Category: Daily Updates

UFC Fight Night: Holohan vs. Smolka will probably be just about over if not done by the time you read this, but it’s available on UFC Fight Pass if you want to check it out.  UFC Fight Night 76 Dublin live results: Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka

Sunday we’ll be looking for reports on the NXT show as part of the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento.

ROH Glory By Honor 14: Champions vs. All-Stars is tonight in Dayton, OH, with the following card:

• ROH TV Champion Roderick Strong, AJ Styles & ACH vs. ROH Champion Jay Lethal and ROH Tag Team Champions The Kingdom
• War Machine vs. The Briscoes
• Adam Page vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Dalton Castle vs. Cliff Compton
• The Addiction, Moose, and more.

Check out our Hell in a Cell Preview:  WWE Hell in a Cell Preview and Predictions

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY FROM THE STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AT 7:30 P.M.

Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match

Seth Rollins vs. Kane for WWE title vs. Kane’s job as Director of Operations

Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt Hell in a Cell match

John Cena vs. ? for U.S. title

Big E & Kofi Kingston vs. Dudleys for tag titles

Kevin Owens vs. Ryback for IC title

Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella for Divas title

Neville & Dolph Ziggler & Cesaro vs. Rusev & Sheamus & King Barrett (preshow match at 7:30)

Raw will be live in San Diego on Monday night.

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

****

Figure Four Weekly:

Jerry McDevitt cuts quite the legal promo on Konstantine Kyros as part of his latest screed in the ongoing legal battle over WWE’s alleged role in wrestlers’ brain damage.

Figure Four Weekly October 19, 2015: Latest Update On WWE Concussion Lawsuits

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The WWE’s record low ratings, even with bringing in all the big names on Monday, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter.  We look at the ratings, the competition, the build to Hell in a Cell, and what type of programming is and isn’t working in ratings now.  We also look more at John Layfield’s interview with Eric Bischoff and WCW and how pro wrestling has changed since the death of WCW, as well as more on the political goings-on in Mexico, what modern era wrestlers have had the most four star matches and a wrestling show in a few weeks that you don’t know of that is going to have a paid attendance of more than 30,000 people.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

Check out the latest issue:  Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 26, 2015: Raw ratings woes continue, More Eric Bischoff notes

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

Doris Adkisson, the ex-wife of Jack “Fritz Von Erich” Adkisson and mother of the Von Erich brothers, passed away today. She had been in bad shape for years, and Per her son Kevin’s Twitter account, she was suffering from emphysema.

WWE

• Luke Harper is back on the road after missing Raw and Smackdown.  We were told it was a personal matter and he was expected back this week.
• From those who have seen the run sheet for Hell in a Cell so far, we’re told it will be a better show than the build-up leading up to it.  It would kind of have to be.  Also, because the weather is great in LA (85 degrees and sunny), there is talk of doing the pre-show outside in the sunshine the way that FOX Sports does it.
• Make of this what you will, but Rusev and Lana have been seen all over LA together in the places that TMZ normally hangs out.
• WWE Breaking Ground debuts after the Hell in a Cell PPV on Sunday night.  We’ve heard really good reviews about it from those who have seen it.  The show will replay after Raw, which will be its usual timeslot from this point forwards.
• Here’s a piece on new WWE signee, Australian-Samoan rugby player Dan Vidot.
• WWE.com has a story about James Storm and what led him to WWE.  He doesn’t say a whole lot about his future, which is interesting because he did not appear at the latest set of TV tapings, however on the show that aired on Wednesday night he was very specifically described as NXT’s newest signing.  
• 2K Sports announced a creation utility for smartphones that will work with WWE 2K16, allowing importing of faces and stuff like that. The game comes out on Tuesday and is still available for pre-order with release date delivery.
• Smackdown was up slightly this week to 2.2 million viewers.
• Wednesday’s new Table for 3 will feature — get this lineup — Neville, Samoa Joe and BO DALLAS.  I’ve seen several episodes and they are hit and miss.  If they have the right three guys with the right chemistry, it’s great.  Three guys without the chemistry is kind of boring.  And I could do without guys like Dean Ambrose ranting and raving with a mouth full of food.  Maybe next season it could just be DRINKS FOR 3.
• KLTV has a story about Mark Henry doing an anti-bullying assembly at a high school in Tyler, Texas.
• The new Undertaker “streak” box set has new artwork. It comes out on November 17th and is available for pre-order.
• Vince Russo reached out to Vince McMahon offering his help with the product.  Not kidding.

UFC

• Ronda Rousey will do voiceovers for the FOX NFL Sunday show at noon ET tomorrow, and also appear on The OT afterwards.

OTHER MMA

• TMZ has a story about former UFC and Bellator fighter Lavar Johnson, who remains incarcerated on $120,000 bond after allegeding beating up his girlfriend several months ago.  He has plead not guilty to the charges.  On of the charges was “assault with a deadly weapon”, and the deadly weapon was his fists.
• Last night’s Bellator main event was one of the biggest upsets of the year, as Rafael Carvalho (about +700 as an underdog) defeated former champion Brandon Halsey (about -1100 favorite) by TKO with a liver kick to win the vacant middleweight championship. Both of Carvalho’s previous Bellator wins saw him brought in seemingly to be a warm body for the opponent to be showcased, yet he rose to the occasion and won. He did that again here.
• On last night’s Bellator show, they announced a 3 part series “Road to Vengeance” leading into their next tentpole event on November 6th in St. Louis. Part 1 airs at 1130 pm eastern this coming Thursday

OTHER WRESTLING

• As noted on the front page, Roderick Strong beat Jay Lethal to win the ROH TV title last night, which would be the first time Lethal has been pinned in over a year.  Lethal remains the ROH World Heavyweight Champion.  His next major challenger for that title is scheduled to be AJ Styles.  That match is scheduled to take place at Final Battle this year, ROH’s version of WrestleMania in December.
• Global Force Wrestling has new champions following the television tapings on Friday night.  Nick Aldis, the former Magnus in TNA, is the new Global Champion (their main title); Christina Von Eerie is the new Women’s Champion; the Bollywood Boys are the new GFW Tag Team Champions; and PJ Black, the former Justin Gabriel in WWE, is the new Nex*Gen Champion, which is I guess is their version of the X-Division Title.
• Bill Apter pens first wrestling book
• Minnesota wrestling historian to speak at Minneapolis Historical Museum
• The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous
• WWE declares dividend, stock rises
• Here’s a random notes: Catherine Murray, widow of the late Kerry Von Erich, will appear on the 12/9 episode of The Price Is Right as a contestant. Lacey Von Erich was also at the taping, but wasn’t a contestant.

WWE Network announced today that they are expanding the network into India.  

Last night’s Bryan and Vinny show features a Raw Review!

Check out today’s wrestling history.  And if you love history talk you must check out the Karl Stern Show 10/22: Storytelling series on the monsters of pro-wrestling history!

Last night’s WWE Smackdown had the debut of Tyler Breeze.  Check out our WWE Smackdown report.  Also, last night was WWE NXT tv tapings, check out the spoilers.

Big news out of UFC today with Jon Jones being reinstated, that will certainly lead to a rematch with current light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier.  Also, check out today’s WOL on the news: Wrestling Observer Live 10/23: Jon Jones reinstatement, Dr. Lucha talks Lucha Underground, more!

Keeping with the MMA theme check out Josh Nason’s Punch-Out ep. 17: MMA Weekly’s Erik Fontanez

News came out today that former UFC and Bellator heavyweight Lavar Johnson was charged with domestic assault stemming from an incident last August.

Check out Ryan Frederick’s preview, betting odds and predictions for UFC Dublin.

Please send reports to Dave Meltzer on the following:  

GFW TV tapings from Las Vegas

Heavyweight title tournament final:  Nick Aldis, Bobby Roode and Chris Mordetzky;

Brian Myers vs. Kongo

Kong vs. Kevin Kross

Tag title tourney with Luster the Legend & Adam Thornstowe, Bollywood Boyz, Kenny King & Joey Ryan and Remy Marcel & Jack Manley, Bestia 666 vs. Cielo Escorpion,

NEW GEN title four-way with Virgil Flynn vs. Jigsaw vs. TJP plus Sonjay Dutt vs. Seiya Sanada)

We are also looking for Reports on tonight’s ROH tapings in Kalamazoo, MI (Jay Lethal vs. Roderick Strong for TV title, A.J. Styles vs. Donovan Dijak, Briscoes vs. Kenny King & Rhett Titus, Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian for tag titles, Adam Cole vs. Dalton Castle, Leah Von Dutch vs. Crazy Mary Dobson, Silas Young & Beer City Bruiser vs. The Boyz, ACH vs. Cedric Alexander)

Please send reports to Dave Meltzer

Yes, Kenny King is supposed to be in Kalamazoo and Las Vegas on the same night.  

This weekend we’ll be taking our big show poll only on Hell in a Cell Sunday.

Bellator tonight at 9 p.m. on Spike from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT

Goiti Yamauchi vs. Isao Kobayashi

Michael Page vs. Charles Ontiveros

Brennan Ward vs. Dennis Olson

Brandon Halsey vs. Rafael Carvalho for the vacant middleweight title

Page is usually someone worth going out of your way to see.

New Japan World has a live show at 6 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow morning from Tokorozawa

• Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Juice Robinson
• Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jay White & David Finlay non-title
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Kushida & Alex Shelley vs. Kenny Omega & Chase Owens & Young Bucks
• Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Cody Hall & Tama Tonga
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo
• Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta

New Japan also opens its junior heavyweight tag team tournament on Friday night/Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern and 2:30 a.m. Pacific time from Korakuen Hall

• Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Captain New Japan vs. Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka & David Finlay & Jay White
• Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
• Hiroshi Tanahashi& Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo

Tag team tournament first round matches:

• Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly
• Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Kenny Omega & Chase Owens
• Mascara Dorada & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Young Bucks
• Matt Sydal & Ricochet vs. Alex Shelley & Kushida

UFC ON FIGHT PASS FROM DUBLIN, IRELAND AT 1:15 P.M. EASTERN TIME – Saturday

For Canada: Tomorrow’s UFC main card from Dublin will air from 4-6 p.m. Eastern in Canada on The Fight Network and again at9 p.m. and 1 a.m. for prime time viewing in the Eastern and Pacific time zones.

Bubba Bush (185) vs. Garreth McLellan (185)

Darren Elkins (145) vs Robert Whiteford (145)

Tom Breeze (171) vs. Cathal Pendred (169)

Scott Askham (184) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (185)

Aisling Daly (115) vs. Ericka Almeida (115)

Stevie Ray (155) vs. Mickael Lebout (155)

Neil Seery (125) vs. Jon Delos Reyes (125)

Nicolas Dalby (170) vs. Darren Hill (171)

Reza Madadi (156) vs. Norman Parke (156)

Paddy Holohan (126) vs. Louis Smolka (125)

Sunday we’ll be looking for reports on the NXT show as part of the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento.

WWE HELL IN A CELL SUNDAY FROM THE STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AT 7:30 P.M.

Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match

Seth Rollins vs. Kane for WWE title vs. Kane’s job as Director of Operations

Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt Hell in a Cell match

John Cena vs. ? for U.S. title

Big E & Kofi Kingston vs. Dudleys for tag titles

Kevin Owens vs. Ryback for IC title

Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella for Divas title

Neville & Dolph Ziggler & Cesaro vs. Rusev & Sheamus & King Barrett (preshow match at 7:30)

Raw will be live in San Diego on Monday night.

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

****

Figure Four Weekly:

Jerry McDevitt cuts quite the legal promo on Konstantine Kyros as part of his latest screed in the ongoing legal battle over WWE’s alleged role in wrestlers’ brain damage.

Figure Four Weekly October 19, 2015: Latest Update On WWE Concussion Lawsuits

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The WWE’s record low ratings, even with bringing in all the big names on Monday, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter.  We look at the ratings, the competition, the build to Hell in a Cell, and what type of programming is and isn’t working in ratings now.  We also look more at John Layfield’s interview with Eric Bischoff and WCW and how pro wrestling has changed since the death of WCW, as well as more on the political goings-on in Mexico, what modern era wrestlers have had the most four star matches and a wrestling show in a few weeks that you don’t know of that is going to have a paid attendance of more than 30,000 people.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

Check out the latest issue:  Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 26, 2015: Raw ratings woes continue, More Eric Bischoff notes

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

• WWE.com had a story on James Storm where he gave the indication it’s up to WWE if he signs or not.  He didn’t work last night’s TV.  He said that Road Dogg and Billy Gunn, who he knew from TNA, opened the door for him.  He also admitted he was at the show in Nashville even though he had previously denied it.
• Paige did a great job last night on Conan O’Brien.  It was funny because she was there to plug Hell in a Cell, and Conan talked about seeing her on the show, even though she doesn’t have a match on the show.  I guess when they made the booking the left hand thought she would be on the card.  They mostly talked about how she grew up in a wrestling family with her parents and brothers and how her mom was wrestling when pregnant with her so she started while still in the womb.
• The next Evolve shows will be 11/6 in Ybor City, FL and 11/7 in Orlando with Timothy Thatcher, Johnny Gargano, Drew Galloway, Caleb Konley, Anthony Nese, TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, Ethan Page, Andrew Everett , Peter Kaasa and Matt Riddle scheduled.
• Lana is on the road in Southern California because she and Rusev were at the Clippers game last night.

UFC

• The episode of Ultimate Fighter that has gotten so much talk in the last few days will replay at 10 p.m. Eastern timeSunday night.

OTHER WRESTLING

• The West Coast Wrestling Connection’s TV on PDX-TV in Portland, OR, is being moved to Saturday nights at 11 p.m.
• Atlantis & Valiente & Volador Jr. vs. Rush & La Sombra & La Mascara is the main event of tonight’s CMLL show at Arena Mexico.  No word on whether it’ll be geo blocked or not, but you can check at just after 9:30 p.m. Eastern time at www.ClaroSports.com
• CHIKARA from last night in Minneapolis:  Chuck Taylor b Frightmare, Darin Corbin & Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon b Race Jaxon & Hype Rockwell & Farmer Frog, Arik Cannon b Oleg the Usurper, Kimber Lee & El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream Jr b Icarus & Mark Angelosetti & Heidi Lovelace, Ariya Daivari won four-way over Wildcat, Kody Rice and Venom, Hallowicked b Jakob Hammermeieir, Ophidian & Eddie Kingston & Shynron b Juan Francisco de Coronado & Boar of Moldova & Parkash Sbar, Soldier Ant b Blaster McMassive (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• My Life My Power Entertainment has a show on 11/14 in Miami at the Jackson Senior High School headlined by Daniel Puder.
• 41 years ago today in Miami Beach

Eddie Graham b Gary Hart in a lights out match

Dusty Rhodes & Mike Graham b Dick Slater & Toru Tanaka

Don Muraco & Bob Armstrong drew Hollywood Blonds (Buddy Roberts & Jerry Brown)

Pak Song b Paul Jones to retain the Southern title

Jerry Brisco b Cowboy Bill Watts via DQ

Tony Charles b Dennis Stamp

Mongolian Stomper b Frank Hester

Cowboy Lang & Sonny Boy Hayes b Little Louie & Billy the Kid (thanks to Barry Rose)

The Freebirds vs. Terry Taylor & Missing Link is the new match today on NWAClassics.com

• Tyson Dux has a pre-wedding stag event in Windsor, ONT at Club Alouette.  There will be two hours of wrestling at7 p.m. followed by the party at 9 p.m.  Ages 19 and up can come.  Wrestling has a ticket price of $20 and the wrestling and stag party is 440.
• Smash Wrestling on 11/7 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre featuring Pentagon Jr. vs. Drago.
• Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling Halloween Hell on 10/30 with the Bollywood Boyz from GFW against Ethan HD & Mike Santiago in a cage match at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, BC.
• Highspots has started the women’s wrestling network on Roku.  The first month is available for 99 cents..  They are also promoting a Queen of combat show on 11/29 in Winston-Salem, NC at Ziggy’s with a four-way tournament with Jessicka Havok, Santana Garrett, Taeler Hendrix and Tessa Blanchard, plus Rebel, Madison Rayne, Candice LaRae, Allysin Kay, Barbi Hayden, Andrea, Lufisto, Chelsea Green, Crazy Mary Dobson and more.

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

1964 – Jim Barnett and Johnny Doyle debuted World Championship wrestling with their first show headlined by world champion Killer Kowalski retaining his title over Domenic DeNucci.  Kowalski would go on to be the greatest heel in WCW history, and DeNucci would go on to be the best drawing babyface in WCW history.

1981 – La Fiera beat Lizmark in Mexico City to win the NWA welterweight title

1981- El Satanico beat Solar to win the Mexican national middleweight title

1983 – Ringo Mendoza beat El Satanico in Guadalajara to win the NWA light heavyweight title

1983 – Enrique Vera won a three-way tournament over Dos Caras and Canek to win the UWA heavyweight title

1999 – Kenta Kobashi & Jun Akiyama beat Mitsuharu Misawa & Yoshinari Ogawa in Nagoya to win the All Japan tag title

2002 – Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Taka Michinoku & Gosaku Goshogawara beat Shinjiro Otani & Masato Tanaka & Wagyuta Koroge in Tokyo to become the first WEW trios champs

2011 – Jun Akiyama beat Suwama in Tokyo to win the Triple Crown and Dark Cuervo & Dark Ozz beat Keiji Muto & Kenso to win the World tag titles, Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi beat Manabu Soya & Seiya Sanada to win the All Asia tag titles and Kenny Omega beat Kai to win the All Japan world jr. title

Matt Farmer joined us for the first of several Hall of Fame shows on a Wrestling Observer radio that’s up right now: Wrestling Observer Radio 10/22: Observer Hall of Fame discussion with Matt Farmer, tons of news and more!

The latest WOL was just posted:  Wrestling Observer Live 10/22: Weakest UFC headliner ever, all the news of the day!

And of course you can’t miss this one! Filthy Four Daily 10/22: Tom Lawlor talks his concussion and then ten hottest superstars in WWE

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT TV tapings in Winter Park, FL at Dave Meltzer

The Finn Balor vs. Apollo Crews NXT title match is scheduled to be taped early on tonight’s tapings.

Schedule:

Smackdown at 8 p.m. on Syfy

Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro non-title, Paige vs. Nikki Bella, Lucha Dragons vs. King Barrett & Sheamus, Ryback vs. Bo Dallas, and New Day vs. Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose non-title

UFC Unleashed airs at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 with an episode spotlighting strawweight fighters Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Paige VanZant, and Michelle Waterson.

UFC Reloaded airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 has the UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi pay-per- view main card from earlier this year.

WWE SmackDown on airs on Syfy at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro, Paige vs. Nikki Bella.Miz TV with Summer Rae and Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and King Barrett vs. The Lucha Dragons, Ryback vs. Bo Dallas. and New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) vs. Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose.

New Japan World has a live show at 6 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow morning from Tokorozawa

• Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Juice Robinson
• Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jay White & David Finlay non-title
• Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Kushida & Alex Shelley vs. Kenny Omega & Chase Owens & Young Bucks
• Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Cody Hall & Tama Tonga
• Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo
• Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta

New Japan also opens its junior heavyweight tag team tournament on Friday night/Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern and 2:30 a.m. Pacific time from Korakuen Hall

• Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Captain New Japan vs. Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka & David Finlay & Jay White
• Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
• Hiroshi Tanahashi& Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo

Tag team tournament first round matches:

• Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly
• Rocky Romero & Baretta vs. Kenny Omega & Chase Owens
• Mascara Dorada & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Young Bucks
• Matt Sydal & Ricochet vs. Alex Shelley & Kushida

****

Figure Four Weekly:

Jerry McDevitt cuts quite the legal promo on Konstantine Kyros as part of his latest screed in the ongoing legal battle over WWE’s alleged role in wrestlers’ brain damage.

Figure Four Weekly October 19, 2015: Latest Update On WWE Concussion Lawsuits

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The WWE’s record low ratings, even with bringing in all the big names on Monday, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer newsletter.  We look at the ratings, the competition, the build to Hell in a Cell, and what type of programming is and isn’t working in ratings now.  We also look more at John Layfield’s interview with Eric Bischoff and WCW and how pro wrestling has changed since the death of WCW, as well as more on the political goings-on in Mexico, what modern era wrestlers have had the most four star matches and a wrestling show in a few weeks that you don’t know of that is going to have a paid attendance of more than 30,000 people.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

Check out the latest issue:  Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 26, 2015: Raw ratings woes continue, More Eric Bischoff notes

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.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Judge Pamela Campbell ruled that, at Hulk Hogan’s expense, Gawker must turn over their computers for an investigation by a court-appointed forensic examiner. This is to determine whether or not Gawker had anything to do with the leak of Hogan’s racist comments during one of the videos of him and Heather Cole. If it was determined that Gawker did it, they could lose the equivalent of a default judgment.
• Monday’s RAW in San Diego has 6500 sold thus far for a building that sells out at 10,900.
• WWE’s 12/26 MSG show will have (as of now) U.S. Champion John Cena vs. Sheamus and Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose.

• Speaking of Owens, he will be appearing Sunday night on “Tout le monde en parle”, a very popular talk show in Quebec. The show is being taped tonight, and gets about 2 million viewers in Quebec alone. This is, by far, his biggest mainstream media appearance to date.

• Here’s the WWE Network version of the HIAC :30 ad they are using on cable providers like Comcast.
• Here’s a strange one: TheHill.com’s Most Beautiful list has someone that has appeared on both C-SPAN and WWE. (The WWE appearance was only on a commercial though.)
• Bubba Ray Daley talked to Scott Fishman about returning to WWE and this weekend’s HIAC show.
• In presale news, get tickets for the 12/8 Jacksonville Smackdown/Tribute To The Troops tapings by using TROOPS and the 12/14 RAW in Philly by using EMAIL.

UFC

• Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson vs. Neil Magny has been added to January 2nd’s UFC 195 card in a battle of rising welterweight contenders. Albert Tumenov vs. Lorenz Larkin has also been added in another welterweight fight, making a card that is already full of interesting welterweight stand-up fights like welterweight champion Robbie Lawler defending the title against Carlos Condit. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday at 10 AM PST with prices ranging from $104-$804. There is a pre-sale going on now for Fight Club members.

• In addition to the Dublin show on Saturday, UFC Fight Pass is also airing a show from Russia on Friday afternoon at 1 pm eastern. Fight Nights Petersburg is headlined by a Light Heavyweight fight between Mikhail Mokhnatkin and Ednaldo Oliveira and two women’s flyweights on the undercard.
• Conor McGregor sent out a tweet on Wednesday night offering to step in and fight Dustin Poirier and save the UFC Dublin main event. Of course, this had almost no chance of happening as it would be foolish to risk a multi-million dollar payday in December against Jose Aldo for a Fight Night event on Fight Pass.
• Because the Joe Duffy vs. Dustin Poirier main event is off due to Duffy suffering from a concussion from a Saturday night training injury, the UFC has offered refunds at the point of purchase for all tickets for Saturday’s show in Dublin.

• This is amazing: Wanderlei Silva congratulating Justin Trudeau on Instagram.
• This is a great Tommy Toe Hold clip playing off the Back To The Future craze from yesterday.

OTHER MMA

• Bellator announced ‘Bellator 147’ headlined by Josh Thomson vs. Pablo Villaseca for 12/4 at San Jose (CA) State University. Tickets go on sale Friday at a starting price of $30.
• World Series of Fighting and IMG have renewed their worldwide distribution deal. Currently, WSOF is on television in 70 countries and territories including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Peru and Russia. They are also on The Fight Network in Canada.

OTHER WRESTLING

• After being dropped by the New England Patriots this week, offensive tackle Brennan Williams is heading to Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling school.
• Lucha Underground exec producer Eric Van Wagenen had a chat with TheRichest.com.
• WWF HOF Bushwacker Luke is heading to Rockland, Ontario, Canada, for a 11/27 Great North Wrestling show. Here’s a promo.
• Former Dino Bravo manager Frenchy Martin and current GNW Champion Hannibal will be at this Saturday’s CPW International show in Windsor, Quebec, Canada.

• Impact Pro Wrestling in Des Moines, IA, on 10/131 with Starla Love of Hulk Hogan’s Micro Championship Wrestling on the show. Tickets are available by emailing IPWtickets@yahoo.com.
• Minnesota’s Wrestling Hall of Fame is open for business.
• The Cauliflower Alley Club is honoring Lance Russell with Jerry Lawler introducing him. Russell was also a guest on Jim Ross’ podcast this week.

• Bushwacker Luke will be appearing form Great North Wrestling Nov. 27th in Rockland ON. He cut a promo for the match that you can see here.

• While it was reported in Germany by the promotion that Big Ryck (the former Ezekiel Jackson) had said he wrestled his last match over the weekend, his booking agent, Bill Behrens, has said that he is not retired, is still wrestling, and is taking independent bookings, flying out of San Francisco.
• Seiya Sanada is offering a $200 max flat rate for flight expenses for paid wrestling bookings to help control travel expenses for those who book him, flying out of Detroit. Also available include A.J. Styles (no dates available until 2016), Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Matt Sydal, Jay Lethal (only bookings outside the U.S. & Canada, he has an exclusive ROH contract for North America), Sean Waltman, Vampiro, Drew Galloway, Eric Young, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Mike Posey, Corey Hollis and a lot more.?

• GFW announced a 6 PM meet and greet prior to tomorrow night’s TV tapings in Las Vegas at The Orleans Arena. It will include Karen Jarrett, PJ Black, Brian Myers, Nick Aldis, Bobby Roode, Amber Gallows, Chris Mordetzky, Seiya Sanada, Kongo Kong with Henry Maxwell and Cyrus Fees.  Those who have tickets to the show can get into the meet and greet if they come to the Southwest entrance no later than 6 p.m.  If you arrive after 6 p.m., there is no guarantee you will be allowed in.  This is only open to those who have purchased P1 tickets.  If you have purchased tickets for the show that are not P1 tickets, you can come to the meet and greet for $35.

• CHIKARA runs on Saturday night at 7 PM. at the Jeffersonville Arena in Jeffersonville IN headlined by Chuck Taylor vs Blaster McMassive and Arik Cannon & Darin Corbin vs. Missile Assault Man & Lucas Calhoun.
• GOUGE on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Fuquay Varina, NC at the Draft Line Brewery.
• Crossfire Wrestling on 12/5 at 4 p.m. at the Merritton Community Centre in St. Catherines, ONT headlined by Cody Deaner vs. Eric Young
• Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 11/21 in Ottawa, ONT at the Polish Combatants Centre
• Prairie Wrestling Alliance on 10/24 in Calgary at the Century Casino.
• A new match on NWAClassics.com this week is Tommy Rich vs. Kamala.
• Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling on 11/20 in Victoria, BC at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91.
• Blue Demon Promotions on Saturday in El Paso at the Buchanan’s Event Centre has Blue Demon Jr. & Cassandro vs. Pakal & Peluchin Maldad
• FMLL on Sunday in El Monte, CA at the Florentine Gardens has Ultimo Guerrero defending the FMLL light heavyweight title against Shocker, plus Pirata Morgan & Cobarde vs. Nicho & Jaque Mate.
• Another show in El Paso Saturday at the Southwest University Events Center has La Sombra & Rush vs. Volador Jr. & Mr. Aguila.
• Ultimate Championship Wrestling on 11/27 in Bay City, MI has a special show to raise money for Cassidy Christie, the 11-year-old daughter of local wrestler Pete Christie, who is battling cancer.  A number of wrestlers are donated their services to this cause.  Headliners are Brian Christopher & Scotty 2 Hotty reuniting as 2 Cool, plus Sabu.
• Coastal Championship Wrestling from last night in Coral Springs, FL:  Maxwell Chicago b Made Man, Santana Garrett b Tammy Lynn, Cousin Earl b Danny Embry, El Heroes Byronico b Ricky Rush, Iron City Mauler & Guadeloupe Brothers b J-Dawg Brooks & The Assassins.
• Santana Garrett is leaving the U.S. for Japan today and starts Sunday for the Stardom promotion.  If you purchased tickets specifically to see her for tomorrow night’s Championship Wrestling Entertainment show in Port St. Lucie and Saturday’s Riot Pro Wrestling show in Melbourne, FL, tickets will be refunded up until the first 15 minutes of the show. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Viva La Lucha on 10/30 in Arcadia, FL at the Turner-Agri Civic Center with Silver King, Rey Bucanero, El Hijo de L.A. Park, Damian 666, Bestia 666, Extreme Tiger, Rey Hours, Willie Mack, Ivelisse Velez, Jessicka Havok and more.
• 40 years ago today in Miami Beach before 3,274 fans:  Dusty Rhodes b King Curtis Iaukea to retain the Florida title, Mark Lewin b Harley Race, Rocky Johnson & Ciclon Negro & Omar Negro (Buddy Moreno/Omar Atlas) b Larry Hennig & Bob Roop & J.J. Dillon, Ricky Gibson & Jimmy Golden b The Masked Superstars, Mike Graham b Roger Kirby via DQ to retain the U.S. jr. title, Billy Robinson b Bobby Duncum, Mike George b Tony Charles (thanks to Barry Rose)
• NFC tomorrow night in Kennesaw, GA at the Electric Cowboy features MMA fights at 8 p.m.  You must be over the age of 18 to attend.
• Pivotshare is doing channels for a number of wrestling organizations for video content at:
• ICW OnDemand
• Combat Zone Wrestling
• Monster Factory Pro Wrestling
• Women In Wrestling Network
• Smash Wrestling
• Progress Wrestling
• Absolute Intense Wrestling

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

1966 – George & Sandy Scott beat Brute Bernard & Skull Murphy to win the IWA tag titles

1995 – Chapparita Asari beat Momoe Nakanishi in Fukuoka to win the WWWA super lightweight title

1997 – Jaguar Yokota beat Lioness Asuka in Tokyo to win the TWWF title

2000 – Tamon Honda & Naomichi Marufuji beat Masao Inoue & Yoshinobu Kanemaru to win the WEW tag titles

2001 – Keiji Muto & Taiyo Kea beat Genichiro Tenryu & Yoji Anjo to win the All Japan world tag title

2005 – Zack Sabre beat Falcon to win the NWA Hammerlock jr. heavyweight title

2005 – Shuji Kondo beat Taka Michinoku in Tokyo to win the All Japan world jr. title

2005 – Too Cold Scorpio beat Mohammed Yone in Tokushima to win the GHC open weight title

2013 – Suwama & Joe Doering beat Jun Akiyama & Go Shiozaki in Niigata to win the All Japan world tag title

2014 – Atsushi Aoki & Hikaru Sato beat Ultimo Dragon & Yoshinobu Kanemaru in Tokyo to win the All Japan jr. tag title

Smackdown was recorded last night.  Check out the spoilers if you can’t wait:  WWE Smackdown spoilers: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs New Day 10-20.  As we reported yesterday, WWE RAW ratings remain low, although there was a slight uptick against tough competition last Monday, WWE Raw 10-19: Superstar lineup does little for ratings.  

Check out today’s history post: On this day in pro wrestling history: Rock loses WCW title to Chris Jericho

TV notes for tonight:

UFC Tonight is off again this week.

WWE NXT airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network with Asuka vs. Billie Kaye, Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass, James Storm vs. Martin Stone in Storm’s debut, Alexa Bliss vs. Peyton Royce, and Rhyno vs. Baron Corbin.

TNA Impact Wrestling airs at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America with more of the World Title Series. Including maybe a James Storm match.

A replay of The Ultimate Fighter from two weeks ago (it was pre-empted last week) airs at 9:00 p.m. ET. on Fox Sports 1.

The Ultimate Fighter airs at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 with an episode titled “Snake in the Grass.”

ROH airs at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America with The All Night Express vs. The Addiction and Jay Briscoe vs. Adam Page in a no disqualification match, plus The Kingdom’s reaction to what happened at All-Star Extravaganza.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

Jerry McDevitt cuts quite the legal promo on Konstantine Kyros as part of his latest screed in the ongoing legal battle over WWE’s alleged role in wrestlers’ brain damage.

Figure Four Weekly October 19, 2015: Latest Update On WWE Concussion Lawsuits

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

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 for 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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• This shouldn’t really count as a spoiler since WWE themselves already announced it on the front page of WWE.com, but Tyler Breeze makes his main roster debut on Smackdown tomorrow night.  He’s officially a main roster talent as of last week.  We talk about it on last night’s show: Wrestling Observer Live 10/21: Tyler Breeze Smackdown debut, former Tough Enough stars sign, more
• Miz will appear on “Middle of the Night” on MTV tonight.  “Murph and the crew wake up WWE superstar The Miz and who betrays an old friend, samples extreme hot sauce, and battles Murph in a bizarre food fight. Meanwhile, Anu settles a daunting restaurant bill, and Murph joins forces with world eating champion Kobayashi in order to shut down a hot dog stand. We bring it home with Remix the Night and a trash talk montage with the Miz.”
• Some audio notes: Matt Farmer will be a guest on Wrestling Observer Radio tonight with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer talking the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame issue that will be out in a few weeks only for subscribers.  Lance Storm will return to Figure Four Daily this afternoon, and Filthy Tom Lawlor’s usual Monday show has been moved to tomorrow due to Bryan being out of town a few days ago for a wedding.
• Also, feel free to tweet @bryanalvarez with your thoughts on last night’s Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show.  We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback on both sides of the current Raw/no current Raw argument, plus some good suggestions about what else we could try.  At the moment, I am leaning towards Tuesday being retro Raw and retro Nitro, and Thursday being current Raw followed by current Smackdown.  NXT would move to Sundays.  This would allow each show to have a theme, and with Smackdown allegedly becoming an A-show again (for a few months at least) starting in January, reviewing each week’s Raw and Smackdown back-to-back would probably be a fun way to track continuity.

UFC

• A Brazilian website first reported, and it was later confirmed by F4W Filthy Four Daily co-host Tom Lawlor via twitter and later on this very site, that he is out of his November fight with Fabio Maldonado. TUF 19 winner Corey Anderson has been put in as his replacement.
• The co-main event for UFC 195 has been announced as Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski in a possible top contender fight. Tickets go on sale tomorrow  at 1:00 p.m. ET as part of a pre-sale using the code NEWYEAR with the general onside being the same time Friday.
• In a follow-up to the story on the massive UFC fighter cuts, several more names became public Tuesday including  Francisco Trevino, TJ Waldburger, David Michaud, Lewis Gonzales, Ivan Jorge, Naoyuki Kotani, William Macario, Joe Merritt, Pawel Pawluk, Hernani Perpetuo, Vagner Rocha, Amir Sadollah, Leonardo Mafra, Luke Zachrich and Roger Zapata in addition to the names previously announced.
• Heavyweight Soa Palelei announced his retirement via Twitter. He plans to stay involved with the sport, just not as an active fighter.  

OTHER MMA

• WSOF 24 last Saturday night did just 167,000 viewers on NBC Sports Network. It was the second lowest number of the year despite big names Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami and Matt Hamill fighting on the show. Dave has an article at MMAFighting about the ratings.
• Bellator 144 is Friday night on Spike TV with the prelims running on Spike.com. This is a non-tentpole event headlined by Brandon Halsey and Rafael Carvalho fighting for the vacant middleweight title. Michael Page aka MVP, the charismatic and flashy Brtish welterweight, fights on the undercard. We’ll have coverage of the show here on the site.
• From Bellator: The unmistakable Kimbo Slice and Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary, as well as MMA Legends Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Tito Ortiz will participate at the Official Bellator MMA Fan Fest Prior to Friday’s “Bellator 145: Vengeance” Event at Scottrade Center. It takes place Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. CT at Dave & Buster’s on 13857 Riverport Dr.  in Maryland Heights, MO

OTHER WRESTLING

• Today’s new upload for NWAClassics.com subscribers is Tommy Rich vs. Kamala.
• Story here about the retirement of Portia Perezat age 27 due to a neck injury that has been steadily getting worse for several years.  Instead of the usual tearful goodbye, she instead cut a heel promo on the crowd telling them they suck.
• Coastal Championship Wrestling results from last night in Coral Springs, FL: Maxwell Chicago b Made Man, NWA Champ Santana Garrett b Tammy Lynn, Cousin Earl b Danny Embry, El Héroe Byronico b Ricky Rush, Iron City Mauler & Guadeloupe Brothers b J-Dawg Brooks & The Assassins.
• Jesse Ventura did an appearance on Ring Rust Radio, talking about his book re-release, his stint in WCW, Donald Trump, and more.
• Former WWE Champion Batista is getting some buzz as the new James Bond movie ‘Spectre’ nears. Here’s a Yahoo/AFP feature on him. He said he gets nostalgic for wrestling, but also has a full slate of movies coming up.

​

Last night continued the build to WWE Hell in a Cell with the go-home WWE RAW leading to the Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker main event.  Check out our live report:  WWE Raw Live Results 10-19: The First Steps Towards WrestleMania.  Last night was also the exclusive WWE Network interview of Brock Lesnar on Steve Austin’s podcast: WWE: Steve Austin hosts a rare interview with Brock Lesnar

Randy Orton will miss Hell in a Cell due to injury:  Dislocated shoulder keeps Randy Orton out of Hell In A Cell

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

Friday: Eurasian Fight Night at 12:30 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass.

Saturday: UFC FIght Night: Poirier vs. Duffy live on UFC Fight Pass. The main card starts at 4:00 p.m. ET with the prelims at 1:00 p.m. ET. With the originally scheduled Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell co-headliner off due to Miocic’s injury, Patrick Holohan vs. Louis Smolka has been  bumped up.

Sunday: WWE Hell in a Cell live on WWE Network and pay-per-view at 8:00 p.m. ET (pre-show an hour earlier) with a double main event of Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker and Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, plus Seth Rollins defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against (Demon) Kane.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

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 for 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.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• As noted on Wrestling Observer Radio last night, Randy Orton is out of action with a shoulder injury, the full extent of which is unknown pending an MRI.  This is a big blow to the company given that John Cena’s final day before his 6-8 week hiatus (as of this writing) begins the day after his Hell in a Cell match where he defends the WWE US Title against a mystery opponent.
• WWE sent out a press release announcing that William Shatner will be the narrator of the new “Breaking Ground” documentary series about the Performance Center, which premieres on WWE Network next week.
• John Cena will be the guest on the new weekly ESPN Sportscenter segment on ESPN News, hosted by former WWE announcer “Coach” Jonathan Coachman.
• We got several reports from Raw last night about an incident where they were panning the camera around the building during the commercial break so that everyone could show off the signs they brought to the show.  Someone held up a giant sign that read, “WRESTLEMANIA 32”, and as soon as the camera focused on it he turned it over and on the other side it read, “THREE HOURS SUCK”.  The camera quickly panned away.
• 2K Sports released a YouTube video of the extended “bonfire” commercial for WWE 2K16. The game comes out a week from today and is available for pre-order now for release date delivery.
• The Rock has been nominated for seven People’s Choice Awards. Voting can be found here.
• The first Wrestlemania 32 presale code is RAWVIP, starting on November 4.
• Today’s new WWE Home Video release is the DVD of last month’s Night of Champions pay-per-view. The next archival release is a Christmas-themed DVD-only title called Ring in the Holiday, which comes out in three weeks on November 10th. THe following week will see the release of Undertaker: The Streak R.I.P Edition 21-1, another DVD-only title, The next title available on both DVD and Blu-Ray is the much-anticipated Owen Hart release Owen: Hart of Gold, which is out of December 8th.
• On The book front, Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction and UFC: A Visual History drop a week from today. Both appear to be coffee table books full of photos.
• WWE Hell In A Cell odds are up at BetWrestling.com. Right now, Brock Lesnar is a big -600 favorite against Undertaker (+400). Roman Reigns is a -290 favorite against Bray Wyatt’s +210, while Seth Rollins is a -475 favorite against Kane’s +325.
• According to the promoters in a bit of a scathing video released Tuesday, new signee Patrick Clark of Tough Enough is apparently going to no-show an appearance for Millennium Wrestling Federation in Massachusetts Wednesday despite WWE clearing him to work the event. MWF is co-owned by John Cena Sr. As of this writing, Clark hasn’t responded on Twitter.
• Roddy Piper’s daughter talks to TMZ about his secret talent for singing.

UFC

• Kevin Lee is very upset that UFC is giving Sage Northcutt a fight with Cody Pfister, who Lee calls “the worst lightweight on the roster”.  Apparently Lee doesn’t understand that UFC is attempting to create a star here.  The bigger concern is that Paige Van Zan and Sage Northcutt (hashtag #paigeandsage on Twitter — seriously) are fighting on a FIGHTPASS EXCLUSIVE, a surefire way to be seen by the fewest number of people.

OTHER WRESTLING

• TNA has reinstated BRAM, aka Thomas Latimer, after charges of domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment charges were dropped.  The prosecutor in the case declined to press charges.  If history is any indication, that means at any time TNA should be announcing that Bram has been signed to a new multi-year contract.
• Ring of Honor debuted on WMCN-TV in Philadelphia on Friday night.  It’s regular schedule will include Saturday night airings at 11:30 ET.
• Global Force Wrestling will crown both it’s NEX*GEN Championship and it’s Women’s Championship match this coming Friday at the Orleans in Las Vegas at its next set of TV tapings.  The NEX*GEN finals features PJ Black vs. Virgil Flynn vs. Jigsaw vs. TJP, and the Women’s Title finals features Christina Von Eerie vs. Amber Gallows.
• Kimbo Slice, Santana Garrett, and Rocky Johnson will be part of a Tuesday night CCW event in Coral Gables, FL. Find tickets and card info here.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling put out a short Terry Funk video putting over the promotion and indy wrestling in general.
• On the new episode of the Between the Sheets podcast, Bruce Mitchell joins Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan to talk October 13-19, 1986. They discuss the tragic car wreck that ended Magnum T.A.’s career in the ring and how Jim Crockett Promotions was affected from it. They also discuss the impending departure of Hacksaw Jim Duggan from the UWF, the return of Roddy Piper to the WWF, Riki Choshu to the WWF?, and Mad Dog Vachon in his new role in life as…Inspector Gourmet?!?!
• The latest Fire Pro Podcast looks at the best wrestling theme songs here.
• Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling talks to The Pope/Elijah Burke.
• Here’s a look at who is cutting the cord, a hot topic among the masses now.
• CHIKARA: Off The Hook is this Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. It takes place at the Jeffersonville Arena on 1416 Spring Street in Jeffersonville, IN. Tickets are still available.
• AWA wrestling personalities will be honoring Stan Kowalski with a luncheon tribute on October 29 in Minneapolis. AWA alums  Larry “The Axe” Hennig, Kenny “Sodbuster” Jay, Eddie Sharkey, and Jim Brunzell have all indicated they will be attending.
• Crossfire Wrestling returns to the Merritton Community Centre 7 Park Avenue St. Catharines ON for “JINGLE BELL BRAWL IV!” Saturday December 5th 5pm Bell Time with a Double Main Event of Crossfire Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Jeremy Elliott vs. Kongo Kong Cody Deaner vs. “Showtime” Eric Young. General Admission tickets are $15 individually or 2 for $25. General Admission Entry is 4:30pm. You can also call the Hotline 905-329-2693 for General Admission tickets.
• Border City Wrestling Excellence results from  October 17, 2015 at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario: Sonjay Dutt, Brent B & Ashley Sixx defeated N8 Mattson, Benjamin Boone & Orlando Christopher, John E. Bravo won the Doug Chevalier Memorial Gauntlet. Other participants were Krimson, Toro Acero, Ray Steele, Muscles Marinara, Mysterious Movado, Randy Reign, A1, Tyler Tirva, and Bobby Clancy. Moose (w/ Scarlett) defeated Johnny Swinger (w/ Jade), Shane Helms & The Great Sanada defeated Tyson Dux & Brad Martin. Overdogs Sebastian Suave & Tarik defeated Action Jackson & Aiden Prince in the first match of the BCW Can-Am Tag-Team Championship Tournament after Jackson laid out Prince and abandoned him in the ring, PJ Black defeated Phil Atlas, Lisa Marie Varon & Bryan Castle defeated Joe Coleman & Taeler Hendrix, and Cody Deaner defeated Bobby Roode & Kongo Kong (w/ Scott D’Amore) to win the Interim BCW Can-Am Championship.

​

The Steve Austin podcast with Brock Lesnar, airing right after Raw ends on the WWE Network, has been much talked about.  Even though Austin has denied it, at least some people, including within the company, believe an angle will be taking place tonight.  Nobody knows anything, it’s just the belief that when they moved the final Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker match to this month’s PPV, the idea is Vince had to have something bigger for Mania and that’s the obvious match in that nobody can come up with a match right now that would mean more.  Austin hasn’t wrestled since 2003 and there is a reason for that.  One way or another, that question will be answered tonight.

It’s expected that the Austin podcast will be one of the three most watched non-live wrestling card shows in network history.

Either way, with the show being in Dallas, the site of WrestleMania, there is a lot of belief that some WrestleMania hints will be taking place tonight.  The WWE sent out advertising that listed Undertaker, Lesnar, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, but not Steve Austin, on the show.  Locally in Dallas, where the advance for tonight’s show was disappointing (there were 3,000 tickets left as of the weekend, although I haven’t heard an update since), Austin’s name was mentioned in advertising.  For all those reasons, this should be a bigger night than usual, and WWE does need a shot of adrenaline pretty bad right now.

Expect a bloodletting ratings wise for tonight in Canada, between the Toronto Blue Jays game, the elections and the NFL game.  The Blue Jays have been doing record ratings this past week.

In the U.S., the baseball game isn’t as big, but it’s still the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, two major market teams, and a New York team is going to hurt Raw more than any other team.  Plus they announced that the upcoming Star Wars trailer will play at halftime of the game, and the expectation is the game will be bigger than ever because of that hype as well.

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s Raw in Dallas from a live show perspective, with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident from the live show to Dave Meltzer

Tonight’s show is the go-home for Hell in a Cell, and has been pushed for some time with live appearances of Brock Lesnar, Undertaker, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, followed by the Stone Cold Podcast with Lesnar.

We’re also looking for reports from these weekend events:

*WWE on Saturday night in Mexico City

*WWE on Saturday night in Lubbock, TX

*WWE yesterday in Monterrey, Mexico

*WWE yesterday in Abilene, TX

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

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 for 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.

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• WWE announced today a deal with the Texas lottery as a cross-promotion for WrestleMania.  There will be a WrestleMania scratch ticket game available starting 11/16.  The revenue is supposed to support public schools and features $10 million in prizes, as well as trips to WrestleMania, All-Access at the Performance Center, VIP tickets to the WrestleMania pre-party, WrestleMania Axxess tickets, tickets to a private dinner with WWE Legends and more.  There will be scratch tickets with the faces of John Cena, Undertaker, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Paige and The Bella Twins.  What’s notable about this is a few years ago, WWE, when in talks of bringing Ric Flair back when Flair had a lottery deal, told him he’d have to give up the deal because they didn’t consider a lottery to fit in with the family friendly doctrine.   
• John Cena will be the guest on SportsCenter on ESPN News in the 9 p.m. hour tomorrow night.  Some saw the tweet and thought this was happening tonight.  WWE will be having segments every Tuesday night as part of a deal with ESPN.
• Tyler Breeze is in Dallas for Raw, as is Erick Rowan.  That doesn’t mean they will be on the show.  At one point Breeze’s debut on television was scheduled for tomorrow, but that could change and be moved up a day, or back a week or two.
• A story on the WWE house show in Lubbock over the weekend, which doesn’t say much
• Probably the most speculation aside from what happens with Lesnar and Austin tonight revolves around what happens with Rusev.  At the house shows in Texas this past weekend, they had Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev.  Summer Rae came out and threw water in Rusev’s face, causing him to lose.  After the matches, Summer tried to hit on Ziggler, who again blew her off.
• All domestic violence charges against Thomas Latimer (Bram) have been dropped.  John Gaburick has announced that the suspension of Bram is now over.  Latimer was arrested on 8/30 in Gulfport, FL, and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment after deputies responded to an argument between Latimer and his live-in girlfriend.

UFC/MMA

• Chris Weidman has signed a deal with Reebok.
• Sage Northcutt vs. Cody Pfister has been added to the 12/10 Fight Pass show in Las Vegas.  The gimmick is Sage Northcutt and Paige VanZant fighting on the same show. Yes, they are trying to do a remake of Saved by the Bell.

OTHER WRESTLING

• An interview with William Regal is at talkSPORT

Some quotes from the story: 

‘I’d go to war for John Cena. I’ve made more with John Cena just by being John Cena that anyone else I’ve ever met. 

‘He works harder than anyone I’ve ever met, 30 hours a day, 500 days a year and will do anything and everything that is asked of him and couldn’t possibly work harder. He is a mega draw.’

Lamenting hopefuls who whine on social media or don’t take advantage of the wealth of knowledge available from the likes of himself or veteran agents Arn Anderson or Finlay, Regal says: “Shame on them, they’re all ponies. They don’t belong in this business.”

“I’m familiar with everybody, that’s what I do.”

“You have to be. You’d be a proper fool if you weren’t looking for who’s out there. I’m a wrestling fan – before I was a wrestler, I was a wrestling fan. I like watching wrestling. 

“You hear about people, you look them up, you watch them and you want to know: ‘Is he any good?’ That’s what I like to do.”

“If you’re not studying about your job if you want to be in this, or have a lasting career in this, you’re a div.

“This is ever-evolving, you’ve got to know how to make yourself fit into this. If you don’t know what’s coming through the door, you’re a fool.”

“I know everything that’s out there that’s worth knowing about.”

• ESPN itself will be airing the 30 for 30 piece on David & Mark Schultz tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Eastern.  This is said to be the real story of the background of the movie “Foxcatcher.”
• Dave Bautista will be on Soccer AM this coming Sunday.
• OVW from Saturday night in Elizabethtown, KY before 200 fans:  Rump Thumb b Adam Revolver, Vic the Bruiser & Randy Royal b Rook & Banyon, Big Jon b Tyler Matrix, Dapper Dan Van Zandt & Ringmaster b Elvis Pridemore & Leon Shelly, Josh Ashcraft b Rev. Stuart Miles with Jim Cornette as special referee, Trailer Park Trash b Tracy Smothers.  Next show is 12/19 (thanks to Jimmie Daniel)
• A singles battle of what a few years later would become one of the greatest tag teams in Japanese wrestling history is today’s new match on the NWAClassics.com site with a Texas death match between Steve Williams and Terry Gordy from Houston.
• Jesse Ventura verdict goes to the 8th circuit court
• ROH is offering a year 5 commemorative dvd set
• Speaking of Houston, Seth Hanson noted this card that took place on this day in 1979:

El Halcon (star in Mexico) b Killer Tim Brooks, Les Thornton d  Tiger Conway Jr., Kerry Von Erich (19 years old)  b Ron McFarlane, The Spoiler b Tor Kamata, La Bella Karian b La Viuda Negra, Dusty Rhodes b Mark Lewin-DQ, Jose Lothario b Gran Markus, Mil Mascaras b Gino Hernandez, Harley Race d Bruiser Brody 60:00 over the NWA title

INDY RESULTS

• Progress Wrestling from yesterday in London at the Electric Ballroom before a sellout 720 fans:  Dave Mastiff b Jack Gallagher, William Eaver b Tyler Bate, Tom Irvin & Sebastian b Jonathan Windsor & Rampage Brown, Mark Haskins b Tommaso Ciampa (said to be an excellent match), Marty Scurll b Flash Morgan Webster, Origin won three-way over London Riots and Sumerian Death Squad, Will Ospreay b Paul Robinson to keep Progress title.  Ospreaey vs. Mark Andrews headlines the next show on 11/29, and Ciampa will face Mary Scurll on that show in what they announced was Ciampa’s final match with the promotion before he moves on to something on TV. (thanks to Darren Rogers)
• Busted Knuckle Pro Wrestling on 11/28 in Niagara Falls at 6101 North St.
• I Believe in Wrestling from Saturday night in Orlando:  Braydon Knight b Ace Andrews, Chico Adams b Josh Parker, Tyranus b Josh Hess, Lince Dorado won three-way over Jay Rios and Jon Cruz, Mark Silva b Derick Jordan, Mike Reed b Jody Kristofferson, Aaron Epic & Jonny Vandal b Brandon Scherer & Rex Bacchus, Rhett Giddins b Michael Patrick (thanks to Al Haft)
• Stardom from yesterday in Baldwin Park, CA:  Act Yasukawa & Kyoko Kimura & Thunder Rosa b Brittany Wonder & Datura & Nicole Savoy, Santana Garrett b Kris Wolf, Cheerleader Melissa b Shayna Baszler (ex-UFC fighter), Kairi Hojo & Melina Perez b Hudson Fury & Mia Yim, Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani b Hiroyo Matsumoto & Kellie Skater.  Told the main event was excellent/   (thanks to Al Haft and Dan Farren)
• ECWA held its  Super 8 Chickfight tournament on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ:  Brittany Blake b Terra Calaway, Deonna Purrazzo b Miranda Vionette, Kennadi Brink b Savannah Evans, Tessa Blanchard b Daysia Gilbert, Ricky Martinez & Damian Adams b Chuck & Kyle Payne to win tag titles, Bobby Shields b Ricky Martinez-DQ, Deonna Puraazzo b Brittany Blake, Tessa Blanchard b Kennadi Brink, Sean Carr b Matt Saigon, Deonna Purrazzo b Tessa Blanchard.
• NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN:  Austin Blackburn b Everett Connors, The Posse b Dale Wylde & EMT #1, Tim Storm b Rob Conway to retain North American title, Jeremy Moore b Josh Lewis, Heatseekers b Matt Riviera & Greg Anthony to retain the NWA tag titles, Michael Elgin b Steve Anthony
• Reader Bob Nowak noted that “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,” a pro wrestling play that has gotten great reviews around the country, is now playing at the Houston Stage Theater.  My parents, who are not wrestling fans, really liked it.
• United Wrestling Coalition on 10/24 in New Egypt, NJ at the Elks Lodge featuring  trick or treat session with the wrestlers. for kids.
• After two matches this weekend for German promotion wXw, former WWE talent Ezekiel Jackson (Rycklon Stephens) told the promoters that those were the last two matches of his wrestling career. The 37-year-old is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion and ECW Champion, and also worked for TNA and Lucha Underground. (Thanks to Markus Gronemann)The full wXw World Tag Team Tournament is available on demand with either German or English commentary. (Thanks to Markus Gronemann)

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

1955 – Bert Assirati beat Ernie Baldwin in London to unify the British heavyweight title

1956 – Ronaldo Vera beat El Santo in Monterrey to win the NWA middleweight title

1959 – Isao Yoshihara beat Kyotaka Otsubo in Tokyo to win the JWA light heavyweight title.  Yoshihahara later become the promoter for the IWE.

1973 – Hiro & Hito Tojo (Akihisa Mera who was famous years later as the Great Kabuki, teaming with Samson Kutsuwada, famous for doing well in a gym workout with Karl Gotch) beat Spyros Arion & Mark Lewin in Sydney to win the Austra Asian tag titles

1979 – Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta beat Abdullah the Butcher & Ray Candy in Kuriyama to win the Int. tag title

1993 – Masayoshi Motegi beat El Texano (father of current AAA star) in Tokyo to win the WWA jr. heavyweight title

1997 – Atsushi Onita & Yukihiro Kanemura beat Hisakatsu Oya & Mr. Gannosuke in Sendai to win the FMW World Brass Knux tag titles

2001 – Brian Jesse James Armstrong aka Road Dogg, beat Jeff Jarrett in Perth, Western Australia to become the first WWAS heavyweight champion and Juventud Guerrera beat Psicosis to become the first WWAS Int. cruiserweight champion

2001 – Too Cold Scorpio & Vader beat Jun Akiyama & Akitoshi Saito in a tournament finals to become the first GHC tag team champions

2002 – Jake Roberts beat Jonny Moss in Maidstone, UK to win the NWA UK heavyweight title

2014 – Genki Horiguchi & Jimmy Susumu & Ryo Saito beat Cima & Don Fujii & Gamma in Yokkaichi to win the Open the Triangle Gate titles

2014 – Will Ospreay won a three-way over Rich Swann and Josh Bodom in Ipswich to win the IPW UK  British heavyweight title

​

We’re looking for reports on these shows for this weekend at Dave Meltzer.

*WWE Friday night in Merida, Yucatan

*WWE last night in Lubbock, TX

*WWE last night in Mexico City

*WWE tonight in Monterrey, Mexico (Undertaker, Kane, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho Sheamus, Cesaro, Bray Wyatt)

*WWE tonight in Abilene, TX (John Cena vs.. Seth Rollins in a 30 minute Iron man match)

Evolve on iPPV at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday from The Deer Park, NY Sportatorium at www.WWNLive.com

Timothy Thatcher vs. Trevor Lee for the Evolve title

Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

Willie Mack vs. Drew Gulak

TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

Andrew Everett vs. Peter Kassa

Ethan Page vs. Matt Cage

Monday has Raw from Dallas, TX with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell, with Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin all in town, plus the Austin podcast with Brock Lesnar.

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

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 for 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.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back for Wrestling Observer Radio tonight talking weekend news, previewing this coming week as well as taking e-mail questions.  Because there was no major show this weekend, we will have more time than usual for questions so you can send them to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• Due to the appearance of Sami Zayn, Evolve set its all-time attendance record last night in Brooklyn. Zayn did his interview after the event ended. He said that he was a pro wrestler with Evolve and has an indy-sized hold in his heart, and thanked everyone for supporting the promotion and said this was the ground floor of something very big, and then put over Johnny Gargano as a future Evolve champion. They used Gargano being on NXT to promote a match with Ethan Page where if Gargano lost, he would leave Evolve.  However, Gargano won.
• Evolve Results: Andrew Everett won four-way over Matt Cage, Anthony Nese and Peter Kaasa, Matt Riddle b Jonathan Gresham, Chris Dickinson b Tracy Williams, Trevor Lee b Drew Gulak to win a shot at the Evole title tonight, Tony Nese & Caleb Konley b Milk Chocolate (Brandon Watts & Randy Summers), Willie Mack b Earl Cooter, Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta b Timothy Thatcher & TJ Perkins, Johnny Gargano b Ethan Page in an I quit match to stay in Evolve.
• Nick Newell, the WSOF fighter who garnered a lot of publicity because he was born with one arm, announced his retirement last night after a decision over Tom Marcellino.  He announced it while the TV show was on a commercial break, said the sport was getting too hard and it’s time to pass on his wisdom. 
• Adam Rose, who was taken out on a stretcher at Friday night’s show in Merida, didn’t work last night in Mexico City.  It was described to us that he had his bell rung and was okay.  He took a kick from Fandango and there was concern of a concussion.
• Even with all the big names advertised locally, including Steve Austin, as of Friday there were still 3,000 tickets remaining for Raw tomorrow night.
• I don’t know when he will officially start on TV, other than it is supposed to be really soon, but Tyler Breeze is now considered on the main roster. He could start this week although I was told it could be bumped a week or two.
• Golovkin vs. Lemieux was the fifth most searched term (behind other sports terms) yesterday with 200,000.  That would be an early indication of a PPV number in the range or a normal UFC show, but not a big one.
• In last night’s John Cena vs. Seth Rollins Iron Man Match, Cena won three out of five falls in the 30 minutes in Lubbock. 
• If you don’t know why Kazushi Sakuraba created the Japanese MMA boom, here’s a story on his role and why he’s fighting again on New Year’s Eve
• Rycklon Stephens, who was Big Ryck in Lucha Underground and Ezekiel Jackson in WWF, told promoters in Germany, where he worked today, that today was his last pro wrestling match. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
• Patrick Clark of Tough Enough, who has signed a WWE developmental deal, starts tomorrow at the Performance Center. 
• TNA’s Jessie Godderz is playing the role of a pro wrestler in an FX movie called “Snowfall.”  The movie is directed by John Singleton, who also directed 2 Fast 2 Furious.  The movie will air sometime next year.
• Stardom drew 200 fans on Friday in Covina, CA:  Act Yasukawa & Kyoko Kimura & Kris Wolf b Shayna Baszler & Brittany Wonder & Datura when Kimura used the sleeper on Wonder in 12:32, Mayu Iwatani b Nicole Savoy in 6:53 with a dragon sleeper, Kellie Skater & Hiroyo Matsumoto b Kairi Hojo & Kahmora at 13:16 when Matsumoto pinned Hiroyo in 13:16 after a back drop drive, Perez & Santana Garrett b Hudson Envy & Thunder Rosa in 16:19 when Garrett pined Rosa with a springboard moonsault in 16:19, Io Shirai b Mia Yim to retain the Wonder of Stardom title after a moonsault in 13:44. 
  Perez wrestling in place of Cheerleader Melissa was just Melissa as President of Stardom USA making the ruling as Perez had been billed as a referee.  Melissa faces Baszler on today’s show in Baldwin Park. A few UFC fighters were there including Josh Barnett and Jessamyn Duke. We were told it was an amazing show with no bad matches and the crowd into everything (thanks to Chris Horcasitas and Sonny Gutierrez)
• The German tag team tournament covered in the recent Observer that included both New Japan champions, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows, as well as Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish, is available
• Kurt Angle will be appearing this coming Saturday for an autograph signing at Frank & Son’s Collectibles in the City of Industry, CA.
• Zane Ashley, the grandson of Bill Watts, was named defensive player of the month in Gwinnett County in Georgia.  He’s a junior at Peachtree Ridge High School.
• Lou DiBella of Lou DiBella entertainment sent us this update on Prichard Colon, the boxer who is in rough shape from a fight in Fairfax, VA on a DiBella card yesterday afternoon.  He suffered a brain bleed as a result of the fight and underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the brain and is in critical condition. 
• Terry Funk did a crazy concession stand brawl at last night’s AIW show in Cleveland.  Funk has his first match in a long time this coming Saturday night in Jackson, TN, against Jerry Lawler at Oman Arena.  Lance Russell will be there as well. 
• 29 years ago today, WWF & Jim Crockett Promotions both ran shows on the same night in Philadelphia.  The JCP show sold out the Civic Center with Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and The Road Warriors, while WWF drew 15,986 at the Spectrum for Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff
• Maryland Championship Wrestling from Friday night in Felton, DE:  Chuck Lennox b Shawn Patrick, Oakley Woods b Funky White Boy, G-Fed b Sonny Deeds-DQ, Drolix b Brandon Scott, Hot Lanta Hustlers b Joe Kerr & Travis Banks, The Ecktourage of Kevin Eck b Sudden Impact (Lio Rush was there, Patrick Clark wasn’t) to win the tag titles, Shane Strickland b David Starr, Mickie James won four-way over Amber Rodriguez, Kimber Lee and Kennadi Brink, The Bruiser & Matt Hardy b King McBride & Ken Dixon. 
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL before a sellout 350 fans:  Bubba Troll won over Jimmy D and Daniel Gunner, Sean Vincent & Keith Smith Jr. b Curtis Wylde & Ax Allwardt, Chaz Wesson b Barackus, Brandon Espinosa b Bobby D, Chris Hargas b Shane Rich, Kahagas b Brent Myers, Flash Flanagan b Ron Powers-DQ.  Bill Apter was a special guest at the show. (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer and Larry Matysik)
• 60 years ago yesterday, a 21-year-old Ray Stevens beat Chris Zaharias in 2/3 falls in what was advertised as the first day time pro wrestling show airing live from the WFLA  Studio in Tampa. 
• To show how things were even as late as 1963, on October, 17, 1963 in Jacksonville, a semi-main event was billed as “Two World Famous Colored Men Wrestlers” as Bobo Brazil beat Roosevelt Hampton in two straight falls.
• Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Kikyo b Johnny Dynamo in an intergender match, Buddy Royal & Levi Shapiro b Prince Nagi & Super Tiger, Johnny Plinko b Al Azar.  Next taping is today at the Big Fresno Fair and is free with a fair admission (thanks to Jon Southerland).
• Smash Wrestling from Friday night in Toronto:  3.0 b Goat Brigade, Courtney Rush b Penelope Ford, Franky the Mobster b Dalton Castle, Michael Bennett & Matt Taven b Overdogs, Brent Banks b Sonjay Dutt, Tarik & Gulak b Checkmate, Scotty O’Shea b Chuck Taylor.
• Results from Friday night at Arena Neza:  Golden Bull & Ricky Gonzalez & Motocross b Bryan el Stripper & Chamaco Davila & Rey Neza, Lady Maravilla & Reina Dorada b Felina Metalica & Stefany Valker, Nino Hamburguesa & Goya Kong b Carta Brava Jr. & Taya Valkyrie, Psycho Circus b Daga & Joe Lider & Parka Negra, Dr. Wagner Jr. (sub for Myzteziz) & La Parka b Averno & Cibernetico-DQ (thanks to Kris Zellner)
• Ultimo Guerrero vs. Shocker headlines for the FMLL light heavyweight title on Sunday in El Monte, CA at Florentine Gardens.
• Rush & La Sombra vs. Volador Jr. & Mr Aguila headline this coming Saturday night in El Pas at the Southwest Universotu Event Center.   
• Jake Roberts interview on Adam Carrola’s show
• Grantland has a story on Andre the Giant
• An article on the Stardom show from Friday

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

1970 – Stan Stasiak beat King Curtis Iaukea in Sydney to win the IWA title

1978 – Abdullah the Butcher beat Billy Robinson in Utsunomiya to win the PWF title

1994 – Chris Benoit & Shinjiro Otani beat Great Sasuke & Black Tiger (Eddy Guerrero) in Okayama to win the New Japan SG jr. tag team tournament

2009 – Team 3-D beat Brutus Magnus & Doug Williams, Bobby Roode & James Storm and Booker T & Scott Steiner in Irvine, CA to win the IWGP tag team titles

2013 – La Mascara & Rush beat Tama Tonga & Rey Bucanero in Mexico City to win the CMLL tag team titles

2013 – L.A. Park won the Antonio Pena Cup at Heroes Inmortales in Puebla

2014 – Doug Williams beat Joe Coffey in Motherwell, Scotland to win the Scottish heavyweight title

​

Very quiet weekend with no major events.

Saturday has WWE at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Lubbock, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match for U.S. title, plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

World Series of Fighting on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network

Magomed Bibulatov vs Donovan Frelow for flyweight title

Matt Hamill vs. Vinny Magalhaes

Tom Marcellino vs. Nick Newell

Blagio Ivanov vs. Derrick Mehmen for heavyweight title

Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami

Evolve on iPPV at 7 p.m. Eastern Saturday from LaBoom in Woodside, Queens, New York

Johnny Gargano vs. Ethan Page I Quit match, if Gargano loses, he leaves the promotion (which if that happens, would signal he’s headed to WWE)

Timothy Thatcher & TJ Perkins vs. Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero

Drew Gulak vs. Trevor Lee – winner faces Thatcher for the title the next night

Anthony Nese vs. Andrew Everett vs. Matt Cage vs. Peter Kassa

Tracy Williams vs. Willie Mack

Matt Riddle vs. Jonathan Gresham

Sunday has WWE at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Abilene, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

Evolve on iPPV at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday from The Deer Park, NY Sportatorium

Timothy Thatcher vs. winner Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee on Saturday 

Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

Willie Mack vs. loser of Gulak vs. Lee from Saturday

TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

Andrew Everett vs. Peter Kassa

Ethan Page vs. Matt Cage

Monday has Raw from Dallas, TX with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell, with Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin all in town, plus the Austin podcast with Brock Lesnar.

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

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 for 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’S NEWS UPDATE

WWE

• Lana has been posting some interesting notes on Twitter in light of the doom of the Rusev/Lana/Summer/Dolph storyline, including this note: “Power is in having your own voice. Not being pushed around. Fighting for what you believe in & not being a copy cat to receive affirmation”.  We’re told Monday may be an interesting day for Rusev on Raw.
• Although it’s a slow news weekend, Bryan should be back tonight with a recap show talking Smackdown, Ring of Honor TV from Wednesday and more.  Bryan and Dave will also return Sunday night for Wrestling Observer Radio talking all of the news.  
• Sami Zayn will be doing a meet-and-greet at the EVOLVE shows tonight in Queens, NY, and tomorrow in Long Island.  He won’t be wrestling, obviously, but he “will interact with EVOLVE talent”, so they’ll be doing some sort of non-physical angle or promo.  This is a pretty big deal as it’s been well over a decade since WWE had a working agreement with an indy promotion to where they were willingly sending talent to interact (there was a deal with Christian and TNA very briefly but that was hardly done willingly).  
• Tonight’s EVOLVE main event is Ethan Page vs. Johnny Gargano in an I Quit match where if Gargano loses he has to leave EVOLVE forever.  I suppose this could be an angle to set up him heading to NXT full-time, but if WWE and EVOLVE have a working agreement, the Sami Zayn deal shows there shouldn’t be an issue with guys appearing in both places.  And if he does go to NXT and isn’t allowed to work EVOLVE shows any longer, that would indicate that WWE is fine with people appearing for both groups but not wrestling for both.  
• Tomorrow’s main event is Timothy Thatcher vs. the winner of the Drew Gulak vs. Trevor Lee winner tonight.
• Since Zayn is not allowed to appear on the iPPV, EVOLVE has noted, “If Zayn’s in ring appearance happens in the middle of an event, the iPPV audience will get to watch an exclusive main event quality match from the China tour.”
• Former MMA star Matt Riddle also debuts for EVOLVE tonight.
• As noted on the front page, they did an Eva Marie vs. Bayley match at the NXT house show Friday in Tampa.  Eva is apparently back from her ME TIME in Paris, France.  It was said to be OK with Eva largely holding her own but Bayley obviously carrying the entire match.  Cameron of former Funkadactyl fame is also reporting for duty in NXT and didn’t get good reviews with people saying she looked like she didn’t want to be there.

UFC

• MMA Junkie is reporting that UFC has done an extensive round of fighter cuts, including Marcus Brimage, Eddie Gordon, Cristos Giagos, Matt Van Buren, Roger Narvaez and Chris Clements. Supposedly there are more cuts on the way. Gordon may be the most notable of these cuts, having won the TUF 19 middleweight tournament. Since beating Dhiego Lima in the finals of that show, he’s lost all 3 of his UFC fights, two of them by finish.
• Further to this, MMAMania says that as many as fifty fighters will be cut over the next several days.
• A look at Paige VanZant’s rise from the undercard to the main event, from UFC.com.
• UFC Fight Pass will air the latest Shooto Brazil show on Sunday at Sunday at 4 pm eastern. No big names on the show and it’s headlined by a Women’s Bantamweight title fight between Priscila de Souza (9-7) and Luciana Pereira (5-4-1). Luis Ramos, who fought Matt Brown and Erick Silva in UFC, is probably the biggest name on the undercard.
• The Fight Network in Canada (and parts of the US) will air next weekend’s Fight Pass exclusive show from Dublin, headlined by Joe Duffy vs Dustin Poirier. The four main card fights will air on the station. They are also airing a preview hosted by the UFC’s European commentating team of Dan Hardy and John Gooden throughout the week. The main card fights will also re-air several times over the course of next weekend.
• Charles Rosa vs Jimy Hettes has been added to the loaded FS 1 show on Jan 17th in Boston, headlined by TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz. Rosa is a Boston native and badly wanted on this show.

OTHER MMA

• Results from Legacy FC 47 last night on AXS TV:

Jordan Rinaldi 2nd round sub win over Clay Harvison

Dave Vitkay 2nd round KO win over Wesly Barnes

CJ Hamilton 2nd round KO win over Brantley Furr

Josh Blyden 1st round sub win over Nick Sprayberry

Jamie Pickett 2nd round KO win over Doug Usher

Chazz Walton 1st round sub win over Josh Millwood (Walton is 3-0 with all wins coming by first round stoppage, might be someone to keep an eye on)

Jared Gooden 3rd round sub win over Brad Taylor

OTHER WRESTLING

• ROH is selling a pink ribbon t-shirt at www.rohwrestling.com with 100% of the proceeds going to fight breast cancer research through “Breast Cancer Research Foundation”.
• Here is a Vice piece on The Rock
• The Biggest Man: Understanding Andre the Giant, Wrestling’s Massive, Indefinable Contradiction

​

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE house show in Merida, Yucatan (Undertaker, Kane, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Sheamus, Cesaro, Bray Wyatt), tonight’s NXT show in Tampa, tonight’sStardom show in Covina, CA and last night’s NXT show in Cocoa Beach at Dave Meltzer

Very quiet weekend with no major events.

New Japan World Pro Wrestling returns is on one hour earlier tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern

Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki can only end via submission or knockout

Togi Makabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii for Never Open weight title

These are matches from Wrestle Kingdom 9 from 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome.  This was Suzuki’s last match with New Japan.

Legacy Fighting on AXS at 9 p.m. Eastern

Brad Taylor (181.6) vs. Jared Gooden (180.4)

Josh Millwood (156) vs. Chazz Walton (155.4)

Jamie Picket (184.4) vs. Doug Usher (186)

Josh Blyden (145.8) vs. Nick Sprayberry (146)

C.J. Hamilton (133.8) vs. Braneley Furr (135.4)

Wesley Barnes (171) vs. David Vitkay (170.8)

Jordan Rinaldi (155.7) vs. Clay Harvison (157.6)

Saturday has WWE at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Lubbock, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match for U.S. title, plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

World Series of Fighting on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network

Magomed Bibulatov vs Donovan Frelow for flyweight title

Matt Hamill vs. Vinny Magalhaes

Tom Marcellino vs. Nick Newell

Blagio Ivanov vs. Derrick Mehmen for heavyweight title

Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami

Evolve on iPPV at 7 p.m. Eastern Saturday from LaBoom in Woodside, Queens, New York

Johnny Gargano vs. Ethan Page I Quit match, if Gargano loses, he leaves the promotion (which if that happens, would signal he’s headed to WWE)

Timothy Thatcher & TJ Perkins vs. Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero

Drew Gulak vs. Trevor Lee – winner faces Thatcher for the title the next night

Anthony Nese vs. Andrew Everett vs. Matt Cage vs. Peter Kassa

Tracy Williams vs. Willie Mack

Matt Riddle vs. Jonathan Gresham

Sunday has WWE at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Abilene, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

Evolve on iPPV at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday from The Deer Park, NY Sportatorium

Timothy Thatcher vs. winner Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee on Saturday 

Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

Willie Mack vs. loser of Gulak vs. Lee from Saturday

TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

Andrew Everett vs. Peter Kassa

Ethan Page vs. Matt Cage

Monday has Raw from Dallas, TX with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell, with Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin all in town, plus the Austin podcast with Brock Lesnar.

Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

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’S NEWS UPDATE

• Luis Urive held another press conference today saying his new ring name will be Mistic 2.0. 
• Completely insane former UFC fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller was arrested in Orange County earlier today.  According to TMZ, police were called to respond to a disturbance between Miller and two women.  When they arrived, they claimed Miller was aggressive and uncooperative and attacked the officers.  He threw a piece of ceramic tile at them, as well as threatened them with a fire extinguisher and metal pole.  After Miller refused to calm down, they hit him with a taser.  Eventually after fighting off several officers for eight minutes, he was subdued and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on an officer and is now being held on $50,000 bond.
• Here’s an ESPN produced comedy bit of Ronda Rousey training in an interesting outfit.
• Jerry Lawler at the New York Comic Con did an interview where he said there was a good possibility that Smackdown may be going live.  WWE wants significant changes to Smackdown come January.
• WWE sent out an e-mail for tickets for Raw, which means they aren’t sold out, pushing John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Steve Austin and Undertaker as appearing.  Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels are also  named in the ad.  It says something about the company’s own belief in its own stars when they push six guys for late sales, and only one is a full-time guy.  The sad part is that they probably aren’t wrong.
• Paige will be on Conan O’Brien on TBS on Thursday night to push the WWE 2K 16 video game release.
• Rob Van Dam vs. Frankie Kazarian headlines for Big Time Wrestling’s 19th anniversary show in Newark, CA at the Memorial High School Gym.
• The Toronto Blue Jays game on Wednesday night drew 4.8 million viewers in Canada and peaked at 8.1 million, which for that country are ridiculously high numbers.  The point being, that in Canada, Raw is not going to do very well going head-to-head with the Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals game.  Raw has to go against both baseball playoffs and the NFL on Monday. 
• ESPN’s 30 for 30 show on Tuesday night will be about the Schultz brothers, Mark & Dave, who were the characters in the “Foxcatcher” movie. 
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. announced that he now has the ownership and trademark to the name The British Bulldog.  
• Conor McGregor is making a number of appearances this weekend to promote homeless shelters and has made a personal donation of $57,000.  He will be in Cork at the Savoy on Saturday and on Monday and Tuesday will be doing a Q&A at Wright Venue in Dublin.
• The 2CW promotion based in upstate New York announced it will be closing at the end of this year. 
• Championship Wrestling from Hollywood is moving to a Saturday at 4 p.m. time slot on KDOC-TV.
• Maryland Championship Wrestling tonight in Felton, DE at the Delaware Auto Exchange with Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Road Warrior Animal and Patrick Clark.  The main event has Bruiser & Hardy vs. King McBride & Ken Dixon, while James is in a four-way with Jessie Kaye, Amber Rodriguez and Kimber Lee.
• Sabu will face Abyss in a Monster’s Ball match and Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards vs. Bobby Roode & Austin Aries have been announced for Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion on 11/14 in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center.  Dreamer faces Ethan Carter III in a street fight and Chris Hero faces Tajiri also on the show.
• CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno b Explosivo & Metatron, Gallo & Robin & Stigma b Arkangel de la Muerte & Canelo Casas & Malefico, Misterioso Jr. & Pierroth & Sagrado b Blue Panther Jr. & Pegasso & Starman, Gran Guerrero & Kraneo & Ultimo Guerrero b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Polvora & Bobby Zavala, Negro Casas & Shocker b La Mascara & Volador Jr.. to retain the CMLL tag titles when Mascara turned on Volador.
• Indie with AAA stars on Monday night in Oaxaca at the soccer stadium:  Dinastia & Mascarita Sagrada & Mini Drago b Mini Charly Manson & Mini Histeria & Mini Psicosis, Fabi Apache & Goya Kong b Mari Apache & Taya Valkyrie, Alberto El Patron & Blue Demon Jr. & La Parka b Cibernetico & Chessman & Averno, Australian Suicide & Drago & Elegido b Black Mamba & Estrella Divina & Pasion Kristal, El Hijo del Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & Zorro b The Psycho Circus.
• Fenix vs. Laredo Kid vs. Pentagon Jr. in a three-way headlines a Sunday show in Benbrook, TX at the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.
• AAA has a TV taping tomorrow night in Reynosa headlined by Rey Mysterio Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Johnny Mundo & ?, Jack Evans & Angelico & ? vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & ?, and The Hell Brothers vs. two clowns & La Parka.
• Undertaker will be appearing at Wizard World in Tulsa on 10/24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
• Victory Commonwealth Wrestling on 10/29 at Reaper’s Mansion in Ajax, ONT.
• Raven will be doing a seminar on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the Pro Wrestling Syndicate school in Rahway, NJ for $25.  For more info, go to www.ProWrestlingSyndicate.com
• Chaotic Wrestling on Saturday night in Stoneham, MA at the high school with a four-way elimination match with Julian Starr defending his Chaotic title against Chase Del Monte, Donovan Dijak and Adam Booker.
• There is a Pro Wrestling Revolution Lucha Libre show on Saturday night at 5 p.m. in Napa, CA at the Expo Chardonnay Hall with Atlantis, Octagon, Rey Bucanero, Pirata Morgan, Bestia 666, Rey Hours and more.   
• A unique match at NWAClassics.com posted today is Mil Mascaras vs. Masked Superstar.
• 41 years ago today in Miami Beach, Dusty Rhodes beat Terry Funk in an I Quit match, Eddie & Mike Graham beat Dick Slater & Toru Tanaka via DQ in a Florida tag team title match, Johnny Gray & Mike Pappas beat The Hollywood Blondes, Jerry Brisco drew Pak Song, Don Muraco beat Greg Valentine, Bob Backlund beat Dennis Stamp, Mongolian Stomper beat Vic Rossitani and Frankie Hester beat George McCreary. (thanks to Barry Rose)
• Scott Hall was backstage at the NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL.  Hall is really smart about a lot of little things that come to performing, and it’s always good to see him in these situations because hit means he’s doing well.
• Here’s a blurb on Mexican wrestling coming to Napa Valley this weekend.
• Rob Van Dam vs. Amazing Red headlines for Red’s House of Glory wrestling a week from tonight in Jamaica, Queens at Club Amazura.
• The Steiner brothers are opening a new Shoney’s in Acworth, GA and there is a video of the demolishing the previous building
• Matt Farmer talks to Jim Cornette about the history of pro wrestling in the Pacific Northwest
• A story on the Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone lightweight title match on 12/19 in Orlando
• A story on Lamar Odom that mentions pro wrestling
• A New York promotion is in trouble with the commission for using a podiatrist as the physician at ringside
• Former wrestler Buddha Khan now does an oldies radio show.  Khan, as best I can tell, was the only modern era performer to do both Roller Games and pro wrestling at around the same time.
• WWE’s web site promoting top stars of Evolve as future prospects as part of their new working agreement

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL

1963 – El Santo & Rayo de Jalisco beat Los Espantos to win the Mexican national tag tam titles

1967 – Killer Kowalski & Skull Murphy beat Mario Milano & Red Bastien in Sydney to win the IWA tag titles

2001 – Pierrothito beat Ultimo Dragoncito in Mexico City to win the CMLL minis title

2004 – Naomichi Marufuji beat Jun Akiyama in Tokyo to win the GHC open weight title

2011 – Ricky Marvin beat Satoshi Kajiwara to win the GHC jr. title and then vacated it, and Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki beat Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA to win the GHC jr. tag titles in Tokyo

WWE Smackdown airs at 8 PM EST on Syfy. Here’s the spoilers if you just can’t wait, but expect Kevin Owens, the Dudleys and the New Day’s rivalry to continue, and other Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler match but with a twist of Summer. We’ll have Steve Kahn’s report on the show up later tonight.

If you missed any of the wrestling shows from last night and need recaps, here’s WWE NXT, here’s Ring of Honor, and here’s TNA Impact Wrestling. There was no TUF last night due to the MLB playoffs running on FS1.

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL at Dave Meltzer Tomorrow has WWE in Merida, Mexico with Undertaker and Ric Flair appearing, as well as another NXT show in Tampa.

Smackdown tonight from Cincinnati

Roman Reigns vs. Bo Dallas

Cesaro & Neville vs. King Barrett & Sheamus

Kevin Owens vs. Zack Ryder non-title

Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev with Summer Rae as referee

Titus O’Neil & Darren Young vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper

Charlotte vs. Alicia Fox non-title

Dudleys & Dean Ambrose vs. New Day

****

Figure Four Weekly:

The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

****

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

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.

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

Thursday Daily Update

• The 9 p.m. TNA Impact was way down from last week, doing 242,000 viewers, its lowest to date for the 9 p.m. slot.  The replay did 85,000.  The overall total of 327,000 was also its lowest to date.  Not a good sign for the new format.
• ROH did 174,000 viewers at 11 p.m., its second best in the slot, for the Jay Lethal vs. Takaaki Watanabe match.
• There was an interesting listicle plugging Evolve on WWE.com today, pushing ‘the 5 Evolve wrestlers you need to know’. Of that group, Timothy Thatcher, Johnny Gargano, Tracy Williams, Anthony Nese, and Zack Sabre Jr. were featured. (Thanks to Matt Mann)
• FS 1 preempted UFC for baseball playoff coverage and the Kansas City vs. Houston game may have been the most-watched show in the history of the station with 5.94 million viewers.
• John Cena vs. Seth Rollins in 30:00 Iron man matches for the U.S. title will headline the weekend house show on Saturday night in Lubbock and Sunday night in Abilene.
• Jeff Jarrett has been booked as Alberto el Patron’s replacement for the SWE and wXw shows this weekend in Germany, taking on Absolute Andy. (Thanks to Markus Gronemann)
• As a follow-up, Patron addressed the wXw comments and put the blame on the promoters.
• Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts is moderating a VIP meet and greet for the band Tool the day before their show at the Monster Mash Festival in Tempe, AZ. Here’s all the info. Tool drummer Danny Carey actually proposed to his wife at the 2013 Royal Rumble. (Thanks to Jeff Hamlin)
• Remember P.N. News? Here’s a look at what he’s up to prior to his upcoming appearance for All Star Wrestling overseas. (Thanks to Lee Wall)
• Remember Marc Mero? He visited Glen Cove, NY, students recently for an inspirational talk.
• Here’s a feature on Japanese wrestling and Chigusa Nagayo’s Marvelous promotion doing some work with New York Wrestling Connection for a show this Sunday in Elmhurst, NY. (Thanks to Mike)
• Here’s a tribute to British wrestler Jack Taylor who passed away last week at the age of 83.
• The Minoru Suzuki vs. Kazushi Sakuraba and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Togi Makabe matches from last year’s Tokyo Dome will be airing on tomorrow night’s New Japan on AXS show.
• Jerry Lawler vs. Terry Funk, plus appearances by Lance Russell, Bill Dundee, The Rock & Roll Express, Rocky Johnson and more legends of that era will be at the USA Championship Wrestling show on 10/24 in Jackson, TN at the Oman Arena.
• Chris Hero’s visa situation has been taken care of.  He’ll be missing the first three shows of the upcoming NOAH tour but will be there the rest of the tour.
• WWE stock today was up 43 cents to $19.79 per share.
• Between the federal elections and the Toronto Blue Jays having a playoff game, Raw is expected to do a terrible number this Monday in Canada. Monday’s game did 4.38 million viewers, the most watched show since Sportsnet launched in 1998.  That number in Canada would be like a baseball game doing 40 million viewers in the U.S. (thanks to Ryan Pike and John Pollock) 
• Francisco Trevino, who lost to Sage Northcutt at UFC 192 on 10/3, tested positive for marijuana and he was suspended for three months pending a hearing before the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
• Michael Bisping underwent elbow surgery yesterday.  No word on a recuperation period.
• Titan FC has signed Sean Wheelock, the former Bellator announcer, to be its lead broadcaster.  Titan FC airs on UFC Fight Pass.  Wheelock’s first show will be 12/18.
• New Japan has a show on Sunday in Taiwan at the National Taiwan University Gym headlined by Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi, plus Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Hirooki Goto & Captain Taiwan.
• There is a TV taping for New Generation Wrestling on 11/1 in Liverpool at the Olympia at 4:30 p.m. for Challenge and Bay TV.  Nigel McGuinness will be appearing at the show and there will be a private VIP showing of his documentary before the show.  Check out the story
• Luke Thomas of MMA Fighting will debut a new show called The Luke Thomas show on XM Rush Ch. 93 that will air every Friday from 4-6 p.m., covering news, sports and politics.
• In Your Face Wrestling on 11/7 in Delanson, NY at the Duanesburg Area Community Center featuring a Q&A with Road Warrior Animal.
• An interesting add to NWAClassics.com is a match with Ricki Starr vs. Duke Keomuka this week.  Also added were Tommy Rogers vs. Dutch Mantell and Tommy Rogers vs. Eddie Gilbert
• Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat did an autograph signing last weekend in West Virginia that drew 800 to 900 people.
• On the WWE Network’s preview of the Sting DVD, he did mention that he was in TNA for several years before coming to WWE.  WWE usually avoids TNA references. (thanks to Jared Sanchez).
• On Fight Pass, Bas Rutten will be hosting a history of Pancrase special that will debut at the end of the month, before the next Pancrase show on Fight Pass on 10/31.  On 10/27, Bas Rutten talks about his eight favorite fights he was in.  November on Fight Pass will be built around Miesha Tate.  
• CWE will be debuting the tag team of Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza, Zero Gravity, on its 12/2 to 12/4 tour in Yorkton, Brandon and Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Chase Owens will also be on that tour.
• Ricky Steamboat will be appearing on Friday and Saturday at the Fan Boy Expo Comic Con in Knoxville at the Convention Center.  He’s also appearing for NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Elizabethton, TN at the High School.
• CMLL on Monday night in Puebla:  Arkalis & Milenium & Zaeta Roja b Ares & Espiritu Maligno & Sauron, Cancerbero & Fuerza Chicana & Raziel b Black Tiger & Magnus & Oro Jr., Angel de Oro & Stigma & Stuka Jr. b Puma King & Tiger & Virus, Lestat b Molotov in a mask vs. mask match, Marco Corleone & Maximo & La Sombra b Euforia & Mr. Niebla & Shocker, Volador Jr. b Mephisto to retain NWA Historic welterweight title
• CZW on 10/17 in Laval, Quebec at the Scrach a Laval with Matt Tremont vs. PCP Crazy FN Manny for their world title.
• Stardom from Japan, the top women’s group, is running shows on Friday and Sunday in the Los Angeles area.       
• Great North Wrestling on 11/27 in Rockland, ONT at the Arena Jean Marc Lalonde featuring Hannibal and Bushwhacker Luke.
• Tommy Dreamer headlines for All-Star Wrestling on 10/23 in Surrey, BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
• Sinn Bohdi’s Freakshow Wrestling on 10/16 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon, 10/17 in East Los Angeles at the Underground Auditorium. and 10/18 in Hemet, CA at the Wheelhouse.
• The Judo Grand Slam in Paris takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Accor Hotels Arena.  Both shows will be before sellout crowds of 10,000 fans and 505 judokas from 89 countries will appear including U.S. gold medalist Kayla Harrison.  There will be a free live stream of the matches all day both days at www.ippon.tv
• Rock Solid Wrestling on 11/8 in Sudbury, ONT at the LoEllen Secondary School featuring Cody Deaner and The Flatliners off The Amazing Race Canada. 
• Biggie Biggs vs. Jon Dahmer plus LuFisto headline 10/17 in Bridgeton, NJ at the Alms Center for IWA Vintage Pro Wrestling.
• Viva La Lucha on 10/30 in Arcadia, FL at the Turner Agri-Civic Center featuring Silver King, Rey Bucanero, El Hijo de L.A. Park, Damian 666, Bestia 666, Trina Michaels, Extreme Tiger, Rey Hours, Willie Mack, Ivelisse Velez, Jessicka Havok, Lince Dorado and more.
• 35 years ago today, Dusty Rhodes beat The Sheik via count out before a sellout 4,877 fans in Miami Beach.   
• A documentary, Lucha Mexico, will be debuting on 11/13 at the SVA Theater in New York at 9:45 p,.m.  The documentary is about Shocker and bodybuilder Jon “Strongman” Anderson competing in CMLL years back, and also features people like Blue Demon Jr.,Perro Aguayo Jr. and Tony Salazar.
• WWE announced a live show on 4/22 in Paris at the Accor Hotels Arena.
• A story on Becky Lynch getting to WWE
• How wrestling impacted Vikings coach Mike Zimmer
• Team Alpha Male’s Cody Garbrandt weighs in on T.J. Dillashaw leaving the team
• Jerry Lawler talks Smackdown going live, the Andy Kaufman angle and more

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

1967 – El Nazi beat Mil Mascaras in Mexico City to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title

1990 – Emilio Charles Jr. beat Dandy in Mexico City to win the vacant Mexican national middleweight title

1993 – Juventud Guerrera beat Rey Misterio Jr. in Monterrey to win the WWA lightweight title

1996 – Black Warrior beat Dandy in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title