In today’s update, the WWE’s decisions of late have a lot of fans scratching their head including Mick Foley, Jonathan Coachman continues to defend his statements on Twitter, Jon Jones breaks his media silence, and Solomon Crowe is now a former NXT talent.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on tonight in Indianapolis. Please send your reports to NEWSTIPS
FEEDBACK AND REPORT REQUESTS
We’re looking for live Raw reports tonight from Nashville as well, with Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live show. We’re also looking for reports on last night’s Lucha Underground tapings as well as the NXT shows this weekend from Venice and Fort Pierce, FL at Dave Meltzer
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.
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
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.
Here’s an hour-long MMA Fighting interview where Ariel Helwani interviews former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones about everything that has gone on in his life in the past year, the hit-and-run, arrest, and more. This is Jones’ first interview since everything went down this year.
Solomon Crowe is no longer with NXT. According to one person very close to the situation, “He left on his own terms.” They hadn’t done much with him at all during his entire run there. They had a hacker gimmick for him, and I’m told there were actually a lot of really cool ideas that were bandied about, but WWE went with the most absolute basic, simplistic hacker gimmick that didn’t get over at all and the rest is history.
Dave Meltzer will be a guest on the Ross Report tonight at 9PM ET.
WWE:
Jonathan Coachman is denying that WWE’s Sportscenter segment is a time buy. Coachman also had a classic line that he’s been defending himself on about how there weren’t any wrestling insiders who had ever taken a bump.
Tonight’s Smackdown will be a Thanksgiving-themed episode of the show. You know, the Divas in Pilgrim costumes and the like. All the things that make it so easy to take the Diva’s Revolution seriously.
WESH TV in Orlando put up the video of the WWE Performance Center shooting from several months ago. It’s not much. Well, aside from Armando Alejandro Montalvo being shot, though that seems to take place behind a police car. The first 15 minutes is him standing outside the Performance Center acting all crazy and trying to get inside. He does, in fact, rush the cops prior to being shot. He survived and is out of both the hospital and jail on bond, and will go to trial in February 2016. He is pleading not guilty to charges of resisting arrest, trespassing and aggravated assault on a police officer.
2K Sports released the New Moves Pack downloadable content for WWE 2K16 today and there’s a trailer to promote it. It includes new moves for Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Nikki Bella, and more. Bryan & Vinny & Craig will be giving away two copies of WWE2K16 on the show tonight. Subscribers have access to pretty regular contests with great prizes.
WrestlingDVDNetwork reported that the upcoming NXT’s Greatest Matches Vol. 1 DVD and Blu-Ray set will include a CM Punk & Seth Rollins vs. Antonio Cesaro & Kassius Ohno dark match from 2012. The set comes out on March 8, 2016.
Another one with Conor here where he says that Ronda Rousey is a great champion and will be back, and that Donald Trump needs to shut his mouth. Trump tweeted recently that Ronda was not a nice person. Strong words from the Donald.
WSOF is facing some pretty serious allegations that heated up today. It centers around Ali Abdelaziz acting as both a manager and a matchmaker and whether or not he went out of his way to use his position inappropriately. Well, more inappropriately than already wearing both hats.
A New WWE Heavyweight Champion was crowned last night at WWE Survivor Series(Check out Dave Meltzer’s recap) but it was quickly taken away when Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank. In the WWE World Heavyweight title tournament, Roman Reigns first defeated Alberto del Rio in the semi-finals and then his “best friend” Dean Ambrose in the finals to win the title. After refusing to shake HHH’s hand post-match, Reigns then speared Hunter. Out of nowhere, Sheamus entered the ring, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and after two brogue kicks pinned Reigns for the title.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer with the post-Survivor Series wrap-up show, all the matches and angles, is Roman Reigns the next Lex Luger, and more! Plus, New Japan notes, tons of mailbag questions and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with our post-Survivor Series wrap-up show! SHEAMUS IS THE NEW CHAMPION WTF! All the matches top-to-bottom, thoughts on the storyline with Roman Reigns and where it’s probably going, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
FEEDBACK AND REPORT REQUESTS
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s Survivor Series, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re looking for live Raw reports tonight from Nashville as well, with Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live show. We’re also looking for reports on last night’s Lucha Underground tapings as well as the NXT shows this weekend from Venice and Fort Pierce, FL at Dave Meltzer
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM ISHIKAWA AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC EARLY TUESDAY/LATE MONDAY
Tournament matches:
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Fale & Tonga
Bennett & Taven vs. Gallows & Anderson
Nagata & Nakanishi vs. Okada & Yoshi-Hashi
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
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.
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
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.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
Nothing thus far announced for Raw, which takes place in Nashville. The Buffalo Bills face the unbeaten New England Patriots in the NFL game. It will be interesting to see if the first hour curiosity coming off the title switches is enough to deliver a rating and how well they can keep that audience past the first hour.
It didn’t appear smart money came in, at least not significantly on last night’s show. While Roman Reigns was a 60-to-1 favorite to beat Alberto Del Rio, and Undertaker & Kane were 20-to-1 favorites, everyone could figure those results. Dolph Ziggler was a favorite and Reigns was only a -210 favorite over Ambrose in the finals (thanks to David Taylor)
WWE ended up the No 2 searched term on Google with 500,000 searches, but that’s misleading because a lot of the searches had to do with ISIS, and the searches were stronger no Saturday than Sunday. The Alvarez vs. Cotto fight had 1.2 million searches on Friday and Saturday.
The movie “Spectre,” with Dave Bautista, was No. 2 at the box office behind the Hunger Games in the U.S. this past weekend with $15,043,729 to give it a current total of $154,146,608 domestic. I was also No. 2 in Australia (thanks to James Stanios)
WWE
Announced last night on the PPV is the WWE would be doing a new reality show called “Ride Along” where two WWE performers will be talking in a car and it would be filmed. They also announced Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels as new guests on the Stone Cold Podcast and a new series called “Edge & Christian’s Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness.”
WWE stock closed down three cents per share today to $17.22.
Raw on 2/15 will be from the Arrowhead Center in Anaheim. Tickets go on sale on 12/11.
A story on Titus O’Neil filmed an episode of the show “Tanked” on Animal Planet this past week. The show will air in April. O’Neil, who I believe will be called by his real name, Thaddeus Bullard, said he wanted a University of Florida theme and not a WWE theme.
Dolph Ziggler will be doing a comedy show at Kowloon’s, the Chinese restaurant in Saugus, MA, that is the big pro wrestler hangout when they run in Boston. The show is scheduled for 12/12.
Tryouts for the spring 2016 season of Ultimate Fighter will take place on 12/14 in Las Vegas at the Red Rock Casino. They are looking for women’s strawweights, women’s bantamweights and male light heavyweights. Candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 34 and have .500 or better records in MMA with a minimum of three pro fights. Applications, which must be brought to the tryouts. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Fighters will be required to grapple and hit pads ad bring their own gear. The show will film in January and February and air starting in April.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal has a story on the UFC production unit
MISCELLANEOUS
TNA will be announcing a code on Wednesday on Dixie Carter’s Twitter for tickets to the TV tapings from 1/5 to 1/9 in Bethlehem, PA.
CZW on 12/12 has its annual Cage of Death show at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. The show will be at 8 p.m. Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore vs. AR Fox vs. Masada for the CZW title headlines.
One Championships has announced a 12/11 show in Manila, Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena. They expect a huge crowd with Philippines favorite Brandon Vera facing Shi Lewis Perry in a match to determine the first One heavyweight champion. They also have a brother and sister on the same show, with Angela Lee, who has gotten a lot of attention, as well as her younger brother, Christian Lee, both on the same show.
Jim Connors, who was the Time Warner Cable News Sports Director in Raleigh, passed away on Saturday at the age of 51. Connors conducted the Bruiser Brody shoot interview and also published wrestling results in different Philadelphia newspapers during the 80s.
Premier Wrestling on Saturday night in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge-Portuguese Hall with Jeff Cobb (6-3-1), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) and Joe Graves (2-1-1) in a round robin tournament fought European style with rounds. There will also be three judges for the matches, Oliver John, Dave Dutra and MMA reporter Danny Acosta. The show also featuers JR Kratos (9-2) vs. Gabriel Gallo (4-0) for the Premier title and a woman’s title tournament with Nicole Savoy (3-1), Kahmora (1-1), Raze (0-2) and Kikyo Nakamura (0-1). Vito Rea, a catch wrestling star, makes his debut with the promotion against Buddy Royal. Tickets are at www.premierwrestle.com.
Maryland Championship Wrestling on 12/4 in Felton, DE features Mick Foley and The Headbangers at Delaware Auto Exchange. They will be doing a 6:30 p.m. meet and greet. The Headbangers will also wrestle on the show.
In Your Face Wrestling on 3/12 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center featuring Bob Holly.
There was a wrestling show on Friday night in Windsor, ONT before the stag party for Tyson Dux at Club Alouette. Results were: Space Monkey b Sebastian Suave, Muscles Marinara b Bret MacLeod, Phil Atlas & Brent B b Ray Steele & Jake Something, Brad Martin b John Greed, The Fraternity b Al & Bryan Castle, Cody Deaner b Joe Coleman, Tyxon Dux & Aiden Prince b John E. Bravo & Idris Abraham (thanks to Steven Ashe)
L.A. Park, Pantera, El Hijo del Pantera and Lince Dorado headline for LuchaTO on 1/24 in Scarborough, ONT at 3107 Danford Avenue.
I Believe in Wrestling from Saturday night in Orlando: Braydon Knight b Chico Adams, Rex Bacchus b Slad Porter, Alexx Light b Gabriel Black, Brandon Scherer b CT Brown, Mark Silva b Tyranus, Rhett Giddins & Lince Dorado & Josh Parker b Mike Reed & Josh Hess & Ace Andrews. Next show is 12/5 with Santana Garrett and Teddy Hart.
Stardom today in Fukuoka, Japan: Alex Lee b Datura, Act Yasukawa b Hiromi Mimura, Kairi Hojo & Hiroyo Masumoto & Jungle Kyouna b Kyoko Kimura & Holidead & Kris Wolf, Mayu Iwatani b Kaori Yoneyama for the High Speed title, Santana Garrett b Io Shirai to win the Wonder of Stardom title. Garrett returns to the U.S. holding the Stardom title as well as the NWA title. (thanks to Al Haft)
Rockstar Pro Wrestling has a free show Thanksgiving night at the Rockstar Arena in Dayton with a five on five elimination match.
Here is a listing of independent wrestling charity shows in the upcoming weeks:
November
* Ultimate Championship Wrestling holds a benefit show on November 27 at the Prime Event Center in Bay City, MI. It was originally designed to benefit Cassidy Christie, the daughter of local wrestler Pete Christie. But Cassidy passed away on Veterans Day after a long battle from cancer. The show will go as UCW raises donations for her Church, St. Catherine of Sienna in Bay City, Michigan.
Many of the Michigan independent wrestlers from many promotions have agreed to donate their time for this special event. Former WWE stars Brian Christopher and Scotty Too Hotty team for the first time in Bay City. Also signed to appear is ECW legend Sabu.
* Come join the stars of NWA Vendetta Pro Wrestling on November 27 as they present Winter Wonderslam 2015 right back at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria, CA. Bring a new unwrapped toy, and receive a autographed collectible poster. Featured matches: Lil Cholo defends against So Cal Crazy for the Vendetta Pro Heavyweight Championship, The 3rd Annual Rowland Alexander Memorial Battle Royal, The Classic Connection (Levi Shapiro & “The Ace” Buddy Royal) defend their NWA Western States Tag Team Championship against The Von Dooms (Vintage Dragon & Cyanide)
* TRUE Wrestling Presents: ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas on Saturday November 28th, 2015 at the Salvation Army, 320 West Second Street, Berwick, PA. Doors open 6:00 pm (7:00 pm belltime). Scheduled to appear: Kras Van Tassel, Mark Maverick, Aaron Anthony, The Cash Masters, Tony Deppen, Aaron Arbo, and more. General Admission $10 advance/$12. Fans can save $5 off and receive a door price when you donate an unopened toy valued at $5 or more.
* New Jersey’s Old Time Wrestling is holding an annual food drive for all shows in November and December, returning to Williamstown, NJ on Saturday, November 21. Anyone who brings a bag of non-perishable foods will receive a $5 coupon which can be applied to merchandise, food, or admission at all OTW events. In addition, Pat King (in association with The Chive) will be traveling across the country from Texas to Philadelphia in a quest to gather donations to fight hunger. On November 30, he will be putting on a special benefit show in the OTW Arena in Williamstown, NJ featuring some of your favorite OTW stars. We ask that all who attend the event please bring nonperishable donations or use this link to help give to a wonderful cause www.gofund.me/fighthunger1
* Power Pro Wrestling returns to The Milford Delaware Boys and Girls Club, in Milford, DE on November 28 for our Toys For Tots show. All of your favorite PPW Stars will be there. Featured matches will be: Sicend defending the PPW Championship vs. Brittany Blake, Diaz vs Vic Ramon, Riot City defending the PPW Tag Titles vs BLKOUT, WBDC, and Pretty Ugly, Sonny Deeds vs. Michaels Amaydo, and Solo Darling vs. Veda Scott
December
* 3XWrestling presents Holiday Havoc 6 on December 4th, and the 3XW annual Toys for Tots Drive at the El Merenderos Event Center, 900 E Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA
* Pure Wrestling Association returns to Guelph, ON on December 4 for “Spirit of the Season” at the Red Chevron in Guelph, ON. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy and PWA will give you two colour posters.
* Pure Wrestling Association returns to Guelph, ON on December 5 for “Spirit of the Season” at the Alpine Club in Kitchener, ON. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy and PWA will give you two colour posters.
* Charity Wrestling Show comes to Kingston Gospel Temple, Kingston, ON, Canada on December 5 with a 7:00 pm belltime. All proceeds will go to Hands of Hope, a charity that provides groceries over the holiday season to families in need, Christmas presents for kids and more. There will be a meet-and-greet with legendary WWE referee Jimmy Korderas, legendary Canadian trainer Ron Hutchison and possibly another special guest.
* Hoosier Pro Wrestling continues giving back as they return to Columbus, IN on December 5 with Former NWA World Champion Tommy “Wildfire” Rich in action; Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Amazing Maria, Mad Man Pondo vs Cooter, the debut of Vic The Bruiser, a Heavyweight Title defense by TJ Kemp, a tag title defense by Big Country Clint Poe and Cowboy Marc Houston. Please bring a new or gently used toy.
* WAR Wrestling returns to Lima, OH on December 5 for United or Divided in a fundraiser for the Veterans Food Pantry. Front row sold out, second row $15, General admission is free will offering with 100% of the donation going to the Veterans Food Pantry.
* The originator of Toys for Toys events in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, United Wrestling Coalition, will be doing the same on December 5 at Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ
* 2300 (ECW) Arena presents a Toys for Tots collection at the CHIKARA Pro Wrestling season finale at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 5 with a 7:30 pm belltime. Hallowicked defends his CHIKARA Grand Championship against Eddie Kingston and Icarus.
* ECWA Pro Wrestling will hold its annual Toys for Tots show on December 5 at the Woodbury Heights Community Center, Woodbury, NJ
* Right Coast Pro returns to Newark, DE, at the Life Community Church, Otts Chapel Road, on December 5 show and will hold a food collection for the “Feed the Need Ministry” in Newark, DE at their monthly show.
* Atomic Championship Wrestling returns to Stevens Fire Hall (91 Stevens Road, Stevens, PA) on December 5 with a Toys for Tots collection and canned food collection.
* Crossfire Wrestling presents Jingle Bell Brawl IV on December 5 at The Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, benefiting The Niagara Children’s Centre Foundation with Former TNA Superstar Cody Deaner vs Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion “Showtime” Eric Young! General Admission tickets are available. Call the hotline at 905-329-2693 or go to http:// www.crossfirewrestling.com
* Pure Wrestling Association returns to Guelph, ON on December 6 for “Spirit of the Season” at Hafa Hall in Dundas, ON. Please bring a canned food item, and PWA will give you two colour posters.
* Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling returns to Warren, MI on December 6 for Hardcore With A Heart at The Ritz. Admission is five cans of food. The Main Event puts the 2015 Malcolm Monroe Sr Memorial Cup winner Jake Something and the Xtreme Intense Champion Orlando Christopher together to face off against The “Mad Dragon” Hakim Zane w/ Truth Martini in his corner and JOE COLEMAN w/ MARK GJOKA in his corner. ZACH GOWEN will defend his Lightweight title against the newest number one contender, who is not wasting any time to take advantage of his title shot, IDRIS ABRAHAM.
* Grumpy’s Bail Bonds Operation Christmas sponsors show in Portland, TN at the Richland Park Gym on December 11 with Ricky Morton, Bill Dundee, and TNA’s Crimson.
* Brew City Wrestling will run its annual Headlock for Hunger on December 11 at the Knight of Columbus Hall in West Allis, WI. The show features a food drive for the Hunger Task Force of Greater Milwaukee. Fans are asked to bring two non-perishable food items.
* Chaotic Wrestling will do its second Toys for Tots show of the year on December 11th at the Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St, Woburn, MA.
* Join Game Changer Wrestling in Howell, NJ on December 12. On that night we will be giving back! Not only via our Toys for Tots fundraiser, but to a pioneer of our industry, as we honor “Reckless Youth” Tom Carter for his contributions to the sport of Pro Wrestling. Not only that, but #WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele and the lovely Terri Runnels will be in the house. For this special celebration to kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves, get your tickets, NOW by calling the GCW Ticket line at 201-257- 8621.
* Chaotic Wrestling is joining forces once again with The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program on December 12. In Lowell, MA, we will be collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to help provide a happier holiday for families in need.
* All Star Wrestling presents Bodyslams For Toys on December 12 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC, Canada. Bring a new unwrapped toy for a boy or girls with at least a $10 value and get in FREE.
* Combat Zone Wrestling presents its annual Toys for Tots collection (in conjunction with the Marine Corps Reserve) to take place for the eleventh year in a row with Combat Zone Wrestling’s 17th annual Cage of Death on December 12 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. Cage of Death is part of an all day CZW event, including a Combat Zone Wrestling afternoon student show.
* GALLI Lucha Libre presents its annual GALLI Toy Drive Navidad event in Villa Park, IL on December 13,
* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle PPV on December 18 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 8:30 pm belltime.
* 2300 (ECW) Arena and Ring of Honor present a Toys for Tots collection at Ring of Honor’s TV taping on December 19 at the 2300 (ECW) Arena on December 18 with an 6:00 pm belltime.
* SCW Entertainment returns to the Coronaca Fire Department in Coronaca, PA for the 5th annual Toys for Tots event on December 19. Featured matches: Anderson Strong (c) vs. Dean Richards in a SCW Heavyweight Championship/30 Minute Iron Man Match, TJ Boss vs. Ben Wright in a Cage Match/Loser Leaves SCW/Winner is # 1 Contender to the SCW Heavyweight Title, and Kat Daddy (c) vs. Karl Hager for the SCW Internet Championship
* Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling will hold Wrestling With Hunger in at the Elks Hall #49 ,2272 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC on December 19 (8:00 pm belltime/ 7:30 doors open) to support Share Family Services Food Bank. All seats ONLY $16
* Wrestling for a Cause will run The Fight for Haylie on December 12 in Pryor, OK (7:00 pm belltime) . 100% of the show’s proceeds go to the family of a child with cancer.
* Keystone Championship Wrestling will hold its yearly Toys for Tots show, tentatively scheduled for December 19.
* Premiere Wrestling Xperience is offering an opportunity for spectators to bring a new unwrapped toy to the Hickory National Guard Armory, 1251 8th St NE in Hickory, NC on December 19. Spectators who bring a new unwrapped toy (with a suggested minimum value of just $10) can attend their event for only $10 and any child, aged 12 and under, who also brings an unwrapped toy will be FREE in rows 3-8.
* Great Canadian Wrestling presents Season’s Beatings ’15 on December 27 at Harmony Creek Community Hall, 15 Harmony Rd. N, Oshawa Ontario. This is the annual Christmas show for local food bank. Fans are asked to bring donations for Harmony Creek food bank. No matches yet announced.
Between all of these over the years, thousands of children have been able to have a Christmas or Hanukkah. Please help your local independent promotion do the same, or encourage them to schedule an event soon for the Holidays if they haven’t already. If you’re a promoter, PLEASE email me and let me know of your holiday charity themed plans (fund- raisers/collections for clothes, food pantries, Toys for Toys, etc.) at wrestling or MMA events to bobmagee1@hotmail.com.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1986 – Kuniaki Kobayashi beat Hiro Saito to win the All Japan world jr. title
1990 – Blue Demon Jr. beat Super Astro in Vallahermosa to win the WWA middleweight title
1997 – Momoe Nakanishi & Nanae Takahashi beat Megumi Yabushita & Sunmie Sakai in Kawasaki to wint he Japanese womens’ tag team tilte
2000 – Tomoaki Honma beat Zandig to win the Big Japan death match title in Yokohama
2003 – Don Fujii beat Susumu Yokosuka (Jimmy Susumu) to win the Open the Dream Gate title
2005 – Christopher Daniels won a three-way over Sonjay Dutt and Alex Shelley in Tokyo to win the Zero-One Max title
2010 – Naruki Doi & Gamma beat Susumu Yokosuka & K-Ness in Osaka to win the Open the Twin Gate titles
2012 – Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito & Naoki Tanizaki beat Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino & Shachihoko Boy in Saga to win the Open the Triangle Gate titles
WWE SURVIVOR SERIES FROM ATLANTA AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN
Semifinals and finals of WWE heavyweight title tournament – Semifinals are Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio and Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose – The expectation is that Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose will be the final and that one of the two will turn, and the one who turns will probably end up as champion. But not only is it subject to change, but as of this morning, the subject was still being debated and there was so final decision yet made.
There are arguments in favor of either one. There is the argument Reigns can get over as a heel and then people want him turned at some point and he can be the babyface champion the company wants. There is the argument that they’ve gone so long with pushing him as the heir to the position that they shouldn’t delay it another year or so for a heel run. If Reigns turns, you still have John Cena, Undertaker and Brock Lesnar on the face side for him to work with as top heel.
Ambrose is lower on that totem poll but if he turns, he can be top heel. Either way, Owens vs. Ambrose and presumably Ambrose vs. Reigns should be very good and carry the show.
Undertaker & Kane vs. 2 members of the Wyatt family – Not sure what to say about this one, other than unless they have an angle tied to it, it may not be much of a match.
Charlotte vs. Paige for Divas title – Not much to say about this one. The result will be telling in some form.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze – These two have torn it up on house shows, so it should be a good match
5 vs. 5 elimination match participants to be named
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s Survivor Series, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on the NXT shows this weekend if Venice and Fort Pierce, FL at Dave Meltzer
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM MIE AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC LATE SUNDAY NIGHT
Tournament matches:
Bennett & Taven vs. Evil & Naito
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Tanahashi & Elgin
Goto & Shibata vs. Anderson & Gallows
WWE Raw will be live on Monday night from Nashville.
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM ISHIKAWA AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC EARLY TUESDAY/LATE MONDAY
Tournament matches:
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Fale & Tonga
Bennett & Taven vs. Gallows & Anderson
Nagata & Nakanishi vs. Okada & Yoshi-Hashi
WWE Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
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.
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
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.
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Survivor Series as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
There is a story on the front page regarding precautions live in Atlanta for tonight’s show. There are still anonymous threats going around of ISIS attacks.
The show was close to sold out yesterday and is expected to be a sell out.
Bob Foster, who is considered one of the greatest light heavyweights in the history of boxing, passed away yesterday at the age of 76. He had been living in Albuquerque. Foster won what was considered the real world light heavyweight title from Dick Tiger on May 24, 1968, in Madison Square Garden. He held the title through 1974, when he retired as champion, although he did come back after that point, and fought for several more years, and never challenged for the title in his comeback. His most famous fights were as an undersized heavyweight, challenging both Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. He was knocked out by Frazier in 1970 and by Ali in 1972.
There were at last check 1.2 million searches on Google in the U.S. regarding the Canelo Alvarez vs. Miguel Cotto fight from last night. That fight and Ohio State football are the only searched terms, sports or otherwise, to top 1 million this weekend. A number at that level would normally correlate to a good PPV number. Nothing at all from UFC or Bellator over the weekend, but one wouldn’t expect that. Survivor Series will likely be in the top few today.
Regarding the decisions (source MMAdecisions.com) on last night’s show, in the Valmir Lozaro vs. Michel Prezeres fight that Prezeres won via split decision, a check of ten leading media writers who covered the fight (which included me) had it 10-0 in favor of Lazaro, who lost. I thought that was a real bad call. In the Enrique Marin vs. Erick Montano fight, where Montano won the TUF Latin America welterweight finals on a split decision, that could have gone either way, the media was split with six for Marin, three for Montano and one draw. In Henry Cejudo’s split decision win over Jussier Formiga, not only did all 13 including myself have it for Cejudo (who won), but ten of the 13 didn’t even give Formiga a round. In the main event, a split decision win by Neil Magny over Kelvin Gastelum, there were four media members who gave it to Magny, one for Gastelum and 11 (including myself) had it 47-47 a draw due to a 10-8 fourth round for Gastelum. Notable that 11 of 15 media members scored that round 10-8 but none of the three judges did. The only bad call was the opener as Marin vs. Montano and Magny vs. Gastelum could have been a win for Marin and draw in the main, but when you have fights that close, any decision is okay.
Goldust is ready to return and is on the road, although that doesn’t mean he’ll be used.
Ric Flair is also at the show today.
ESPN will be doing interviews at the show today.
A WWE event in North Rhine-Wesetphalia, near Dortmund, Germany, was canceled this past week due to the terrorist attacks in Paris and a bomb threat (which ended up being a hoax) in Hannover. It was scheduled from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. promoted off the company’s Germany language web site and moderated by Sebastian Hackl,the Germany language TV announcer. Starwatch entertainment was promoting it, which is affiliated with ProSeiben, the WWE’s TV partner in the country. Tobias Koppenhofer of ProSiebenSat.1 said there were no actual threats against the event, but they decided to cancel due to the rising threat of terrorism. They had only sold 80 tickets but claimed the cancellation was not due to that reason. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
UFC
Holly Holm will be on The Late Show tomorow night with Seth Meyers, along with Sarah Palin. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
The British band Chasing Cadence will be playing at all three TNA shows in the U.K. on 1/29, 1/30 and 1/31, in Manchester, London and Birmingham. All three shows will be taped for television in some form.
Charity Wrestling on 12/5 in Kingston, ONT at the Kingston Gospel Temple.
ONE ran a show in Beijing on Mainland China yesterday with Marat Gafinov beating Narantungalag Jadambaa via ref stoppage from a choke at 4:39 of the fourth round to win the featherweight title. Kairat Akhetov, a Greco-Roman specialist, outwrestled Adriano Moraes to win the flyweight title via split decision.
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before 220 fans: Baracus b Purple Passion, Bubba Troll & Jimmy D b Bobby D & Gunner, Chas Wesson b Iceman, Curtis Wylde b Sean Vincent, Gary Jackson b Ax-DQ, Ironman Ken Kasa b Brandon Espinosa-COR, Kahagas & Chris Hargas won three-way over Ron Powers & Red River Jack (Bob Orton under a mask) and Flash Flanagan & Heath Hatton (thanks to Larry Matysik)
Barry Rose sent this in as far as main event results during the history of the Florida territory for yesterday:
1956 – Ray Stevens beat Harry Smith 2/3 falls (Tampa TV)
1963 – Mark Lewin & Don Curtis beat The Assassins to win the NWA world tag team titles (Jacksonville)
1967 – Johnny Valentine beat Jose Lothario to keep the Florida title in a no DQ match (Tampa)
1968 – The Gladiator (Ricky Hunter) beat Nick Kozak to win the Florida title (Tampa TV)
1972 – Tim Woods beat Buddy Colt with Big Bad John as ref to win the Southern title (Tampa)
1973 – Dusty Rhodes beat Paul Jones via DQ in a Southern title match (Miami Beach)
1974 – Jack Brisco beat Terry Funk in a world title match, plus Dusty Rhodes & Jerry Brisco beat Dick Slater & Cowboy Bill Watts with Lou Thesz as referee, Bob Armstrong beat Pak Song to retain the North American title, Jos LeDuc beat Toru Tanaka to keep the Southern title and Mongolian Stomper beat Bob Backlund (Jacksonville)
1977 – Lars Anderson beat Steve Keirn to keep the Florida title (West Palm Beach)
1978 – Pak Song & Missouri Mauler & Mr. Uganda (Cyclone Negro) beat Dusty Rhodes & Killer Karl Kox & Sonny Myers, plus Dick Slater beat Mike Graham via DQ for the Southern title and Jack & Jerry Brisco beat Rising Suns (Tampa)
1979 – Harley Race beat Dusty Rhodes to retain the world title plus Manny Fernandez double count out Super Destroyer in a Florida title match (Miami Beach)
1980 – Dusty Rhodes & Sir Oliver Humperdink beat The Sheik & Lord Al Hayes in a cage match and Harley Race went to a 60:00 draw with Dory Funk Jr. to keep the world title, Baron Von Raschke beat Barry Windham to win the Florida title, Jack Brisco beat Dick Slater via DQ (Hollywood)
1982 – Dusty Rhodes beat Jake Roberts (Orlando)
Wrestlemerica TV tapings from last night in Barnesville, GA before 400 fans: Tyson Dean b Johnny Nixx, Andy Anderson & Pain b Fry Daddy & Iceberg, Glacier (original) b Billy Jack (not original), Corey Hollis b Jaxson James, Razor & Rowdy b The PS Playaz, Ken Anderson b Tommy Too much. Doc Gallows returns with shows on 12/18 and 12/19 in Griffin and Barnesville in a two-night tournament for their heavyweight title plus 12/19 also has Gallows & Mike Knox reforming their tag team in a cage match. They also announced A.J. Styles vs. Jimmy Rave on 1/8, a rematch of a great match they recently had (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Wood River, IL: Justin D’Air b C.J. Berry, Sean Orleans b Garret Shanks, Brandon Espinosa b Billy McNeil, Jason Khaos b Prince Moses, Kevin Lee Davidson b Bahamt, Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby b Rocket Mapache & Jackal, Mike Outlaw b Curt Stallion (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Lucha Xtreme from last night in Fresno, with a tournament for their U.S. title: Big Dogg b Al Azar, Skitzo b La Mascara, Skitzo DCOR Big Dogg, so no winner. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Premier Wrestling from Friday night in Winnipeg: Jay Walker b Adrian Barton, Mentallo b Alexander Prime, Flex Appeal b Shaun Moore & Antonio Scorpio, Shao Ming b Zack Mercury, Jackie Lee b Mentallo (thanks to Andrew Shallcross)
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1955 – Rikidozan beat King Kong in Tokyo to win the All Asia heavyweight title
1975 – Ron Miller & Johnny Gray won a tournament final in Melbourne to win the vacant Austra Asian tag titles
1992 – Scott Norton & Tony Halme beat Rick & Scott Steiner in Tokyo to win the IWGP tag team titles and Ultimo Dragon beat El Samurai to win the IWGP jr. title
1997 – Ulf Hermann & Christian Eckstein beat Rhino Richards (Rhino) & Jean Pierre Lafitte in Bremen to win the CWA tag titles
1998 – Momoe Nakanishi & Nanae Takahashi beat Manami Toyota & Yumiko Hotta in Tokyo to win the All Japan women’s annual tag team tournament
2011 – La Mascara beat Averno in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title
UFC’s debut in Monterrey, Mexico airs live on UFC Fight Pass and Fox Sports 1. The Fight Pass Prelims are at 6:45 p.m. ET including the TUF Latin America 2 finals, the FS1 prelims are at 8:00 p.m. ET with Erik Perez vs. Taylor Lapilus as the featured fight, and the main card is at 10:00 p.m. with a man-event of Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny, co-main of Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez, and a strong #3 fight in Jussier Formiga vs. Henry Cejudo. Formiga-Cejudo appears to be for a flyweight title shot, while Sanchez is making his featherweight debut (he’s rehydrated to over 171 pounds) and Gastelum is returning to welterweight.
We’ll be doing polls this weekend on only the Survivor Series.
We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday’s NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.
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.
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
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.
One person in WWE asked us to alert readers to rely on mainstream news sources like CNN or the local Atlanta news for updates on the ISIS/WWE story. WWE.com will also be posting any updates on the official website.
Our own David Bixenspan has a rundown and analysis of the new details in the police report about the Hulk Hogan sex DVD theft. The report adds in a lot of details that weren’t previously known about the theft of the videos and FBI involvement.
The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast talks to Zack Gowan. Gowan on being in WWE when he was young and green: I was just incredibly nervous and I wanted to perform. Looking back it’s really insane to think how much trust they had in me to perform what they asked me to perform considering I had no experience on television and had less than a year of wrestling and we were doing this angle that was never ever seen so there was no template to follow. We were literally flying by the seed of our pants and trying to come up with it on the fly. Looking back I have a greater appreciation for it now, because when you are in the middle of the hurricane you can’t appreciate how powerful it is. For me it’s the same thing with my WWE career and to be sharing the space with not only these wrestling legends but cultural legends of Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon is a guy I put up there with Walt Disney.
MMA
In case you missed it, former UFC fighter Brian Foster won the WSOF 8 man one night tournament to earn a lightweight title shot. He beat Joao Zeferino in the finals after submitting to him in just over a minute in the first round. If that sounds absurd…..it was. The final was actually one hell of a dramatic fight, though.
Speaking of WSOF, Paul Gift at Bloody Elbow has an excellent story detailing some of the struggles of the organization dating back years and how they almost had to cancel an event at the last minute.
One FC also ran a show earlier today and in the main event, Marat Gafurov unified the Featherweight title, beating interim champion Narantungalag Jadambaa in the fourth round by submission. They also have a new flyweight champion as unbeaten Kairat Akhmetov beat Adrian Moraes via split decision ton win that belt
Holly Holm was making appearances all over the place in the last couple of days. Among other things, she was a guest on the Dan Patrick Show on NBC Sports Network, syndicated afternoon talk show The Talk, Inside MMA on AXS TV and the 90 minute weigh-ins special yesterday afternoon. She came off very likeable in all her appearances and repeated over and over again that while she would be willing to wait until UFC 200 to face Ronda Rousey in a rematch if that’s what she was asked to do, she’d prefer to fight earlier than that.
Another fight has been added to the loaded Fight Night in Boston on January 17th as Featherweights Dennis Bermudez and Maximo Blanco square off in what will likely be a preliminary bout. The show will air on Fox Sports 1 and is headlined by a Bantamweight title fight between TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz.
MISC
While ROH was in Nashville, ROH Champion Jay Lethal did a local interview about race and wrestling, and enjoying being the champ.
Eric Young did an interview with Busted Open Radio talking about TNA’s move to Pop and how he likes Nickelback. Yep.
We’re looking for reports tonight on the ROH television tapings in Nashville (Young Bucks vs. Briscoes, Veda Scott vs. Heidi Lovelace, ODB vs. Taeler Hendrix plus Matt Sydal, Rocky Romero, Trent Baretta, Chris Sabin, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin, Jay Lethal, Moose, ACH, Adam Page, Kenny King, Rhett Titus, Dalton Castle, Donovan Dijak, Silas Young, Ray Rowe, Hanson and more) and the NXT house show in Venice, FL at Dave Meltzer
We’ll be doing polls this weekend on only the Survivor Series.
Tons of events this weekend:
NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 8 P.M. EASTERN (one hour early) ON AXS TV
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title
BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AND PACIFIC
Houston Alexander (202) vs. Guilhereme Viana (204.8)
Chidi Njokuani (170) vs. Ricky Rainey (170.8)
Bubba Jenkins (146) vs. Jordan Parsons (145.8)
Derek Campos (153.6) vs. Brandon Girtz (155.8)
Hisako Kato (185.8) vs. Melvin Manhoef (185)
LION FIGHTS (MUAY THAI) ON AXS TV AT 9 P.M. EASTERN
WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING TONIGHT ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK
Prelims at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific as WSOF.com
LaRue Burley (155.5) vs. Ramil Mustapayev (155.3) in the tournament reserve fight. Burley was supposed to face Joe Condon, who was moved into the tournament. Mustapayev was to face Benny Madrid, who fainted while cutting weight and was hospitalized.
Islam Mamedov (155.6) vs. Jorge Patino (154.9) in first round of lightweight tournament
Joe Condon (155.8) vs. Mike Ricci (155.9) in first round of lightweight tournament. Condon replaced Brian Cobb, who didn’t make weight, was announced as being ill, and has been cut by the promotion
Brian Foster (155.8) vs. Joao Zeferino (156) in first round of lightweight tournament
Luis Palomino (155.7) vs. Rich Patishnock (155.7) in first round of lightweight tournament
Jimmy Scully (165.4) vs. Roberto Yong (161.7)
Joseph Barajas (135.7) vs. Erik Villalobos (136)
Live on NBC Sports Network at 11 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Pacific
Tournament semifinals
Jason High (155.78) vs. Estevan Payan (155.2)
Tournament finals
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 OPENING NIGHT AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TONIGHT/TOMORROW MORNING FROM KORAKUEN HALL IN TOKYO ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
David Finlay & Mascara Dorada vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
Tiger Mask & Juice Robinson vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Captain New Japan & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Matt Taven & Michael Bennett & Gedo
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jay White vs. A.J. Styles & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga & Cody Hall
Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba in tournament
Tetsuya Naito & Evil vs. Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson in tournament
Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii in tournament
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi in tournament
We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday’s NXT show in Fort Pierce, FL.
UFC FROM MONTERREY MEXICO
Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. EASTERN
Valmir Lazaro vs. Michel Prazeres
Cesar Arzamendia vs. Polo Reyes
Alvaro Herrera vs. Vernon Ramos
FS 1 at 8 p.m.
Gabriel Benitez vs. Andre Fili
Scott Jorgensen vs. Alejandro Perez
Bartosz Fabiniski vs. Hector Urbina
Erik Perez vs. Taylor Lapilus
Efrain Escudero vs. Leandro Silva
Enrique Barzola vs. Horacio Gutierrez in TUF Latin America lightweight final
Enrique Marin vs. Erick Montano in TUF Latin America welterweight final
Henry Cejudo vs. Jussier Formiga da Silva
Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny
NEW JAPAN TAG LEAGUE 2015 FROM TOYOHASHI AT 3 A.M. EASTERN AND MIDNIGHT PACIFIC LATE SATURDAY NIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD
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.
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
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.
We will have radio shows tomorrow night covering the UFC show, Sunday night covering Survivor Series and Monday night covering Raw. I’ll be talking a lot more about the Raw angle tomorrow.
Jerry McDevitt has filed two major motions this past week. On Monday he failed a 49-page motion attempting to get the concussion lawsuit filed by Russ McCullough, Ryan Sakoda (Kejii Sakoda) and Matt Wiese (Luther Reigns) dropped due to the claim it is time barred by Connecticut law that states a plaintiff has two yeas from the date he or she has sustained an injury to bring a negligence claim.. None of the three have performed in a WWE ring since 2005.
McDevitt also filed a 51-page motion to oppose Konstantine Kyros’ attempt to get the lawsuit filed by WWE against Bob Windham (Blackjack Mulligan) dismissed
A.J. Brooks, married to CM Punk, known as A.J. Lee during her time with WWE, has signed a deal to write an autobiography for Penguin Random House books for publication in the spring of 2017.
Barring a last minute change, the originally planned Sasha Banks vs. Natalya match that was going to be the preshow match on Sunday is off. The match was never advertised and no angles were shot to promote it this week and it’s been confirmed it’s off the current lineup for the show.
The stock up was 13 cents per share today to $17.25.
Tickets for the next NXT tapings, on 1/22 (the Friday night before Royal Rumble) at the University of Central Florida Gym, are on sale now with the code NXTLive
In Canada, The Fight Network will be airing WSOF at 11 p.m. Eastern, followed by boxing from the Hard Rock, and then at 6 a.m. will air the ONE show from China, Enfusion at 3:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow from Holland and the prelims of the UFC show at 8 p.m.
Bellator has finalized its 12/4 show in San Jose:
Josh Thompson (21-8, 1 no contest) vs. Pablo Villaseca (10-1)
Georgi Karakhanyan (24-4-1) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-9)
Patricky Pitbull Freire (14-6) vs. Derek Anderson (12-2, 1 no contest)
Former K-1 star Narantungalag Jadambaa (imagine having to announce that name) faces Marat Gafurov for the One featherweight title in Beijing China tomorrow. Both weighed in today at 145 pounds. The co-main event has Adriano Mores vs. Kairat Akhmetov for the flyweight title.
NWA Mid South on 12/4 in Tunica, MS at the Resorts Casino with Matt Sydal vs. Kincaid plus Rob Conway, Matt Riviera, Jim Cornette and Moose.
Metro Pro Wrestling on 12/5 in Kansas City at the Turner Rec Center with Jeremy Wyatt vs. Mark Sterling in a 60 minute Iron man match, plus Ace Steel vs. Ricky Morton.
Premier Wrestling Experience on 12/19 in Charlotte at the Hickory National Guard Armory has a Toys for Tots drive show.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1970 – John Tolos beat La Pantera Negra in Los Angeles to win the United National title
1972 – Jim Breaks beat Bill Ross in Nottingham to unify the British and European lightweight titles
1985 – Solar beat Cachorro Mendoza in Mexico City to win the UWA welterweight title
1992 – Super Deflin beat Pantera II in Tokyo to win the UWA super welterweight title
1995 – Shark Tsuchiya beat Megumi Kudo in Sendai to win the WWA independent women’s title
1998 – Hiromichi Fuyuki beat Hayabusa in Yokohama to win the FMW World Brass Knux title
We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT tapings in Winter Park, FL at Dave Meltzer Austin Aries, Chad Lail (Gunner) and James Storm have all been backstage at the event.
Smackdown tonight on Syfy:
Cesaro vs. The Miz
Dudleys & Neville vs. The Ascension & Stardust
Zack Ryder vs. Tyler Breeze
Charlotte vs. Brie Bella non-title
Kalisto vs. Big E
Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens & Alberto Del Rio
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.
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
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.
This is the WWE statement regarding the Paige-Charlotte angle from Raw on Monday:
“Subject matter this personal is only approved as a result of the strong advocacy of the talent themselves. Notwithstanding that, WWE is ultimately responsible for what airs in its programming.”
On tonight’s Smackdown show, they will announce the Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze match added to Sunday’s Survivor Series show.
Jon Jones on Instagram strongly suggested his return date would be 4/23, which is the day UFC has Madison Square Garden booked.
Ratings on Destination America last night weren’t good.
Impact at 9 p.m. did 202,000, the all-time low in the time slot.
ROH at 11 p.m. did 114,000 viewers, the second lowest since ROH was cut to one airing
Impact at midnight did 78,000 viewers, on the low side but not near record lows.
The USA Network announced the annual WWE week which will start on 12/20 with airing the movie “Santa’s Little Helper,” followed on 12/21 with Raw, which will be the Slammy Awards show, a live Smackdown on 12/22, and the two-hour version of the Tribute to the Troops special on 12/23.
Sorry to report the death yesterday of Todd “Oly” Olsen, a regular for All-Star Wrestling out of Vancouver, who actually gave Bryan Alvarez his first pro wrestling lessons in 1995.
The Fight Network in Canada announced they are going to be moving TNA to Tuesday night, so it will air in Canada the same day as in the U.S.
POP TV, which is the new home of Impact starting on 1/5 only broadcasts in SD on DirecTV.
Our Gary Juster interview talking Nick Bockwinkel and ROH will be up on the site later this afternoon.
ROH announced shows for 2/19 and 2/20 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
On tomorrow night’s World Series of Fighting show in Phoenix, with a tournament for a lightweight title shot, the first round of the tournament will take place before the TV on NBC Sports Network start sat 11 p.m. The tournament matches ill be available starting at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific on WSOF.com. The semifinals and finals will air on NBC Sports. First round has Islam Mamedov vs. Jorge Patino, Brian Cobb vs. Mike Ricci, Brian Foster vs. Zoao Zeferino, Luis Palomino vs. Rich Patishnock.
The New Japan tag team tournament begins Saturday at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time at Korakuen Hall.
With TNA moving to Pop TV, Paragon Pro, which had been on the channel, will start airing on 11/19 on Tuff TV at midnight Eastern time, as well as on Fight Net, Yoo Too America Dish Network and WADL in Detroit.
WWE
WWE stock today lost 32 cents per share after a big day yesterday, closing at $17.12 per share.
The Paterson Armory in Paterson, NJ, which was a regular stop during the territorial days, was taken down this past Friday. It hasn’t been used for wrestling in forever. Mike Omansky noted to us he was there for a sold out show with hundreds turned away, and loads of police having to be used to clear out people without tickets demanding to get in, for a show headlined by Bruno Sammartino vs. Dr. Jerry Graham and The Tolos Brothers vs. Gorilla Monsoon & Killer Kowalski in a battle of heels back in 1964.
Holly Holm appear on Inside MMA tomorrow night at 11:30 p.m., one hour eariler than usual. She’ll be joined by coaches Mike Winklejon and Greg Jackson, The show will feature a report from Albuquerque and also talk to Dave Oancea, who bet $20,000 on Holm and won $240,000.
Michael Bisping started a new weekly Thursday talk show from 6-8 p.m. with comedian Luis J. Gomez called The Countdown today on Sirius XM Ch. 93.
Ultimate Insiders with Daniel Cormier, Paige VanZant and Frankie Edgar on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a special on the Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum fight that Werdum won the title i airing on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FS 1
Dennis Bermudez vs. Maximo Blanco was added to the 1/17 show in Boston on FS 1.
UFC Fight Pass today announced a new deal with the Omaha based Victory Fighting Championship promotion. They will have their entire tape library dating back to 2002 up in early January, and will run all VFC shows live, with the first on 1/29 headlined by Elvis Mutapcic vs. Anthony Smith for the middleweight title.
MISCELLANEOUS
There is a ZZ Inc. show tonight in Leon with Fireball & Rey Hours vs. Speedball Miike Bailey & Willie Mack, Mr. 450 Hammet & Mickie James & Dinastia vs. Bestia 666 & Taya & Mini Charly Manson, Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Daga & Sonjay Dutt & Seiya Sanada, Fenix & Garza Jr. & El Hijo del Dos Caras vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Magnus (Nick Aldis, the GFW champion) & Psicosis, and Blue Demon Jr. & Dr. Wagner Jr. & Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Brodus Clay & Drew Galloway & Johnny Mundo. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Scotty 2 Hotty Garland, Gangrel and others will be appearing for Big Time Wrestling on 11/20 in Norfolk at the Scope Events Center and 11/21 in Powhatan, VA at the High School. Promoter Tony Hunter noted strong advances for both shows and that he’s expecting 2,000 fans in Powhatan. Photos and autographs are 6-8 p.m. on Friday and 5-7 p.m. on Saturday prior to the start of both shows.
AAW has an already sold out show on 11/28 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium although there may be additional tickets at the door. Check www.twitter.com/aawprothe day of the show. Ethan Page vs Eddie Kingston vs. Trevor Lee for the AAW title headlines, plus Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Dave & Jake Crist (Jake’s final AAW match) for the tag title, Chris Hero vs. Pentagon Jr., Christian Faith vs. Gregory Iron, Fenix vs. Tommaso Ciampa, Louis Lyndon vs. Alex Shelley, ACH vs. Davey Vega and Tyson Dux & Matt Cage vs. Shane Hollister & Markus Crane.
CZW and WSU run Saturday in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone. There will be a 4 p.m. show headlined by Jessicka Havok & Matt Tremont vs. Pepper Parks & Allysin Kay and Leva Bates vs. Solo Darling, as well as Marti Belle & Mia Yim (Jade) vs. Bill Carr & Dan Barry and other men vs. woman matches. The 8 p.m. show has Tremont vs DJ Hyde for the CZW title and Team Tremendous vs. The Hooligans, Joey Janela vs. Lio Rush, Danny Havoc vs. AR Fox, Drew Gulak vs. Masada and more.
The Pac 12 Network announced it will be airing wrestling starting with Penn State vs Stanford on Sunday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. They will be airing seven meets this season culminating with the Pac 12 conference championship meet live from Arizona State on 2/27. The second show will be Stanford vs. Cal State Bakersfield on 12/17.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 11/27 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel with Rickey Shane Page vs. Ethan Page, Alex Shelley vs. Louis Lyndon, Chris Hero vs. Tim Donst, Johnny Gargano vs. Candice LaRae vs. DJ Zema Ion vs Alex Daniels and more. They also run 12/5 in Cleveland at the Martin Luther Church with Tracy Smothers vs. Grado, Cliff Compton vs. Frankie Flynn and more.
There will be a major judo tournament, the Qingdao Grand Prix at www.ippon.tv on Sunday featuring eight time world champion Teddy Riner of France returning to international competition.
Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 11/28 in Oshawa, ONT at the Oshawa Legion 43 with Xandra Bale vs. Jewels Malone in a falls count anywhere match.
UWC on 12/5 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall. Admission is free if you donate an unwrapped toy with a suggested minimum value of $10 at the door. There will be free door prizes.
RFA on 12/11 with Andy Townsend vs. E.J. Chavez from the Orange County Fair and Event Center on Costa Mesa, CA, which also airs live on AXS.
Tier 1 Wrestling on 12/4 in Deer Park, NY at the NYWC Sportatorium.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane defending the NWA title against national champion Arrick Andrews, plus Jason Kincaid defends the Southeastern title against ROH’s Ray Rowe.
Big West Wrestling on 12/11 in Kelowna, BC at Lake City Bowling & Billiards. They also have dates there on 1/22, 2/19 and 3/18.
Northern Championship Wrestling on 11/28 in Montreal at Centre Brussels.
Alpha-1 Wrestling on 12/13 in Hamilton, ONT at 166 Greenmountain Road with Eric Young vs. Scotty O’Shea and Amazing Red vs. Alessandro del Bruno.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1906 – Clarence Weber beat Buttan Singh in Melbourne to become the first Australian born Australian heavyweight champion
1966 – Ray Stevens & Art Nelson beat George & Sandy Scott in Melbourne to win the IWA tag titles
1970 – Larry Hennig & Bob Windham (Blackjack Mulligan) beat Thunder Sugiyama & Great Kusatsu in Ashikaga to win the IWE tag titles
1974 – Alfonso Dantes beat El Halcon in Mexico City to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title
2004 – Hector Garza & Tarzan Boy & El Terrible beat Canek & Black Warrior & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. in Mexico City to win the CMLL trios titles
2006 – Mistico beat Black Warrior in the tournament final to win the IWRG super welterweight title
2011 – Takeshi Morishima beat KENTA in Tokyo to win the Global tournament
2011 – Ricochet beat Pac (Neville) in Osaka to win the Open the Brave Gate title
The most talked-about story since Raw continues to be the Charlotte/Paige interview where Charlotte’s brother, Reid, who passed away, was used as heat to further the storyline.
Yesterday, Charlotte’s mother expressed her disgust on Twitter for the angle. On Ric Flair’s newest Woo Nation podcast, Ric said he was never contacted by WWE about the angle in advance, and said he cried while watching it. In an attempt to remain as political as possible, he said Charlotte was not in the position in her career to say no to any angle, that if he was a fan he wouldn’t have liked it and that he wouldn’t have booked something like that himself. He said at the end of the day, he was still going to be at Survivor Series and he thought the two girls were going to have a great match and that would lead to people forgetting about the angle.
Also, despite reports to the contrary, Ric’s co-host Conrad said the story that the angle was Charlotte’s idea is one hundred percent false.
NXT airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network with a main event of Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss for the Women’s Championship.
Impact Wrestling airs at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America with more of the World Title Series.
A rerun of last week’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
The Ultimate Fighter airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 with a new episode titled “Bullseye.” This will include not just the Coaches’ Challenge, but the final preliminary fight and the decision of which winning fighter will not advance due to having an uninspired performance.
ROH airs at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America with The Kingdom vs. The Addiction for the ROH World Tag Team Championship in the main event.
Fox Sports Live at 11:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 opens with the “TUF Talk” segment going over The Ultimate Fighter.
Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.
We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.
We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.
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
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.
Why is John Cena gone right now? He announced on Twitter that he is hosting a new series coming to FOX called American Grit, a reality show focused on 16 contestants that will go through military and survival themed challenges. Given that UFC is also on Fox, you have to imagine there is some hope for cross-promotion and, dare we say it, a cageside interview? We have gotten reports that the show is being taped at least in part in Washington State.
The whole Alberto Del Rio/AAA/Mega Title controversy will be settled officially at this year’s AAA Guerra de Titanes on December 4th. After all the talk about doing some sort of title tournament, the company changed their mind and it will not be Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Johnny Mundo for the vacant championship in a singles match.
Oddly enough, there is a poster for Guerra de Titanes that not only has Alberto del Rio front and center, but is also advertising that it will be his farewell show.
Here’s a random fun fact: the 2/29 edition of WWE RAW will be their first Leap Year edition in company history. Yes, they already have a hashtag for it.
TSN jn Canada has cancelled Off The Record, Michael Landsberg’s long-running interview show that regularly featured pro wrestlers at times. Landsberg was always really well-prepared and the boom period wrestling interviews were popular among tape traders back in the day for how good they were.
Bill Goldberg told Channel Guide Magazine that TNA had been contacting him with ideas. He noted that he did a movie where one of his main adversaries was Bram of TNA. He didn’t seem like he was strongly considering the idea.
TNA’s Dixie Carter noted that she was heading to Los Angeles, likely to get people thinking that she’s working on some sort of TV deal. She may very well be. However, last week she teased that there might be something in the works with Spike TV, and suffice to say, there was not and is not.
Some corrections to Paul Fontaine’s Nick Bockwinkel column from reader Jeff Sharkey: His famous Winnipeg Arena match with Ric Flair was not title vs. title (Bockwinkel wasn’t AWA Champion at the time)
MMA
Pre-sale tickets are available for UFC’s return to Boston on Sunday, January 17th featuring bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominic Cruz. Pre-sale tickets available here by using ‘BOSTON’ as the code. Public on-sale starts this Friday.
Inside MMA will have a “Special Edition” episode about Holly Holm this Friday night at the special time of 11:30 p.m. ET on AXS TV.
Former Bellator VP and well-known MMA personality Sam Caplan is this week’s guest on Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, available on Wednesday night EST here on the site.
We’re also looking for live reports from Raw in Greenville, SC with Superstars matches. dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show. Tonight’s show, the go-home Raw for Survivor Series, features quarterfinals of the WWE championship tournament, with Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Kevin Owens vs. Neville and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler. Undertaker is also booked on tonight’s show so they’ll probably do an Undertaker & Kane vs. Wyatt Family angle of some sort.
We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s Lucha Underground tapings in Boyle Heights, Saturday’s WWE show in Minehead, England and NXT shows in Winter Haven, Orlando and Sebring, Florida, at Dave Meltzer.
Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.
We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.
We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.
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
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.
And speaking of Twitter, Lana and Paige went at it on each other last night, a few tweets of which have already been deleted. Essentially, it started out with Lana claiming that Paige bullied her when she was in NXT. It was a discussion point within WWE today, and suffice to say, it’s not an angle.
In a non-coincidence, Charlotte is the guest on WWE’s weekly SportsCenter segment tonight.
Fox 13 in Tampa reporting that police are saying that Matt “Spiceboy” Loyd, a former Bubba the Love Sponge employee, is who stole and leaked the sex videos of Hulk Hogan and Heather Cole. His name had come up in the past but there had been nothing concrete.
The intro for WWE’s “Owen: Hart of Gold” home video release, which is coming out on DVD and Blu-Ray on December 8th, is now available as a preview on YouTube.
Also, as noted on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio, although she never signed the contract for the Divas Title match on Sunday at any point during the angle, WWE.com shot a photo of her signing backstage after the show went off the air.
Here’s a feature on WWE Hall-of-Famer Bret Hart’s appearance in Utica, NY.
The Rock posted a video on Instagram of the promo before his very first wrestling match back for the USWA. He was a better promo on day one than half the guys on the roster today, perhaps more. Thanks to Mike K.
Speaking of, today is the anniversary of Rock’s first-ever PPV match for WWE.
Other Wrestling
The lineup of CMLL talent heading to the Fantastica Mania shows in January have been announced. Mistico, Volador Jr, Atlantis, Guerrero Maya Jr., Dragon Lee, Fuego, Stuka Jr., Mascara Dorada, Titan, Panther, Hechicero, Mephisto, Ultimo Guerrero, Bobby Z, Virus, Okumura and Cavernario Barbaro.
“Tuesday Night At The Gardens,” Jim Cornette and Mark James’ new book about Louisville wrestling history is now available at Amazon.
Battle Arts Academy has a nice little show planned for 12/6 in Mississauga, Ontario, with Mr. Kennedy, Dalton Castle, Ricochet, Kongo Kong, Rocky Johnson, Pepper Parks, and more.
Here’s a local story on an extra that got asked to play a bigger role in “Chokeslam”, a movie Mick Foley & Sir Lance Storm are in. (Thanks to Mike K.)
Here’s a story about a local pastor bringing wrestling to Milford, DE, with a show featuring Tito Santana. (Thanks to Mike K.)
On the newest edition of Between the Sheets, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan are joined by Shimmer founder/booker/promoter/announcer Dave Prazak to discuss the week that was November 10-16, 1996. Topics include Curt Hennig jumping to WCW and how WCW botched most of the guys that jumped in this era, Great Sasuke’s influence on wrestling, Chris Jericho’s adventures in Japan, Antonio Pena losing his mind over La Parka jumping to Promo Azteca/WCW, ECW with a memorable November to Remember, and Randy Savage almost jumping to the WWF in 1996.
This week’s Fire Pro Podcast looks at the fall of Ronda Rousey as well as a review of WCW Spring Stampede 2000 here
UFC & MMA
Kenny Florian doesn’t think it would be a good idea to give Ronda Rousey an immediate rematch despite the fact that very early odds for a future rematch have her listed as the favorite. On his and Jon Anik’s podcast, he said, “I think it would be a very bad mistake to give Ronda Rousey an immediate rematch with Holly Holm. I’m telling you now, I don’t think she’s ready. I think she needs to revamp her footwork, revamp her striking and know how to face a southpaw like Holly Holm. If she goes in there and loses for a second time the UFC will lose their biggest star.”
Bellator announced Patricky “Pitbull” Freire vs. Derek Anderson for their 12/4 event in San Jose, CA, headlined by Josh Thomson vs. Pablo Villaseca. The promotion also announced they are heading overseas for three shows in 2016, doing shows in London, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Italy. No dates were announced, but they confirmed the London show will be held at O2 Arena and will be tape-delayed in the U.S.
Here’s a quick hitter from Dana White on Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie in 2016. Needless to say, this is a much different White response than it would have been several years ago.
Scott writes: “Last night (11/16) I was at the Baby Buggy 15th Anniversary Benefit Comedy Show at the Beacon Theatre here in NY where Amy Schumer performed along with Jerry Seinfeld. During her set, Amy said something along the lines of ‘After the Ronda Rousey fight this weekend everyone kept saying that Holly Holm chick “looked like a fit Amy Schumer.” What the hell!? I’M a fit Amy Schumer!’ Not too much on the fight and just a reference used as a joke but the crowd definitely knew what she was referencing, and this was all mainly affluent older New Yorkers.”
Holly Holm is getting even more mainstream notice. Actress/comedienne Amy Schumer tweeted out today “Thanks everyone for congratulating me on my win Saturday. #UFC” and Holm responded by telling her she looked stunning in there.
Titan FC runs on 12/18 in Kansas City, MO, featuring flyweight champion Tim Elliott vs. Pedro Nobre in the main event.
The prelims for Saturday’s UFC did an incredible 1,394,000 viewers up against college football and the Democratic debate. A strong prelim number is usually indicative of a big PPV number.
WSOF announced the full card lineup for Friday’s WSOF 25 on NBC Sports Network. Only one actual fight is announced for the televised card since the early fights are streaming at WSOF.com. Not announcing the lineup ahead of time is usually a recipe for ratings disaster and this show is going up against a Bellator show on Spike and the usual Friday night AXS TV Fights. It would be very surprising if this show does any even close to a good number.
We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 193 and also the Tenryu retirement show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for live reports from Raw tonight in Greenville, SC with Superstars matches. dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show. Tonight’s show, the go-home Raw for Survivor Series, features quarterfinals of the WWE championship tournament, with Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Kevin Owens vs. Neville and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler. Undertaker is also booked on tonight’s show so they’ll probably do an Undertaker & Kane vs. Wyatt Family angle of some sort.
We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s Lucha Underground tapings in Boyle Heights, Saturday’s WWE show in Minehead, England and NXT shows in Winter Haven, Orlando and Sebring, Florida, at Dave Meltzer
Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.
We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.
We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.
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
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.
It’s pretty much official today, which has seemed likely since ROH lost prime time, Destination America will be dropping all its pro wrestling programming. ROH announced its new expansion in syndication into a number of key markets today in conjunction with the news of being off DA.
Axl Rotten on Twitter noted that former ECW star Hack Myers will be undergoing brain surgery at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Best wishes to Myers on a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
I hope Raw does a feature on Nick Bockwinkel tonight. They have run a nice five minute tribute feature on the network I’m told with comments from Gene Okerlund, Greg Gagne and Baron Von Raschke. One thing making it a solid shot is that he’s in their Hall of Fame. If Jerry Lawler was still on Raw, it would be a lock since he and Bockwinkel had so many big matches. But I’m guessing at the very least, John Layfield would bring his name up and say something nice about him.
The WWE.com had a poll of fans who they most want to win the tournament. The numbers have fluctuated over the past two days, but the last time I checked, Cesaro was way ahead with 36 percent, and unless somebody shows this result to Vince and presses him on it, one would think Cesaro has no chance to win today. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose were dueling evenly for second place, both around 19-21%, with Kevin Owens around 13-16% while there very limited support (as in less than 5%) for Dolph Ziggler, Kalisto and Neville, and less than no support for Alberto Del Rio.
It’s Undertaker week on the WWE Network, including Undertaker’s Greatest Rivals part one tonight after Raw with JBL and part two after Smackdown with several wrestlers talking about their matches with him in a panel format. There will also be a 25 year special on Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Undertaker’s Gravest matches on Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Topps has announced a new WWE trading card series, Undisputed, that will be released on Wednesday. It will have the most autographed cards of any previously released WWE card product, from current names like Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Charlotte and Sasha Banks, to Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart, Trish Stratus Ric Flair, and NXT stars like Sami Zayn, Samoa Joe and Enzo Amore, as well as Pete Rose, Lawrence Taylor, Razor Ramon, Big Bossman, Junkyard Dog, Davey Boy Smith, Curt Hennig and Jay Strongbow.
Spectre with Dave Bautsita remained No. 1 at the box office in the U.S. with $35.4 million this past weekend. It debuted at No. 1 in Australia with $12,069,993 (thanks to James Stanios)
This made its way around the Internet recently, but WWE Divas champion Charlotte told The Sun that she would align herself with the Authority in order to make a match with Ronda Rousey happen. Here’s the interview.
The city of Albuquerque is planning a big celebration of sorts for Holly Holm’s title win over Ronda Rousey on Saturday.
The Holm title win was on the back cover of both of Melbourne’s daily newspapers with further coverage in both the news and sports sections. There were also editorials about the brutality of the sport and using the term sport in quotes. (thanks to Daniel Arnephy)
Tickets for the UFC 1/17 show in Boston featuring TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title, Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez, Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione, Tim Boetsch vs. Ed Herman, Paul Felder vs. Daron Cruickshank, Patrick Cote vs. Ben Saunders and more go on sale Friday to the public at 10 a.m priced from $250 down to $50. Fight Club members can get ticketsWednesday and there will get a code for an Internet pre-sale on Thursday.
Josh Koscheck will make his Bellator debut at Bellator 148 on Friday, January 29th against Matt Secor at Fresno, CA’s Save-Mart Center. In the co-main event, Paul Daley faces Andy Urich, so if both men win, you have a ready-made big fight for an early-2016 tentpole show.
Former UFC title contender, current podcast host, and ESPN analyst Chael P. Sonnen will receive the George Tragos award at the 2016 National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Dan Gable Museum during induction weekend on July 14-16. The George Tragos Award is given to an exceptionally competitive wrestler who adapted his or her wrestling skills and competitive nature to excel in MMA.
Dong Hyun Kim will now fight Dominic Waters at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea on November 28th. Waters replaces Jorge Masvidal, who was moved up to the headline bout against Benson Henderson when Thiago Alves was forced out due to a rib injury. Waters made his UFC debut in July, losing a decision to George Sullivan at the TUF 21 Finale.
MISCELLANEOUS
AAA results from last night in Ciudad Juarez for a TV taping: Dinastia b Mini Abismo Negro, Speedball & Australian Suicide b Daga & Steve Pain, Garza Jr. & Psycho Circus b Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro, El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Parka Negra & Taurus b Blue Demon Jr. & Electroshock & La Parka, Rey Mysterio Jr. & Psycho Clown & Chris Masters (as a mystery babyface) b Averno & Chessman & Psicosis. Psicosis replaces Cibernetico, who was at Arena Mexico and has left AAA. Pretty much sold out. After the show, Rey Mysterio Jr. & Konnan came out and talked about the history of wrestling in Ciudad Juarez, and Konnan also talked about Eddy Guerrero, who started his career in that arena. This was the first major AAA show in the city in years (thanks to Antonio Garza)
Barry Rose pointed out that today is the 36th anniversary of the death of Eric the Red, real name Eric Hansen, a week after suffering serious head injuries after being hit by a car in Tampa after he had wrestled that night in Miami Beach. Eric Hansen’s intro to pro wrestling was notable as he was from British Columbia, and Karl Gotch was taking on all comers with the idea anyone who he couldn’t submit in five minutes would win money. The wrestlers trained Hansen, who was a huge guy, to just hold onto the ropes so as not to go down, and he was able to do it. Of course, in wrestling, soon that was built up that some fan got the better of Gotch, and JWA in Japan, hearing about that, booked him for a tour and that’s how his career got started.
Premier Wrestling on 11/28 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge-Portuguese Hall with a one-night three-way round robin with Jeff Cobb (6-3-1), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) and Joe Graves (2-1-1) fought with rounds. JR Kratos (9-2) vs. Gabriel Gallo (4-0) will be the main event. There will also be a womens’ title tournament with Nicole Savoy (3-1), Kahmora (1-1), Raze (0-2) and Kikyo Nakamura (0-1). Tickets are at www.premierwrestle.com
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Council Bluffs, IA: Con Artiest b Robert Storm, Marek Brave won Battle Royal, Pat Powers b Purple, Hype Gotti & Tony Cortez & Zac James b L-Ray & Joey Daniels & Paul Daniels, Devin Carter b Dalton Lee Roth, Mad Dog McDowell & Jon West b Connor Braxton & Eddie Machete, Mark Sterling b Marek Brave. Next show is 11/29 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
SPW from Sunday in Sacramento: Airon Skye won over Johnny Maverick, Scoot Robinson and Truex, Rik Luxury b James Von Eeerie, Sir Samurai & Drake Fost b Mustafa Saed & JD Bishop and TLO & Jonny Yen, Daniel Torch b Will Roberts, Scoot Robertson b Joe DeSoul, Michael Hayashi b Virgil Flynn, Brain Tannen (formerly in WWE developmental) b JR Kratos-DQ. Next show is 12/20 with Tannen defending against Robertson at the SPW Arena in Sacramento. (thanks to Mike Millerick)
NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN: Tim Storm b Josh Lewis, Jeremy Moore & Roosevelt b The Posse, Rob Conway b Apoc, Van Vanhorn b Chris O’Neal, Heat Seekers b Matt Riviera & Storm to keep NWA tag titles.
WrestleZone from Saturday night in Aberdeen, Scotland before 840 fans, a sellout: The Rejected b Mr. P & Kaden Garrick, Shawn Johnson b Lord Mr. Malice, William Sterling b Blue Thunder Damien b Bryan Tucker & Johnny Lions, Lewis Girvan & Debbie Sharpe b Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayen, Scotty Swift won over Alan Sterling, Crusher Craib & Bingo Ballance. Mick Foley was at ringside as commissioner for the night. Foley used Mr. Socko on Russell and Sterling at one point on the show.
CHIKARA ends season 15 on 12/5 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with Hallowicked vs. Icarus vs. Eddie Kingston for the Grand Championship in the main event.
Lucky Pro Wrestling from Sunday in Clinton, MA: Verne Vicallo & Delmi Exo b Tequilla Rosee & Tomahawk, Davianne & Travis Gordon b Scott Levesque & Nikki Valentine, Tessa Blanchard & Anthony Greene b Scotty Slade & Alexus Nevaeah, Jessicka Havok & Brandon Webb b Natalia & Anthony Stone, Keith Gordon b Christian Casanova, Anthony Greene & Tessa Blanchard b Verne Vicallo & Delmi Exo, Davianne & Travis Gordon b Brandon Webb & Jessicka Havok, Tessa Blanchard & Anthony Greene b Daviaenne & Travis Gordon to win tournament
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1968 – Skull Murphy beat Tex McKenzie in Melbourne to win the IWA title
1973 – Sara Lee & Sylvia Hackney beat Mariko Akagi & Peggy Kuroda in Fukushima to win the WWWA tag titles
1979 – Rusher Kimura beat Verne Gagne via count out in Wakayama to win the IWE title. This match was Gagne’s last pro wrestling singles match defeat
1982 – Faraon beat Mascara Ano 2000 in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title
1986 – Blue Panther beat Gran Hamada in Mexico City to win the UWA jr. light heavyweight title
1996 – Hisakatsu Oya & the Head Hunters beat Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuihiro Kuroda in Osaka to win the World Six Man Street fight titles
2012 – Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) beat Marty Scurll in St. Ives to win the IPW British cruiserweight title
We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 193 and also the Tenryu retirement show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer
We’re also looking for reports on the WWE show yesterday in Minehead, England and NXT shows in Winter Haven, Orlando and Sebring, Florida, and today’s Lucha Underground taping in Boyle Heights and ICW show in Glasgow to Dave Meltzer
Raw will be live Monday night from Greenville, SC. The show will feature the quarterfinals of the WWE championship tournament. The quarterfinals have Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Kevin Owens vs. Neville and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler. I believe all four bouts will be on the show Monday but it’s possible they may hold one of them off until Smackdown. Undertaker and Kane will be back on Raw this week to build Survivor Series.
Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.
We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.
We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.
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
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.
I’m sorry for being so shaken last night in the show about Nick Bockwinkel. Thanks to Bryan for doing a show so quickly after already completing a show.
Insane Championship Wrestling out of Scotland, the group Grado and Drew Galloway are the big stars of, announced after selling out a 4,000 seat arena today that they are going to take a much bigger step and try and run the 13,000 seat SSE Hydro Arena.
Roderick Strong didn’t wrestle last night in the ROH Survival of the Fittest match in Hopkins, MN, due to suffering a concussion in his Friday night match in Milwaukee, from a kick by Cedric Alexander. The impression we got last night is they don’t think it’s a bad concussion, but it is a concussion and you can’t be risking it.
Aside from needing plastic surgery on her lip that was split in two, Ronda Rousey was okay physically last night. Even though she was knocked out, the reports were that they don’t believe she suffered a concussion.
Ronda Rousey got more than 10 million searches on Google this weekend, more than anything but Paris. Usually that correlates to a buy rate number, which would be through the roof, but in this case I don’t think it predicts anything. Joanna Jedrzejczyk had 50,000 searches yesterday.
After Michael Elgin won Survival of the Fittest, which earns him a title shot, he said he’d like to get the shot in Tokyo. The plan is for 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome.
WWE
Congratulations to Randy Orton, who got married to Kim Kessler yesterday in Las Vegas.
Tickets for the 2/21 Fast Lane PPV in Cleveland at the Quicken Loans Arena go on sale to the public on 11/21.
Reader Reed Benson, who lives in mainland China, noted that the CCTV English news channel covered the Wayne Rooney appearance on Raw with King Barrett, on Friday. Then on Saturday, they showed it again and the anchor said he just wanted to see it again. Benson said that’s the only two times he’s seen anything wrestling related on CCTV’s news in either English or Chinese.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk suffered a broken hand in the co-main event last night where she defeated Valerie Letourneau by decision.
On Friday Meredith Vieira on her show talked about the thing in Ronda Rousey’s book about beating up her boyfriend when he shot nudes of her without her knowledge. She said the UFC should step up and do something and set a precedent like Major League Baseball.
In UFC 193 picks, David Bixenspan led the way again with 4-1. Dave Meltzer, Josh Nason, Jack Encarnacao, Front Row Brian, John Pollock, and Mike Sempervive all went 3-2. Steve Juon and Mike Sawyer were each 2-3.
Tim Kennedy said he’s positive Vitor Belfort is still using steroids and implies others are as well
Things I wish I hadn’t seen: “What I really think the world needs is another Holocaust, but this time for the Islams of the world…The ones who REALLY should be extinguished. HAIL TRUMP.” That was from Tammy Sytch.
St. Louis Anarchy from last night in Alton, IL: Christian Rose b Jojo Bravo, Matt Cage b Danny Adams, Trik Davis b Mike Outlaw, Devin & Mason Cutter b Mikey McFinnegan & Zakk Sawyers, DJ Zema Ion b Everett Connors, Jordan Lacey b Gerald James-DQ in a 2/3 fall match, Mat Fitchett won Royal Rumble
St. Louis Anarchy from Friday night in Alton, IL: Paco Gonzalez b Steve O Reno, Alex Castle b Mike Outlaw, Matt Cage b Trik Davis, Jeremy Wyatt & Christian Rose b Mikey McFinnegan & Zakk Sawyers, Gerald James b Davey Richards to retain title in a 2/3 fall match, Ricky Starks won four-way over Mallaki Matthews, Jordan Lacey and Jay Howard, Davey Vega b DJ Zema Ion, Mat Fitchett b Jojo Bravo, Evan Gelistico & Adam Caster & Danny Adams & Everett Connors b Devin & Mason Cutter & Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell-DQ (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Santana Garrett retained her NWA women’s title today in Tokyo at Korakuen Hall over Holidead on the Stardom show. It was the first time the NWA women’s title was defended in Japan in a long time. One report dated it back to when Moolah went, and I don’t think Moolah went after the late 60s. Results saw Jungle Kyouna b Morno Watanabe, Haruka Kato & Saori Anou b Hiromi Mimura & Starlight Kid, Act Yasukawa & Kris Wolf & Kyoko Kimura b Alex Lee & Datura & Kaori Yoneyama, Kairi Hojo b Mika Iwata, Io Shirai retained her Wonder of Stardom title over Sendai Sachiko, Meiko Satomura retaied her World of Stardom title over Mayu Iwatani via ref stoppage after she passed out from a choke (thanks to Al Haft)
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Ottawa at the SPK Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre
Lucha Toronto on 1/24 in Scarborough, ONT at 3107 Danforth Ave. with L.A. Park, Pantera, El Hijo del Pantera and Lince Dorado.
Chaos for Canines on 11/22 at 2 p.m. in Toronto at the Longbranch Legion.
CWF on 11/20 at the Mid Atlantic Sportatorium in Gibsonville, NC with Shane Helms, appearing for a meet and greet and a 2/3 fall triathlon match.
Lucha Xtreme from last night on Fresno TV: Guerrero de la Muerta b Jesse Poole, La Mascara (not the CMLL wrestler) b Chad Dougals, Mortal b Brandon Groom to win the Lucha Extreme title. Next TV taping is Saturday in Merced, CA at the American Legion Post at 939 W. Main St. at 5 p.m.
Main Event Wrestling in Rushton, LA last night before 350 fans with Drew Gulak and Timothy Thatcher. Action Jackson b Soldier Ant, Safari b Devyn, Manimal b Rodney Mack, Matt Justice b Raphael King, Chase Stevens & Cassidy Riley b Timothy Thatcher & Drew Gulak, Big Daddy Yumyum b Moonshine Mansell (thanks to Charles Humprhreys)
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in Swansea, IL before 400 fans: Barracus b Brent Meyers, Gunner b Jimmy D, Sean Vincent & Chas Wesson b Bubba Troll & Curtis Wylde, Jake Dirden DDQ Ax, Chris Hargas & Brandon Espinosa b Bobby D & Ironman Ken Kasa, Bobby D won Battle Royal, Flash Flanagan b Gary Jackson-COR (thanks to Larry Matysik)
Maryland Championship Wrestling from last night in Joppa, MD: Bruiser b Fenix Fury, Kai Katana b Hoss Hagood, Hell Cats won three-way over Punk Rock All-Stars and Dixon Line, Renee Michelle b Tessa Blanchard, Eddie Smooth b Bo Nekoda, Eric Chapel & Dirty Money b C-Fed & G-Fed, Mickie James b Amber Rodriguez in a loser leaves town match, King McBride b Brandon Scott. Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, JJ Dillon and Baby Doll were there talking about their memories of their days wrestling in Baltimore. They have shows on 12/4 in Felton, DE at the Delaware Auto Exchange with Mick Foley and The Headbangers, and 12/26 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Chyna, Ethan Carter III and Ashley Massaro.
UPW November to Dismember in Rochester, NY from last night: Ryan Cassidy b Jordan Falco, Marc Hauss b Carter Mason, Cheech b Kevin Bennett, Ethan Page b Coconut Jones, Tigerslayer 08 b Home Wreckers and Rochester Wrecking Crew in three-way to win tag titles, Lionel Knight b Space Monkey, Venomous NC Rik Matrix, Mattlick NC Cloudy, Professor Wessler & Dewey Lee & Chip Stetson & LaDiva & Eric Rosecroft b Victor Lord & Ron Falco & Thomas Torrens & Yamaraj & Dave Jacobs in a Survivor Series match, Maximo Suave b Tito Santana-DQ (thanks to Todd Brantley)
