I’m live at Full Sail University in Florida for the opening round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. All matches are single elimination.
– Gran Metalik (the former Mascara Dorada) beat Alejandro Saez via Falcon Arrow. Metalik looked like a star in this one.
– Ho Ho Lun beat Daivari via bridging suplex
– Cedric Alexander beat Clement Petiot via sideways lungblower
– The Brian Kendrick beat Raul Mendoza via crossface submission. Great showing by Mendoza who hit a coast to coast dropkick to the tree of woe for a great nearfall
– Tajiri beat Damian Slater via buzzsaw kick
– TJP beat Da Mack via wheelbarrow roll through grapevine ankle lock. Good match by both guys.
– Lince Dorado beat Mustafa Ali via shooting star press. Great match that got the “This is awesome” chants.
– Akira Tozawa beat Kenneth Johnson via delayed bridging german suplex
– Zack Sabre Jr beat Tyson Dux via submission with a series of arm bending submissions
– Drew Gulak beat Harv Sihra via dragon sleeper
– Tony Nese beat Anthony Bennett via 450 splash
– Kota Ibushi beat Sean Manuda via sit out powerbomb. Amazing performance by Ibushi
– Rich Swann beat Jason Lee with a hopping 450. The most over guy of the night has been Swann, and the crowd even sang his brand new theme song lyrics “Can You Handle This” during the match. Star making crowd reaction.
– Noam Dar beat Gurv Sihra via leglock submission
– Jack Gallagher beat Fabian Aichner via running corner dropkick. Both men looked great here.
– Johnny Gargano beat Tommaso Ciampa via roll through crucifix pin after an incredible match. Violent chops and huge moves by Ciampa including a lungblower powerbomb and white noise on the apron. Match of the night.
A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.
Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.
This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.
Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 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.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
Also in this issue:
Mascara Dorada and the WWE cruiserweight tournament
The Elite world tournament and who is entered
Where the talent is coming from
Big hair match signed for the next CMLL iPPV show
Notes on New Japan stars coming this week to Mexico and how long they are staying
Notes on this past weeks’ major Arena Mexico show
Brother of WWE star debuts in CMLL
Major champion from Mexico talks the WWE cruiserweight classic
Notes from AAA TV tapings and upcoming shows including what Americans are headed in
Notes on the Wrestle 1 Grand Prix tournament
Matches announced for Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year
All Japan big show and major match coming in July
New outsider team wins All Japan tag titles
ROH star to debut in Japan during upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament that starts in a few weeks
A few notes on the Super J Cup tournament
Death of Gypsy Joe
Two wrestling legends inducted into a non-sports Hall of Fame
Wrestling legend immortalized with their face on major subway ticket in a ceremony with the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world present
Lineup for the next PWG show
Newspaper clipping of an old match and purportedly one of the largest crowds in wrestling history revealed
Former WWE & WCW star Marc Mero has heart surgery
David Angle pleads guilty in death of his wife
A landmark wrestling arena dating back to 1949 being torn down
Unique title match from various promotions all together
Notes on the biggest show by a U.K. promotion in decades
AAW update
Adam Rose update
Will Ospreay update
One of the biggest free agents and why the result of a match this week will likely tell his future
Future of ROH stars Moose and Roderick Strong
Notes on the Best in the World PPV this week
What international star was about to debut in ROH and why it’s been delayed
What major international star debuts on ROH’s August PPV show
Notes regarding the next ROH TV tapings
What 80s legend is headed to ROH as a character this week
Notes on future TNA TV tapings
New TNA signees
Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows
Dana White goes on the attack against Ariel Helwani
FOX adds a new UFC show to the schedule this year
UFC card changes and new matches
Description of the Jedrzejczyk vs. Gadelha brawl
Michael Bisping pushing for Dan Henderson as first title opponents
Gambler betting $1 million on a UFC fight
One of the greatest college wrestlers of recent years signs with Bellator
A look at last week’s Bellator show as well as this coming week’s show
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
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.
During an appearance with Hannah Storm on ESPN SportsCenter Thursday, UFC strawweight and Dancing With The Stars runner-up Paige VanZant alluded to the fact she’s not going to be appearing at WWE SummerSlam this year.
She said that she loves WWE and would love to work with them, but that she’s focused on her training for a fight that she announced during the interview. The 22-year-old also said that she declined to be in the Kickboxer reboot because filming would have got in the way of training.
VanZant said she’ll be fighting on August 27th against Bec Rawlings in Vancouver, Canada. There was a lot of speculation that Hollywood would come calling for PVZ and that perhaps her fighting career would be behind her, especially considering the beating she had laid on her last year by Rose Namajunas.
Given that SummerSlam is on August 21st, it’s highly doubtful she’ll do an appearance just six days before her return to action.
When asked about what she missed about fighting, she said “the violence” and how it was tough to sit cageside watching other people fight over the past few months. She also talked about the much-publicized incident about Ronda Rousey and that there’s really no relationship there. She wants to move forward from it, and speculated she may have just caught her on a bad day.
Two major tournaments in wrestling take place starting tonight as the first round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic will be taped at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL, and Elite Lucha Libre’s World Grand Prix (details in the current Observer) with stars from all over including several from New Japan starts tonight at Arena Mexico.
Mustafa Ali is replacing Zumbi in the WWE tournament, so the final 32 competitors are Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr., Gran Metalik (Mascara Dorada), Brian Kendrick, Drew Gulak, Tyson Dux, Tajiri, Noam Dar, Da Mack, Clement Petiot, Fabian Aichner, Harv Sirha, Gurv Sihra, Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali, Akira Tozawa, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Jack Gallagher, Tony Nese, TJ Perkins, Ho Ho Lun, Anthony Bennett, Lince Dorado, Sean Maluta, Raul Mendoza, Kenneth Johnson, Alejandro Aaez, Damien Salter, Jason Lee and Arya Daiavari.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly
READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/20/2016: Never trust Nigerian investors– Growing up as a way-too-hardcore-for-my-age wrestling fan, I looked forward to watching whatever flavor of wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium was on ESPN and in syndication at the time. The ESPN show was perfect for kids who loved pro wrestling: It aired at 4 p.m. eastern time, so it was perfect for after-school viewing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.
Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.
This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.
Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 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.
Tomorrow is going to be a big night with the usual Friday stuff plus an ROH PPV and Bellator: Dynamite 2. We’ll have a special show late tomorrow night recapping everything. There are also NXT tapings with some big matches as well as Arena Mexico in the final Friday show before their 7/1 iPPV Grand Prix tournament.
Dwayne Johnson was on the UFC Unfiltered podcast and said that in 2004, he was considering going to UFC to fight. “There was a time there where I thought, I achieved everything I wanted to achieve in WWE, my movie career is floundering a little bit, what should I do? I was still relatively young, I think I was 34. I thought, oh well, maybe UFC. Maybe I should do something like that.” He said he thought it would take two years to be ready, and he wasn’t sure how to approach it, so the idea fizzled out. He also said he thinks MMA is the toughest sport in the world. For the math, Johnson was 31 and turned 32 in 2004.
Spike TV is airing a special “Kimbo Slice: One of a Kind,” a tribute to Slice at 7 p.m. Friday prior to the Bellator show. Among the people appearing on the show will be Bill Goldberg, Kurt Angle, Scott Coker, Dana White, Renzo Gracie, Rashad Evans, Roy Nelson, Quinton Jackson, Liam McGeary, Antonio Tarver, King Mo, Daniel Strauss, John McCarthy, and Kimbo’s son.
ROH parent company Sinclair Broadcasting ranks as No. 913 in Fortune’s list of the 1,000 largest companies in the U.S. based on revenue generated. The company generated $2.2 billion last year.
The funeral for Gypsy Joe will be at the Heritage Funeral Home at 609 Bear Creek Pike in Columbia, TN on Sunday. Visitation is 2-4 P.M.and the funeral is 4 p.m. Anyone wanting to make a donation to help pay for the funeral can send it to Heritage Funeral Home, 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbus, TN 38401 and please make note it is for Gilberto Melendez aka Gypsy Joe. Next week’s Observer will most likely have a major story on Gypsy Joe.
WWE
Dean Ambrose will officially be replacing Roman Reigns on the show in Honolulu and the two shows in Japan 6/29 to 7/2.
There was a big memorial to Joanie Laurer last night. Sean Waltman spoke and was very emotional about saying that he never stopped loving her even though they had a very rocky relationship. “Until the day she died, I loved her very much. I really did.” He also vowed to make sure she got into the WWE Hall of fame. Taped promos from Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle also played.
On Smackdown tonight, there is no mention of Jerry Lawler’s absence. Roman Reigns not being there isn’t acknowledged and was still being pushed for Battleground like nothing had changed. Both Alberto Del Rio vs. Cesaro and Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins were good matches and it was a good overall show. (thanks to Steve Khan)
The new card for 7/16 in Madison Square Garden is headlined by Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title, John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, and Chris Jericho vs Neville in a street fight. That tells you Neville will be back any week now. Also advertised are New Day, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, Mark Henry, Apollo Crews, Natalya and Becky Lynch.
WWE runs on 8/7 in Fresno. There is a presale going on right now that ends on Friday at midnight. Advertised are Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, The New Day, Kevin Owens, A.J. Styles, Charlotte and Sasha Banks. That can and will all change.
The presale code for Raw in Anaheim on 8/8 and Smackdown in Bakersfield on 8/9 is WWEFAN
Paige VanZant will be back in the Octagon sooner than many thought as she announced via Twitter today that she will face Bec Rawlings on the Vancouver show August 27th on FOX. VanZant is coming off a successful appearance on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and in her last UFC fight, she was dismantled by Rose Namajunas in the main event of a Fight Pass card last December.
UFC announced a return to the Philippines for the 2nd straight year. Fight Night Manila will take place Saturday October 15th at the Mall of Asia Arena. No fights are announced for the show yet but John Dodson, a Filipino-American, is rumoured to have a featured fight on the show. The UFC’s first show in the country last year sold out very quickly.
Valerie Letourneau was mad about the announcing of her fight with Joanne Calderwood as she thought Jon Anik and Kenny Florian were saying she was complaining about being kicked in the chest. She said she wasn’t complaining about that, but that her sports bra slipped under her breast. She said she thought Anik and Florian were mocking her because she was complaining about being kicked. She made clear it was not an excuse for her loss, just that she was mad at them.
Sultan Aliev (13-2) vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (13-5-1 was announced for 8/20’s UFC 202 show in Las Vegas.
The weighi-ns for tomorrow’s Bellator Dynamite 2 begin and 6 pm eastern and can be viewed here. Rampage Jackson returns to Bellator against Satoshi Ishii in the main event of that show and Michael Chandler takes on Patrick Pitbull for the vacant lightweight title in the co-main.
Former UFC star Brian Ebersole, who retired last year, returns to MMA on Friday. He will face former fellow UFC fighter Steven Kennedy in the main event of Hex Fight Series 6, which airs live on GFL.TV starting at 5 am eastern time Friday morning. Paul Fontaine has a preview of the show here, which also features Frank Trevino, one of Sage Northcutt’s UFC victims.
MISCELLANEOUS
For those going to the inductions for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame in Waterloo, IA which include Bob Backlund, myself, Lex Luger, Joe Blanchard, JJ Dillon and Chael Sonnen among others, there is a show in Waterloo on 7/22 which features Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, plus Wes Brisco, Brian Blair, Tessa Blanchard and Jessicka Havok all wrestling, and Dillon will be managing.
What may be the only surviving Dusty Rhodes vs. Bruiser Brody singles match, the main event of the August 11, 1978 show at the Sam Houston Coliseum, was released today on NWAOnDemand.com. You can get one free week of the service just to check it out. I’ve seen that match. It was before Brody was fully polished, but he was gigantic here, around 320 pounds.
An article on tomorow night’s Bellator show is here.
Kenny Omega is in Orlando right now, but it’s for the Community Effort Orlando, one of the world’s largest fighting game tournaments and conventions.
Lucha Underground purchased ad space in the latest DC Comics Warner Brothers issues, including the big superhero titles like Flash and Justice League. (thanks to Mike O’Brien)
CHIKARA on 7/23 has a doubleheader at the Franklin Horner Community Centre in Toronto with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Lucha Toronto on 7/17 in Toronto at the Harbourfront Center Theatre at 3 p.m. featuring Blue Demon Jr., Lince Dorado and Octagoncito.
Capital City Championship Combat on Saturday in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.
AAW on 7/23 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street features Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr. for the AAW title and AR Fox vs. Mat Fitchett for the Heritage title plus Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll, Tommaso Ciampa, Fenix, Johnny Gargano, Andrew Everett, Trevor Lee, Cedric Alexander, Eddie Kingston and Josh Alexander.
Masters of the Ring Entertainment on 7/23 in Wilmington, NC at the Coastline Convention Center. There will also be a convention besides a live show, featuring Diamond Dallas Page, Kevin Nash, Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Terri runnels, Sabu, James Storm, Ethan Carter III, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Matt Sydal, Angelina Love, Awesome Kong and Sonjay Dutt.
CMLL on Monday night in Puebla: Guerrero Especial & Inquisidor b Millenium & Vega, Robin & Starman & Zaeta Roja b Fuerza Chicana & King Jaguar & Policeman, Blue Panther Jr. & Rey Cometa & The Panther b Fujin & Raijin & Okumura, Maximo Sexy b Shocker to retain the CMLL heavyweight title, Sam Adonis & Cibernetico & Ultimo Guerrero b Diamante Azul & Johnny Idol & Rush (thanks to Kris Zellner)
Premier Wrestling on 7/17 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall. The Premier champion, Joe Graves, has had to undergo surgery for a torn biceps and will be out of action for six months. The new main event will be a match for the vacant title with Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) vs. JR Kratos (9-3-1) wrestling and the winner of that match facing Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1) in the main event for the title. Raze (3-2) defends the Premier Woman Athletes title against Shayna Baszler (1-0). Also Nicole Savoy (3-3) vs. Desi de Rata (0-0), Alexander Hammerstone (2-0) vs. Douglas James (1-0), Marcus Lewis (5-5) vs. Tyler Bateman (2-3) and Buddy Royal (3-5) vs. Levi Shapiro (1-0). Tickets are available at www.premierwrestle.com.
UPW on 7/9 in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club.
Former WWE wrestler Gene Snitsky stars in “100 Acres of Hell,” a horror movie where Snisky portrays a pro wrestling world champion who after a major injury and a family tragedy goes out for a weekend of hunting and debauchery in a wildlife preserve and a ferocious lunatic goes after he and his friends. Samu Anoa’i is also in the movie.
The Tuff N Uff promotion is running a show Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. Admission is free. The show will air live on Youtube with Frank Mir and Forrest Griffin as announcers.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling is on 7/16 in Glen Carbon, IL at the Sports Academy.
Amid speculation that many former WWE stars have been approached with returning to the company due to the upcoming brand split, the possibility that free agent Kurt Angle could be one of those talents got some fans excited.
Unfortunately for those fans, that will be an unrealized dream as WWE officials confirmed Thursday that Angle is not returning to the company.
The story started when Angle was on Mark Madden’s Pittsburgh radio show on Monday and said that Paul Levesque had called him, but that no deal was in place. Although nobody officially said it, the story grew to a point where people said that a deal was done with a start date even listed.
The 47-year-old wrestler had his final TNA TV match in March, and has been working select indy dates with recent matches against the likes of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Zack Sabre Jr.
Houston, Texas: – Bronko Nagurski defeated Lou Thesz to win the National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight
1944
Mexico City, Mexico: – Firpo Segra defeated Doc Macias to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title
1945
Wichita, Kansas: – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Ray Eckert in a 2 out of 3 falls match – Don McIntyre beat Jerry Meeker via dq
1949
Kansas City, Kansas: – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown defeated Joe Pazandak in 2 out of 3 falls – Tarzan Kowalski beat Lou Newman in 2 out of 3 falls – Herman Von Doyle defeated Fred Blassie
1959
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Bobby Jones defeated George Eakin for the Madison Wrestling Club Heavyweight Title
1960
Kansas City, Kansas: – Central States Heavyweight Champion Thor Hagen beat Rocky Lee in 2 out of 3 falls – Bob Orton beat Joe Costello
1961
St. Joseph, Missouri: – Bobby Graham and Sonny Myers defeated The Bat and Ernie Dusek in 2 out of 3 falls – Buddy Austin beat The Alaskan in 2 out of 3 falls – Ronnie Etchison defeated Don McClarity – Thor Hagen and Don Miller went to a time limit draw
– Waldo Von Erich defeated Pepper Gomez to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title
1964
Tampa, Florida: – Eddie Graham and Sam Steamboat defeated Chris and John Tolos for the Florida NWA World Tag Team Titles
Eugene, Oregon: – Pampero Firpo defeated Nick Bockwinkel to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
1965
– Ken Lucas is awarded the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title
1966
Kansas City, Kansas: – In a Texas Death Lumberjack Match: The Mongolian Stomper defeated The Viking
Eau Claire, Wisconsin: – The Crusher beat Stan Kowalski – The Alaskan beat Eddie Sharkey (sub Billy Red Cloud) – Doug Gilbert drew Chris Markoff
1966
Sioux City, Iowa: – Big Luke Brown beat AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon dq – Dale Lewis beat Billy Red Cloud – Mr Wrestling Tim Woods beat Bulldog Danny Plechas – Jack Pesek drew Haru Sasaki
1967
Atlanta, Georgia – Butcher and Stan (Stan Pulaski) Vachon defeated Enrique and Ramon Torres to win the Georgia NWA Southern Tag Team Titles
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Mitsu Arakawa dq – Devils Duo (Angelo Poffo & Chris Markoff) beat Ernie Ladd & Earl Maynard – Johnny Powers no contest Wilbur Snyder – Lou Thesz beat Moose Cholak
1970
Macon, Georgia: – Nick Bockwinkel defeated Joe Scarpa to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title
– Moondog Mayne defeated The Claw for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
1973
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel & Billy Robinson beat Nick Bockwinkel & Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls – Reggie Parks drew Geoff Portz – Sailor Art Thomas beat Rene Goulet
1974
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – The Crusaders (Billy Red Lyons and Dewey Robertson) defeated The Love Brothers (Hartford and Reginald) for the Toronto NWA International Tag Team Titles
1977
Panama City, Florida: – Kurt Von Hess defeated the Wrestling Pro to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title
1978
Mexico City, Mexico: – Ringo Mendoza defeated Perro Aguayo to win the NWA World Middleweight Title
Knoxville, Tennessee: – The Mongolian Stomper won a tournament final to win the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title
Atlanta, Georgia: – Tony Atlas and Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Titles
– Pak Choo (Kengo Kimura) and Mr. Ito defeated Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles
1979
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – The Crusher & Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Duncum & Super Destroyer Mark II – Greg Gagne beat Ray Stevens dq – Billy Robinson beat Pat Patterson – Paul Ellering beat Doug Gilbert
Des Moines, Iowa: – Bob Brown defeated Jerry Brown in a Texas Death Match – In a Central States Heavyweight Title match; Champion Bob Sweetan defeated Frank Hill
1980
Amarillo, Texas: – Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada defeated Tiger Conway, Jr. and José Lothario to win the NWA American Tag Team Titles
1982
Shreveport, Louisiana: – Ted DiBiase defeated The Junkyard Dog for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title
1984
San Antonio, Texas: – WCCW American Heavyweight Champion Gino Hernandez defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair to win the vacant WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title
1986
Memphis, Tennessee – Giant Hillbilly Elmer (Stan Frazier) and Jerry Lawler defeated The MOD Squad (Basher and Spike) to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles
Dothan, Alabama: – Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden defeated Steve Armstrong and Tommy Rich to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Titles
Birmingham, Alabama: – Brad Armstrong won the NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight Title from Jerry Stubbs – Adrian Street defeated Wendell Cooley to capture the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title
1987
Tampa, Florida: – The Sheepherders (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) defeated Mike Graham and Steve Keirn for the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles
1989
AWA War in the Windy City: Chicago, Illinois: – Tommy Jammer defeated Jonnie Stewart – Mike George defeated Rockin’ Randy – Akio Sato defeated Paul Diamond by disqualification – Chavo, Hector and Mando Guerrero defeated The Executioner (Donn Lewin) and The Texas Hangmen (Killer and Psycho) – AWA World Women’s Champion Wendi Richter defeated Candi Devine to retain the title – Scott Norton and Ken Patera defeated The Destruction Crew (Wayne Bloom and Mike Enos) – AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko fought Greg Gagne to a draw to retain the title – Colonel DeBeers defeated Derrick Dukes in a loser gets painted yellow match
Dallas, Texas: – Robert Fuller and Brian Lee defeated Jeff Jarrett and Mil Máscaras to win the WCWA World Tag Team Titles
Knoxville, Tennessee: – Tom Prichard defeated Wendell Cooley for the Continental Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title
1990
Graz, Austria: – Dave Finlay and Marty Jones defeated Tony St. Clair and Miles Zrno to win the Catch Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles
Memphis, Tennessee: – Rex King and Joey Maggs defeated Tony Anthony and Tom Burton for the USWA Tag Team Titles
Portland, Oregon: – The Juice Patrol (Beetlejuice (Art Barr) and Big Juice (Jeff Warner)) defeated U.S. Male (Ricky Santana and Curtis Thompson) to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles
1992
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – The Super Destroyers (#1 and #2) defeated Glenn Osbourne and Max Thrasher to become the first-ever ECW Tag Team Champions
1994
WCW Clash of the Champions: Charleston, South Carolina: – WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair pinned WCW International World Heavyweight Champion Sting to unify the titles – Lord Steven Regal (with Sir William) pinned WCW World Television Champion Larry Zbyszko to win the title – WCW World Tag Team Champions Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan (with Dave Sullivan) defeated The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) to retain the title – The Guardian Angel (Big Bossman) pinned Tex Slazenger – Johnny B. Badd defeated WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Steve Austin by disqualification
1995
Lasalle, Ontario, Canada: – Scott D’Amore defeated Bruiser Bedlam for the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title
1996
WWF King of the Ring: Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – Ahmed Johnson pinned WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust (with Marlena) to win the title – Steve Austin pinned Jake Roberts to win the King of the Ring tournament WWF Champion Shawn Michaels (with José Lothario) defeated The British Bulldog (with Jim Cornette and Diana Smith) to retain the title – Mankind defeated The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) by referee stoppage – WWF Tag Team Champions The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart (with Sunny)) defeated The Godwinns (Henry and Phineas (with Hillbilly Jim)) to retain the title
2000
Louisville, Kentucky: – The Disciples of Synn (Damian and Slash) defeated OVW Southern Tag Team Champions B.J. Payne and Scotty Sabre to win the titles
2002
WWF King of the Ring: Columbus, Ohio: – Molly Holly defeated WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus to win the title – Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) defeated WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam to win the King of the Ring tournament – Ric Flair pinned Eddie Guerrero – Kurt Angle defeated Hulk Hogan by submission – WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker pinned Triple H to retain the title
Last week, Team Gadelha finished the first round 7-1 with Kate Jackson’s victory over Ashley Yoder. The quarterfinals: Andrew Sanchez vs. Eric Spicely, Amanda Cooper vs. Lanchana Green, Tatiana Suarez vs. Kate Jackson, and Josh Stansbury vs. Cory Hendricks. Unfortunately, Hendricks’ injury has proven to be too much for him so he’s pulling out of the tournament and someone gets to come back to replace him.
Dana White sets up a Skype call with the coaches live from his location in London (presumably for the Bisping vs. Silva fight). He’s bringing back Khalil Rountree to face Josh Stansbury, so Sanchez and Spicely are still fighting each other as previously planned, and if Hendricks is healed up, he gets a shot on the TUF Finale in July. Gadelha is “very happy” with the decision.
Rountree is frustrated that he’s having to fight a friend for the second time on the show, and Jedrzejczyk tries to encourage him to cheer up, but in his interview, he says he has to deal with it the way he needs to. “I’m in a situation where I have to put myself first and that’s not something that I’m used to.” Neither team is thrilled about fighting friends in their matchups.
It’s time for the annual COACHES CHALLENGE.
Two giant glass tanks have been filled up with ice water and there are platforms to stand over the top of them. The coaches have to stand up there and shoot air rifles at targets with 5, 10, and 20 point circles. The 20 is the bullseye and also says “DUNK.” For every 20 points, they go in the water, which Gadelha is already very unhappy about, but after winning the coin toss, she gets to shoot first.
Gadelha scores 10. Jedrzejczyk misses. Gadelha scores 20 and Jedrzejczyk gets dunked. Jedrzejczyk scores 20 and Gadelha gets dunked. Gadelha scores 20 for another dunk. Jedrzejczyk scores 5. 10, 10. 20 and Jedrzejczyk is dunked again. Jedrzejczyk with a 20 and Gadelha is dunked. It’s 80 to 55. Gadelha hits the bullseye again and that’s game over – Jedrzejczyk gets dunked one last time. Gadelha gets $10,000 and her team gets $1,500 each. Jedrzejczyk vows to win even more money when they fight in July.
Now, White goes up to the platform! She gets three shots to dunk him and if she succeeds. Gadelha gets another $15,000 and $500 more to each member of the team. Gadelha hits the bullseye on her very first try.
* Eric Spicely (204.5, Team Gadelha) vs. Andrew Sanchez (201 pounds, Team Gadelha)
Spicely is in the red trunks, Sanchez is in the navy blue trunks. Sanchez is hurting him early and hurting him often and the fight is over by KO in just 47 seconds! An overhand right set it up and a head kick really shook Spicely up, and it was only a matter of time until the stoppage after that. Sanchez isn’t happy about it because he had to fight a friend.
“It’s very bittersweet. It’s strange and unexpected,” he said.
Welcome to the longest running episodic Internet Wrestling Show recap report in the history of all time and space: The main Eeent of weekly WWE recaps, the weekly recap of WWE Main Event.
The Ascension vs. Big Cass and Enzo Amore
The commentary team is very concerned about the WWE right now. Tom Phillips thinks that the WWE is in the midst of a time of change. David Otunga, I’m not too sure about him. Between showing up regularly at the Steve Harvey Show, painting the town red with his Hollywood wife, being a high powered attorney, and making sure his arms are ripped to the point of absurdity, I can understand how he doesn’t have time to reflect on how I find his fashion offensive. He is wearing a sleeveless hoodie over a shirt that has to be a Youth XL, because it looks like it is about to tear itself in half from being so tight.
And Phillips is right, things are changing because the other Ascension is back from his suspension.
Enzo and Cass make their way out to a huge ovation from the crowd, and Otunga has the nerve to make fun of Enzo’s outfit. Enzo says his piece, and they get a few laughs over on the Ascension. Big Cass talks a lot about football for a really long time. Otunga continues to make fun of Enzo’s outfits. Enzo starts off the fight against Viktor, and then Konnor gets tagged. There’s a cool spot where Enzo lands a springboard plancha and Viktor hits him with a corkscrew uppercut. Otunga loves that move. Konner beats up Enzo, and the Ascension cut him off and everyone wants the HOT TAG.
Enzo makes tag to Big Cass and they hit the Badda Boom Shaka Laka for the win.
We learn that John Cena speaks Mandarin.
Sin Cara vs Baron Corbin
Otunga reminisces for a moment on his in-ring career. Out comes Corbin. He’s closed the book on his rivalry with Dolph Ziggler, according to Phillips. So with that out of the way, now is the opportunity to establish who Corbin is with the audience. I know what he is. He’s a sweaty biker dude with a skullet, who also drives an old white van, carries a pocket knife and will do unspeakably horrific things to you if he doesn’t like you, and man oh man, he doesn’t like you because Corbin doesn’t like anyone. Otunga thinks Corbin is a future world champion, and everyone knows Otunga is famous for his eye for talent.
Sin Cara kicks Corbin, and then Corbin throws Cara across the ring. Cara fights back for a bit and attempts the pin to no avail. Corbin hits the End of Days, and as my girlfriend always says, “No one ever kicks out of the End of Days”.
Otunga is so excited about the upcoming brand split.
US Champion Rusev vs Zack Ryder
If there is any justice in the world, Rusev will be a multi-time World Champion by the time his run is over. His talent and charisma is off the charts. Plus he gets to hang out with Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, and Kris Kristofferson in Hawaii, he tries to play the acoustic guitar in his spare time, he seems like he is in a happy relationship, and he loves Space Jam.
Dolph Ziggler is on commentary wearing a Degeneration X shirt and a blazer. I have to apologize to Ziggler because I lied to him once. He was doing a comedy thing and I went to laugh, but I didn’t laugh at all because I didn’t think anything was funny. I saw him leaving the venue and I shouted “Good job” to him, and I feel bad because that is not how I felt at the time. Dolph, I hope you can forgive me, and I promise to be honest from now on.
Otunga, such a brave and bold broadcast journalist, asks Dolph about Rusev and Lana’s engagement. Dolph rambles off about Twitter. Sometimes I think all he has in this world is his Twitter account, @heelziggler. Rusev kicks Ryder in the damn face because Rusev is a damn beast and he can and will rip your damn heart out in front of your damn face. But, he can also steal it from you.
Rusev has everything it takes to be America’s sweetheart and American Psycho. Otunga is so mad that Rusev is US Champion. No one on commentary thinks that there’s any truth to Rusev’s claim that he is an American hero. What a bunch of ignorant meatheads. Rusev continues to beat the living puke out of Ryder. Ryder shows his heart for a bit, and puts up some offensive. But Rusev machka.
Ryder taps out to the Accolade. Ziggler calls Phillips “TP”…and we’re done.
The 37-year-old Punk (Phil Brooks) said he had just gotten clearance to train after back surgery and would debut in Cleveland, a show headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem for the UFC heavyweight title. Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell is also on that show.
Assuming the fight goes off as planned, his debut would happen nearly two years since he first signed with UFC, a timetable far longer than expected. Reasons included delays due to head trainer Duke Roufus not wanting him to fight too early, as well as shoulder and back injuries, both of which date back to his days as a pro wrestler.
Gall is 2-0 in his young MMA career, and won his February UFC debut convincingly against Mike Jackson.
– Air Date: June 23, 2016 – Location: Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ
– The Big News:
There was no acknowledgement of the Roman Reigns wellness policy violation or suspension. There was also no mention of what happened with Jerry Lawler this week. Smackdown did feature Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins for the first time ever, and it delivered.
Show Recap:
They started with a video package recapping Dean Ambrose’s night at Money in the Bank and Raw. They officially announced Ambrose vs. Rollins vs. Reigns at Battleground. The commentary team was Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton and David Otunga. The Raw/Smackdown podiums were on the stage too, even though they were never used.
Seth Rollins Promo
Rollins said all of our parents told us that we can accomplish our goals if we work hard, but MITB was proof that they’re all liars. Nobody works harder than him and he proved it when he came back early from his injury and pinned the paper champion Roman Reigns. Rollins said Ambrose snuck up behind him and stole his title.
Rollins said he would prove again that he was, and always will be, the best member of the Shield. Tonight, he wanted to prove he was the man and issued an open challenge, which brought out Sami Zayn. Rollins asked him of his master Kevin Owens let him off his leash. Rollins was taking Zayn lightly and called him the perfect opponent.
Before Zayn could say anything, Dean Ambrose interrupted. Ambrose called for the production guys to bring his Ambrose Asylum set into the ring, which they did. Ambrose has a cactus now. He also (poorly) drew the WWE title belt on the bristol board sign. Rollins thought this was crap and didn’t want to be a guest on his show, but Zayn played along, acting overly excited and honoured to be on.
Ambrose’s first question was for Rollins, asking him why he’s such a jackass. Rollins didn’t want to be there, so Zayn challenged him to a match right now. Rollins was pissed about this whole thing and stormed off. Ambrose announced the match for the main event, and Ranallo called it a first-time ever match. Perfectly fine opening segment.
Cesaro beat Alberto Del Rio via pinfall
They went to commercial one minute into the match. The story behind this was that Del Rio blames Cesaro for costing him the ladder match. Cesaro won an 8-9 minute match after reversing the armbar into a Neutralizer. Really good match and the crowd got into it the more it went.
Sheamus beat Apollo Crews via countout
Otunga said he understood Sheamus’ position because when Otunga himself was out, he was afraid somebody else would take his spot, and Sheamus must be worried about the same thing.
Crews had control until Sheamus gave him a rolling senton on the outside. Sheamus grabbed the steel steps, stood them up, and eventually hit Crews with a Brogue kick, sending him into the steps. This was somehow not a DQ, and Sheamus got in the ring as the referee counted out Crews.
The announcers discussed the Draft and the AJ Styles/John Cena program.
Backstage with The Club
Gallows said there’s no better feeling than beating Cena, which Styles did. Anderson said there was no better feeling than beating up Cena, which they all did on Raw. The Usos interrupted and told Styles he can’t win without his boys “Head and Shoulders.” Styles couldn’t tell the Usos apart. Jimmy said they’ve fought Gallows and Anderson before, but not Styles one-on-one, and challenged him.
Styles agreed to a match and would take him on without the Club at ringside. Jimmy wanted to shake on it, but when Styles went to shake his hand, Jimmy pulled his hand back and dabbed. The crowd laughed. They cut to Ranallo who said the match was made official, even though the segment literally just ended a second earlier. Whoever runs Smackdown works quickly, I guess.
AJ Styles beat Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) via pinfall
Otunga picked Jimmy Uso to win this match. He also mentioned listening to the Stone Cold podcast and thought Styles was insecure about his size, which is why he hangs out with such big guys. Amazing. As Styles held a headlock, the younger portion of the audience chanted “AJ sucks.” Jimmy made his comeback and hit a superkick.
At this point, Gallows and Anderson ran down through the crowd to attack Jey. Jimmy nailed them both with a dive, and Styles followed with slingshot forearm on Jimmy. Styles pushed him back in the ring and hit a Phenomenal forearm for the win. The action was good but this was too short. The story, of course, was that Styles won thanks to the Club.
Non-title: WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Big E (w/Xavier Woods) beat The Vaudevillains via pinfall
New Day won very quickly after hitting Gotch with Midnight Hour.
After the match, the Wyatts appeared on the screen. Bray said the measure of a man is what he does with power, but New Day used their power of positivity to interrupt the eater of worlds and that would be a grave mistake. New Day falls… Run.
There was a new segment with Bob Backlund and Darren Young. Young said his goals were to win a singles title and main event WrestleMania. Backlund said his era was called the “Bob Backlund era” and this will be the “Darren Young era.”
Backstage Interviews
Sami Zayn told a new interview man that it was time to move on from Kevin Owens, which is why he accepted Rollins’ challenge. He said the earlier segment may have been fun and games, but it was time to get serious. Zayn said he wouldn’t be worried about Owens tonight, and he hoped Rollins wouldn’t be worried about Ambrose, because Zayn would kick his face off. This was great.
Elsewhere, Renee Young asked Charlotte and Dana Brooke about Sasha Banks, which led to “We want Sasha” chants in the background. I missed Charlotte’s response. I’m sure it doesn’t matter. Brooke said she would beat Carrot Top Becky and playtime was over. One of the announcers (or someone) coughed into their mic during this segment and they didn’t bother editing it out.
Dana Brooke (w/Charlotte) beat Becky Lynch via pinfall
After Lynch hit a reverse DDT, Charlotte jumped on the apron, so Lynch knocked her off. The distraction allowed Brooke to apply a small package for the win in less than 2 minutes. Stupid. Another short women’s match and it was the only one on the show.
Afterwards, the heels doubled teamed Lynch. Lynch gave Brooke an Exploder, but Charlotte nailed her with a big boot. Sasha Banks came down for the save. Charlotte bailed and Brooke attacked Banks from behind, but she gave Brooke the Bank Statement as she stared at Charlotte.
Backstage, Rollins walked toward Gorilla when Ambrose showed up behind him. Ambrose said he wasn’t about to miss this match and casually walked along behind Rollins. Rollins was annoyed and responded by just walking really fast to get away. Funny.
Seth Rollins beat Sami Zayn via pinfall
Dean Ambrose joined commentary. Ranallo called him the new kingpin of WWE, and Ambrose really liked that. There were dueling chants of “Let’s go Rollins” and “Sami Zayn.” After a break, Rollins stomped a mudhole into Zayn. They each tried to hit a vertical suplex, but Rollins got the better of it and hit a Falcon Arrow.
Ranallo asked Ambrose what it was like to get “You deserve it” chants. Ambrose said you can’t outsmart the people and, “to quote John Cena, even though I don’t want to, real recognizes real.”
Zayn began making a comeback but Rollins escaped to the outside. Zayn went right after him with a clothesline, followed by a crossbody back in the ring for two. Zayn then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall.
Zayn went for the Helluva kick but Rollins countered with a jumping kick and turnbuckle bomb. Zayn countered into a school boy for two, then reversed a Pedigree into a tornado DDT. Zayn went for Helluva kick again, but again Rollins escaped the ring. Zayn hit a flip dive, but as they re-entered the ring, Rollins immediately hit the Pedigree for the win. Very good match, although it was only about 12 minutes.
After the match, Rollins confronted Ambrose, but when Ambrose got in his face, Rollins backed off. Ambrose went to sit back down so Rollins gave him a cheap shot. With Ambrose down, Rollins celebrated, but Ambrose wildly attacked him. Ambrose went for a Dirty Deeds in the ring but Rollins bailed.
– Final Thoughts:
Based on normal Smackdown standards, this show was pretty good, especially with what felt like a light crew. Del Rio vs. Cesaro and Zayn vs. Rollins were both really good and the talking segments were entertaining too. I love that Seth Rollins seems like he’ll be perpetually annoyed as long as Dean Ambrose is WWE champion.
