Category: Daily Updates

We’re looking for reports from last night’s WWE shows in Augusta and Fayetteville and tonight’s WWE shows in Charlotte (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and in Florence, SC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback) at Dave Meltzer

Raw will be live Monday in North Charleston, SC.  Nothing special has been announced for the show. 

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

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, talking WWE, the New Japan tournament, McGregor vs. Aldo, Kamaitachi vs. Dragon Lee and taking your e-mail questions at mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

The finals of the New Japan tag team tournament are Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil, which take place late Tuesday night/Wednesday morning in Sendai.  Check out Dave Meltzer’s play-by-play.

The Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi CMLL lightweight title match from Friday night’s Arena Mexico show that has been a big topic of conversation all weekend.

John Cena will be on The Tonight Show on Tuesday.  He’ll likely be plugging the new TV show he’s hosting. (thanks to Jon Southerland and Paul Fontaine)

Regarding Jim Ross, as everyone knows by now, he is fine.  His twitter account was hacked at 5 a.m. today with a report of his death.  It was pretty clear it was a hoax early on, but there were still friends of his who woke up to that news.

WWE

• The Steve Austin podcast with Shawn Michaels, that was previously taped, will be airing a week from tonight, starting right after the end of the PPV. 
• Tommy Dreamer will start on the road with WWE starting with the PPV this coming Sunday.
• Bayley is on the current WWE Ambrose tour this weekend.  She & Becky Lynch are wrestling Sasha Banks & Naomi in tag team matches.
• And an article on Bayley from the Daily Record in the U.K. building up next week’s NXT shows

UFC/MMA

• Shannon Knapp on Inside MMA on Friday night announced that Cris Cyborg would not be cutting to 140 as first announced for her next fight in Costa Mesa in January on Fight Pass, but would instead defend her 145 pound weight class Invicta title.  The reason given is that without the ability to use an IV to rehydrate for the first time, she doesn’t want to weigh in lower than 145.
• Cung Le will be on tonight’s episode of Into the Badlands on AMC at 10 p.m.
• The Glory show from Friday night in Amsterdam, Holland featuring heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven vs. Benjamin Adegbuyi and welterweight champion Nieky Holzken vs. Murthel Groenhart will be airing on ESPN 2 tonight at 8 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS

Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/06): Tracy Smothers wins SMW TV Title

• Rey Mysterio Jr. has a knee injury.  He was to wrestle at last night’s AAA TV tapings in Neza and was there, on a crutch.  He was replaced in the match by Blue Demon Jr.
• The BBC did a documentary on the Antonio Inoki vs. Ric Flair show in Pyongyang, North Korea in 1995 that still holds pro wrestling’s all-time attendance record.  If you can get past the fact it’s called a World Wrestling Federation show (which should thrill Eric Bischoff) and that the star of the show was repeatedly called Anthony Inoki, it is interesting.
• Larry Zbyszko turned 64 today
• Nick Bockwinkel would have turned 81 today.
• A story on Val Venis running a marijuana dispensary in Arizona
• Mountain Goats talk about their favorite wrestler, Chavo Guerrero (the current wrestlers father)
• Paragon Pro Wrestling will be moving its TV tapings to Friday nights, once per month, at Sam’s Town Hotel in Las Vegas, starting on 1/8 at 6:30 p.m.  They have a taping this coming Tuesday night, which is the final Tuesday night taping.
• CMLL from last night at Arena Coliseo in Mexico City:  Apocalipsis b Bengala, Inquisidor b Robin, Super Halcon Jr. b El Hijo del Signo, Hombre Bala Jr. b Nitro-DQ, Triton b Sangre Azteca, Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Misterioso Jr. & Sagrado, Atlantis & Blue Panther & Titan b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• NWA Mid South from Friday night in Tunica, MS before 400 fans:  John Saxon b Cassidy Riley, The Posse b Roosevelt & Jeremy Moore, Moose b Tim Storm-DQ, Greg Anthony b Americos, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway (managed by Jim Cornette) b The Heat Seekers to win the NWA tag titles, Matt Sydal b Kincaid (managed by Bruce Tharpe).  This group runs every Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex.
• Colt Cabana will headline a Canadian Wrestling Elite tour from 2/19 to 2/27 that will include shows on 2/21 in Edmonton, 2/23 in Calgary, 2/24 in Regina and 2/26 in Winnipeg. 
• CWE from Friday night in Winnipeg:  Silas Young won three-way over Tommy Lee Curtis and Travis Cole, Dick Blood & Billy Blaze won four way over Stefan Epic & Kevy Chevy, Bobby Collins & Rob Stardom and Mike Mission & Moses Luke, Anderson Tyson Moore d Chase Owens, Mr. Inkredible & Antonio Scorpio b Zero Gravity, Danny Duggan & Troy Westwood (former CFL star) b Shane Madison & Adam Knight, Tyler Colton b Charlie Haas, Tyler Colton won 50 man Rumble eliminating Chi Chi Cruz     
• Winnipeg area wrestler Chi Chi Cruz, 45, worked his first match in five years on Friday night in the 50 man Rumble style Battle Royal.  He started first and stayed in for almost an hour before being the last person eliminated by Colton.
• Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis:  LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins-DQ, J-Mal Swgg vs. Brandon Aarons vs. Varik Morgan was a no contest, Andrew Wilder & Johnathan Zulu b Billy Diamond & Clownman Jacko, LaMarcus Clinton & Damion Cortess & Barackus & Prince Moses b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawksins and Da’Marius Jones & A.J. Williams in an elimination tag match, Brian James b Moondog Rover, Gary Jackson b Kevin Lee Davidson in a strap match to win the title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• U.K. wrestler Steve Knight is doing a podcast at www.stevieknight.info
• Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Guerrero de la Muerte b Chad Douglas, Manny Fernandez b Brandon Pinion, Mortal DDQ Brandon Groom (thanks to Jon Southerland)
• I Believe in Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Braydon Knight b Gabriel Black, Tyranus b Bucky Wells, Mark Silva b Josh Parker, Jonny Vandal & Aaron Epic b Brandon Scherer & Rex Bacchus, Rhett Giddins b Chico Adams, Santana Garrett won over Shaniah Ariyana, Grace Storm and MJ Knight to keep NWA world title and Wonder of Stardom title, in an elimination match, Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado b Josh Hess & Ace Andrews.  Next show is 12/19 with Garrett, Giddins, Dorado Silva and more.  They also celebrated Larry Zbyszko’s birthday on the show (thanks to Al Haft)
• North Shore Pro Wrestling from last night in Quebec City before 507 fans:  Buxx Belmar & Brendan O’Connor b Leon Saver & HC Ryder, Shayne Hawke b Brad Alekxis, Heavy Metal Chaos b 3.0, Alex Price b Surfer Mitch to keep jr. title, Pee Wee & Judas b Giovanni & Michael Style, Travis Toxic b Matt Angel, Franky the Mobster b Chakal, Kickin n Stompin b TDT to win tag titles Marko Estrada b Johnny Gargano to retain NSPW title (thanks to Patric Laprade)  
• Also the international version of the latest episode of Shotgun (their YouTube show, recently revamped to run just around 30 minutes)
• wXw put up their entire show from Hamburg, Germany.

The card (no spoilers) was:

Singles Match
Da Mack vs. Julian Nero

Singles Match
Damian O’Connor vs. John Klinger

Six Man Tag Team Match
Absolute Andy & Prost (Mike Schwarz & Toby Blunt) vs. Jurn Simmons &
Reich Und Schön (Kevin Roadster & Marius van Beethoven)

Bullrope Match
Big Daddy Walter vs. Robert Dreissker

Singles Match
Melanie Gray vs. Nikki Storm

Singles Match
Axel Dieter Jr. vs. Marty Scurll

wXw Unified World Wrestling Title No Disqualification Match
Karsten Beck (c) vs. Rhino

Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/06): Tracy Smothers wins SMW TV Title

POST-WRESTLEMANIA RAW SOLD OUT

The Monday Night Raw on April 4th in Dallas, Texas, AKA the night after WrestleMania show, officially sold out immediately today.  Most tickets were sold yesterday in the pre-sale, as unlike some concert promoters, WWE doesn’t restrict the pre-sale to certain limited blocks of tickets.

Upcoming Event Schedule

NEW JAPAN TAG TOURNAMENT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM KOBE

Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano

Saturday has WWE house shows in Augusta, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus Big Show, New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige), WWE in Fayetteville, NC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback), NXT in Citrus Springs, FL and ROH in Fort Lauderdale at the War Memorial (Jay Lethal & Donovan Dijak vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Delirious for TV title, Matt Sydal vs. Jay Briscoe, Bobby Fish vs. ACH, Adam Cole vs. Kenny King, Moose vs. Dalton Castle vs. Cheeseburger vs. Rhett Titus, Mark Briscoe vs. Will Ferrara plus War Machine and Kyle O’Reilly).

LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM NAGOYA AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE TONIGHT

Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan & Sho Tanaka vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Ryuske Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Yohei Komatsu

Jay White & David Finlay vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Juice Robinson vs. A.J. Styles (who is unlikely to be wrestling due to his back injury) & Cody Hall & Yujiro Takahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida vs. Matt Taven & Michael Bennett & Gedo

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi

Sunday has WWE in Charlotte (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and in Florence, SC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback).

Raw will be live Monday in North Charleston, SC.  Nothing special has been announced for the show. 

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

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

AJ Styles is officially off the NJPW tour. No word yet on his status for the ROH PPV on Dec 18th or the Tokyo Dome show on Jan 4.

UFC’s YouTube channel has put up a lot of hype videos for next week’s three cards, including episode #1 of UFC Embedded for Thursday’s “Paige and Sage” Fight Pass card, a preview of the Embedded-branded countdown show for UFC 194, Paige Vanzant vs. Alex Chambers from UFC 191 as a free fight to hype the Fight Pass card, Robin Black’s technical breakdown of Aldo vs. McGregor for The Fight Network, and a promo pushing that the winner of Aldo-McGregor joins Ronda Rousey on the EA Sports UFC 2 cover.

WWE

• A note on the Stampede Wrestling shows added to WWE Network this week: A number of people have been commenting on just how good they look. The shows were shot on film (presumably 16 millimeter) and it looks as if WWE has the original reels and got those re-scanned in HD instead of converting old transfers to standard definition video tape. That would mean that these are the first older wrestling shows available in HD. 16mm or better film is effectively higher resolution than HD, which is why old movies (as well as TV shows shot on film) look so stunning when released in HD for the first time.
• WWE’s “Owen: Hart of Gold” Owen Hart set will be released this Tuesday on DVD and Blu-Ray and can be pre-ordered now. WWE released a teaser of the documentary (and “Owen Tales” rib story special features) on the network during the week.

UFC/MMA

• Shooto Brasil airs on UFC Fight Pass starting at 5 pm eastern today. UFC has been pushing the fact that Michael Bisping will be doing commentary far more than any of the fighters on the card who, quite frankly, are virtual unknowns in North America. Main event is a Lightweight title bout between Ronys Torres and Wallace Lopes.
• The Fight Network in Canada will air UFC 189, probably the card of the year, tomorrow at 9 pm eastern. They’ll replay it several times over the next week.
• Meisha Tate had lots to say since she was shut out of a title shot in favor of Holly Holm, but now believes with Rousey’s loss to Holm it shakes up the division and she may get her title shot anyways.  
• If you wondered how well, or in this case how little referees are paid to work the UFC matches.  Check this article out.  Big John’s UFC 194 pay.
• Bellator 147 live results: Josh Thomson vs Pablo Villaseca
• One Championships : Kingdom of Khmer results from earlier today

Other Wrestling

• On the latest episode of the 6:05 Superpodcast, David Bixenspan and Brian Last talk about Vince Russo’s earliest days in wrestling with his radio show, the most horrifying botched spot they’ve ever seen, Ole Anderson as a Hall of Fame candidate, the real story behind the AWA Team Challenge Series, and much more.
• Metro Pro Wrestling returns to the Turner Rec Center on Saturday night, December 5 with “Yoga Monster” Mike Sydal vs. The Math Magician;  Tag Team Championship Elimination Match: The King Brothers (c) vs. The American Bulldogs vs. The Commission vs. Kobra Kai Dojo; Kansas Championship Match: Redwing (c) vs. Kraig Keesaman; Central States Championship Match: Ace Steel (c) vs. “Rock ‘n Roll Express’s” Ricky Morton and 60-minute Iron Man Match for the Metro Pro Championship – Jeremy Wyatt (c) vs. Mark Sterling. If Wyatt loses, he is fired!

Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history:  Daily pro wrestling history (12/05): Young/Roode win NWA Tag Team Titles

We’re looking for reports from tonight’s WWE house show in Johnson City, TN (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus plus Big Show, New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and NXT in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS ON AXS TV AT 9 P.M.  EASTERN

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tomoaki Honma for Never Open weight title – This was one of the best matches of 2015

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga

BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY GYM

Adam Piccolotti (155.8) vs. Mario Soto (155)

Virgil Zwicker (207.2) vs. Brian Rogers (205.8) – Zwicker missed weight and fined 20% of purse

Derek Anderson (155.8) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.6)

Daniel Weichel (144.8) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (146)

Josh Thomson (155.4) vs. Pablo Villaseca (155)

CMLL LIVE AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN (this may be geo-blocked but it hasn’t been the last several week)

Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Arkangel de la Muerte & Canelo Casas

Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Vaquerita vs. Amapola & Tiffany & Zeuxis

Angel de Oro & Brazo de Plata & Maximo Sexy vs. Ephesto & Kraneo & Luciferno

Euforia & Niebla Roja & Ultimo Guerrero vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Mephisto & Thunder

Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi for CMLL lightweight title

Mistico & Super Parka & Volador Jr. vs. Felino & Negro Casas & Shocker

AXS FIGHTS AT 10 P.M. EASTERN WITH LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM BOSSIER CITY, LA AT DIAMOND JACKS HOTEL & CASINO

Kalvin Hackney (146.9) vs. Cody Walker (146.4)

David Bosnick (148.9) vs. Kevin Aguilar (143.9)

Jonathan Martinez (127.9) vs. Matt Schenll (125.9)

Ariel Beck (124.9) vs. Andrea Lee (124.9) for the women’s flyweight title

Alex Morono (169.1) vs. Derrick Krants (169.3) for the welterweight title

NEW JAPAN TAG TOURNAMENT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD TOMORROW FROM KOBE

Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano

Saturday has WWE house shows in Augusta, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus Big Show, New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige), WWE in Fayetteville, NC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback), NXT in Citrus Springs, FL and ROH in Fort Lauderdale at the War Memorial (Jay Lethal & Donovan Dijak vs. Young Bucks, Roderick Strong vs. Delirious for TV title, Matt Sydal vs. Jay Briscoe, Bobby Fish vs. ACH, Adam Cole vs. Kenny King, Moose vs. Dalton Castle vs. Cheeseburger vs. Rhett Titus, Mark Briscoe vs. Will Ferrara plus War Machine and Kyle O’Reilly).

LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD FROM NAGOYA AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE TOMORORW NIGHT

Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan & Sho Tanaka vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Ryuske Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Yohei Komatsu

Jay White & David Finlay vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Juice Robinson vs. A.J. Styles (who is unlikely to be wrestling due to his back injury) & Cody Hall & Yujiro Takahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin & Kushida vs. Matt Taven & Michael Bennett & Gedo

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi

Sunday has WWE in Charlotte (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, plus New Day, Dudleys, Charlotte and Paige) and in Florence, SC (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose, Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Rusev vs. Ryback).

Raw will be live Monday in North Charleston, SC.  Nothing special has been announced for the show. 

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

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

Gleison Tibau would be the first drug test failure since the USADA/UFC drug testing program began (Mirko Cro Cop was not a test failure).  Tibau has been provisionally suspended based on the results of an out of competition drug test.  The nature of the test failure has yet to be announced.

As noted yesterday, the Aldo vs. McGregor Countdown show will be on Saturday at 3 p.m. Eastern on FOX.  The Countdown show on FOX means a big audience will be watching.

Joey Ryan has gotten a ridiculous amount of mainstream publicity for a spot in his match with Danshoku Dino in Japan.  It’s gotten coverage in ESPN, Maxim, the New York Daily News, The Soup, Fox Sports, SB Nation, Deadspin and Vice.  Here is an article on it and here is the video (the article has an old video linked)

The pre-sale for the Raw after WrestleMania on 4/4 in Dallas sold out today.  There will be more tickets put on sale to the public tomorrow, but that will also sell out immediately.   

I just watched the 3/30/84 episode of Mid South Wrestling on the WWE Network.  Granted, that was a few weeks before the most successful period in the history of that company (the last Stampede matches with Bill Watts & Stagger Lee vs. The Midnight Express), but my God, the promos, focus and character development between then and now is like night and day.  They are still missing the boat not releasing the shows in a weekly episodic manner because scatter shot shows here and there only give you about 30% of the flavor of the stories and personalities.

UFC/MMA

• Dana White has been everywherebuilding up the Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm rematch as well as plugging UFC 194.  What they are pushing is that Rousey is bigger than ever due to losing. There are metrics that confirm this but the real metrics that count we won’t know until she fights again.   Beyond that everyone expects if Rousey vs. Holm takes place it’ll be the biggest fight in UFC history.  They are pushing Holm as the great female combat sports athlete of all-time. 
• UFC announced a 2/21 FS 1 card in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center. 
• The UFC show on 2/27 in London sold out the O2 Arena in 27 minutes.  So much for the idea that Gegard Mousasi vs. Michael Bisping as a main event fans didn’t want to see.

WWE

• Mick Foley did a Facebook post talking about his son being hired by WWE and said that his writings this past week had nothing to do with it.  A key factor is that he did his son no favors with the writing team by writing that.
• Unrelated to the story above:  The Wall Street Journal has a story on Mick Foley’s home
• Ric Flair is booked to appear on 12/26 in Madison Square Garden for the post-Christmas house show and for Raw on 12/28 at the Barclays Center.
• The 2/16 Smackdown show will be in Ontario, CA.  Tickets go on sale for the show on Thursday.
• There will be a 2/6 house show in San Jose with the pre-sale starting at 7 a.m. this coming Wednesday. 
• There will be a 1/31 house show in Columbus, GA with tickets going on sale today with the password WWELive
• The stock was down 14 cents per share today to close the week at $17.18.  

New Japan tag tournament results from today in Takamatsu:

Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian beat Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi

Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima

A block standings

Tanahashi & Elgin 3-2

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma 3-2

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi 3-2

Daniels & Kazarian 3-3

Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano 2-2

Fale & Tonga 2-3

Nagata & Nakanishi 2-4

B block standings

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata 4-1

Tetsuya Naito & Evil 4-1

Nakamura & Ishii 3-2

Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows 2-2

Tenzan & Kojima 2-3

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven 1-4

A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi 1-4

MISCELLANEOUS

• TNA has a taped PPV that starts airing tonight called TNA vs. The World.  The main events are Great Muta vs. Ken Anderson, Sonjay Dutt vs. Ethan Carter III and James Storm vs. Magnus.
• Bill Apter has a show on 12/19 in Philadelphia at 2 p.m. at PhilaMOCA at 531 N. 12th St.  It’s a talk show with tickets $10 on the afternoon after the ROH Final Battle PPV show. 
• One has a show tomorrow in Phnom Penh, Cambodia headlined by Lowen Tyanes vs. Rasui Yakhyaev
• The Fight Network in Canada is now airing Paragon Pro Wrestling.
• Live Pro Wrestling on 2/20 in Cornwall, ONT at the Agora Centre.
• CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Furia Roja & Malefico b Explosivo & Star Black, Flyer & Leono& Starman b Artillero & Super Comando & Okumura, The Panther & Stigma & Triton b Puma King & Sangre Azteca & Tiger, Angel de Oro & Blue Panther & Stuka Jr. b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno, Gran Guerrero & Euforia & Niebla Roja b Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Titan (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Absolute Intense Wrestling tomorrow night in Cleveland at the Dr. Martin Luther Church with Kikutaro vs. Colt Cabana, Tracy Smothers vs. Grado, Cliff Compton vs. Frankie Flynn, Matt Cross vs. Alex Daniels and more.  They also run 12/18 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with Ethan Carter III vs. Chuck Taylor, plus an appearance by Scott Hall.
• Alpha 1 Wrestling on 12/13 in Hamilton, ONT at 166 Green Mountain Rd. with Eric Young vs. Scotty O’Shea, Alessandro Del Bruno vs. TJ Perkins and more.
• CHIKARA finishes 2015 tomorrow night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with Top Banana headlined by Chuck Taylor & Drew Gulak & Orange Cassidy vs. Kobald & Obariyon & Kodama.
• Freelance Wrestling tonight in Chicago at the Bottom Lounge with Colt Cabana, Grado, Kikutaro and Joey Ryan at 10 p.m.

Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history:  Daily pro wrestling history (12/04): Sullivan, Tazmaniac win ECW Tag Team Titles

It’s going to be a quiet weekend when it comes to major shows, as New Japan finishes its tag team tournament on Wednesday but has shows all weekend including a Saturday night/Sunday morning show which is the biggest so far this tour, and Bellator runs a show in San Jose tomorrow night.

We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in Orlando at Dave Meltzer

Smackdown tonight from Hershey, PA

Neville vs. Tyler Breeze

Becky Lynch vs. Brie Bella

Usos & Dean Ambrose vs. New Day

Devon Dudley vs. Bray Wyatt

Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus & King Barrett & Alberto Del Rio & Rusev in a handicap match.

The New Japan tag team tournament continues tomorrow in Takamatsu:

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale

Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Mick Foley’s talk on WWE creative and a look at all the new moves WWE tried this week on television is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at the changes WWE attempted after a week of record low ratings, as well as the fan questionnaire sent out, what can be learned from it, and why they are asking exactly the wrong people.  

We also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current WWE business, as well as why the ratings may be important, but other factors are probably more important,when it comes to WWE’s next television deal.  We look at the different potential changes in the landscape look at what aspects of business are and aren’t improving, as well as WWE’s business in the big picture.  

He also update the situation with A.J. Styles, and the New Japan tag team tournament with standings and notes on the tournament matches over the past week.

We also look at the TLC PPV update, more on La Sombra in WWE, questions about all the shoulder injuries, WWE security at live shows, Cena movie release, Brad Maddox firing, Maddox’s WWE history, talents WWE has shown interest in, WWE overseas tour lineup and WWE weekend live event notes and business.

We have a look at the debut of the new Rizin promotion, major announcements for the first weekend of shows, the tournament, just how big Bob Sapp vs Akebono was the first time.

We also have a story on the domestic abuse claims by the girlfriend of Tomoaki Honma, and his response.

We look at the realities of the free agency of Benson Henderson, judging of the key fights, as well as  full rundown of UFC’s debut in South Korea this past week.

We’ve got notes of TNA’s canceled tour of India, notes on the death of Tommy Gilbert and El Bello Greco, along with a feature on Stan Holek, a member of two of the most decorated tag teams of the 50s and 60s, the Lisowski Brothers with Crusher and the Neilson Brothers with Art Neilson.  We look at the unique reason why all of his success was as a tag team wrestler, his biggest rivals, and his 13 runs as world tag team champion. 

We’ve got a feature on the retirement of Act Yasukawa and the sad reason it happened.

We’ve also got the awards ballot for the 2015 awards and information on how well Hell in a Cell did this year on PPV.  

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 7, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE attempts to right the ship, New Japan tag league update, more

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

• For the TLC show, the New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos tag team title match will be a ladder match.  Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the IC title will be a straight match.  This will all be announced on tonight’s show.
• UFC activities in Las Vegas for next week’s three shows start on Tuesday.  In many ways, this is the most ambitious week in company history, with the new stars show on Thursday, Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes on Friday and UFC 194 on Saturday. 
• Tickets for the Raw after WrestleMania at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on 4/4 have a pre-sale on tomorrow at 10 a.m. Central time with the code DALLAS.  These tickets will likely sell out quickly due to 60,000 to 100,000 tourists in town and only probably around 12,000 tickets available.  Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday at 10 a.m. Central time.
• WJHL TV in Johnson City has noted that those attending tomorrow night’s WWE live show in Johnson City at the Freedom Hall Civic Center should be advised of these new regulations for security reasons:
• New Japan World has released 79 new matches that have taken place in December of previous years this week.
• The legendary Andre the Giant vs. Stan Hansen match that we talked about on the audio show earlier this week was from September 23, 1981.  It’s generally considered Andre’s best ever match.  There are two Andre vs. Hansen matches up on New Japan World.
• TNA announced that they will be airing footage from the early PPV shows from Nashville called “The Asylum Years” on the TNA YouTube channel every Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
• TNA also has a three hour special on the Flipps app tomorrow night stating at 8 p.m. Eastern for $14.99.  This will be a taped PPV.  Originally this was to be a live show from Mumbia, India.
• CMLL tomorrow night at www.ClaroSports.com will have a singles title match with Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi from Arena Mexico.  The match will start at about 11 p.m. Eastern time and it’s free.  It’s not 100% that it will be available in the U.S., but the Friday night shows have been available the past few weeks.
• Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history:  Daily pro wrestling history (12/03): Hulk Hogan pins Undertaker to win WWF Title

WWE

• WWE has released a ton of old television shows, a few each from Crockett Promotions, AWA, Stampede Wrestling, Mid South and Smoky Mountain Wrestling on its network.
• WWE and Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films have a deal for co-producing and co-financing several moves, the first of which will be called “Brother’s Blood.”  The movie will be filmed next month in New Orleans.  What WWE star or stars involved that will likely suffer injuries on Raw at that time have not been revealed.  More here.
• The New York Post ran a story on WWE’s ratings declines today.  They blamed the ratings decline on the WWE Network.  I don’t buy that for a second.  They also use last Thursday’s ratings to talk about the decline of Smackdown which is plain dishonest stats because everyone knows Thanksgiving night isn’t indicative of what the show is doing.  I mean, Smackdown has declined significantly, but using Thanksgiving ratings for your stats is  intellectually dishonest.
• Brock Lesnar was announced for the 3/14 Raw taping in Pittsburgh.  Lesnar should be appearing more regularly starting in a few weeks since he’s booked for both the Royal Rumble (promotion of which starts on 12/14) and WrestleMania.
• Not that this will happen, but they were advertising this match for the 12/15 Smackdown tapings in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center of Bray Wyatt & Sheamus & Kevin Owens vs. Kane & Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose. (thanks to Mike Omansky)
• Dwayne Johnson is on the cover of the new issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine
• Ric Flair and Charlotte appear on 12/18 at iPlay America at 110 Schanck Rd in Freehold, NJ from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Reader Jeff Bukantz note last night the Dudleys were at the Rangers-Islanders game on camera and did a trivia contest for two tickets to the 12/28 Raw show at the Barclays Center.  He said that it died live, nobody reacted to them at all.
• WWE stock closed at $17.32 per share today, down 11 cents.
• Dewey Foley, Mick’s son, will start as a writers assistant in January.  Writers assistants are not writers. 
• An interview with La Sombra
• A WWE licensing story

UFC/MMA

• Some weekend TV programming

Serra-Longo Fight Team special on Friday at 7 p.m. on FS 1

Aldo vs. McGregor All Access show on Saturday at 3 p.m. on FOX

Ultimate Insider with Chris Weidman, Jose Aldo and more on Sunday at 4 p.m. on FS 1

AXS TV’s Inside MMA has a Ronda Rousey special tomorrow night at 12:30 a.m. Eastern time, with Miesha Tate, sports psychologist Ken Baum, Shannon Knapp, and MMA Junkie radio hosts George and Brian Garcia.  The show airs after the Legacy Fighting Championships show at 10 p.m.

• Beneil Dariush is injured and off the 1/17 UFC show in Boston where he was to face Mairbeck Taisumov in what was a sleeper match on that show.  Former New Jersey state wrestling champion Chris Wade faces Taisumov as a replacement.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Lucha Underground will be part of a City of Los Angeles TV commercial for the “Discover LA campaign.  They will be doing a match with two Luchadores and would like fans to come as audience members.  It takes place Saturday afternoon and will be a four-hour shoot.  You have to commit to staying for the four hours.  All fans will get a complimentary meal and Lucha Underground poster.  It’s at the Lucha Underground Temple at 516 S. Anderson St. in Los Angeles.  You must be 18 or older to attend.  they’d like you to wear Lucha Underground T-shirts or hat, but nothing black.  You have to e-mail the promotion for times and ability to attend.
• A story on Ric Flair’s podcast co-host Conrad Thompson
• Luke Williams talks Bruiser Brody and his murder
• Jimmy Snuka’s ex-girlfriend claims she was told how Nancy Argentino died
• A story on former WWWF referee Bucky Palermo
• Four members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team will be a the Wrestlecon convention in Dallas over WrestleMania weekend with tons of major pro wrestling names.  For more info you can go to www.Wrestlecon.com.
• East Coast Wrestling toys for Tots event Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
• Icons of Wrestling and Comic Book Collectorfeset on 4/16 at The Arena in Philadelphia from 9 a.m will have an event covering pro wrestling, science fiction, pop culture, comics, movies and TV.  For vendors who with to be involved send for into to iconsofwrestlingcollectrofest@aol.com
• New England Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Wilmington, MA at West Real Estate from Noon to 3 p.m. have a public appearance with free autographs and photo ops with a donation of an unwrapped toy.      
• Combate Americas on 12/16 in Hollywood, CA at the Florentine Gardens with John Castaneda vs. Kiko Lopez for a show that airs live on NBC Universo at 11 p.m. Eastern and 8 p.m. Pacific time.   
• Premier Wrestling results from Saturday in Gilroy, CA:  Joe Graves b Jeff Cobb via unanimous decision after three rounds, Alexander Hammerstone (2-0) b Tyler Bateman (1-3), Timothy Thatcher b Jeff Cobb (6-5-1) via second round submission, Khamora b Nicole Savoy (3-2) in a semifinal for the women’s athlete title, Raze b Kiko (0-2) in a semifinal for the women’s athlete title, Vito Rea (1-0) b Buddy Royal (2-5), Womens’ tourney finals:  Raze (2-2) b Khamora(2-2) to become first champion, JR Kratos (9-2-1) went to a double knockout with Gabriel Gallo (4-0-1) for the Premier title, Joe Graves (4-1-1) b Timothy Thatcher (5-3-1) via fifth round submission to win the Embrace the Grind tournament
• American Combat Wrestling on 12/19 in New Port Richey, FL at the All Sports Arena.
• Smash Wrestling on 1/16 at the Franklin Horner Community Centre in Toronto. 
• Shine runs 12/11 in Ybor City, FL at the Orpheum with Santana Garrett headlining an all womens show that including April Hunter, Marti Belle, Allysin Kay, Jessicka Havok, Amber Gallows, Malia Hosaka, Leilani Kai, Daffney and more.
• CWE tonight in Brandon, Manitoba with Charlie Haas vs. Tommy Lee Curtis and Silas Young vs. Chad Tatum at the Houston’s Country Roadhouse.
• There is a Lucha Libre show on 12/19 in Dallas at the Indoor Soccer Zone with Atlantis & El Hijo de L.A. Park vs. Bestia 666 & Ultimo Guerrero
• Upcoming main events at the Auditorio in Tijuana are 12/18 with Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. L.A. Park vs. Damian 666 vs. Pagano, 12/25 with Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Hijo del Rey Misterio & Super Muneco vs. Damian 666 & Pakal & Rey Misterio II, and 1/8 with the original Gronda & L.A. Park & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Cibernetico & the original Cien Caras & Dr. Wagner Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Pure Wrestling Association on Friday night in Guelph, ONT at Red Chevron.
• IWF on 12/5, 12/12 and 12/19 at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Felton, DE at the Delaware Auto Exchange with Mick Foley and The Head Bangers appearing. 

Don’t forget today’s FULL Pro Wrestling History including International history:  Daily pro wrestling history (12/03): Hulk Hogan pins Undertaker to win WWF Title

TV Tonight:

UFC Fight Flashback: Mendes vs. McGregor airs at 7:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 1. It debuted earlier in the week.

NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network is headlined by a Samoa Joe vs. Tommaso Ciampa main event.

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America continus the TNA World Title Series.

UFC Fight Flashback: Aldo vs. Mendes 2 airs at 9:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. This one debuted back in July, right before Mendes-McGregor.

The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is titled “Bone on Bone” and features the last two quarterfinal bouts.

ROH at midnight ET/PT on COMET features Adam Cole vs. Dalton Castle, Adam Page vs. Will Ferrara, and a Jay Lethal-A.J. Styles angle.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.

We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.

We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.

We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.

We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise.

We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes and thoughts on new WWE signing La Sombra, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 30, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sheamus wins WWE title, Tenryu retirement show

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

WWE

• In addition to the recently added episodes of NWA World Championship Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling and Mid South Wrestling, the WWE Network has added AWA All Star Wrestling to its lineup. They’ve also resumed adding WCCW shows after a long break. It appears that they’re focusing on shows featuring big name WWE legends to start with.
• NXT Women’s Champion Bayley was on this week’s Kevin Gill podcast.
• Former WWE manager Armando Estrada thinks he knows what is wrong with WWE creative.

Other Wrestling

• What does Terry Funk think of the Roadhouse remake with Ronda Rousey? Glad you asked. He’d also like to get her in the ring as “it wouldn’t take me 10 rounds to kick her ass.” Ok then.
• Here’s a chat with Ric Flair podcast co-host Conrad Thompson about the podcast, Reid Flair, and other news.
• On the latest Between the Sheets podcast, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan are joined by Brian Last to talk about November 24 though December 7, 1985. They discuss all of the Thanksgiving shows from around the United States, Billy Jack Haynes’ reliability or lack thereof, UWF guys coming home to New Japan, a historic mask match in Mexico, Gordon Solie vs. Nick Gulas & Mario Savoldi, and much more.
• Here’s a Slam Wrestling article on the late Stan Holek.
• Here’s your daily dose of pro wrestling history.
• Canadian senator Patrick Brazeau interfered in a TLC match for Great North Wrestling Friday that resulted in a title change. Here’s the story.
• Rhino is attempting to help out a Michigan VFW hall by doing a benefit show.
• Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History which includes International as well!  

UFC/MMA

• Dave’s UFC Seoul postmortem is up at MMAFighting.com
• Bethe Correia wants a fight with Miesha Tate
• World Series of Fighting officially announced that Tyrone Spong is out of his 12/18 co-main event fight with Jake Heun due to an injury. Heun now will face Clinton Williams on the prelims instead. Talk about a drop in stature.
• From this week’s TUF conference call, Chad Mendes said that his fight with Conor McGregor was for a “fake belt” and that the winner between he and Frankie Edgar next Friday will be in line for a shot at the real title. Edgar concurs.
• The hits keep on coming for Reebok who made two mistakes in two days. On Tuesday, the Internet learned of a t-shirt with the name Anderson Aldo that has since been pulled. On Wednesday, they told the world the aforementioned McGregor has beaten Jose Aldo at UFC 194 with another shirt. No need to watch, folks.
• Jose Aldo hints that he may follows the path of GSP into early retirement. Can’t wait to hear Conor’s response to this one
• There should be more coming on this later today, but it looks like WSOF matchmaker/VP and Dominance MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz was an informant for NYPD Intelligence (and almost the FBI) in a past life. Apparently, he informed on an extremist group that used the names “Muslims of America.”

Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History which includes International as well!  

We’re looking for reports on toady’s WWE show in Huntington, WV with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto De Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.  Send to NEWSTIPS

New Japan tag team tournament for today’s show in Ehime is up on New Japan World

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi

Raw is Monday in Pittsburgh.  Nothing to this point has been announced for the show.

New Japan tag team tournament Monday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday night in Hershey, PA.

New Japan tag team tournament Tuesday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett vs. Matt Taven vs. A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

It’s Black Friday and that means Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online has a huge deal for you!

NEW AND RETURNING SUBSCRIBERS CAN RECEIVE AN ENTIRE MONTH OF WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM ACCESS FOR ONLY $3.99!

Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! It’s only $3.99 for the entire month!. You can cancel at any time and not be re-billed at our current rates.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.

We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.

We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.

We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.

We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu  and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.

We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 30, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sheamus wins WWE title, Tenryu retirement show

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

• A.J. Styles didn’t work today’s New Japan show in Ehime.  His next tag team tournament match is scheduled for Tuesday.
• Matt Hardy was hospitalized last night.  He was wrestling Jeff Jarrett in Winston-Salem and he had a big cut opened up.
• John Carelli aka Santino Marella was married yesterday.
• Today is Jerry Lawler’s 66th birthday.
• One of the biggest wrestling shows of its time, the U-Cosmos show, took place 26 years ago today, on November 29, 1989 at the Tokyo Dome.  The UWF promotion, which had no television, sold out 50,000 tickets in three days for a show headlined by Akira Maeda vs. European judo champion Willie Wilhelm, Nobuhiko Takada vs. U.S. Olympic wrestler Duane Koslowski and there was an undercard match with Minoru Suzuki against future UFC heavyweight champion Maurice Smith (a worked match won by Smith).
• The annual Mid Atlantic Fan Fest, the one where it’s seemingly always the last year it’ll take place, was just announced for 8/4 to 8/7 in Charlotte at the Hilton University Place. 
• Tyson Fury, who won the heavyweight boxing title last night over Wladmir Klitschko,was the third most searched item on Google yesterday with 200,000 searches, behind Ohio State vs. Michigan and Derrick Henry.

WWE

• Natalya & Jim Neidhart have an autograph signing on 12/9 at HMV Underground at 333 Yonge St., in Toronto at 5 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS

• A piece on Hulk Hogan and Mr. T from Rocky III
• A nice story about former pro wrestler and cancer survivor Dennis Stamp, made famous in Beyond the Mat
• Brad Schwartz, the president of Pop TV, talks Impact
• A story on Mark Canterbury, who later became Henry Godwinn in WWE
• Sami Callihan returns to independent wrestling
• Great North Wrestling from Friday night in Rockland, ONT before 450 fans:  Preston Perry b Bushwhacker Luke, Vanessa Kraven b Jessica Black-COR, Yves Droiun & Michael Van Payton b Paul Rosenberg & Soa Amin, K-Nine b Bret McLeod, Blade b Mystify & Shooter Storm in a handicap match, Freak Nation b Katalyst & Sean MacMillan, Gregory Carpenter b Sami Tokan, Jeremy Prophet became the new Canadian champion in a three-way over Giant Darko and Hannibal when Senator Patrick Bazeau threw something in Hannibal’s eyes an pushed him off a ladder onto the floor. (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
• Big Time Wrestling on 12/4 in Newark, CA at the Pavilion plus there is a Matt Striker seminar at 3 p.m. that today.
• Joe Graves won a three-way round-robin tournament yesterday in Gilroy, CA over Timothy Thatcher and Jeff Cobb (Lucha Underground) under rounds rules.  It was a very different kind of tournament as all three matches were grappling oriented, fought in rounds, with judges.
• Ultimate Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Bay City, MI:  Black Bushido b Malcolm Monroe III, Chelsea Marie b Misfit Mollie, Dave Duponte b TK Parker, Caleb Stills b Jake Something, Nitro & Malice & Chainsaw b Chuck Wagon & Andy Chene & Ray Orndorff, N8 Mattson b Palmer Cruise, Rod Street & Deputy Dave b Zach Gowen & Malcolm Monroe III, Sabu b DBA, Danny Shay b Hakim Zane, N8 Mattson won Battle Royal (thanks to Leonard Brand)
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix today in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge with Arik Cannon headlining.
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in St. Louis:  Jake Dirden b Ric Maverick, Evan Morris b Jayson Khaos, Justin D’Air b Varik Morgan, Shorty Biggs & Outtkast won three-way over Rocket Mapache & Jackal and Ozzie Gallagher & Bahamatu, BillyMcNeil b Ace Hawkins, Danny Adams b Brandon Espinosa-DQ, Ricky Cruz NC Kevin Lee Davidson (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• UWC has its annual Toys for Tots toy drive on 12/5 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall.  Admission is free with an unwrapped toy (suggested value to be an excess of $10).
• GOUGE Wrestling from last night in Durham, NC:  Popo the Klown b Einsteiner, Chet Sterling b Otto Schwanz, Alas de Angel & Ese Joker b Gato Salvaje & Chicano Power, Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. & Mickey Gambino b Seymour Snott & Waylon Maze and No Direction to win tag titles, Timmy Lou Retton b Ricky Reyes, Mickey Gambino won a turkey on a pole Battle Royal
• For yesterday, here are the Florida main events over the years thanks to Barry Rose and his friends

1958 – Enrique Torres beat Big Ben Sharpe (West Palm Beach)

1960 – Eddie Graham & Chief Big Eagle beat Mighty Yankees-DQ (Orlando)

1963 – Eddie Graham & Don Curtis & Mark Lewin beat The Assassins (three of them) in a 2/3 fall match (Jacksonville)

1966 – Jose Lothario & Lester Welch beat The Infernos-DQ (Orlando)

1967 – Sammy Steamboat beat Hiro Matsuda (Fort Myers)

1967 – Jose Lothario & Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow) beat Tarzan Tyler & Johnny Valentine (Tampa)

1970 – Jack Brisco beat Tarzan Tyler (Miami Beach)

1972 – Jack Brisco beat Paul Jones to win the Florida title (Tampa)

1972 – Bob Orton Sr. & Bob Orton Jr. beat Sputnik Monroe & Norvell Austin via count out (Fort Myers)

1973 – Ron Fuller beat Don Carson via DQ (Fort Pierce)

1973 – Paul Jones beat Buddy Colt via DQ (Miami Beach)

1974 – Dusty Rhodes beat Cowboy Bill Watts to win the Florida title (Jacksonville)

1977 – Lars Anderson beat Pedro Morales (West Palm Beach)

1978 – Harley Race beat Jack Brisco to retain the NWA title (Tampa)

1979 – Harley Race double count out Manny Fernandez to retain the NWA title (Miami Beach)

1981 – Ric Flair beat Jack Brisco to retain the NWA title (St. Petersburg)

1984 – Jim Neidhart & Khrusher Khrushchev beat Mark & Jay Youngblood (Tampa)

• Pro Wrestling Eclipse from last night in Oshawa, ONT:  Bryan Castle b Jim Nye, Bee Machine won three-way over Green Phantom and Black Bushido, Jewells Malone b Xandra Bale, Phil Atlas b Sexxy Eddy, Tyler Tirva won four-way over John Atlas, Joshua James and Will White, Rage b Buck Gunderson (thanks to Steven Ashe)

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1981 – Faraon beat Ringo Mendoza in Guadalajara to win the Mexican national middleweight title

2000 – Ricky Marvin beat Virus in Acapulco to win the CMLL super lightweight and Mexican national lightweight titles

2002 – Etsuko Mita & Mima Shimoda beat Momoe Nakanishi & Nanae Takahashi to win the WWWA womens’ tag team title

2009 – Shuji Ishikawa beat Kota Ibushi in Tokyo to win the KO-D open weight title

It is a very slow news weekend coming off of the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S.  UFC Fight Night 79 from Seoul took place early this morning.  The main event saw Benson Henderson get a close win over Jorge Masvidal in 5 round by judges decision.  Sexyama was also on the card!  Check out our play-by-play for the full results.

AJ Styles missed his NJPW appearances due to an ongoing back injury.

Don’t miss this one!  An interview with Wrestling Superstar Virgil:  Special Feature: Virgil looks back on his career, looks ahead to meat sauce

We are looking for a new TNA Impact Reviewer, CLICK HERE for more info.

Event Schedule:

WWE runs Saturday night in Kansas City with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.

WWE runs Sunday in Huntington, WV with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto De Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.

New Japan tag team tournament Sunday in Ehime

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi

Raw is Monday in Pittsburgh.  Nothing to this point has been announced for the show.

New Japan tag team tournament Monday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday night in Hershey, PA.

New Japan tag team tournament Tuesday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett vs. Matt Taven vs. A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

It’s Black Friday and that means Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online has a huge deal for you!

NEW AND RETURNING SUBSCRIBERS CAN RECEIVE AN ENTIRE MONTH OF WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM ACCESS FOR ONLY $3.99!

Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! It’s only $3.99 for the entire month!. You can cancel at any time and not be re-billed at our current rates.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.

We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.

We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.

We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.

We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu  and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.

We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 30, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sheamus wins WWE title, Tenryu retirement show

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

WWE

• TNA posted the interview with Kurt Angle where he said that the upcoming UK tour would be his TNA retirement tour.  
• WWE defined “jobber” in a recent filing in one of the concussion lawsuits.
• Vince McMahon talks to the Boston Globe about women’s wrestling 30 years ago.
• Video interview with Bryan Alvarez talking all of the usual issues in WWE and more on the Mat Men Podcast.

Other Wrestling

• Special Feature: Virgil looks back on his career, looks ahead to meat sauce
• CAC Radio remembers Nick Bockwinkel
• The first episode of 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and our own David Bixenspan is up with talk of TBS wrestling and Terry Funk among many other things.
• Global Force Wrestling sees one of its titles change hands
• Great North Wrestling Nov. 27th Results from Rockland ON before 450 fans: Jeremy Prophet became the new GNW Canadian Champion over The Giant Darko and Hannibal when Senator Patrick Brazeau interfeared in the match throwing a substance in Hannibal’s eyes and pushing him off of a 15 foot ladder onto the cement floor while Darko was knocked out from a Sacrifice Power Bomb. “Pretty Boy” Preston Perry defeated Bushwacker Luke, Vanessa Kraven defeated Femmes Fatales woman’s champion Jessica Black via count out,”Steel Warrior” Yves Drouin & MVP beat Paul Rosenberg & Soa Amin, Knine defeated Bret Mcleod, Blade defeated Mystify & Shooter Storm in a handicap match, Freak Nation defeated Katalyst & Sean Macmillan, Gregory “The Ripper” Carpenter defeated Sami “The Saint” Tokan in a grappling match.

UFC/MMA

• In what could end up being a fairly major story in the coming weeks and months, Benson Henderson has completed his UFC contract after  his fight today with Jorge Masvidal in the main event of today’s event in Seoul. He left his gloves in the center of the Octagon after the fight and said “Thank you for all the memories”. He’d obviously be highly sought after for Bellator for obvious reasons (ex-UFC star) and One Championships as well due to his tremendous popularity in Asia, where they run all their shows. He’s also someone who UFC can match up against just about any Welterweight or Lightweight on their roster and headline an FS 1 or Fight Pass show or co-headline a big FOX show. With a show seemingly every week, he’d be extremely valuable for UFC to retain as well.
• The Seoul card was very good, by the way. Strong main card with some entertaining prelims.
• Next weekend’s Shooto Brasil show on UFC Fight Pass will feature Michael Bisping on commentary. During today’s Fight Pass show, that was pushed far more than the main event of the show, which is a Lightweight title fight between Ronys Torres and Wallace Lopes. The show airs next Saturday at 5 pm eastern on a weekend when UFC has no event scheduled.
• The hits keep coming for WSOF matchmaker/VP Ali Abdelaziz, as his claims of being a judo Olympian were thoroughly debunked on Twitter.

AXS TV is airing college basketball tonight so no New Japan, live fights or Inside MMA.

WWE and NXT aren’t running shows tonight.

CMLL will be airing live at 9:30 p.m. at www.clarosports.com  This is expected to be available in the U.S. free of charge live from Arena Mexico. 

The New Japan tag team tournament continues this weekend.  Here are the tournament matches that will be up in the morning each day on New Japan World (they aren’t airing live)

New Japan Tag team tournament tomorrow in Yamaguchi

Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian

Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows

Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

UFC ON FIGHT PASS FULL CARD IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA AT 5 A.M. EASTERN AND 2 A.M. PACIFIC TIME

Dominique Steele (171) vs. Dong Hyun Kim II (170)

Ning Guangyou (134) vs. Marco Beltran (136)

Yao Zhukui (126) vs. Fredy Serano (125)

Seo Hee Ham (115) vs. Cortney Casey (116)

Tae Hyun Bang (156) vs. Leo Kuntz (156)

Yui Chul Nam (146) vs. Mike de la Torre (146)

Dongi Yang (186) vs. Jake Collier (185)

Doo Ho Choi (146) vs. Sam Sicilia (146)

Choo Sung-hoon (better known as Yoshihiro Akiyama, but using his Korean name here) (170) vs. Alberto Mina (171)

Dong Hyun Kim Original (170) vs. Dominic Waters (170)]

Benson Henderson (170) vs. Jorge Masvidal (170)

WWE runs Saturday night in Kansas City with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.

WWE runs Sunday in Huntington, WV with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto De Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.

New Japan tag team tournament Sunday in Ehime

Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi

Raw is Monday in Pittsburgh.  Nothing to this point has been announced for the show.

New Japan tag team tournament Monday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday night in Hershey, PA.

New Japan tag team tournament Tuesday in Fukuoka

Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Michael Bennett vs. Matt Taven vs. A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba

It’s Black Friday and that means Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online has a huge deal for you!

NEW AND RETURNING SUBSCRIBERS CAN RECEIVE AN ENTIRE MONTH OF WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM ACCESS FOR ONLY $3.99!

Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! It’s only $3.99 for the entire month!. You can cancel at any time and not be re-billed at our current rates.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.

We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.

We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.

We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.

We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu  and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.

We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 30, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sheamus wins WWE title, Tenryu retirement show

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

• Want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Right now we have a special on the site for a one-month subscription for just $3.99. 
• Ronda Rousey has resurfaced in social media posting a family photo from Thanksgiving yesterday.  She looks fine and there is no indication from the photo of a broken jaw or any facial injuries.
• For those in Canada, The Fight Network will be airing the main card for UFC from Seoul, South Korea at 8 a.m. tomorrow mooring, as well as repeating it at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Eastern time.
• The latest on Holly Holm is a Q&A in today’s New York Times
• Wrestlecade, based on Starrcade over Thanksgiving weekend, takes place in Winston-Salem, NC tomorrow.  There is a fan fest as well as matches with names listed as appearing including Matt Hardy, Ken Anderson, Ricky Steamboat, Bob Holly, Robert Fuller, George South, Abdullah the Butcher, The Mulkey Brothers, Tom Prichard, Barbi Hayden, Kevin Sullivan, Shane Douglas, Sonjay Dutt, The Godfather, Jimmy Golden, Sam Houston, Justin Credible, Luke Hawx, Trevor Murdoch, Harley Race, Gunner, Bobby Heenan, Stan Hansen, Tatanka, Bob Caudle, Baby Doll, Don Kernodle, Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Valiant, Shane Helms, C.W. Anderson, Armando Alejandro Estrada, David Taylor, Steve Corino, 2 Cold Scorpion, Masked Superstar, Caprice Coleman, Chris Hamrick, Al Snow, Drew Galloway, Ron Garvin, Tessa Blanchard, Brutus Beefcake, Greg Valentine, Arn Anderson, Santana Garrett, Lufisto, Jessicka Havoc, Shelton Benjamin, Johnny Mundo, Jeff Jarrett, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Missy Hyatt, Henry Godwinn, Bill Apter, Road Warrior Animal, Jim Cornette, Colt Cabana, Del Wilkes, PJ Black, Matt Sydal, Ray Lloyd, Italian Stallion and Bill Dundee. 
• PJ Black vs. Sonjay Dutt for the GFW Nex Gen title will be on the show tomorrow.
• Bellator announced its first show outside North America on 4/16 at Pala Alitour in Torino, Italy.  The show will be a joint promotion between Bellator and the French promotion Oktagon Kickboxing.  Tickets go on sale locally on 12/14.  Bellator also announced the signing of Alessio Sakara from Italy, a former UFC fighter who is expected to headline that show.
• The complete CMLL bodybuilding championships

WWE

• The complete U.K. and Ireland dates for the post-WrestleMania WWE tour in April are:

4/16 in Birmingham

4/17 in Nottingham

4/18 in London at the O2 Arena for Raw

4/19 in London at the O2 Arena for Smackdown

4/19 in Manchester

4/20 in Newcastle

4/20 in Belfast

4/21 in Dublin

4/22 in Sheffield

4/23 in Glasgow

WWE stock closed up 28 cents per share today to $17.38.

• King Barrett jokes he’ll BATTER Roy Keane following criticism of Wayne Rooney’s slap cameo
• A story on WWE sponsorships

MISCELLANEOUS

• Bellator will be running a Fedor Emelianenko TV special this coming Friday night after the show in San Jose airs live.
• Masahiro Chono’s involvement in a movie in Japan
• A story on TNA’s Chris Melendez
• Taya Valkyrie’s first U.S. match
• The Fight Network will be airing KSW 33 at 2 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow from Krakow, Poland headlined by Michal Materia (22-4) vs. Mamed Khalidov (30-4-2) for the middleweight title and Michal Kti (16-& vs. Karol Bedof (12-2) for the heavyweight title.
• Lance & Harlem Bravado have been added to the Evolve tag team title tournament that starts on 1/22 in Ybor City, FL and will also include shows on 1/23 and 1/24 in Orlando.
• ICW runs Sunday in Edinburgh, Scotland with Grado defending the ICW title against Lionheart.
• The Northern Wrestling Federation has its 20th anniversary show tomorrow night in Fairfield, OH at the UAW Hall with Abyss and Chris Harris appearing. 
• Pure Wrestling Association on 12/5 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
• Circle City Wrestling from last night in Indianapolis:  Jonathan Owens b Trevor Court, Dru Skillz b Rob Conway, Billy Gunn & Kevin Thorn b Rod Street & Brian Klass Mike King won Battle Royal, Thunderkitty b Cameron Star, Poison Apollo & Remi Wilkins b Corporal Robinson & Joey Kidd Owens to win tag titles (thanks to Leonard Brand)

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL

1970 – El Solitario beat Ray Mendoza in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title

2002 – Cima & Suwa & Don Fujii beat Milano Collection A.T. & Yossino & Brother Yasshi to win the UWA trios titles

2007 – La Sombra beat Hajime Ohara in Mexico City to win the NWA welterweight title

2011 – Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Ricky Marvin in Tokyo to win the vacant GHC jr. title

2012 – Estrellita beat Princesa Blanca in Guadalajara to win the Mexican national women’s title 

Barry Rose listed these shows that took place historically on 11/26 in Florida

1956 – June Byers beat Dot Dotson to retain the NWA women’s title (Sarasota)

1958 – Enrique Torres beat Big Ben Sharpe (Miami)

1964 – Bob Orton Sr. beat Tarzan Tyler (Jacksonville)

1968 – Sailor Art Thomas beat Great Malenko with Joe Louis as referee (Tampa sellout)

1973 – Dusty Rhodes beat Great Malenko in a cage match (Orlando)

1974 – Dusty Rhodes beat Cowboy Bill Watts in a cage match for the Florida title (Tampa)

1974 – Bob Armstrong beat Mike McCord (Austin Idol) to keep the North American title (Fort Myers)

1975 – Rocky Johnson beat King Curtis Iaukea (Miami Beach)

1977 – Dusty Rhodes beat Lars Anderson (St. Petersburg)

1979 – Harley Race beat Steve Keirn to retain the NWA title (West Palm Beach)

1980 – Dusty Rhodes & Bobo Brazil beat R.T. Tyler & Bobby Jaggers via DQ (Miami Beach)

Smackdown tonight on Syfy

Dudleys vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper

Becky Lynch vs. Paige

Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger in a non-title match

New Day vs. Sin Cara & Kalisto in a non-title match

Dean Ambrose vs. Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler – Winner gets an IC title shot

It’s a Thanksgiving themed show.

NEW JAPAN TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT FROM THE HIROSHIMA GREEN ARENA TONIGHT AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

Tiger Mask & Jay White & David Finlay vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka

Jushin Liger & Kushida & Mascara Dorada & Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano & Gedo & Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale & Cody Hall

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil in the tournament

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament

Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian in the tournament

Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi in the tournament

It’s Black Friday and that means Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online has a huge deal for you!

NEW AND RETURNING SUBSCRIBERS CAN RECEIVE AN ENTIRE MONTH OF WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM ACCESS FOR ONLY $3.99!

Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! It’s only $3.99 for the entire month!. You can cancel at any time and not be re-billed at our current rates.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/23/15): Lots of Updates in Hulk Hogan-Gawker case
Lots of news including a win for Gawker, the new police report, the remaining mysteries of the case, what Bubba the Love Sponge is saying, and more.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.

We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.

We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.

We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.

We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu  and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.

We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 30, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sheamus wins WWE title, Tenryu retirement show

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

• Want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Right now we have a special on the site for a one-month subscription for just $3.99. 
• There was a time when Thanksgiving was the biggest night of the year in wrestling.  For subscribers, the history of pro wrestling on Thanksgiving day
• We want to send our sympathies to the Gilbert family on the passing of Tommy Gilbert, a regular in Tennessee wrestling for a generation.
• Regarding the cancellation of the TNA tour of India, where the talent was supposed to be leaving this weekend, the talent has been told it will be getting paid for the tour.  By contract with their TV partners, TNA has to tour India once per year, so the tour has to be made up sometime soon.  TNA in its press release did not give a reason for the cancellation.  It was told to talent as logistical reasons and to others as security reasons.  It had nothing to do with ticket sales since the shows in India were free and being sponsored.  TNA had gotten work visas for like 50 people for the tapings. 
• The expectation would be that Smackdown will draw its lowest rating in history given Thanksgiving used to kill the Smackdown ratings in the past when it was a lot more popular show on Thursdays.  Point being, holiday night shows, nobody really takes the numbers too seriously.  For whatever reason, and it may something about the different nature of the audiences, TNA ratings when they were on Thursday were never hit so hard. 

WWE

• Dudleys talk WrestleMania, NXT and Velvet Sky in WWE and talkSPORT’s Gorilla Position podcast

UFC

• Holly Holm on Kelly & Michael

MISCELLANEOUS

• There are two more ZZ Inc. shows this weekend.  Tomorrow night in Merida has Blue Demon Jr. & Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Brodus & Low Ki & Johnny Mundo.  Saturday night in Cancun has Mysterio Jr. & Wagner Jr. & Demon Jr. vs. Brodus & Low Ki & Mundo, plus Jack Evans & Angelico & Prince Puma vs. Brian Cage & Chavo Guerrero Jr. & MVP, Speedball Mike Bailey & Drago & El Hijo del Dos Caras vs. Willie Mack & Magnus & Psicosis and more.
• Evolve has announced a tournament for its tag team championship with shows on 1/22 in Ybor City, FL, 1/23 in Orlando and 1/24 in Orlando (Royal Rumble weekend).  Teams announced are Chris Hero & Tommy End, Timothy Thatcher & Zack Sabre Jr., Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero, Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese and Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway.  Thatcher & Sabre vs. Hero & End will take place the fight night.
• Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Pineda has been added to the 2/19 Bellator show in Houston, which is the show headlined by Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie and Kimbo Slice vs. Dada 5000.
• Terry Funk talks the New Japan tag team tournament
• Glory runs next on 12/4 in Amsterdam,, Holland with welterweight champion Nieky Holzken vs. Marthel Groenhart and heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven vs. Benji Adegbuy.  The show will air live on ESPN’s streaming at 4 p.m. that day and tape delayed on ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. on 12/6.  It also airs on ESPN Deportes on 12/6 at 4 p.m.  The first Glory show on ESPN 2, which aired at 1:30 a.m. on 11/6, did 198,000 viewers. 
• CZW is offering a month of CZWstudios.com for free on Roku using the code CZWONROKU. 
• The CZW Cage of Death show, its biggest of the year, is 12/12 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore vs. AR Fox vs. Masada in a cage of death match plus Dan Barry & Bill Carr, Team Tremendous vs. BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks.  They have a Black Friday special with 20% off all General Admission tickets at www.czwrestling.storenvy.com
• Rob Van Dam hosts Extreme Championship Comedy featuring Sabu on the RVD YouTube channel
• Legacy Wrestling on 12/5 in Manheim, PA at 2913 Spooky Nook Rd., with Val Venis, AR Fox, Matt Tremont, Jonathan Gresham and Veda Scott.
• Smash Wrestling on 12/5 in Oshawa, ONT at Harmony Hall.
• Capital City Championship Wrestling on Saturday in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Club with a Battle royal
• Smash Wrestling results from Sunday in London, ONT:  John Greed b Tyler Thomas, Mike Rollins & Pepper Parks b Ben Ortmanns & Notorious TID, Candice LaRae won three-way over Courtney Rush and Jennifer Blake, Tyson Dux b Tarik, Scotty O’Shea b Tyler Tirva, Dillon Andrews won over Brent Banks, Facade and Kevin Bennett, Johnny Gargano b Sebastian Suave to retain the Smash Wrestling title (thanks to Steven Ashe and Adam Beazley)
• SPW on 12/20 in Sacramento at the SPW Arena with Brian Tannen defending his SPW title against Scoot Robertson.  Fans donating an unwrapped toy will get  half priced admission.
• GOUGE on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Durham NC at 723 Rigsbee Ave.
• Legacy Fighting Championships on AXS TV on 1/22 in Houston.  Kelly Faszholz (3-0) faces Valentina Shevcheknko (9-1) for the women’s bantamweight title that was vacated by Holly Holm.  Evangelista Cyborg Santos will be fighting on the show.
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 12/19 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jason Kincaid vs. Nick Hammonds for the Southestern title in a weapons cage match.  Also appearing will be NWA champion Jax Dane, Rob Conway, Kid Kash, Chase Owens and Ricky Morton.
• IWA Mid South tonight in Clarksville, IN at the Colgate Gym with Reed Bentley vs. John Wayne Murdoch in a no rope barbed wire fans bring the weapons match plus Chris Hero vs. Russ Jones.  Tomorrow night in the same building they are also running.
• NFC Fight Night on 1/22 in Kennesaw, GA at Electric Cowboy.  If you go to www.caegtix.com/nfc and use the code TMTOBLAS you can a free ticket with each paid ticket.
• Teddy Hart vs. Shelton Benjamin headlines an 11/30 show at the soccer stadium in Nuevo Laredo which also includes a six-man where the loser gets his head shaved or unmasked.
• Shows announced for the Auditorio in Tijuana are 12/18 with Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. L.A. Park vs. Damian 666 vs. Pagano and Bestia 666 & Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno in TNA) vs. Mr. Aguila & Mortiz, while 12/25 has Wagner Jr. & El Hijo de Rey Misterio & Super Muneco vs. Damian 666 & Pakal & Rey Misterio II.
• A tribute show for Mil Mascaras and Tinieblas was announced for 12/6 in Monterrey at Arena Coliseo featuring Tinieblas Jr. vs. Scorpio Jr. in a mask vs. hair match. (thanks to Kris Zellner)  
• RF Video announced they have a 40% off Black Friday sale tomorrow on selected titles.  
• Busted Knuckle Wrestling on Saturday night in Niagara Falls, ONT at 6101 North St.
• A Go Fund Me for former pro wrestler and bodybuilder Nicole Bass to save her from being evicted
• 40 years ago today in Miami Beach at the Convention Center

Karl Von Steiger b Omar Negro (Buddy Moreno/Omar Atlas)

Abe Jacobs d Rip Hawk

The Destroyer (Killer Kowalski) b Mike George

Tom Jones & Roosevelt (S.D.) Jones b Bob Roop & Roger Kirby-DQ

Cyclone Negro b Terry Funk

Rocky Johnson b King Curtis Iaukea

• Great North Wrestling tomorrow night in Rockland, ONT at the Jean Marc Lalonde Arena featuring Bushwhacker Luke and a TLC match.

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

1983 – Marty Jones beat Fit Finlay in Manchester to win the British light heavyweight title

1988 – Bruno Bekkkar beat Johnny Garcia (the younger brother of Tony Garea) to win the New Zealand heavyweight title

1992 – Aja Kong beat Bull Nakano in Kawasaki to win the WWWA title and Kaoru It beat Tomoko Watanabe to win the Japanese women’s tilte

AAA canceled Guerra de Titanes

The big pro wrestling news of the day is AAA cancelling Guerra de Titanes for no adequately-explained reason. They now have no TV tapings scheduled with just two weeks of TV in the can.  The speculation is that perhaps Rey Mysterio, who was one half of the main event versus Johnny Mundo for the vacant AAA Mega Title (Alberto Del Rio last champion), was unavailable, and thus the show is going to be postponed rather than canceled.  This would not be the first time AAA has stated a show was canceled when it was actually only postponed to a different date.

TV Tonight:

NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network has Bayley (c) vs. Eva Marie for the NXT Women’s Championship, Apollo Crews vs. Jesse Sorensen, Asuka vs. Dana Brooke, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. The Vaudevillains for the NXT Tag Team Championship, and the contract signing for Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe

UFC Tonight airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1, but it’s a “Before They Were Champs” special for Thanksgiving Eve instead of the usual news/talk show.

The Ultimate Fighter at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is a rerun of last week’s episode.

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America is the latest edition of the World Title Series.

The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is a new episode titled “Nice and Flowy.” Summary from Fox: Due to a twist in the competition, one fighter shows heavy emotion after being eliminated from the competition. Even though he won his fight, his shot at getting into the UFC is put on hold. After a sudden turn of events that brings another fighter back into the competition, Dana White has a big surprise for the fighters that will help them relax before the quarterfinals begin. In the first two quarterfinal fights, a European powerhouse sharpens his unorthodox style by planning to use an open stance and unpredictable angles to take down his heavy-chinned opponent. In the second quarterfinal fight, one fighter must work on extreme technical defense and polish his ground game if he has any hope of defeating his opponent.

ROH at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America has Laya Von Dutch vs. Tracy Aries, Moose vs. Carter, Donovan Dijak and J Diesel vs. Moose and Michael Elgin, and a main event of Jay Lethal © vs. Roderick Strong for the ROH Television Championship.

It’s Black Friday and that means Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online has a huge deal for you!

NEW AND RETURNING SUBSCRIBERS CAN RECEIVE AN ENTIRE MONTH OF WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM ACCESS FOR ONLY $3.99!

Please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW! It’s only $3.99 for the entire month!. You can cancel at any time and not be re-billed at our current rates.

Figure Four Weekly

Figure Four Weekly (11/16/15): Rey Mysterio vs. Low-Ki and The Anatomy of a Dream Match
A road report for Jersey All-Pro Wrestling’s 19th Anniversary show takes a deep look at the latest match in Rey Mysterio’s dream match tour vs. Low-Ki.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

We have one of the biggest issues of the year, with such a huge news week this past week.  We look at exactly what went into Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey, a story on the life and times of Nick Bockwinkel, the Reid Flair angle and build to Survivor Series, Destination America dropping wrestling, and the 104-year-old attendance record being broken, as well as the story behind the firing of Billy Gunn, an update on The Rock at WrestleMania, La Sombra to WWE, the AAA world title gets decided and a lot more are headline stories in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is on the site right now.

If you have an interest in history, this is a huge issue, as well as a perspective on what happened in the most talked about UFC fight in history.

We look at the fight, the background of Holly Holm, what is going on in Rousey’s life, what led to the upset, thoughts on a rematch, what it means for business, the early business notes on the fight including where PPV may come in, previous fights like this, and what happened after the fight. We look at UFC’s biggest upsets, the gambling perspective, rematch odds, business notes and match-by-match coverage with poll results.

The life and times of Nick Bockwinkel is one of the best bios we’ve done, with comments from people whose careers he has touched, my own personal thoughts on Bockwinkel, what current WWE superstar had his career path changed greatly because of a suggestion by Bockwinkel to an independent promoter, a look at his life, his career, some of his most famous matches, his career title history, the controversy over Hulk Hogan not getting the AWA title, his place in the business when it changed and life after wrestling.

We also look at the Reid Fliehr angle, how it was set up, comments by Ric Flair, how ESPN got exposed in its wrestling coverage, the Owen Hart DVD and more.

PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: November 23, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Holm defeats Rousey, Nick Bockwinkel passes away, more

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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

WWE

• Really the biggest surprise of this story is that it took so long: WWE released Brad Maddox today. He had just appeared on The Tonight Show as The Undertaker’s victim in an appearance to promote Survivor Series.
• The former La Sombra did an interview for Medio Tiempo talking his WWE career.  He said it had always been his dream to come to WWE and he’s been taking one-on-one English lessons three days a week as his main focus right now.  He seemed to indicate that there is no rush to get him going in terms of choosing a character, a new name, a TV start date, etc.  
• Dave Meltzer is a guest on the Ross Report with Jim Ross, up right now at Podcast One.
• Story about Bob Backlund and his new book up here.  Bryan and Dave interviewed Bob a few months back, which you can listen to here.
• Not a pro wrestling story per se, but Frank Gifford’s family issued a press release announcing that a postmortem exam revealed he was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. One major point being argued in the WWE concussion lawsuits of late is Konstantine Kyros (the wrestlers’ attorney) pointing out that WWE is now a major donor of the Concussion Legacy Foundation with Paul Levesque on their board, but WWE seemingly hasn’t been: 1. Pushing wrestlers to pledge their brains or 2. Asking the families to do the same postmortem. Basically, the question is that if they’re supporting the research financially, why aren’t they supporting it in other ways?
• WWE has begun uploading episodes of the old NWA World Championship Wrestling program on the WWE Network, years ranging from 1985 to 1987. It’s been a gradual process over the last day or so, but already around 30 episodes have been added.
• If you want to hear the man who was shot outside of the WWE Performance Center explain his side of of the story (he said he was just trying to get laughs), you can do so here.  
• Impact Wrestling TV taping tickets for January 5-9 in Bethlehem, PA, are on sale here and you can use the code SANDS2016 for a discount.
• Matt has a WWE Youtube observation: “Just thought I’d point something out from the WWE’s YouTube account, since that’s how I catch up on anything Raw related these days:  They uploaded exactly zero seconds of Sheamus speaking from Raw. Plenty of Triple H, Stephanie and Roman Reigns from that promo, but nothing from the guy who actually won the company’s top title. Guess they figured we weren’t interested in what he has to say, which I guess is accurate, given the rating the show got.  Not only have they not learned from the last two people they’ve done the cash in-Authority puppet trope with (Orton, Rollins), but they seem to be doubling down. Interesting.”
• Interview with our own Big Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Outsiders Podcast.
• Congratulations to Carmyn and Troy for winning the Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show Ode to Vinny song contest last night!  Both will receive brand new copies of WWE 2K16.  We do contest for subscribers all the time, and what better time to become a subscriber than right now with our $3.99 Black Friday Special!

Other Wrestling:

• Use promo code CZWONROKU to get one-month FREE on CZWstudios.com – if watching on Roku, in your web browser, and other devices. Visit the CZW Roku channel store to get the channel for your Roku.
• Nicole Bass is doing a Go Fund Me to attempt to avoid being evicted.
• Fire Pro Podcast reviews the Tenryu retirement show as well as a Survivor Series preview (taped Sunday morning, so listen to us talk about every possible situation that could have happened besides what they actually did) here.

MMA

• USADA officially suspended Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic from UFC competition for two years today. He could have gotten four years for “aggravating circumstances” but his admission of guilt (for using human growth hormone) was swift enough that USADA was fine with sticking to two years. It’s not clear yet if USADA was able to get a positive test result or if this was based entirely on his admission.
• Cathal Pendred announced his retirement today via Twitter. He claimed that his heart just isn’t in competing anymore although he does hope to stay involved in the sport in some way. Pendred competed on season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter and retires with a 17-4-1 record, including 4-2 in UFC. Pendred was perhaps best known as a training partner of Conor McGregor and is hugely popular in his native Ireland. He had lost his last two fights, including a first round KO at the hands of Tom Breese last month in Dublin.
• Invicta is working on a fight between Cyborg and Cindy Dandois that presumably would be at a catchweight of 140 lbs. It’s set to be the co-main event of Invicta FC 15, which will take place in Los Angeles, with a Strawweight title bout headlining the card.