Paypress testing

Category: News

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Kurt Angle vs. Drew Galloway

    -Last week on Impact’s debut show on Pop TV, Ethan Carter III won the TNA World Heavyweight Title by defeating Matt Hardy in the finals on the World Title Series.

    -Tonight, The Kurt Angle Farwell Tour kicks off as he battles it out with Drew Galloway for the first time ever. Also, the fallout from Awesome Kong turning on The Beautiful People and the reunion of Beer Money Inc. continues. Plus, The “Miracle” Michael Bennet and the First Lady of Wrestling, Maria Kannelis are expected to make an appearance.

    The cameras will be following Kurt Angle around all night for Kurt Angle – All access tonight apart of the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.

    *****

    – Take it away Smashing Pumpkins! This opening theme is really growing on me.

    – EC3 is starring into a mirror backstage with the TNA World Title. The slow tease of a Tyrus turn continues as he gives EC3 a cold look as he walks away.

    EC3 powerwalks to the ring with the World title proudly draped across his shoulder. Jeff Hardy comes out. Jeff hands Tyrus a piece of paper and then makes a joke about Tyrus not being able to read. A “You can’t read” chant breaks out. Jeff Hardy gives EC3 a doctor note that clears him to wrestler. He challenges EC3 for a match tonight but gets denied. EC3 asks Bob Ryder in the back to send out a young star to face Jeff. A guy in a mask comes out and EC3 sings his entrance music.  

    Jeff Hardy vs. “Master of Motion” Shyron

    EC3 and Tyrus join Josh on commentary. Hardy sends Shyron to the outside but he balances on the apron. SHyron is mostly going for high spots. Shyron goes for a what looks like a springboard cross body from the apron into the ring but rolls through and hits a hand stand back flip off the ropes into an elbow attempt ala Tajir, however, Shyron misses. Jeff easily beats him with a twist of fate in basically a squash match. EC3 applauds.

    – Backstage, JB interviews The Dollhouse and Awesome Kong seems to be a new member and the new leader. Beautiful People show up and call them the “Doghouse.” This leads to a brawl.

    The Dollhouse vs. The Beautiful – Street Fight

    Josh explains that this is a tag match between four of the girls but because it’s a street fight anybody can get involved. They brawl around ringside including Velvet hitting a sick looking suplex on Jade on the outside. Jade throws in series of weapons, such as, kendo sticks, trash cans and chairs. The crowd is flat for this match despite all the weapons. Jade uses a small packaged cradle piledriver on Madison for the win.

    Beer Money Beer Bash

    Beer Money comes out for their reunion celebration but Eric Young interrupts. EY says he and Bram aren’t’ friends. Strom tells EY to get on his knees and suck on his beer bottle.

    King of the Mountain Champion Bobby Roode vs. Eric Young

    EY and Roode have a probably worked with each other so much it would be hard for them not to have a good match. Roode had the match won after a Roode bomb but Bram pulled the referee out of the ring. Storm and Roode double-team Bram. Beer Money went to do their Beer Money Signature when EY throws Strom out of the ring and low blows Roode. EY hits the piledriver for the win and is the new King of the Mountain.

    – Mr. Anderson promotes his brand new interview segment, “Huh?”. His first guest tonight is Matt Hardy.-After the break, JB interviews Dixie Carter about their upcoming U.K Tour. There was a U.K. fan poll to bring in an U.K. talent for their upcoming tour. Dixie has decided to bring in all of the three finalists for the tour. The U.K. wrestlers are Big Damo, Jimmy Havoc and Will Ospreay.

    – Backstage, “Miracle” Michael Bennet and Maria meet with TNA World Champ EC3. They’re teasing a feud between the two, which is a very promising feud if TNA pulls the trigger on it.

    Mr. Anderson Interview Segment – Huh??!! – Guest: Matt Hardy. Reby Sky and Maxell

    Mr. Anderson host his very first of Huh??!! They start playing weird elevator music that does not fit with his character. The set consists of a black sofa, chair and table that looks like it was from Ikea. Matt’s wife and son are out there with him. Matt said he was going to make EC3 and an offer he couldn’t refuse.

    X Division Champion Tigre Uno & TNA Tag Team Champions The Wolves vs. DJ Z, Jesse Godderz and Eli Drake

    DJ Z is in trouble early in the match but every time he goes for a tag his partners weren’t there. DJ Z gets the advantage briefly and Jesse tags himself in. Tigre and The Wolves quickly regain the advantage. Jesse accidently knocked down DJ Z. Jesse locks on the Adonis crab but DJ Z turns on Jesse and hits him with a superkick. Tigre and The Wolves pick up the win.

    – EC3 calls out Matt Hardy to hear his offer. Matt’s offer is that he will leave TNA if he can’t beat EC3 in one more match. Next week they’ll face off in a Last Man Standing Match for the title.

    Drew Galloway vs. Kurt Angle

    This was the first match in the Kurt Angle farewell tour. This was a great match. Kurt Angle put on his typical show stealing performance and Drew Galloway is able to hang with him. Kurt locked on the ankle lock several times. Kurt hit a belly-to-belly suplex on the outside into the guardrail in a sick look spot. Drew had several near falls at the end. Kurt hits an Angle slam off the top rope for the win.

    Final Thoughts

    It was a good show this week with the clear highlight being the main event. Kurt Angle’s farewell tour is very intriguing and the possibility of great matches is exciting. On next week’s show, we get Matt Hardy vs. EC3 in a career vs. title Last Man Standing match.

  • July 20, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WCW Bash at the Beach recap, Brawl For All continues, tons of news

    When you play the celebrity game, there is a risk. There’s the risk the media and the public won’t get interested and the deal becomes a money loser. And there’s the risk that even if they do, trying to get outsiders, even if they are great athletes, to do a cram course in pro wrestling won’t result in a good match. But there is the upside. While Hulk Hogan would have been one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history without Cyndi Lauper and Mr. T, without question the rub off of them helped catapult Hogan to a higher level of mainstream consciousness. Antonio Inoki would have been one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history without Muhammad Ali, but if he wasn’t a household name in Japan before their fight, he certainly has been for all of the past 22 years since their fight. And their fight, was the ultimate in the risk not paying off and what the repercussions of that are, short-term disaster and stuff that long-term legends are created from.

    But as society has changed, so have the athletes. The biggest risk today isn’t so much of a bad buy rate, or lack of media attention to sell it to the general public, or even of a bad match. The risk is, will the celebrity show up, and if he does, will he feel he’s so high and mighty that what he’s doing is a joke.

    Enter Dennis Rodman. Jake Roberts used to repeat the fable every time he turned heel. It went something like this. You see a wounded snake that’s about to die. You save its life, you nurse it back to health and you treat it as a friend. It becomes your best friend. And one day out of nowhere, the snake bites you. You ask the snake, after all I did for you, why did you bite me? The snake responded, the first time you picked me up, you knew I was a snake.

    Rodman is Rodman. In another age, he’d be considered something entirely different. Sure, some of his actions are largely an exercise is self-promotion. And some, like blowing off practice in the middle of the playoffs are something different. But he can get away with it. Because he can play. Actually, that is probably not a lot different from what would have happened in a previous generation except the media would have covered it up as in covering for him in those days rather than making a huge issue of it and thus making him more of a celebrity for it these days. But in this generation, doing things like that also make one a hero. He’s cool. He does what he wants. So WCW invests a ton of money in him. And last year, at the height of his celebrityhood, instead of using a football player or a boxer, athletes who have the rep of being tough, they tried a basketball player. He helped the buy rates a little on two shows, although not nearly as much as revisionist history from people who know nothing about pro wrestling seem to think. He didn’t help TV ratings one bit last year, nor one bit this year, and this year they needed it. But he was a success, because by being associated with WCW, it strengthened the WCW name probably to a level very close to equal the name brand of the WWF when it comes to pro wrestling. The fact his first match was something of a miracle was well and good for wrestling fans but it wouldn’t have mattered that much either way. Overall in the giant scheme of things, it was a success and the fact the match quality was surprising had very little to do with it.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Last Man Standing match booked for Royal Rumble

    From the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, taped for Wednesday in Canada and Thursday in the U.S.:

    – WWE Smackdown opened with Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose wanting a last man standing match with Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble.  Sheamus then came out. Owens accepted the match and he and Sheamus attacked Ambrose until Neville made the save to lead to the main event.

    – Dudleys beat Luke Harper & Erick Rowan in a tables match.  After the match, Braun Strowman destroyed both Dudleys.

    – Heath Slater & Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas & Adam Rose beat Jack Swagger & Zack Ryder & Goldust & Damien Sandow when Dallas pinned Ryder.

    – Alberto Del Rio beat Kalisto to regain the U.S. title due to distraction from King Barrett.

    – Becky Lynch beat Brie Bella.

    – WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose & Neville went to a double countout with Kevin Owens & Sheamus.

  • Retro Wrestling Observer ‘In the Beginning’ Special

    From now through January 31st, get the first 11 hard copy issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter ever published, either as a collection or as individual issues.

    What You’ll Get:

    1982 Yearbook (12 pages) | The premier issue of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter!

    – Flair/Piper cover
    – The champions of 1982
    – Observer Top 75 Ratings
    – Wrestling Observer Awards-Ric Flair wins Wrestler of the Year
    – 1982 in review
    – Superstar Profiles
    – 1983

    March (13 pages) | Farewell Judo Gene

    – Ron Dobratz Reminisces
    – Freebirds Cover Wrestling Notebook ’83-A look at the news of each territory
    – All Japan signs Dynamite Kid
    – Rookie Billy Jack taking the Northwest by storm
    – Tully Blanchard wins Southwest title in tournament
    – Buddy Roberts arrives in Texas to join the Freebirds
    – Cable TV & Wrestling’s Future

    April (16 pages) The Fine Line Between Stereotypes & Racism, Adrian Adonis cover

    – Is Television a Threat to Local Promotions
    – Japan in depth-a quick profile on all of the superstars with ratings
    – New Japan draws $250,000 gate-thousands turned away
    – Bob Sweetan wins Southwest title
    – Larry Zybszko enters Georgia

    May (16 pages) Where do Pro Wrestlers rate as Athletes?, Ric Flair cover

    – The true effects of Cable Come Out
    – Texas in Depth-a quick profile on all of the superstars with ratings
    – All Japan Grand Champion series opens March 25
    – Tiger Mask vacates NJPW jr title after match with Dynamite Kid
    – Lou Thesz and Terry Funk to appear in Southwest promotion
    – Larry Matysik resigns as St Louis booker
    – Frank Dusek wins Southern belt from Barry Windham

    June (18 pages) Editorial: “How to Correctly use National TV”, Flair vs. Piper cover

    – Analysis of AWA & Mid-South Talent
    – Onita suffers broken leg during match with Hector Guerrero
    – Masa Saito to tour US this summer
    – Adrian Adonis wins ‘World’ belt in Southwest
    – JYD wins North American title
    – Ken Patera wins International belt from Lawler
    – Jimmy Snuka’s girlfriend found dead
    – Eddie Gilbert in car accident

    July (20 pages) Summer 1983 Top 100 Ratings, Harey Race cover, ’83 awards

    – Hulk Hogan wins IWGP tournament by knocking out Antonio Inoki
    – Curt Henning wins Northwest title
    – Bret Hart wins North American title from Leo Burke
    – Jerry Lawler “Kaufman is a Dead Comic”

    August (20 pages) Harley Race wins NWA title from Ric Flair in St. Louis, Crusher Blackwell cover:

    – Analysis of Florida & Georgia talent
    – Should Pro wrestling be covered in the sports pages
    – Inoki supposed to have won IWPG title
    – Jumbo Tsuruta vacates United National belt in Texas
    – Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera win AWA titles from the High Flyers
    – Ric Flair wins Missouri state title

    September (20 pages) Feedback about the 1983 ratings, Sgt Slaughter cover:

    – New Japan likely to affiliate self with Calgary
    – Jimmy Garvin wins American title from Kevin Von Erich
    – Butch Reed wins North American title from JYD
    – Massive house cleaning in Florida
    – July 11 main event Jerry Lawler vs Andy Kaufman

    October (20 pages) Terry Funk Retires, Terry Funk cover:

    – Jumbo Tsuruta wins International belt from Brody
    – Tiger Mask retires
    – Southwest loses slot on USA network
    – Jim Duggan beats Ted DiBiase in loser leaves town match
    – WWF debuts on USA network

    November (20 pages) The Two Faces of Japanese Wrestling, Tiger Mask cover

    – Fall ’83 Top 50 ratings
    – Neverending feuds
    – Stan Hansen beats Giant Baba for PWF crown
    – Dynamite Kid wins Northwest title from Henning
    – Harley Race tours Texas
    – Jesse Ventura wins Southern title
    – Brett Wayne Sawyer wins National belt from Zybszko

    December (22 pages) Article on Roy Shire/Dynamite Kid cover:

    – Antonio Inoki may regain power in New Japan
    – The Cobra wins NWA jr belt vs Davey Boy Smith
    – Lots of newcomers to Mid South
    – Billy Jack wins Northwest belt from Dynamite Kid
    – Puerto Rico draws more than 32,000 for Race/Colon main event
    – The Grand Wizard passes away

    *****

    Rates for all 11 issues:

    • $109.95 USD for Canada destinations
    • $119.95 USD for USA destinations
    • $169.95 USD for International destinations

    (For Paypal orders, please add $5 for Paypal fees)

    Rates for individual issues:

    $12 US | $11 Canada | $18 International

    *****

    Details & Contact Info:

    – Shipping is done via airmail

    – All payments can be made by money order* in US funds and mailed to:

    Grant Zwarych
    151 Hart Ave
    Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
    K9J 5C5

    *Please contact Grant via email below before to verify amounts and additional details, especially for international orders.

    You can also pay via Paypal to grantsindex@nexicom.net, adding $5 for PayPal fees.

  • November 30, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 3 top stars potentially done with wrestling, WCW World War III recap

    The in-ring future of three of the top wrestling stars of this era looks to be in major question, with existing injuries seriously threatening the careers of Shawn Michaels and Masahiro Chono, and the business split, whether part of an angle or otherwise, between Hulk Hogan, WCW and Eric Bischoff.

    As the “inside story” goes, which may or may not have a degree of validity, Hogan and Bischoff had a business falling out when Bischoff decided to go with Hogan’s enemy, Kevin Nash, as new booker, thus greatly diluting Hogan’s political power. It was also made clear to Hogan that due to WWF’s huge ratings victories over the past few weeks with the margin growing to record proportions on 11/16, that they were no longer going to build the entire company and nearly every major angle around him and that, as many have clamored for more than one year, Bischoff realizes the company needs to build new and younger stars for the future. The straw that may have broken the camel’s back is the current plan for Nash to beat Bill Goldberg for the WCW title at Starrcade, since Hogan agreed to put Goldberg over cleanly the right way for the title on 7/6 at the Georgia Dome as part of a deal where Goldberg’s first loss would be to him, most likely at Starrcade. While there were tentative plans on the table for Nash to win the Battle Royal and then the title at Starrcade before any of this happened, there was also serious talk that the end result of this would be for Nash to re-join the black & white at that point and possibly even hand the belt to Hogan, and this was the first time it was made clear that wasn’t happening. Rather than stay with his power diluted, Hogan chose to leave the company and is expected to announce his retirement from pro wrestling on Thanksgiving night on the Jay Leno show. The fact that his name was mentioned so prominently on both the PPV show and on both the 11/23 and 11/24 editions Nitro, which all heavily plugged the Leno appearance, makes clear this is largely an angle. Hogan wasn’t in either Auburn Hills or Grand Rapids, MI for the two shows. Generally, but not universally speaking, the morale of the wrestlers was much better without him as he was largely seen by most of the younger wrestlers as the political enemy holding them back.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Yoel Romero facing possible suspension for drug test failure

    Yoel Romero, who was a possible next contender for UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, is facing a possible drug test suspension.

    The UFC announced that they were notified today by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) of a potential violation stemming from a Romero sample collected out of competition. The UFC noted that USADA will, independent of UFC, handle the results and punishment stemming from the case.

    No specific drug was named in the story, nor has there been punishment announced.  It appears from previous cases that UFC is notified of a failed test, but the fighter is allowed to ask for a B sample to be tested before the offense will be publicly noted and any punishment would be dispensed.

    Romero won a controversial decision over Rolando “Jacare” Souza at UFC 194 in Las Vegas in a fight that was to determine the next challenger for the title. But most felt either Souza deserved the win, or it should have been a draw, so Romero was never announced as getting the next title shot.

  • Daily Update: Diaz suspension reduced, McGregor’s title shot official

    UFC officially announced UFC 197 for March 5th, headlined by featherweight champion Conor McGregor vs. lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos for RDA’s 155-pound title, and Holly Holm defending her women’s bantamweight crown for the first time against Miesha Tate. The event will be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Don’t forget: our own Tom Lawlor will also be on the show against Corey Anderson.

    The NAC reduced Nick Diaz’s suspension from five years to 18 months (served retroactively), and also reduced his fine down from $165,000 to $100,000. He should be cleared to fight again August 1. This all stemmed from Diaz’s third marijuana failure at UFC 183, where he fought Anderson Silva. Those who watched the original hearing may recall that Diaz invoked his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination, which was followed by commissioner Pat Lundvall (a lawyer) arguing with Diaz’s lawyer about. Jeremy Botter, who has the settlement agreement, is reporting that Diaz stipulated that he wrongly invoked his fifth amendment rights even though that’s not actually the case.

    Smackdown and Main Event tapings will be Tonight in Lafayette, LA.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last Friday night’s TNA PPV show, so 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 live reports from Raw tonight in New Orleans. 

    We’re also looking for reports from the Lucha Underground tapings this past weekend 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! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

    The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

    WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

    A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    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: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    TUESDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    WWE

    UFC/MMA

    • A new gameplay trailer was released today for EA Sports UFC 2. This one focuses on the new physics-based hit reactions and knockouts, the new, non-turn based grappling and clinch system, and the new defensive system which includes 360 degree had movement (like Fight Night Champion) and independent high/low blocks with no weak “autoblock” that protects the whole body. The game comes out on March 15th and is available for pre-order now.
    • Speaking of EA Sports UFC 2, CM Punk has been given an overall fighter rating of 85. If you compare him to the fighters in the first game, he’s above Pat Parry (84), has the same rating as Martin Kampmann and Francis Carmont, and is just below Mark Hunt’s 86. Punk responded on Twitter to some of the negative comments about him getting such a high rating despite never having competed in the sport: “Not since Samus Aran was revealed to be a woman have dummies been this butt hurt about a video game.” Samus was the player character in Nintendo’s 1986 game Metroid.
    • Stipe Miocic is pissed that Alistair Overeem might get the next UFC heavyweight title shot and that his yelling at Dana White after his beatdown of Andrei Arlovski was personal.
    • Our site’s own “Filthy” Tom Lawlor announced his return date here. Spoiler alert: It’s for UFC 197, which should have a monster main event on top. Congrats to Mr. Lawlor.
    • Duane Ludwig thinks Dominick Cruz’s propensity for trash talk makes him something other than a martial artist.
    • WSOF announced today that Mike Ricci is out of WSOF 27, which airs a week from Saturday on NBC Sports Network. Luiz Furmino will be the replacement in the main event against Caros Fodor. This is the sixth fight that Ricci has been scheduled to fight in since August of 2014 that has been cancelled for one reason or another.
    • Ryan Couture will replace the injured Derek Anderson at Bellator 148 against Patricky “Pitbull” Friere. This is a big step up in competition for Couture who is 10-3 overall and 2-0 in Bellator.
    • ICYMI, Josh Nason and Paul Fontaine continued their look at the year that was 2015 in MMA, checking in with July-September on the newest Josh Nason’s Punch-Out. (sub only). The final installment goes up tonight.

    MISC

    • On the latest edition of Between the Sheets, (Not That) Tom Green joins Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan to talk January 5-11, 1994. Topics include bar brawls, John Nord’s career trajectory, Antonio Pena’s Japanese business tour, ECW “crossing the line,” Jerry Lawler’s legal problems, Bret & Owen Hart vs. The Steiner Brothers, Tom breaking the show, and much more.
    • The latest episode of the Fire Pro Podcast reviews WrestleKingdom 10, the latest TNA relaunch, and the big news of last week here.
    • Friday Jan 15th, Future Stars of Wrestling presents New Years Resolution, 7pm at the FSW Arena, featuring FSW Heavyweight Champion Kevin Kross, former WWE Superstar Sinn Bodhi, and WWE Hall of Famer, the Legendary Jake The Snake Roberts.  For more info, go to futurestarsofwrestling.com
    • FSW is also hosting a seminar the WWE Legend Jake The Snake Roberts this Thursday, Jan 14th.  Cost is $30 for FSW Students and $35 for Non-FSW students.  Learn from one of the greatest minds in professional wrestling.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:The Outsiders beat the Steiners for WCW Tag Championship

  • WWE RAW’s rating holds its own against college football title game

    The Monday, January 11th edition of WWE Raw did surprisingly well considering it went against the NCAA football national title game which drew far more viewers than any NFL game had done against Raw during the fall.

    The show did 3.32 million viewers, roughly the fall season average. The Alabama vs. Clemson championship game did 25.68 million viewers head-to-head. Raw was sixth for the night on cable, but all five shows that beat Raw were ESPN shows that were related to coverage of the game itself.

    The good news, in a sense, was the third hour was not their lowest rated hour, so the concept of WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. everyone (spurred on by Vince McMahon) and the waiting for Brock Lesnar to appear led to a slight increase during a period that usually is a decrease.

    It’s also the end of any kind of football hurting Raw ratings on Monday, so the hope is that numbers should increase on a regular basis starting next week.

    The breakdown of the three hours were:

    – 8 PM: 3.54 million viewers

    – 9 PM: 3.21 million viewers

    – 10 PM: 3.23 million viewers

  • Nick Diaz suspension and fine reduced

    During a Nevada Athletic Commission hearing Tuesday, the commission reduced Nick Diaz’s penalty for a marijuana drug test failure back at UFC 183 to 18 months down from five years, and a $100,000 fine, down from $165,000. He is eligible to return starting in August of this year.

    At the hearing, the NAC quickly said they had reached a settlement, but didn’t reveal what the actual settlement was. It wasn’t until later that we learned what the terms were.

    The original hearing came as a result of a drug test failure after Diaz’s bout with Anderson Silva. Prior to the fight, Diaz had failed twice for marijuana, and under the new drug penalties, Diaz was given a five year suspension and a fine of $165,000. The NAC believed Diaz lied on his pre-fight questionnaire, and wanted to make an example of him. However, there was a tremendous outcry of public support, as well as UFC support, including fighters refusing to fight in Nevada, and even a petition to President Obama.

    Nevada deputy attorney general Christopher Eccles’ case was that Diaz’s two negative tests were diluted and that he lied on his pre-fight questionnaire. After the grassroots uprising and support from the UFC’s lawfirm, the NAC decided to re-evaluate the suspension. Diaz’ lead counsel argued that Diaz had actually passed two fight night tests and the one he failed came from a lab that was not accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

  • WWE Monroe, LA, house show results: Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens

    Submitted by Josh Long from Saturday, January 10th

    Chris Jericho def. U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.

    JoJo announced to the house that John Cena is out due to a shoulder injury. She informed the crow refunds were available for the next twenty minutes.  Before she could finish Alberto Del Rio interrupted and cut a promo on Cena. Del Rio received heat from the crowd during his promo. He even mentioned pro wrestling.

    Chris Jericho interrupted  Alberto to a big pop from the crowd. Lots of Y2J cheers broke out in the audience. ADR started cutting a promo on Jericho, until he took the mic. Jericho said “Welcome to Monroe is Jericho.” Jericho is majorly over with the crowd which is expected considering his resume. During the promo Jericho called Del Rio “Alberto Del Jackass” & said it was Spanish for jackass.

    Fast start to the match, Jericho hits DEL RIO with mic and runs him into the corner. Jericho ripped ADR’s shirt off and started chopping him. When the action spilled outside, Jericho wiped his arm pits with the ripped shirt & rubbed it in Del Rio’s face. Alberto ran Jericho ran into guard rails and started arguing with Rick the sign guy. Del Rio doesn’t seem not to Rick very much so he took his hat and threw it. Rick even had a rubber chicken that Jericho used on Del Rio. Back in the ring, there were a few false finishes for both guys. Del Rio used the outside ropes to apply the cross arm breaker, but the ref broke it up.

    Jericho tried to apply the walls but got super kicked instead on the reversal by Del Rio. Alberto got Jericho in another cross arm breaker and the crowd cheering for Y2J. Del Rio got caught in the Walls but Jericho was forced to break after Alberto managed to get the rope. Alberto used the ref as a distraction to rake the eyes. Soon after, Jericho hit code breaker for the 3 count.

    Titus O’Neil def. Stardust

    Titus got a good reaction from the crown on his way to the ring. A lot of people doing his signature bark or whatever it is.  Sign guy has his hat stolen by Stardust, but luckily  he has backup. Cody chants start to break out.  Titus steals the hat back from Stardust and gives it back to Rick. The match has started but no action other than stealing & retrieving the hat.  Stardust slides out of ring before any action takes place and gets some boos for his actions. More Cody chants break out among the crowd.

    Titus gets upper hand early. Stardust needs a break, so he retreats into the crowd. Cody chants start again. Titus slaps Cody on the chest in the corner and the crowd wants him to do it one more time. Titus obliges and sends him into another corner and again another slap on the chest.  Crowd asks for yet another so being the generous guy he is O’Neil gives Stardust another one and sends him into another corner. Stardust rolls out of the ring to escape.

    Stardust gets heat from the after an eye rake & has the upper hand. Stardust goes for cover, two count.  A lot of people yelling Cody.  Stardust hisses at Charles Robinson after two count, Charles hisses back. Stardust has the upper hand.  Titus chant breaks out. Stardust tried to use the ring post but Titus reversed. Soon after O’Neil hits the Clash of the Titus for the three count.

    R-Truth def. Heath Slater

    R-Truth out first for his match. He raps down the aisle. Good reaction, a lot of people saying what’s up. Leads crowd in what’s up chants.  Slater out next. No social outcasts with him. Little to no reaction on his way to the ring.

    Some boos when he hits the ring, Slater gyrates on the apron some.  Truth does a what’s up chant with a good reaction. Slater tried one man band, only to be met with a lot of boos. After truth plays to crowd, slater tries & Immediately met with boos. Both wrestlers exchange dabs. Match has started but no action.  Slater asks crowd if they want a dance off and kicks truth which got some heat. R-Truth gets win in a 5 minute match after a roll up.

    Ryback def. Heath Slater

    Slater demands the music be cut & requests a new opponent. The big guy accepts his request.  Ryback got a good pop. Slater cuts promo saying Ryback doesn’t want to eat him because he’s filthy & he stinks like everyone from Monroe.  Ryback hits spine buster followed by meat hook. Shell shock delivered for the 3 count.

    Connor’s cure video package played.

    Dolph Ziggler def. Tyler Breeze

    Breeze doing his usual reclining in the corner. Ziggler runs towards him forcing him to move. A Tyler’s Gorgeous chant broke out.  Crowd firmly behind Dolph in this match. Breeze arguing with the sign guy.  Lockup around the ring to start the action. Breeze wins the exchange & reclines in the corner.   Dolph working the arm pretty fast. Tosses Tyler with arm drag & mocks him. Ziggler on offense sends Tyler out & when he tries to escape Dolph brings him back. Breeze sends Dolph out of the ring. Ziggler makes it back on 9. 

    Tyler on the offensive. Crowd urging Dolph. He explodes for some punches but misses a splash attempt in the corner. Crowd starts chanting Ziggler while he gets worked over.ziggler explodes for a flurry & hits a spinning neck breaker after a splash in the corner. Famouser attempt misses. Breeze back on offensive.  Dolph hits famouser, kick out. Both men have traded false finishes. Ziggler hits a good super kick for a two count. Zig zag off a power bomb attempt from the corner gets a 3 Count.

    > Intermission

    Brie Bella (w/Alicia Fox) def. Tamina with Summer Rae as ref

    Tamina out first. Brie is out to a major pop, accompanied by Alicia Fox. After getting pummeled, Brie works an arm. Tamina works her over. Brie kicks Tamina with “yes” chants from the crowd. Taunts w/ happy bday.  Brie rolls up Tamina for two. Tamina back on offensive. Bella manages to gain the upper hand but the running knee can only get a two count. After help from the ref, who had been barking at Tamina to get off the hair during the match, Brie gets the pinfall.

    – Dean Ambrose video promo plays

    Kalisto and El Torito def. Los Matadores

    Lucha chants break out. Kalisto starts but tags in el torrito upon request. El torrito gets pressed by his former partner outside the ring. Kalisto gets the hot tag & cleans house. He hits his finisher for the three count.

    Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose def. Kevin Owens

    Owens attacks before the bell. Shows off to the crowd with the belt.  Owens beats down Ambrose & teases throwing an Ambrose Asylum shirt to the crowd, but drops it on the floor. Owens chops Ambrose in the corner, but Ambrose reverses with his own chops but meets a head butt. Two count for Owens. Ambrose locked in a submission attempt and manages to escape. Owens getting great crowd heat. Owens grabs the stick and calls it the Kevin Owens show on the mic. Missed running senton by Owens & Dean is on the offensive.

    Nice running bulldog by Ambrose & Owens rolls out after Ambrose climbs the ropes. Dean flies through the ropes to the outside taking out Owens. Owens back on offense after sending Ambrose throat first into the ropes. Dean gains the advantage & hits a suplex from second rope.  Dirty Deeds attempt blocked.

    Owens sends Ambrose into ropes for pop up power bomb. Ambrose hits his trademark clothesline from the ropes. Ambrose kicks out of popup power bomb. Owens argues it was a 3. KO takes off the turnbuckle cover and gets caught. He tries to use a chair but gets stopped by the referee. Dirty Deeds gets a three count.