acting opportunities being given to John Cena that weren’t afforded to him.
• Ring Rust Radio had former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway on the show this week.

• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced Dalton Castle, Pete Dunne, Sami Callihan, Tommy End, Trevor Lee, Adam Cole, John Hennigan (Lucha Underground’s Johnny Mundo and the former John Morrison) and Jack Gallagher as the next entrants in their 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament.
• Evolve will hold WWE Cruiserweight Classic Spotlight Matches at their events this summer. Announced matches are: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins at Evolve 64 on July 16th in Queens, NY. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 65 on July 17th in Melrose, MA. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese and TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 66 on August 19th in Joppa, MD. And Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 67 on August 20th in Brooklyn, NY.
• UPROXX mashes up NBA players with their pro wrestling counterparts.
• WWE Hall of Famer Nikolai Volkoff did an interview with Great North Wrestling’s The Hannibal TV talking about Russian characters in wrestling, Brock Lesnar’s return to MMA at UFC 200 and modern wrestling.

UFC & MMA

• Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Weichel has been added to Bellator 159, set for Friday, July 22nd in Mulvane, KS.
• One of WSOF’s top prospects returns to action as Phil Hawes (4-0) faces veteran Louis Taylor (12-3) in a middleweight fight on their Everett, WA, show on July 30th. We’re still awaiting word if that will be in conjunction with Bryan Alvarez Appreciation Night.

Miscellaneous

• Today, Headlock for Hunger presents Jim Ross and Jimmy Garvin. They will be at Ingles store 7, on Tunnel 29 road in Asheville, North Carolina, from 4:30-7:00. This is a food drive.
• Ian Hamilton has a review of the WhatCulture “Loaded” debut YouTube show on BackBodyDrop.com.
• Here’s more on the University of Minnesota drug scandal. According to the article, coach J Robinson told police investigators in April that he had “fully taken care of” his team’s drug problem and refused to turn over the names of student-athletes involved.
• Results: Paragon Pro Wrestling on Fight Network June 26 – PPW champion Alex Chamberlain defeated Lemon Drop, Scotty O’Shea and Kid Quick defeated Royce Isaacs and Hubby Cub, Gangrel defeated Beast the Butcher, PPW tag team champions Wes Brisco and Jesse Sorenson retained the titles defeating former champions Caleb Konley and Drew Donovan.
• Nigel McGuinness has a new podcast up on iTunes. It’s not really wrestling oriented but if you’re interested, it is called “My Unconventional Life”.

SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

• July 1- PWEclipse – Presents a free event for Canada day at Lakeview Park, Oshawa.
• July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
• July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
• July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
• July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
• July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com
• July 9 – All Pro Wrestling + Fit of Mind present: #MalaceInThePalace from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA.
• July 9 – Upstate Pro Wrestling in Rochester, NY, features Ethan Pate, HC Loc, a triple threat match main event, and more.
• July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
• July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
• July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
• July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
• July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
• July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
• July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
• July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
• July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario        
• July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
• July 23 – AAW  in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano. Here’s what you missed.  
• July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
• July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
• July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
• July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
• July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC

• Please send feedback to FeedBack@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send show results and news tips to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com
• Please send Wrestling Observer Radio questions to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com

Ambrose Triple-Shot, Penn Suspended

Dean Ambrose was the weekend workhorse, main eventing all three house shows. On Saturday night, he worked in Boston beating Seth Rollins. He flew to Jacksonville where in a rarity for a house show, the WWE title was the opening match, where he beat Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens in a three-way. He then rushed to Orlando and worked the main event, beating Rollins once again. 

Also on the Jacksonville show, Simon Gotch was shaken up after being kicked in the face. We don’t have an update past the point that after the kick, he rolled to the floor and never got back in the ring, and needed help to the back and they put up an “X” sign.

B.J. Penn has accepted a six-month suspension from USADA after he had admitted using an IV out of competition in forms. He said he wasn’t aware IV usage was banned outside of competition.  The suspension is through 9/25, six months after the date he admitted on a form that he had used the IV.  Penn has also challenged Georges St-Pierre to a third fight once his suspension is over.

We’re looking for your thoughts from Friday night’s ROH 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.

Raw is tonight in Tampa and is the only show of the week with John Cena scheduled. We’re looking for reports from Raw with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident on the live show to NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com. We’re also looking for reports from Saturday’s WWE house show in Boston and last night’s show in Jacksonville, as well as yesterday’s Ultima Lucha tapings in Los Angeles.

Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday night in Tampa, with a skeleton crew because a number of wrestlers are laving after Raw for Honolulu.

There will be a tour of Japan and Hawaii that starts Wednesday night in Honolulu (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho).

THE ROUNDUP

• The Week In British Wrestling: After beating a Hero, Marty Scurll tries to avoid the End
• Summer Of Brock: Lesnar snags cover of WWE 2K17 video game
• NJPW 2016 G1 Climax tournament blocks, key matches, Tanahashi’s return
• Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/25): Rock pins Vince McMahon to win WWE title
• NXT TV tapings spoilers: Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura; AA vs. Revival 2/3 falls

​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/20/2016: Never trust Nigerian investors– Growing up as a way-too-hardcore-for-my-age wrestling fan, I looked forward to watching whatever flavor of wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium was on ESPN and in syndication at the time. The ESPN show was perfect for kids who loved pro wrestling: It aired at 4 p.m. eastern time, so it was perfect for after-school viewing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

Inside this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

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. 

Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE

READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, G-1 and the latest wrestling and MMA news. You can send questions to the show to MailBag@WrestlingObserver.com. We have a show from last night with a very detailed look back at the Chris Benoit murders of his wife and son, as well as comments related to the Talk is Jericho episode with Sandra Toffoloni (Nancy Benoit’s sister who knows the subject better than anyone). The Jericho podcast is here.   

The Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter boxing match that aired on Saturday night on CBS, the first prime time boxing show on the network in decades, did 2.12 million viewers on the fast nationals, barely beating Major League Baseball on FOX that did 2.05 million for last place among the major networks. NBC did 3.18 million viewers for the Olympic gymnastics championships. It should be noted those are all numbers from the overnights, which means the numbers will change before final ratings are out… That fight was incredible, by the way. I think Mauro Ranallo, who announced it, called it the best fight he’d ever called or something like that after the fact, but he was touting it strong in the last few rounds for fight of the year.  If you didn’t see it, you can watch or DVR it at 10 p.m.tonight on CBS Sports Network. It will also be replayed on 7/1 at 11 p.m. on CBS  Sports Network. It will also replay later this week on Showtime.

AXS has announced that they will be airing replays of World Pro Wrestling every Tuesday through Friday morning at 5 a.m. starting on 7/4. The shows will be replayed episodes in order, beginning from when Jim Ross joined the broadcast team.

Oddsmaker sat www.Bovada.lv announced odds of Mickey Gall at -300 vs. C.M. Punk at +265 for the show in Cleveland on 9/10.

Terry Funk will be returning for House of Hardcore shows on 9/16 in St. James, NY and 9/17 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. Ricochet is also on both shows.

WWE

• WWE announced today an international partnership with the Special Olympics. WWE will support the Special Olympics Play Unified campaign and WWE performers will participate in Play Unified events from around the world. 
• Kurt Angle talks returning to WWE.
• As noted before, on Smackdown, they continued to promote the three-way with Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for Battleground on 7/24, with no mention being made of Reigns not being on the show or not being around. Shaun Smith noted that on the WWE page on the Sky Sports website where they always report on WWE news, whether it be storyline or real, such as the Adam Rose suspension being reported, there is not a mention at all of the Roman Reigns suspension, and the main news item talks about the three-way match. 
• Stephanie McMahon is advertised to return on tonight’s Raw in Tampa. 
• Finn Balor, who is always messing around, did another tease, essentially putting up a photo of tonight’s Raw stage to tease he’ll be on the show, and then took it down.

UFC

UFC activities planned for UFC 200 week:

• There will be open workouts on 7/5 at the MGM Grand Casino Floor from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Rafael dos Anjos, Eddie Alvarez, Roy Nelson, Derrick Lewis, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Claudia Gadelha, Ross Pearson and Will Brooks. This is free and open to the public.
• There will be a press conference on 7/6 at Noon at the MGM Grand KA Theater with Dana White, Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, Brock Lesnar, Mark Hunt, Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, Cain Velasquez and Travis Browne. This is also free and open to the public.
• There are weigh-ins at 4 p.m. at the T Mobile Arena on Wednesday for the Thursday sow.
• On 7/7, there will be open workouts from 9-11 p.m. at the T Mobile Arena with Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt free and open to the public. Lesnar will be at 10:30 p.m.
• There will be a press conference at 11:30 p.m. at the T Mobile Arena on 7/7 with Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. This is free and open to the public.
• There are weigh-ins for the Friday show at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the T Mobile arena free and open to the public. 
• On Friday, 7/8, there is the Fan Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 
• On Saturday, 7/9, the Fan Expo is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
• On Sunday, 7/10 the Fan Expo is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be that afternoon as part of the Fan Expo.
• The Observer/Figure Four convention is that same weekend.

Jim Ross on Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt:

If Jim was surprised that the WWE agreed to allow Lesnar to fight at UFC 200

“Well, not really. Brock is part-time performer for the WWE, certainly a phenomenal performer, and one could certainly say that he and or John Cena are 1-A as far as the top guys in the company. But I think that Vince certainly wants to keep his talent happy. The happier you keep your guys, the more productive they will be. Brock had an opportunity to earn a remarkable payday for UFC 200 – and I’m hearing all kind of numbers. I have no idea what the conclusive number is, but I’m thinking it’s certainly north of three-million dollars, and maybe more than that. Which is pretty good, as they say, day’s work. So I think Vince probably wanted to keep Brock happy. But I certainly think that somewhere down the road, Vince’s generosity will be repaid by the UFC in the form of something that is good for the WWE – Vince talked about Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania 33. Something like that could certainly be in the cards. So the way I looked at it, and I wrote about it on my website, it’s a win-win. I think everybody wins. Lesnar gets a great payday, UFC gets an attraction that’s going to drive pay-per-view buys without question, and the WWE makes the talent happy. I’m sure [WWE] got some kind of compensation for it directly, and then some sort of indirect pay-off at a time to be determined is probably in the works as well.”

If a loss hurts Lesnar’s reputation and drawing power in the WWE

“No, I don’t think so. I can certainly see why that question would be asked – and it is a good question. I think that people are now, with all the information on social media, I think people can differentiate a real sport, UFC athletic event, from a structured, theatrical-based presentation in sports entertainment. I just don’t think it would hurt him at all, quite frankly.”

If Lesnar will have more fights in the future

“I would say [regarding] more fights in the future, I’m guessing – strictly guessing – less than fifty-fifty. I would approach this as it’s more than likely the last time I’m gonna see Brock Lesnar in the octagon. But as sure as I say that, you know, [if] he goes out there and has a stellar performance against a heavy-handed Mark Hunt and gets his hand raised, he may get the itch to do another one somewhere down the road. And again, if the money’s right – obviously UFC’s paying WWE something for the use of Brock Lesnar’s services, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a unique deal because it’s never happened before – but I think it’s a win-win for everybody in that regard. So it’s hard to say he’ll have another fight. I lean that he will not, but I think a lot of it is what you alluded to, the outcome of this fight. I am going to the fight; I’ll be in Las Vegas. I’m of the belief that I don’t think the fight will get out of the first round. I don’t know who’s going to get to sleep first in the octagon before they go to sleep in a hotel room later in the night, but somebody is getting knocked out and I think it will be inside of five minutes.”

How long Lesnar has been training for this fight

“He’s a really pragmatic guy. He’s like overly blue-collar, you know, kind of a “nuts and bolts” guy, not a fancy guy. He fancies himself as a farmer, a rancher, outdoorsman. And it’s all true. It’s not an act. So I would tell you that he knows that anything less than probably an eight-week camp is not going to be acceptable for his own standards. The last thing he wants to do, is to make his return in this much-valued matchup of two knockout guys, and lay an egg. I don’t think he wants to soil the sheets on that deal. So he’s just a competitive guy. So I’m telling you that I would guess, by the time the fight rolls around, he’ll have at least eight good weeks of training under his belt.”

On what Ross expects from this fight

“I’m a whole lot more worried about his striking defence, than I am his readiness to fight or his physical conditioning. I think his conditioning will be good. But I can’t see that he or Hunt are gonna prepare for a long fight. I think they both know that it’s gonna end violently and suddenly, early – earlier than maybe some want to discuss. But Lesnar will be ready to go, and he’ll be healthy. That’s the main thing.

If JR still wants to see Lesnar vs. Fedor or if he’s lost interest after Fedor’s last performance

“I have not lost interest, and I don’t think the general public has lost interest. Fedor can be easily resurrected. The library on him is unbelievable. It’s easy to get him restabilised. He’s not moving from Russia, so even though it sounds so blasé and passé, the United States versus Russia storyline still plays. Is it kind of getting dated? Probably. But I can tell you this, when the United States was playing Canada in the last Winter Olympics in Hockey – and of course America is not an amateur Hockey state or country – the broadcast was on fire. The nationalistic thing is the point I’m making. So the USA versus Russia concept in parenthesis is still sellable. And everybody knows it’s not going to be a pretty fight. You’re going to see somebody get their ass whipped. It’s just going to be who can get their biggest punch into somebody’s face, or a liver shot, or something debilitating. So you know that you’re gonna have a train-wreck if you have Fedor and Brock – cause it can’t be pretty. It can’t be. So I think if it’s on a good card, it gets a rating. It either sells pay-per-views or gets a massive television rating.”

JR’s reaction to CM Punk making his UFC debut at UFC 203

“I think one of the great things about UFC signing CM Punk is that they have no expectations as to what to expect. I don’t know how the fans, any fan, can have any bonafide or legitimate expectations, because we just don’t know. It’s totally foreign. It’s a whole new world, new pitch. It’s a new game for CM Punk. I know he’s very cerebral. I know he’s a big fan of the genera. I know he’s worked hard. He’s a very, very smart guy – driven, if you will. He doesn’t even know how he’s going to do. So I think that the unknown is what’s going to sell that fight. Don’t doubt for a minute that the UFC or the WWE fans are gonna wanna buy a UFC event, cause we’re just too curious. We have no idea what’s going to happen. Is Punk going to get knocked out in the first minute? Is he going to get bloodied up and beat half to death? Cause we know that he won’t quit readily. Or is he gonna come in and shock the world and be a world-beater and a kickass MMA guy? I don’t know. All I know is that he’s going to be mentally and physically ready. I will certainly buy the fight, because I’m as curious as the next fan. What the heck’s gonna happen?”

Thoughts on Roman Reigns being suspended

“Well, it’s embarrassing for the talent. I have no idea what substance that he – you wanna hope invariantly – was taking. There’s a lot of the wrestlers, men and women, that are really big into the supplements out of the health food stores, and if they’re not careful and they don’t really vet it and see what’s on those ingredients, they can be inadvertently taking something that’s against the wellness program. So I’m assuming that’s what he did. He’s a hell of a good kid. I had a lot of fun when he was in developmental, when I was still working in WWE, helping him and talking with him, kind of mentoring him a little bit, like a lot of guys did – cause you wanted to mentor him cause he listened and he put what you told him into practice. So I was disappointed in him. And he’s gotta pay more attention if that’s what the case was. And hopefully he’ll learn a great lesson out of these thirty days he’s sitting. And hopefully he won’t be sitting, he’ll be getting better. And I sent out a tweet @JRsBBQ recently that said, “the game’s not over, it’s an inadvertent timeout”. So now you gotta come back better than you left and make up for lost time. So I don’t know that it hurt WWE. You have to re-arrange creative. I’m sure that he’ll come back. I would put him back in a triple threat match at Payback. You don’t want to discount the other guys’ efforts creatively and what they’ve built to get to this triple threat match. It costs the other two guys as much as it cost Reigns if you don’t have him in the match. And so I don’t know who wins in that equation. The fans don’t win. So I think the triple match should be booked and held. But he’s gotta be smarter in what he takes. The company has invested lots of money, the talent has invested lots of their time and efforts into helping him, and he’s gotta just be smarter than he was. And like I said, I just want to believe that it was totally inadvertent and that it will not happen again.”

MISCELLANEOUS

• A correction and clarification on yesterday’s note on Julien Gauthier, the first round draft choice of the Carolina Hurricanes. He is the grandson of Denis Gauthier, the 70s pro wrestler. He would be the nephew of Denis Gauther Jr., who was a well known hockey player in the NHL who later became a sportscaster. However, he is not the grandson of Joanne Rougeau as his father, Martin Gauthier, came from a prior marriage of Denis Gauthier Sr.
• Josh Matthews has been teasing a big TNA announcement tonight. 
• Impact lineup for tomorrow night:

Battle Royal for an X Division title shot

Bram vs. Rosemary

Mahabali Shera & Grado & Tyrus vs. Al Snow & Baron Dax & Basille Baraka

Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA title

        If you haven’t been watching, the TNA title program the past two months has been very good.

• Cody Rhodes has announced he’s doing dates in eight U.K. cities around the country shortly. 
• Can you believe this? Is anyone thinking straight here?
• Live Pro Wrestling is on 7/23 in Alexandria, ONT at the Glengarry Sports Arena.
• UIPW on 7/9 in East Los Angeles at the UIPW Auditorium has Teddy Hart & Rush vs. Judas Draven & Steve Pain as the main event plus Ricky Reyes from Lucha Underground.
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 6/24 in Elizabethton, TN: Wild Bill b Onslaught, Hardliners won over Air America and White Trash Millionaires, Axton Ray b Vince Brent, Heatseekers b Jason Kincaid & Travis Lee, Kaela & Nicole Stratton b Dani Ferrera & Rock-C, Timmy Lou Retton b Colby Corino, Buff Bagwell & Toby Farley b Chris Richards & Jordan Kage
• Wrestling with Cancer on 8/20 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club with all funds going to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of former wrestler Phrank Morin, who died young from cancer.
• Jerry Lynn will be doing a seminar on 7/31 in Crowley, TX at the Rec Center for $50. 
• Bobby Fish vs. Kamaitachi has been announced for the ROH show on 7/8 in Baltimore.
• Joey Ryan’s Bachelor Party will be at the 7/10 Championship Wrestling from Hollywood television taping for the Red Carpet Rumble in Port Hueneme, CA. Ryan had proposed to Laura James while in the middle of a match with her, unbeknownst to her.
• Nikolai Volkoff talks knocking out Manny Fernandez in Florida about 35 years ago.

Shimmer results from the tapings held yesterday in Berwyn, IL (thanks to Martin Bentley):

Volume 84

• Nixon Newell b Veda Scott
• Melanie Cruise & Yumi Ohka b Scarlett  Bordeaux & Solo Darling
• Arise Nakajima b Rhia O’Reilly
• Nicole Matthews b Thunderkitty
• Tessa Blanchard b LuFisto
• Ryo Mizunami b Courtney Rush (Rosemary in TNA)
• Nicole Savoy b Jessicka Havok to retain the Heart of Shimmer title when  Shayna Baszler hit Havok with a baseball bat
• Evie & Heidi Lovelace b Cherry Bomb (Allie in TNA) & Kimber Lee, KC Spinelli & Xandra Blade and Kay Lee Ray & Mia Yim (Jade in TNA) in a four-way elimination match to win the Shimmer tag team titles
• Kellie Skater b Madison Eagles via count out in a Shimmer title match.  Eagles retained the title.

Volume 85

• LuFisto b Amanda Carolina Rodriguez
• Nicole Matthews b Rhia O’Reilly
• Allysin Kay (Sienna in TNA) b Xandra Bale
• Arisa Nakajima b Shazza McKenzie
• Kimber Lee b Thunderkitty
• Shayna Baszler b Mia Yim
• Courtney Rush won over Nixon Newell, Vanessa Kraven and Viper
• Nicole Savoy b Kay Lee Ray to retain the Shimmer title
• Evie & Heidi Lovelace b Melanie Cruise & Yumi Ohka to retain the tag titles
• Madison Eagles b Tessa Blanchard to retain the Shimmer title after Blanchard and Kraven had taken out Kellie Skater backstage. Savoy and Baszler then attacked Eagles and took out her knee. Mercedes Martinez then showed up aligned with Baszler and Savoy.
• Mercedes Martinez b Madison Eagles to win the Shimmer title

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