Category: Daily Updates

UFC 193 Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm

Ronda Rousey did a last minute PPV sell job by getting in Holly Holm’s face and saying that she sees through her fake nice girl persona.

While I’m sure they will announce 70,000 as the attendance, the real number will not be close.  But Etihad Stadium will be full or very close to it.  There were thousands of lower priced tickets left as of yesterday.  The gate right now is $8.5 million in Australian dollars which is $6 million plus in U.S. dollars, so it’ll be among the biggest gates in UFC history but not close to the Toronto record or that of the recent WrestleManias.

If you go back five years, it is completely ridiculous that a show headlined by two women’s fights will legit draw more than 45,000 fans live and whether it does or doesn’t, it is entirely possible can do 1 million buys on PPV.  The very concept of that would have been unheard of to the point it would be ridiculous.

I guess because of the Rousey vs. Correia numbers, this is the first time for a Rousey headlined show that I haven’t seen tons of stuff about how the show will bomb and how the UFC blew it with putting her on top because nobody is going to buy it.  Remember all those WNBA analogies on why this was going to flop?  

Joanna Jedrzejczyk whispered to Valerie Letourneau at a media event that she was going to end her career.  Most figure that the fighters who have the biggest chances to make themselves stars are Joanna, Holm (if she wins, however great the odds are) and perhaps Robert Whittaker for the Australian market.

There were about 9,000 fans at today’s weigh-in, the second largest number in UFC history. 

Nothing from the show is trending on Google, unlike Rousey’s last fight where she started trending days before the fight and did totally ridiculous numbers.

UFC has brought Julianna Pena to Australia, which seems to indicate they may want to have something set up with her and Rousey if Rousey wins.  Right now the plan is for Rousey, if she wins, to headline UFC 200 in July next, as she’ll take time off for movie commitments.

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Nottingham, England, NXT in Orlando, ROH in Milwaukee (A.J. Styles & Young Bucks vs. Jay Lethal & Donovan Dijak & Joey Daddiego, Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly for tag titles plus Survivor of the Fittest matches with Mark Briscoe vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Hanson vs. Kenny King, Jay Briscoe vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Ray Rowe vs. Rhett Titus, Adam Cole vs. Michael Elgin vs. Moose, Dalton Castle vs. Silas Young vs. Adam Page and Roderick Strong vs. Cedric Alexander), NXT in Orlando and House of Hardcore in Philadelphia shows. 

We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE shows in Newcastle, England and Bologna, Italy, yesterday’s NXT in Winter Haven, FL and Wednesday’s show in Rome at Dave Meltzer

We’ll be doing polls this weekend on both UFC 194 and the Tenryu retirement show.

WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS ON AXS TV at 9 p.m.

Kenny Omega vs. Ryusuke Taguchi for IWGP jr. title

Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata for IWGP tag titles

These matches are from the 1/4 show at the Tokyo Dome.

HOUSE OF HARDCORE AT 8 P.M. EASTERN AT WWW.RFVIDEONOW.COM

Tony Nese vs. Alex Reynolds vs. JT Dunn

Eddie Kingston vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Chris Hero vs. Lance Archer

Bobby Roode vs Austin Aries

Rhino vs. Abyss

Tajiri & Tommy Dreamer vs. Ethan Carter III & Eric Young

LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ON AXS TV

Brian Collete (206.6) vs. Manny Mancha (207) in a Legacy light heavyweight kickboxing tournament semifinal

Myron Dennis (208) vs. Andres Van Elgelen (206.7) in a Legacy light heavyweight kickboxing tournament semifinal

Trent Meaux (135) vs. Joel Scott (136)

Kolton Englund (159) vs. Gabe Duhon (163)

Sean Soriano (155) vs. Josh Quayhagen (156)

Ryan Spann (184.1) vs. Leonardo Cruz (184.6) for middleweight title

Winners of the light heavyweight tournament semifinals meet for championship in the main event

WWE finishes out the European tour on Saturday with shows in Minehead, England (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt) and Stuttgart, Germany (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the IC title).  We’re looking for reports on those shows, as well as the Lucha Underground tapings which begin tomorrow night in Boyle Heights, CA, ROH in Hopkins, MN featuring the finals of the Survival of the Fittest tournament with the six winners from Friday night’s qualifying matches doing a six-way match, as well as NXT in Sebring, FL and the House of Hardcore show in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center.

UFC SATURDAY NIGHT FROM ETIHAD STADIUM IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRAILA

Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m. Eastern time

Ryan Benoit vs. Ben Nguyen

Steven Kennedy vs. Richard Walsh

Steve Montgomery vs. Daniel Kelly

James Moontasri vs. Brendan O’Reilly

FS 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern

Richie Vacuik vs. Danny Martinez

Anthony Perosh vs. Gian Villante

Kyle Noke vs. Pete Sobotta

Jake Matthews vs.

PPV AT 10 p.m. Eastern

Jared Rosholt vs. Stefan Struve

Uriah Hall vs. Robert Whittaker

Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Bigfoot Silva

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Valerie Letourneau for strawweight title

Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm for bantamweight title

TENRYU RETIREMENT SHOW FROM SUMO HALL IN TOKYO AT 1 A.M. EASTERN LATE SATURDAY/10 P.M. PACIFIC TIME

Jushin Liger & Ryota Chikuzen & Gurukun Mask & Shigeno Shima & Dragon Joker vs. Onryo & Kuuga & Taru & Minoru Fujita & Yasu Kubota

Great Kabuki (he famous one from the 80s) & Kai & Buki vs Great Kojika & Jun Kasai & Toru Sugiura

Shiro Koshinaka & Arashi vs. Taiyo Kea & Yuto Aijima

Ricky Fuji & Sanshiro Takagi vs. Kikutaro & The Winger

Meiko Satomura & Tomoka Miyagi vs. Dash Chisako & Sendai Sachiko

Yoshinari Ogawa & Kendo Ka Shin vs. Nosawa & Kennichri Arai

Koki Kitahara & Ryuji Hijikata & Kotaro Nasu vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima & Hikaru Sato & Kazuki Hashimoto

Riki Choshu & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Akitoshi Saito & Ryuichi Kawakami

Yoshiaki Fujiwara & Yoshihiro Takayama vs. Minoru Suzuki & Kazunari Murakami

Suwama & Yuji Okabayashi vs. Daisuke Sekimoto & Kazuyuki Fujita

Genichiro Tenryu vs. Kazuchika Okada

This show features world champions from three different offices, Big Japan (Okabayashi), NOAH (Suzuki) and New Japan (Okada).

Sunday has Insane Championship Wrestling in Glasgow, Scotland with Drew Galloway vs. Grado in what will be the most attended show from a UK based promotion in 33 years, as well as the second day of the Lucha Underground tapings in Boyle Heights, CA.

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.  It’s possible all of these matches will be on Raw, or that some may be taped for Smackdown.

Smackdown tapings are Tuesday night in Knoxville.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer: November 16, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Seth Rollins injury, Wrestlekingdom 10 matches

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

FRIDAY DAILY UPDATE

• Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of Eddie Guerrero.
• As noted earlier today, the Royal Rumble is sold out.  Tickets went on sale to the public today although there have been a couple of pre-sales dating back to August.
• The largest crowd ever in the U.S. for a legitimate wrestling match will be tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA for the Iowa vs. Oklahoma State dual meet.  There were 34,000 tickets sold to the event as of Wednesday afternoon, doubling the all-time collegiate dual meet record.  With good weather and tons of people expected coming to town for the Iowa vs. Minnesota football game tomorrow night, they are hopeful of a good walkup with talks of 37,000 to 40,000.  The show will air on tape delay on the Big 10 Network (DirecTV 610, Dish 405) ion Sunday at about 6:15 p.m.   The previous dual meet record was 15,996 fans for the Penn State vs. Pitt meet on December 8, 2013.
• Today’s Ben Askren vs. Luis Santos ONE welterweight title fight never happened because Santos weighed in at 172 pounds.  Askren then told Santos he would fight him in a non-title match as long as Santos agreed to be weighed in going into the cage at less than 190 pounds.  Santos showed up gigantic to Singapore.  Santos refused.  Victor Cui, the president of ONE, was furious at Santos for turning down the fight.  Santos then called Askren a pussy for not accepting the fight under any weight, since the title wasn’t going to be at stake.  “If the fight is not for the belt, why does it matter?  At this point he’s just scared.  I’m ready to fight him, but it looks like he’s not.”  Way to dig the hole deeper, buddy
• After being fired by WWE today, Billy Gunn was announced as appearing on 2/5 and 2/6 for Preston City Wrestling in the U.K.  
• There will be a web site get together on Friday, 4/1, for WrestleMania weekend, at the Texas de Brazil Steak house in Dallas at 5 p.m.  We’ll have more on that as time approaches

WWE

• Brad Maddox was identified on the Tonight Show on Wednesday night.  It was at the very end of the show, long after the skit, when everyone on the show was being thanked, they used the name Brad Maddox, even though that’s not his real name.   
• WWE stock didn’t move today, staying even and closing the weekend at $16.38 per share.

UFC

• The Fight Network will be airing UFC 157 (Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche), UFC 175 (Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida; Ronda Rousey vs. Alexis Davis) and UFC 190 (Ronda Rousey vs Bethe Correia) starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning until 7 p.m. to build to the Rousey vs. Holm fight.
• UFC announced the launch of the UFC app on Amazon’s Appstore, available on all Amazon Fire streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick.  It will have streaming access to all PPVs as well as Fight Pass.
• Cain Velasquez interview from Australia
• Uriah Hall talks tomorrow’s fight with Robert Whittaker
• As story on how the Rousey vs. Holm promo came together

MISCELLANEOUS

• Josh Nason talked with Michael Chiesa on this week’s PunchOut on the web site right now.  They talked about his upcoming fight with Jim Miller.  
• The ESPN 30 for 30 special “The Prince of Pennsylvania,” which was great, is not airing on the U.S. version of Netflix (thanks to Shane Browne)
• In the new episode of the Winter Palace podcast, Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated talks about the sports media, including his podcast with Paul Heyman, wrestling podcasts and the Observer column in the National and Frank Deford’s appreciation of it.  Deitsch and second guest Leonard F Chikarason each also talk about old school Howard Stern show memories.
• Northeast Wrestling tonight in Waterbury, CT at Wilby High School featuring Bret Hart, Velvet Sky, Rey Mysterio, and the Hardys.
• There is a Go Fund Me campaign I want to mention for longtime subscriber Patrick Jones.  Last May, his body shut down including his arms, and his arms up to his elbows and legs below his knees needed to be amputated.  He was just released from the hospital two weeks ago, and still has many more procedures in front of him.  There will also be a nine pin bowling tournament to benefit him in Moline, IL at Highland Park Bowl on 12/5 with prizes awarded as a fund raiser.  https://www.gofundme.com/patrick_davis
• Maryland Championship Wrestling was announced a streaming service called MCWRageTV.com for $4.99 per month to watch footage of all the latest events and new original content.
• Lots of people noted that there was a Bullet Club shirt shown at the Jets-Bills game last night.
• La Sombra vs. Rush headlines Arena Mexico tonight.  It may or may not air at www.ClaroSports.com  You never know until showtime whether it’ll air won’t air, or will air and be blocked in the U.S.  
• CMLL results from Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Nube Roja & Yaqui b Mr. Apolo & Chakal, Espanto Negro & Metalico & Sangre Azteca b Oro Jr. & Soberano & Stigma, Kraneo & Olimpico & Ripper b Angel de Oro & Diamante Azul & Maximo Sexy-DQ, Rey Bucanero b La Mascara to retain the NWA historic light heavyweight title, Euforia & Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla b Atlantis & Mistico & Volador Jr.  They set up a main event for this coming Tuesday in the same building with Volador Jr. defending the NWA historic welterweight title against Casas. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Sunday will be the first time the NWA women’s championship was defended in Japan since the last time Moolah defended there (around 1969).  Santana Garrett defends the title at Korakuen Hall against Holidead. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Tanner Saraceno from Tough Enough will be fighting tomorrow against Tommy Metzger in a amateur middleweight title fight for UWFFC that will be streaming at GFL.TV
• Mecca Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Cornwall, ONT at the Agora Center featuring Al Snow and Tommy Dreamer.
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 12/5 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds featuring Tommy Rich.
• Vince Brent vs. Jordan Kage headlines Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 11/27 in Elziabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym.  
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix tomorrow night in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.

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

1967 – Mick McManus beat Clayton Thompson in London to win the British middleweight title

1976 – Jan Wilkens beat Seiji Sakaguchi in Johannesburg to win the EWU Super heavyweight title

1979 – Verne Gagne beat Rusher Kimura in Niigata to win the IWE title

1984 – Marty Jones beat Fit Finlay in Dartford to win the World mid-heavyweight title

1994 – Perro Aguayo Sr. beat Konnan in Ciudad Juarez to win the AAA heavyweight title

1995 – Karula (Harley Saito under a mask) beat Eagle Sawai in Tokyo to win the LLPW title

1995 – Kensuke Sasaki beat Sting in Tokyo to win the U.S. title

1998 – Bestia Salvaje & Scorpio Jr. beat Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Satanico in Mexico City to win the vacant CMLL tag titles

2004 – Alex Shane beat Doug Williams in Coventry to win the British heavyweight title

2005 – Dragon Kid beat Naruki Doi in Nagoya to win the Open the Brave Gate title

2006 – Jeff Hardy beat Johnny Nitro (Johnny Mundo) in Manchester to win the WWE IC title

2010 – Tama Tonga & El Terrible beat Atlantis & Diamante Azul in Mexico City to win the CMLL tag titles

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Newcastle, England, Bologna, Italy, yesterday’s WWE show in Rome, tonight’s NXT show in Winter Haven, FL, as well as tomorrow’s shows in Leipzig, Germany, Nottingham, England and NXT in Orlando to Dave Meltzer

SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON SYFY AT 8 P.M.

Fandango vs. Braun Strowman

Neville vs. Barrett in first round of WWE title tournament

Ryback vs. Kalisto in first round of WWE title tournament

Alberto Del Rio vs. Stardust in first round of WWE title tournament

Usos vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

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 look at the retirement of Genichiro Tenryu this week, the career of Mirko Cro Cop, the UFC show headlined by Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson and all the business notes, plus we’ve got details of two different pro wrestling groups that are looking at starting up, with major name involvement.  We look at who is behind one group that is calling talent for a January start, and the different vision of pro wrestling that a legendary promoter looking to come back is working with. 

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer: November 16, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Seth Rollins injury, Wrestlekingdom 10 matches

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

THURSDAY DAILY UPDATE

• Mirko Cro Cop posted that he took injections of Growth Hormone to aid with his shoulder recovery and that’s what he failed his test for.  He clearly wasn’t happy that it got out, I guess figuring that if he announced his retirement it wouldn’t get out.
• Ronda Rousey said today that due to acting roles, she probably won’t fight again after Saturday until UFC 200 in July.
• A Ronda Rousey story on if there is a double standard regarding domestic violence regarding her story in her book of beating up an ex-boyfriend who took nude photos of her
• Ratings for last night saw TNA do 277,000 viewers for the 9 p.m. show and 97,000 at midnight.  ROH did 172,000 at 11 p.m.  Everybody was up from last week.
• Undertaker was on the Tonight Show last night.  They did a segment where he gave a tombstone piledriver to a guy in a turkey suit.  Brad Maddox, who wasn’t identified, with the guy who took the tombstone.
• There are a number of unique shows this weekend:

The Iowa vs. Oklahoma State wrestling meet outdoors on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium has now sold 34,000 tickets, meaning it will be the largest crowd ever to witness a college wrestling match, and for that matter, a legit wrestling match, ever in the U.S.  In fact, it will double the all-time dual meet record.  It will air on TV Sunday at about 6:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.

Insane Championship Wrestling in Glasgow this weekend with Grado vs. Drew Galloway is expected to draw the largest crowd from a U.K. based promotion since 1982, with a sellout of 4,000 fans.

Genichiro Tenryu, one of the biggest stars in the history of Japanese wrestling, has his retirement match late Saturday night on New Japan World.  Full details on this are in the new issue of the Observer.

Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion is doing an iPPV tomorrow night from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia at 8 p.m. Eastern at www.RFVideonow.com

La Sombra vs. Rush, longtime tag partners, headline Arena Mexico tomorrow night.  This may or may not air live at www.ClaroSports.com

New Japan World tomorrow night on AXS features a crazy high flying match with La Sombra vs. Mascara Dorada

Lucha Underground has its first TV tapings of the new season on Saturday and Sunday of this week in Boyle Heights 

• There is a Royal Rumble (1/24 in Orlando) pre-sale going on right now using the code RRORL.  Tickets go on sale Saturday morning to the public.  It should be an immediate sellout.
• Dixie Carter announced that the semifinals of the TNA title tournament would be taped in early December at the shows in Mumbai, India.
• PWG All-Star Weekend on 12/11 and 12/12 in Reseda, CA, which is the same weekend UFC is doing its big shows.

12/11 lineup

Roderick Strong vs. Matt Sydal for PWG title

Young Bucks vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa for PWG tag titles

Michael Elgin & Brain Cage vs Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards

Mark Andrews vs. Chuck Taylor

Ricochet vs. Marty Scurll

Will Ospreay vs. Trevor Lee

Kenny Omega vs. Speedball Mike Bailey

12/12 lineup

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Michael Elgin & Brian Cage

Matt Sydal vs. Trevor Lee

Chuck Taylor vs. Kikutaro

Ricochet vs. Mark Andrews

Timothy Thatcher vs. Marty Scurll

Chris Hero & Speedball Mike Bailey & Joey Ryan & Candice LaRae vs Young Bucks & Super Dragon & Roderick Strong in a Guerrilla Warfare match   ​

WWE

• Dwayne Johnson appears Sunday on Oprah’s Master Class on OWN at 8 p.m. Eastern, talking about his mother.
• Drew Gulak on the Two Man Power Trip radio show, when asked if he’s signed a WWE deal, said, “I am not allowed to speak on that issue.  If I was allowed to, I would be in great detail. But I can’t really elaborate on my business with WWE, or if there has been any business with WWE.”
• The piece on Roman Reigns being a big 49ers fan that aired on TV in San Jose on Sunday (there is a link in the Monday update) was really cool.  He came across real well talking about the thrill of headlining WrestleMania in the 49ers home stadium but not winning, and they pushed Leo Nomellini, who in the 50s was both an all-time great lineman during the season and the area’s biggest pro wrestling star for many years during every off season.  
• WWE stock fell 67 cents today to close at $16.38 per share, which is at a low level based on recent months.
• WWE is releasing a DVD of NXT’s Greatest Matches Vol. 1 on 3/7 in Europe and 3/8 in the U.S. 
• A tourist guide if you’re coming in for the Royal Rumble

UFC

• TV programming this weekend in conjunction with UFC 193

Weigh-ins are at 5 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow on FS 1

Prefight show is at 7 p.m. Saturday on FS 1

Prelims are at 8 p.m. Saturday on FS 1

Post-fight show is scheduled for 1:30 a.m. late Saturday on FS 1

Ultimate Insiders on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. with John Dodson, Luke Rockhold and Aljamain Sterling

The Rafael dos Anjos vs. Anthony Pettis fight will air on FS 1 on Sunday at 9 p.m.  This is the fight where dos Anjos won the lightweight title.

• Joanna open workout
• Joanna interview
• Antonio Silva talks Mark Hunt fight
• Valerie Letourneau interview
• Holly Holm interview
• Mark Hunt interview

MISCELLANEOUS

• The Baseball Hall of Fame made some changes yesterday.  They are dropping the number of years you can be on the ballot from 15 to ten.  There was a recommendation to raise the number of people you could vote on from 10 to 12, but that was rejected.  “At some point, there has to be a line drawn,” said Hall of Fame Vice President Brad Horn.  “To retain the exclusivity of the Baseball Hall of Fame, entering the Hall of Fame should be difficult.”  Last year was the first year more than half the people who voted, voted for the maximum ten people. (thanks to Houston Mitchell)
• Luis Santos failed to make weight earlier today for his fight tomorrow with Ben Askren for the One welterweight title.  No word if this fight will happen.  Santos got down to 172 pounds and needed to make 170.    
• A note on a question we had on Monday regarding why Mike Tyson never fought George Foreman.  There were talks for such a match in 1990.  Don King wanted it, because Tyson who had just lost to Buster Douglas, had seen Foreman destroy Joe Frazier as a kid and Cus D’Amato told Tyson why it happened, that Frazier’s style and the height difference made Frazier winning an impossibility, and said the only person who could beat Foreman was a rangy boxer who could fight from a distance.  Tyson has more similarities with Frazier and Cus’ words always stayed with him. (thanks to Alfonso Garcia and many others) 
• There is a major convention Saturday in at LaGuardia Plaza Hotel in Elmhurst, NY with all kinds of big names including Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Kevin Nash, Pete Rose, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, Tully Blanchard, Scott Hall, Carlito, Ted DiBiase, Missy Hiatt, Angelina Love, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Sid Vicious, Torrie Wilson, Christy Hemme, Marty Jannetty, Jim Neidhart, Tajiri, Mickie James, Brooke, Madison Rayne, Dan Malenko, Vince Russo, Bill Apter, Bob Backlund, Jessie Godderz, Taz, EC 3 and many more.
• Jake Roberts movie notes
• Tommy Dreamer and Virgil were on Comedy Central on Monday night’s “The Nightly Show” with a comedy sketch about whether wrestling was racist. 
• 39 years ago Tuesday in Miami Beach saw a show headlined by Terry Funk retaining the NWA title over Bob Backlund, plus Dusty Rhodes & Jack Brisco beat Ox Baker & The Assassin and Mike Graham & Ken Lucas beat Bob Orton Sr. & Jr. 
• Matt Myers Jr. who was the head of marketing with ROH, is leaving for a job in his home town of Pensacola.
• Due to an injury to Marcus Lewis, JR Kratos will now defend his heavyweight title against Gabriel Gallo on the 11/28 Premier Wrestling show in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall.  The main event is a round-robin series using rounds with Jeff Cobb (6-3-1), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) and Joe Graves (2-1-1).  Tickets are available at www.premierewrestle.com and tickets in advance save $5.
• Chaotic Wrestling tomorrow night in Woburn, MA at the Elks Hall #308 with Chase Del Monte vs. Julian Starr for the Chaotic title in a 2/3 fall match.
• Ric Flair, Mickie James and Baby Doll will be appearing at the Maryland Championship Wrestling show tomorrow night in Waldorf, MD at the Unique Sports Academy for the 6 p.m. meet and greet.  Mickie James vs. Kimber Lee for the womens’ title headlines.  Flair, JJ Dillon, Tully Blanchard, Baby Doll and James will also be appearing Saturday night at the MCW Arena in Joppatowne, ME with a6 p.m. meet and greet followed by a show. 
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling contributed more than $1,000 in toys and cash to the Fireman’s Cheer Fund of Columbus, IN in their 11/7 show.
• Ring Wars Carolinas contributed more than 200 canned food items to the local food panty from fans at its 11/7 show
• There will be a holiday food drive at the Primal Conflict Wrestling show tomorrow night in Harpers Ferry, WV at the KOA.
• Grand Slam Wrestling on Saturday night in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.  Fans are urged to donate non perishable food items to support Feed a Friend, and will get a raffle ticket for every donated item.
• World League Wrestling’s last show of the year will be Saturday night in Troy at the Race Wrestling Academy.  For every five canned food items donated you get a raffle ticket with the prize being a 32 inch TV.  Or you can purchase tickets for $5.
• IWF Thanksgiving Thunder on Saturday night at 7 p.m. as well as 11/21 at 7 p.m. at the IWF Centre.  There will be a food drive at both events for non perishable items. 
• Pinnacle Fighting Championships on 11/25 in Chewsick, PA at the Syria Shriners.
• Border City Wrestling on 11/20 at Club Alouette in Windsor, ONT is having a wrestling show at 7 p.m. followed by a party for the wedding of Tyson Dux and his bridge to be.  You have to be 19 to attend.  The wrestling show is $20 and the show and the party is $40.
• Abyss headlines for Superkick’d on 12/19 in Toronto at the Lithuanian House, facing Ashley Sixx in a chain rope match.
• Ted DiBiase Sr. appears at Collector’s Realm in Fishkill, NY on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dutchess Marketplace.  
• Shockwave the Robot returns to the ECWA on 11/21 at their show in New Castle, DE at the Ashley United Methodist Church.
• Real Canadian Wrestling tomorrow night in Calgary at the Royal Canadian Legion 1 is doing a show to honor Karl Moffat, who was a headliner there as Jason the Terrible.  Sinn Bodhi appears on the show.  Scheduled to attend include Leo Burke, Great Gama and Cuban Assassin.

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

1976 – Marty Jones beat Rollerball Rocco in Wovlerhampton to win the British lightweight title

1982 – Sangre Chicana beat Fishman at El Toreo in Naucalpan to win the UWA light heavyweight title

1983 – Mocho Cota beat Talisman in Mexico City to win the Mexican national welterweight title

2007 – Yoshito Sasaki beat Daisuke Sekimoto in Tokyo to win the Zero-One United National title

TV notes for tonight:

NXT on WWE Network at 8:00 p.m. ET has The Vaudevillains (c) vs. The Mechanics for the NXT Tag Team Championship in the main event.

UFC Tonight airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America features the continuation of the TNA 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.

An all-new edition of The Ultimate Fighter titled “Heart is Not Enough” airs at 10:00 p.m on Fox Sports 1.

ROH at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America features a main event of The Briscoes vs. The All Night Express.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (11/9/15): Reexamining indie wrestling distribution business models
A look at where indie wrestling companies stand right now when it comes to capitalizing on technology and business trends, including comments from Whoo! Wrestling’s Allan Barrie.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Seth Rollins underwent successful surgery under Dr. Jeffrey Dugas on Tuesday to repair his torn ACL, MCL and medial meniscus.  WWE has a series of photos up on the website right now, and it appears WWE Network cameras were there documenting it for a future special.  The story is that this past Monday was the very first Raw show since he was called up from NXT in 2012 that he didn’t appear on, the only person ever to hold that distinction.
• If you haven’t seen it, here is video of Seth Rollins blowing out his knee in Dublin during the Kane match.
• Brock Lesnar was added to the January 9th house show at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.
• Undertaker is scheduled to be on Raw Monday.  Was awesome the way they promoted that at the end of this week’s Raw.  Oh, wait.
• Daniel Bryan did an interview with WrestlingInc during his publicity tour of India. Great line on him being seen as an “indie darling” yet getting over with the WWE fanbase at large: There was a lot of hesitation, as far as like, “Wait a second, how is this 5’8″, 190 pound average person going to connect with these people”, in what they call as “superstars”? We’re called superstars, so, “How is he going to connect?” And that was the biggest question mark. They had a lot of doubts about me for a long time, but the real benchmark, for if somebody can connect with the WWE Universe, is if they connect. So it doesn’t matter if you’re big or small or whatever; if I go out there and the fans react, well then I’ve done my job.
• This is kind of sad.  Remembering World Championship Wrestling at Walt Disney World.

UFC/MMA

• Science Daily has a story citing a study which discovered that while MMA is more bloody than boxing, boxing presents a greater risk of serious injury.
• Tim Kennedy really, really wants Vitor Belfort for his next fight. From the linked Facebook post: I am asking for Vitor Belfort for my next fight. Not because he is slower and fatter (even though he is) or because he can only use slightly less steroids, but because he is treated as a legend. He has been cheating his entire career. He doesn’t deserve anything but a good ass whooping and to be stricken from the books of MMA history.
• One Championship Pride of Lions airs on the Fight Network in Canada on Friday morning and is also available on iPPV. The show features a rematch between Ben Askren and Luis Santos after their first fight ended in a no contest earlier this year. The show also features an up and coming Strawweight fighter that is someone to watch for in Angela Lee. She’s had submission wins in both of her career fights for One and is obviously someone they have big plans for as she’s already on the main card 3 fights into her pro career. A full preview of the show is available here
• Episode 2 of the UFC Embedded series previewing UFC 193 is available here

Other Wrestling

• Here on Veteran’s Day, a good story on Jack Gacek here, the first pro-wrestler to die in World War II.
• ROH runs this Friday, November 13th, 2015 with Survival of the Fittest 15 Night 1, TURNER HALL BALLROOM  – Milwaukee, WI, Doors open 6:30pm / Bell time – 7:30 pm CST. Tickets on Sale Now – http://www.pabsttheater.org/show/roh2015.  Matches signed include AJ Styles & The Young Bucks vs The House of Truth (Jay Lethal, Joey Daddiego & Donovan Dijak) w/ Truth Martini and The Kingdom w/ Maria vs reDRagon for the ROH World Tag Team titles.
• On this week’s edition of Between the Sheets with Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan, they’re joined by Dr. Lucha Steve Sims to cover the week of November 3-9, 1994 including Randy Savage quitting the WWF to go to WCW, Antonio Inoki’s dream of a match in North Korea with George Foreman, a full rundown of maybe the greatest PPV ever: AAA When Worlds Collide, ECW November to Remember with Sabu breaking his neck and the Sandman blindness angle twist, & Greg Gagne demonstrating for Charlie Norris how a Native American wrestler is supposed to dance.

We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday’s New Japan Power Struggle 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 Saturday night’s NXT show in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer

Smackdown is today in Manchester, England.  Undertaker is being advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Royal Rumble tickets for the January 24th, 2016 show in Orlando, FL officially go on sale this coming Friday.
• Dorian Roldan of AAA was on Busted Open Radio yesterday and announced that the AAA Mega Title, which had been held by Alberto Del Rio, is now vacant and they will be doing a tournament to crown a new champion.  He flat-out said Alberto will not, in fact, be returning to Mexico for any dates for AAA, which was pretty much clear as soon as he no-showed the event last Sunday on a day that he had no other commitments for WWE.  He will be working the upcoming WWC show because WWE has a working relationship with WWE Hall of Famer Carlos Colon.
• There will be two “Legends With JBL” shows next week with Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and others talking the career of Undertaker, one on Monday night and one on Thursday night.  As noted on Raw, next week is Undertaker Week on the WWE Network.
• Tonight’s WWE guest on SportsCenter will be King Barrett.  The spot last night on Raw where Wayne Rooney slapped the hell out of him got a ton of media attention in the UK this morning, including airing as the top story on many sports telecasts.
• Roman Reigns talks to Planeta Wrestling at the Spanish WWE 2K16 launch event.

UFC/MMA

• This story about Russia and doping was everywhere yesterday, a huge news story.  There is discussion of Russia actually being banned from next year’s Olympic Games for running their own doping program.
• EA Sports officially announced EA Sports UFC 2 for “Spring.” (last time, this meant the last Tuesday of Spring) with a “vision trailer.” A full feature list will be announce Friday. The first game got mixed reviews, but was improved by a lot of free updates.
• The first episode of UFC 193: Embedded with Ronda Rousey is available. She gives her response to the “lube shaming” controversy, and it’s not pretty.
• Speaking of Rousey, her embattled head trainer Edmond Tarverdyan talked about his relationship with Double-R and whether Holly Holm is the best female boxer of all time. There was no mention in the transcript of his recent tax issues.
• Bellator 145 : With a Vengeance Friday night on Spike TV did 814,000 viewers. This is slightly up from the 800,000 viewers for the previous “tentpole” event, which had far greater star power and more promotion. It’s also way up from the last Friday show on October 23rd that did just 555,000 viewers.
• UFC Fight Night 77 Saturday on FS 1 did 757,000 viewers for the main card and 609,000 for the prelims show. This was up against very heavy football completion on the major networks. The main card number was below average for the year for UFC on FS 1 although the prelims number is solid.
• Top bantamweight contender and former title challenger Michael McDonald will make his return to UFC after over two years off due to injury. He’s signed to fight Masenori Kanehara at UFC 195 in Vegas. McDonald was submitted by Urijah Faber in his last fight at UFC on FOX 9 in December 2013.
• Dave has articles at MMAFighting about Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card and the impending return of the New Year’s Eve war in Japan.
• We’re told that in the finale of Master Of None on Netflix, there’s a reference to CM Punk. Apparently in another episode, Aziz Ansari shows off some wrestling moves.
• Strawweight title contender Valerie Letourneau and Hector Lombard did an interview with Submission Radio prior to this Saturday’s big UFC show.

Other Wrestling

• 5 Star Wrestling announced on Facebook that Rey Mysterio will not only face AJ Styles at their upcoming event, but also be the first officially-licensed wrestler to appear in their wrestling game. The PlayStation 4 version of 5 Star Wrestling is named ReGenesis and will at least have Rey Mysterio in the game as a playable character. It will be his first video game appearance since leaving WWE.
• Cibernetico on his Twitter (https://twitter.com/ciberelite) has claimed that he’s leaving AAA to join Elite.  If this is true, in terms of workrate it’s not the end of the world for AAA, but it is yet another big name that has bailed on the heels of Alberto Del Rio and the original Mistico.  
• Regarding last night’s Observer Radio and the talk of the first third-generation wrestler and whether it really was the Rock, David Bixenspan writes: “Dwayne Johnson was just the first in WWE. Eddie Gilbert was, as far as I know, one of the first. Tommy’s father Arlie, was a carnival era pro wrestler. It was primarily brought up around Eddie’s debut.”  Les Thatcher also writes, “Ron & Robert Fuller, father Buddy, Grandfather Roy Welch. Also from that same family tree, Roy Lee & Jackie Welch, Jimmy Golden, Ricky Fields, etc.” At least part of that familial relationship was kayfabed for years.
• A few big indie shows in the NY area this Saturday. During the day, there’s the Big Event convention, and in the evening, both Jersey All Pro Wrestling (anniversary show/Frank Iadevaia memorial) and House of Hardcore (NY debut) have big shows. HOH also has a Friday night show in Philadelphia that will be an IPPV.
• Smash Wrestling from Toronto, Ontario, this past weekend: Brent Banks d. Erik Donnelly, Brett Banks d. Kobe Durst, Vanessa Kraven d. Brent Banks via a chokebomb, Kevin Bennett w/ Big Tank d. Scotty O’Shea, Courtney Rush d. KC Spinelli via referee stoppage, The Overdogs d. Pepper and Mike Rollins, Marc Andrews d. Tarik, Super Smash Brothers (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) d. TdT, Angelico d. Jack Evans. Smash is also rolling out their own V.O.D. service.
• Here’s a feature on 80s wrestler John Devors by his local paper.
• Bruce Hart is going to do a weekly column on PWP Nation in addition to a weekly podcast on Saturdays.

We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday’s New Japan Power Struggle 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 Saturday night’s NXT show in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer

Raw is tonight in Manchester, England.  They will be starting the tournament for the title on tonight’s show.

Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England.  Undertaker is being advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

TODAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, talking Raw, and the rest of the latest news.  You can send e-mail questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• Raw is going on at this writing.  The show will have early tournament matches in the WWE title tournament that will be finalized at Survivor Series.
• Dorian Roldan of AAA stated today that while Alberto Del Rio would have liked to have dropped the title, he will not be coming back to AAA and his contract wouldn’t allow it.  So for those keeping score, WWE, TNA & AAA’s heavyweight title are all in tournaments, although the TNA tournament is actually over, even though on television it’ll last forever.  Roldan said their tournament would be at Guerra de Titanes.
• Today is the 18th anniversary of the Montreal screw job.  Hopefully no angle on Raw commemorating it tonight.
• Rizin announced today a battle of third generation members of famous families as the grandson of Ikuei Yamamoto (former Japanese wrestling Olympian whose two daughters were world champions and whose son is Kid Yamamoto), Asen Yamamoto, faces Kron Gracie, the grandson of Helio Gracie.
• Undertaker is already in the U.K.  He’s advertised for tomorrow night’s show but it would make sense for him to appear on tonight’s show as well.  Finn Balor and Bayley are both there but that’s because they are on tour.
• Matches announced officially for the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show:

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for IWGP title

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. A.J. Styles for IC title

Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for jr. title

Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Young Bucks for IWGP jr. tag title

• The retirement show of Genichiro Tenryu, one of the biggest stars in Japanese wrestling history and an easy Hall of Famer, will air live on New Japan World starting at 1 a.m. Eastern time Saturday, or right after the conclusion of the UFC show.

WWE

• John Cena was on The Today Show earlier today.  He hosted a segment.  This is the third time he’s done that so NBC really seems to have plans for him to try and mainstream him to the non-wrestling audience.
• Roman Reigns segment on the NBC affiliate in the Bay Area talking about the 49ers and pro wrestling including clips of Leo Nomellini.
• Jim Ross has articles at Fox Sports first on the Seth Rollins injury (his surgery is tomorrow in Birmingham) and on the anniversary of Survivor Series in Montreal
• Breaking Ground airs tonight after Raw on the WWE Network.
• After the Columbus Crew beat the Montreal Impact 3-1 last night to advance to the semifinals of the Major League Soccer playoffs, Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark started doing the Daniel Bryan pointing to the sky “Yes” chant leading the crowd. (thanks to Jonathan Weber)
• Paige talks in the Mirror in the U.K. on her background and wrestling Madusa
• Paige also did an interview for TalkSport

UFC

• Former TUF fighter Angela Hill was cut after losses to Rose Namajunas and Tecia Torres in her last two fights.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Troy Westwood, a former star on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL team, will make his pro wrestling debut on 12/4 in Winnipeg for the CWE promotion, teaming with Danny Duggan against Outlaw Adam Knight and Shane Madison.
• Tito Ortiz appears on Spike’s Sweat Inc. tomorrow night at 11 p.m., which is the Spike show with Jillian Michaels as they look at fight workouts.
• AAW from Friday night in Merrionette Park, IL:  Matt Cage b Shynron, Kongo Kong b Machete & Conor Braxton, Tommaso Ciampa b Michael Elgin, Matt Cross & Shane Hollister & Markus Crane b ACH & Davey Vega & Paco, Allysin Kay b Heidi Lovelace, Devin & Mason Cutter b Dan Berry & Bill Carr (Team Tremendous), Abyss b Christian Faith, Trevor Lee & Eddie Kingston lasted 30:00 to a draw in a four-way with Silas Young and Louis Lyndon.  This sets up a show on 11/28 where Ethan Page defends the AAW title against both Lee and Kingston, plus Devin & Mason Cutter defend the tag titles against Dave & Jake Crist, Chris Hero vs. Pentagon Jr., Christian Faith vs. Gregory Iron, plus Louis Lyndon, Tommaso Ciampa, Alex Shelley, Fenix, ACH, Tyson Dux and more.
• Premier Wrestling on 11/28 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge-Portuguese Hall will have a round-robin tournament using European round rules featuring Jeff Cobb (6-3-1) vs. Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) vs. Joe Graves (2-1-1).  All three will wrestle the other two.  JR Kratos (9-2) defends the Premier title against Marcus Lewis (5-4), and there will be a woman’s title tournament with Nicole Savoy (3-1),  Kahmora (1-1), Raze (0-2) and Kikyo Nakamura (0-1) and catch wrestler Vito Rea makes his debut against Buddy Royal.  Tickets are available atwww.premierwrestle.com and are $5 off in advance.
• Shayna Baszler appeared on Nick Dinsmore’s Midwest All Pro Wrestling show on Saturday night in Sioux City, IA.  She’s originally from the area.  She actually only did a musical chairs match, taken from the Raw segment from years ago, which she cheated to win.  She posed for photos with the money going to the local VFW.
• In Your Face Wrestling from Saturday night in Delanson, NY:  Roman Dominguez & Salvatore Morocco b Sebastian Kelly & Kameron Yates, Jamar Justice & Gabriel Soul & Axel Lennox & Mattick b Zane Maverick & Vince Valor & Maximo Suave & Rickety Rocket, Damon Ravage b Dewey Murray, Zack Clayton DCOR Garrett Holiday, C.J. Scott b Fronz Roddy in a loser leaves wrestling street fight, Eric Emanon & Thomas Brewington d Vigo & Sgt. Fury, Elite Terrel & Ron & Jordan Falco & Rex Atkins & Lenn Oddity b Ricky Williams & Trip & Benjamin Blackwell & Jimmy Jact Cash & Surma in an elimination match, Chip Stetson & Hellcat b Jet Rebel & Anthony Gaines to win tag titles, Drake Evans b Cassius Cutcher to keep IWFW title.
• Southern Pro Wrestling New Zealand from Saturday night in Queenstown, NZ:  Johnny Idol b Travis Banks, James Shaw b King Wilbur, Vinny Dunn & Kingi b Slade Mercer & Jade Diamond, Shane Sinclair b Idol, Charlie Roberts b Hustla, Marcus Kool b T-Rex (thanks to Steve Ogilvie)
• Travis Banks from that group is leaving New Zealand to go to the U.K. to get more experience.
• Ad Hutchinson, who trained at Santino Marella’s Battlarts Academy and has wrestled there as The British Brawler, has moved to Japan and is going to be working with Zero-One (thanks to Dave Musgrave)
• NWA Mid South Wrestling on 12/4 in Robinsonville, MS at the Resorts Casino with Matt Sydal vs. Kincaid, NWA North American champion Tim Storm vs. Moose, plus appearing include Jim Cornette, Matt Riviera, Rob Conway and referee James Beard.
• NSW One Night Only on 1/31 at 2 p.m. in Hamilton, ONT at the Knights of Columbus.  It’s a one-night revival of the promotion.
• Renegade Promotions from yesterday in Burlington, ONT:  Sebastian Suave b Brent Banks, Beautiful Beaa b Kaitlin Diemond, Brandon Thurston b Rex Atkins, Ryan Swift b Rip Impact, Jimmy King & Derek Platinum b Reggie Marley & Juan Ortiz to win tag titles, Xandra Bale b Leah Von Dutch, Scotty O’Shea b Ethan Page (thanks to Steven Ashe)
• Lucha Toronto from yesterday:  Trent Gibson & Channing Decker b Gabriel Fuerza & Vaughn Vertigo, Kid Canuck b Pepper Jack, Carter Mason won four-way over Alexia Nicole, Will White and Sebastian Suave, Craneo b Grimbo, America (Pantera, longtime Lucha star) b Sombracito, Vampiro & Louis Lyndon & Mark Andrews b Jack Evans & Angelico & Maybach Beta.  L.A. Park will be on the next show in January.  

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

1968 – Tex McKenzie beat Toru Tanaka in Melbourne to win the IWA heavyweight title

1968 – Kintaro Oki beat Buddy Austin in Seoul, South Korea to win the All Asia title

1973 – Wahoo McDaniel beat Shozo Kobayashi in Wakayama to win the IWE heavyweight title

1981 – Yumi Ogura & Mimi Hagirawa (a famous singer and actress) beat Nancy Kumi & Ayori Hori in Yokohama to win the WWWA tag titles

1982 – Marty Jones beat Bobby Graham in Croydon to win the world mid-heavyweight title

1982 – Fit Finlay & Skull Murphy (the U.K. version, not the famous U.S.version) beat Johnny & Peter Wilson to win the World of Sports tag team tournament

1996 – Lance Storm & Yuji Yasuraoka beat Jushin Liger & El Samurai in Aomori to win the Int. jr. tag titles

2013 – In a three-way match with Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Rob Conway & Jax Dane, Conway & Dane won the first fall for the NWA tag titles and Smith & Archer won the second fall or the IWGP tag titles, and then Smith & Archer won both titles in the third fall. 

We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s New Japan Power Struggle 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 last night’s NXT show in Largo, FL at Dave Meltzer

Raw is Monday in Manchester, England.  Right now nothing is announced for the show.  The show will be airing on a few hour tape delay, not live.

Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England.  Undertaker is being advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

• We’re sorry to report that Don Kalt, who worked under a lot of different names, most notably Don Fargo of the original Fabulous Fargos tag team, and Don Stevens as part of the Stevens Brothers with Ray Stevens, passed away today at the age of 85.  He was one of the most colorful characters in pro wrestling history and was a major star in the 50s, 60s and 70s all over the world.
• Bryan and I did our weekend show last night talking New Japan Power Struggle & Tokyo Dome, UFC in Sao Paulo and the WWE title picture going into Monday’s show.
• The tournament should be laid out and the card changes should be made clear on Raw tomorrow.
• The press conference to announce the 2016 Wrestle Kingdom 10 show at the Tokyo Dome will be at 1 a.m.Eastern and 10 p.m. Pacific tonight and will stream live and free on http://www.njpwworld.com
• “Spectre,” the Bond movie featuring Dave Bautista, is estimated at doing $73 million at the box office this weekend, putting it comfortably at No. 1.
• The Alberto Del Rio vs. Ray Gonzalez Sr. match in the WWC that has been talked about since the angle aired on TV last night, will be on 12/5 in Bayamon.
• I will be appearing as a guest on the MMA Hour tomorrow at www.mmafighting.com at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  The show will also have as guests Royce Gracie, Freddie Roach, Ryan Bader, Steven Thompson, Alan Belcher and Erick Silva.

WWE

• Dwayne Johnson has been nominated for the following People’s Choice Awards for 2015

Favorite Action Movie Star

Favorite Premium Cable Star

Favorite Social Media Celebrity

• Furious 7 was nominated for Favorite Action Movie and Favorite Movie.  The winners will be announced on 1/6 on CBS.
• Tonight’s TV show “The Faithful,” about fans of the San Francisco 49ers, is all about Roman Reigns.  It will be airing on Ch. 11, the local NBC affiliate in the San Jose/San Francisco area after tonight’s NFL game.  It will be posted on  49ers.com tomorrow.
• Cesaro and R-Truth meet members of the Leeds Rhinos
• Bayley and Sin Cara in a Spanish language press conference

MISCELLANEOUS

• There is a Legends of Pro Wrestling event on 1/23 at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming in Miami.  Among those scheduled to attend are Bill Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jim Duggan, The Nasty Boys, Koko B. Ware, Greg Valentine. Bushwhacker Luke, Tommy Dreamer, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Jimmy Hart, Wes Brisco and Tyrus.  There will be live matches.  Tickets go on sale Thursday and there are meet and greets, VIP, and more at www.miccosukee.com or calling 305-222-4600.  There are also rooms available at the resort for those coming in.      
• New York Fight Exchange will be doing the 2015 MMA World Expo in New York on 12/12 and 12/13 at the Jacob Javits Center.  There will be an amateur fight card.  Yes, downtown Manhattan.  It’s so crazy, MMA is fine as long as the fighters aren’t paid and it’s not regulated.  If you want to pay fighters or have it regulated, well, then, it’s against the law.  There will also be a Renzo Gracie grappling tournament, as well as pro Muay Thai and a catch wrestling tournament.
• Smash Wrestling from last night in Toronto:  Davey Richards, Drago and Pentagon Jr. were all scheduled and canceled.  Drago and Pentagon Jr. were on the ZZ Inc. show in Veracruz last night.  Angelico and Jack Evans were brought in from Mexico as the replacements in the main event:  Rip Impact won over Jim Nye and Cecil Nyx, Brent Banks b Greg Dolly, Brent Banks b Kobe Durst, Kraven b Brent Banks to win Gauntlet series, Kevin Bennett b Scotty O’Shea, Courtney Rush b K.C. Spinelli, John Greed & Sebastian Suave b Mike Rollins & Pepper Parks, Mark Andrews b Tarik, Super Smash Brothers b Mathieu St. Jacques & Thomas DuBois Angelico b Jack Evans (thanks to Dave Musgrave)
• Nick Dinsmore is starting a promotion in Sioux Falls, SD called Midwest All Pro Wrestling, in conjunction with opening a wrestling school there.
• CZW from last night in Dayton, OH:  Jeff Cannonball & George Gatton & Curt Robinson b Alex Kai & Dan O’Haire & Frankie Pickard, Brittany Blake b Penelope Ford, Dub Boys b Matt Taylor & Desmond Xavier, Joey Janela b Joe Gacy, Eric Ryan b Conor Claxton, Tim Donst b David Starr, Alex Colon b Danny Havoc, Aaron Williams b Dave Crist to keep Rockstar Pro title, Matt Tremont NC DJ Hyde to set up a rematch on 11/21 in Voorhees, NJ, Devon Moore b Jake Crist in his retirement match.  (thanks to Nate Stein)
• Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN before 220 fans:  Scarecrow b Dillen Dynamite, Mad Man Pondo b Cousin Cooter, Tommy Rich & Big Country b Shawn Cook & Trailer Park Trash, Crazy Mary Dobson b Amazing Maria, TVZ b The Intangibles to win tag titles, Big Country Clint Pole & Cowboy Marc Houston b TVZ to win tag titles, TJ Kemp b Flash Flanagan to win the HPW tilte.  Tommy Rich, Boson and Pondo return to headline on 12/5 (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
• AIW on 11/27 in Cleveland at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School with Ricky Shane Page defending the title against Ethan Page, plus Chris Hero vs. Tim Donst, Johnny Gargano vs. Candice LaRae vs. DJ Zema Ion vs Alex Daniels, and Alex Shelley vs. Louis Lyndon.
• The Rising 2 on Thursday night in Fresno, CA at the Falls Event Center is headlined by Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend (Reno Scum), Brian Cage vs. Davey Richards, TJ Perkins vs. Jeff Cobb, Eddie Edwards vs. Joey Ryan vs. Ryan McQueen and Pro Wrestling Bushido pre-show matches at 6:30 p.m. 
• Evolve from last night in Orlando:  Ethan Page b Lio Rush, Anthony Nese b Peter Kaasa (So Cal Val interfered) , Matt Riddle b Tracy Williams, Caleb Konley b TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak b Johnny Gargano, Timothy Thatcher b Drew Galloway in a **** match.  The last match ended up an impromptu match with Gulak & Perkins vs. Riddle & Thatcher,. and Riddle turned heel on Thatcher and “broke his arm.”
• Evolve from Friday night in Ybor City, FL:  Matt Riddle b Drew Gulak, Lio Rush b Fred Yehi, Tracy Williams b Martin Stone, TJ Perkins b Antony Nese, Drew Galloway b Caleb Konley, Timothy Thatcher b Johnny Gargano.  Told every match was solid and great main event. (thanks to John Carey)
• NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 348 fans:  First round of standing eight tournament:  Jay Phenomenon b Judas, Franky the Mobster b Spike, Sylvan Grenier b Alextreme, Dru Onyx DCOR Handsome Jean Frais, Second round:  Franky the Mobster b Jay Phenomenon, Finals:  Franky the Mobster b Sylvain Grenier, Alex Price & Marco Estrada b Shayne Hawke & Matt Angel, Travis Toxic b Ivan Sullivan.  Next show is 12/5 with Johnny Gargano vs. Marko Estrada for the NSPW title (thanks to Pat Laprade)
• LCW on 11/28 in Lancaster, PA at the Expo Center features Rikishi, Samu, Moose, Shane Douglas, Mick Foley and Carilto.
• Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO:  Rocket Mapache & Jackal b Ozzie Gallagher & The Snitch, Outtkast b CJ Berry, Elvis Aliaga won six-way over Brandon Aarons, Michael Magnuson, Mike Sydal, Shorty Biggs and Mason Conrad, Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby, Mike Outlaw b Brandon Espinosa-DQ, Ricky Cruz NC Evan Morris
• Pro Wrestling Epic from Friday night in Brownstown, IL:  Justin D’Air b Brandon Espinosa, Deacon Cash b Dash Rando, Kevin Lee Davidson b Clowman Jacko, Barackus b Jimmy D, Billy McNeil b Leone Mephisto-DQ, Tyler Copeland b Derek Moss, Brandon Aarons b Ace Hawkins in a no DQ match (thanks to Parick Brandmeyer)
• A legends show from  Friday night in Neza:  Kfu & Mascara Virtual b Jhon Crazy & Terror Boricua, Aguila del America & Ojo de Tigre Jr. b Magnetico & Super Bolido, Mr. Jack & Mr. Jack Jr. b Alas de Oro & As de Diamantes, Black Terry & Starman Jr. b Heavy Metal & Mascara Ano 2000, Canek & Fantasma & Solar b Fuerza Guerrera & Negro Navarro & Xandao-DQ 

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

1949 – Felix Miquet beat Yvar Martinson in Paris to win the European heavyweight title

1992 – Villanos IV & V beat Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat at the bullring in Naucalpan to win the UWA tag title

1994 – Ultimo Dragon beat Corazon de Leon (Chris Jericho) in Tokyo to win the NWA middleweight title.  That match was awesome.  It was also the match that got Jericho his job in ECW.

1996 – Lady Apache beat Chapparita Asari in a tournament final in Mexico City to win the CMLL women’s title

2009 – Tiger Mask beat Mistico (Caristico today) in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. title

2014 – Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly beat Alex Shelley & Kushida in Osaka to win the IWGP jr. tag title

2014 – Takashi Sugiura beat Daisuke Sekimoto in Tokyo to win the Global league tournament

UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson III airs live tonight on Fox Sports 1 (prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET, main card at 10:00 p.m. ET) from Sao Paulo Brazil. This is, on paper, probably the best Brazillian Fight Night card in a good two years or so. Dave Meltzer will be doing live coverage and Josh Nason’s preview is up with our staff picks. We also had another longer preview earlier this week, plus DraftKings best bets for tonight.

WWE runs Saturday in Leeds, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title, Kane vs. Big Show, Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze), Madrid, Spain (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt; Usos & Ryback vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville & King Barrett for U.S. title) and NXT is in Largo, FL. We’ll have a live report from James Cox in Leeds, perhaps by the time you read this.

WWE runs Sunday in Birmingham, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title; Kane vs. Big Show; Dolph Ziggler vs Tyler Breeze) and Liverpool, England (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Usos & Ryback vs Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville vs. King Barrett for U.S. title).

UFC FIGHT NIGHT SAO PAULO, BRAZIL:

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern —

– Matheus Nicolas vs. Bruno Korea

– Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera

– Viscardi Andrade vs. Gasan Umalatov

FS 1 at 8 PM EST (PRELIMS/MAIN CARD)

– Chas Skelly vs. Kevin Souza

– Clay Guida vs. Thiago Tavares

– Yan Cabral vs. Johnny Case

– Gleison Tibau vs. Abel Trujillo

– Corey Anderson vs. Fabio Maldonado

– Gilbert Burns vs. Rashid Magomedov

– Piotr Hallman vs. Alex Oliveira

– Thomas Almeida vs. Anthony Birchak

– Glover Teixeira vs. Patrick Cummins

– Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson

EVOLVE IPPV SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 P.M.

– Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Galloway

– Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak

– Caleb Konley vs. TJ Perkins

– Tracy Williams vs. Matt Riddle

– Anthony Nese vs. Peter Kaasa

– Ethan Page vs. Lio Rush

*****

Raw is Monday in Manchester, England.  Right now, nothing is announced for the show which will be airing on a few hours tape delay, not live. Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England, with Undertaker advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turnaround WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• An angle aired today on WWC television to build an Alberto Del Rio vs. Ray Gonzalez match with Del Rio coming for revenge for what Gonzalez did to Ricardo Rodriguez, and Gonzalez looking for revenge for Alberto beating up his son in an angle shot before he signed with WWE. WWE confirmed to us that he will be working the next major show that they’re pushing. Carlos Colon works as a local promoter for WWE, and his son and nephew (Los Matadores/Primo and Epico) are allowed a certain number of dates they can work for him each year.
• 2K Sports released the first patch for WWE 2K16 late last night, with patch notes up on their official forum. All sorts of issues have been fixed and the game was also readied to accept forthcoming downloadable new moves. The game, which has been the most well-received version in years, is available here.
• The Dallas Morning News did a piece on Mark Henry.

UFC/MMA

• If you didn’t see our additions to the front page story on Fedor Emelianenko’s potential opponent for New Year’s Eve, Japanese sources tell us that there are three fighters under consideration, two from pro wrestling and one from sumo. Yes, one of them is Tsuyoshi Kosaka despite Fedor’s American spokesperson Jerry Millen claiming it wasn’t going to be Kosaka.
• Regarding Akebono and a rumored fight with Bob Sapp, although Akebono dropped the Triple Crown and quit All Japan earlier this week, he also allegedly announced recently that he had retired from MMA. Most likely, it’s best to not put too much stock into a guy claiming that he’s retired.
• For those who missed it, the Glory 25 main card is available on demand as part of ESPN3/WatchESPN — their best card in a really long time and well worth checking out. That said, the officiating/judging got so bad that announcers Mauro Ranallo and Stephen Quadros were openly not just calling it out, but expressing concern about bad decisions before scores were even read. If you started watching Glory in the last year or so when they put on less loaded cards and got turned off, you need to check this one out, because the fights were high level and fantastic.
• “Big” Fox aired UFC Embedded today at 2 PM EST in advance of next weekend’s UFC 193 PPV. The show was very good and probably worth going out of your way to check out.
• The Fight Network in Canada will replay August’s UFC 190 (Ronda Rousey/Bethe Correia) Sunday at 9 PM EST.
• Last night’s RFA 32 show on AXS had some of the worst refereeing you’re ever going to see on a national broadcast and in both cases, it was the same referee, last name Moreland. In the opener, Marc Hummel was making his pro debut and took 35 unanswered punches from Ryan Bader protege Logan Storley, who moved to 2-0. In the co-main event, Chad Curry did a face plant straight to the canvas after being hit by a straight right from Landon Vannata. Vannata went on to hit him with 18 straight elbows to the head before the ref finally stopped it. It honestly could’ve been stopped before he even hit the canvas.

Other Wrestling

• A fan asked Dixie Carter if there was any chance of a reconciliation between TNA and Spike TV on Twitter today and her response was: “I hear you!!!! Stay tuned!”  We have heard nothing at all about any discussions between the two sides about a reconciliation, but it certainly was interesting to see TNA stars all over Bellator on Spike last night.  That said, it’s probably best not to read too much into it.
• On last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio, we discussed the Lei’d Tapa vs. Gabi Garcia fight (yes, FIGHT, an MMA battle) signed for RIZIN in Japan on New Year’s Eve plus tons of notes on Seth Rollins, all of the other crazy fights signed and more on last night’s special Wrestling Observer Radio for subscribers.  For whatever it’s worth, Tapa’s uncle, Sione Latu (the brother of her other uncle, the Barbarian) is a 1-0 MMA fighter thanks to a UFC win back in 1999 over Joey Roberts and has a MMA gym. Another Observer Radio show comes out tonight after UFC.
• For those interested in anything CTE related, here’s a story about NFL players that are connected by CTE.
• For his first HBO sports documentary, former ESPN star and noted wrestling fan Bill Simmons is making a documentary on Andre the Giant.
• Former WWE wrestler and OVW long-timer Eugene is set to make his wrestling promoter debut in South Dakota.
• Stan “Krusher” Kowalski will be honored July 16, 2016 with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa. Historian George Schire will present Kowalski with his award at the awards banquet.
• XICW this Sunday at The Ritz (24300 Hoover Road in Warren, MI) featuring an in-ring WRESTLERS COURT plus Rhino, Zach Gowen, & more in action.

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in London, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title, Kane vs. Big Show, Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze), Barcelona, Spain (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Usos & Ryback vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan; Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville vs. King Barrett for U.S. title) and NXT in Jacksonville, FL.  Please email NEWSTIPS@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM

BELLATOR TONIGHT FROM THE SCOTTRADE CENTER IN ST. LOUIS AT 9 P.M. ON SPIKE

Justin Lawrence (146) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (145.6)

Bobby Lashley (239.5) vs. James Thompson (264)

Michael Chandler (155.75) vs. David Rickels (155.75)

Will Brooks (154.8) vs. Marcin Held (154.8) for the lightweight title

Patricio Pitbull Freire (144.4) vs. Daniel Straus (144.4) for the featherweight title

NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN/6 PACIFIC ON AXS TV

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP heavyweight title from the 1/4 show at the Tokyo Dome

It should be noted the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi match from the same show will air at 8 p.m.

EVOLVE IPPV TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM

Timothy Thatcher vs. Johnny Gargano for Evolve title

Drew Galloway vs. Caleb Konley

Drew Gulak vs. Matt Riddle

TJ Perkins vs. Anthony Nese

Ethan Page vs. Peter Kaasa

RESURRECTION FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ON AXS TV FROM THE MYSTIC SHOWROOM IN PRIOR LAKE, MN

Marc Hummel (170.4) vs. Logan Storley (170.4)

Clay Wimer (145.2) vs. Sean Richman (145.2)

Dakota Cochrane (170.4) vs. Ben Neumann (170.4)

Craig Eckelberg (170.5) vs. Ben Smith (170.5)

Landon Vannata (155.4) vs. Chad Cherry (155.4)

Leandro Higo (135.2) vs. Melvin Blumer (135.2)

NEW JAPAN POWER STRUGGLE AT 3 A.M. EASTERN TIME/MIDNIGHT PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada vs. Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka & David Finlay & Jay White

Togi Makabe & Captain New Japan & Juice Robinson vs. Doc Gallows & Tama Tonga & Cody Hall

Hirooki Goto vs. Evil (Takaaki Watanabe)

Alex Shelley & Kushida & Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega & Chase Owens

Matt Sydal & Ricochet vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for Super Junior tag team tournament finals

Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi vs. A.J. Styles & Bad Luck Fale

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tomoaki Honma for Never Open weight title

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kazuchika Okada & Kazushi Sakuraba

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title

A few notes for the show.  The big tease has been a mystery guy showing up after the main event who will challenge for the IC title at the Tokyo Dome.  This is the next to last PPV before the Dome, so expect some angles on this show to build to Dome matches.  They will either announce the tag team tournament lineup tonight, or in a day or two at the press conference, as well as announce a lot of the Tokyo Dome card.  The winner of the Super Junior tournament will challenge Fish & O’Reilly at the Tokyo Dome, but that could be a multiple team match.  In the eight-man juniors match, good booking would have it that Omega gets pinned and whoever does that becomes his top contender at the Dome.  Goto vs. Watanabe is the biggest match of Watanabe’s career. 

WWE runs Saturday in Leeds, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title, Kane vs. Big Show, Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze), Madrid, Spain (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt; Usos & Ryback vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville & King Barrett for U.S. title) and NXT is in Largo,FL.

UFC ON FIGHT/PASS FS1 FROM SAO PAULO, BRAZIL SATURDAY NIGHT

Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. Eastern

Matheus Nicolas vs. Bruno Korea

Pedro Munhoz vs. Jimmie Rivera

Viscardi Andrade vs. Gasan Umalatov

FS 1 at 8 p.m.

Chas Skelly vs. Kevin Souza

Clay Guida vs. Thiago Tavares

Yan Cabral vs. Johnny Case

Gleison Tibau vs. Abel Trujillo

Corey Anderson vs. Fabio Maldonado

Gilbert Burns vs. Rashid Magomedov

Piotr Hallman vs. Alex Oliveira

Thomas Almeida vs. Anthony Birchak

Glover Teixeira vs. Patrick Cummins

Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson

WWE runs Sunday in Birmingham, England (Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for IC title; Kane vs. Big Show; Dolph Ziggler vs Tyler Breeze) and Liverpool, England (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Usos & Ryback vs Braun Strowman & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville vs. King Barrett for U.S. title).

EVOLVE IPPV SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 P.M. AT www.WWNLive.com

Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Galloway

Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak

Caleb Konley vs. TJ Perkins

Tracy Williams vs. Matt Riddle

Anthony Nese vs. Peter Kaasa

Ethan Page vs. Lio Rush

Raw is Monday in Manchester, England.  Right now nothing is announced for the show.  The show will be airing on a few hour tape delay, not live.

Smackdown is Tuesday in Manchester, England.  Undertaker is being advertised for this show.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turn around WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

The issue features a ton of old Southern history, coverage of one of the top heels of the 70s, the biggest matches ever held in Puerto Rico, a complete WWE business rundown with reactions from Vince McMahon and George Barrios, what the numbers say, profits in every category, the Wall Street reaction to the numbers, lots of network information broken down including who watches what, the current WWE profitability level vs. historical levels, as well as where the money comes from, and the last three years of PPV business being charted and the surprising staying power of PPV.  We also look at every other aspect of WWE business.

We also have an in-depth update on the situation with Alberto Del Rio, WWE, AAA, TNA, Lucha Underground, Rizin and everyone else that had interest in him.  We look at how things changed in the last week, have comments from WWE regarding what he can and can’t do, both sides of contradictory stories, the big move AAA made this past week due to his leaving, what the situation is with the AAA Mega heavyweight title, the good and bad of working with WWE vs. indies from a short and long-term financial situation, what Mexican star did WWE show interest in, and how this affects AAA and Lucha Underground.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

• WWE shuffles injury-plagued lineup for overseas tour”>As noted earlier today, Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the IC title was being moved to the “Rollins” tour to replace the injured Seth Rollins starting with today’s show in London at the O2 Arena.
• WWE has to make a key decision this week regarding who will be the top heel.  Alberto Del Rio is already earmarked for John Cena, but Roman Reigns is slotted as the top babyface and Brock Lesnar as the top attraction.  With Bray Wyatt having just had a Hell in a Cell match with Reigns, he’s not the right guy for right now.  The heel is either going to have to win the tournament, or be the key opponent for whoever wins the tournament.  So the choices are Kevin Owens, Big Show, Braun Strowman, or turning a face like Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler or Dean Ambrose.
• Kurt Angle announcing tonight’s Bellator, Lashley fights Thompson”>Besides Kurt Angle doing some announcing and Bobby Lashley fighting, Ken Shamrock has claimed he will be making a big announcement at tonight’s Bellator show. 
• Former UFC fighter Alan Belcher announced his retirement.  He said he’s doing it with no regrets.
• Regarding the Jerry Jarrett and Shane Douglas promotion, these are two different promotions both looking at starting up and are not affiliated.  The Douglas group, Classic Wrestling Revolution, put out a trailer video.  
• For tonight’s CMLL show at Arena Mexico, there is a rare last minute change in the card.  La Mascara is off the card so Rush will team with Mistico against La Sombra & Volador Jr.  This has Rush & Sombra, usual tag partners, each teaming with babyfaces.  La Mascara is a regular partner of Rush.  The idea that the match would be everyone turning on Volador is less likely with Mistico as his partner.  Rush & Mistico are actually brothers, and haven’t teamed up in three years.  

WWE

• WrestleMania tickets went on sale today at Ticketmaster.  There must be a high demand because the last time I checked for options the wait time was nine minutes.  Aside from ringside, the best tickets available as of a few hours ago were in the 200s section priced at $207.   
• Eva Marie and Linda McMahon represented WWE last night in accepting the Corporate Leadership Award from Soldier Strong. 
• The Boogeyman announced that he’s signed a WWE Legends deal.  The Young Bucks then posted that they would be signing one next, but that was a spoof. 
• Video review of WWE 2K16 in the New York Daily News

UFC

• For those coming to Las Vegas for the three big shows next month, here are some events taking place:

Tuesday 12/8

Open workouts at 12:30 p.m. at the MGM Grand Casino floor with Rose Namajunas, Paige VanZant, Jim Miller, Michael Chiesa, Sage Northcutt and Cody Pfister

Wednesday 12/9

Media day at 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public) featuring 18 fighters that weekend at the MGM Grand.

Press conference open to the public at 1 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Dana White, Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes.

Weigh-ins for the Thursday show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 4 p.m.

Thursday 12/10

Open workouts at 10 a.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold open to the public and free

Weigh-ins at 2 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

Live show at 3:45 p.m. at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

Friday 12/11

UFC 194 weigh-ins at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 3 p.m. (one hour earlier than usual)

Live show headlined by Frankie Edgar vs Chad Mendes at 4:30 p.m. at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan

Saturday 12/12

UFC 194 at 3:30 p.m. from the MGM Grand Garden Arena

• UFC Fight Pass is “Powered by Miesha” in November with new features including her going into depth of her two Ronda Rousey fights and analyze what Holly Holm can expect next week, as well as preview the Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Valerie Letourneau fight.  There will also be a Fightography with Tate talking about her career starting as the only girl doing high school wrestling at her school to holding the Strikeforce bantamweight title.  She also has another feature talking about the best fights of her career.
• Monster Energy announced a marketing deal with Ronda Rousey.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Dr. Wagner Jr. is replacing Alberto Del Rio on the first ZZ Inc. pro wrestling show tomorrow night in Veracruz, teaming with Blue Demon Jr. & Rey Mysterio Jr. against Low Ki & Johnny Mundo & Roderick Strong.  Garza Jr. (the nephew of Hector Garza) will team with El Hijo del Dos Caras (the brother of Alberto Del Rio) & The Original Psicosis vs. Brodus (Clay) & Mesias & Pentagon.  Among the guys working the undercard are Speedball Mike Bailey, Willie Mack, Mr. 450 from Puerto Rico and Seiya Sanada from Japan.
• Flamita, wrestling as Fireball, is also on the Veracruz show.  He was also booked for CaraLucha on Saturday night in a four-way.  Angel de Oro replaces him in the main event, against Caristico (ex-Myzteziz), Herichero and Cavernario.    
• AAA is taping television tonight in Xalapa headlined by Rey Mysterio Jr. & Fenix & Psycho Clown vs. Low Ki & Johnny Mundo & Pentagon Jr.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling on 11/13 in Waldorf, MD at the Unique Sports Academy and 11/14 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena.  Appearing in Waldorf are Ric Flair, Baby Doll and Mickie James.  Mickie James faces Kimber Lee and Renee Michelle faces Tessa Blanchard.  Appearing in Joppa are Flair, Tully Blanchard and JJ Dillon.
• As noted yesterday, Glory debuts on ESPN today.  The live show from Milan, Italy, featuring Robin Van Roosmalen (34-6, 19 KOs) vs. Sitthicha Sitsongpeenong (103-28-5, 28 KOs) for the lightweight title and legendary Giorgio Petrosyan (81-2-1, 36 KOs) vs. Josh Jauncey (23-5, 12 KOs) airs live at 4 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 3, the company’s streaming service.  A taped version of the show airs at 1:30 a.m. tonight on ESPN 2.
• Ethan Carter III vs. Shane Sabre headlines for Superkick’d tomorrow night in Toronto at The Great Hall. 
• CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno b Explosivo & Star Black, Hombre Bala Jr. & Magnum & Super Halcon Jr. b Artillero & Metalico & Rafaga Delta & Esfinge & Guerrero Maya Jr. b Disturbio & Virus & Bobby Z, Brazo de Plata & La Mascara & Maximo Sexy  b Olimpico & Rey Bucanero & Ripper, Atlantis & Mistico & Volador Jr. b Euforia & Negro Casas & Mr. Niebla-DQ.  La Mascara made Bucanero submit to set up Bucanero defending the NWA Historic light heavyweight title against La Mascara this coming Tuesday in the same arena.
• Promociones Salinas runs on 11/14 at Salon los Portales in Mission, TX headlined by Temblor & Valiente & Volador Jr. vs. La Mascara & La Sombra & Virus.
• My Life My Power Entertainment has a live show at 11/14 at 5 p.m. at Jackson High School in Miami.  Step into my Sole will be donating $200,000 worth of Saucony shoes for every student and teacher who attends. 
• Regarding the nickname The Bash Brothers for Melvin & Marvin Blumer that we noted earlier in the week previewing tonight’s RFA show and that it came from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, it should be noted that Kyle Shiely, a longtime reader and correspondent for this site was the one who came up with it, taken of course from Mark McGwire & Jose Canseco when they played for the Oakland A’s.
• A tribute video to Mitsuharu Misawa
• And 41 years ago today, check out this show in Miami Beach during the heyday, what a great talent lineup:

Frank Monte b Gene Lewis

Bruce Swayze d Frank Hester

Tony Parisi b Greg Valentine

Danny Hodge b Bobby Duncum

Dick Slater b Bob Backlund

Don Muraco b Mongolian Stomper

Dusty Rhodes & Jerry Brisco b Cowboy Bill Watts & Terry Funk

Bob Armstrong b Dory Funk Jr. via DQ to retain the North American title  

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

1967 – Jim Breaks beat Alan Sargent in Leeds to win the British middleweight title

1977 – Mighty Inoue & Animal Hamaguchi (father of the Olympic woman wrestler) beat Great Kojika & Motoshi Okuma to win the All-Asia tag team title

1992 – Mr. Pogo & Crash the Terminator (Bill DeMott) beat The Head Hunters in Sapporo to win the WING tag title

2006 – Masahiro Chono & Shinsuke Nakamura beat Koji Kanemoto & Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the G-1 tag team tournament in Tokyo

2008 – Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan beat Togi Makabe & Toru Yano in Tokyo to win the G-1 tag team tournament in Tokyo

2011 – Lance Archer & Minoru Suzuki beat Giant Bernard (Matt Bloom) & Karl Anderson in Tokyo to win the G-1 tag team tournament in Tokyo

2013 – The Young Bucks beat Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov in Tokyo to win the Super Junior tag team tournament in Tokyo  

SETH ROLLINS INJURY AND FALLOUT

We’ve got a lot of new audio up on the site, including today’s Observer Live talking the Seth Rollins injury and WWE tournament with Bryan and Mike Sempervive, plus Matt Farmer, Bryan and I talk the 2015 class of the Hall of Fame and thoughts on next year.

There is a story on the front page on the Seth Rollins injury, which is devastating because WWE now has to revamp all its championship creative for the next several months, as well as change WrestleMania plans.  For those who haven’t seen the injury, this is the spot it happened.  Rollins continued the match after, but after being diagnosed after the show, will need surgery.

Brock Lesnar is somewhere in Alberta on a big annual hunting trip.  I don’t know that they are blowing up his phone, but right about now you’d think they’d be wanting some new dates from him.  But the company desperately needs a top heel.  

No word yet on what form the title tournament will take.  I’m guessing they’ll try and keep everything under wraps until Raw on Monday, but if they keep the Undertaker & Kane match as is, that keeps Bray Wyatt out of the tournament.  They could do elimination matches on television as well to set up a final four or final eight on the PPV.

Another question is what happens on the show today in Cardiff, Wales, scheduled to be headlined by Seth Rollins vs. Kane.  The top heels on the tour are Sheamus and Tyler Breeze, and they could always turn Big Show heel again.  No word on whether they’ll move a heel from the Wyatt family or Kevin Owens from the other tour to fill the spot.

We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Cardiff, Wales, Glasgow, Scotland, the Dallas show tonight at the WrestleMania party (Samoa Joe vs. Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews vs. Tye Dillinger, Asuka vs. Peyton Royce, Blake & Murphy vs. Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley, Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss) which is free and NXT in Lakeland, FL at dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

We’re also be looking for reports tomorrow from WWE in London, which is the Rollins tour, although he’s not on the tour any longer; Barcelona, which is the Reigns tour, and the NXT show in Jacksonville, FL.

Saturday has the Rollins tour in Leeds, England, the Reigns tour in Madrid, Spain and the NXT show in Largo, FL.

DRAGON GATE GATE OF DESTINY iPPV AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME at http://live.nicovidoe.jp/watch/lv238821844

Our only weekend poll will be for Power Struggle which takes place late tomorrow night U.S. time

New Japan’s Power Struggle PPV will be tomorrow night at 3 a.m. Eastern and midnight Pacific time, featuring Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for their IC title and Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal in the finals of the Super Junior tag team tournament.

Figure Four Weekly:

Figure Four Weekly (10/2/15): WWE 2K16 Review
2K Sports and Yuke’s turn around WWE video game series with a reinvigorated title boasting huge roster.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Here is the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: November 9, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Hall of Fame Issue

Our most talked about issue of the year, the 2015 Hall of Fame issue is up on the site right now.  This is a double-issue featuring notes on the seven new inductees, the complete balloting results for the year along with last year, plus how the top candidates did with reporters, historians, and those who are currently and formerly in the business.  You’ll see how the different groups voted, as well as notes on everyone who went in, what kept those who came close from getting in, thoughts on next year’s ballot, and a look at the careers of the inductees.  There is also a super history of Montreal wrestling in the new issue, as well as a story on the modern Mexican scene.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

Rates are:

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

• WrestleMania tickets are still on sale today in the pre-sale before they go on sale to the public tomorrow. 
• Glory announced a contract with ESPN, after losing their deal with Spike.  Glory 25 from Monza,Italy, will be airing on ESPN 3 (its streaming site) tomorrow at 4 p.m. Eastern time).  it will be replayed at 1:30 a.m. on ESPN 2 late tomorrow night.
• Rumors have it that Nick Diaz’s settlement will be an 18 month suspension and a $100,000 fine, which would be finalized soon and he’d be able to fight over the summer.  That’s an a lot more fair sentence. 
• Bobby Lashley said his goal for 2016 is to become the first person to hold the TNA & Bellator heavyweight title, with the idea that he figures nobody else will ever do that again.  The Lashley vs. James Thomson winner from tomorrow night is under consideration to face Kimbo Slice.  Lashley and Slice are friendly and Lashley has said that he won’t ask for the fight, but if offered, he won’t turn it down either.
• AXS is pushing tomorrow night’s New Japan around the idea of seeing two matches of the year.  At 8 p.m. they’ll re-air the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi match that aired last week.  At 9 p.m. will be the Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada IWGP title match from January’s Wrestle Kingdom show.  I’m told Tanahashi vs. Okada with the full show built around it with preview packages and interviews is a great one hour broadcast.
• Roderick Strong, Pentagon Jr. and Flamita were all double-booked for tomorrow, for both the ZZ Inc. show in Veracruz, and for Strong, an NSPW show in Quebec City, Pentagon Jr. on a show in Toronto and Flamita on a CaraLucha show.  I know that one wrestler from the U.S. just got his tickets for the ZZ Inc. show last night and was worried about whether it would take place.  Strong had agreed to the date, then never heard back, figured it wasn’t going to happen, and took the Quebec City booking in mid-September.  Strong got his flight tickets for Quebec City last week and was being advertised there for the past month.  Strong then contacted the promotion late last night and said what happened, as he heard from AAA, said he was taking the Mexico booking since he agreed to that one first.  NSPW is a  group that runs in Quebec and sells out more often than not in a 500 seat arena and has used a lot of major U.S indie names like Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Young Bucks, Bobby Roode, Brian Cage, Sylvain Grenier, Johnny Gargano and others.  Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Mike Bailey were all regulars there in the past.  Don’t know anything about Pentagon Jr. and Flamita and which show they are working. 

WWE:

• The WrestleMania on-sale party take place tonight at 6 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Dallas featuring Steve Austin, Mark Henry, Lana, Lita, Booker T and others.  The event is free.  There will be Q&As and fans in attendance will get a code to purchase WrestleMania tickets tonight before the public on-sale tomorrow.  The matches listed at the top of the page will be taking place at the party.
• The matches tonight in Dallas are being taped, whether for NXT television clips or something else, and the party footage is expected to air on Raw on Monday.
• John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio has been announced as the new main event for the WWE’s next show in Madison Square Garden on 12/26.  Cena vs. Del Rio is now pegged for Cena’s return program.  I suspect Mr. Cena’s phone has been buzzing today. (thanks to Mike Omansky)  
• The movie “Spectre” opens today throughout the U.S.  Dave Bautista is one of the stars and the movie did gigantic European box office last week and is expected to do the same here this week.
• Ryan Pike from this site saw the movie last night in Calgary and said: Bautista’s role is a throwback to the old Bond henchmen, he’s good and one line got a hell of a laugh.   
• Paul Levesque and Corey Graves represented WWE last night at the Concussion Legacy Foundation Impact Awards dinner in Boston.  HHH presented the group with a sponsorship check from WWE to support further research.
• On Monday’s Observer Live we were asked about why WWE plugged Mick Foley’s “Countdown to Lockdown” book when he was in TNA at the time.  It came after Foley did media interviews defending Linda McMahon when she was running for the senate.
• WWE stock dropped 10 cents per share today to close at $17.45 per share.  It had a strong day yesterday. 

UFC:

• Here is the weekend TV schedule.
• UFC weigh-ins are tomorrow on FS 2 (as well as this site) at 4 p.m. Eastern with Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian, Yves Edwards and Heidi Androl working the show.
• UFC Embedded:  Rousey vs. Holm will be Saturday at 2 pm. Eastern on FOX
• UFC Pre-fight show on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern on FS 1
• UFC live from Sao Paulo, Brazil has ten fights starting at 8 p.m. Saturday night. headlined by Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson and Glover Teixeira vs. Patrick Cummins
• UFC post-fight show at 1 a.m. late Saturday night on FS 1
• Ultimate Insider hosted by Megan Olivi on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FS 1 built around interviews with Ronda Rousey, Sage Northcutt and Joanna Jedrzejczyk

MISC:

• Bellator’s Fan Fest is tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO at Ballpark Village.  Among those appearing are Ken Shamrock, Kurt Angle, Kimbo  Slice, Liam McGeary, Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz.
• On Monday night, the local promotion in Nuevo Laredo didn’t announce Alberto del Rio not being there until hours before the show, taping a note on the ticket window.
• The Taz Show will now be video streamed at www.TazShow.com every Saturday morning from 7-9 a.m.
• Deadline.com has reported FOX has purchased the broadcast rights to a soap opera television show called “The Work,” which would be set in the world of pro wrestling.
• All Elite announced that the Caristico & Atlantis vs. Ultimo Guerrero & La Sombra main event scheduled for tomorrow night in Guadalajara is off.  They did announce a main event for Sunday at Arena Mexico is Caristico & Atlantis vs. Sombra & Guerrero and Volador Jr. & Valiente & Maximo Sexy vs. Damian 666 & Halloween & Bestia 666. (thanks to Robert Bihari)
• Evolve has iPPVs tomorrow night and Saturday night from Ybor City and Orlando, FL.  Tomorrow night’s show has Timothy Thatcher vs. Johnny Gargano for the Evolve title, Drew Galloway vs. Caleb Konley, Drew Gulak vs. Matt Riddle, TJ Perkins vs. Anthony Nese and Ethan Page vs. Peter Kaasa.
• Axl Rotten, the former ECW star, said yesterday that he’s signed a book deal for an autobiography.
• Sinclair Broadcasting saw third quarter revenue increase 11 percent to $497.4 million.
• Several other media stocks did badly yesterday, including Time Warner down 8.5 percent, Fox down 5.7 percent and Viacom down 5.6 percent.  Time Warner said profits would be below its previous target.  There is long-term trepidation about people moving away from cable TV, which is an issue for both WWE & UFC because it’s their main source of exposure and of making new fans.
• We’re told Claro Sports will be airing CMLL this Friday after all, after earlier in the week that wasn’t the case.  It’s more likely than not to be geo-blocked in the U.S. 
• All-Star Wrestling on 11/13 in Vancouver, BC has an Adam Firestorm Memorial Rumble.  Today is the sixth anniversary of Firestorm’s death due to suicide at the age of 32.  The Vancouver show is a benefit show with the funds going into a trust fund for Firestorm’s son Thomas. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
• A story on the retirement of Winnipeg veteran Robby Royce
• AXS TV at 10 p.m. tomorrow night has the Resurrection Fighting Alliance from the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.  They are building it around Marvin and Melvin Blumer, who the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has called The Bash Brothers identical twins from Lindsro, MN who both won amateur titles at the same card.
• ICW, which is about to draw the biggest crowd for a U.K. based promotion in 33 years next weekend, will be doing a spring tour with a debut in Wales, Northern Ireland as well as Dublin, Ireland. (thanks to Allan Blackstock)
• Update on Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore shows
• A story on Michael Chandler vs. Dave Rickels
•  (thanks to Matt Borrows)
• Rob Van Dam will be headlining a comedy show tomorrow night in Fresno at the Club One Casino.  Tickets are available HERE
• Paradox Wrestling in LaPorte, IN on Saturday at Johnny’s Roadhouse.  Fans must be 21 or older to attend.  The main event will be a Legos, Ornaments and Light tubes death match.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling on 11/17 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and 12/5 in Cleveland at the Dr. Martin Luther King Church. 
• Big West Wrestling on 11/13 and 12/11 in Kelowna, BC at the Lake City Bowling & Billiards.
• Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling results from Friday night in Cloverdale, BC including Shayna Baszler:  Scotty Mac b Ravenous Randy, Bishop b Air Adonis, Andy Bird & Jack & Karl Cunningham b Hellion & J-Sin Sullivan & Lak Siddartha, Phantasmo won three-way over Alex Plexis and Pete Powers, Tony Baroni b Phantasmo, Shayna Baszler b Nicole Matthews, Bollywood Boyz (GFW team) b Ethan HD & Mike Santiago in a cage match to keep the tag titles.  UFC’s Jessamyn Duke was in Baszler’s corner. (thanks to Steven Ashe)
• River City Wrestling on 11/13 in San Antonio at Retama Park with a fans lumberjack match with Hernandez vs. Brandon Groom.
• 40 years ago today in Miami Beach before 3,861 fans saw Harley Race & King Curtis Iaukea beat Dusty Rhodes & Rocky Johnson, Jack Brisco beat Larry Hennig to retain the NWA title, Hiro Matsuda beat Omar Negro (Omar Atlas) to retain the NWA jr. title, Eddie & Mike Graham beat Masked Superstars, Ciclon Negro beat Bob Roop via DQ in a taped fist match, Joyce Grable beat Toni Rose and Roger Kirby beat Randy Poffo (Randy Savage very early in his career). (thanks to Barry Rose)
• Mecca Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Cornwall, ONT at the Agora Centre with Al Snow and Tommy Dreamer.
• A story on the most shocking angles in wrestling history

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

1966 – Giant Baba & Michiaki Yoshimura beat Mike Paidousis & Fritz Von Goering in Tokyo to win the Int. tag title

1985 – Jim Breaks beat Johnny Saint in Croydon to win the world lightweight title

1990 – Jimmy Backlund (Jimmy Del Rey) beat Katsuji Ueda in Tokyo to win the AWA light heavyweight title

1991 – Hiroshi Hase & Keiji Muto beat Rick Steiner & Scott Norton (subbing for Scott Steiner) to win the IWGP tag title and Norio Honaga beat Akira Nogami to win the IWGP jr. title

1993 – El Hijo del Santo & Octagon beat Love Machine & Eddie Guerrero in Tonala to win the AAA tag team titles.  Machine & Guerrero were one of the best tag teams of the past 25 years. 

1995 – Cannonball Grizzly & John Hawk (John Layfield) beat Ulf Hermann & August Smisl in Vienna to win the CWA tag title

2005 – Akira Taue beat Takeshi Rikio in Tokyo to win the GHC heavyweight title

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