Category: Daily Updates

  • TUES. UPDATE: Jose Aldo injury, best-selling WWE DVDs, “Ballers” rating, and more

    by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.comFollow @davidbix

    The new season of Tough Enough premieres tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on USA Network. It’ll be replayed throughout the week on various NBC Universal/Comcast networks. 

    WWE is taping SmackDown and Main Event tonight in Toledo, Ohio. If you’re attending it, please send a spoiler report to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

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    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is up on the site for subscribers (subscribe here) with a detailed look at what made Dusty Rhodes such a uniquely gifted performer. Topics covered include:

    * How his appeal differed from other superstar babyfaces.

    * His underrated athleticism and in-ring working ability.

    * His versatility on promos.

    And much more. Plus, as always, we have  all of the usual reviews and international news.

    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 AmericanCanadian, 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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    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 22, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Part 1 of giant Dusty Rhodes obituary, GFW’s 1st shows

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site are at  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@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    You can also order 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.

    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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

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    Wednesday Daily Update

    — Very little in the way of details on the Jose Aldo injury past what we already had earlier, which is that he fractured a rib in training today and thus his UFC 189 main event defending the featherweight title against Conor McGregor is obviously in jeopardy. It’s a bit out of the ordinary for news of an injury like this to break so quickly, but that’s about it.

    — WWE updated their Key Performance Indicators charts today with DVD sales information on the top five titles of the last nine months or so. Slam City tops the list in a surprise with 119,000 units, followed by WrestleMania 31 at 92,000, The Best of Sting at 88,000, Attitude Era Vol. 2 at 83,000, and John Cena’s Greatest Rivalries at 62,000. So you can see why they’re high on more Slam City-esque content when not only is it among the most-watched programming on the network, but it moved DVDs as well.

    –The initial showing of the first episode of Dwayne Johnson’s new show “Ballers” on HBO was watched by 2.16 million viewers on Sunday night, retaning a decent amount of viewers from its lead-in, “True Detective,” which was watched by 3.2 million viewers. Reviews for “Ballers” have been mixed so far, something that can also be said for the new season of True Detective.

    Lana was not happy with a female fan who blamed WWE for turning her character into “a starry-eyed love struck dope,” saying that “What’s more insulting is that you think that strong women can not experience love. 1st & foremost I am a human being.” Not necessarily the best way to word the criticism, but the sentiment was not that different from what everybody has been saying since this storyline started.

    — At MMAFighting.com, Dave has three new articles up: A “Fortunes Changed fr Five” postmortem on the weekend’s UFC and Bellator cards as well as two articles on the Bellator ratings/viewership, one from last night and an updated, more detailed one that just went up today.

    — “Meet Me There,” a horror movie with Dustin Runnels/Goldust in a featured role, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

    Johnny Mundo talks to PWMania about life after WWE and more. Nice quote on the artistic freedom of working as an independent: “On the weekend of June 6/7th, I was in Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) wrestling in the Maritimes two great matches Markus Burke and one against Titus. This weekend I’m going to Mexico to wrestle Rey Mysterio and Mistico and the styles couldn’t be more different. I’m imagining the crowds are going to be completely different and I like that. It’s cool, it’s never boring. Sometimes with the WWE you can get a little bit stale. Your travelling is usually with the same group and your generally working with the same person and the same type of match and it’s the same environment backstage. So professionally to go and get back out there I have control of my destiny and I have control of where I want to work, who I want to work with. There’s a lot more freedom for sure in my hands now on the independent scene and working with Lucha Underground.”

    The Movie Fighters podcast has a review of “Russel Madness” with Johnny Mundo. 

    — Pure Wrestling Association on July 19th has their 10 Year Anniversary Tour’s “Summer Assault – Day 3″at the Royal Canadian Legion on 95 Kirk Street in Clinton, Ontario. VIP Doors open at 1pm, Doors Open at 2pm, and Bell Time is at 2:30pm.  the card features Bushwhacker Luke vs. HardKore Hick in a no DQ match, Kc Spinelli vs. Beautiful Beaa, Sid Summers vs. Ruffy Silverstein, Sports Generation vs. Modern Day Warriors, “Reckless” Ryan Swift vs. Gangrel, and Eric Cairnie vs. Eddie Osbourne.

    — NWA Mid South’s St. Jude Slamathon results from 6/20 in Dyersburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex before a sellout 350 fans: Chris O’Neal b AJ Williams, NWA World Jr. Title: Sanada b Steve Anthony-DQ, Savio Vega & Americos b Greg Anthony & Matt Riviera, NWA Mid South Unified Title: Rob Conway b Alan Steele & Tim Storm (champion) to win the title, The Posse & Jason Funderburk b Jeremy Moore & Dale Wylde & Van Van Horn.  Jim Cornette & Chris Cruise did commentary on the DVD that will be released in July.  Cornette also was inducted in the Hall of Champions and knocked out manager Boyd Bradford during the induction.  8/1 super card has Conway defending title against Jeremy Moore, and Riviera defending NWA Western States Heritage Title against Americos.  $1,100 dollars was raised for St. Jude. 

    — Pure Wrestling Association results from the Welland Rose Festival/Days in the Park on June 20th, 2015 in Welland, Ontario: “Reckless” Ryan Swift defeated Derek Platinum. “EZE” Eric Cairnie defeated Shadow Xtreme to remain Ontario Champion, Jimmy King defeated Troy Buchannan, Rex Atkins defeated Jesse Bieber, Beautiful Beaa defeated Skylar Rose to remain Elite Womens Champion, “The Thrillbillies” HardKore Hick and Eddie Osbourne defeated “EZE” Eric Cairnie and “Reckless Ryan Swift & “Modern Day Warriors” Derek Platinum and Jimmy King to win the Vacant Tagteam Championships.

    — Pure Wrestling Association results for June 21st, 2015 at the Open Streets Festival in Waterloo, Ontario: Jesse Bieber defeated Mr. Atlantis, Jimmy King defeated Shadow Xtreme, Big Al defeated Derek Platinum to remain Pure Wrestling Champion, “Thrillbillies” HardKore Hick/Eddie Osbourne defeated Reggie Marley/Venom to remain Tag team Champions, Beautiful Beaa defeated Ryan Swift and EZE Eric Cairnie in a triple threat match.

    TODAY’S PRO WRESTLING VIDEOS (thanks to Thomas Rude)

    LIVE SHOWS



    Old Time Wrestling 500th Show Spectacular

    6/13/15 Atlantic Pro Wrestling Live

    MISC. STUFF


    Lodi’s Licks (Episode 56)

    Flatline Pro Wrestling “The Pulse” (Episode 8)

    Chikara “Podcast-A-Go-Go” (Episode 421)

    INDY TV SHOWS


    Anarchy Wrestling (Episode 489)

    AIWF Mid-Atlantic TV (Episode 219)

    West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 56)

    Reality Of Wrestling TV (Episode 61)

    6/20/15 Pro Wrestling Syndicate TV

    6/22/15 Snakepit Adelaide Pro Wrestling “Powerslam” TV

    WWE


    WWE Canvas 2 Canvas-The Diva Of Tomorrow Hits The Canvas

    WWE Fury:  38 DDTs That Will Drill You Into The Canvas

    Hank Avery Looks Ahead To The Competition- WWE #toughenough

    Is Maria Menounos Golden Terror “Tough Enough”-WWE #toughenough

    Tour The Tough Enough Set-WWE #toughenough

    LUCHA UNDERGROUND


    Outside WIth  Vampiro:  Evergreen Cemetery

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    12:00 AM ET
    WWE TOUGH TALK Join The Miz as he recaps all of the TOUGH ENOUGH highlights and sits down with the eliminated competitor whose WWE journey came to an end. 

    12:30 AM ET
    THE WWE LIST Cheaters never win…unless you get creative. We list some of the most Unforgiving Foreign Objects in WWE History!

    1:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    2:00 AM ET
    TUESDAY NIGHT TITANS Vince McMahon hosts Tuesday Night Titans with Lord Alfred Hayes. Guests include Rowdy Roddy Piper, Andre The Giant, and Cowboy Bob Orton.

    4:00 AM ET
    PRIME TIME WRESTLING Gorilla Monsoon toys with Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan by giving him a mysterious gift as they host an exciting edition of Prime Time Wrestling!

    6:00 AM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

    7:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    8:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Most Memorable International Sensations of all time!

    9:00 AM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

    10:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    11:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Most Memorable International Sensations of all time!

    12:00 PM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

    1:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    2:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Most Memorable International Sensations of all time!

    3:00 PM ET
    WWE TOUGH TALK Join The Miz as he recaps all of the TOUGH ENOUGH highlights and sits down with the eliminated competitor whose WWE journey came to an end. 

    3:30 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Cheaters never win…unless you get creative. We list some of the most Unforgiving Foreign Objects in WWE History!

    4:00 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee Young sits down with the cast of Magic Mike XXL, including star Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, and WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash.

    4:15 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    5:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Amidst SummerSlam and Eva’s wedding day, Brie confronts John behind Nikki’s back leading to explosive consequences.

    6:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Bret ‘Hit Man’ Hart and Shawn Michaels engaged in one of the most bitter rivalries ever. Now, they sit down and rehash their storied past.

    8:00 PM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    9:00 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee Young sits down with the cast of Magic Mike XXL, including star Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, and WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash.

    9:15 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    10:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Amidst SummerSlam and Eva’s wedding day, Brie confronts John behind Nikki’s back leading to explosive consequences.

    11:00 PM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

  • MON UPDATE: WWE PPV match, WWE injury, Legends of Mid Atlantic fan fest, TNA departure, Hogan & Paige

    By dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>Dave Meltzer

    We’re doing polls this weekend on tonight’s ROH and Bellator shows, , so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for both shows to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight in Indianapolis.  Brock Lesnar and John Cena are both scheduled on the show.  We’re looking for dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident on the live show to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re also looking for reports on these weekend shows:

    *NXT Friday night in Jacksonville

    *WWE Saturday night in Grand Rapids, MI

    *ROH TV tapings from last night in New York

    *WWE today in Fort Wayne, IN

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

    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 22, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Part 1 of giant Dusty Rhodes obituary, GFW’s 1st shows

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    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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking more on Buddy Landel, Cora Combs, Raw and Bellator, plus we’ll take e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • WWE announced Ryback vs. Big Show vs. Miz for the Battleground show on 7/19 in St. Louis.
    • WWE announced an injury to Erick Rowan, said to be from a Friday night event in Saginaw.
    • Nothing trending to any great degree today.  Only pro wrestling and MMA topics are

    Prime Time Players vs. New Day 330 tweets

    Erick Rowan 189 tweets

    MMA Hour (Ariel Helwani’s show) 145 tweets.

    • Notes for the Mid Atlantic Wrestling fan fest on 7/30 to 8/2 in Charlotte.  They will debut a Mid Atlantic Memories wrestling documentary with Jim Ross doing the voice overs.  Names appearing include Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, Jimmy Hart, Lance Russell, Cedric Alexander, Road Warrior Animal, Gerald Brisco, Wes Brisco, Bob Caudle, Bobby Fulton, Zach Gowen, Honky Tonk Man, Angelina Love, Bill Eadie, Nigel McGuinness, Rip Rogers, So Cal Val, Ricky Steamboat, Scott Steiner, Lance Storm, Les Thatcher, Greg Valentine, and Tom Prichard.

    7/30:  Debut of Mid Atlantic Memories, Jim Ross one man show, Jim Cornette live podcast

    7/31:  Hall of Heroes banquet honoring Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood, Jimmy Hart musical performance

    8/1:  Lance Russell Q&A, Pool Party with Angelina Love & SoCal Val and live show

    8/2:  Live show.

    • Sam Shaw was the latest TNA departure, as he confirmed that over the weekend.
    • TNA has booked Universal in Orlando for shows from 7/22 to 7/29.
    • Seth Petruzelli went to cage side to challenge Kimbo Slice after his win over Ken Shamrock on Friday.  At the press conference, when Slice was asked if he’d like a rematch with Petruzelli, he said “No.”
    • WWE stock dropped seven cents today to close at $16.25 per share.   
    • Superstars of Wrestling on 6/27 in Avenel, NJ at the Avenel Columbus Council with Kevin Matthews and Damien Darling.
    • Entourage was No. 5 at the box office this weekend in Australia at $686,393, while Mad Max Fury Road (Nathan Jones) was No. 6 at $408,055, San Andreas was No. 7 at $405,544 and Pitch Perfect 2 (Lana) was No. 11 at $173,568. (thanks to James Stanios)
    • Battlearts from Saturday night in Mississauaga, ONT at Santino Marella’s Gym’s Don Kolov Arena:  Dustin Quicksilver b Del Cardinal, Karou b Rob Styles, Ariya Sapphire b Carys, Randy Bynoe b CJ, Ronnie Wallace & British Brawler b Rosey Brown & D-Man Parker, Jimmy Thunder won Battle Royal, JP Morgado b Randy Reign, Mike DeRosti b Buck Gunderson (thanks to Steven Ashe)
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Council Bluffs, IA:  Jeremy Wyatt b Jayden  Draigo, Killer City Kings b Dalton Lee Roth & Purple, Zac James b Joey Daniels, L-Ray b Zac James, Austin St. John b Pat Powers, Darren Russell b Abu Colossus, Tony Cortez b Mark Sterling.  Next show is 7/31 at the National Guard Armory in Council Bluffs.
    • EWF on Friday night in Azusa, CA:  Baby Bull b TY Ray, Uday Ukelja b Viking Warrior, Johnny Starr b Brute Baretto, Uptown Andy Brown b Butcher Tyler Bateman, Friar Juan Roman & Archemedes b Luz de Sombra & Espirito.  Next show is 7/3 at the EWF Arena. (thanks to Frank Mott)
    • Josh Neer vs Matt Secor has been added as a prelim fight to the 7/17 Bellator show at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, headlined by Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1) for the welterweight title.  
    • Sporting News story on Tough Enough
    • Brian Fritz talks to Hulk Hogan and Paige
    • Another Hogan and Paige interview
    • Brian Fritz talks to John Saboor about WrestleMania
    • Another Hulk Hogan interview promoting Tough Enough

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

    1976 – Rene Guajardo beat El Santo to win the Mexican national middleweight title

    1978 – Steve Rickard beat Professor Toru Tanaka in Auckland to win the British Commonwealth title

    1986 – Yukari Omori beat Chigusa Nagayo to win the All Japan womens’s Grand Prix tournament and Mika Komatsu & Kanako Nagatomo beat Kazue Nagahori & Yumi Ogura to win the Japanese tag team title

    1996 – Mima Shimoda & Manami Toyota beat Kyoko Inoue & Takako Inoue in Sapporo to win the WWWA tag titles

    1996 – Mascara Magica beat Super Delfin to win the UWA super welterweight title

    2003 – Mima Shimoda beat Mariko Yoshida in Tokyo to win the Queen of Arsion title  

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (Thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    12:06 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    1:06 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    2:06 AM ET
    SWERVED Zack Ryder and Alex Riley get shocked, Booker T gets Hornswoggled, and we take the Poo Mic to the WWE Hall of Fame Red Carpet.

    2:36 AM ET
    THE WWE LIST Not everything can be found on Google. Shocking Title Changes gives rank to some of the most OMG Title Matches of all time!

    3:06 AM ET
    WCW BEACH BLAST 1993 Sting and Dave Boy Smith face Big Van Vader and Sid Vicious. Ric Flair takes on Barry Windham. Dustin Rhodes faces Rick Rude.

    6:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    7:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    8:04 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    9:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    10:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    11:04 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    12:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    1:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    2:04 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    3:00 PM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

    4:00 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Whether it’s winning the Diva’s Championship, or posting a very flattering photos on Twitter… These Divas do it all to stay trending.

    4:30 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Cheaters never win…unless you get creative. We list some of the most Unforgiving Foreign Objects in WWE History!

    5:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    6:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    8:00 PM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

    9:00 PM ET
    WWE TOUGH TALK Join The Miz as he recaps all of the TOUGH ENOUGH highlights and sits down with the eliminated competitor whose WWE journey came to an end. 

    9:30 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Cheaters never win…unless you get creative. We list some of the most Unforgiving Foreign Objects in WWE History!

    10:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The war comes to a shocking conclusion, upstaged only by the talents that cross enemy lines in the years that follow.

    11:00 PM ET
    LEGENDS HOUSE Eight WWE Legends reunite and get acquainted with their new neighbors. Back at the Legends’ House, tempers flare.

  • Cora Combs passes away

    Cora Combs, the last surviving member of the Billy Wolfe troupe in the heyday of women’s pro wrestling, passed away at 7 a.m. today at a hospital in Nashville.

    She was 92.  She had been suffering from pneumonia in the last week.

    Combs, born Cora Svonsteckik was a former Country Music singer who, at the age of 26, attended a pro wrestling show headlined by Mildred Burke, then the biggest star in women’s pro wrestling, back in 1949.

    Nick Gulas introduced her to Wolfe, and she moved to Wolfe’s home base in Columbus, OH and wrestled for 36 years, including at the end of her career, often wrestling her daughter Debbie, while wearing a mask as Lady Satan.

    She headlined all over the world during the end of the Wolfe’s stable heyday, and main evented with a significant push in Tennessee, where she was probably the most famous of the local women wrestlers.  She worked with just about every name wrestler from several generations, well into the 80s.

    She was inducted into the Amsterdam, NY, based Pro Wrestling Hall of fame in 2007.

  • SUN. UPDATE: New WWE TV shows, Gracie vs Shamrock, Horsewoman on pro wrestling show, Tough enough, WWE Network schedule

    By Dave Meltzer
    dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re doing polls this weekend on tonight’s ROH and Bellator shows, , so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for both shows to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re also looking for reports on these weekend shows:
    *NXT Friday night in Jacksonville
    *WWE Saturday night in Grand Rapids, MI
    *ROH TV tapings from last night in New York
    *WWE today in Kalamazoo, MI
    *WWE today in Fort Wayne, IN
    *GFW today in Bowling Green, KY

    Raw will be live on Monday in Indianapolis.  Brock Lesnar and John Cena will both be appearing on the show.

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

    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/43096-june-22-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-part-1-of-giant-dusty-rhodes-obituary-gfws-1st-shows-and-much-more

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    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”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    –We have two weekend shows up on the site, a Friday night show covering Bellator and ROH and a Saturday night show covering UFC and ROH.

    –Royce Gracie in interviews on Friday was saying that he was willing to fight Ken Shamrock.  I guess we’ll see how the ratings come in for Friday’s show.  Shamrock has wanted a third fight with Gracie for 20 years and Gracie has never accepted.   

    –Nothing from combat sports was on the Google searches today, although the UFC show was in the top two for much of the day yesterday and the TV show Ballers on HBO with Dwayne Johnson that debuts tonight was No. 13.

    –On twitter at the time of this writing, combat sports trending numbers were:
    PBC 21,600 (for the Adrien Broner fight)
    UFC Berlin 15,400
    WWE Las Vegas 2,554

    –While it won’t air on television, they were taping the A.J. Styles & Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian tag team match at the ROH tapings last night. (thanks to Denis Gorman)

    –Darren Young will be in the New York Pride Parade on 6/28.

    –WWE is debuting its new show “Swerved” on Monday night on the WWE Network.  Tough Enough debuts Tuesday on USA with Tough Talk following on the WWE network at 9 p.m. Eastern .

    –Shayna Baszler, formerly of UFC, will be managing Kenny Lush for Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling on 7/11 in Vancouver, BC for a show at the Commodore Ballroom.

    –San Andreas was No. 4 at the box office this weekend at $8.24 million, so it has topped $132 million domestically.  Entourage was No. 11 at $1.9 million and it’s at $29.6 million domestically.

    –For those in Australia, Tough Enough will be airing on YouTube at 10 a.m. Wednesdays Australian Eastern time.  They are pushing it for Australia because one of the final 13 is from Brisbane.

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

    1972 – Enrique Vera beat Raul Mata (the inventor of the Frankensteiner) to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title
    1982 – Ringo & Cachorro Mendoza beat El Satanico & Espectro Jr. in Mexico City to win the Mexican national tag team titles
    1985 – Rayo de Jalisco Jr. beat MS 1 in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title
    1994 – Pantera beat Felino in Cuernavaca to win the CMLL welterweight title
    2000 – Eddie Fatu (Umaga) & Matty Smalls (Rosey) beat Hideki Hosaka & Yoshito Sasaki in Tokyo to win the WEW tag titles
    2006 – La Mascara won the CMLL Reyes de Aire match in Mexico City
    2013 – Bad Luck Fale beat Shinsuke Nakamura to win the IC title in Osaka
    2014 – Alex Shelley & Kushida beat The Young Bucks to win the IWGP jr. tag titles in Osaka 

    –Dynamo Pro Wrestling from Friday night in Glen Carbon, IL:  Keith Smith Jr. b Austin Blackburn, Jayden Fenix b Jackal, Brandon Espinosa & Elvis Aliaga b Shorty Biggs & Outtkast, Ricky Cruz b Paco Gonzalez, Brandon Aarons b Shawn Santel-DQ, Brandon Aarons & Evan Morris b Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby, Rocket Mapache b Danny Adams, Billy McNeil b Jay Howard, Jake Dirden & Michael Magnuson & Dave DeLorean b Mike Outlaw & Justin D’Air & Keon Option (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)

    –Pure Wrestling Association on 7/4 in Tottenham, ONT at the Community Week for a free show from 1 to 3 p.m..  They also run 7/18 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.

    –Fringe Pro Wrestling on 8/8 in Hamilton, ONT at the Bay City Music Hall with Scotty O’Shea vs. Ryan Swift vs. Alessandro Del Bruno.

    –Canadian Wrestling Elite will be doing bringing eight women wrestlers on a tour from 9/25 to 10/3 which is headlined by Justin Gabriel.  Dates are:
    9/25 in Steinbach, MB
    9/26 in Gimli, MB
    9/27 in Gladstone, MB
    9/28 in Minnesoda, MB 
    9/29 in Yorkton, SASK
    9/30 in Virden, MB
    10/1 in Souris, MB
    10/2 in Winnipeg
    10/3 in Morden, MB

    –Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling from last night in East Carondelet, IL:  Keith Smith Jr. d Ax Allwardt, Bubba Troll b Daniel Gunner, Kahagas b Gary Jackson, Curtis Wylde b Sean Vincent, Brandon Espinosa b Farmer Boy Billy Hills, Heath Hatton b Denze Vance, Ricky Cruz DCOR Atilla Khan, Flash Flanagan b Chaz Wesson, Ron Powers & Red River Jack b Chris Hargas & Bull Bronson (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)

    –MCW Ladies Night from Friday night in Glen Burnie, MD with Mick Foley as commissioner:  Kimber Lee b Mandy Leon, Punk Rock All-Stars b Fed Up Renee Michelle b Tessa Blanchard, Ryan McBride b Ll Green, Fenix Fury & Ron Paul Jordane & two area police officers b Andrew Steel & Money Green & Cesar & Oakley Woods, Brandon Scott d Drolix, Hell Cats b Entourage, Ken Dixon & Dixon Line Security b The Bruiser, Mickie James b Amber Rodriguez with Lisa Marie Varon as referee as Melina as outside enforcer to win the MCW women’s title.  Melina turned on James but Varon stopped her using the widow’s peak on Melina and then James hit a DDT on Rodriguez.  They run 7/18 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Roddy Piper, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, Shane Strickland and Matt Cross.

    –New York Daily News on Ballers at http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/dwayne-johnson-ready-smash-hbo-ballers-article-1.2261895  about Dwayne Johnson. (thanks to Jeff Beecher)

    –Empire State Wrestling from last night in North Tonawanda, NY:  Frankie Feathers & Jonny Puma b Double Down, Vince Valor b Jett Rebel, Asylum b Ron Falco, Candice LaRae b Cloudy, Terrell Kenneth & Mike Everynite & Steve Gage b Oliver Street Connection & Plunkett, Ryot b Will Calrissian, Chris Hero b Brandon Thurston, RJ City & Hate Brigade b Kevin Bennett & Rochester Wrecking Crew, Johnny Adams b Yuri Koloff, Bill Collier b GabreaL Saint, Johnny Gargano b Tommaso Ciampa.  Next show is 8/22 with Hero vs. Collier and Gargano also appearing.

    –Lucha Xtreme from TV last night in Fresno:  Wiseguy b Cyanide Von Doom, JR Kratos b Mike Dalite, Big Dogg & Skitzo DCOR Levi Shapiro & Buddy Royal (thanks to Jon Southerland) 

    –Wrestling Night at Retama Race Track in Selma, TX on 6/27 featuring an appearance by Tully Blanchard, who grew up in San Antonio, along with daughter Tessa Blanchard and Sho Funaki. 

    –Justin Gabriel jumps out of an airplane and talks CWE promotion at

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmVocxa_1sI&feature=youtu.be
    –Preview of a five hour Jim Cornette interview at

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4emzMN4v9T4

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    1:58 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    3:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT NXT Champion Kevin Owens battles against Samoa Joe in this week’s NXT main event!

    4:00 AM ET
    WWE SUPERSTARS This week, we have a huge triple threat tag team main event as its The Ascension vs. Los Matadores vs. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper.

    4:59 AM ET
    OLD SCHOOL Old School WWE card from Philadelphia features ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage defending the WWE Title against ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted Dibiase.

    6:00 AM ET
    WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH 1991 Lex Luger battles Barry Windham in a Steel Cage Match for the vacant WCW World Title. Nikita Koloff vs. Sting in a Russian Chain Match.

    8:55 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    10:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    12:00 PM ET
    WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH 1991 Lex Luger battles Barry Windham in a Steel Cage Match for the vacant WCW World Title. Nikita Koloff vs. Sting in a Russian Chain Match.

    3:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.

    4:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITION SPECIAL 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    5:04 PM ET
    WWE NXT NXT Champion Kevin Owens battles against Samoa Joe in this week’s NXT main event!

    6:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    7:00 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE This Week The Beast is back, Mr. Money in the Bank has the luck of the Irish on his side, plus a special tribute to WWE Legend Dusty Rhodes.

    7:30 PM ET
    RAW PRE-SHOW From WWE Studios in Stamford Connecticut. Scott Stanford, David Otunga and Corey Graves cover all the events leading up to Monday Night Raw.

    8:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.

    9:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    10:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    11:06 PM ET
    SWERVED Zack Ryder and Alex Riley get shocked, Booker T gets Hornswoggled, and we take the Poo Mic to the WWE Hall of Fame Red Carpet.

    11:36 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Not everything can be found on Google. Shocking Title Changes gives rank to some of the most OMG Title Matches of all time!

  • On this day in pro wrestling history: Watts beat Race, Texas Outlaws as babyface team in AWA, Rhodes pins Race for NWA title at the Omni, Freebirds vs. Bruiser & Crusher, Kerry vs. Flair, Angle wins TNA title

    By Brian Hoops

    1918 – Earl Caddock defeated Ed “Strangler” Lewis by decision to unify their claims to the World Heavyweight Title (no falls in a 2 out of 3 falls match that lasted 2 hours and 30-minutes. Referee Ed Smith awarded the match to Caddock on points).

    1934 – Francisco Aguayo defeated Martinez Larrea in Mexico City, Mexico for the Mexico National Heavyweight Title.

    1942 – Ciclon Veloz defeated Jack O’Brien to win the Mexico National Welterweight Title.

    1946 – In St. Joseph, Missouri; Ray Villmer & Bobby Bruns beat Bill Lee & Orville Brown 2 falls to 1 to win the St. Joseph tag team titles. 

    1955 – In Minneapolis, MN; Before 5,942 fans, Leo Nomellini & Bronko Nagurski beat Kinji Shibuya & Ike Eakins in 2 out of 3 falls, Red Bastien beat Pedro Escobar, Dick the Bruiser (as Bruiser Afflis) beat Ovila Asselin (as Guy LaRose) and Ilio DiPaolo beat Jack Pesek

    1957 – Pepper Gomez & El Medico defeated Duke Keomuka & Tokyo Joe in Houston, Texas for the NWA Texas Tag Team Title.

    1961 – In Duluth, MN; AWA Champion Verne Gagne no contest Wilbur Snyder, AWA US Champion Gene Kiniski beat Jack Pesek, 
    Bob Geigel beat Tony Bailargeon and George Scott beat Marquie DeParee

    1963 – Pepper Gomez defeated Bill Watts to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas.

    1965 – Stan Stasiak & Haru Sasaki defeated Pepper Martin & Shag Thomas in Portland, Oregon for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

    1966 – Tojo Yamamoto & Great Higami defeated Len Rossi & Mario Milano to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

    1967 – In Winnipeg; Bill Watts beat Harley Race, Larry Hennig beat Rene Goulet, Dr. X beat Dutch Savage and George Gordienko beat Bobby Jones. Attendance was 4,000. 

    1969 – Paul DeMarco defeated The Professional (Doug Gilbert) for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

    1969 – Johnny Walker & Bearcat Brown defeated The Great Mephisto & Dante to win the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee

    1971 – Don & Al Greene win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title by defeating Tojo Yamamoto & Jerry Jarrett in Memphis, Tennessee

    1971 – Tarzan Zorra defeated Jos LeDuc to win the International Wrestling Association International Heavyweight Title in Montreal, Quebec.

    1973 – In Kansas City, Roger Kirby defeated Mike George, World Tag Team Champions Togo the Great & Tokyo Joe beat Bobo Brazil & Omar Atlas and Harley Race & Bob Brown wrestled Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk to a double DQ. 

    1975 – In Milwaukee, Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat Baron Von Raschke & Kurt Von Brawner (sub Horst Hoffman), Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens dq, Chris Taylor beat Buddy Wolff and Khosrow Vaziri drew Jim Brunzell

    1978 – Mongolian Stomper won an elimination tag team match in Knoxville, Tennessee to win the vacant NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    1980 – Takachiho (The Great Kabuki) & Killer Karl Kox defeated Bob Brown & Pat O’Connor to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.

    1981 – Dusty Rhodes defeated Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Wrestling Title in Atlanta, Georgia,

    1982 – Junkyard Dog defeated Bob Roop for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title in New Orleans, Louisiana

    1984 – The Uptown Boys (Marty Janetty & Tommy Rogers) defeated The Grapplers (Len Denton & Tony Anthony) for the NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas. At the same show, Ted Oates defeated Luke Graham to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title.

    1984 – Steve Grey defeated Danny Collins for the British Welterweight Title in Malvern, England.

    1984 – In Salt Lake City, Utah; Fabulous Ones beat King Kong Brody & Larry Zbyszko, Abdullah The Butcher ddq The Crusher,
    Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson, Curt Hennig drew Steve Regal and Steve O beat Chris Markoff

    1985 – Sgt. Slaughter defeated Larry Zbyszko to win the AWA America’s Heavyweight Title in Chicago, Illinois. Also on the card, Michael Hayes beat AWA Champion Rick Martel in a non title match, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts & Butch Reed beat Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke, Greg Gagne drew Nick Bockwinkel, Ray Stevens beat Steve O and  Brad Rheingans drew Billy Robinson. Attendance was 4,000. 

    1985 – Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeated MS-1 to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.

    1985 – In St. Louis, Missouri; Kerry Von Erich beat NWA Champion Ric Flair dq, Harley Race beat Bobby Duncum, 
    Blackjack Lanza (sub Dick the Bruiser) & Bulldog Bob Brown & Iceman Parsons beat Mr Pogo & Starship Coyote & Gary Royal and
    Larry Hennig & Curt Hennig beat Super Destroyer & Sheik Abdullah. 

    1986 – Mika Komatsu and Kanako Nagatomo defeated The Red Typhoons (Kazue Nagahori and Yumi Ogura) for the AJW Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.

    1987 – Al Perez defeats The Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior for the World Class Texas Heavyweight Title in Puerto Rico.

    1987 – In Rockford, Illinois; Curt Hennig & Larry Zbyszko beat Nick Bockwinkel & Greg Gagne dq, Wahoo McDaniel beat Boris Zhukov, Sherri Martel beat Candi Divine dq, Kevin Kelly drew DJ Peterson and Mitch Snow & Ray Stevens beat Nasty Boys.  

    1992 – Punish (Keiti Takayami) and Crush (Shoji Akiyoshi) defeated Scorpio, Jr. and Shu El Guerrero to win Michinoku Pro Wrestling’s UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan

    1992 – Villano III defeated The Killer for the UWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico.

    1993 – Owen Hart defeated Papa Shango for the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee.  On the same show, New Jack & Homeboy defeated Rex King & Steve Doll for the USWA Tag Team Title

    1994 – El Pantera defeated Felino to win the CMLL World Welterweight Title in Cuernavaca, Mexico

    2000 – Steven Regal defeated Jerry Lawler for the MCW Southern Heavyweight Title, and The Fabulous Rocker defeats Spanky to win the MCW Light Heavyweight Championship in Memphis, Tennessee

    2000 – The Samoans (Eddie Fatu [now WWE’s Umaga] and Matty Samu [later known as Rosey]) defeated Hideki Hosaka and Yoshinori Sasaki in Tokyo, Japan to win the FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Title.

    2001 – Michael Modest defeated Bruce Hart fot the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title in Lethbridge, Alberta.

    2003 – Terry Funk defeated The Sandman and “Pitbull” Gary Wolfe (subbing for then-champion Sabu) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the vacant 3PW Heavyweight Title.

    2003 – The Impact (Scott Cage & Kaos) defeated Future Shock (Jay Freeze & Brandon P.) for the NWA Wildside Tag Team Title in Cornelia, Georgia.

    2009 – Beer Money, Inc defeated Team 3-D for the TNA Tag Team Title and Kurt Angle won the TNA Heavyweight Title in a King of the Mountain match over Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles at the TNA Slammiversary PPV.

  • SAT. UPDATE: Bret Hart says Daniel Bryan’s career is over, Herschel Walker update, and more

    by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.comFollow @davidbix

    Major promotion shows on tap for the rest of the wekend:

    Tonight:

    ROH’s TV tapings in New York (Samoa Joe & A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian, Young Bucks vs. Hanson & Rowe, Dalton Castle vs. Takaaki Watanabe)

    * WWE house show in Grand Rapids, MI (John Cena, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, King Barrett, New Day, Prime Time Players),

    * WWE house show in Las Vegas (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, Ryback),

    * NXT in Lakeland, FL.

    * GFW in Jackson, MS.

    Tomorrow Night:

    * WWE house show in Kalamazoo, MI (John Cena, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, King Barrett, Prime Time Players, New Day) 

    * WWE house show in Fort Wayne, IN (Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, Ryback)

    * GFW in Bowling Green, KY.

    If you’re attending any of these, please send a report to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Raw will be live on Monday in Indianapolis, IN.  Brock Lesnar and John Cena will both be appearing on the show. Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Toledo, OH.

    **** 

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is up on the site for subscribers (subscribe here) with a detailed look at what made Dusty Rhodes such a uniquely gifted performer. Topics covered include:

    * How his appeal differed from other superstar babyfaces.

    * His underrated athleticism and in-ring working ability.

    * His versatility on promos.

    And much more. Plus, as always, we have  all of the usual reviews and international news.

    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 AmericanCanadian, 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. 

    **** 

    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 22, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Part 1 of giant Dusty Rhodes obituary, GFW’s 1st shows

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

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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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    ****

    Saturday Daily Update

    Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard had a “State of the WWE” discussion with Bret Hart that went up yesterday. The whole article is well worth reading, but this section about Daniel Bryan has gotten the most attention by far:

    “Daniel Bryan is finished. He’ll never wrestle again. I don’t think he knows it yet. I feel terrible about Daniel Bryan. For all intents and purposes, he had the exact same thing happen to him that happened to me after Bill Goldberg kicked me in the head. One day, you learn it’s over. Doctors tell you that you can’t wrestle and you’ll never wrestle again. I lost millions of dollars because of that. I pray that it’s not the same for Daniel Bryan.” He also compared Bryan’s recklessness after returning from his neck and elbow injuries to that of the Dynamite Kid.

    This is obviously going to fuel speculation that Bryan’s mystery injury is a concussion/post-concussion syndrome. If Bryan did suffer a concussion recently, it would be at least the eighth he’d suffered during his career.

    — If you didn’t see the UFC Berlin card on Fight Pass, it’s worth checking out. Lots of finishes on the prelims and the main event was an amazing showcase for Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who completely shut down a noticeably improved version of Jessica Penne.  Jedrzejczyk has a ton of star power and charisma and is incredibly exciting to watch, but UFC just needs to package her properly. The card is number one on Google Trends right now, which is pretty impressive for a Fight Pass card.

    Herschel Walker is saying he’s interested in returning to MMA. Which is pretty much perfect for Bellator right now.

    — The official WWE Australia Twitter account announced that Tough Enough will be broadcast as a YouTube live stream on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. AEST. 

    — Empire Sate Wrestling will be holding a show on Saturday, June 20th, at St. Johnsburg Fire Hall, 7165 Ward Road, North Tonawanda, NY. Bell time is 6 pm. ESW Heavyweight Title: Gabreal Saint vs. Bill Collier (c), Tommaso Ciampa vs Johnny Gargano, Chris Hero vs Brandon Thurston, Ryot vs Will Calrissian, Ron Falco vs Asylum, Hate Brigade & RJ City vs Rochester Wrecking Crew & Kevin Bennett, Double Down vs Jonny Puma & Frankie Feathers, Inferno Johnny Adams vs Yuri Koloff, Patron Saints of Pro Wrestling (Mikey Everynite, Steve Gage & Terrell Kenneth) vs Oliver Street Connection (Randy Philbrick & Andrew Cravatta) & Plunkett

    — Pure Wrestling Association presents The Carrot Cup Tournament of Champions on August 16th, 2015 in Bradford, Ontario with “The Modern Day Warriors” Jimmy King and Derek Platinum w/ Lenny Lilac, “The Flatliners” Asylum and Burns , WWE.TNA/ECW Alumni Tommy Dreamer and Rhino, Tyson Dux and Tornado, ECW Alumni Steve Corino and Reggie Marley, Ruffy Silverstein and TNA Alumni Johnny Devine, “The Italiano’s” Primo and Stickball, Joey Valentyne and a mystery partner.

    — Pictou Lobster Carnival wrestling results from June 18, in Pictou, NS: Titus defeated “Dynamite” Dylan Davis; Kowboy Mike Hughes beat The American Patriot; Lincoln Steen (accompanied by Larry the Lobster) defeated “The Waking Nightmare” Kilgrave; Brody Steele bested Bradford Montague; Kowboy Mike Hughes beat Titus to claim the Lobster Cup.

    The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast has Sonny Onoo on their latest show talking about his career in WCW as an on-screen performer and Japanese liason in the office. They have a preview clip on YouTube where Onoo talks about “innovating” selfies.

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE

    12:30 AM ET
    WARRIOR: THE ULTIMATE LEGEND Examine the most outspoken and intense superstar of all time in this revealing look about the career and final days of The Ultimate Warrior.

    1:30 AM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    2:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    3:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    4:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.

    5:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    6:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    7:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    8:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    9:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Explore the rich family legacies created in sports entertainment, and how they defined a long lasting impact!

    11:30 AM ET
    WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.

    12:05 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    1:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Explore the rich family legacies created in sports entertainment, and how they defined a long lasting impact!

    3:30 PM ET
    WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.

    4:05 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    5:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Explore the rich family legacies created in sports entertainment, and how they defined a long lasting impact!

    7:30 PM ET
    WWE 24 In this edition of WWE 24, we reveal the personal story of this rising star, his family and his memorable experience at Wrestlemania 31.

    8:05 PM ET
    WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH 1991 Lex Luger battles Barry Windham in a Steel Cage Match for the vacant WCW World Title. Nikita Koloff vs. Sting in a Russian Chain Match.

    11:00 PM ET
    WCW GREAT AMERICAN BASH 1991 Lex Luger battles Barry Windham in a Steel Cage Match for the vacant WCW World Title. Nikita Koloff vs. Sting in a Russian Chain Match.

  • ROH & Bellator feedback from last night

    An easy thumbs up show.

    Best match was the main event and I was sure the six man tag would get my vote when that was over.  If I go back to watch one crazy entertaining match it will be the six man but the main event was excellent in that meaningful spot.  Lethal is someone they can build around (although I’d say Briscoe was also) and this was the right time to go with him.

    I’d say Castle vs Young was worst but I found all the matches at least somewhat entertaining.  I’m pleased to now have access to ROH TV as I really enjoy the pacing and the advancement of storyline a in a logical easy to keep up with way.  Also one hour of TV a week is just about perfect for me.

    I was on the fence about this show and am really glad I bought it.

    Dan Kuester
    Manhattan, Kansas

    Hello,

    Overall I enjoyed the Beallator fights, a solid (recognizable) card helped make it more interesting than usual.  Very heavy traditional “gimmicks” which I actually enjoyed in the context of MMA such as elaborate intros, promo time, heat, etc.  It felt very different than the last several UFCs in my opinion, in a good way.

    I’ve never seen as my rear-naked choke attempts in one night, but several were successful.  While I expected the Chandler fight to be a little bit more even it was a great match to start the live show off with, being it a home town boy and all. 

    Straus is an interesting fighter, will get his title sooner rather than later I think.

    Wasn’t surprised by the Lashley fight at all, had his game-plan and was dramatically quicker and stronger making it easy to enforce that plan.  He’s such a specimen.  Tangent for sure but with the personality and comfort level in front of a crowd he’s developing and TNA’s rocky future I would love to see him come back to WWE for another run.  Lashley/Lesnar would be big $$$.

    The final strike from Pitbull happened so quickly I actually missed it.  While Weichel was strong from the start I was concerned by his inability to get quick separation and scramble, it seemed like he was leaving his head exposed to much which turned out to be the case.  Credit to Pitbull for keeping his head in it after getting lit up so much to start the fight.  A rematch here would draw money I would think.

    Shamrock/Kimbo has an amazing build but ultimately couldn’t live up to it’s own hype.  Both guys were sticking to their game plans, Shamrock just suffered from the same issues of missing a step with his scrambling.  Kimbo didn’t do much but took advantage of Shamrock’s slowness.  I could see the roots for a rematch here as well it’s just always an added wrinkle of their age and I don’t know what Kimbo would gain from it. 

    Overall a fun show, St. Louis fans are always fun for events. 

    Jordan Angle

    ** Precursor, I’m a casual ROH fan ( I don’t watch programming every week, but I catch major shows). I’m more familiar w/ NJPW, and obviously WWE. I usually choose what too watch of ROH based on the buzz.  **

    – The main event was paced perfectly. I think as good as these ROH shows are, there’s such a frenetic pace to them. The audience lose steam, no matter how hardcore they are. They did a wise thing having the pace be very deliberate. Also there was a palpable tension in the air between these two.

    I brought my sister and her fiance to this show. Both having never watched since 1999/2000, and seeing their anticipation to the match just based on the video package was excellent. There was certainly a big fight feel to this match, so that was a huge positive. The fans got incredibly engaged during the final portion of the match, I can only compare it to a sporting event where your home team is making an epic comeback. The near falls suspended disbelief like no other.

    – Other than that, the Bullet Club/Kingdom match delivered. But I was really impressed by Kingdom. They all have really defined characters, and they definitely “belong” in the ring with the Bullet Club. I was actually more impressed by Kingdom than I was Bullet Club in this match. athough both teams did great. Adam Cole has really matured, and the highlight of the match for me was his offense on AJ/Bucks before being pinned (don’t remember who got pinned actually)

    – Final thing I want to note is Moose. People love him. The chants that Moose sucks is only a small amount of the audience. Obviously, he was carried in this match, but you have to think that even in his current form, he still could do great in the WWE with his look and athleticism. The fact that he re-signed just makes me excited for how he’ll look in a couple of years. He lends himself to being a GREAT babyface, because he appears as if he’s a bigger deal than ROH. Moose has an air of star power to him, which is great. 

    Overall great show, a couple of matches too long to be honest. I wasn’t very engaged for Addiciton/O’Reily + Fish. I love all 4 of these wrestlers, and O’Reily/Kushida is match of the year candidate, but I think it occured during somewhat of a lull in the audience engagement, but that’s just me. Terminal 5 is A LOT nicer than the Manhattan center, which felt dingy last year. 

    Anyway, that’s pretty much want I wanted to get across about the event. 

    Thanks for reading.
    Adi Singh

    I watched Best in the World last night and overall I felt it was a thumbs up show. The best match of the night was without a doubt the Lethal/Briscoe main event. Lethal is red hot and ROH pulled the trigger on his title run at the best possible time. Worst match of the night would have been C&C Wrestlefactory/War Machine. If they’d had more time it could’ve been a good show, but they were strapped and in turn I felt it disappointed. 

    Assorted thoughts on the show: 
    I felt that the crowd was rather dead several times. The biggest one I remember was War Machine’s victory, but that could have been due to the poor finish. I also recall The Addiction getting a lack of reception during their entrance. Adam Cole, even taking the pinfall, looked like a star in his comeback and the amount of punishment he took by the end. Strong/Lethal is going to be incredible, Moose’s entrance and theme were outstanding, I just don’t care about Elgin, and I don’t think the ROH crowd does either.

    I also happened to catch Kimbo/Shamrock on Spike and that was weird. One part tells me that Kimbo saying he won’t tap and surviving the rear naked choke as the announcers sold that he couldn’t possibly escape makes me rather suspicious. That Shamrock takedown that led to the RNC was pretty horrible too. I really don’t know, but both those guys are far past their prime, but that fight looked was baffling to me. 

    Anyways, keep up the great work, happy to share some thoughts on last nights events.

    Take care, 
    Ryan from Michigan

    Dave-

    I was at Best in the World last night, and it was an incredible show. The crowd was electric all night, with tons of energy and dueling chants. The top highlights were the Kingdom/Bullet Club match with a ton of incredible spots, seeing Roddy become the new #1 contender, and Lethal finally reaching the mountain top and becoming the World Champion in an amazing main event. I can’t wait to watch it once I get home to hear the commentary. Hope this helps.

    Todd Schorr

    Thumbs Up

    Best Match: Lethal-Briscoe
    Worst Match: War Machine-Coleman/Alexander

    Just a fantastic show live, capped off by an amazing main event. I was there in Philly when Aries beat Joe for the ROH title, and this was as close to anything I’ve seen live since as far as crowd reaction to a title change goes (including many other ROH title changes). The crowd was so legitimately happy for Lethal, and his post-show speech as he fought back tears was something special to be there for. Everything just feels so much more real in this promotion than anything else on North American wrestling television, bottom line.

    John Carroll
    Bronx, NY

    Attended the live Bellator show tonight and I’ve got to say WOW.  I’ve been to three amateur shows but this is the first professional card I’ve been to, much less one of the big two, and it was a phenominal event.  Bellator, or maybe just Coker, knows how to put on a show.  It looked first class all the way from the video screens to the Bella-tron and even the arch.  Many people in St. Louis, myself included, get tired of the Arch being the only thing people recognize, but I thought it was a neat touch.  And unlike UFC, it gave a little local flavor.Place was 30-40% full for the prelims, which was stupid because they were incredible.  Again, I love seeing local guys get a shot at glory and I think it’s smart from a promotional standpoint because those are a couple dozen guaranteed tickets sold for every fighter.  Had I paid to see just the undercard, well, I would have thought it was overpriced but I would not have complained too hard.Tons of celebrities.  We almost literally ran into Liam McGeary in the concourse and even though he was in a hurry was nice enough to shake our hands and thank us for coming.  Nick Diaz walked down the stairs two feet away from me at one point, mostly blowing off people trying to get his attention.  Royce Gracie held court at ringside talking to everyone he saw.  Tito mostly sat and watched the fights.  I didn’t see Hershel Walker until the show was done but he was mobbed.  We saw King Mo, Tyron Woodley (who of course lives and owns an ATT gym here), Rickels, Mike Brown in at least two corners, and a lot of tall women with long legs and short skirts. The main reason we were there was to see the uncrowned champ Michael Chandler, and his fight was worth the admission. His pop after winning was enormous and didn’t come across on TV at all.  I met the guy about five years ago and he’s a class act, and I love to see his success and especially getting a nice spotlight.  There was almost a bit of a letdown after the fight, it’s too bad you couldn’t have put a Divas match after it.  All the same, the Straus match got over big after a slow start heat-wise.Everyone thought the Pitbull/Weichel fight was over after the first round and there was much confusion.  I don’t know if it made the air but Big John had to literally shove a production guy out of the ring to start the second round.  It looked like Weichel was very upset after not getting the finish.  Anoher highlight was the brief “USA” chant.Shamrock’s entrance – everyone popped huge (third biggest pop of the night) for Road Warrior Animal because his son James is the star of the St. Louis Rams football team.  Since John comes to all the games and is almost always shown, he’s become something between a mascot and local hero.  Speaking of football, we were a football field length away and we could tell the woman was doing a horrible job lip synching, or having spasms, or whatever she was doing.I could have cared less about the Kimbo/Shamrock fight and had there not been three “post-lim” fights I would have been willing to leave before it.  Glad I didn’t because it was pretty great.  50 years old or no, if Shamrock is on your back with an RNC and you get out of it, that’s impressive.  The crowd was pretty split in the beginning but no one seemed terribly upset at the result.   I was impressed with Kimbo, and I didn’t think I’d say that tonight.About 75% of the crowd left immediately after the fight and another 10% or so left after the interviews.  Folks, if you go to an MMA event, watch the fucking prelims (and post-lims).  I don’t understand spending money on a product and not enjoting the whole experience. Bellator gets a big thumbs up from me and Next time they come to St. Louis, hopefully for Mike to get his belt back, I’ll be there.  If you get the chance to go to a show, do it.  First class all the way.Mike DeGeorge

    Dave,

    Thumbs up for Bellator. Actually, I was torn with whether or not I should watch the Ring of Honor card, or skip it an just go with the free option. I have ordered all of the previous ROH PPVs, but time is now very limited with a newborn and two-year-old toddler. I am glad I went with the free option. I really enjoy the presentation that the “tentpole” shows bring; they far surpass anything else really in combat sports post-Pride.

    Plus, I still got my wrestling fill with Lashley and Shamrock’s fights, King Mo in a Young Bucks shirt, and Road Warrior Animal, which was epic.

    I don’t really know why Coker was so befuddled with the announcement for the September show, and where was Phil Davis? Mo acted like he didn’t want to be there; he probably wanted to be watching the ROH show. Despite that, it should be a stacked show with good action. Next week should be a good card, too.

    Best Fight: Pitbull vs. Weichel
    Worst Fight: Lashley vs. Charles

    Matt Wright

    Overall: HUGE thumbs up!
    Best Match: Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal: Title vs. Title
    Worst Match: War Machine vs. C&C Wrestle Factory (wasn’t bad per se, just a nothing match)

    If you can get past that this isn’t in a big arena, if you can get past the lack of pyro or that they didn’t spend a million dollars building a stage, this is the best American wrestling show of the year so far. Better than the joint New Japan shows, better than anything TNA has done, and yes, even better than Wrestlemania. They built to matches that mattered, made you care, and rewarded you for paying. It was like watching an old Starrcade in that sense. It’s not ROH’s fault that WWE has devalued their PPV’s to $10. This was worth every penny I spent ordering it in HD, and I will definitely be ordering ROH PPV’s in the future. 

    The first hour just banged out 4 matches so they could give the final 4 matches more time. 

    Mark Briscoe vs. Donavan Dijak: Fun, short match. Good way to start off the show. Mark is a character among characters. Glad to see him win.

    The Decade vs. Matt Sydal and ACH: They tricked me with a near fall and I really thought Sydal and ACH would get a win here. Really good match and Sydal did some awesome stuff. Sydal and ACH got potential to be an awesome team if that’s the direction they go with.

    Dalton Castle vs. Silas Young: The crowd wasn’t as into this as I thought they would be but I thought this was great. Dalton Castle, for being a wacky character, is a really good wrestler. Silas Young was good as well.

    War Machine vs. C&C Wrestle Factory: Was a nothing match. Did a good job in completing the Cedric turn which we could all see coming a mile away. Will be interesting to see what they do with him since he’s been a loser for so long.

    #1 Contender Match with Strong, Elgin, and Moose: AWESOME. I thought for sure this would be match of the night. You might as well just write Moose in as Most Improved for the Observer Awards because no one else stands a chance. The guy is just phenomenal. He such a huge guy that’s so athletic. I can’t believe the way he bumps around for these other guys. I was pulling for Roderick and was really happy that he won. He’s been on a roll all year and I think him and Lethal should have a great program building to Death Before Dishonor. 

    Bullet Club vs. The Kingdom: The Bullet Club got their win back and it seems that Mike Bennett may want out of the group, which I find really disappointing. The match wasn’t quite as great as their previous battle, but it was still the same super fast paced action packed style match. I could watch these guys wrestle all day. 

    The Addiction vs. reDRagon for the ROH Tag Titles: Good match in which these guys killed themselves taking bumps on ladders and guard rails. I was really pulling for reDRagon to win, but I’m disappointed they didn’t think to bring their trainer, Filthy Tom Lawlor, when they knew from experience that Chris Sabin could be an outside threat. Between Sabin and Lawlor I’d have to think Tom would take him. 

    Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe Title vs. Title: I know Dave said he didn’t think this deserved to be called the biggest ROH match of all time, but if you’ve been watching the ROH TV show regularly for months they definitely did everything to make it feel that way, and the crowd sure seemed to agree. Right off the bat the crowd was going ballistic. They responded to these guys in a way they didn’t for AJ Styles, the Young Bucks, Adam Cole, or any other guy on the card. They truly seemed to have a 50/50 split which I didn’t think was going to happen. I thought more people were going to be cheering for Lethal and a title change. I don’t know what else to say about this match other than I thought it was a perfect 5 star match, and an edge better than both Cena-Owens matches. This is the best American match I’ve seen all year and gave me everything I love about pro-wrestling. I can’t wait for Death Before Dishonor. 

    -Matthew Burrill
    @mattb425

    Overall: Thumbs up show. Two stand out matches that were completely unique in pacing, delivery, and style. The six man tag and main event made the show. The #1 contenders match and the tag title match were disappointing. The rest of the show was acceptable.
    Best Match: I will give the edge to the main event. Deliberate pacing, solid build, and climatic finish. This is what a title match should be in 2015.
    Worst Match: C & C vs. War Machine did not do much for me. The tag title match was the most disappointing match on the show.

    1.  Mark Briscoe Vs. Dijak. The slam over the top rope was brutal. Briscoes consistent selling was a highlight of the match. They did enough to get by, but not too much to take away from the rest of the show. Good opener  **3/4

    2. ACH and Sydal Vs. Page and Whitmer.  Solid tag team match. The highspots were well placed and not overdone.  **1/2

    3. Silas Young Vs. Dalton Castle. Good change of pace. A more character driven match that I enjoyed much more than I thought I would. This was the first time I have seen much from Castle. He was impressive. **1/2

    4. C & C Wrestle Factory Vs. War Machine. A few cool moves, but that is about where it ends. They tried to tell a story of dissent between C and C, but I did not get behind it. From the sound of the live crowd, they did not seem too intrigued either. *1/2

    5. Elgin Vs. Strong Vs. Moose. Ambitious match. They aimed high, but failed in execution. Mistimed spots, clunky exchanges, and some blatantly missed moves. Roddy is my favorite ROH talent, but even he was off in this match. On the positive side, Elgin has been able to channel legitimate heat into heel heat, Moose has an abundance of potential, and Strong is the #1 contender. **

    6. The Bullet Club Vs. The Kingdom.  Nobody executes a spot fest like the Young Bucks. Finisher inflation? Yes. Blatant under selling? Hard to argue. Socially unacceptably women beating? Undeniable.  Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! For all of its shortcomings, it was fun and entertaining.  With that said, in 2015 it is hard to condone kicking a woman in the face. ****

    7. Redragon vs. The Addiction. After everything the crowd witnessed in the prior match, this match was destined to be a comedown.  I feel bad because this had the more compelling angle going in. The crowd popped for a few highspots, but was dead for the rest. Disappointing match that I can’t place all the blame on the wrestlers for.  I have seen much better from all four guys involved in this match. They had a bad night and produced a fairly mediocre match.  **

    8. Battle of the Belts: Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe: Fantastic match. Deliberate pace that built to an absolute climax. The match turned the corner after the table spot and ascended to greatness. This far exceeded my expectations. ****1/4

    Derrick Hubbard
    from Utah

  • FRI. UPDATE: Weekend preview, Mulligan, Bellator on West Coast, TNA loses Australia TV, Rhodes, Odds for tonight

    By dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>Dave Meltzer

    We’re doing polls this weekend on tonight’s ROH and Bellator shows, , so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for both shows to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Saginaw, MI (John Cena vs. Kane, Dolph Ziggler vs. King Barrett, New Day vs. Prime Time Players) and NXT in Jacksonville.

    ROH Best in the World from Terminal 5 in New York at 8 p.m. Eastern on PPV

    Mark Briscoe vs. Donovan Dijak

    ACH & Matt Sydal vs. Adam Page & B.J. Whitmer

    Dalton Castle vs. Silas Young

    Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander vs. Hanson & Ray Rowe

    Michael Elgin vs. Moose vs. Roderick Strong for the No. 1 contender position for the ROH title

    A.J. Styles & Young Bucks vs. Adam Cole & Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

    Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish for the ROH tag titles

    Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal for the ROH & ROH TV titles

    BELLATOR from St. Louis tonight

    Spike.com at 7:45 p.m. Eastern

    Dan O’Connor (115.3) vs. Miles McDonald (115.3)

    Eric Irvin (155.2) vs. Hugh Pulley (155.6)

    Adam Cella (170.3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (171)

    Garrett Gross (155.2) vs. Chris Heatherly (160)

    Steve Mann (169.8) vs. Justin Guthrie (170.3)

    Justin Lawrence (145.7) vs. Sean Wilson (145.8)

    Rashard Lovelace (160.6) vs. Demagio Smith (164.8)

    Kain Royer (184.6) vs. Enrique Watson (185.8)

    A.J. Siscoe (135.5) vs. Garrett Mueller (135.6)

    Spike TV at 9 p.m. Eastern

    Michael Chandler (155.6) vs. Derek Campos (152.8)

    Daniel Straus (144.4) vs. Henry Corrales (144.9)

    Bobby Lashley (239) vs. Dan Charles (228)

    Patricio Pitbull Freire (144.9) vs. Daniel Weichel (144.5) for the featherweight title

    Kimbo Slice (232) vs. Ken Shamrock (204.4)

    New Japan World Pro Wrestling is pre-empted tonight due to a music festival.  It returns this coming Friday with the 2014 G-1 Climax tournament.

    We’re looking for reports Saturday on ROH’s TV tapings in New York (Samoa Joe & A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian, Young Bucks vs. Hanson & Rowe, Dalton Castle vs. Takaaki Watanabe), as well as the WWE house shows in Grand Rapids, MI (John Cena, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, King Barrett, New Day, Prime Time Players), Las Vegas (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, Ryback), GFW in Jackson, MS and NXT in Lakeland, FL.

    UFC from Berlin, Germany on Fightpass starting at Noon Eastern time Saturday

    Taylor Lapilus (135) vs. Ulka Sasaki (135)

    Piotr Hallman (154) vs. Magomed Mustafaev (155)

    Scott Askham (185) vs. Antonio Dos Santos (185)

    Nicklas Backstrom (146) vs. Noad Lahat (145)

    Alan Omer (146) vs. Arnold Allen (144)

    Mairbek Taisumov (155) vs. Alan Patrick (154)

    Makwan Amirkhani (145) vs. Masio Fullen (145)

    Nick Hein (155) vs. Lukasz Sajewski (155)

    Peter Sobotta (171) vs. Steve Kennedy (170)

    Dennis Siver (145) vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri (246)

    Joanna Jedrzejczyk (114) vs. Jessica Penne (114) for the women’s strawweight title  

    Sunday has WWE house shows in Kalamazoo, MI (John Cena, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, King Barrett, Prime Time Players, New Day) and Fort Wayne, IN (Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, Ryback), plus GFW in Bowling Green, KY.

    Raw will be live on Monday in Indianapolis.  Brock Lesnar and John Cena will both be appearing on the show.

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

    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 22, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Part 1 of giant Dusty Rhodes obituary, GFW’s 1st shows

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    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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back late tonight talking Bellator and ROH, and also have a show on Saturday talking UFC.  You can send questions to both shows to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • Blackjack Mulligan (Robert Windham) was back home as of yesterday after suffering a serious heart attack earlier in the week.  As of last night, he needed several issues to be taken care of but the fear was if they put him under given his condition, it was too risky.  A video with Mulligan was posted of the Championship Wrestling from Florida Archives Facebook page yesterday.
    • On tonight’s Bellator show, if you live on the West Coast, the show will air at 9 p.m. on the usual staggered feed, not live.  Spike is looking to maximize ratings.  
    • TNA has lost its TV in Australia.  The deal with the station Main Event expires on 6/30 so they will all Impact next week and Slamboree.
    • According to a report to Guilherme Cruz at MMAFighting.com, due to visa issues, there are a lot of changes to the 6/27 UFC show in Hollywood, FL.  There were issues at the U.S. visa office that held up issuance of visas.  The finals of TUF Brazil, scheduled for 6/27, have been moved to 8/1 in Rio de Janeiro.  Right now it’s down to Dileno Lopez against either Reginaldo Vieira or Bruno Rodrigues at bantamweight and Glaico Franca vs. either Nazareno Melagarie or Fernando Bruno at lightweight.  Also, the Erick Silva vs. Rick Story fight, scheduled as the co-main event, has been moved as well.  Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Nikita Krylov may also be off the show.  Two new fights have been added, with Alex Oliveira vs. Joe Merritt (debuting in UFC) and Leandro Silva vs. Lewis Gonzalez.  The main event of Lyoto Machida vs. Yoel Romero is basically a one-match show.
    • Robbie E vs. Jessie Godderz has been added to the Slamboree PPV on 6/28.
    • The WWE Network will be airing Tough Talk (Sawyer, didn’t you register that name?) every Tuesday at 9 p.m., right after each episode of Tough Enough.  The 30 minute show will feature The Miz interviewing the eliminated competitors and the judges and coaches.
    • ESPN anchors talk Dusty Rhodes
    • Scott Coker talks Bellator and its future
    • For Twitter tweets as of this writing for today, the top MMA or pro wrestling ones were:

    Jessica Penne 3,465

    Bellator 3,249

    Dana White 1,179

    NXT Jacksonville 157

    Google searches for today:

    UFC is the No. 2 searched for item today

    Bellator is No. 9

    • Odds for tonight

    Ken Shamrock +245

    Kimbo Slice -265

    Daniel Weichel +255

    Patricio Pitbull Freire -280

    Bobby Lashley -600

    Dan Charles +450

    Daniel Straus -430

    Henry Corrales +380

    Derek Campos +485

    Michael Chandler -575

    For tomorrow

    Jessica Penne +550

    Joanna Jedrzejczyk -800

    Denis Siver -175

    Tatsuya Kawajiri +150

    • Former Pride star Sergei Kharitonov vs. Kenny Garner will headline the M-1 Challenge show on 7/3 in Astana, Kazakhstan.  Kharitonov beat Garner on 11/25 in a show in Beijing, China and this is the rematch.  The show is available on iPPV at www.M1Global.tv
    • Bibiano Fernandes defends his One bantamweight Championship against Toni Tauru of Finland on 7/18 in Yangno, Myanmar at Thuwunna Stadium.  Fernandes is unbeaten since he signed with One in 2012, while Tauru is the Cage Warrior champion in that division with a ten fight winning streak.
    • Raymond Rowe of ROH will be working for Chilanga Mask on 7/19 in Coacalco, Mexico.
    • David Bautista, The Bella Twins and Eva Marie are scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at the Sacramento Comic Con and Eva Marie will also be there tomorrow at 10 a.m. (thanks to Neil Hager)
    • The Fight Network will be airing tomorrow’s UFC from 3-5 p.m. Eastern.  In the U.S.,this show is a Fight Pass Exclusive.  They will air a pregame show at 2 p.m. and replays tomorrow at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.  The Fight Network also airs the legendary Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche UFC 157 show on Sunday at 9 p.m.
    • The Young Bucks appear at the Headlocked Booth on 7/9 at the San Diego Comic Con from Noon to 4 p.m.
    • Samantha Sage, who was the last person cut from Tough Enough, is going to be auditioned for a spot on the Diva Search that starts filming in the fall.
    • Johnny Gargano is still under contract to WWN, so his appearing on the NXT tapings in a dark match is part of a working agreement between the companies.  He hasn’t been signed by WWE.
    • Evolve has an iPPV on 7/11 at 7 p.m. from Orlando’s Barnett Park Gym

    Drew Galloway vs. Trent Baretta for the Evolve title

    Chris Hero vs. Timothy Thatcher

    Davey Richards vs. Biff Busick

    TJ Perkins vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    Anthony Nese vs. Trevor Lee

    Caleb Konley vs. Andrew Everett

    • Smash Wrestling on 7/29 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre has Matt Cross vs. Tarik in an I Quit match, Chris Hero vs. Rich Swann, Johnny Gargano vs. Scotty O’Shea and the Overdogs vs. Drew Gulak & Biff Busick.
    • House of Hardcore on 7/18 in Toronto has announced Team 3-D vs. Young Bucks and Matt Taven & Michael Bennett vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian (IWGP tag champs vs. ROH champs) plus Johnny Mundo, Rhino, Chris Hero, Tommy Dreamer, Tony Nese, Eddie Kingston, Thea Trinidad, Tomasso Ciampa and Traci Brooks.
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix tomorrow in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.
    • A Dusty Rhodes sketch

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

    1970 – Kurt & Karl Von Steiger beat Mark Lewin & Antonio Pugliese in Sydney to win the IWA tag titles

    1986 – Antonio Inoki beat Dick Murdoch in Tokyo to win the IWGP heavyweight tournament

    1994 – Combat Toyoda beat Megumi Kudo in Tokyo to win the WWA Independent womens’ title

    2005 – Shuji Kondo & Yasshi beat Tomoaki Honma & Katsuhiko Nakajima to win the vacant All-Asia tag title in a tournament final

    2005 – Tiger Mask beat Gedo in Tokyo to win the New Japan Super Juniors tournament

    2009 – Atlantis beat El Texano Jr. in a tournament final to become the CMLL Universal Champion of Champions

    2010 – Giant Bernard (Matt Bloom) & Karl Anderson won a three-way over Wataru Inoue & Yuji Nagata and Tetsuya Naito & Yujiro Takahashi in Osaka to win the IWGP tag titles, and Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) beat Naomichi Marufuji to win the IWGP jr. title

    2011 – Keiji Muto & Kenso beat Akebono & Taiyo Kea in Tokyo to win the All Japan tag title and Manabu Soya & Seiya Sanada beat Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi to win the All-Asia tag title, and Kai beat Shuji Kondo to win the jr. title.

    2011 – Dragon Kid & Pac (Neville) beat Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito in Fukuoka to win the Open the Twin Gate tag titles

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    12:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    2:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    3:00 AM ET
    WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best, in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect, so expect everything.

    4:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    5:00 AM ET
    WCW MONDAY NITRO ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage puts the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Lex Luger. Sting and many more are featured.

    6:00 AM ET
    WWE MONEY IN THE BANK 2015 A WWE Championship opportunity hangs in the balance as WWE Superstars try to climb the ladder of success at Money in the Bank.

    9:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    10:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    12:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    1:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    2:00 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    2:30 PM ET
    WWE QUICK HITS WWE Quick Hits brings you some of the most unique, entertaining, and sometimes outrageous clips, unearthed from the depths of WWE Network.

    3:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Edge Defends the WWE Championship against John Cena. Batista, Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley battle Mark Henry, Finlay, and King Booker.

    4:30 PM ET
    WARRIOR: THE ULTIMATE LEGEND Examine the most outspoken and intense superstar of all time in this revealing look about the career and final days of The Ultimate Warrior.

    5:30 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    6:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    7:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.

    8:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Edge Defends the WWE Championship against John Cena. Batista, Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley battle Mark Henry, Finlay, and King Booker.

    9:30 PM ET
    WARRIOR: THE ULTIMATE LEGEND Examine the most outspoken and intense superstar of all time in this revealing look about the career and final days of The Ultimate Warrior.

    10:30 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    11:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Edge Defends the WWE Championship against John Cena. Batista, Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley battle Mark Henry, Finlay, and King Booker.

  • THURS. UPDATE: Rhodes funeral, Surprise star at NXT, Bellator Announcement, Jericho vs. Balor

    By dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL at dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Smackdown tonight on Syfy at 8 p.m.

    Dean Ambrose vs. Sheamus & Kane handicap match

    Paige vs Brie Bella

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Bo Dallas

    Neville vs. Xavier Woods

    Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro in a non-title match

    Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus & Kane

    Part one of the life and career of Dusty Rhodes is the feature in the new double issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also look at WWE coming out of the Money in the Bank PPV and where things are going next, UFC in Mexico City and the Fabricio Werdum win over Cain Velasquez, more on how Mayweather & Pacquiao set PPV records and who was buying, the debut of Global Force Wrestling, Tough Enough and Verano de Escandalo are also covered.  

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 22, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Part 1 of giant Dusty Rhodes obituary, GFW’s 1st shows

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    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 covers the life and early career of Dusty Rhodes.  We have a lot of his career records.  We look at fact vs. fiction about his life before wrestling, and his road to the top in wrestling.  We have an overview of the key points of his career, as well as rundown his early territories and the build to his babyface persona.  We’ve got comments by many people most associated with him during his career.  We look at health issues, the outpouring of emotion, an eerie thing written by Rhodes just ten day before his death where exactly what he didn’t want to be most remembered for was brought up.  We look at the WWF character and the real reasons behind it. 

    We also look at the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions, the fall of the UWF, the last year of JCP, the TBS purchase, why Rhodes was fired from the company and how Rhodes ended up back in WCW.  We also look at why he retired from the ring, and the irony of what he said about who could and couldn’t book wrestling in the late 90s. 

    We look at Rhodes mentions on spots shows this past week,  and his role in helping talent currently on the main roster. 

    We look at the original Dusty Rhodes, his doing backyard wrestling, his college days going to matches, West Texas State football and how he got into pro wrestling.  We look at his early territorial work, his first pushes and his rise to prominence.

    We look back at the Texas Outlaws tag team with Dick Murdoch, how they got publicity as the top tag team of 1970 with two world tag team titles at the same time, his first run in Florida and how big he was put over on the first TV show there, his brief time in Australia as world tag team champion and who his manager was.  We look at why the run was so short, his working for Bill Watts as a single star, the Crusher vs. Dusty Rhodes dynamic, the first taste of Rhodes as a babyface, who Dusty pitched to Eddie Graham about bringing in as his younger brother, why Dusty was able to be a much better promo in Florida than he could in the AWA, Rhodes vs. Lou Thesz, Rhodes vs. Jack Brisco, the American Dream turns babyface and the quest for the NWA title achieved.

    We also look at the direction for Battleground and full coverage of Money in the Bank.

    We also look at the stories behind UFC 188 and have full coverage of the show.

    We also look at the upcoming Hogan lawsuit, more dates booked for Brock Lesnar, wrestler who was on Raw last year trying out for Tough Enough, Kevin Owens talks John Cena, Dwayne Johnson movie notes, more notes from the WWE camp, More NXT road dates, WWE stock notes and network predictions, Chyna at WWE headquarters, plus more notes on the last NXT tour and a rundown of the business and weekend house shows and an interesting note about that business.

    We look at why bought Mayweather-Pacquiao and what can be learned from it.

    We look at the debut of Global Force Wrestling and the problems facing the promotion, its first weekend of shows, second weekend and first television tapings.

    We also look at AAA’s Verano de Escandalo show.

    We look at the finalists for this season of Tough Enough, who they were and where they came from.

    We also have an interesting look at DVR usage during pro wrestling shows and what it says about the various products.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –First notes on the annual Universal champion of champions tournament

    –An interesting result where a major promotion’s top star put over an indie wrestler clean

    –The Busca en un Idolo tournament

    –What CMLL show drew the biggest crowd of the week and it was outside of Mexico City

    –Update on Negro Casas concussion

    –Latest from Arena Mexico

    –Former world champion boxer marries pro wrestling star

    –International stars coming to PWG

    –Wrestle-One comes to the U.S. and Philadelphia show notes

    –Dragon Gate changes several championships and a look at the next two big shows

    –What U.S. stars are headed to Dragon Gate shortly

    –Mitsuharu Misawa Tribute week in NOAH and what legends attended the big show

    –GHC title match with neither wrestler being associated with the NOAH brand

    –Update on Takeshi Morishima retirement match

    –Notes on G-1 Climax ticket sales

    –Update on Yoshitatsu

    –Shinya Hashimoto Memorial show lineup

    –A note on the Hashimoto legacy

    –Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Roderick Strong rematch and how it came to be

    –New Japan stars headed back to England and a look at their most recent England appearance

    –New Japan stars headed back to ROH soon

    –Current MMA world champion headlines IGF pro wrestling event

    –King of DDT tournament notes

    –Notes from the Championship Wrestling from Florida tribute event this past week

    –Update on Blackjack Mulligan

    –Details on Josh Alexander and his upcoming neck surgery

    –Former WWE developmental talent on a CBS reality show

    –Former wrestlers drop lawsuit against WWE

    –How rules in New York affect indie groups and what rule in the books isn’t enforced at all

    –What are the biggest expenses

    –Major movie with Kevin Nash coming out soon

    –New promotion debuts on national TV in July

    –80s star writing an autobiography

    –Notes on some stadium shows coming this summer

    –Case reopened on the murder of an 80s pro wrestler

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha

    –Two wrestlers under consideration for season two of Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the New York ROH shows and complete lineup

    –Notes on ROH on Destination America

    –TNA makes big play for former WWE major star

    –Changes in the TNA PPV show

    –Return of King of the Mountain

    –Update on Jeff Hardy

    –More on Slammiversary

    –Problems with weight cutting

    –Details behind drug test controversy with Jose Aldo in Brazil

    –This week’s UFC show

    –More on UFC deal with Titan Fighting Championships

    –UFC debuts in Saskatchewan with action main event

    –Future of Johny Hendricks

    –Update on C.M. Punk and his UFC debut

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Kimbo/Shamrock notes

    –Kimbo and Shamrock favor allowing PEDs in MMA

    –Looking at the Bellator show

    –Retirement of Peter Aerts and his legacy

    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.

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    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

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    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

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    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

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    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

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    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

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    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

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    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

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    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • We have a special audio show today talking with Bruce Mitchell about the career of Dusty Rhodes:  Wrestling Observer Radio 6/18: Bruce Mitchell joins us to talk the life and times of the American Dream Dusty Rhodes!
    • Dusty Rhodes’ funeral was yesterday in Tampa.  All of the developmental talent attended as well as most of the main roster based in Tampa as well as the major players in WWE like Vince McMahon, Stephanie and HHH, as well as people like Undertaker, Ric Flair and Magnum T.A., Tommy Dreamer, J.J. Dillon, Missy Hyatt, Hector Guerrero, Pat Patterson, Bugsy McGraw and a number of former wrestlers who settled in Tampa.  Even though their grandfather (Blackjack Mulligan) was in critical condition, both Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas were there.  The family gave speeches.  The speeches were more about Dusty Rhodes the father and the husband and not so much the wrestler. 
    • More on the funeral
    • A few early notes from the NXT tapings going on right now at Full Sail University:

    Johnny Gargano made a surprise appearance losing a great match to Uhaa Nation with a shooting star press.  Not sure if this relates to an Evolve deal since Gargano is a regular.

    There was a Dusty Rhodes tribute.

    Hideo Itami said he’d be out 3-4 more months and challenged the winner of Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens in Tokyo on 7/4.  Kevin Owens came out and Itami said Owens was a good champion but a terrible human being.  Owens threatened Itami and Balor made the save and they brawled.  Balor dove off the stage onto Balor.  Rhino then laid out Balor and Owens escaped. (thanks to Devin Chen)

    • WWE stock closed down four cents a share today to $16.41 after a big day yesterday.   
    • ESPN.com has reported that Golden Boy Promotions deal with FS 1 is not being renewed when the deal ends at the end of this month.  The PBC will be the new boxing promotion on the channel.
    • C.M. Punk was the co-host of the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory parade today.

    He rips on Hulk Hogan for being a fake hockey fan

    Punk also apparently asked WWE to send the Blackhawks a belt after winning the Cup in 2013, but they said no because “no one watches hockey”

    • Tyrus from TNA and Doug Williams will headline at the Cheese and Grain Festival for CSF International Pro Wrestling on Frome, England on Sunday.
    • Will County (Springfield, IL) State Attorney Jim Glasgow is talking about introducing legislation that would ban the rear naked choke in MMA competition throughout the state of Illinois.  There were two murders in the city in 2013 via choke.  If this happens, so much for UFC events in Chicago.
    • MMA Junkie.com is reporting that several fighters on the UFC’s 6/27 show in Hollywood, FL, from Brazil, are in danger of not getting visas in time for the fight due to the U.S. visa system being off-line due to technical problems that are holding up issuance of them.
    • The Chris Jericho vs. Finn Balor match that we wrote about last week in the Observer is now official for 7/3 in Tokyo.
    • Bellator claimed they have a big announcement on their web site tomorow at 5:15 p.m.  There are hints this has to do with Tito Ortiz.  Ariel Helwani has reported it will be a combination Bellator & Glory show in the fall in San Jose with both a ring and cage set up that would include Ortiz, Phil Davis and Joe Schilling.    
    • Rony Jason tested positive for a diuretic in his 5/30 UFC fight in Goiania, Brazil.  Jason had beaten Damon Jackson.  His win was overturned and he also had to forfeit a $50,000 performance bonus.
    • There will be a Wrestle-1 show on 6/23 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with this lineup:

    Mad Man Pondo vs. Yasufumi Nakanoue

    Jason Kincaid vs. Kazma Sakamoto

    Ray Lyn vs. Amber Lea vs. Crazy Mary Dobson (managed by Sonny Onoo)

    AJ Istria & Rionne Fujiwara vs. Silencer & Deget Bundlez vs. Solo & Drolix (managed by Kevin Sullivan and Don West)

    Masakatsu Funaki (with Onoo) vs. Rob Terry

    Dylan Bostic vs. Shuji Kondo

    Wes Brisco vs. Kai  

    Great Muta & ? vs. Moose & Onyx

    • My Life My Power Entertainment on Sunday in Pasadena, TX has Daniel Puder & Major Mark vs. Jessy Sorensen & Alex Chamberlain.
    • Pro Wrestling Eclipse on Sunday in Oshawa, ONT:  Brent Banks b Josh Alexander, John Atlas won four-way over Eddie Osbourne, Buck Gunderson and Eddie Sappaluchi, John Atlas b Tarik-COR, Tyson Dux b Will White-DQ, Xandra Bale b Kaitlin Diemond, Hardcore Hick & Dirty Rex b The Flatliners, Cody Deaner b Dirty Rex (thanks to Steven Ashe)
    • Ken Shamrock missed a St. Louis radio appearance yesterday morning.
    • The Ontario tag team The Flatliners, real names Nick Eockwell & Matt Giunta, will be competing on The Amazing Race Canada on CTV on its new season that starts on 7/8.
    • Grand Slam Wrestling on Saturday night in Moosic, PA at the Moosic Youth Center.
    • Victory Commonwealth Wrestling on Sunday at the Ajax Rotary Park in Ajax, ONT.
    • A mistake from the Monday update.  Entourage was actually No. 2 last weekend in Australia at the box office, not No. 1.
    • Evolve has shows on 8/15 in Woodside, Queens at La Boom and the next day in Deer Park at the NYWC Sportatorium.
    • Evolve on 7/10 at The Orpheum in Ybor City,FL

    Drew Galloway & Roderick Strong vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

    Davey Richards vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    Chris Hero vs. Trevor Lee

    Rich Swann vs. Timothy Thatcher

    Biff Busick vs. Andrew Everett

    • All-Star Wrestling on 6/27 in Abbotsford BC at the Arts Centre has an all-women’s show featuring Malia Hosaka. They also have an all-women’s show the day before in Surrey BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
    • Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling on 6/26 in Duncan, BC at the Eagles Club.
    • Battlarts on Saturday night at the Don Kolov Arena in Mississauaga, ONT.
    • Capital City Championship Combat tomorrow night in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club headlined by Chris Dikinson vs. Buxx Belmar and Pinky Sanchez vs. Mike Bailey. 
    • Dr. Wagner Jr. & Dr. Wagner III face L.A. Park & El Hijo del L.A. Park on Sunday in Houston at Club La Boom.
    • Valiente and Ultimo Guerrero are booked on Saturday in Mission, TX at Ochoa’s Flea Market.
    • NFC on 6/27 at Center Stage in Atlanta with Dave Vitkay vs. Wes Barnes for an MMA show.
    • Orlando Pro Wrestling from Tuesday night in Orlando:  Bobby Fonta b Rexx Bacchus, Ace Andrews b Dalton Murphy, Josh Parker & Russell Payne b Tyranus & AP Bernie, Santana Garrett b MJ Knight, Josh Porter won Chico Adams Challenge, Aaron Epic b Slade Porter.  Next show is 6/25 with a students show and 6/27 with a regular show.  (thanks to Al Haft)
    • Pure Wrestling Association on 7/17 in Guelph, ONT at Red Chevron on Elizabeth Street at 7 p.m.  Gangrel vs. Big Al as the main event.   
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Glen Burnie, MD at Michael’s Eighth Avenue Mick Foley as host, with Amber Rodriguez vs. Mickie James with Lisa Varon as referee and Melina Perez as ringside enforcer.
    • Legend City Wrestling on 6/23 in Anthony, Newfoundland at the Wherepolar Center, 6/25 in Cartwright at the Gym, 6/26 in Churchill Falls at the Gym and 6/27 in Labrador City a the Arena.
    • Ontario Championship Wrestling at the Taste of Kingston Festival for a show benefiting diabetes research on 7/4 at 11 a.m.
    • Canadian Legacy Wrestling on 8/9 in Midland, ONT at the Curling Club headlined by Tatanka.
    • Chaotic Wrestling tomorrow night in Lowell, MA at the Polish American Veterans Club.
    • House of Hardcore on 7/18 at the Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto with Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Young Bucks, Team 3-D, John Morrison, Tommaso Ciampa, Anthony Nese, Chris Hero, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian.
    • The Philadelphia Wrestling League has a King of Catch tournament at 10 a.m. on 8/29 in Hamilton Square, NJ.  Rules are:
    • *You can win by pin or submission but there is no point system in effect.
    • Lisa Varon will be at the San Diego Comic Con from 7/8 to 7/12 for the Headlocked comic book at #1901 at the Comic Con. 
    • Sean Waltman was back on Opie & Jim Norton today talking about his drug issues and time in Mexico, as well as about Chyna. 
    • AAW tomorrow night in Merrionete Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Dave & Jake Crist vs. Josh Alexander & Ethan Page, plus Christian Faith vs. Louis Lyndon, Davey Richards vs. Johnny Gargano, Eddie Kingston vs Tommaso Ciampa, Allysin Kay vs. Candice LaRae and Shane Hollister vs. Tyson Dux.
    • AAW also runs Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Berwyn, IL with Josh Alexander vs. ?, Kongo Kong vs. Justice Jones and more.
    • WrestleForce UK from Tuesday night in Milton Keynes, UK:  Antonio Thomas b Oliver Pearce, Paul McSherry b Voodoo, Greased Lightning b Dom Black & Tommy Gunn, Dragonita b Nina Samuels, Zulu Warrior b Tom Dawkins.
    • Michael Elgin interview
    • A parody of the movie San Andreas
    • More on Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker
    • Another story here

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

    1990 – Suzuka Minami beat Aja Kong via DQ to win the All Pacific title, but Minami refused the belt because she didn’t win via pin or submission, plus Manami Toyota beat Yumiko Hotta to win the Grand Prix tournament.

    1996 – Jushin Liger beat Dick Togo in Tokyo to win the British jr title

    2004 – Shinya Hashimoto & Yoshiaki Fuijiwara beat Shiro Koshinaka & Takao Omori in Sendai to win the Zero-One IC tag titles

    2006 – Erica (Aja Kong) & Margaret (Awesome Kong) beat Wataru Sakata & Ryoji Sai in Saitama to win the Hustle tag titles

    2007 – Milano Collection A.T. beat Wataru Inoue in Tokyo to win the Best of the Super Juniors tournament

    2012 – Takao Omori & Manabu Soya beat Joe Doering & Seiya Sanada in Tokyo to win the All Japan tag titles

    2012 – Jimmy Susumu & Jimmy Kagetora beat BxB Hulk & Naoki Tanizaki and Kennichiro Arai & K-Ness to win the Open the Twin Gate tag titles

    TODAY’S VIDEOS
    WWE/NXT

    Top 45 Moves Of Charlotte Flair

    5/14/15 The Miz Schools The WWE Universe

    6/15/15 Top 10 WWE RAW Moments

    Triple H Gives Gabi a Reprieve-WWE #toughenough

    Zamariah Loupe Gets A Second Chance During The Tryout-WWE #toughenough

    6/15/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Michael cole Speaks On His Lawsuit Against Brock Lesnar

    6/15/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Kevin Owens Explains His Attack On Machine Gun Kelly

    6/15/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Every Rose Has Its Rosa

    6/15/16 WWE RAW “Fallout”-Johnny Maziel Visits RAW In Cleveland

    WWE Network:  John Cena Discusses His Connection to Dusty Rhodes

    Who Is Finn Balor?-Part One:  WWE NXT 6/17/14

    WWE Unfiltered With Renee Young Featuring Darren Young

    Top 35 Moves Of Paige

    Samoa Joe Wants More Of Kevin Owens:  WWE.com Exclusive, 6/17/15

    Kevin Owens Sets His Sights On John Cena’s Most Prized Possession:  6/17/15

    MISC. STUFF

    CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go (Episode 42)

    Top Five Moves Of UltraMantis Black

    Wrestleforce “Full Throttle” 2015 Control Center

    Dad You Don’t Work, You Wrestle (Episode 124)

    The Candice & Joey Show (Episode 119)

    INDY TV SHOWS

    Canadian Wrestling’s Elite T (Episode 122)

    Imperial Wrestling Entertainment “Battlezone” TV (Episode 9)

    West Virginia Championship Wrestling “Spotlight” TV (Episode 120)

    West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 55)

    6/13/15 NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling TV

    Metro Pro Wrestling TV (Episode 139)

    America’s Most Like Wrestling TV (Season 1, Episode 9)

    Anarchy Wrestling TV (Episode 488)

    3XWrestling “All-Stars Of The Midwest” TV (Episode 21)

    Pro Wrestling Syndicate TV (Episode 24)

    CWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling “Worldwide” TV (Episode 5)

    6/15/15 Snakepit Adelaide Pro Wrestling “Powerslam” TV

    TNA

    The Question Mark (Episode 13)

    IMPACT Breakdown:  Contract Singing For A #bell2bell World Title Contract Match

    Tribute TO Dusty Rhodes-The American Dream Lives Forever

    TODAY’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    5:00 PM ET
    WCW BEACH BLAST 1993 Sting and Dave Boy Smith face Big Van Vader and Sid Vicious. Ric Flair takes on Barry Windham. Dustin Rhodes faces Rick Rude.

    8:00 PM ET
    WCW MONDAY NITRO ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage puts the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Lex Luger. Sting and many more are featured.

    9:00 PM ET
    RAW FLASHBACK Dean Douglas challenges Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Title. King Mabel joins The Brother Love Show. Plus, Fatu, Sycho Sid, and more.

    10:00 PM ET
    CELEBRATING THE DREAM In honor of one of the most iconic and legendary figures in Sports Entertainment, WWE Network celebrates the life and times of Dusty Rhodes!

    11:00 PM ET
    WCW MONDAY NITRO ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage puts the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Lex Luger. Sting and many more are featured.

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE 12:00 AM ET
    RAW FLASHBACK Dean Douglas challenges Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Title. King Mabel joins The Brother Love Show. Plus, Fatu, Sycho Sid, and more.

    1:00 AM ET
    CELEBRATING THE DREAM In honor of one of the most iconic and legendary figures in Sports Entertainment, WWE Network celebrates the life and times of Dusty Rhodes!

    2:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Strangest Bedfellows of all time!

    3:00 AM ET
    WWE MONEY IN THE BANK 2015 A WWE Championship opportunity hangs in the balance as WWE Superstars try to climb the ladder of success at Money in the Bank. 

    6:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    7:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    8:00 AM ET
    THE WWE LIST Not everything can be found on Google. Shocking Title Changes gives rank to some of the most OMG Title Matches of all time!

    8:30 AM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee sits down with Darren Young in this unfiltered and revealing conversation.

    8:45 AM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES6/19/15Corey Graves hits up Austin, Texas for this year’s X Games!

    9:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    10:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    11:00 AM ET
    THE WWE LIST Not everything can be found on Google. Shocking Title Changes gives rank to some of the most OMG Title Matches of all time!

    11:30 AM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee sits down with Darren Young in this unfiltered and revealing conversation.

    11:45 AM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves hits up Austin, Texas for this year’s X Games!

    12:00 PM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    1:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    2:00 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Not everything can be found on Google. Shocking Title Changes gives rank to some of the most OMG Title Matches of all time!

    2:30 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee sits down with Darren Young in this unfiltered and revealing conversation.

    2:45 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves hits up Austin, Texas for this year’s X Games!

    3:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.

    4:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    6:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s plan to hire Nikki as her real estate agent backfires, and Nattie and TJ face the harsh realities of getting a divorce.

    7:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH 40 finalists face a 3-day tryout to determine which 13 will earn the right to prove they are TOUGH ENOUGH.

    8:00 PM ET
    WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best, in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect, so expect everything.

    9:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Packed with never before seen footage, this program profiles Triple H’s entire career as well as his current executive role with the WWE.

    11:00 PM ET
    WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best, in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect, so expect everything.

  • WED. UPDATE: TV previews, coverage of Hulk Hogan-Gawker lawsuit ramping up, and more

    by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.comFollow @davidbix

    TV notes for tonight:

    NXT at 8:00 p.m. ET on WWE Network Enzo, Big Cass, and Carmella vs. Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss, The Vaudevillians vs. Jason Jordan and Mikaze, Charlotte vs. KC Cassidy, and the long-awaited main event of Kevin Owens vs. Samoa Joe.

    Lucha Underground at 8:00 p.m. ET on El Rey has Prince Puma defending his title against Johnny Mundo in an “All Night Long Match,” which is basically the same thing as an iron man match or a marathon match.

    ROH at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America has Adam Page and Colby Corino vs. Hanson and Raymond Rowe, Moose vs. Cedric Alexander, ACH and Matt Sydal vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Naito, and the Jay Briscoe and Jay Lethal contract signing for their champion vs. champion match Best in the World.

    Impact Wrestling at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Destination America has the contract signing for Kurt Angle vs. Ethan Carter III, Bobby Roode vs. Eddie Edwards, EC3 vs. an opponent of Angle’s choosing, Awesome Kong and Brooke vs. Marti Bell and Jade, another Bram open challenge, and more.

    The Ultimate Fighter at 10:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 is a new episode titled “No Guts, No Glory.”  The pressure on both teams is heightened when they have to choose their fighters for the first 100-point fight of the season, looking through their rosters to see who has it inside of them to rise up to the occasion and win the much-needed bout.

    **** 

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is up on the site for subscribers (subscribe here) with a detailed look at what made Dusty Rhodes such a uniquely gifted performer. Topics covered include:

    * How his appeal differed from other superstar babyfaces.

    * His underrated athleticism and in-ring working ability.

    * His versatility on promos.

    And much more. Plus, as always, we have  all of the usual reviews and international news.

    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 AmericanCanadian, 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. 

    **** 

    Last week the big story was the tease of a Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania.  This week we have a double issue because of such a busy news week, with our lead story talks about the background of that promo and why the match isn’t happening.  We have the background of Austin, Lesnar, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon, what led to the promo on the WWE Network, why Vince McMahon was unhappy about it, and what happened from there including Austin talking about the situation.

    We also have the first look at the Wednesday night wrestling wars with ROH & TNA, an update on MMA in New York, coverage of one of UFC’s best shows in recent years, New Japan’s summer look at including the G-1 Climax and Super Juniors tournament along with a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, as well as full coverage of the Hall of Fame and the new season of Tough Enough.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 15, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Latest on Austin-Lesnar, Destination America, NY MMA

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    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 talks about Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar.  We look at Austin’s comments regarding what he said last week, we look at the background, we look at why Vince McMahon wasn’t happy about what happened, we look at what this seems to end speculation on, where the Texas death match comment came from and what we don’t know about the situation and why the book seems closed on the match.

    We’ve got full details on the first week of both ROH & TNA together on Destination America.  We look at the audience for both groups, and what the quarter hours told about both groups.  We look at what the ratings seem to have indicated about both ROH and TNA and their audiences, as well as the next time this should be evaluated.

    We also look at Money in the Bank, the WWE Network special on 7/4 from Japan with the lineup.  We also look at the rest of the tour, an idea floated for the Slammys, what Vince McMahon wants out of the live talk shows on the WWE network, update on Tyson Kidd, why the stock is rising, Dwayne Johnson entertainment news, how the Kevin Steen action figure triggered so many things, return of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, special guest on Raw next week, Austin signs a new deal, and lots of the recent WWE tryout camp.

    We also look at the Jessicka Havok situation.

    We also look at all the NXT and WWE house show notes and business notes from the past week.

    We look at the new attempt to pass legislation in New York to legalize MMA, how this affects pro wrestling in the state as well as boxing, why MMA has to agree to certain things that are inherently unfair in a last ditch effort to get into the state.  We also look at a unique law regarding attendance at events in the bill, as well as what rules are in place to promote pro wrestling in New York.

    We’ve got coverage of one of the year’s best events, Saturday’s UFC show in New Orleans.  We look at the record tied, the career of Dan Henderson, the career of Brian Ebersole, as well as business notes and full coverage of the show.

    We also look at New Japan’s G-1 Climax tournament, who is in, who is out, what is says about current booking, the big shows on the tour, coverage of the show, prior winners, handicapping the tournament, why the winner is already planned out and how far in advance booking is, as well as the next few shows on New Japan World and the Dominion PPV show.

    We also have coverage of this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, why the interest level was down, business notes on the tournament, a look at the great finale match, as well as coverage of the final shows.  We also have a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, including the stars that build the division and the 1996 heyday period.

    We’ve got full coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremonies last month in Amsterdam, NY, with the awards, presentations, and a look at talent like Jumbo Tsuruta, Rick Martel, Vivian Vachon, Whipper Watson, Pedro Morales, The Freebirds and Curt Hennig.

    We also look at the new season of Tough Enough, who was and wasn’t picked to be part of the show, notes on why the winners are going to have it tough and not winning may to advantageous, as well as notes and backgrounds of some of the people involved.

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –A look at this year’s Busca de un Idolo tournament’s first shows

    –What happens in pro wrestling the night before UFC

    –Problems between companies in Mexico regarding CMLL pulling talent

    –Notes on Verano de Escandalo and U.S. iPPV and the card

    –First notes on TripleMania

    –What mach may be headlining this year’s TripleMania

    –Upcoming AAA TV

    –The debut of the three generations of green mist trio

    –Dragon Gate two big shows coming this week

    –All Japan’s big event for the week

    –A tag team of stars from two different promotions has a long reign as tag champions gone

    –More on the new Japan NOAH relationship and how this relates to the New Japan World service

    –New Japan scouting talent in the U.S. this summer

    –New Japan’s upcoming shows in Singapore

    –Satoru Sayama health update

    –Notes on the beginning shows of Global Force Wrestling

    –Notes on the lineups and what is and isn’t important about these events

    –Special celebrity guest added

    –An unselfish act acts an aspiring pro wrestling career

    –Another streaming service expected to start featuring 800 hours of a lost library

    –Chris Hero’s three hour gauntlet match and full details

    –Bill Goldberg talks about a potential pro wrestling farewell match and what could stand in the way

    –Who Goldberg still keeps in touch with in wrestling

    –Goldberg talks Brock Lesnar

    –A look at the big show at Citifield in New York this past week

    –A look at what TNA angle was revived on the show and how Goldberg fit in

    –A.J. Styles vs. Lionheart match coverage, back story, and why the crowd was so hot

    –Kris Travis talks return from cancer

    –Tons of indie big show news

    –A suspended senator in Canada participates in a pro wrestling show

    –Early ROH champion moving into MMA

    –Son of former Oregon star suspect in a beating death

    –Wrestling star in talks for a national cable television show unique deal

    –Update on the next ROH PPV

    –A look at the weekend ROH events

    –Why they did the Mickie James angle

    –TNA gets another international deal

    –UFC’s Labor Day weekend show announced

    –Two new title fights announced

    –Comparing Bader vs. Gustafsson as challengers for Cormier

    –When Cormier is targeting his first title defense

    –What Bader needs to do to get a title shot

    –Update on Anderson Silva and his suspension hearing, as well as Nick Diaz

    –Ben Rothwell accuses Cain Velasquez of PEDs and Velasquez responds

    –Former UFC star gets TV major network announcing gig

    –An interesting question that the courts may have to decide regarding UFC contract clause

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Notes on Shamrock vs. Kimbo

    –The first head to be cut off in new stronger penalties for PED usage

    –War Machine has court outburst

    –TV martial arts star with pro wrestling ties in bad health

    –Fighter comes back from nearly being stabbed to death to win a small promotion world title

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

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    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

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    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

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    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

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    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

    ****

    Wednesday Daily Update

    — ROH hasn’t edited their website to reflect this yet, but the terms of the Destination America deal have made it so that they can no longer provide earlier streaming access to their TV show to fans who paid for a Ringside Membership. While there are other benefits like classic ROH video content and discounts on merchandise, one of the primary incentives was that you got a streaming version of the TV show on Mondays (none-paying members get in Thursdays). Now, they get it on Thursdays with the non-paying members, so the only legal ways to see it earlier is via a Sinclair station, one of the handful of syndicated outlets like NESN, or Destination America on Wednesday nights.

    — Kevin Melton of GoUpstate.com has an excellent article about the death of Dusty Rhodes with quotes from Magnum T.A., Tully Blanchard, Jim Cornette, and others. Much of the article is in the context of Dusty’s presence at the old Jim Crockett Promotions tapings in Spartanburg, SC, which hosted a lot of classic TV angles when he was booking.

    Fusion.net and News.com.au are the latest mainstream news sites to do articles about Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker (for publishing clips of the sex tape that was shot without his knowledge), which goes to trial in a few weeks. The angles that seem to be driving a lot of the articles are where exactly sex tapes (especially if shot without one of the subjects’ consent) fall in terms of both privacy laws and journalistic freedoms as well as how a large jury award could force Gawker founder Nick Denton to sell the company.

    While experts believe that Gawker would eventually win on appeal even if they lost at trial, in Florida, there’s a law that if you’re appealing a jury award, you need to post a bond of the full amount plus two years interest.

    — Bobby Green has had to pull out of his fight with Al Iaquinta at the UFC Fight night card on July 15th in San Diego. For the time being, Iaquinta is still training as if he still has a fight, though no new opponent has been announced.

    — Ben Fowlkes has a great article at MMA Junkie about the effects of fighting at high elevation in light of the aftermath of UFC 188 in Mexico City.

    — Vic Grujic, an Australian UFC fighter who was cut recently and had been a cast member on “TUF Nations,” is sell selling his persona UFC memorabilia on eBay to make ends meet. This came on the heels of him helping with the successful effort to lobby to get MMA in a cage legalized in Victoria (the state that Melbourne is in), so he was pretty surprised and gutted by his release.

    — Greg Oliver has a big article about The Great Wojo at Slam Wrestling in advance of his upcoming induction into the Thesz/Tragos Hall of Fame in Iowa. Greg’s historical articles are always excellent to make sure to check it out.

    — Bellator has some fan events Thursday and Friday to go along with Friday night’s quarterly “tentpole” card in St. Louis with the Ken Shamrock vs. Kimbo Slice main event:

    Thursday has the weigh-in at Scottrade Center. Door open to fans and media at 4:00 p.m. and the weigh-in starts at 5:00 p.m. It will also stream live on Belabor.com.

    That evening, starting at 7:00 p.m. they have the Bellator MMA Fan Fest at Dave & Buster’s in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Fedor Emelianenko, Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz, Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Liam McGeary, and “MMA’s most popular referee” John McCarthy will be for photo opportunities and to sign autographs. Bellator Lightweight Champion Will Brooks and the Bellator ring girls will also be there, as will merchandise and tickets for Friday’s card.

    On Friday at 4:00 p.m. there will be an autograph signing for ticket holders with Fedor Emelianenko, Royce Gracie, and Bellator’s ring girls.

    — AIW on July 10th in Cleveland has Ethan Carter III (TNA), DJ Z/Zema Ion (TNA), Raymond Rowe (ROH), Matt “M-Dogg 20” Cross/Son of Havoc (Lucha Underground), and Samoa Joe (WWE) teaming as THE DUDES ON TV against Team AIW (Josh Prohibition, Alex Daniels, Johnny Gargano, and The Young Bucks) in a Cleveland Street Fight. More info here

    — Ken “Mr. Kennedy/Mr. Anderson” Kennedy will be visiting the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, NY, on Saturday July 25th for an autograph signing from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with half of the proceeds going to the PWHF. More info at PWHF.org.