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Category: Daily Updates

  • Daily Update: UFC on FOX, Ronda Rousey body paint!

    UFC on FOX tonight!

    Ryan Bader vs Anthony Johnson will be fighting later tonight in Newark, NJ.  Bader will need this win to keep his title shot hopes alive.  Like all Anthony Johnson fights the plan should be to take him into the later rounds and pick him apart then look to take him down and either submit Johnson or grind out a decision.  If Bader can survive Johnson’s power in the first round or two then he has a chance though he is certainly an underdog.

    Josh Barnett will take on Ben Rothwell.  With the ever changing injury situation and shallow talent pool with the heavy weights either one of these men could earn a possible title shot with a win.  This is an intruiging fight in that they are both long time vets and there isn’t much either one of them hasn’t seen before.  We also get to see if the Sage Northcutt hype train can keep a chuggin’ against Bryan Barbarena, who was a late replacement for Andrew Holbrook.  Northcutt in 3 months with the UFC is already having his third fight.  This next fight seems to be a step up in competition for the talented Northcutt but UFC is certianly bringing him along slowly.  Northcutt is a must see at the post-fight press conference.

    UFC ON FOX ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ  – Follow along live with F4WOnline.com’s Ryan Frederick.

    Fight Pass at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time

    Randy Brown vs. Matt Dwyer

    Tony Martin vs. Felipe Olivieri

    Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili

    FS 1 at 5 p.m.

    Alex Bruce Leroy Caceres vs. Masio Fullen

    George Sullivan vs. Alexander Yakovlev

    Wilson Reis vs. Dustin Ortiz

    Kevin Casey vs. Rafael Natal

    Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Diego Ferreira

    Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine

    FOX at 10 p.m.

    Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barbarena

    Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera

    Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Barnett

    Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Ryan Bader

    PRO WRESTLING NOAH SUNDAY FROM YOKOHAMA BUNKA GYM

    Yoshihiro Takayama & Quiet Storm & Hajime Ohara & Genba Hirayanagi vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Akitoshi Saito & Hitoshi Kumano & Kaito Kiyomiya

    Desperado vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru

    Shelton Benjamin vs. Mitsuhiro Kitamiya

    Maybach Taniguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka

    Daisuke Harada & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi for GHC jr. tag titles

    Taiji Ishimori vs. Kenou for GHC jr. title 

    Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Mohammed Yone & Katsuhiko Nakajima for GHC tag titles

    Minoru Suzuki vs. Go Shiozaki

    Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura for GHC heavyweight title

    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.

    SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Ronda Rousey got bodypainted again for a second Sports Illustrated photo shoot.
    • Despite spending all of his time before, during and after his main event fight last night for Bellator talking about Josh Koscheck, Paul Daley apparently wants a fight with Wanderlei Silva as he told reporters following last night’s Bellator 148. Scott Coker later commented that he’s not interested in signing the former UFC fighter and former Pride Grand Prix Champion and doesn’t think the fight will happen.
    • ONE Championships main card results from Malaysia on Friday – Ev Ting 3rd round sub over Eric Kelly; Eduard Foloyang dec over Tetsuya Yamada; Jake Butler 1st round KO over Tatsuya Mizuno; Geje Eustaquio 1st round KO over Saiful Merican; Samir Mrabet 2nd round sub over Sami Amin; Keanu Subba 1st round KO over Rayner Kinsiong
    • Victory FC 47 on UFC Fight Pass main card results from Omaha on Friday – Anthony Smith 1st round KO over Josh Neer; Jarred Mercado 2nd round sub over Alonzo Martinez; Dakota Cochrane 3rd round sub over Jake Lindsey; Cody Carrillo 1st round sub over Sean Wilson; Yuri Villefort 1st round KO over Kenneth Glenn; Grant Dawson 2nd round TKO over Bryce Logan

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/30): Williams & Gordy win AJPW Tag Team Titles

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • Daily Update: Alberto Del Rio injured, WWE Network special matches

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s TNA TV tapings from Manchester, England as well as tonight’s NXT shows in Pittsburgh and Largo, FL to Dave Meltzer

    Our only weekend poll will be for the UFC show tomorrow night on FOX, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    Tons of stuff for your viewing pleasure tonight. 

    BELLATOR TONIGHT ON SPIKE AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME FROM FRESNO

    Raphael Butler (263) vs. Tony Johnson (264.4)

    Ryan Couture (155) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (155.4)

    Chris Honeycutt (171) vs. Paul Bradley (171)

    Paul Daley (170.2) vs. Andy Uhrich (169.8)  

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON AXS TV

    Young Bucks vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Kenny Omega vs. Mascara Dorada for IWGP jr. title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano

    These matches are from last year’s Invasion Attack show, which means A.J. Styles vs. Kota Ibushi should be coming up soon.

    SHINE IPPV AT 9 P.M. FROM YBOR CITY, FL AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM

    Renee Michelle vs. Barbi Hayden

    Malia Hosaka vs. Thunderkitty

    Jayme Jameson vs. Kimber Lee

    Allysin Kay vs. Su Yung

    Amber Gallows vs. Leva (Blue Pants) for NWA women’s title

    Taylor Made vs. Santana Garrett for Shine championship

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME

    Hombre Bala Jr. & Super Halcon Jr. vs. Arkangel de la Muerte & Cancerbero

    Fuego & The Panther & Triton vs. Puma King & Tiger & Virus

    Guerrero Maya Jr. & Titan & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Pierroth

    Gran Guerrero & Mephisto & Niebla Roja vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Polvora

    Thunder vs. Euforia

    Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Negro Casas & Ultimo Guerrero

    LION FIGHTS TONIGHT FROM TEMECULA, CA AT 10 P.M. ON AXS TV

    Jared Papazian (133) vs. Travis Clay (131.2)

    Coke Chunhawatr (137.4) vs. Anmvar Boynazarov (140.4)

    Chris Culley (150.2) vs. Brian Del Rosario (146.6)

    Kronphet Phetrachapat (143.6) vs. Gaston Bolanos (142.4)

    Ashley Nichos (119.2) vs. Tiffany Van Soest (119) for Womens’ super bantamweight title

    Charlie Peters (146.4) vs. Fabio Pinca (145.2)

    VICTORY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS ON UFC FIGHT PASS AT 10 P.M.

    Josh Neer vs. Anthony Smith for the middleweight title

    Jake Lindsey vs. Yuri Villefort

    NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL FOR SHINSUKE NAKAMURA’S FAREWELL MATCH AT 4:30 A.M. TONIGHT EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    David Finlay vs. Kawato Hirai

    Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Liger vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask

    Kazushi Sakuraba & Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

    Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Michael Elgin & Juice Robinson vs. Kenny Omega & Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii in the All-Star trios match

    We’ll be looking for reports on Saturday from the TNA tapings in London, WWE in Macon, GA (Roman Reigns vs. Rusev for WWE title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title, New Day vs. Usos for tag titles) and Chattanooga (Kane vs. Bray Wyatt plus Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Luke Harper, Big Show and Kalisto) as well as NXT shows in Royal Oak, MI and Venice, FL.

    UFC ON FOX ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ

    Fight Pass at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time

    Randy Brown vs. Matt Dwyer

    Tony Martin vs. Felipe Olivieri

    Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili

    FS 1 at 5 p.m.

    Alex Bruce Leroy Caceres vs. Masio Fullen

    George Sullivan vs. Alexander Yakovlev

    Wilson Reis vs. Dustin Ortiz

    Kevin Casey vs. Rafael Natal

    Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Diego Ferreira

    Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine

    FOX at 10 p.m.

    Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barbarena

    Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera

    Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Barnett

    Anthony Rumble Johnson vs. Ryan Bader

    PRO WRESTLING NOAH SUNDAY FROM YOKOHAMA BUNKA GYM

    Yoshihiro Takayama & Quiet Storm & Hajime Ohara & Genba Hirayanagi vs. Yoshinari Ogawa & Akitoshi Saito & Hitoshi Kumano & Kaito Kiyomiya

    Desperado vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru

    Shelton Benjamin vs. Mitsuhiro Kitamiya

    Maybach Taniguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka

    Daisuke Harada & Atsushi Kotoge vs. Taka Michinoku & Taichi for GHC jr. tag titles

    Taiji Ishimori vs. Kenou for GHC jr. title 

    Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Mohammed Yone & Katsuhiko Nakajima for GHC tag titles

    Minoru Suzuki vs. Go Shiozaki

    Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura for GHC heavyweight title

    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.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Dana White said today that Cain Velasquez will be undergoing back surgery but is expected to make a full recovery in four weeks.

    Gypsy Joe has been on a ventilator since last Thursday.  Joe had one of the longest wrestling careers in history.  He’ll be having a procedure done and try to get him off the ventilator.  If that doesn’t work he will be released to hospice care.  He was something of a legend in Japan for his willingness to take punishment and for his conditioning into his 60s.

    Alberto Del Rio is out of action with a back injury.  He was scheduled on WWE’s weekend shows to face Kalisto.  The injury came from taking a vertical suplex from Brock Lesnar in the Royal Rumble.  He will be reevaluated on Monday in Birmingham.  

    Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus and Brock Lesnar vs. Luke Harper are now confirmed for the next WWE Network live special on 3/12 from Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum.  There will also be a Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho.  A.J. Styles, Paige and New Day will also be on the show.

    Abel “Juan” Reynosa passed away this past week at the age of 59.  Reynosa wrestled most of his career in his hometown of San Antonio.  He got his main career pushes as Taras Bulba working in Tennessee and had a run as a headliner in the latter days of World Class Championship Wrestling, feuding with Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich.

    Lucha Underground did 109,000 viewers on Tuesday night on El Rey for the live show and an impressive 85,000 for the immediate replay.  Those were the best numbers the show has ever done, which makes sense, because they had more publicity going in than any episode to date, particularly the ESPN hit.

    WWE

    • With Sheamus injured, the scheduled Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus house show main events are now Reigns vs. Rusev (who is now the one man League of Nation) for the WWE title.
    • Adrian Jaoude, who is a WWE developmental performer from Brazil, who they are grooming to be a major Brazilian star, will be competing in the 2016 Olympics.  The WWE web site has a story on him.
    • Advertised for 2/17 in Fresno is Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt and Ryback & The Dudleys vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman (thanks to Bryan White)
    • The March NXT show in Columbus, OH sold out immediately today.  That was expected given it’s a small building and it’s the Arnold Fitness Expo weekend.
    • The stock was up 8 cents today to close at $17.90.
    • An article on Big E learning the entertainment side of wrestling
    • A story on Carmella from the Staten Island Advance, noting she’s really not from Staten Island
    • T-Mobile adds WWE to Binge On
    • A.J. Styles entrance music

    UFC

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi did worktoday’s New Japan show in Tokorozawa.  He dislocated his shoulder last week but is refusing to take any time off.
    • WaleMania II was officially announced for 3/31 at Winston’s Supper club in Dallas.  Tickets go on sale Monday at www.MLW.com andwww.WaleMania.EventBrite.com  There will be a live podcast with Konnan, Court Bauer and Mister Saint Laurent.  From 8-9 p.m. for VIP ticket holders only there will be a meet and greet cocktail party with a special guest to be announced (may be a big one), red carpet arrival and first access to the venue for a seat for the podcast.  The podcast for VIP & GA ticket holders will be 9-11 p.m. with a live Q&A with fans.  11 p.m. to 2 a.m. will be an after party featuring a Wale concert.  Many major names from pro wrestling will be there.  VIP tickets are $50 and GA are $15.  You must be 21 or older to attend and you will be ID’d.
    • Lucha Underground debuts in Canada.  It will be on TLN  Sunday at 10 p.m. Eastern., with the episode that aired in the U.S. on Wednesday 
    • Kurt Angle is publicly campaigning for Marco Rubio for president.
    • A story on the top matches of 2015
    • A photo feature on legends from Wrestling at the Chase TV in St. Louis
    • An interview with Bobby Roode & James Storm from England’s Sky News Radio
    • Raquel of TNA, real name Gabi Castrovinci from Tough Enough, is now training in Orlando at the Team Vision Dojo.  They’ve been filming her for a possible TV show. 
    • Tuesday night CMLL results from Guadalanjar:  Furia Roja & Carlos Roggi  b Explosivo & Star Black, Canelo Casas & Metalico & Rafaga b Magnum & Magnus & Oro Jr., Fuego & Guerrero Maya Jr. & The Panther b Cuatrero & Forastero & Sanson, Dragon Lee & Mistico & Volador Jr. b Mephisto & Ephesto & Luciferno, Marco Corleone & La Mascara & Rush b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Kraneo & Thunder (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Sean Wheelock, a regular guest of our show, will be announcing the Victory Fighting Championships tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 10 p.m.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (1/29): Junkyard Dog & Killer Karl Kox win Mid South Tag Team Titles

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • Daily Update: Tanahashi will work through injury; Early CTE detection close?

    There’s a big weekend coming up of events, including TNA tapings in the U.K., New Japan having Shinsuke Nakamura’s last match which airs late tomorrow/early Saturday our time live on New Japan World, Pro Wrestling NOAH has a big show, UFC has a show on FOX and Lucha Underground will be taping Ultima Lucha season two.

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK

    Dolph Ziggler & Titus O’Neil & Usos vs. New Day & The Miz

    Kalisto vs. Neville for the U.S. title

    A.J. Styles vs. Curtis Axel

    Charlotte vs. Natalya non-title

    Chris Jericho & Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper

    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.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    A story with Dr. Robert Cantu in the Boston Herald talking about how close they are to being able to detect CTE in living people and what that will mean for sports

    Hiroshi Tanahashi is planning on working the upcoming New Japan tour.  It used to be considered a sign of toughness in another era to do that.  Today, the sign of toughness is the ability to admit when you’re hurt and make the tough decision to take time off.  He’s in a lot of pain, and will be working lots of tags and trying to get through it.   

    TNA announced that Will Ospreay vs. Mark Andrews would take place on tomorrow’s TV tapings in Manchester, England.  I hope they give them time because they’ll put on a fantastic TV match.

    The University of Michigan announced today that they were bringing in Ric Flair on 2/3 to meet with their 2016 recruiting class.  He’ll join a number of other celebrities that include Desmond Howard, pitcher Derek Holland, famous football coach Lou Holtz and former NFL coach Mike Shanahan. 

    Josh Barnett’s open workout today was a pro wrestling match, that’s not the first time he’s done that.

    WWE

    • WWE and 2K announced a new multi-year exclusive contract giving 2K worldwide rights to develop and publish WWE video game properties across all major platforms.  They will continue to do WWE 2K and WWE Super Card franchises.
    • A pre-sale for WWE Axxess tickets starts Monday at 9 a.m. Central time.
    • A pre-sale for the final Raw and Smackdown prior to WrestleMania, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is on right now through tomorrownight at 10 p.m.  You need the code BKRAW.  HHH, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Sheamus, Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio are the listed stars.
    • WWE Studios and Blumhouse Production have bought a new indie movie called “Sleight”, a science fiction thriller about a street magician in New York.  WWE Studio officials saw the movie at Sundance and decided to get involved.
    • WWE stock was up 25 cents per share today to close at $17.82.
    • Battarelli Research yesterday published an analysis saying “WWE is about to get body slammed.” 
    • The upcoming show in Magdeburg Germany is sold out, in a small arena (thanks to Bronco Groen)
    • A 3/15 show in Asbury Park, NJ for the NXT brand is sold out. 
    • Wale attended the WWE show on Monday night in Miami.  He took photos with Vince McMahon, HHH and Dwayne Johnson. 
    • Announced for 3/19 in White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center

    Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt

    Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. title

    Dudleys & Kane vs. Braun Strowman & Erick Rowan & Luke Harper

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev (thanks to Mike Omansky)

    UFC/MMA

    • Johny Hendricks’ Bigg Rigg Steak House in Midlothian, TX closed up after one year.
    • Bellator has its first show of the year tomorrow night in Fresno at the Save Mart Center, on Spike, headlined by Paul Daley vs. Andy Uhrich.
    • UFC announced these fights for its 4/10 show in Zagreb, Croatia.  Tickets go on sale 2/12

    Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Ruslan Magomedov

    Igor Pokrajac (from Zagreb) vs. Jan Blachowicz (Poland)

    Francis Ngannou (the Paris heavyweight that has a freaky physique) vs. Bojan Mihajiovic (Serbia)

    Nicholas Dalby (Denmark) vs. Bartosz Fabinski (Poland)

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • The Saturday night PBC show on FOX ended up doing 2.5 million viewers and peaked at 3.5 million for the Danny Garcia vs. Robert Guerrero main event.  I would suspect the UFC numbers on Saturday will be somewhat similar.  It was the largest PBC audience in several months.
    • ROH sent out a release that Shinsuke Nakamura won’t be appearing on their 2/26 PPV show.  I think that’s been known since 1/5. 
    • Steve and Colby Corino are headed to Zero-One in March. 
    • NJPW Europe noted it’s your last chance to buy Shinsuke Nakamura King of  Strong Style T-shirts 
    • A giveaway of the audio book for Bob Holly’s autobiography, as well as some info about a short film he’s made with Ross Williams, the guy he wrote his book with.
    • A story on what WWE can learn from New Japan
    • A story on TNA’s UK tour
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix from last night in Omaha:  Branden Juarez DDQ L-Ray, Robert Storm b Mad Dog McDowell, Zac James b Pat Powers, Paul & Joey Daniels b Dalton Lee Roth & Purple, Ariya Daivari b Blue Rocket, Arik Cannon b Mark Sterling to win the PWP title.  Next show is 2/13 in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.
    • Brian Last and David Bixenspan talk to Mongolian Stomper’s friend Beau James, as well as Stampede wrestling author Heath McCoy on the Stomper
    • One of Stardom’s best matches with Io Shirai vs. Kairi Hojo in the 1/17 Korakuen Hall anniversary show main event
    • Marvelous Puroresu on 2/13 in Elmhurst, NY at the Queensbro Elks Lodge at 4 p.m. with Rocky Romero vs. Amazing Red.  Mio Momono make her pro wrestling debut.  She’s a highly touted protege of Chigusa Nagayo (the most popular female wrestler of her time), who will also be wrestling on the show.  Also appearing are Kyoko Kimura, Renee Michelle, Kimber Lee, Heidi Lovelace, Will Ferrara and Cheeseburger
    • NWA Mid South on Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex with Matt Riviera & Rob Conway vs. Jeremy Moore & ? for the NWA world tag team titles and John Saxon vs. Greg Anthony for the National title.  Gary Cappetta will be attending as guest ring announcer and to be inducted into the Mid South Hall of Fame.
    • ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling on 2/13 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena features the Hardy Boys.  The main event is King McBride defending the MCW title against Matt Hardy, who will have Jeff Hardy in his corner.
    • CZW will induct WWE ref and former CZW star Drake Weurtz (Drake Younger) into its Hall of Fame on 2/13 at the show at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.  The main event will be a ladder match with Matt Tremont defending his CZW title against Devon Moore in a ladder match.
    • NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 2/13 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Toby Farley for the NWA title.
    • Capital City Championship Combat on 3/19 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.
    • CHIKARA Pro on 1/30 in Philadelphia at the Wrestle Factory in their season opener.
    • NWA Parade of Champions on 3/31 in Fort Worth at the Ridglea Theater includes a Jim Cornette Q&A at 3 p.m., A meet and greet from 5-7 p.m. with Sabu, Cornette, Marc Lowrance and Mike McGuirk plus matches with Jax Dane, Ray Rowe, Amber Gallows, Chase Owns, Rob Conway, Matt Riviera and more.
    • Beyond Wrestling on 1/31 in Somerville, MA have a show that is sold out for a month that features Matt Riddle, Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Hero, Chris Dickinson, Tommaso Ciampa and more.
    • Rockstar Pro has an iPPV on 2/5 from Dayton headlined by Armageddon Games.
    • Nova Pro Wrestling on Sunday in Springfield, VA with Sonjay Dutt and the Bravado Brothers at the Annandale Sports Center at 5 pm.
    • Lucha Libre VOZ on 3/19 at the Arizona State Prepatory Academy in Phoenix with El Hijo del Rey Misterio vs. Rush vs. Bestia 666 vs. Niebla Roja.
    • Grand Slam Pro Wrestling on 2/6 in Moosic, PA at the Youth Center.
    • Collector’s Realm at the Dutchess Marketplace in Fishkill, NY has Sami Callihan appearing on Saturday from Noon to 1:30 p.m.; and Jim Duggan on 2/13 from Noon to 2 p.m.
    • The Laugh It Up Comedy Club at Mahoney’s in Poughkeepsie NY has Jim Duggan doing a show at 6:30 p.m. on 2/13 and Jim Cornette doing a show on 3/5 at 11 p.m.     
    • A story on Jim Duggan performing in Buffalo
    • CTV in Montreal did a piece on local wrestler Shayne Hawke (real name Andrew Stott) on his battles with depression
    • A story on Andre the Giant and the end of his career
    • If anyone has video footage from Buffalo Wrestling Federation out of Las Vegas (also known as Buffalo Jim’s Wrestling), from 1999 to 2004, please contact Roy Lucier at roywarrenlucier@yahoo.com
    • Nine Legends, a new wrestling film starring Bill Goldberg, Mike Tyson, Bret Hart, Rob Van Dam, Lita, Randy Couture, Ted DiBiase, Dynamite Kid and Chris Jericho is now available to stream at www.ninelegendsfilm.com for just $5.  Check out this trailer.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/28): Jerry Lawler wins the Smoky Mountain Title

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • Daily Update: Lucha Underground returns, rumored UFC fight

    Lucha Underground returns tonight

    The Wednesday Night Wars are back with NXT vs. the returning Lucha Underground in the latter’s second season. Jeremy Peeples will have your look at episode one later tonight. Even The Rock has given the show its blessing as you’ll see in this AV Club preview piece.

    UFC 196 PPV now FREE on Fox Sports 1

    Due to injuries to both men in the main event, UFC will no longer be running a PPV on February 6. Originally slated to be headlined by a heavyweight title defense by Fabricio Werdum in a rematch against Cain Velasquez, the main event fight was recently changed when Velasquez decided to pull out due to an undisclosed injury. Rather than cancel the fight, the UFC offered the title shot to Stipe Miocic who recently KO’d Andrei Arlovski in 54 seconds less than a month ago on January 2, at UFC 195.

    However, the Werdum vs. Miocic fight has now been completely cancelled as Werdum pulled out as well due to a number of minor injuries. This left the UFC in need of a new major match in order to put on the PPV event. With less than two weeks until the show, rather than find a replacement match, UFC 196 will now be a free show on Fox Sports 1, and the semi main event match between Johny Hendricks and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will now headline the show.

    The rest of the card that will air live for free on Fox Sports 1 on February 6 is as follows:

    • Roy Nelson vs. Jared Rosholt
    • Ovince St. Preux vs. Raphael Cavalcante
    • Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky
    • Josh Burkman vs. KJ Noons

    The show, which looks to be rather weak on paper, is now headlined by a potential number one contenders match at welterweight. Johny Hendricks looks to rebound from his most recent loss to fatness when he missed weight badly in his scheduled bout with Tyrone Woodley. White initially said Woodley would be getting the next shot at the welterweight title, but has since rescinded, given the likely rematch between Carlos Condit and current welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

    Given the weakness of the card without the title match, it is likely this would have been one of least purchased UFC PPV shows in recent history.

    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

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placing for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 Wrestlemania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan Alvarez appeared on PodcastOne.com’s “The Ross Report” with Jim Ross.  Listen here. As I type this Bryan is recording the Lance Storm F4D and the Tom Lawler’s Filthy Four Daily edition of F4D.  Look for those two shows within an hour or two.  Not sure which order they were recorded though!  I am also very sure Dave is feverishly working on completing the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at this moment as well, so check back for this week’s edition later today!  A big Wednesday as usual for F4WOnline.com, now on to the news:

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Rashad Evans vs Shogun Rua is rumoured to be announced for UFC on FOX 19 in April. Should the fight happen, it would be the first time the two veterans have fought each other, although they were scheduled to fight in 2011 at UFC 128 before a knee injury to Evans forced him out of that fight. This would probably be the co-main for that show, which only has a Tony Ferguson/Khabib Nurmagomedov fight attached to it.
    • UFC today announced the signing of a guy named Adam “The Prototype” Millstead to a four fight deal. You may recall that’s the same nickname John Cena had in developmental and a look at this guy might explain why he uses that name. Millstead is 7-1 with 7 straight stoppage wins on smaller regional shows.
    • EA Sports released a trailer for the UFC Ultimate Team mode in the upcoming EA Sports UFC 2 video game. They also updated their website with a news post going over the various features in UFC Ultimate Team. The game comes out on March 15th and is available for pre-order now.
    • WSOF 27 Saturday on NBC Sports Network did 213,000 viewers for its show headlined by Luiz Firmino vs Caros Fodor and no starpower whatsoever underneath. It was their best number since August’s show headlined by Jake Shield and well above the 2015 average of 189,000 viewers.
    • ONE Championships has a show for the 2nd straight weekend coming up on Friday morning North American time, evening in Malaysia where the show is being held. The main event is Featherweight fight between Eric Kelly and Ev Ting. Interesting name on the undercard is Christian Lee, the 17 year old brother of Angela Lee, the 4-0 Strawweight who took the promotion by storm in 2015. Christian had his first pro fight in December for ONE and won with a KO in just 29 seconds.
    • Carlos Condit reveals his new driver’s license photo…taken three days after the Robbie Lawler fight.
    • We have a column up, taking a retrospective look at TUF season 1.
    • Bellator MMA runs its first show of the year Friday night in Fresno, airing as always on Spike TV. This is a “regular” show, being headlined by a welterweight fight between Paul Daley and Andy Uhrich. If Daley wins, as expected, he’d be expected to face Josh Koscheck later in the year. Other fights on the show include Chris Honeycutt v Paul Bradley, Raphael Butler v Tony Johnson Jr and Patricky “Pitbull” Freire vs Ryan Couture. We’ll have coverage of the show on the site starting at 9 pm eastern.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/27): The Rock defeats CM Punk to win WWE World Title

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • Daily Update: Post Rumble RAW with The Rock, UFC 196

    The Rock returns to RAW

    As pretty much expected, The Rock was the surprise return at WWE RAW last night.  He was what you would have expected from him, he was The Rock.  His appearance along with it being the day after the Royal Rumble led to a surge in ratings for RAW.  They will, of course, look to hold onto the higher ratings leading to Fastlane and more importantly Wrestlemania in Dallas.   Check out F4WOnline.com’s recap of last night’s RAW.  

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped tonight in Tampa.

    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!    Our latest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placing for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 Wrestlemania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    UFC/MMA

    Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (-310) vs. Ryan Bader (+260)

    Josh Barnett (-132) vs. Ben Rothwell (+112)

    Jimmie Rivera (-160) vs. Iuri Alcantara (+140)

    Northcutt (-450) vs. Bryan Barberena (+350)

    Tarec Saffiedine (-235) vs. Jake Ellenberger (+200)

    • Chris Weidman joined UFC COO Lawrence Epstein today in kicking off a tour to try and gain support for the legalization of MMA in New York. Good luck.
    • Dana White’s comments on Sage Northcutt, “Sage is a beast and he wants to fight like every other month… I love kids like that, who are hungry and fired up and love to be active.”  

    MISC

    • Knoxville News Sentinel article on the death of The Mongolian Stomper/Archie Gouldie including funeral information.
    • J.J. Dillon will be getting the Lou Thesz Award at this year’s Thesz/Tragos Hall of Fame awards ceremony in Waterloo, Iowa.
    • Former NFL player stands trial in fraud scheme, includes former wrestling announcer Ken Resnick
    • In relation to Dave’s comments about injuries and training, the Minnesota Vikings have fired their strength and conditioning coach following the 2015 season which included at least two players having back surgery and three players having pectoral injuries significant enough that caused them to miss significant playing time.
    • On this week’s Between the Sheets podcast, Sherdog’s Jordan Breen joins Kris Zellner & David Bixenspan to cover January 19-25, 1998 including Hulk Hogan/WWF rumors, WCW/NWO Souled Out, AJPW/WWF business relations growing, NJPW contract season, Antonio Pena suing everybody, ECW/WWF business relations growing, Bobo Brazil’s death, and the mass hysteria surrounding the Steve Austin/Mike Tyson angle.
    • The latest edition of 6:05 Superpodcast with David Bixenspan and Brian Last covers topics including the death of “Iron” Mike Sharpe, the 45th anniversary of Ivan Koloff dethroning Bruno Sammartino, the saga of “Sex Appeal” Ronnie Steal in NWA New Jersey, and much more.
    • If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/26): Hart Foundation wins the WWF World Tag Team Titles

    If you’re planning on attending Wrestlemania 32 and would like to be part of the Empire fun, please contact our self appointed Executive Director of events, Eddie Loredo for more information. You can contact him directly at f4wfan@hotmail.com – Or check out our Empire Get-Together section on the BOARD~! 

  • Daily Update: Royal Rumble Fallout, UFC 196 cursed, Tanahashi injury

    WWE Royal Rumble Recap

    by Dan Velten

    If you missed last night’s Royal Rumble, you can check out Dave Meltzer’s coverage here. Spoilers: As expected, HHH won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after entering at number 30 and tossing out DEAN AMBROSE last. Roman Reigns was eliminated 28th by HHH, so we can assume that is the Wrestlemania main event.

    Reigns actually lasted 59:50, nearly catching Rey Mysterio’s longest time record of 62:15. Jericho entered 6th and lasted 50:50 before being eliminated by Ambrose. Braun Strowman eliminated the most men with five total. The big surprise of the match was AJ STYLES entering at number 3. The fans went nuts for styles, who lasted 27:53 until being eliminated by Owens. Sami Zayn was also a surprise entrant at number 20. 

    The only other title change was Kalisto beating Del Rio for the United States Championship. The preshow match was won by Mark Henry and Jack Swagger after Henry unexplainably splashed Bubba Ray and then pinned Viktor. So Henry and Swagger got to enter the Rumble at numbers 22 and 24 respectively. 

    We’re looking for your thoughts on all three nights of Fantastica Mania as well as the Royal Rumble show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re also looking for reports from Raw tonight in Miami, with the Superstars matches, dark matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live show.  WWE is teasing a major return on the show.  Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are not scheduled for the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on all three nights of Fantastica Mania as well as the Royal Rumble 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

    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!    Our latest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placing for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 Wrestlemania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, covering Raw tonight, the latest fallout from the Rumble, and the rest of the pro wrestling and MMA news.  You can send questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com

    UFC 196 is officially cursed.  Fabricio Werdum pulled out of the fight today due to injuries.  So there will be no title match nor main event.  Cain Velasquez had pulled out yesterday.  Here is the story.  Ariel Helwani on Twitter wrote that there was still a chance Werdum will fight as he’s going to see a doctor, but it’s not looking good.  It was weird that he said he wouldn’t have pulled out if it was Velasquez, who had been training hard, but would beacuse it’s Miocic, who had basically one week to get in shape for five rounds.  It is a different style matchup at the last minute.

    Federal Judge Kimba Wood today denied UFC’s attempt to get a federal injunction that would bar the New York State attorney general’s office from stopping the proposed 4/23 show in Madison Square Garden.  If the injunction was granted, the show would be on.  Without it, they would need approval from the attorney general’s office that the show would be allowed, which is difficult with the laws as they are in place and the new bill to legalize professional MMA in New York not yet being passed.  The court said that UFC has the right to sue over whether the law should be legal as it is, but the judge would not issue an injunction to allow the show with the current law in place.  

    Nikki Bella will be undergoing neck surgery on Wednesday, saying to E! that she has a pretty bad herniated disc, and said it’s more difficult than most with the same injury.  “We’re gonna pray that the doctors can get the piece behind my vertebrae with just a bone fusion.”  She said she’s been hurting since July and in October, looked into it, and after getting an MRI, had stopped working.  She said she’ll probably know after surgery if she’ll be able to return at some point and will have an idea of when six months later.

    There is nothing new on the Hiroshi Tanahashi injury. He was expected to see a doctor today regarding the shoulder he dislocated in a six-man tag team match yesterday.  As noted last night on the radio show, this injury came at a time New Japan can least afford it.  Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata were to face Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii in the All-Star match on 1/30 at Korakuen Hall  in Tokyo which is a major show in Japan because it’s Nakamura’s last bout with the promotion.  So it appears the last Tanahashi vs. Nakamura confrontation was last night.

    Dwayne Johnson announced an endorsement deal with Under Armour and work with them to create a range of footwear, apparel and accessories and support the company’s fitness initiatives.  They will also develop products based on movies Johnson is working on, including a Rock backpack and duffel bag that will hit stores in a few weeks. 

    WWE

    • Ryan Satin has a story on A.J. Styles signing with WWE and maintaining his name.
    • WWE announced a partnership today with the Boys & Girls Club of America.  It was a multi-year deal focusing on bully prevention and the Be a Star alliance.  The WWE performers will participate in anti-bullying rallies in local clubs across the country and distribute Be a Star resources and materials.
    • Stardust tweeted out today that “Stardust is coming to an end.”  I believe he later deleted it.
    • For those who asked, Chris Jericho didn’t suffer a broken nose in the Rumble, but did get a bloody nose shortly after he got in the match.
    • WWE stock was up 55 cents per share to  $17.29 today. 
    • The premiere of the new WWE Network show “Ride Along,” will air tonight after Raw.
    • As far as the John Cena movies go, Daddy’s Home was No. 8 for the weekend at $5.27 million and Sisters was No. 11 at $3.5 million.  In Australia, Sisters was No. 6 and Daddy’s Home was No. 8 (thanks to James Stanios)
    • HHH has been added to the advertising at some upcoming RAW shows. 
    • The WWE is once again doing the WrestleMania reading challenge to win free tickets to WrestleMania in Dallas. 

    UFC

    • Anthony Perosh, who may have been the oldest fighter on the UFC roster with the exception of Dan Henderson, announced his retirement yesterday.  Perosh was a ground specialist who was featured when UFC ran in Australia.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • ROH sent out a Tweet with The Young Bucks, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows and A.J. Styles posed together with a message saying how “now everyone will find out how phenomenal he really is,” which was a classy way to do things.
    • C4 Wrestling on Saturday night in Ottawa before a turn away crowd of 420:  Deeno Benjamin b Marc Mercer, Cuts n Guts & Sebastian Suave b Fight or Flight &Kevin Dunn, Velvet Jones b Decker Lockhart, Twiggy & Space Monkey b Michael Von Payton & Vanessa Kraven, Evil Uno b Jaka, Joey Janela b Viking, Cecil Nyx and Evan Adams in a four-way, Buxx Belmar & Thomas Dubois b Pinkie Sanchez & Chris Dickinson, Stuff Grayson won three-way over 2 Cold Scorpio and Brent Banks, Mathieu St. Jacques b Speedball Mike Bailey.  Next show is 2/26 (thanks to Patric Laprade)
    • Classic Championship Wrestling in Chatham, ONT on 3/6 at 2 p.m. at the WISH Centre.
    • CWE on 3/11 in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar.
    • Metro Pro Wrestling on 1/30 in Kansas City, KS at the Turner Rec Center with Jeremy Wyatt vs. The Beer City Bruiser for the Metro Pro title and Tracy Smothers vs. Math Magician.
    • IWF Winter Warfare on 1/30 at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ.
    • Pure Wrestling Alliance on 3/6 in Kitchener, ONT at the Registry Theater.

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Daily pro wrestling history (01/25): Royal Rumble winners, Steiner Brothers win WCW World Tag Team Titles

  • Daily Update: Royal Rumble Preview, Hulk Hogan filming commercial

    WWE ROYAL RUMBLE TONIGHT FROM ORLANDO, FLA.

    Follow along live with Dave Meltzer

    Overall the show depends on how the Rumble is executed.  It doesn’t appear they are set up for the plague of the last two years where the crowd rejects the winner ahead of time.  If HHH wins, he is the favorite, the crowd will hate it of course, but that’s their desired reaction.  Even last year, the crowd hated it, the network subscriptions jumped up big the two days after the show, so hating can lead to good business. 

    Royal Rumble match for WWE title – Very much talked about match with the title at stake.  The big story of the match is Roman Reigns, who enters at No. 1 and will likely be there until he gets screwed in some form by HHH.  The four favorites to win are Brock Lesnar, Reigns, HHH (who hasn’t been advertised for the show) and Bray Wyatt based on the strong push he got at TV this week.  I’d expect Braun Strowman to be put over strong, although they have to be careful, but he could be the monster in the match.  As far as surprises go, Undertaker wouldn’t surprise me, and one would expect a few names from NXT would make sense as well as the usual one or two names from the past and of course A.J. Styles unless that decision has changed.

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens last man standing for IC title – WWE last man standing matches are usually strong so this would look to be the show stealing match.  If Owens loses, then the program loses steam and they will need to transition into new stuff for both.  If Owens wins, then the program would likely continue.

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto for U.S. title – Either way, Kalisto losing the title on Smackdown doesn’t make sense.  A win would help him and keep the program going.  A loss would hurt him, and I don’t think they want to hurt him.  They had a very good Smackdown match in particular as their styles work well together.

    New Day vs. Usos for tag team title – These two teams always work well together.  We’ve seen a lot of it, though. 

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for women’s title – This has been one of the better storylines in recent weeks.  Whatever they do, I expect it to continue.  I could see Ric Flair’s interference backfiring in some form.

    Dudleys vs. The Ascension vs. Jack Swagger & Mark Henry vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow – winners get into the Royal Rumble. 

    We’re looking for your thoughts on all three nights of Fantastica Mania as well as the Royal Rumble 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 is Monday night from Miami.  Brock Lesnar is not advertised for Monday’s show but everyone else is scheduled.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    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!    Our lastest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Hope everyone on the East Coast are doing well in dealing with the terrible blizzard that shut down much of the weekend wrestling in the Northeast.  Speaking of that weather, as of this morning, at least some of the WWE production crew were still snowed in.

    Bryan and I will be back tonight on Wrestling Observer Radio talking all the weekend news, including Royal Rumble, the Mongolian Stomper, Ronda Rousey on SNL as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com  I’ve been told today’s Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi match from Korakuen Hall on New Japan World is a match of the year candidate.  We’ll talk about that as well tonight.  We already talked about the Styles and Bullet Club TNA story on Wrestling Observer Radio yesterday.

    Dorian Roldan on Twitter said that the original Espectrito, who would be Mario Jiminez, passed away yesterday at the age of 49.  On the original When World’s Collide PPV in 1994, Espectrito worked what was at the time among the best PPV openers ever.  He was the best working heel mini of his era and maybe ever.  He also worked for WWF in the 90s as the original Torito as well as Mini Vader.

    The Royal Rumble odds as of a few hours ago, usually the odds that count come in around last hour before the show starts, but there has been significant movement this morning:

    Dean Ambrose went from a 2-to-1 favorite to 12-to-1

    Kalisto went from an underdog to a 9-to-1 favorite

    Charlotte went from a 3-to-1 to 21-to-2 favorite

    Mark Henry & Jack Swagger went from underdogs to 9-to-1 favorites

    New Day went from 3-to-1 favorites to 15-to-1 favorites

    HHH went from a 3-to-1 favorite to a 21-to-2 favorite to win the Rumble

    Michael Cole, John Layfield and Byron Saxton will be the announcers tonight.  Jerry Lawler will be on the panel instead of announcing.

    TMZ.com reported today that the 800-Loan-Mart people feel enough time has passed and they are filming a new commercial featuring Hulk Hogan.  They had used Hogan in the past, but had stopped airing his commercials several months ago.  Hogan will be doing the commercials with Dennis Rodman.

    As far as weekend trending, Royal Rumble has already had 50,000 searches today to put it No. 3 behind the Alaska Earthquake and Tina Fey.  Yesterday, Danny Garcia was No. 9.  Ronda Rousey was not on the list but Rousey searches were no. 2 for the Saturday Night Live searches that were No. 3 yesterday with 200,000, but Selena Gomez was the top thing searched for off the show and Rousey was second.

    WWE​

    • For what this is worth, WWE this past week filmed new promos for the European market pushing Roman Reigns defending the title on the February tour of Germany.  That doesn’t mean he winstonight, but does mean they filmed stuff for airing after the fact that would indicate, which in theory would make no sense to do if he’s not champion in a few weeks.  But it wouldn’t be the first time that has happened and won’t be the last.
    • Now this doesn’t necessary mean anything, but Reigns is being advertised all over the U.S. for title defenses against Sheamus over the next few months.  But there’s a difference between an interview filmed ahead of time and the advertising, which reflects plans as of that moment that constantly change. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • Besides William Regal, Jason Jordan and Chad Gable, who were advertised, also at the Evolve show in Orlando last night was HHH, which tells you all you need to know about the WWE/Evolve relationship. 

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Last night in our ROH house show report from Duluth, GA, it was Alex Shelley in the six-man tag, not Chris Sabin as was listed until today. (thanks to Larry Goodman)
    • Pat Miletich said on Friday night on Inside MMA that he would be willing to come out of retirement to face the winner of the Royce Gracie vs Ken Shamrock match.  Well, I think a lot of people would be.  Don’t expect that one to happen.  
    • World Series of Fighting announced that its 3/12 show, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Brian Foster for the lightweight title, has been moved to Greely, CO, and the Bank of Colorado Arena.  The arena is on the campus of the University of Norther Colorado, and Gaethje was a Division I All-American as a junior at that school.
    • Rey Mysterio Jr.’s match with WWC that has been pushed of late on their TV will be the main event of the 2/27 La Hora de la Verdad show in Caguas at Yldefonso Sola Morales Stadium against Mr. 450, who is the same guy that uses that name in AAA, and has worked as Hammet on NXT tapings. (thanks to Ivan Pajic and Leonardo Mendes Toledo)
    • World Series of Fighting announced new TV dates on 6/17 in Mashantucket, CT, 7/30 in Springfield, MA and 9/2 in New Town, ND.
    • Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Wood River, IL:  Evan Morris b The Snitch, Brandon Espinosa b Ric Maverick, Danny Adams & Paco Gonzalez b Shawn Santel & Mauler McDarby, Jayson Khaos b Keon Option, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell b Brandon Aarons & Garrett Shanks, Jayden Fenix b Justin D’Air, Billy McNeil b C.J. Shine, Mike Outlaw b Kevin Lee Davidson (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Guerrero de la Muerta b  Skitzo-DQ, Jesse Poole & Chat Douglas NC Guerrero de la Muerta & Mortal.  Next live show is 1/31 at Hanford, CA at the Civic Center (thanks to Jon Southerland)

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:  Daily pro wrestling history (1/24): Rock/Mankind I Quit match, first ever Royal Rumble

  • Daily pro wrestling history (01/23): Hulk Hogan wins the WWF World Title

    1923

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Joe “Toots” Mondt in 1 hour and 28 minutes 

    1948 

    Houston, Texas:
    – Sonny Myers defeated Miguel Guzman to win the Texas Heavyweight Title

    1951

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Primo Carnera beat Sky Hi Lee 
    – Pat O’Connor drew Ivan Kameroff 
    – Tommy O’Toole beat Stan Mayslack 
    – Red Bastien beat Bobby Coleman

    1958

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Buddy Rogers defeated Dory Funk, Sr. to win the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title 

    1961 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Maurice and Paul Vachon defeated Jack Curtis and Ray Villmer to win the Mid-Atlantic NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1962

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Verne Gagne beat AWA Champion Mr. M  by dq 
    – Yukon Eric beat Tiny Mills
    – Joe Scarpello beat Maurice LaPointe 
    – Bob Geigel beat Don Jardine 

    1966

    Los Angeles, California:
    – El Mongol and Gorilla Monsoon defeated Luke Graham and Moondog Lonnie Mayne to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles

    1968 

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
    – Eddie Sullivan defeated Bob Kelly to win the NWA Louisiana Heavyweight Title 

    1973

    Tampa, Florida:
    – NWA World Title: Dory Funk, Jr. defeated Jerry Brisco by dq
    – Florida Title: Jack Brisco no contest Bobby Shane
    – Mark Lewin & Big Bad John defeated Buddy Colt & Paul Jones
    – Gorgeous George, Jr. defeated Great Malenko by dq
    – Robert Fuller defeated Jim Slade

    1977

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – Steel Cage match: Billy Francis & the Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke  
    – Super Destroyer beat Moose Morowski
    – Pedro Morales beat Pierre Poisson
    – Ray Stevens beat Blackjack Lanza
    – Angelo Mosca & Roger Kirby beat Larry Hennig & Jan Nelson

    1978

    Sacramento, California:
    – Black Gordman and Goliath defeated Karl and Kurt Von Steiger to win the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1979

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Lights Out Match: Jos Leduc defeated Killer Karl Kox
    – Lumberjack Match: Dusty Rhodes defeated Sonny King
    – Florida Tag Titles: Pak Song & Mr. Uganda defeated Louie Tillet & Rocky Johnson
    – Southern Title: Thor The Viking defeated Mike Graham by dq
    – Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito & Mr. Sato
    – Super Gladiator beat Prince Tonga

    1980

    Miami, Florida:
    – Texas Tornado Match: Mike Graham & Dusty Rhodes & Manny Fernandez defeated Ernie Ladd & Bugsy McGraw & Leroy Brown
    – $5,000 Challenge Match: Super Destroyer defeated Don Diamond
    – Handicap Match: Nikolai Volkoff beat Gordon Nelson & Mike Miller
    – Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Bryan St. John & Stan Lane

    1981

    Atlanta, Georiga:
    – Steve O defeated Bobby Eaton for the NWA National Television Title

    1983

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Kerry Von Erich defeated Harley Race to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Dory Funk, Jr. defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan beat AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell dq
    – Arm Wrestling: Hulk Hogan beat Jesse Ventura
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Bobby Duncum
    – Ken Patera (sub Tom Lintz) beat Baron Von Raschke
    – Buck Zumhofe drew Bobby Heenan

    1984 

    New York City:
    – Hulk Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik to win the WWF World Title
    – WWF Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco and Tito Santana fought to a double-disqualification

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Jerry Lawler by reverse decision
    – Austin Idol beat Randy Savage dq

    1987

    – Hacksaw Jim Duggan lost a “Loser Leaves UWF” match to the One Man Gang and Duggan and Terry Taylor were forced to vacate the UWF World Tag Team Title (this was done as Duggan was leaving for the WWF)

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
    – WWF InterContinental Champion Randy Savage won by disqualification over Ricky Steamboat
    – Paul Orndorff and Jake Roberts were both counted out
    – Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell beat Bon Orton and Don Muraco
    – Butch Reed beat Tito Santana
    – Ron Bass beat Corporal Kirschner
    – Rick Martel and Tom Zenk beat Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake
    – Pedro  Morales drew Nick Kiniski
    – Billy Jack Haynes beat Dino Bravo

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – North American champion Owen Hart won by disqualification over former champion Mike Shaw (Makhan Singh).
    – Ben Bassarab won on a count to Gama Singh and Viet KongExpress # 1 in a Bermuda Triangle Match
    – Ron Ritchie drew Cuban Assassin
    – Duke Myers, Kerry Brown and Ted Arcidi beat Bill Kazmeier, Mr. Hito and Jeff Wheeler
    – Dick Wellington beat Ken Johnson

    1988

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Mike George defeated Dick Slater in a tournament final to become the first World Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Champion (Bob Geigel had previously sold the Central States name and rights to Jim Crockett but restarted his promotion using the World Wrestling Alliance name)

    Tomah, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat Kevin Kelly
    – Ray Stevens & Baron Von Raschke beat Nasty Boys
    – Sheik Adnan beat Greg Gagne
    – Tom Zenk beat Soldat Ustinov
    – Nick Kiniski beat Ricky Rice  

    1994 

    Morristown, Tennessee:
    – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) defeated Ron and Don Harris for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1996

    Clash of Champions: Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Sting and Lex Luger defeated The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal and Earl Robert Eaton)
    – Ric Flair and The Giant defeated Hulk Hogan and WCW World Heavyweight Champion Randy Savage
    – Brian Pillman defeated Eddie Guerrero

    2000

    Royal Rumble: New York City:
    – The Hardy Boyz beat The Dudleys in a Table Match
    – Triple H defeated Cactus Jack in a street fight
    – The Rock won the Royal Rumble

    2004

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Shocker & La Parka beat Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero to win the CMLL tag team titles

    2005

    Kobe, Japan:
    – 2 Cold Scorpio & Doug Williams defeated Mitsuharu Misawa & Yoshinari Ogawa to win the GHC tag team titles

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Takeo Omori defeated Steve Corino in a tournament final to win the AWA title

  • Daily Update: Archie Gouldie dead at 78, AJ Styles to WWE at Royal Rumble?

    Archie “The Mongolian Stomper” Gouldie Dead at 78

    Stemming from complications after a hip replacement surgery from which he never recovered, Archie Gouldie passed away at about noon today. Gouldie was a big time star in Canada and various Southeastern promotions, where he worked as a big man / monster heel character. Bryan and Dave have a breaking audio update on this story, and on AJ Styles dealing with TNA as he’s headed to WWE here.

    Today’s ROH show in Duluth, GA is still on as of this writing. 

    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!    Our lastest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on all three Fantatstica Mania shows from Korakuen Hall on New Japan World including today’s show at Dave Meltzer

    Today, WWE has a house show in Fort Myers, FL with Roman Reigns, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and others; ROH in Duluth, GA at the Infinite Energy Center (War Machine vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for ROH tag title, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Jackson for ROH title, Roderick Strong vs. Nick Jackson for TV title, ACH & Matt Sydal & Alex Shelley vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Michael Elgin; Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Cheeseburger & Moose; Adam Cole vs. Stevie Richards; Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Will Ferrara vs. Silas Young vs. Caprice Coleman vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander and Corey Hollis vs. Dalton Castle); Evolve from Orlando as they continue the tag team tournament on iPPV at www.wwnlive.com and there is also a joint GFW & PWS show from Rahway, NJ.  We’ll be looking for reports on all these shows at Dave Meltzer

    AAA GUERRA DE TITANES TONIGHT IN MEXICO CITY AT JUAN DE LA BARRERA GYM

    Nino Hamburguesa & Dinastia & Pimpinela Escarlata vs. Gran Apache & Mini Charly Manson & Black Mamba

    Fabi Apache & Goya Kong & Lady Maravilla vs. Lady Shani & Sexy Star & Taya in a lumberjack strap mach

    Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & ? vs. Daga & Parka Negra & Super Fly

    Aero Star & Fenix vs. Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. & Villano IV vs. Averno & Chessman for the No. 1 contender for tag titles

    For the vacant trios titles:  Electroshock & Garza Jr. & La Parka vs. Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Taurus

    Dr. Wagner Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Mesias & El Texano Jr. – Winning team faces each other in a singles match at Rey de Reyes for the vacant AAA Mega heavyweight title

    WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

    Chauncey Foxworth vs. Jaleel Willis

    Jorge Medina vs. Bryce Mitchell

    Teddy Holder vs. Shamil Gamzaov

    Luiz Firmino vs. Caros Fodor

    NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA LIVE  ON NEW JAPAN WORLD ON LATE TONIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Tiger Mask & Kushida & Fuego & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Jushin Liger vs. Virus

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Juice Robinson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Barbaro Cavernario

    Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero

    Volador Jr. vs Mephisto for NWA welterweight title

    Evolve has a 2 p.m. show from the Downtown Rec Center in Orlando with the finals of the tag team title tournament at www.wwnlive.com

    ROYAL RUMBLE SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO, FLA.

    Royal Rumble match

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens last man standing for IC title

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto for U.S. title

    New Day vs. Usos for tag team title

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for women’s title

    Dudleys vs. The Ascension vs. Jack Swagger & Mark Henry vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow – winners get into the Royal Rumble

    Raw is Monday night from Miami.  Brock Lesnar is not advertised for Monday’s show but everyone else is scheduled.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

    We’ve got a breaking news audio update for members covering both the death of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie/The Mongolian Stomper and TNA’s statement on the negotiations they claim that AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows backed out of. For what it’s worth, what appears to be the Mongolian Stomper vs. Kevin Sullivan match that Dave talked about seeing live on the show is on YouTube and it’s fantastic.

    For subscribers, we are told there is an iOS app called RSSRadio that will allow for members-only podcasting, and unlike Downcast (which is awesome), it is free. Android users have a choice of apps, including BeyondPod and DoubleTwist, but I believe all are paid apps.

    WWE

    • There are WWE production people who are currently stuck in New York City due to the snowstorm.
    • Current odds for the Royal Rumble PPV from fivedimes.com:

    IC: Ambrose -230, Owens +170

    US: Del Rio -455, Kalisto +315

    Divas: Charlotte -190, Lynch +150

    Tag: New Day -170, Usos +130

    4-Way Tag: Dudleys -120, Henry and Swagger +170, Ascension +500, Young and Sandow +500

    Rumble: HHH -150, Reigns +285, Lesnar +360, Wyatt +550, everyone else is beyond +1000 including the Rock, Curtis Axel and D-Von have the longest odds at +20,000

    • It may be worth dropping a bill on Reigns in this one, as the finish is always subject to Vince “vincing out,” especially since everyone is now picking Trips. It also makes no sense for Reigns to lay out HHH if he’s not coming back to win it, but you can toss logic out the window on game day.
    • Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, who’s friends with Daniel Bryan (Bryan trains Brazillian Jiu Jitsu at The MMA Lab, Henderson’s gym), tweeted this yesterday: “Guess who I heard was back??? #DanielBryan, yeah buddy!!! #FakeWrestlingRealAthletes #Respect” Of course, it’s possible he’s either messing with fans or misread Dave’s report about Bryan’s visit to UCLA doctors like a lot of people.

    UFC/MMA

    • Ronda Rousey is the guest star on Saturday Night Live tonight.  The story is that she is expected to come off very well based on what has been written for her.  Many of the writers are casual fans of UFC and so they went out of their way to make her look good on the show. While Holly Holm was in New York City doing media for UFC 197 for the past day or two, she won’t be on the show, as she’s at the Atlanta airport right now, where she bumped into Bill Goldberg.
    • Sage Northcutt (7-0) has a new opponent for next weekend’s UFC on FOX show. Andrew Holbrook had to pull out due to injury and stepping in will be Bryan Barbarena (10-3). Barbarena is 1-1 in UFC and most recently lost a decision to Chad Laprise at UFC 186 last April. This will be a main card fight on FOX and should be a showcase fight for the 19 year old budding superstar Northcutt.
    • World Series of Fighting has a card tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network with little to no name value.
    • There is a show available on GFL.TV today, West Coast Fighting Championships – King of Sacramento,  with more star power than some broadcast events. Scott Smith, former Strikeforce main-eventer, is on the card fighting former Bellator fighter Justin Baesman. Christos Giagos and Lewis Gonzalez, who bought fought in UFC in 2015, are also fighting on the show. The main event features Max Griffin (11-2), who tried out for TUF 16 up against David Mitchell (19-5), a 4 fight UFC veteran
    • Earlier today in China, Bibiano Fernandes successfully defended his ONE Championships Bantamweight title with a first round submission due to an armbar over Kevin Belingon. Fernandes is the group’s biggest homegrown star and the highest Worldwide ranked fighter in the company.

    MISC

    • Congratulations to Mark Schultz.  From his Facebook page: Today Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Professor Pedro Sauer proclaimed these simple yet monumental words to me “You are my black belt”. I couldn’t have asked for a better Pedigree. Grand Master Helio Gracie to Rickson Gracie to Pedro Sauer to me. I am humbled.
    • The Evolve card for tonight in Orlando at 8 p.m. at www.wwnlive.com

    Chris Hero & Tommy End vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta

    Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway vs. Bravado Brothers

    Sami Callihan & Zack Sabre Jr. vs.  Drew Gulak & TJ Perkins

    Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese vs. Team Tremendous

    Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi

    Tracy Williams vs. Peter Kaasa

    Ethan Page vs. Tommaso Ciampa

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

  • Daily Update: Dangerous weather cancels wrestling shows, UFC 197 tickets

    Nasty weather cancels a number of wrestling shows

    There have been quite a few cancellations of weekend wrestling shows on the east coast due to a predicted crazy winter storm. We have a few updates. The biggest show of note to be cancelled is tonight’s ROH show in North Carolina. Tomorrow’s ROH show in Duluth, GA is still on as of this writing. 

    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!    Our lastest show posted to youtube is WOR featuring Jim Ross!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

    We’re looking for reports tonight from the NXT tapings in Orlando at the University of Central Florida Gym at Dave Meltzer  The top matches are Finn Balor vs. Neville for the NXT title, Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe for the No. 1 contender position and Bayley vs. Carmella for the NXT title.  We’ll get a good read on where they are going for the Takeover show tonight.  Austin Aries is backstage at the show.

    We’re also looking for reports on the GFW show tonight in Poughkeepsie.  The original main event of Nick Aldis vs. Bobby Roode for the GFW title will have to be changed because Roode will be unable to get into Poughkeepsie.

    For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on all three Fantatstica Mania shows from Korakuen Hall on New Japan World including today’s show at Dave Meltzer

    EVOLVE IPPV TONIGHT AT 9 P.M. EASTERN AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM FROM THE ORPHEUM IN YBOR CITY, FL.

    First round matches in weekend long Evolve tag team tournament

    Sami Callihan & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Chris Hero & Tommy End

    Caleb Konley & Anthony Nese vs. The Bravado Brothers

    Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Team Tremendous (Dan Barry & Bill Carr)

    Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak & TJ Perkins

    Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi

    Tracy Williams vs. Peter Kassa

    Ethan Page vs. PJ Black

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

    Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito in New Japan Cup semifinals

    Finals of New Japan Cup

    CMLL LIVE FROM ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM

    Starman & Stigma vs. Escandalo & Sangre Azteca

    Blue Panther Jr. & Delta & Triton vs. Misterioso Jr. & Puma King & Sagrado

    Angel de Oro & Maximo Sexy & Valiente vs. Ephesto & Kraneo & Luciferno

    Blue Panther vs. Ripper

    Euforia & Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja vs. Thunder & Polvora & Dragon Rojo Jr.

    Rush & La Mascara & Marco Corleone vs. El Terrible & Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero  

    LEGACY FIGHTING TONIGHT FROM THE ARENA THEATER IN HOUSTON AT 10 P.M. EASTERN/7 P.M. PACIFIC ON AXS TV

    Jeremy Hardy (255) vs. Dale Mitchell (264.6)

    David Acosta (126) vs. Roberto Sanchez (125.7)

    Michael Rodriguez (145.3) vs. Alex Black (145.1)

    Charles Cheeks III (147) vs. Rey Trujillo (150.2)

    Jonathan Harris (155.2) vs. Justin Reiswerg (155.5)

    Jared Chaffee (155.4) vs. Ray Blodget (155.9)

    Evangelista Cyborg Santos (170) vs. Artenas Young (168.8)

    NEW JAPAN FANTATSICA MANIA LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC TIME LATE TONIGHT/EARLY TOMORROW FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    Mascara Dorada & Titan vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Kushida & Fuego & Juice Robinson vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Hechicero

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Bobby Zavala & Okumura for the Arena Coliseo tag team titles

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Stuka Jr. vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cavernario Barbaro

    Jushin Liger & Atlantis & Tiger Mask vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Dragon Lee vs. Virus for CMLL world lightweight title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr. & Mistico vs. Kazuchika Okada & Ultimo Guerrero & Mephisto

    Saturday has a WWE house show on Fort Myers, FL with Roman Reigns, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and others; ROH in Duluth, GA at the Infinite Energy Center (War Machine vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for ROH tag title, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Jackson for ROH title, Roderick Strong vs. Nick Jackson for TV title, ACH & Matt Sydal & Alex Shelley vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Michael Elgin; Rhett Titus & Kenny King vs. Cheeseburger & Moose; Adam Cole vs. Stevie Richards; Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Will Ferrara vs. Silas Young vs. Caprice Coleman vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe vs. Cedric Alexander and Corey Hollis vs. Dalton Castle); Evolve from Orlando as they continue the tag team tournament on iPPV at www.wwnlive.com and there is also a joint GFW & PWS show from Rahway, NJ.  We’ll be looking for reports on all these shows at Dave Meltzer

    AAA GUERRA DE TITANES ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN MEXICO CITY AT JUAN DE LA BARRERA GYM

    Nino Hamburguesa & Dinastia & Pimpinela Escarlata vs. Gran Apache & Mini Charly Manson & Black Mamba

    Fabi Apache & Goya Kong & Lady Maravilla vs. Lady Shani & Sexy Star & Taya in a lumberjack strap mach

    Australian Suicide & Jack Evans & ? vs. Daga & Parka Negra & Super Fly

    Aero Star & Fenix vs. Mascara Ano 2000 Jr. & Villano IV vs. Averno & Chessman for the No. 1 contender for tag titles

    For the vacant trios titles:  Electroshock & Garza Jr. & La Parka vs. Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Taurus

    Dr. Wagner Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Mesias & El Texano Jr. – Winning team faces each other in a singles match at Rey de Reyes for the vacant AAA Mega heavyweight title

    WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

    Chauncey Foxworth vs. Jaleel Willis

    Jorge Medina vs. Bryce Mitchell

    Teddy Holder vs. Shamil Gamzaov

    Luiz Firmino vs. Caros Fodor

    NEW JAPAN FANTASTICA MANIA LIVE  ON NEW JAPAN WORLD ON LATE SATURDAY NIGHT/SUNDAY MORNING AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN AND 1:30 A.M. PACIFIC FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL

    The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu

    Tiger Mask & Kushida & Fuego & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Gedo & Yoshi-Hashi & Bobby Zavala & Okumura & Hechicero

    Jushin Liger vs. Virus

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Bushi

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Dragon Lee & Juice Robinson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Barbaro Cavernario

    Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero

    Volador Jr. vs Mephisto for NWA welterweight title

    Evolve has a 2 p.m. show from the Downtown Rec Center in Orlando with the finals of the tag team title tournament at www.wwnlive.com

    ROYAL RUMBLE SUNDAY FROM ORLANDO, FLA.

    Royal Rumble match

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens last man standing for IC title

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto for U.S. title

    New Day vs. Usos for tag team title

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for women’s title

    Dudleys vs. The Ascension vs. Jack Swagger & Mark Henry vs. Darren Young & Damien Sandow – winners get into the Royal Rumble

    Raw is Monday night from Miami.  Brock Lesnar is not advertised for Monday’s show but everyone else is scheduled.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Tampa.

    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: January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue

    The 2015 Observer awards issue, the traditional biggest issue of the year,is up on the web site now.  The issue not only has the awards winners in more than 40 different categories, but all the top place winners, as well as a history with all the awards winners dating back to 1980, as well as my comments on the placings for many of the awards.

    The categories are:

    Lou Thesz/Ric Flair Award (Wrestler of the Year), MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding MMA Fighter, Best Box Office Draw, Feud of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Most Improved, Best on Interviews, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Bruiser Brody Memorial Award (Best Brawler), Best Flying Wrestler, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling Match of the Year, MMA Match of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Best Non-Wrestler, Best Television Announcer, Worst Television Announcer, Best Major Wrestling show, Worst Major Wrestling Show, Best Wrestling Maneuver, Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic, Worst Television Show, Worst Match of the Year, Worst Feud of the Year, Worst Promotion of the Year, Best Booker, Promoter of the Year, Best Gimmick, Worst Gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling Book and Best Pro Wrestling DVD

    Update on the Royal Rumble and Rumble weekend, full coverage of Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title win and the records set on Sunday’s show and details on the New Japan/Jim Ross announcing deal as well as a look at how this came about and Jim Ross’ overall career.

    2017 WrestleMania, how Smackdown has affected overall ratings for the USA Network, update on A.J. Styles with WWE, WWE injury updates, Daniel Bryan update, more on Mauro Ranallo and Smackdown, Chris Jericho talks his return, new season of Total Divas, How talent is broken down in NXT, the heat on Josh from Tough Enough, new dates for Brock Lesnar, plus notes from the big NXT tour and all the shows, the NXT Florida shows, as well as the WWE shows in India and the WWE weekend domestic shows and all the business notes.

    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: Dec 14, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2 biographies in the works about Jesse Ventura
    NBC and ABC working on biographies on Jesse Ventura, a look at the end of year events for New Japan and All Japan, plus tons of news and notes.

    FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Tickets went on sale today for UFC 197 on 3/5, with Rafael dos Anjos vs. Conor McGregor and Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate.  As of earlier today, there were a few tickets left, but not many.  It’s the highest scaled event in UFC history.

    TNA sent this out regarding having a verbal agreement with A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows before they chose WWE instead.  They claimed they all agreed on 12/14 to come and then backed out.  We do know that Anderson & Gallows were expected to come to TNA for the debut on Pop TV but a WWE deal came that changed their mind, and Styles was looking for a guaranteed contract for 2016 with whoever offered the best deal.  Check out the story.

    Hart family member, Smith Hart, has been diagnosed with both bone cancer and prostate cancer.  Our best to him.

    Dana White and Urijah Faber will be on AXS TV’s Inside MMA at about 12:30 a.m. Eastern tonight after the Legacy Fights show.   

    Ed Loredo has set up a bus for WrestleMania weekend for readers going to Dallas.  The first bus sold out immediately so there may be a second bus added.  For more info contact him at f4wfan@hotmail.com

    WWE

    • Smackdown was up 18 percent from last week to 2,757,000 viewers.  Considering it is new on USA and we haven’t established exactly what the usual audience will be, that is a very good sign.
    • WWE stock had a good day, up 79 cents to $16,74 per share to end the week.
    • As expected, NXT will be part of the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH on 3/5 and 3/6.
    • WWE will debut WWE 24 WrestleMania Silicon Valley right after the Royal Rumble on Sunday.
    • John Cena posted a photo of A.J. Styles on instagram. 
    • Best signature moves in the Royal Rumble

    UFC

    • Ronda Rousey will be hosting Saturday Night Live tomorrow night on NBC.
    • Holly Holm and Miesha Tate are also both in New York today doing media for their fight.  It would make sense for them to be in the audience for the SNL although I’ve heard nothing in that direction.
    • A lightweight fight with Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson has been added to the 3/5 show in Las Vegas. 
    • Matt Mitrione will be undergoing surgery on his broken right orbital bone next week according the MMA Fighting.com.
    • Andrew Holbrook has pulled out of next week’s fight with Sage Northcutt on FOX due to an injury.  Northcutt will instead face Bryan Barbarena in the FOX opener.
    • Nick Diaz will be eating and signing autographs at Hooters in Kennesaw, GA tonight from 6-8 p.m.  Ticket price includes unlimited wings and soft drinks.
    • Nick Diaz will also be doing a seminar from Noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Georgia Fitness Pro in Duluth, GA and he will be attending the fights tomorrow night at the electric Cowboy in Kennnesaw, GA.  More Info.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore has booked a show in Niagara Falls, ONT on 5/7,.
    • Vivid Video, which announced Tammy Sytch signing to do a porn video, already has a trailer up, which tells you the video was shot some time back.  All the stuff about negotiations going on were a public work.
    • Chris DeJoseph talks Lucha Underground
    • The Fight Network has been launched on Vodafone Portugal’s Extended TV package on Ch. 246.
    • The Fight Network will be airing One Championship Dynasty of Champions show at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning from Changsha, China and at 10 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night will air World Series of Fighting live from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis.
    • Championship Wrestling from Hollywood premieres on 2/13 on KOFY-TV in San Francisco in the Saturday at 4 p.m. time slow.
    • CWE tonight in Winnipeg at Rookie’s Sports Bar.
    • Jim Cornette will be appearing on 3/5 at the Laugh it Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie, NY with an 11 p.m. show talking about his career in wrestling.  Jim Duggan will also be appearing for a talk show at the club on 2/13.
    • A story on the documentary:  “At What Cost: Anatomy of Professional Wrestling