Category: Daily Updates

By Dave Meltzer

We’re sorry for all the issues with the changing of the web site the past few days.  It’s been frustrating for all of us.   Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This weekend we’ll be doing our only poll on the New Japan Destruction in Kobe show which takes place late Saturday night/early Sunday.  We didn’t do a poll for Wakayama because it was a lesser show.  The only other major show is a UFC show, also from Japan, but that’s an FS 1 show. 

We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Lakeland, FL as well as tomorrow’s shows which are WWE in Toronto, ROH in California, PA  and NXT in Largo, FL.  All arena reports and news can be sent to Dave Meltzer

Smackdown tonight at 8 p.m. on Syfy

Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper

Lucha Dragons & Neville vs. All three members of New Day

Cesaro vs. Bo Dallas

Ryback & Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens & Rusev

Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose non-title

We’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week because of coverage of so many big shows and all the stuff that has come out of the past week with WWE. Sept. 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sting, Night of Champions, Bellator Dynamite, more

Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show.  We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.

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.

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

Our lead story covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.

We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again.  We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.

We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes.  We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show.  We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches.  We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.

We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

FOR A FULL OBSERVER PREVIEW CLICK HERE

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’S NEWS UPDATE

–Hall of Famer Akira Hokuto underwent successful surgery on her right breast for cancer.  This has made a lot of news in Japan where she’s well known far beyond the pro wrestling business.

—Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

–One of the matches on the October Mexico tour will be Undertaker & Kane vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper.

–This is the UFC coverage on Fox Sports for this weekend.

*Weigh-ins at 11 p.m. Friday night on FS 2 with Karyn Bryant, Brian Stann, Michael Bisping and Caroline Pearce (who will be live in Japan) covering.

*The preshow will be on Saturday at 7 p.m. on FS 2

*Prelims are Saturday at 8 p.m. on FS 2

*Main card is Saturday at 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on FS 1

*Post-fight show is Saturday at 1 a.m on FS 1

*Ultimate Insider on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on FS 2 with Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans and Tyron Woodley

*Countdown to UFC 192 will air Monday at 9 p.m. Eastern on FS 1 pushing the Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson and Rashad Evans vs. Ryan Bader matches

–The Claro Sports web site will be airing tomorrow night’s Arena Mexico show live at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.  The show is headlined by Volador Jr. vs. Rush coming off last week’s Anniversary show. 

–Part 2 of the John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff airs tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on the WWE Network.

–There are pre sales going on right now for the 12/10 and 12/11 UFC shows in Las Vegas.  For 12/10, the password is DECEMBER.  For 12/11, the password is TUF.  The 12/10 show is a Fight Pass event headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood and 12/11 is Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes plus the finals of the current season of Ultimate Fighter.

–Dana White last night after TUF said that he doesn’t think Conor McGregor will ever fight Urijah Faber.  He brought up that McGregor is 20 pounds heavier walking around and that both guys career trajectory just doesn’t make the fight likely.

–Rey Hours is off the 9/27 Lucha Libre show in Whitby, ONT at the Live Act Theater.  Ricky Reyes vs. Maybach Beta of Zero-One is the new headliner. 

–Superkick’d on 10/10 in Toronto at The Great Hall with Moose and Seiya Sanada appearing.  Also 10/30 in Toronto at the Lithuanian House with Zombie wrestling.

–Ronda Rousey was named to this year’s Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list of people under 40 who standout when it comes to wealth, power, achievement, ambition and influence. She was the only athlete, male or female, to make the list.  She was cited by not just her UFC success and appearing in movies, but for overall appeal, influence on culture and popularity.  Among the things cited for picking her were her acting, her doing WrestleMania, and her DNB promo which has been viewed 3.1 million times.

–TNA will be doing a taped PPV on 10/30 in New Orleans, called the Battle of New Orleans at the Lakefront Arena, an old Mid South building:

Kurt Angle vs. Eric Young cage match

Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong cage match

The Wolves vs. EC 3 & Tyrus for tag titles

Bobby Roode vs. Matt Hardy for King of the Mountain title

Abyss vs. Robbie E Monster’s Ball

Plus appearances by Jeff Hardy and Chris Melendez.

No word on when this will air on PPV, but it’ll be in the One Night Only series.

–Aljamain Sterling, one of the top bantamweights in UFC, is talking about giving up fighting and going to school to get his Master’s Degree.  He cited he’s been looking for a fight with Bryan Caraway by the end of this year.  If not, he may return to college in January to go for his Master’s as well as take a full-time or part-time teaching job.  He’s got one fight left on his UFC contract and hasn’t been happy with pay and the Reebok deal.  He noted he’s only had three fights since 2013.

–On the radio show, we talked about how nobody but WWE has been able to run Madison Square Garden (although there is the annual amateur wrestling Grapple at the Garden show) since the late 50s other than the McMahon family.  It should be noted that both WCW and AAA ran shows at the Paramount, adjacent to the Garden, but neither were allowed to run the Garden itself.

—A story on places in Australia where MMA in a cage is still banned after Victoria passed the law to allow it and the 11/15 show is getting off to huge ticket sales 

—Rolling Stone talks to Kazuchika Okada, even if he doesn’t say very much past that he’s not interested in going to WWE

–2K today revealed the MyCareer gameplay trailer for WWE 2K16, featuring details on how players will be able to define their legacy through critical choices while rising through the ranks from NXT to WWE to earn a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. Players will train, compete against others, conduct personality-driven interviews, interfere with rivals and even form the ultimate tag team.  For more CLICK HERE

—Kenny King talks his decision to go to ROH from TNA

–WWE stock today closed at $17.65 per share, up five cents.

–NWA Vendetta from Friday night in Santa Maria, CA:  Stryder b Ricky Almernara, Midnight Delight & Tab Jackson b Ballard Brothers & Holly Renee, La Generica b Kiara Dillon, Judah Matthew over Alexander Bernard, Jimi Mayhem and Ricky Ruffin, Mike Rayne b Shiloh, Classic Connection b Von Dooms-DQ, Matt Riviera b Sigmon-DQ, Sunami b Dylan drake and Jeckles the Jester.  Next show is 10/30 with Sonjay Dutt.

–The PWA show on 9/27 in Dundas, ONT has been moved to December.

–IWA Mid South tomorrow night in Clarksville, IN at the Colgate Gym.  They also announced the 2015 Ted Petty Invitational on 12/11 as a one-night 12 man tournament with Timothy Thatcher, Kongo Kong, Jonathan Gresham, Masada, Chris Hero and Too Cold Scorpio.

–The Jake Roberts documentary will play on 10/2 in Yonkers, NY at the Alamo Drafthouse.  DDP will be appearing for a Q&A.

–There is a presale going on for WWE tickets for 11/28 in Kansas City at the Sprint Center going on today using the code word RING.  It ends on Friday at 10 p.m.  Advertised for the show are Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Ryback, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Sheamus and Rusev.

–Elkmania 3 on Saturday in Beverly, MA at the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge at 7 p.m.

–Renegade Promotions Battle of the Best on 11/8 in Burlington, ONT at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center headlined by Derek Wylde vs. Tyson Dux.

–AAA star will work for rival promotions in Tijuana next week.  On 10/2 at Auditorio Municipal, Alberto El Patron & Rey Mysterio Jr. & Rey Hours vs. Brian Cage & Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma plus Pentagon Jr. vs. Bestia 666 for the The Crash cruiserweight title and Psycho Clown & Pimpinela Escarlata & ? vs. Cibernetico & Taya Valkyrie & Black Mamba, plus a four-way for the X trophy with Angelico vs. Matt Cross vs. Seiya Sanada vs. Fenix are the top bouts.  The next night at Salon Casa Blanca, a different promotion as Psycho Clown & Fenix & Angelico vs. Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma & Pentagon Jr.

–Evolve on 10/18 in Deer Park, NY at the Sportatorium has:

Timothy Thatcher defending the Evolve title against either Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee (based on who wins a match the night before in Brooklyn)

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

Willie Mack vs. Lee/Gulak loser

T.J. Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

–The next Glory event on Spike will be 10/9 from Denver.  There is also a show on 11/6 in Milan, Italy.

–CZW has a live iPPV on 10/10 at streamCZW.com from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ and on 10/17 from Laval, Quebec at Scratch a Laval.  Vampiro will be on the 10/17 show.

–Infinity Pro on Saturday night in Bloomington, IN at the National  Guard Armory with OI4K headlining plus Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Lufisto.

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

1940 – Earl McCready beat John Katan in Dunedin, New Zealand to win the British Empire title

1951 – Enrique Llanes (the uncle of the Guerreros) beat Sugi Sito in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title

1963 – Gori Guerrero beat Ali Bey in El Paso to win the NWA light heavyweight title

1995 – Mima Shimoda & Akira Hokuto beat Takako & Kyoko Inoue in Kawasaki to win the WWWA women’s tag title

2004 – Nicho beat L.A. Park in Tijuana to win the XLWA heavyweight title

Show notes for tonight:

UFC Tonight airs at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network has Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder vs. Chad Gable & Jason Jordan in th Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Eva Marie vs. Carmella, Bull Dempsey vs. Tyler Breeze. the introduction of Kana/Asuka, and The Vaudevillains (c) vs. Blake & Murphy for the NXT Tag Team Championship.

A rerun of last week’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. It’s titled “Crowded House” and was a very solid start to the regular (post-elimination round) seasom

Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America features  Ethan Carter III defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Rockstar Spud and a big announcement from Dixie Carter about Bound For Glory.

The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is titled “Recognize the Enemy.” Conor McGregor tries to push Urijah Faber into fighting T.J. Dillashaw and one of the coaches does not react well to how this week’s fight goes.

ROH at 11:00 p.m. ET on Destination America has Michael Elgin vs. Silas Young, Caprice Coleman vs. ACH, and a main event trios match with Kazuchika Okada & Roppongi Vice vs. The Briscoes & Hirooki Goto.

Please send reports from major shows, recommended links, etc. to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com:

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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 a look back at how exactly WWE lost the WWF name. Forget the stories you’v heard, this detailsexactly what the World Wildlife Fund objected to, what WWE agreed to and why, what scandals worried the fund, and more.  On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

The recnt FREEFigure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

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Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

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.

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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.

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Wednesday Daily Update

— Jimmy Snuka’s preliminary hearing has been scheduled for two weeks from today. Irv Muchnick has a blog post about the investigators on his website.

— If you’ve been wondering what Linda McMahon is up to, she hosted a $2,700 per ticket fundraiser for Chris Christie’s presidential campaign last night.

— Cameron/Ariane Andrew and VINCENT! appeared on AfterBuzz TV’s Total Divas post-show last night. They talked about her confrontation with Paige and the issues much of the cast had with Eva Marie among other things.  “I’m doing my own training, like what I’m not supposed to be doing. I want to be the best that I can possibly be and if it means like being a rebel, and if I get in trouble for it, at least I can say I got in trouble because I want to be better.”

— Barbie “Kelly Kelly” Blank is trying to gather fan supprt for her to play Pamela Anderson’s old C.J. Parker character in the new Baywatch movie starring Dwayne Johnson:

https://twitter.com/TheBarbieBlank/status/646758874696052737

— Tank Abbott kind of challenges Ronda Rousey.  “[Rousey] is a girl. It’s all about this emotional stuff. I will tell you this: I don’t care, I will fight any woman on this Earth for free. I will. She will have to make me a sandwich – that’s what I get for winning.” He says he’ll pay $100,000 to any woman who can beat him. “You can’t be, like, a tranny. You gotta be a female. Born a female.” Lovely.

— RollingStone.com interviews Kazuchika Okada. Really.  On ROH’s talent: “They’re at the same level. I wanted to wrestle against new people, but it’s very similar to wrestling in Japan. I really appreciate ROH for letting me wrestle in the United States.”

— WWE posted a teaser for the Eric Bischoff’s 10 most controversial moments special on WWE Network. The topic? His “challenge” to Vince McMahon.

— Added to EVOLVE 50 on October 18th in Deer Park, NY: Roppongi Vice (Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero) vs. The Premier Athlete Brand (Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese), TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams, and Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson. 

— Really well dne video on Jesse Neal’s final match.

—  Professional wrestling returns to the North Shore as ELKMANIA 3 emanates from the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge, 39 Bow Street, Beverly, MA on Saturday September 26th, 2015. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Bell time is at 7:00 PM. Tickets cost $10.00 and are on sale Silver Moon Comics & Collectibles located inside of the East India Square Mall, Salem, MA. Tickets will be available at the door, but purchase in advance is highly recommended!

— WWE released SummerSlam 2015, yesterday on DVD and Blu-Ray. The next archival/specialized release is Sting: Into the Light, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 13th. Also, WWE’s “Owen: Hart of Gold” Owen Hart DVD set is now available for pre-order on Amazon (the Blu-Ray version isn’t listed yet) and they also have a special collectible “coffin edition” of “Undertaker: The Streak” coming out on November 17th.

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s WWE Night of Champions, Saturday night’s Bellator, Friday night’s CMLL and Friday night’s ROH with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to Dave Meltzer

Raw is tonight in Laredo, TX, which is a traditionally hot market for WWE, particularly for Hispanic wrestlers.  It’s a mid-sized market that usually sells out or comes close even for house shows.  They’ll start the build for Night of Champions.  Nothing has been announced ahead of time but one would think they’ll follow up in some form with Chris Jericho.   

We’re also looking for reports from these shows:

*WWE Saturday night in Waco, TX

*WWE Saturday night in Beaumont, TX

*NXT Saturday night in San Antonio

Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.

New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Pacific and 2 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World

Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito

Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada non-title

Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA jr. title

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall

Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title

Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

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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.

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.

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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

MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, covering Raw as well as the rest of the wrestling and MMA news.  You can send in e-mail questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
• We don’t have any update on Sting past he suffered a significant neck injury last night.  It was definitely during the buckle bomb spot.  For those asking, the finish they did was the planned finish, although they immediately went to it when Sting basically insisted on finishing the match.  WWE has acknowledged the injury but not the nature of the injury.  Sting was hospitalized for testing.  TMZ reported that the resutls of the testing were no fractures.
• Sting was booked on tonight’s Raw, but TMZ reported that he is at home today so that would seem he’s not at the show.
• This is from Steve Martinez, a rep for Sting: “As many of you may already know, Sting is undergoing treatment for the injuries he sustained in last night’s match with Seth Rollins. Doctors will continue to evaluate his condition, but he is a man of remarkable health and resiliency, especially at his age and with all he’s endured throughout his stellar career. Therefore, we are optimistic he will have a speedy recovery and return to full health soon. Sting has kept his body in excellent shape, due largely to the guidance he’s received from his personal trainer Jeff Cavaliere (ATHLEAN-X), and we trust this will prove beneficial to the recovery process. As a side note, we later learned the greatest damage to his body took place before the match was over, but being the true professional he is and among the hardest workers to ever step foot in the ring, he insisted to see the match through to the end.” -Steve Martinez
• ROH made the official announcement today of a six-month TV deal with L’Equipe 21, a sports channel in France.  They also announced that they would be starting shortly on WNCN in Philadelphia, WMYD in Detroit and WMCN in Charlotte.
• Tonight’s Raw goes against the Jets-Colts game with an 8:30 p.m. kickoff.  Raw is coming off the two least watched non-major holiday episodes, and Smackdown numbers have been way down the past three weeks, but in theory the day after a PPV show and with some angles shot last night should boost the numbers tonight. 
• WWE was the 7th most searched for item on Google yesterday with 500,000 searches, again well above the usual levels for a PPV show.  Not bad considering the NFL & Emmys last night.
• On Saturday, Tito Ortiz was the 8th most searched item, but that was only 50,000 searches.
• Jon Jones is scheduled to enter a plea on 9/29 on his leaving the scene of an accident charge.
• Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (34-0, 33 knockouts) vs. Johann Duhaupas (32-2, 20 knockouts) headlines the first prime time heavyweight title fight on NBC in 30 years, which airs on Saturday night.  That will go head-to-head with the UFC prelims from Japan on FS 1 and the early part of the main card..
• The company has announced Monday Nitro week on the network.  The new shows will be a John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff after Raw tonight, on Tuesday at 10 p.m. will be DDP hosting a countdown of the ten biggest matches in Nitro history; Wednesday at 10 p.m. will be Bischoff announcing the ten biggest moments of his career, Part two of the Layfield interview with Bischoff will air at 10 p.m. Thursday after Smackdown, and they have added 100 new hours of Nitro to the network.
• C.M. Punk and A.J. Lee (using the name A.J. Brooks) will be starring in a movie called “Hellstorm” that will start filming in November.  The story is that after the collapse of the world’s financial system and a devastating world war, a group of mismatched survivors band together to battle unexplainable and horrific beasts that show up.    
• Stardust uses the name “The Queens Crossbow” as the new name for Crossroads because Stephen Amell’s character in Arrow is named Oliver Queen. (thanks to Michael O’Brien and many others).
• In Montreal, where there is a different mentality regarding coverage of pro wrestling in the media (it has gotten sports coverage there since the beginning of time), Kevin Owens title win got a lot of play.  The Journal de Montreal, the biggest newspaper in town, had Owens coverage on Thursday and Saturday talking about his match in Montreal and yesterday and today about his winning the IC title.  The Thursday, Saturday and Sunday features got a full page.  So much media was interested in his return to Montreal that he couldn’t do it all.  In just one week, he got more press in the city than Sylvain Grenier and Maryse Ouellet got in their entire careers.  It’s been nearly 20 years since an active WWE pro wrestler has gotten the kind of coverage Owens got this past week.  Every major area sports web site covered both the Friday night house show and the title win.  (thanks to Patric Laprade)
• Tomorrow’s episode of Total Divas will cover the women getting the news that Dusty Rhodes had passed away.
• The new issue of the National Enquirer has a story on Jimmy Snuka. 
• Tickets for the Ultimate Fighter Finale and the Chad Mendes vs. Frankie Edgar fight on 12/11 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas are priced at $350, $250 and $150 and go on sale to Fight Club members on Wednesday at 10 a.m., newsletter subscribers on Thursday at 10 a.m. and to the public on Friday at 10 a.m.  With only 1,500 seats and with so many tourists in town for the Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor, I expect this to be a quick sellout.
• For the 12/10 Fight Pass show, in the same location, headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood, tickets go on sale at noon Wednesday to Fight Club members, noon Thursday for a password pre-sale and to the public on Friday.
• Justin Credible (Pete Polaco) on Twitter announced that he plans to retire from wrestling in November.  He said his final match would be 11/20 against Tommy Dreamer for PWS in Rahway, NJ.
• Scott Norton was backstage at the Night of Champions last night, as was Scott Hall and Wale..
• Road Warrior Animal will be appearing for In Your Face Wrestling on 11/7 in Delanson, NY at the Duanesburg Area Community Center doing a Q&A and Meet and Greet.  They also have a show on 10/10 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.
• Was told lots of Balor Club  T-shirts in Houston last night at the PPV.
• Absolute Intense Wrestling on 10/3 in Cleveland at the Mt. Carmel Church at 3 p.m. with a Girls Night Out show and 7:30 p.m with a men’s show.
• NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/3 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Travis Lee for the NWA title.  Also on the show is Jason Kincaid, Rob Conway, Kid Kash and E.Z. Money.
• A John Cena story about his charity work
• A movie about the deaths of La Parkita and Espectrito Jr., two Mexican minis who had worked with WWE in the 90s under other names and were murdered by prostitutes
• Josh Reddick of the Oakland A’s talks his favorite wrestlers and how HHH made him a fan

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

1950 – Sugi Sito beat Tarzan Lopez to win the NWA middleweight title

1977 – Mario Valenzuela beat Firma Azul in Acapulco to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title

1979 – Tiger Jeet Singh beat Seiji Sakaguchi in Sendai to win the North American title

1989 – Fuerza Guerrera beat Aguila Solitaria in Puebla to win the NWA middleweight title

2001 – Felino beat Nosawa in Mexico City to win the CMLL welterweight title

2008 – Low Ki beat Tiger Mask in Kobe to win the IWGP jr. title

2009 – Kensuke Sasaki & Takeshi Morishima beat Akitoshi Saito & Bison Smith to win the GHC tag titles in Nagoya

2009 – Manami Toyota beat Aja Kong in Sapporo to win the Oz Academy title

2014 – Shinsuke Nakamura beat Bad Luck Fale to win the IC title

By Dave Meltzer

We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s WWE Night of Champions, last night’s Bellator, Friday night’s CMLL and Friday night’s ROH with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to Dave Meltzer

We’re also looking for reports from these shows:

*WWE last night in Waco, TX

*WWE last night in Beaumont, TX

*NXT last night in San Antonio

*TNA last night in Belle Vernon, PA

WWE Night of Champions PPV at 7 p.m. Eastern on WWE network

*Seth Rollins vs. Sting for WWE title – A notable match for a few reasons.  It’s Sting second PPV match in the WWE and at 56, he has to be among the oldest world title challengers in WWE history.  The questions here is, because Rollins vs. Cena can tear the house down, and pretty much did last month, do they put this on in the middle even though it’s the world title.  Given that there are no obvious new challengers for the title if Rollins retains, except Cena or Lesnar, and we haven’t heard anything about a Lesnar return other than the 10/3, you could go multiple shows.  And they are also heavily teasing Sheamus, who isn’t booked on the show elsewhere.

*Seth Rollins vs. John Cena for U.S. title – It doesn’t make sense for Rollins to hold both titles, and it’s more likely he loses this one.  They’ve got a bunch of Cena U.S. title shirts ready to be out there, and the U.S. title challenge was one of the better segments on Raw, and it’s been gone for a while.  If last month is any indication, this should be an excellent match.  

*Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & ? vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman – For what it’s worth, Kane is in Houston and scheduled for television tomorrow.  Chris Jericho is also said to be in Houston.  As far as Kane being on TV tomorrow, he was scheduled to return weeks ago but it was held off.  Randy Orton has also been advertised for the show in some circles locally.

*Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte for Divas title, title can change hands via DQ or count out – This is one of the more important matches.  No matter what the outcome, and the odds shift does seem to indicate a Charlotte win, they need to have some time, and to have a good finish (either Charlotte wins or gets screwed in a way that puts heat on the person screwing her as opposed to heat on the company).  It would also be helpful not to put them in a death spot after one of the two Rollins matches.

*Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev – These two have been tearing it up at the house shows.  Obviously Summer Rae will get involved, and probably help Ziggler win but the storyline will be that we’re not sure if she screwed up by accident or on purpose.  At least with where the story is, that seems like a finish that makes sense.

*New Day vs. Dudleys for tag titles – The New Day is hotter than most tag champs in recent years and the Dudleys are new and legends from the past, so they should have more crowd interest than normal.  

*Neville & The Lucha Dragons vs. Stardust & The Ascension preshow match – This is the preshow match and should be a fun opener.

        It doesn’t look on paper any stronger than usual, but most WWE PPV shows are good.  The key to the show is if Cena vs. Rollins delivers, if the Rollins vs. Sting finishes comes off well, who the mystery partner is and the reaction to him, and if the Divas title match is above the usual level.  If all of those things are affirmatives, this should be a very good show.

Raw will be Monday night in Laredo, TX.  For what it’s worth, and it wasn’t worth much last week, Randy Orton is scheduled on the show.

Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.

New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Pacific and 2 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World

Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito

Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada non-title

Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA jr. title

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta

Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall

Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title

Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title

This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 

We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.

The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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

You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment 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.

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.

The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over.  We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t.  We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide.  We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars.  We also look at Night of Champions.

We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.

We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it.  We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.

We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.

We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.

We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down.  Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.

We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.

We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.

We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park.  We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.

We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch.  We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.

We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk.  We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.

We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.

We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.

We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.

We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.

We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.

We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled.  We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect.  We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.

We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.

We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.

We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.

We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.

We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.

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

SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

• Lots of audio on this gigantic weekend for big shows.  Bryan and I will be doing another show tonight talking Night of Champions.  We have shows on Bellator and ROH/CMLL up as well.  If you’ve got any questions for tonight’s show so you can send them to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.comWrestling Observer Radio 9/20: Bellator Dynamite 1, Fedor returns, Night of Champions preview, more!
  Wrestling Observer Radio 9/19: ROH PPV report, CMLL Anniversary show, Bellator preview, more!
• This news is shocking.  The web site www.post-gazette.com reported that David Angle is being held in the Allegheny County is awaiting arraignment on a homicide charge.  Police responded this morning on  report of a domestic disturbance and a woman who wasn’t breathing.  Donna Angle, the wife of David, was found unresponsive and she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.  Both are family members of Kurt Angle.  
• Night of Champions is expected to be sold out tonight at the Toyota Center. 
• Check out WrestlingObserver.com’s preview of WWE Night of Champions:  WWE Night of Champions 2015 Preview & Prediction
• Ring of Honor TV 9/19 results and recap: Briscoes/Goto vs CHAOS (Roppongi Vice/Okada)
• CMLL 82nd anniversary show live report from Arena Mexico 9-18 Atlantis vs. La Sombra
• Nothing from wrestling, MMA or boxing trended on Google so far this weekend.  WWE will trend today as the PPV usually does 200,000 or more searches.
• On Twitter at this writing, the only thing trending with any legit numbers were Bellator Dynamite at 24,600 and Fedor Emelianenko at 12,300.
• Tickets went on sale to the public today for the UFC 193 show at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.   This will be very interesting to see.
• The odds were really long hours early for today’s Night of Champions. WWE News: Long odds for Night of Champions
• During a Friday night Toronto Blue Jays game on Rogers Sportsnet, the announcers were plugging an ad for Night of Champions (which is on Rogers PPV in Canada and also is on the WWE Network that they own the Canadian rights to), and mentioned Rollins vs Sting.  Buck Martinez, an announcer listening to that, said “I’m assuming that’s not the same Sting that used to be in the Police.  No, I think he’d be a little old for that sort of thing.”
• Dolph Ziggler on Twitter said he would be debuting new gear tonight.
• There is a good Hall of Fame story on the Sharpe Brothers and C.M. Punk on the front page by Ryan Clingman.
• The IHWE promotion out of Fort Worth run by David Farmer announced this week it has joined the NWA.  
• John Fennigan, who keeps taps of people’s TV and PPV matches since 11/06, said that since that period, the Jack Swagger match with Bo Dallas on Superstars was his 300th match.  the only wrestlers over the period with more TV matches are Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston and Sheamus.  John Cena has 299 over that period, so he hits No. 300 with his match with Rollins tonight.
• Premier Wrestling last night in San Jose before 106 fans:  Hawaiian Lion (1-0) b Mike Truex (0-1), Tyler Bateman (1-2) b Dalton Frost (0-1), Alexander Hammerstone (1-0 b Dylan Drake (4-5), Marcus Lewis (5-4) b Julio Pedroza (3-4), Gabriel Gallo (4-0) b Dom Vitalli (1-3), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) b Joe Graves (2-1-1), Kahmora & Nicole Savoy b Raze & Kikyo Nakamura, JR Kratos (9-2) b Jeff Cobb (6-3-1) to retain the Premier title.  Apparently Cobb vs. Kratos was really good.  Next show is 11/28 in Gilroy.
• Real Canadian Wrestling announced these dates in Alberta and Saskatchewan
  9/25 in Maple Creek at the Community Centre
  9/26 in Calgary at Legion #1
  9/27 in Bassano at the Community Centre
• Pro Wrestling Phoenix results from Wednesday night in Omaha:  Zac James b Paul Daniels in a street fight, Michael Ray b Joey Daniels, Mark Sterling b Hype Gotti, Tony Cortez b Pat Powers, L-Ray b Dalton Lee Roth, Arik Cannon & Darren Russell b Abu Colossus & Brendan Juarez.  Next show is 9/26. 
• All Star Wrestling on 11/13 in Vancouver at the Scottish Cultural Center.
• Fringe Pro Wrestling on 10/3 in Hamilton, ONT at the Bay City Music Hall.
• Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling last night in East Carondelet, IL:  Keith Smith Jr. & Math Magician b Waco & Daniel Gunner, Chris Hargas b Karim Brigante, Malia Hosaka d Lucy Mendez, Ron Powers won handicap match over Ax Allwardt & Bubba Troll, Chaz Wesson b Howard Mortiz, Sean Vincent b Curtis Wylde in a strap match, Gary Jackson b Brandon Espinosa-DQ, Flash Flanagan b Heath Hatton-DQ (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
• Larry Matysik, who due to health reasons, has been unable to attend these shows for nearly a year, was at last night’s event.
• A college wrestler, Eric Harris, filed a lawsuit against Bucknell University, claiming it ignored or missed his symptoms from a series of concussions he suffered while competing on the wrestling team, including a brain injury that ended up his career and forced him out of college and led to his disability.  Attorneys representing Harris filed suit on 9/4 asking for in excess of $50,000.  The claim is that he suffers from post-concussion syndrome that the effects on his brain pevent him from pursuing a degree and from getting employment.
• GOUGE from last night in Raleigh:  Timmy Lou Retton b Otto Schwanz, Juan Jeremi b Priest, Waylon Maze b Ryker the Clown, Victor Andrews b Chance LeBeaux, Encore b Popo the Clown, Waylon Maze & Juan Jeremi b Otto Schwanz & Corzone Caliente, Seymour Snott DDQ Jimmy Jack Funk Jr. 
• I Believe in Wresting from last night in Orlando:  Slade Porter b Josh Hess and Ace Andrews, Mike Reed b Derick Jordan, Tyrannus b Rex Cacchus, Brandon Scherer b Toby Clements, Mark Silva b Dalton Murphy, Josh Parker b Chico Adams, Dirty Blondes b Rhett Ghiddins & Aaron Epic.  Next show is 10/3 with Santana Garrett defending the NWA women’s title against Saraya Knight. (thanks to Al Haft)
• Big Time Wrestling from Friday night in Glens Falls, NY before 1,200 fans:  Todo Loco won three-way over Danny Miles and Bobby Ocean, Scotty 2 Hotty b Sean burke, Slyck Wagner Brown b Antonio Thomas, Honky Tonk Man & The Patriot b Earl Cooter & Eric Alden, Mister TA b Foxx Vinyer, Flex Armstrong b Ba Shaw, Kevin Nash & Jeff Starr b Vince Beach & Shane Alden

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

1930 – Ed Strangler Lewis beat Joe Stecher before 10,000 fans in Sydney, Australia.  No title was at stake, but it was a huge match in that country.  

1968 – Toru Tanaka beat Mario Milano to win the IWA heavyweight title

1989 – Masa Saito & Shinya Hashimoto beat Riki Choshu & Takashi Iizuka in Osaka to win the IWGP tag titles  That’s 26 years ago and Iizuka was tag champ.  That’s scary.

1993 – Shinya Hashimoto beat Great Muta in Nagoya to win the IWGP heavyweight title 

1996 – Lioness Asuka beat Lola Gonzalez in Mexico City to win the TWWF women’s title.  The WWE wrestler Kana is taking her name fro Asuka.

1997 – Shawn Michaels beat Davey Boy Smith to win the European title.  This was the match where Davey dedicated the match to his sister who had cancer when he was told he was going to win. Then, on the day of the show, he was told he was losing.  Needless to say, he wasn’t happy about that

1997 – Devil Masami beat Chigusa Nagayo in Kawasaki to win the Gaea All-Asia title

2000 – Gedo & Jado beat Hideki Hosaka & Yoshinori Sasaki and Kintaro Kanemura & Ryuji Hijikata in a three-way in Hokkaido to win the WEW tag titles

2004 – Manami Toyota & Carlos Amano beat Aja Kong & Amazing Kong (TNA’s Awesome Kong) to win the AAAW tag titles

2011 – Olimpico & Psicosis & Volador Jr. beat Angel de Oro & Diamante & Rush in Mexico City to win the Mexican national trios titles