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Category: Daily Updates

  • Daily Update: More Daniel Bryan, WWE Fastlane, RAW fallout

    Continued Daniel Bryan retirement news

    DON’T FORGET: Daniel Bryan, aka Bryan Danielson, will be on ESPN’s SportsCenter with Jonathan Coachman tonight at 9 EST. It will be his first interview since his incredible retirement speech Monday night to close out RAW.

    Just a bit ago we posted Daniel Bryan’s appearance from 2007 on Figure Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez.

    MLW has uploaded the Bryan Danielson vs. Teddy Hart match from one of their last shows to YouTube, while WWN Live put up Danielson vs. Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose) on the EVOLVE channel.

    Mick Foley talked about Bryan’s retirement on his Facebook page.

    On the heels of the retirement, a new study is all over the place today, claiming that concussions “may also be associated with an increase in the long term risk of suicide.” For anyone in combat/collision sports, this is a terrifying time, indeed.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    • WWE RAW Ratings got a bump from Daniel Bryan retirement speech
    • After Raw last night, WWE FastLane has Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose for a shot at the WWE Title at WrestleMania, Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio for the US Title, Charlotte vs. Brie Bella (interesting timing) for the Diva’s Title, and Becky & Sasha vs. Naomi & Tamina.  Looks like probably a Big Show & Kane & Ryback vs. Wyatts match as well.
    • For those who have been following Bryan and Vinny on Retro Raw and Retro Nitro, the plan tonight is Nitro and Thursday Raw Thursday, which is the show where Shawn Michaels lost his smile.  Bryan on Observer Live today noted how amazing it was to watch that right after watching Daniel Bryan’s retirement speech.  Thursday Raw Thursday is not available on the WWE Network but it can be found online.
    • In case you hadn’t heard, WWE talent will be flying with you on American Airlines for the month of February as the official in-flight periodical of the airline, American Way, will feature a cover photo of both Bellas, Mark Henry, and John Cena of course. Give it a look the next time you use the seat back to stuff empty peanut bags and napkins in.
    • Speaking of Cena, he voices the Hulk in Marvel’s Avengers Academy mobile game. Here’s a look. Also, his coffee table book is now available for pre-order at Amazon. It’s out on March 15th.
    • The WWE Best of Raw & Smackdown 2015 DVD set is out today.

    UFC/MMA

    • Saturday’s UFC, headlined by Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson knocking out Johny Hendricks, did an average of 1,317,000 viewers for the 3 hour broadcast on FS 1. Even more impressive were the two hour prelims, which did 1,093,000 viewers for the 2 hours preceding the main card, also airing on FS 1. Both numbers are well above 2015 averages, which were also way up from the previous year.
    • With the dominant win, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson jumped up 5 spots from 8 to 3 in the welterweight rankings, while Hendricks fell to 4.
    • Mickey Gall, who submitted Mike Jackson in 45 seconds Saturday night to set up a fight this summer with CM Punk, opened as a -300 favorite for the fight against the former WWE Champion according to BestFightOdds.com
    • Dave has a postmortem on Saturday’s UFC card at MMAFighting.
    • Jason “Mayhem” Miller is back! Sort of…..The former UFC, EliteXC and Dream fighter will face former UFC Middleweight Luke Barnatt in May for a promotion in Italy. Bellator is running in Italy as well this year so hopefully he doesn’t show up on their radar.
    • UFC has Anderson Silva-Stephan Bonnar from UFC 153 up a free fight in preparation for Silva’s return to the Octagon on Feb 27. I prefer the commercial leading up to that show, which was far more entertaining than the fight.
    • New fight announced for UFC 197 is a couple of Middleweights with 3 and 4 fight winning streaks respectively. Robert Whitaker (15-4) takes on Rafael Natal (21-6-1) on the show headlined by Daniel Cormier’s Light Heavyweight title defence against the returning Jon Jones.

    MISC

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Steiner Brothers win WCW World Tag Team Titles

  • Daily Update: Daniel Bryan retirement on RAW tonight

    Daniel Bryan to announce retirement

    by Dave Meltzer

    I wish the best of luck to Bryan Danielson tonight in his retirement speech hope everyone wishes the best for him in his post-wrestling career.  To me, Bryan Danielson was both a model pro wrestler and far more than that, a very intelligent and very honest human being.

    He reached the highest rung in this profession in 2014 even when his look and size based on previously established standards of the business would have said it was impossible.  Unlike many, his rise to the top was entirely fan-driven, and I hope all those fans understand that whatever decision he has made is based on what he believes is the best for him in the long run.

    It will be a long time before people fully understand the contributions he made to this industry, which is a far better place because of his involvement.  There were things dating back to 2001 that he was involved with that changed the underground foundation of the industry, and over the past few years, significantly changed talent evaluation at the highest level of the industry.

    Change is slow, to be sure, but this is a different industry and he played a huge part in it.  When you really look back, from an influence standpoint, he triggered a number of changes and his contributions are actually enormous.

    On a side note: I was told that word spread today within WWE about Danielson.  As of a few hours ago, the description was the mood was very somber backstage.

    Also, Danielson will be on ESPN with Jonathan Coachman tomorrow night talking about his retirement.

    More of F4WOnline.com’s Coverage of the Daniel Bryan story:

    by Observer Staff

    After months of speculation Daniel Bryan’s future as a working wrestler with WWE will finally come to a conclusion tonight on WWE RAW.   Starting a few days ago rumors started making the rounds that Bryan was to appear on RAW in Seattle which just so happened to be near his hometown of Aberdeen.  His wife Brie Bella was also scheduled to be on RAW.  Then yesterday the Internet recieved photo confirmation of his trip from Pheonix to Seattle and a new trimmed look.  Of course, the speculation began as to the exact reason for his visit to the location of WWE RAW.  Daniel Bryan decided to let us know on Twitter.

    Bryan on Twitter posted “Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I’ll have a chance to elaborate.”  So, now we wait for his speech tonight on RAW.  To many this retirement is not coming as a surprise but to many others this will be a hard pill to swallow.  There are those who held out hope that a guy like Daniel Bryan who defied the odds of making it into the WWE, would once again return.  A guy who was small and didn’t have the prototypical WWE body, not only made it to the WWE but won the WWE title at WrestleMania 30.  In what many saw as one of the great celebrations and they got to share it with him.  This is pro wrestling and few truly retire from this business, so fans will still hold out hope he will eventually make his return however unlikely.

    Check out F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of tonight’s RAW.

    Also check out Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talking the in depth details of Bryan’s retirement on their Breaking News Edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

    They will be back later tonight with another Wrestling Observer Radio talking the fallout of RAW and the retirement speech.   They will also talk about the death of Axl Rotten and the latest news.  If you’ve got any questions Bryan Danielson related, particularly from the report we did or anything he may say on Raw tonight, you can send them to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com  We will try and answer all  Danielson questions tonight.  Questions on other subjects we’ll go into on Wednesday.

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show and of course the Daniel Bryan retirement announcement.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    Thanks to everyone who did a great job of correspondent work at the shows this weekend including Adam Kirby, Alex Keeling, Jai, Thomas Green, Lee Thomas, Kody Ludwig, Tyler Kemmerer, Ross Hart, Craig Freeman, Todd Bergman, Lou Pickney, Josh Baker, Sean Moore, Dan Thompson and everyone else.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    Jon Jones was cited on 1/31 for driving without a license, without registration and without insurance by a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy.  That could have been trouble given Jones currently being on probation, but Bernalillo County District Attorney spokesperson Kayla Anderson said they will not be filing a probation violation against Jones for the incident according to Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting.  Jones is serving 18 months of probation from his felony hit-and-run charge from last year. 

    B.J. Penn on his web site announced today that his return would be on 4/23 in Las Vegas at UFC 197.  Originally he was expected to fight on 3/5 against Dennis Siver, although UFC never officially announced the fight.  Ariel Helwani had reported the 3/5 date as what they were looking for and we’d also gotten internal confirmation that was the plan as of last week.

    The Super Bowl, for those asking did a 49.0 rating based on the metered markets last night.  It looks like the show did 111.9 million viewers, making it the third most watched television show in U.S. history.  The numbers are based on the fast nationals.  The peak was 115.5 million between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.  The show also averaged 1.4 million streaming viewers.  The two most watched shows were the 2014 and 2015 Super Bowls, with last year setting the record of 114.4 million viewers.  Advertisers were paying as much as $5 million for a 30 second spot.

    WWE

    • Tonight’s Raw in Seattle was expected to come close to selling out even before the Danielson announcement.
    • HHH sent a WWE title belt to the Denver Broncos for winning the Super Bowl.
    • Sheamus was shown in a Super Bowl commercial as he’s in the trailer of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie.  It aired during the second quarter.
    • Sisters was No. 10 at the box office in Australia this past weekend and Daddy’s Home was No. 13.  Both were out of the top ten in the U.S., with Daddy’s Home No. 15 and Sisters No. 25. (thanks to James Stanois)
    • Cricket Wireless and WWE and launching a sweepstakes to send one fan and a guest to WrestleMania.  Between today and 3/20, fans can enter the sweepstakes visiting their local Cricket Wireless store or go to www.Cricketsweepsakes.com/wwe32 for a chance to win.  The winner gets round trip airfare and lodging in Dallas for two, $500 in spending money a new ZTE Grand X 3 with one year of Crocket Wireless service, as well as tickets to the pre-party and Fan Axxess.
    • Stock closed down eight cents today at $16.49.
    • Two new trailers been put online for the Nine Legends film profiling Bret Hart and Dynamite Kid  The film also profiles Bill Goldberg, Lita, Mike Tyson, Chris Jericho, RVD, Randy Couture and Ted DiBiase. The film was covered this past week upon release by mainstream publications such as Fox Sports, Yahoo News, Nerdist, Deadline and Digital Trends. 

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • The first of six episodes of Impact from the U.K., this being the first show taped in Manchester with Kurt Angle vs. Drew Galloway as the main event, will air tomorrow night on Pop TV.
    • Jerry Lynn was backstage working as an agent at the ROH tapings in Nashville on Saturday night.
    • Future Stars of Wrestling on 2/28 in Las Vegas at the Silverton Casino with Kevin Kross vs. Eli Drake vs. Kenny King vs. Willie Mack in a four-way that involves a star of TNA, ROH and Lucha Underground.  Also on the show are Rocky Romero, TJ Perkins, Silas Young and Colby Corino.
    • Revolution Pro Wrestling from yesterday in London at the Cockpit Theater before a sellout of 180 fans:  Bob Lyons b Matt Nathan, Pete Dunne b Sonjay Dutt to keep the British cruiserweight title, Josh Bodom b Donovan Dijak, Marty Scurll b Timothy Thatcher, Flash Morgan Webster b James Castle, Big Damo b Mark Haskins, Colt Cabana b Lord Gideon Gray, Zack Sabre Jr. b Will Ospreay.  The show was taped for the Revolution Pro YouTube channel.  Told Bodom vs. Dijak was a great short match, Dunne vs. Dutt and Thatcher vs. Scurll were very good and the main event was exactly what you’d expect from those two. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
    • Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 3/5 in Ottawa and the Dom Polski Combatants Centre.
    • Real Pro Wrestling of Port St. Lucie, FL has announced a name change to Ignite Wrestling.  The first show with the new name will be 2/27.
    • Here is a story on Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews and the Super Bowl being in the city yesterday.  In the background of the main picture is a WrestleMania poster from WWE’s visit to the city for WrestleMania last year.  Matthews created a near incident when he publicly stated about how they are going to meet with WWE officials over WrestleMania, and WWE rules are you are supposed to keep it quiet.  Despite his breaking of the rules, WWE still went with Levi’s Stadium for the show, for a number of reasons including that the Super Bowl was coming to the building and WWE could announce a larger number than the Super Bowl.  In actuality, the Super Bowl had more people in the stadium yesterday than WrestleMania did.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Randy Savage wins the WWF IC Title

  • Daily Update: Kevin Greene to NFL HOF, Mooneyham retires

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE house show in Abbotsford, BC, headlined by Roman Reigns vs. Rusev.

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    Thanks to everyone who did a great job of correspondent work at the shows this weekend including Adam Kirby, Alex Keeling, Jai, Thomas Green, Lee Thomas, Kody Ludwig, Tyler Kemmerer, Ross Hart, Craig Freeman, Todd Bergman, Lou Pickney, Josh Baker, Sean Moore, Dan Thompson and everyone else.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    Kevin Greene, who did a number of high profile matches for WCW in the 90s and actually had great potential as a pro wrestler, was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame. Greene still has the third most sacks in NFL history and coached for the Green Bay Packers when they won the Super Bowl several years ago. Here is the article.

    Lucha Underground is releasingfour digital comic books, with the first out right now and the other three out over the next six weeks, free on-line.

    Mike Mooneyham, a longtime friend and author of the longest running wrestling column in the country, is retiring from the Charleston Post-Courier but the column will be continuing Read that story here.

    Chris Nowinski was in USA Today over the weekend heavily critical of the NFL’s treatment of concussions., saying he doesn’t think the NFL is making a good faith effort to study the effects of concussions.

    Even with the Super Bowl and everything related to it, the tenth most searched item on Google today has been Johny Hendricks with 50,000.  Maybe people were wondering what happened to him.

    WWE

    • A video of A.J. Styles who turned to DDP Yoga for help on his bad back (thanks to Ross Blair).
    • At last night’s house show in Penticton, BC, they did a double turn in the Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze match, but that was only for the house.
    • Enzo & Cass worked the house show in San Jose last night, as did Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is scheduled for Raw tomorrow, but not for Smackdown this week.
    • A new episode of Ride Along airs after Raw tomorrow night with Sheamus, King Barrett, Renee Young, Summer Rae and R-Truth.
    • The first NXT show from the University of Central Florida gym that was taped on 1/21 will air on Wednesday
    • Bret Hart tours Calgary 
    • Here is a story on the New Day saying that are revolutionizing the business

    UFC

    • The flying knee finish by Diego Rivas on Noad Lahat on last night’s show not only won him a $50,000 bonus but was shown over and over as one of  ESPN’s Top Plays of the day. (thanks to Daniel short)
    • In predictions last night, Me, John Pollock, Mike Sempervive, Mike Sawyer and Ryan Frederick all went 4-1, only missing the main event in most cases.  Josh Nason, Steve Juoin, David Bixenspan and Frontrow Brian were 3-2 and Paul Fontaine was 1-4.   

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • The Sky News app on Friday had the story of the death of Axl Rotten as the fourth leading story in the Showbiz section 
    • Mike Tyson talks pro wrestling and Vince McMahon in a video preview of Mike Tyson in the Nine Legends film. The full film is streaming now at www.ninelegendsfilm.com
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition, Jock Samson & Tracy Smothers & Bunkhouse Buck (managed by Col. Rob Parker) vs. Dick Justice & Marion Fontaine & Colt Cabana (managed by Missy Hyatt), Alex Shelley vs. Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace vs. Veda Scott for the women’s title, Brian Myers vs. Tim Donst and more.
    • Scott Steiner will be doing talk shows next month in the U.K.  He’s appearing 3/21 in London at The Garage, 3/22 in Manchester at the Comedy Store, 3/23 in Glasgow at The Classic Grand and 3/24 in Belfast at The Empire. Tickets are on sale here.
    • The Globe tabloid ran an article destroying Hulk Hogan and the company that hired him as a spokesman. 
    • Preston City Wrestling on Friday in Preston, England before 400 to 500 fans:  Ken Anderson b Luther Ward, Rampage Brown b Chris Dickinson, Drew Galloway b Martin Kirby, Noam Dar b Timothy Thatcher, Matt Hardy b Lionheart, Billy Gunn b Joey Hayes, T-Bone b Tajiri, Iestyn Rees & Sha Samuels b Dave Rayne & Dave Mastiff, El Liger b Bubblegum.  Galloway’s match only took a few seconds.  Dar & Thatcher was solid.  Gunn got a good reaction.  Liger vs. Bubblegum was the match of the night. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
    • Preston City Wrestling had two shows yesterday:
    • Afternoon show:  Tajiri & Luther Ward & Sammy D b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby & Bubblegum, Drew Galloway b Ken Anderson, Lionheart b Dave Rayne, T-Bone b Billy Gunn, Noam Dar b El Ligero, Iestyn Rees b Chris Dickinson, Rampage Brown b Matt Hardy via DQ
    • Evening show:  Matt Hardy b Luther Ward, Lionheart b Charlie Garrett, Drew Galloway b Noam Dar, Rampage Brown b T-Bone, Billy Gunn & Ken Anderson & Tajiri (calling themselves The New Age Assholes) b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby & Dave Rayne, Chris Dickinson b El Ligero, Bubblegum b Iestyn Rees, Rampage Brown b Drew Galloway to win Road to Glory tournament, Sha Samuels b Dave Mastiff to win the PCS title.  Galloway “injured” Dar’s arm in the afternoon show to lead to a short win in he evening show.  Galloway was sick all weekend but still had two of the best matches with Anderson and Brown.  Billy Gunn was announced as returning in June.
    • Championship Wrestling Entertainment from Friday night in Fort Pierce, FL:  Slade Porter & Josh Parker b Richard Delicious & Derek Steele, El Hero Byronico b Chico Adams, J-Dawg Brooks & Mad Dawg Wilson b Jamal King & Jay Prince, Shaniah Ariyana b Dominque Fabiano, Rhett Giddins won over Braydon Knight, JB Cool and Craig Classic, Raquel (TNA) b Shaniah Ariyana, Lince Dorado & Jon Cruz b Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus=-DQ, Rhett Giddins won three-way over Tyranus and Irish Jack with Alex Porteau as referee.  Next show is 3/18 with Giddins vs. Tyranus and Santana Garrett (thanks to Al Haft)
    • IWF has shows at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ on 2/13 and 2/20 at 7 p.m. and 2/26 at 8 p.m.  They also announced a 4/16 show featuring Tito Santana.
    • The Economist talks pro wrestling in election coverage here.
    • Sean Carr was announced as joining John Skyler, Papadon and Davey Richards in this year’s ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.  Well, with Richards’ knee injury, that is questionable in his case.
    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday night in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jason Kincaid vs. Vince Brent for the Southeastern title and NWA champion Jax Dane vs. Toby Farley.
    • CCW Winter Fallout on 3/6 at the Wish Centre in Chatham, ONT at 2 p.m.
    • Future Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Sutton, Surrey, UK before 250 fans:  The Warden b Earl Windsor, Ryan Smile b Will Ospreay (crowd gave them a standing ovation), London Riots b GZRS, Jimmy Havoc b Paul Robinson to retain FPW title, Darrell Allen won Rumble (thanks to Darren Rogers) 
    • Stardom from yesterday in Tokyo:  Yoneyama b Azumi, Haruka Kato b Starlight Kid, Keitlin Diamond b Hiromi Mimura, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Alez Lee, Santana Garrett & Kellie Skater & Evie & Viper & Chelsea Green b Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani & Kairi Hojo & Momo Watanabe & Jungle Kyona
    • Marty Jannetty appears on 3/12 for In Your Face Wrestling in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.  Also appearing are Kevin Nash, Scott Norton, Bob Holly and Cody Deaner.  The convention will be 2-6 p.m. with a wrestling show at 7 p.m.
    • Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO”:  Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Danny Adams & Paco Gonzalez, Billy McNeil b Brandon Aarons, Ozzie Gallagher b Rocket Mapache, Evan Morris b Jayson Khaos, Kiyoshi Shizuka b Shorty Biggs, Outtkast won three-way over Elvis Aliaga and Jayden Fenix, Mike Sydal b Kevin Lee Davidson, Lucy Mendez b Heather Patera, Jake Dirden won four-way over Ricky Cruz, Brandon Espinosa and Mike Outlaw (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Chat Douglas b Fantastico, Guerrero de la Muerta (formerly Kevin El Devino) b Anthony Idol-DQ (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 472 fans:  Matt Angel b Brad Alekxis, Surfer Mitch & Dru Onyx & Shayne Hawke b Alex Price & Dead End, Pee Wee & Judas b Handsome Jean Frais & Jay Phenomenon, Travis Toxic b Michael Style, Frankie the Mobster b Giovanni, Heavy Metal Chaos & Scott Parker b Kickin n Stompin & Shane Matthews, Marko Estrada b Chris Hero to retain the NSPW title.  Next show is 3/12 with Frankie the Mobster vs Travis Toxic for the No. 1 contender spot (thanks to Patric Laprade)
    • Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN:  Lightning Bolt won Battle Royal, Psycho Sytt & Scarecrow b Butcher Manson & Tim Lutz, Dynamite Dillen b Nate Steele, Van Zants won tag titles from Cowboy Marc Houston & Big Country Clint Poe, Amazing Maria b Haley Shadows, Lightning Bolt b TJ Kemp (who thanked the fans for 14 years of support and said he was going to be gone for a while), Timmy Danger NC Flash Flanagan in a strap match.  Next show is 3/5 with Vic the Bruiser & Timmy Danger vs. Flanagan (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
    • Chikara Pro was featured in an article this weekend on Rolling Stone’s website. “Part badass B-movie, part sugary Saturday morning cartoon, it’s wild, weird and everything WWE isn’t. And that’s precisely the point.” (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
    • Super Fight League on 2/20 in Tacoma, WA at the Emerald Queen Casino.
    • WSWF from last night in Yuba City, CA before a sellout 240 fans to honor Darren “Mike” Dean:  JJ King & Rik Luxury b Christian & Airon Skye, Scooter McGavin b Victor Sterling, Joe DeSoul & Eddy Vega b Drake Frost & Sir Samurai-DQ, Ethan White b Reggie Bright, Nathan Brick b MPT. (thanks to Jim Davis)
    • Former WWE announcer and ”Fabulous Rougeau Brother” Raymond Rougeau talks ​about his experiences with WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior as an announcer as well as in the WWE dressing rooms as a wrestler.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: 2/7 IWA Mid South champion CM Punk jobs to Chris Hero

  • Daily Update: Chris Leben signs with Bellator, AJ Styles gimmick, Hendricks vs Thompson

    UFC Fight Night on FS1

    The show tonight scheduled for Fox Sports 1 started out as UFC 196 with current heavyweight champ Fabricio Werdum against Cain Valezquez in a PPV.  A rematch from a first fight that saw Cain handily beaten by Werdum with a guillotine choke in the 3rd round.  They changed to Werdum against Stipe Miocic and then quickly scratched that out completely when Werdum also claimed an injury.  After a few days the whole show was switched from a PPV to UFC Fight Night to air on Fox Sports 1.  

    Which brings us to the current and final main event of Stephen Thompson vs Johny Hendricks.  Leading into this fight Hendricks fought current welterweight champ twice, beating him in the first and losing the second, both 5 round decisions.  Hendricks then bested Matt Brown in a 3 round decision which was almost a year ago.  Thompson is on a 5 fight win streak since losing a decision to Matt Brown.  He last fought last July against Jake Ellenburger knocking him out with a spinning hook kick!  This should be a good one.

    Also, on the card is Roy Nelson vs Jared Rosholt and Ovince Saint Preux vs Rafael Cavalcante.  This is also the show that has Mickey Gall, who is the potentional opponent for CM Punk for this June or July.  If Gall beats Mike Jackson he will most likely face CM Punk.  This is a near PPV level event and features a lot more talent than most Fox Sports 1 UFC Fight Nights.  It is definitely worth a look.

    Follow along with F4WOnline.com’s live coverage with Dave Meltzer.

    UFC TONIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

    Arten Lobov vs. Alex White

    Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas

    Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins

    Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis

    K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman

    Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer

    Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson

    Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky

    Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux

    Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson

    Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson

    WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR.  Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    SATURDAY UPDATE

    In case you missed it, former UFC star and the once-retired Chris Leben (22-11) has signed with Bellator, joining fellow TUF 1 cast member Josh Koscheck. No fight or weight class was announced, however. Leben holds the UFC record for most fights in the middleweight division (22) and retired after being KO’d by Uriah Hall in 2013. Fights with Koscheck or even Stephan Bonnar are possibilities. While Leben is now under contract, Bellator reportedly has no interest in free agent and highly ranked UFC bantamweight Aljamain Sterling.

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    • Mattel, WWE’s action figure licensee, is reportedly in merger talks with Hasbro, who held the license in the first half of the ‘90s. This would be a pretty huge development in the toy world.
    • AJ Styles confirmed on Chris Jericho’s podcast what was pretty obvious from watching Smackdown, that being that the calf killer will be renamed the calf crusher in WWE, which actually would be the legitimate name for the hold.  He also said Vince McMahon’s idea for his character is The Pitbull, a smaller guy who has to fight for everything he gets.
    • Tough Enough alumnus Patrick Clark made his NXT debut last night in Lakeland.

    UFC/MMA

    MISC

    • It looks like ROH has a new lighting grid that they will start using at tonight’s TV taping at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, which is probably the biggest and nicest arena they’ve shot at to date.
    • A happy go lucky Jim Cornette is back for the latest episode of 6:05 Superpodcast with David Bixenspan and Brian Last talking about a ton of different old-school topics including Randy Savage’s early years, knowing Eddie Gilbert from their teens and then being the last promoter to book him in the continental United States, Stan Lane’s wig, bad audition videos, and much more. As a preview, you can check out Jim doing commentary on one memorably bad audition video on YouTube.
    • At Fightland, Jack Slack goes over some of pro wrestling’s most legitimate techniques.
    • Raymond Rougeau talks about his dealings with the Ultimate Warrior in this video.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/06): Harley Race wins the NWA World Title

  • Daily Update: Awesome Kong released, new HGH test, more WWE cuts

    TNA Released Awesome Kong

    Due to a physical altercation with Reby Sky, Awesome Kong has been released from TNA.  According to sources in TNA, the argument stemmed from issues the two had over the last few years.  Kong got mad at Hardy for dressing in the womens’ dressing room. Kong wanted her to apologize.  She left, and Kong went after her and had to be restrained.

    Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that allegedly, what escalated the situation to a physical confrontation was Hardy calling Stevens a “f**king maniac.”  Whatever the truth behind it all, it ends with Awesome Kong no longer working for TNA.

    A statement from TNA:

    “We conducted an investigation and determined releasing Awesome Kong is the appropriate action in this case,” said TNA Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Television John Gaburick. “Kong has been a great contributor to TNA and helped solidify the Knockouts as the best female division in professional wrestling. We thank her and wish her well.”

    WWE has a full schedule for events this weekend.  We’ll be looking for reports on Friday from the WWE house show in Calgary (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Nashville and Lakeland, FL.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 9 P.M. FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN AT www.ClaroSports.com

    LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN HINCKLEY, MINN. ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN

    R’Mandell Cameron vs. Derek Getzel

    Kuchlong Kuchlong vs Nate Richardson

    Chase Waldon vs. Justin  Winkels-Comparetto

    Antonio Trocoli vs. Jacob Volkmann

    Brock Larson vs. Travis Coyle

    Ricardo Lucas Ramos vs. Manuel Vazquez for the vacant bantamweight title

    Saturday has WWE shows in San Jose (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Brock Lesnar vs. Alberto Del Rio plus A.J. Styles, New Day, Usos and Big Show), Penticiton, BC (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Indianapolis and Bartow, FL.  ROH will be doing a major TV taping in Nashville at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night featuring the semifinals and finals of the Top Prospect tournament, a seven team gauntlet for a future tag team title shot with Young Bucks, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero and four other teams, Briscoes vs. ACH & Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle vs Christopher Daniels, Adam Cole vs. Matt Sydal plus Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, War Machine, Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander, Moose, B.J. Whitmer, Adam Page, Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrera, Cheeseburger, ODB Amber Gallows, Mandy Leon, Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix, Kelly Klein, Hania the Huntress and Sumie Sakai.

    UFC ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

    Arten Lobov vs. Alex White

    Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas

    Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins

    Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis

    K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman

    Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer

    Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson

    Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky

    Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux

    Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson

    Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson

    WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR.  Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    FRIDAY UPDATE

    – In addition to Bull Dempsey being cut from NXT earlier today, Storm Wrestling Academy alum Sylvester LeFort (the former French Stallion from World Of Hurt and a longtime favorite of this site), Marcus Louis and Oscar Vasquez were also also cut from NXT Friday. LeFort tweeted a picture of himself, Louis and Dempsey saying “Thank you brothers”.

    – Kevin Eck remembers Axl Rotten who passed away yesterday at the age of 44.  

    – In even more injury news, although not a WWE injury for once, Davey Richards has an ACL injury.  That certainly will keep him out of in-ring action for the foreseeable future.

    – Jeremy Botter is reporting on his Twitter account that Travis Tygart of the USADA told him that they have been using a new HGH test for about 2 months that can detect HGH use within 21 days. The previous test could only detect its use within hours.

    WWE

    UFC/MMA

    • Also, on the Twittersphere, Scott Jorgenson posted these 2 words “Free Agent”.  So, it seems he has been released from his UFC contract.  Jorgensen has been with the company since they absorbed WEC at the end of 2010 and had a record of 4-8 in 12 fight there, having lost 6 of his last 7. 
    • Fight Network will air the live UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson prelims in Canada at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs live on TSN1 and TSN5 at 10 p.m. ET.
    • Bellator has added Goiti Yamauchi vs Bubba Jenkins to Bellator 151.  Already on the card is Michael Page vs Fernando Gonzalez and the main-event Joe Warren vs Darrion Caldwell.  The event will take place on March 4th in Thackerville, Oklahoma and broadcast on Spike TV.
    • ONE Championships announced their next event for Feb 20th in Jakarta, Indonesia. Main event will be Rafael Silva (40-15) against Luis Santos (61-9-1). Silva was scheduled to fight for a British promotion on the same day so I guess that fight is off. Santos had a no contest against Ben Askren last year and then missed weight for their rematch. According to the press release, the fight will take place at the same Welterweight class that Santos last missed weight at, although Silva usually fights at middleweight.
    • Jake Shields is not happy with WSOF for pulling him from a scheduled fight for their vacant 170 lb title. Shields had lost a fight with Rousimar Palhares for the title and was scheduled to fight Jon Fitch for the same belt after Palhares was suspended for 2 years and stripped of the belt. Fitch is now scheduled to face Joao Zeferino for the belt. Zeferino recently fought in their Lightweight tourney, losing in the tournament final to Brian Foster, which apparently qualifies him for a shot at the 170 lb title in the company that employs Chael Sonnen. The fight takes place in April but WSOF has yet to announce a date or location.
    • Former Pride and Elite XC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett returns to action tomorrow on GFL.TV show available on iPPV against Terrell Hobbs on a show called Elite Warrior Challenge 9 : Takeover. Former TUF finalist Matt Van Buren faces Derrick Weaver in the show’s main event

    MISC

    • Sports Cards & Collectibles – Jimmy Hart (wrestling icon and singer from the 1960s band The Gentrys) will sign during two of our spring dates in May including the Frontier Field show (on the 14th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and NOT the 15th as previously noted).   
    • On July 24th, 2016 at 5pm – Smash Wrestling and Chikara collide for one incredible night of action!
    • Inside The Rope Live & UNCENSORED! with SCOTT STEINER: Monday  21st March – The Garage, Highbury, LONDON; Tuesday 22nd March – The Comedy Store, MANCHESTER; Wednesday 23rd March – The Classic Grand, GLASGOW; Thursday 24th March – The Empire, BELFAST;
    • Highspots Wrestling Network, a division of Highspots.com, a recently added a channel to the Roku. They are offering a free 7 day trial at Highspots Wrestling Network

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/05): Andre pins Hogan to win WWF Title; title held up

  • Daily Update: AJ Styles house show debut, Axl Rotten passes

    We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in Memphis at Dave Meltzer

    For anyone thinking of going to WrestleMania in Dallas, there are still a few spots open for the web site’s Friday night dinner before the NXT and ROH shows at Texas de Brazil in Dallas, and for the bus to  WrestleMania on Sunday.  Anyone interested, please contact Ed Loredo at f4wfan@hotmai.com

    Smackdown at 8 p.m. tonight is from Memphis

    Roman Reigns vs. Rusev

    Kalisto vs. Kevin Owens non-title

    Ryback vs. Erick Rowan

    A.J. Styles vs. The Miz

    The Social Outcasts vs. The New Day

    Charlotte vs Alicia Fox non-title

    Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Rusev & Alberto Del Rio

    WWE has a full schedule for events this weekend.  We’ll be looking for reports on Friday from the WWE house show in Calgary (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Nashville and Lakeland, FL.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING AT 9 P.M. FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN AT www.ClaroSports.com

    LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN HINCKLEY, MINN. ON AXS TV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN

    R’Mandell Cameron vs. Derek Getzel

    Kuchlong Kuchlong vs Nate Richardson

    Chase Waldon vs. Justin  Winkels-Comparetto

    Antonio Trocoli vs. Jacob Volkmann

    Brock Larson vs. Travis Coyle

    Ricardo Lucas Ramos vs. Manuel Vazquez for the vacant bantamweight title

    Saturday has WWE shows in San Jose (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev, Brock Lesnar vs. Alberto Del Rio plus A.J. Styles, New Day, Usos and Big Show), Penticiton, BC (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Dudleys, Paige and Natalya) and NXT shows in Indianapolis and Bartow, FL.  ROH will be doing a major TV taping in Nashville at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday night featuring the semifinals and finals of the Top Prospect tournament, a seven team gauntlet for a future tag team title shot with Young Bucks, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly, Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero and four other teams, Briscoes vs. ACH & Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle vs Christopher Daniels, Adam Cole vs. Matt Sydal plus Jay Lethal, Roderick Strong, War Machine, Frankie Kazarian, Cedric Alexander, Moose, B.J. Whitmer, Adam Page, Caprice Coleman, Will Ferrera, Cheeseburger, ODB Amber Gallows, Mandy Leon, Veda Scott, Taeler Hendrix, Kelly Klein, Hania the Huntress and Sumie Sakai.

    UFC ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON FS 1 FROM THE MGM GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

    Arten Lobov vs. Alex White

    Mike Jackson vs. Mickey Gall – winner to face C.M. Punk in June

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Noad Lahat vs. Diego Rivas

    Ray Borg vs. Justin Scoggins

    Damian Grabowski vs. Derrick Lewis

    K.J. Noons vs. Josh Burkman

    Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer

    Misha Cirkunov vs. Alex Nicholson

    Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky

    Rafael Feijao Cavalcante vs. Ovince Saint Preux

    Jared Rosholt vs. Roy Nelson

    Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson

    WWE has only one show on Sunday, from Abbotsford, BC (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev).

    Raw will be Monday in Seattle.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR.  Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 8, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bret Hart diagnosed with cancer, Nakamura’s final NJPW match

    The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes.  Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.

    Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.

    A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.

    A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.

    We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    THURSDAY UPDATE

    We just got the word that Brian Knighton, who wrestled as Axl Rotten, best known as one of the major stars of ECW, passed away today at the age of 44.  

    Kenath Deawyne Peal, better known as Ken Wayne of The Galaxians and Nightmares tag team in the 80s, pleaded guilty to one count of child exploitation charges yesterday and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.  He will serve five years behind bars with the remaining 15 years on post-release supervision.  He will also be forced to pay $1,000 to the Mississippi Children’s Trust fund, $1,000 to the Mississippi Crime Victim’s Compensation fund and register as a sex offender.  Investigators found numerous photos and video of child pornography in his possession.

    A.J. Styles will make his WWE house show debut on Saturday night in San Jose, on the same show as a rare Brock Lesnar house show appearance.  He starts full-time on the road next weekend.  Bill Behrens, Styles’ agent, officially sent out word that Styles is taking no more independent bookings after having signed with WWE and thanked all the promoters who used him over the past two years.

    Davey Richards had his knee examined, he suffured an injury on Sunday in Birmingham, England.  There are no details other than the injury was worse than was hoped and he will be out of action for a while.  With Davey Richards injured, NSPW champion Marko Estrada will face Chris Hero on Saturday in Quebec City at the Horizon Centre.  Franky the Mobster and Dru Onyx are also on the show.

    Will Ospreay debuts for Evolve on 4/1 and 4/2 in Dallas over WrestleMania weekend.

    WWE

    • Pat Patterson’s autobiography, called “Pat Patterson:  Accepted, How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE will be released in August by ECW Press.  Bertand Hebert, who did the great Montreal history book, will be the ghost-writer.  
    • There is a Smackdown ticket pre-sale going on right now for the 4/5 show in Houston, which is the Smackdown right after WrestleMania at the Toyota Center in Houston.  It ends at 10 p.m. tonight.
    • Cesaro is advertised for appearances at next week’s shows in Germany.  
    • WWE announced the payment of its next 12 cent per share dividend will be on 3/25.  WWE’s next earnings call will be on Thursday. 
    • WWE stock was up 38 cents per share today to close at $17.01. 
    • Ric Flair at the University of Michigan for recruitment day talking about when he nearly played for Michigan 47 years ago
    • A story on Apollo Crews

    UFC

    • Very interesting story on C.M. Punk and his MMA training
    • Alex Oliveira (14-2-1) was announced as the replacement for Tim Means in the main event of the 2/21 show in Pittsburgh in the battle of the Cowboys against Donald Cerrone.  Oliveira replaces Tim Means, who was pulled off the show yesterday due to a potential drug test violation.
    • Means in a tweet, stated “Never even heard of Ostarine. Look at my physic (sic).  Do I look like a steroid user.  LOL.”  Ostarine is a SARM, not a steroid, but a banned PED.
    • Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres has been added to the 4/16 FOX UFC event.
    • UFC also announced these new fights for 4/10 in Zagreb, Croatia

    Timothy Johnson vs. Marcin Tybura – heavyweights

    Mairbek Taisumov vs. Damir Hadzovic – lightweights

    Bojan Velickovic vs. Alessio DiChirico – welterweights

    Tybura, Hadzovic, Vlickovic and DiChirico are all making their UFC debuts.

    • Dana White said that he blew it by allowing Sage Northcutt to fight on Saturday night.  “The kid really wanted to fight and I let him fight and he was sick as hell.  I blew it.” said White.  “I blew that one so bad.”

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Fubo TV, a sports subscription service which concentrates on soccer coverage, an MVPD which provides a premium bundle of sports and entertainment channels is offering 15 new networks including El Rey, meaning Lucha Underground is available for those who don’t have it available at this point.  It streams at www.fubo.tv
    • Lex Luger has been announced as the recipient of the 2016 Frank Gotch Award at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum inductions on 7/21 to 7/23 in Waterloo, IA.  Luger joins myself, Chael Sonnen, J.J. Dillon and Joe Blanchard in being honored that weekend.
    • Tammy Stych has released an autobiography that came out today called “A Star Shattered:  The Rise and Fall of Wrestling Diva Tammy Sunny Sytch” through Riverdale Avenue Books.
    • Chris Bell, whose brothers were pro wrestlers and is best known for the movie “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” has a movie out now called “Prescription Thugs,” about how pharmaceutical companies and those show have economic ties to the industry are not looking at anyone’s long-term health, but looking at getting us hooked on their products.
    • A story on Jim Duggan performing at comedy clubs
    • Bill Behrens announced bookings for Nick Aldis (TNA Magnus) at SHOWBIS@aol.com, based in Richmond, VA.  He also noted that Christopher Daniels, Jay Lethal, and The Young Bucks are no longer available for U.S. or Toronto area bookings but are available in Europe, Mexico and Japan.  Others available are Frankie Kazarian, (Los Angeles), Moose (Atlanta), Matt Sydal (Tampa), DDP (Atlanta), Al Snow (Louisville), Scott Hall (Atlanta), Kevin Nash (Daytona Beach), Sean Waltman (Philadelphia) and Tommy Dreamer (New York) 
    • Jamie Yager vs. Greg Parker and Ozzie Alvarez vs. Andrew Ramm have been added to the TV portion of the 2/20 World Series of Fighting show in Garden Grove, CA.  The show is headlined by Marlon Moraes (15-4-1) putting his bantamweight title up against Joseph Barajas (12-1) and Timur Valiev (10-1) vs. Chris Gutierrez (8-1-1).
    • WWN will be doing a seminar and tryout on 3/21 on Long Island and 3/31 in Dallas.  This will give wrestlers tools needed to promote themselves, including professionally shot HD footage.
    • FIP tomorrow night in Ybor City, FL at the Orpheum has a live iPPV at www.wwnlive.com headlined by a death match with Devin & Mason Cutter vs. Reed Bentley & John Wayne Murodch.
    • In a correction from the Monday update, we listed that on a show in Dyresburg, TN, that Greg Anthony retained the NWA National title over John Saxon,  Actually Anthony won the title from Saxon in that match.
    • Gold Rush Wrestling from Saturday night in Pacifica, CA:  Sir Samurai & Corey Kreese b Manny Mars & Ethan White, Will Roberts b Matt Carlos, Synn & Kikyo Nakamura b Dalton Frost & Cowboy Charlie, Virgil Flynn III & Mike Matthews won four-way over Levi Shapiro & Buddy Royal, Johnny Dynamo & Ski Sol and Skye Brothers, Sparky Ballard b Rik Luxury, JR Kratos & Mr. Prime  Time b Boyce LeGrande & Marquise Jackson, Boyce LeGrande won Band Slam Cup Battle Royal
    • Scott Teal announced a new autobiography of former Mid Atlantic wrestler Mark Fleming, a protege of Lou Thesz
    • National Pro Wrestling Day takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Reading, PA for a free show headlined by Mickie James vs. Kimber Lee.
    • Cam Newton had a Panthers-style silver Santo mask on Monday night doing media in the Bay Area.
    • Pro Wrestling Tees now has Pro Wrestling NOAH shirts for sale.
    • Al Snow headlines for River City Wrestling tomorrow night at Sideliners Grill in San Antonio, facing Paul Titan in the main event. 
    • 2/26 in Tijuana at the Auditorio has Alebrije (Kraneo in CMLL) & Charly Manson (Sharlie Rockstar in LLE) & Rey Misterio III vs. Psicosis (the original) & Pakal & Rey Escorpion.  The original Octagoncito and Piratita Morgan are in a minis match.
    • Atlantis, Ultimo Guerrero, Virus and Cavernario headline a 2/20 show in Dallas.
    • Fenix, Drago and Pentagon Jr are working a Mucha Lucha show on 3/13 in Atlanta.
    • CMLL on Monday night in Puebla:  Asturiano & Black Tiger b Ares & Espiritu Maligno, Rey Apocalipsis & Toro Bill Jr. b Magnus & Metatron, Blue Panther Jr. & Delta & Stigma b Pierroth & Sagrado & Bobby Z, Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto b Angel de Oro & Titan & Triton, Rush b Thunder-DQ, Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero & Ultimo Guerrero b Dragon Lee & Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Chaotic Wrestling tomorrow night in Lawrence, MA at the Elks Lodge #65.  Tommy Dreamer & Team Friendship face Chase Del Monte & The Logan Brothers in the main event.  Hanson from ROH faces Jesse Sorensen on the show.
    • I was told there is an excellent Masato Tanaka vs. Nanae Takahashi match at the women’s SeaadLinning show on 1/11.
    • A story on Frankie Kazarian combining wrestling and performing in a rock band

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/04): Lawler and Jarrett win USWA Tag Team Titles

  • Daily Update: MSG sends well-wishes to Bret Hart

    Bret Hart well-wishes

    by Tony Leder

    The wrestling world learned of Bret Hart’s battle with prostate cancer yesterday.  The people and organizations wishing him well came flooding in.   Tons over social media including Madison Square Garden sending well-wishes to Bret Hart on both their iconic marquee screen and social media.   So did many within WWE and the rest of wrestling in HHH,  Jerry Lawler, Bret’s nephew Davey Jr, and tons more.   ESPN released an article on the news as did NBC.   Steve Austin on an appearance on the Opie Radio Show: “I wish him all the best. I love that guy. I got so much respect for him. He truly is one of the best ever.  An absolute artist in the ring.  I hold him in very high regard, and he’s a very dear friend.”

    Here is a video I enjoyed yesterday and I wanted to share:

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE – February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners: All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    WEDNESDAY UPDATE

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Episode 2 of the Dana White YouTube series “Looking for a Fight” is up now. Previous episodes of the show have introduced us to Sage Northcutt, Randy Brown and Mickey Gall. Gall, of course, makes his UFC debut this weekend against Mike Jackson on UFC Fight Pass.
    • Dave has two articles about this past Saturday’s UFC on Fox card at MMAFighting: A postmortem for the card itself and an article about the ratings/viewership.
    • Former UFC Flyweight Championship challenger Chris Cariaso announced his retirement from MMA today. He was submitted by Demetrious Johnson in the 2nd round of a title fight at UFC 178 in September 2014. He also lost his next two fights to top contenders Sergio Pettis and Henry Cejudo. The 34 year old retires with a 17-8 record, including 7-6 in UFC. He had previously fought in WEC and Strikeforce.
    • Former Strikeforce, Pride and Dream Heavyweight fighter Sergei Kharitonov has signed with Bellator MMA. Kharitonov last fought in the US during the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix where he beat Andrei Arlovski in the opening round before losing to Josh Barnett in the semifinal. He’s been fighting in Europe and Asia since then.

    MISC

    • For those wondering when Fujin and Rajin (Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka from NJPW) will debut in CMLL, they are scheduled to be on today’s CMLL Informa program at 5 pm CT. They aren’t scheduled to be on any streaming shows in the near future, but will start very soon on CMLL’s Tuesday and Sunday shows, which are not streamed anywhere.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/03): The Eliminators win the ECW Tag Team Titles

    Thank you to everyone who helps out with the F4Wonline.com daily update!  You know who you are….  not Bryan today.

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Daily Update: WWE Raw ratings fall, Ben Henderson gets immediate title shot

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL.  Please send to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

    Smackdown will be taped on tonight in Memphis, TN.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    More on the front page, but the Raw audience was a new non-football season record low.

    As noted on the front page, Benson Henderson’s Bellator debut will be a welterweight title shot on April 22nd.

    Some interesting movement on the betting lines for UFC 196 in the two title fights. Conor McGregor opened as an underdog in his Lightweight title challenge of Rafael Dos Anjos but is now a slight favorite, due to most of the money coming in on the Featherweight champion. While Miesha Tate is still an underdog against Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, the line has moved a lot in the last week, with most of the money coming in on Tate.

    Embattled Edmond Tarverdyan, he was fined $5000 and suspended for 3 months due to failing to disclose his criminal past.  Edmond was popped in 2010 for felony identity theft and a resisting arrest charge, which is a misdemeanor.  He ended up pleading no contest to reduced misdemeanor charges but since he didn’t disclose this information to the CSAC he can’t corner anyone for 90 days.  He is having a rough year…

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • TMZ Sports interviewed a fake Edmond Tarverdyan (Ronda Rousey’s coach) and hilarity ensued. Technically, the Edmond Twitter account is in violation of Twitter’s rules for not being clearly marked as a parody, but obviously nobody’s reported him, he’s not verified either, and the account being a parody is fairly obvious.  
    • Past TUF cast member Jamie Yager (remember him?) returns to action for the first time in three years on a WSOF undercard fight on 2/20 against Greg Parker.
    • After the initial overnight number for Saturday’s UFC on FOX show came in at 2.43 million viewers, final numbers released today bumped that up to 2.685 million viewers, as we had speculated it would. The FS 1 prelims did 702,000 viewers. The main card number was down about 14% from last January’s FOX show. The prelims were up about 16% in total viewers as has been the case for most shows of late.
    • In other MMA ratings news, Bellator 148 Friday on Spike TV did a disappointing 566,000 viewers for the show headlined by Paul Daley knocking out Andy Uhrich. This show was greatly hurt by the withdrawal of former UFC star Josh Koscheck from the originally scheduled main event and the number was way down from their 2015 average.
    • Bellator 149 on February 19th has a late change to the main card as Mike Bronzoulis had to pull out of his fight with Melvin Guillard. Bellator veteran Derek Campos steps in to face the UFC vet who is coming off losses in 3 of his last 4 fights. In a weird bit of trivia, those three losses came in UFC, WSOF and Bellator.

    MISC

    • For those who haven’t been keeping up with the NWAClassics.com streaming service, they recently released a previously unearthed Terry Funk vs. Mark Lewin match from 1979.
    • This week’s Between the Sheets podcast with Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan covers January 26 to February 1, 1991 including the WWF under firing for Gulf War exploitation, Dave Meltzer under fire from the WWF for what he wrote about their Gulf War exploitation, the WBF holds its first press conference, the birth of RINGS, WCW Clash of the Champions:  Dixie Dynamite, and much more.
    • Fire Pro Podcast this week talks about Royal Rumble 1999 and the week in news here.
    • Here’s a podcast with indie promoter/wrestler Dan Maff.
    • Metro Pro Champion Jeremy Wyatt def. the Beer City Bruiser, The Math Magician def. Tracy Smothers, and Central States Champion Ace Steel def. the Kansas City Wolves this past Saturday at Metro Pro Wrestling’s event at the Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/02): Midnight Express won the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Daily Update: Bret Hart fighting prostate cancer

    Bret Hart battling cancer

    In what will most certainly be Bret Hart’s toughest battle yet, Hart announced he has prostate cancer earlier today.  “I’ve had a great lifelong dance and I’m a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle. With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer. In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.” Bret Hart’s complete statement.From all of us at F4WOnline we give our best wishes to Bret Hart and his brother Smith in their simultaneous battles with cancer. 

    Want to thank all correspondents for so much help with all the big shows from all the promotions over the past several weeks.  Awesome job.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on Saturday night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    Raw tonight is in Birmingham, AL  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.  We’re looking for reports, please send to Dave Meltzer.  Nothing has been announced but Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled, and we should get a better idea of the Fast Lane card.

    We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA and Tupelo, MS, as well as the weekend NXT shows in Venice and Largo, FL.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis, TN.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight on Wrestling Observer Live talking Raw, Benson Henderson, TNA, Lucha Underground and more with Wrestling Observer radio.  You can send e-mail questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    ROH officially announced Hirooki Goto coming for its 2/26 PPV show and 2/27 TV tapings. We had reported Goto a couple of weeks back.  The New Japan wrestlers on both shows will be Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Goto, Kushida, Gedo and Tomohiro Ishii. 

    In a surprise to everyone, including those in the organization, the debut of Lucha Underground on television in Canada last night was the first episode of season one, not of season two. (thanks to many)

    Davey Richards appears to have a torn meniscus, although the injury isn’t certain as he was going to get examined once he got home.   The injury was from a match yesterday in Birmingham, UK, where the Wolves lost the ROH tag team titles to Beer Money.      

    Ricky Johnson, the uncle of Dwayne Johnson, suffered two heart attacks yesterday.  He was treated yesterday at Scarborough, ONT General Hospital in Toronto but are back home for rest and recuperation.  He seems to be doing a lot better today. (thanks to Dave Musgrave)

    WWE

    • WWE Studios will be releasing the movie “Countdown” on 4/5, right after WrestleMania.  The movie features Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Lana and Rusev.  The story is about a madman who kidnaps and threatens to blow up a young child, an officer, played by Ziggler, haunted by the loss of his own child, defies his captain, played by Kane, to attempt to rescue him.
    • Stephanie McMahon’s scheduled segment today on Good Morning America got bumped.  She said that it has been moved to later in the week.  She taped the segment on Sunday.
    • Sisters was No. 9 at the box office this past weekend in Australia while Daddy’s Home was No. 10.  In the U.S., they were at No. 19 and No. 12 (thanks to James Stanios)
    • New Day doing media for tonight’s Raw
    • Richard Sherman attempts an RKO on Clay Matthews during the Pro Bowl.  It didn’t work out well.

    UFC

    • In the Saturday UFC on FOX predictions, Josh Nason and I went 4-1, while Mike Sempervive, Mike Sawyer, Steve Juon, Ryan Frederick, John Pollock and David Bixenspan went 3-2, and Frontrow Brian went 2-3.
    • Sage Northcutt apparently went into Saturday’s fight with strep throat and loaded with antibiotics, and had been hospitalized two days prior to the fight.
    • USADA isn’t messing around when it comes to drug testing
    • Ronda Rousey turned 29 today.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Global Force Wrestling announced they would be part of WrestleCon on 4/1 and 4/2 a the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas.  Jeff & Karen Jarrett are confirmed for the events. 
    • VIP ticket sales for WaleMania on 3/31 sold out in two hours, but General Admission tickets are still available  For more info you can go to www.MLW.com
    • For anyone who has not sent payment for dinner or the bus for WrestleMania weekend activities in Dallas, contact f4wfan@hotmail.com  If you have sent, please ask for confirmation to make sure you are on the right lists.
    • ROH has put some added tickets on sale for its TV taping that weekend in Dallas.  But if interested, purchase fast because they are likely to be gone quickly.
    • The Paris Judo Grand Slam this weekend has sold out a 15,000 seat building.  Teddy Riner and Kayla Harrison will be fighting.  Here is a guide.
    • Beyond Wrestling from Saturday night in Somerville, MA:  JT Dunn b Joey Janela in a cage match, Ryan Galeone b Jonathan Gresham, Matt Riddle b Chuck O’Neil in a battle of former MMA fighters with Drew Gulak as referee, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa b Hit Squad, Zack Sabre Jr. b Brian Fury, Shynron b Travis Gordon, Chris Hero b Matt Tremont, TJ Marconi & Darius Carter & Anthony Gangone b Jaka & Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztik, AR Fox b Tracy Williams in a submission match, Kimber Lee & Heidi Lovelace b Sami Callihan & Chris Dickinson
    • Pro Wrestling Syndicate vs. GFW results from Saturday night in Rahway, NJ in a make-up card for the event canceled by the blizzard:  Habib the Car Wash Guy b Sonjay Dutt, Pepper Parks b Cliff Compton, Chris Steele & Sandy Mann won three-way over Reynolds Brothers and Aesthetic Enterprises, Brian Myers b Chris Payne, Anthony Bowens won six-way over CPA, Niko Rikos, Bobby Wayward, Maxwell Feinstein and Drunken Swashbuckler, Matt MacIntosh b Danny Maff, Team PWS of Pat Buck & Fallah Bahn & Kevin Matthews & Mario Bokara beat Team GFW of Jeff Jarrett & Nick Aldis & Heavenly Bodies.  After the show, PWS owner Pat Buck announced that the company has a new name starting with the 3/5 show, and will be called WrestlePro (thanks to Sylvan Gerald)
    • Toryumon results from yesterday in Naucalpan for a TV taping for Japan:  Ikaro & Sonic b Fireman & Daisuke Hanaoka, Princesa Sugei b Reyna Isis, Dragon Rojo Jr. & Escandalo & Patan b Fiero & Padrino & Super Ciudadano, Solar I d Black Terry (double pin, fans threw money in the ring when it was over), Angel de Oro & Ultimo Dragon & Titan b Arkangel de la Muerte & Canelo Casas & El Terrible (thanks to Kris Zellner)  
    • NWA Mid South Wrestling from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN:  Kevin Lee Davidson b Dale Wylde, Keon Option b Van Van Horn, Tim Storm b Apoc to keep North American title, Matt Riviera & Rob Conway b Josh Lewis & Jeremy Moore to retain NWA tag title, Greg Anthony b John Saxon to keep NWA National title.  Gary Michael Capetta was inducted into the NWA Mid South Hall of Fame.  They announced a 2/20 show with Riviera & Conway defending the tag titles against Bobby Fulton of The Fantastics & Dexter Hardaway an Anthony vs. John Saxon vs. Rodney Mack in a three way for the National title.
    • Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Mt. Airy, GA before 892 fans with appearances by Ricky Steamboat and Road Warrior Animal.  Chase Owens b Jeff Lewis Neal, Maverick b Jordan Kage, Rick Steiner b Michael Judas, Johnny Swinger b Rikki Nelson, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson b Heatseekers
    • Big Valley Wrestling in Las Vegas from Saturday night:  Suede Thompson b Beast the Butcher in a lumberjack match, Players Club b Team BatKins in a ladder match, Night Warriors b Faces of Evil, Greg Romero b Ricky Tenacious, Tomaste b Sizzlin James Slay (thanks to Mike Trask)
    • The West Coast Wrestling Federation presents a tribute show for Darren Dean on Saturday night in Yuba City at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds.  Dean, who passed away recently, is from Yuba City and had been scheduled on this show.
    • Barrie Wrestling on 2/15 in Barrie, ONT at the Ferris Lane Community Church.
    • C4 wrestling on 2/26 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club.
    • A wrestler and MMA fighter jailed for running a string of cannabis farms
    • A story on Kevin Nash

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (02/01): Brown and Geigel win North American tag team titles

    For information on website get-togethers for WrestleMania, e-mail: F4Wfan@hotmail.com

  • Daily Update: Yet another WWE injury; Lucha Underground 3rd season?

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on today’s Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha tapings in Los Angeles, as well as today’s TNA tapings in Birmingham, England, today’s WWE house shows in Columbus, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos & Ryback) and Tupelo, MS (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt) to Dave Meltzer

    Raw will be Monday in Birmingham.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday in Memphis.

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!  The latest video is “Kill that Mole”.  A silent film we created a few years ago starring Bryan and Vince.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/18/2016: Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit denied
    Gawker’s motion to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit is denied, plus news and notes

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Royal Rumble, Road to Wrestlemania, more

    Coverage of the Royal Rumble and where things lead to WrestleMania is the lead story in a jam-packed news issue of the Wrestling Observer.  TNA’s statements regarding A.J. Styles, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the timing, what is accurate, and a lot that wasn’t in those statements as to why the deal didn’t happen. The process that led the stars from New Japan and more. The Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum injuries and title match cancellation and what directions UFC took to try and save it.  More on the injury to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the death of Archie “Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie, some stories about his life and career.  WWE Hall of Fame class of 2016, New Japan Fantatstica Mania tour with full rundowns and stories behind it, Nikki Bella injury and what led to the increase in ratings for Raw and Smackdown.

    The story behind why HHH won the title, why it was the right booking decision given the destination, questions about the execution, the confusing Fast Lane main event, what the original booking plan was behind Roman Reigns ascension to the top and why it was so hard for Vince McMahon to decide against his winning at last year’s WrestleMania, and questions about the crowds at Fast Lane and Mania for the main events. Update WrestleMania, chart out the Royal Rumble with how long everyone was in, eliminations, and news, Rumble business, poll results and match-by-match results with star ratings. 

    The situation with New Japan losing talent, and how the CMLL stars did on the tour.

    The arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE and why he’s in NXT, an update on Daniel Bryan, NXT finances for talent, another endorsement deal for Dwayne Johnson, notes on the next WWE network live special, updates on NXT talent coming to the main roster, lots of WWE injury notes, WWE plans for post-Mania and the European tour, Lesnar dates, details on NXT tapings as well as details on all the weekend WWE events.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: December 28, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Bischoff gets historic NBC deal, WCW files lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, more  Eric Bischoff and NBC work out a historic deal to air WCW on NBC, WCW files a lawsuit against WWF over Wrestling With Shadows, plus tons of news.

    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio with myself and Bryan Alvarez talking all the weekend news from UFC, TNA and WWE.  We also talk in detail about the Awesome Kong/Reby Hardy incident that took place on Friday in the Manchester, England dressing room.

    Pro Wrestling Sheet announced that at today’s Lucha Underground tapings that talent were told that there would be a third season, but not when filming was to begin.  The scheduled right now is for July.  It also said Lucha Underground would be hitting the iTunes store in a few months.

    Beer Money captured the TNA tag team titles today in Birmingham, England, cashing in their briefcase, beating The Wolves.

    At the UFC post-fight press conference, they said would be announcing the date for Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rematch within the next week.

    Tye Dillinger is the latest WWE injury, collapsing when landing reversing out of a vertical suplex against Sami Zayn, apparently blowing out his right knee.  He will be evaluated tomorrow.

    I’ll be on the MMA Hour at www.mma.fighting.com with Ariel Helwani tomorrow at 1 p.m. Eastern time.  Other guests on the show will be Benson Henderson, Fabricio Werdum, Scott Coker and Anthony Perosh.

    WWE

    • Stephanie McMahon will be on Good Morning America tomorrow in the 8 a.m. hour.
    • Dwayne Johnson on Monday:  “Ha well at WWE events, going off script is what I live for.  So much more fun for the fans.  Nightmare for Vince.”
    • WrestleMania Fan Axxess tickets for Dallas go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow with the code TWWETME 
    • A John Layfield interview with Ron Simmons will air after Raw tomorrow night.
    • English translations of Shinsuke Nakamura’s promo from yesterday both in the ring and the press area
    • A story on WWE ref Charles Robinson

    UFC/MMA

    • For yesterday, UFC was the seventh most searched term in the U.S. with more than 100,000.  Among those ahead included the Pro Bowl, Serena Williams and NHL All-Star game.  No. 16 was Sage Northcutt with 50,000.
    • Former WWE star Dave Bautista posted this:  “Anyone who buys that goofy UFC Reebok shit is endorsing the fighters getting fucked out of their sponsorships.  Just a thought.”
    • Phil Mushnick again rips on New York for considering legalizing MMA
    • Concern from Ireland that travel companies think there is less interest in people going to Las Vegas again so quickly
    • A crazy clip from a Joe Lauzon fighter from last night.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Southern States Wrestling did a Mongolian Stomper tribute on its TV show this week
    • Lucha Underground debuts tonight on TLM in Canada with shows at 10 p.m and midnight.
    • Bret Hart has started a company called Sharpshooter Funding, a capital investment firm to help small Canadian businesses that his son, Dallas, will be the head of sales for.
    • TV Asahi 2 in Japan announced they will be airing five hours of Antonio Inoki’s most famous matches on 2/20, which is Inoki’s 73rd birthday.
    • Gabi Castrovinci, known as Raquel in TNA (she was on Tough Enough this past season), had her first match last night against Santana Garrett in Orlando.  Full results:  Josh Parker b Rex Bacchus, Josh Hess & Ace Andrews b CT Brown & Alexx Light, Braydon Knight b Tyranus, Brandon Scherrer b Chico Adams, Mike Reed b Jonny Vandal, Santana Garrett b Rex Bacchus, Santana Garrett b Raquel to retain the Wonder of Stardom title, Rhett Giddins b Mark Silva-DQ, Rhett Ghddins b Mark Silva to keep the Florida title.  Next show is 2/20.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/31): Hennig & Race win AWA World Tag Team Titles

    For information on web site get togethers at WrestleMania, you can e-mail F4wfan@hotmail.com