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  • Daily Update: CMLL, UFC 195 and NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10

    No major wrestling shows tonight in the U.S., although there is an iPPV starting shortly from Arena Mexico.

    CMLL IPPVFROM ARENA MEXICO AT 6 P.M. EST TODAY

    WATCH HERE

    Estrellita & Princesa Sugei & Vaquerita vs.  Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis

    Blue Panther Jr. & Esfinge & The Panther vs. Cancerbero & Raziel & Virus

    Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Valiente vs. Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Thunder

    Maximo Sexy vs. Kamaitachi hair vs. hair

    Mistico & Caristico & Rusher vs. Volador Jr. & Ultimo Guerrero & Cibernetico

    Negro Casas vs. Super Parka hair vs. hair

    UFC 195 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS SATURDAY

    FIGHT PASS AT 6:30 P.M. EASTERN

    Edgar Garcia vs. Sheldon Wescott

    Joe Soto vs. Michinori Tanaka

    Joe Duffy vs. Dustin Poirier

    FS 1 AT 8 P.M. EASTERN

    Alex Morono vs. Kyle Noke

    Drew Dober vs. Scott Holtzman

    Nina Ansaroff vs. Justine Kish

    Michael McDonald vs. Masanori Kanehara

    PPV AT 10 P.M. EASTERN

    Tony Sims vs. Abel Trujillo

    Diego Brandao vs. Brian Ortega

    Lorenz Larkin vs. Albert Tumenov

    Andrei Arlovski vs. Stipe Miocic

    Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit for the welterweight title

    PRO WRESTLING GUERRILLA ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN RESEDA, CA (Sorry no way to watch it unless you are one of the 400 with tickets)

    Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak

    Sami Callihan vs. Trevor Lee

    Chris Dickinson vs. Brian Cage

    Jack Evans vs. Drew Galloway

    Adam Cole vs. Speedball Mike Bailey

    Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Akira Tozawa

    Roderick Strong vs. Chris Hero for PWG title

    NEW JAPAN FAN FEST LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD 10 P.M. SATURDAY NIGHT FROM DIFFER ARIAKE

    Kawato Hirai (pro debut) vs. Yohei Komatsu

    Kanemitsu Teruaki (pro debut) vs. Sho Tanaka

    Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Jay White vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada & David Finlay

    Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Juice Robinson

    Sunday WWE returns to touring with shows in Hidalgo, TX (Roman Reigns vs Sheamus for WWE title) and Corpus Christi (Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title; Kane vs. Bray Wyatt).

    NEW JAPAN WRESTLE KINGDOM AT 2:15 A.M. LATE SUNDAY/EARLY MONDAY ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    There will be both a English and Japanese language feed for the show 

    New Japan Rumble

    Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano vs. Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale for Never trios championships

    Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin for ROH championship

    Kenny Omega vs. Kushida for IWGP jr. title

    Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows & Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma for IWGP tag team titles

    Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito

    Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata for Never Open weight championship

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. A.J. Styles for IC title

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada for IWGP heavyweight title

    Raw will be Monday night from San Antonio with Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for the WWE title with Vince McMahon as referee.

    NEW JAPAN NEW YEAR’S DASH AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TUESDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    No matches have been announced for the “Raw after Mania” show, but Kevin Kelly and Matt Striker will be calling the show in English and there will also be the Japanese feed..

    The first Smackdown on the USA Network will be taped on Tuesday night in Laredo.  Mauro Ranallo debuts as announcer and John Cena will be on the show.

    TNA ON POP TV AT 9 P.M. FROM BETHLEHEM, PA

    Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III

    Bobby Lashley vs Eric Young

    Winners of these two matches meet for the vacant TNA title

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 12/28/2015: Gawker files to dismiss Hogan lawsuit
    Details on Gawker filing to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit, plus other news.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    We have our annual business year in review as the lead of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week. We cover our awards balloting year from 12/1/14 to 11/30/15 looking at the biggest events and biggest draws, with the year’s biggest crowds, records set in several different companies, Cena compared to those in similar positions on the all-time list, the year’s PPV buys for every wrestling, MMA and boxing show, how this year compared with other years.

    Dwayne Johnson returning for WrestleMania, different ideas of where he may fit in, and his recent track record of WrestleMania matches.

    The history of New Japan on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome. The first New Japan Tokyo Dome show and its main event, what drew the first house, what Lou Thesz said to Antonio Inoki after the show and why Thesz thought the result was a good thing and why it ended up being a waste. We look at how this year’s show will differ from last year as well as a match-by-match rundown and a look at the history of the New Japan big four, Tanahashi, Okada, A.J. Styles and Nakamura, with all of their previous Tokyo Dome matches.

    Jonathan Coachman on HGH usage in WWE, why usage is so prevalent in certain types of sports and entertainment.

    WWE injury coverage, why WWE stars are doing more NBC media, how movies with Sting are doing at the box office, how the WWE’s head of medical came across in the movie “Concussion” plus a concussion expert on Daniel Bryan situation. Update on Nikki Bella, NXT sellouts, Brock Lesnar’s next match, Cena facing a surprise opponent, Chris Jericho on future, Royal Rumble, Sin Cara injury update, NXT in Dallas, the go-home show for WrestleMania, two international stars about to start with WWE and the Bayley character on the main roster.

    The holiday show in Madison Square Garden coverage, Ben Askren talks about One’s possibly revolutionary weight cutting regulations that could be the catalyst for changing MMA.  We look at the first Rizin show, the sad spectacle of Sakuraba, the pro wrestlers on the show, the mentality behind why certain people were on the show and match-by-match coverage.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Business year in review, Rock at Wrestlemania 32, tons more.

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    • New Japan has one minute promotional videos for all the top matches for the Tokyo Dome up for free right now Video 1, Video 2, Video 3 and Video 4.
    • After the Tokyo Dome and the Fantastica Mania tourNew Japan PPV shows will be splitting up the title matches with the New Beginnings in Osaka on 2/11 and the new Beginnings in Niigata on 2/14.
    • The big news in sports today, even though people are trying to spin it differently, is how the College Football playoff semifinals on New Year’s Eve tanked in the ratings.  The evening game was down 35 percent from last year and the afternoon game was down 37 percent.  There were people who thought New Year’s Eve wouldn’t hurt the ratings all that much because major sports events have been strong this year on television.  But this isn’t a New Year’s Eve TV watching culture like Japan is.
    • From the family, Buddy Wayne, who passed away two days ago was born John Dwayne Peal, not Peale as we reported.  This has been a very rough year for the Peal family as Buddy and two of his sisters both passed away.
    • A story on the person the character in the movie “The Masked Saint” was based upon, that stars Roddy Piper.

    WWE

    • NXT for the first time made the list as one of the most pirated television shows.

    UFC

    • UFC 195 weigh-ins are at 7 p.m.   Here is F4WOnline.com’s coverage.
    • I’m told that people who signed up the first day Fight Pass was offered are getting a 50 percent discount on UFC 195.
    • The second episode of Dana White:  Lookin For a Fight will be released on YouTube on 1/11.  The first episode was where Dana White, Matt Serra and Nick the Tooth discovered Sage Northcutt working small shows.  This time they head to Philadelphia and Atlantic City looking for fighters, eating Cheesesteak and going to the beach. 

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Roderick Strong vs. Masada for the ROH TV title was announced for 1/9 in Concord, NC.  This is Masada’s first ROH match in quite some time.
    • Comcast in South Jersey has picked up COMET TV on Ch. 253, which airs ROH on Wednesday nights. (thanks to Bob Magee)
    • John Skyler was the latest entrant announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament  on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
    • Too Cold Scorpio on why he hates Buff Bagwell, what he thinks of Paul Heyman and Bill Watts and saving Arn Anderson’s life

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (01/01): Bob Geigel wins Central States Title

  • WWE Baltimore, MD, house show results: Roman Reigns vs Sheamus

    Submitted by Gerald Jones

    • Dolph Ziggler def. Tyler Breeze. Great match to start the show.
    • Lucha Dragons, Damien Sandow, Fandango, R-Truth and Curtis Axel def. WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E), Los Matadores, Heath Slater and Adam Rose. Sin Cara chased Xavier Woods to the back with his trombone.
    • Jack Swagger def. Bo Dallas. Bo came out and criticized the crowd and called them a bunch of idiots.
    • Kane def. Bray Wyatt. Bray was by himself and had a pretty good reaction.
    • Brie Bella & Alicia Fox def. Naomi and Tamina. The crowd chanted “We want Sasha” and Naomi said “You want Sasha? Well you aren’t going to get Sasha.”
    • Ryback def. Rusev. The match was a snore fest. I even heard a little kid tell his mom that it was boring.
    • WWE Champion Roman Reigns def. Sheamus in a street fight. Good use of tables, kendo sticks, and chairs. Roman won with a spear thru the table, and got a great reaction with not a boo in the arena for him. He stayed a little bit after to take selfies and sign autographs. 

    Byron Saxton and Eden hosted the whole night. Did a great job.

  • 10 UFC Fights to Watch in January 2016

    After a big 2015, the UFC kicks off 2016 with three events in the month of January. As the Octagon made more international appearances over the years, this month is special in the sense that all three events will take place on American soil. Kicking things off on January 2 will be UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following that will be UFC Fight Night 81 on January 17 in Boston, Massachusetts, and UFC On FOX 18 wraps things up for the month on January 30 in Newark, New Jersey. At this point, there are 37 bouts on the fight schedule for the month, so we are going to take a look at ten fights UFC fans should be on the look out for during a fun month of January.

    Honorable Mentions:
    Michael McDonald vs. Masanori Kanehara- UFC 195
    Ben Saunders vs. Patrick Cote- UFC Fight Night 81
    Tarec Saffiedine vs. Jake Ellenberger- UFC On FOX 18

    10. Sage Northcutt vs. Andrew Holbrook- UFC On FOX 18- January 30

    19-year-old rising prospect Sage Northcutt is taking the UFC by storm, garnering a lot of attention and being promoted heavily by the promotion. It may be unjust to some due to his age and inexperience, but there is a lot of marketability to the kid. He will be fighting for the second straight month, and the third time since making his UFC debut in October. This time he will be featured in primetime on the FOX network. He is being slowly built facing opponents near the bottom of the division, but he gets an undefeated opponent in his next fight in Andrew Holbrook. Holbrook is 11-0 and is coming off a win in his UFC debut, a split decision over Ramsey Nijem in July. This will be a test for Northcutt and also will show if coming back seven weeks after his last fight is too quick of a UFC turnaround.

    9. Albert Tumenov vs. Lorenz Larkin- UFC 195- January 2

    These men throw down with exciting fights and look to finish with every punch and kick they throw, and that is why the fight between Albert Tumenov and Lorenz Larkin is featured prominently on the main card of UFC 195, the first event of the month on Saturday. They are both finishers and both are strong on their feet. They have a chance to provide a lot of excitement and fireworks when they step inside the Octagon across from each other. Tumenov has won four straight fights while Larkin has won his past two since making the move down to welterweight. Unfortunately for them, they may not have the most exciting welterweight bout of the month, but the odds are pretty good they have a good shot at winning “Fight Of The Month”. This should be a barnburner.

    8. Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione- UFC Fight Night 81- January 17

    Travis Browne and Matt Mitrione are both at interesting points in their careers. Browne was thought to be a future title challenger in the heavyweight division, but has always seemed to take a step back when facing a top-five opponent. Mitrione was climbing up the rankings, but made a mental mistake that cost him his last fight against Ben Rothwell. Mitrione now comes into his fight against Browne on January 17 as an impending free agent, and he has been outspoken about a lot of issues in recent months. How will that affect him? Browne has also been in the news a lot, between charges of domestic abuse from his estranged wife and his new relationship with Ronda Rousey. How that all affects him remains to be seen as well. Inside the Octagon, both men throw heavy hands and in a heavyweight bout, a finish seems likely. Both men are at pivotal crossroads in their careers, and both have a lot to prove.

    7. Dustin Poirier vs. Joseph Duffy- UFC 195- January 2

    Originally scheduled to headline the UFC’s event in Dublin in October, a fight week injury to Joseph Duffy caused cancellation of his bout against Dustin Poirier. They were rebooked to fight at UFC 195 on Saturday, and they will be headlining the UFC Fight Pass preliminary card as the UFC makes a big push for their digital network in 2016. Duffy has gotten a lot of attention being the last man to defeat Conor McGregor, and he has scored two impressive UFC wins in his first two UFC bouts. A fight against Poirier is a big step up for Duffy, who fought Ivan Jorge and Jake Lindsey in his first two UFC bouts. Poirier was close to a title shot at 145 pounds, and he has two straight first-round finishes since moving up to lightweight. Both men are trying to break into the top ten in a crowded 155-pound division, and the winner will rocket up the rankings.

    6. Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell- UFC On FOX 18- January 30

    Ben Rothwell has been looking for a fight for a long time, and it looks like he finally will get one at the end of January. He was supposed to fight Stipe Miocic in October, but Miocic pulled out due to injury. Rothwell tried to get many fights in the meantime, but nothing was materializing. He became even more upset when Miocic was quickly rebooked against Andrei Arlovski, who Rothwell tried to get booked with. In steps Josh Barnett, who will be looking to capitalize following a dominant win over Roy Nelson in September. It is interesting that Barnett took the fight as he talked about taking time away from the sport, again, following the Nelson win. He looked really good in that win, and Rothwell has looked sharp during his three-fight win streak. The winner will move one step closer towards a title shot.

    5. Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski- UFC 195- January 2

    Speaking of title shots in the heavyweight division, the aforementioned Stipe Miocic and Andrei Arlovski square off in the first co-main event of 2016 with a title shot hanging in the balance. Miocic is coming off a dominant win over Mark Hunt and is 4-1 in his last five fights. Arlovski has enjoyed a career resurgence, winning his last six fights, including four straight since returning to the UFC. He was in one of 2015’s most exciting bouts against Travis Browne, but his last win, over Frank Mir, was a disappointment. It set him up for a title eliminator against Miocic, who looks to make a statement and earn that title shot that has loomed him. With many big heavyweight bouts in January, this one will have the most importance on future title challengers.

    4. Anthony Johnson vs. Ryan Bader- UFC On FOX 18- January 30

    Light heavyweights will close out the month of January as Anthony Johnson and Ryan Bader will meet in the main event of the FOX event on January 30 in Newark. Johnson is looking to get back into a title fight after a second-round knockout win over Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191 in January. Bader can make a strong argument that he deserves a title shot as he has won five straight fights, something that has been very hard to do in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He is coming off a convincing win over Johnson’s teammate, Rashad Evans, at UFC 192 in October. Unfortunately for both men, current champion Daniel Cormier is going to be occupied by former champion Jon Jones for a while as Jones makes his return. The winner of this bout is almost guaranteed to be next in line, so this is a pivotal bout for both.

    3. Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez- UFC Fight Night 81- January 17

    Former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon for the first time since losing the title to Rafael Dos Anjos, and his road back to a title shot begins with a bout against former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez. Alvarez is looking for his second straight win over a former champion after defeating Gilbert Melendez in June and will be looking to make his case for a title shot. This fight has the potential to be a great clash as we have two top-five lightweights going at it with a potential title shot on the line. Pettis has long been one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and Alvarez is no slouch himself. In a month crowded with potential title eliminator bouts, this one has the best shot at being the best fight of the bunch.

    2. Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit- UFC 195- January 2

    The first main event of 2016 has excitement written all over it. UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler is coming off his first title defense over Rory MacDonald in 2015’s “Fight Of The Year”. It is the second straight year that Lawler has been involved in the “Fight Of The Year”, and him and former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit are looking to get a jump start on potentially winning that honor for 2016. It is one of the most interesting and compelling match-ups on the horizon for the UFC as it features two welterweights involved in some of the best fights in 170-pound division history. Both men are strong finishers, and both are equally as tough to finish. This one could be an all-time classic.

    1. T.J. Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz- UFC Fight Night 81- January 17

    The man who never lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship inside the Octagon will finally get his chance to get that championship back in our top fight to watch for the month. Dominick Cruz was forced to relinquish the championship after knee injuries kept him out of action for nearly two years. He returned in September 2014 and quickly finished Takeya Mizugaki, showing he hadn’t lost a step. However, another knee injury forced him out of action for all of 2015, but he finally comes back with a chance to win the belt he never lost. That championship is now held by T.J. Dillashaw, who is coming off his second title defense after a dominant win over the man he beat for the championship, Renan Barao, in July. Dillashaw has been in the news more recently for his ugly split with teammate Urijah Faber, who happens to be a big rival of Cruz. Faber is waiting in the wings for the winner, but Dillashaw and Cruz have their work ahead of them first. Their match-up on January 17 in Boston has the chance to be one of the best fights in the history of the bantamweight division, and the winner will be the rightful champion.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (01/01): Bob Geigel wins Central States Title

    1931 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Joe Banaski defeated Nick Bozinis to become the first Midwest Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Champion

    1936 

    Detroit, Michigan:
    – The Great Mephisto defeated Walter Roxey to win the MWA World Light Heavyweight Title

    1940

    Eugene, Oregon:
    – Pete Belcastro defeated Ernie Piluso for the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Title 

    1941

    St. Joseph, Kansas:
    – Orville Brown beat Tom Zaharias 
    – Ronnie Etchison beat Bad Boy Brown 
    – Ras Samara beat Jay Steele 
    – Mel Peters drew Frank Frogge

    1943

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Billy Thom defeated Martino Angelo for the MWA World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1949

    Waco, Texas:
    – Dizzy Davis defeated Antonino Rocca for the Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1950

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Jack O’Reilly defeated Buck Weaver to win the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Title

    1954

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Santo defeated Sugi Sito for the NWA World Middleweight Title

    1959

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Billy Wicks defeated Lee Fields to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dick Hutton beat Bob Ellis 2 out of 3 falls
    – The Dusek Brothers (Emil and Ernie Dusek) beat The Hamilton Brothers (Joe and Larry Hamilton) 
    – Bobby Bruns and Lee Henning wrestled to a time limit draw
    – Rip Hawk beat Joe Scarpa 

    1961

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Rocket and Sputnik Monroe defeated Duke Keomuka and Mad Dog Vachon to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title 

    1963

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Ivan and Karol Kalmikoff defeated Mr. High (Doug Gilbert) and Mr. Low (Dick Steinborn) for the AWA World Tag Team Title
    – Larry Hennig beat Karl Von Shoberg

    – Art and Stan Neilson defeated Karl and Kurt Von Brauner to win the American Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Titles

    1970

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Dick Murdoch defeated The Lawman (Don Slatton) for the Amarillo NWA Brass Knuckles Title 

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Stan Pulaski defeated Tarzan Tyler for the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Title

    Cleveland, Ohio:
    – Bulldog Brower defeated Johnny Powers to win the NWF North American Heavyweight Title 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Stomper & Bob Geigel defeated Tor Kamata & Masao Komura 
    – Ernie Ladd defeated Bob Brown 
    – Ernie Ladd won a 14-man Battle Royal

    1971

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Bob Geigel won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title by defeating Roger Kirby 

    1975

    Nashville, Tennessee:

    – Rocket Monroe and Randy Tyler defeated Jackie Fargo and George Gulas to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title 

    1978

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Blackjack Mulligan defeated Ricky Steamboat to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Title

    1979

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Titles

    1980

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Ricky and Robert Gibson won the AWA Southern Tag Team Title from The Assassins

    1982

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeated The Dynamite Kid to win the vacant WWF Junior Heavyweight Title

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Dick the Bruiser defeated NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion Ken Patera to win the title

    1983

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – Tully Blanchard defeated Bob Sweetan to win the vacant SCW Southwest Heavyweight Title

    San Francisco, California:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Pat Patterson
    – Hulk Hogan beat Ken Patera

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Assassin and Rip Oliver defeated Billy Jack (Haynes) and Stan Stasiak for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

    1984

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq 
    – Southern Tag Team Champions Fabulous Ones ddq Moondogs
    – Sabu (sub Jos Leduc) beat Austin Idol
    – Bruise Brothers beat Terry Taylor & Stagger Lee
    – Stretcher match: Rock and Roll Express beat A Team
    – Dutch Mantell & Stagger Lee beat Giant Frazier & Terry Gibbs

    1985

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jay and Mark Youngblood defeated Krusher Khrushchev and Jim Neidhart to win the Florida NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    1986

    Tulsa, Oklahoma:
    – Dick Slater defeated Butch Reed for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title 
    – Jake Roberts won the Mid-South Television Title, defeating Dick Slater in the finals of a month-long tournament

    1988

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – Masahiro Chono defeated Mike George to become the last NWA Central States Television Champion

    1990

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Bull Nakano defeated Mitsuko Nishiwaki in a tournament final to win the vacant AJW title

    2014

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Shinjiro Otani & Kamikaze beat Masato Tanaka & Yusaku Obata to win the NWA Z-1 Intercontinental tag team titles

  • Wrestle Kingdom 10 Preview Series: The Champion vs. The Ace

    This match! This rivalry! Where do I even begin? How about with a fun fact, and we’ll see what happens from there? Wrestle Kingdom 10 marks the 7th time Okada and Tanahashi will have faced each other for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. They are currently tied with three wins a piece. Tanahashi got the last, tear inducing win over Okada earlier this year at Wrestle Kingdom 9. In a way, you can think of their next match as the final in a very long “Best of Seven Series” which started in 2012 and ends, assumedly, in 2016. Another fun fact is that Wrestle Kingdom 10 will be Tanahashi’s 6th straight Tokyo Dome main event (3rd against Okada). What’s even more impressive is that he’s 5 for 5! If this were NBA Jam, he’d be “on fire.”

    Okada is coming into the match as champion, defeating A.J. Styles for the title at Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall in July. Tanahashi earned his right to challenge Okada for the title by winning the 2015 G1 Climax. However, before getting to Wrestle Kingdom, Tanahashi had to defend his title match contract in matches against Bad Luck Fale and Tetsuya Naito, who both defeated Tanahashi during the G1 tournament. Meanwhile, Okada successfully defended his title against Styles in a rematch at King of Pro Wrestling in October.

    Being the 7th time the two men will have met for the title, and their 9th singles match together (the first was when Okada was a Young Lion, but it still counts), there is a bit of a feeling of “not this again” coming into the match. But that’s the general complaint with New Japan in 2015. With the exclusion of an incredible character transformation here or there (Ingobernable Naito), New Japan’s booking has played things very safe for the most part, with very little changing since Wrestle Kingdom 9.

    The Bullet Club is still…being the Bullet Club. With each passing day, they become more and more like the original NWO as they continue to spawn new members like Mogwai exposed to water (See Chase Owens). Nakamura is still the IC Champ, though he did part with the title throughout the year. Ishii is the NEVER Openweight Champion, just like he was going into Wrestle Kingdom 9. Gallows & Anderson are the IWGP Tag Team Champs, just like they were at Wrestle Kingdom 9. And you guessed it, reDRagon are the IWGP Jr. Tag Champs going into Wrestle Kingdom 10, just like they were going into Wrestling Kingdom 9. Even Kenny Omega, who won the IWGP Jr. title at Wrestle Kingdom 9, is the champ going into Wrestle Kingdom 10.

    In a sense, we’re pretty much getting the same show as last year, though without the time restriction due to Global Force Wrestling’s broadcast in the U.S., and, sadly, also without Minoru Suzuki (Rambo entrant?). So the blame can’t be put solely on the main event for not feeling fresh. It’s a whole group effort. It’s like New Japan saw the Obama “Change” poster and said, “Nope, let’s not do that.”  At least without the U.S. PPV time restriction, we’ll hopefully get the big, elaborate entrances of Wrestle Kingdoms past. DeLoreans and pole dancing routines, please!

    While I may sound a little unenthused by yet another Tanahashi/Okada match, there are some upsides to Tanahashi vs. Okada VII. The most important being that they’ve never had a bad match together, and I don’t think they’re going to start at Wrestle Kingdom 10. Anything under 4.5 stars by these two on this stage would be considered a disappointment, which probably adds a bit of pressure. Another is the fact that while this match was only officially announced in October, it was more or less made the moment Okada lost to Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 9. After the match, Okada was completely devastated, and left the ring in tears.

    It was clear that match last January was not going to be the end of their long and storied rivalry, and another Wrestle Kingdom main event was looming. It was more just a question of if it was going to be at the following Wrestle Kingdom, or saved for further down the line. Thus, while it’s not the freshest match up, it does have a long, solid, emotional backstory and we can expect a fitting conclusion, i.e. Okada redeems himself for being a crybaby and finally defeats Tanahashi in the Tokyo Dome, the figurative torch is passed, the student becomes the master, and so forth. 

    Okada vs. Tanahashi: The Champion vs. The Ace. I know I should be more excited for this than I am, and I am excited. It’s just not off the charts levels. I think what I’m most looking forward to is this match possibly capping off what has been one of the highest profile rivalries in Japan in the current decade, and possibly the best in terms of match quality. If nothing else, it’s all but guaranteed to be a hell of a match.

  • WWE Toronto house show results: John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

    Submitted by Ian Carey

    Neville beat Miz

    Miz did the old Rick Rude “What I’d like to have right now is for all you, fat, something, out of shape Toronto sweat hogs… keep the noise down…yadda yadda… while I take off my glasses”. Neville won with the red arrow.  Actually a pretty fun match.

    The Ascension and Stardust vs the Hype Bros and Titus O’Neil

    Titus pinned Viktor with the Clash of the Titus.  A few scattered NXT chants.

    Big Show vs Mark Henry

    Big Show won with a KO punch and Henry had to be helped to the back.  Show stalled a lot at the start of the match.

    WWE I-C Champion Dean Ambrose vs Kevin Owens

    Kids all cheered Ambrose but a lot of cheers from the adults for Owens.  Owens got some cheap heat for saying Quebec is better than Ontario.  Ambrose won with the Dirty Deeds.

    Intermission

    Divas Champion Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch

    Charlotte played it up like she was doing a “Divas Open Challenge” then she couldn’t understand why Becky came out.  They had a match, and Charlotte won clean with the Natural Selection.

    The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper, Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan) vs the Usos and Goldust

    Crowd chanted “Take a shower” at Harper, and he played that up pretty nice.  This was a very PG show, which was fun to take little kids to.  One of the Usos pinned Harper.

    John Cena beat U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio by DQ

    Del Rio wore long silvery pants.  Lots of near-falls, a ref bump, Del Rio using a chair, etc. ADR got DQ’d for a low blod. Cena got the last laugh, the kids all cheered, I spent $60 on Cena t-shirts and for the first time in over a decade actually cheered for the guy. Kids really LOVE Cena.

    It was actually pretty fun.  I hadn’t gone to a house show since I was a teenager, but it was fun to go with kids.

  • WON Preview: Annual business year in review

    We have our annual business year in review as the lead of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week.  We cover our awards balloting year from 12/1/14 to 11/30/15 looking at the biggest events and biggest draws, with the year’s biggest crowds, records set in several different companies, every show that did more than 15,000 fans, who headlined the most big shows, where John Cena ranks among all-time draws in a number of categories, a look at Cena compared to those in similar positions on the all-time list, the PPV buys for every show of the past year in wrestling, MMA and boxing, which companies did the last when it comes to live events and how this year compared with other years, UFC PPV business for the year and UFC big show business, as well as a look at every show that topped $2 million and a number of gate records set in different categories this year.

    We also look at Dwayne Johnson returning for WrestleMania, different ideas of where he may fit in, and his recent track record of WrestleMania matches.

    We also look at the history of New Japan on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome.  We look at the first New Japan Tokyo Dome show and its main event, what drew the first house, what Lou Thesz said to Antonio Inoki after the show and why Thesz thought the result was a good thing and why it ended up being a waste.  We also look at a number of major characters who debuted on the show including one of the most enduring stars in history, as well as a character in a famous video game.  We look at records set the first time New Japan ran on January 4th, which was also a PPV in the U.S., some of the biggest matches during New Japan’s heyday, how things look for this year, the fall of New Japan and how the Dome tradition almost ended, as well as the comeback in recent years.  We look at how this year’s show will differ from last year as well as a match-by-match rundown and a look at the history of the New Japan big four, Tanahashi, Okada, A.J. Styles and Nakamura, with all of their previous Tokyo Dome matches.

    We also look at what Jonathan Coachman said about HGH usage in WWE, why HGH usage is so prevalent in certain types of sports and entertainment, what it really does and doesn’t do, and why nobody ever seems to get caught.

    We also look at WWE injury coverage for talent, why WWE stars are doing more NBC media, notes on how movies with Sting are doing at the box office, thoughts on how the WWE’s head of medical came across in the movie “Concussion” plus a concussion expert talks the Daniel Bryan situation.  We also update on Nikki Bella, NXT sellouts, Brock Lesnar’s next match, Cena facing a surprise opponent in two weeks, Chris Jericho talks his future, Royal Rumble notes, Sin Cara injury update, NXT in Dallas for Mania, WWE injuries, the go-home show for WrestleMania, two international stars about to start with WWE and the Bayley character on the main roster.

    We’ve got a rundown on the holiday show in Madison Square Garden, Ben Askren talks about One’s new weight cutting regulations that will completely change the promotion and why this could be a prototype for a massive change in MMA.  We’ve got a look at the first Rizin show, the sad spectacle of Sakuraba, the pro wrestlers on the show, the mentality behind why certain people were on the show and match-by-match coverage.

    We also look at how the WWE ratings have fared in its No. 2 market, te U.K., and how declines and gains compare to what happened in the U.S.

    We also look at the Dragon Gate Final Gate show, the last major event of the year. 

    We also have our 2015 awards ballot as well as our monthly business review of WWE & TNA.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Business year in review, Rock at Wrestlemania 32, tons more.

    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.

    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.

    We’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.

    Also in this issue:

    –Christmas cards are almost all forgotten, but the one place they are still around does big business

    –More on CMLL’s iPPV problems 

    –Last Lucha Libre Elite show of the year

    –More on Rey Mysterio Jr. in Mexico

    –Great mainstream article on AAA with more info on the death of Perro Aguayo Jr.

    –Keiji Muto returns to the ring

    –Talk of an angle hinted about to save a promotion in rough shape

    –More on NOAH’s year-end show

    –Another former star comes back to NOAH

    –Early year big NOAH shows

    –Notes on New Japan’s show before the Tokyo Dome

    –Hiroshi Tanahashi talks about being a star in Japanese wrestling

    –Mainstream star coming to the Tokyo Dome

    –Female star retires

    –Major woman’s tilte changes hands

    –Huge European tour includes a first-time ever dream match of two of the best American wrestlers of the past 15 years

    –Former WCW announcer now working as national news anchor

    –Roddy Piper’s last movie

    –Honoring a woman’ wrestling great

    –Lucha Underground and house shows

    –More on ROH contract talks

    –Japanese stars coming to the next ROH PPV show

    –ROH Top Prospect tournament

    –More on TNA’s PPV show next week

    –Future of Kurt Angle

    –What match does Kurt Angle really want

    –Anderson Silva vs. Michael Bisping notes

    –Dana White goes off on reporters

    –More on decision to put a PPV main event on Fight Pass

    –More on Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate

    –UFC income in 2015

    –Complete gate info from the December shows in Las Vegas

    –Why there are problems regarding a stadium show in Dublin

    –Daniel Cormier talks about a date he’d like to face Jon Jones

    –Gleison Tibau facing a possible drg suspension

    –Nick Diaz talks drug testing

    –UFC card this week

    –Notes on UFC booking

    –Notes on UFC roster cuts

    –Some new UFC fights

  • Daily Update: NYE final Smackdown on Syfy, WWE HOF tickets, Rock teases ‘Mania with Rousey

    We’re looking for reports on last night’s WWE shows in Toronto and Baltimore at Dave Meltzer

    For this weekend, we’ll be doing polls on the Saturday night UFC show and the New Japan Tokyo Dome show which starts at about 2:15 a.m. Eastern and 11:15 p.m. late Sunday/early Monday.

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON SYFY

    Dudleys & Kalisto vs. Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

    Goldust vs. Tyler Breeze

    Usos vs. Luke Harper & Braun Strowman

    Brie Bella & Alicia Fox vs. Naomi & Tamina

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Bo Dallas

    Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt & Kevin Owens

    This is the final episode of Smackdown on  Syfy, as it moves to the USA Network with the new announcing team and John Cena in a show taped on Tuesday in Laredo.  It’s expected this will be among the lowest rated episodes ever given the college football playoffs and New Year’s Eve

    CMLL IPPVFROM ARENA MEXICO AT 6 P.M. EASTERN TIME TOMORROW  

    WATCH HERE

    Estrellita & Princesa Sugei & Vaquerita vs.  Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis

    Blue Panther Jr. & Esfinge & The Panther vs. Cancerbero & Raziel & Virus

    Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Valiente vs. Dragon Rojo & Polvora & Thunder

    Maximo Sexy vs. Kamaitachi hair vs. hair

    Mistico & Caristico & Rusher vs. Volador Jr. & Ultimo Guerrero & Cibernetico

    Negro Casas vs. Super Parka hair vs. hair

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 12/28/2015: Gawker files to dismiss Hogan lawsuit
    Details on Gawker filing to dismiss the Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit, plus other news.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    We have our annual business year in review as the lead of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week. We cover our awards balloting year from 12/1/14 to 11/30/15 looking at the biggest events and biggest draws, with the year’s biggest crowds, records set in several different companies, Cena compared to those in similar positions on the all-time list, the year’s PPV buys for every wrestling, MMA and boxing show, how this year compared with other years.

    Dwayne Johnson returning for WrestleMania, different ideas of where he may fit in, and his recent track record of WrestleMania matches.

    The history of New Japan on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome. The first New Japan Tokyo Dome show and its main event, what drew the first house, what Lou Thesz said to Antonio Inoki after the show and why Thesz thought the result was a good thing and why it ended up being a waste. We look at how this year’s show will differ from last year as well as a match-by-match rundown and a look at the history of the New Japan big four, Tanahashi, Okada, A.J. Styles and Nakamura, with all of their previous Tokyo Dome matches.

    Jonathan Coachman on HGH usage in WWE, why usage is so prevalent in certain types of sports and entertainment.

    WWE injury coverage, why WWE stars are doing more NBC media, how movies with Sting are doing at the box office, how the WWE’s head of medical came across in the movie “Concussion” plus a concussion expert on Daniel Bryan situation. Update on Nikki Bella, NXT sellouts, Brock Lesnar’s next match, Cena facing a surprise opponent, Chris Jericho on future, Royal Rumble, Sin Cara injury update, NXT in Dallas, the go-home show for WrestleMania, two international stars about to start with WWE and the Bayley character on the main roster.

    The holiday show in Madison Square Garden coverage, Ben Askren talks about One’s possibly revolutionary weight cutting regulations that could be the catalyst for changing MMA.  We look at the first Rizin show, the sad spectacle of Sakuraba, the pro wrestlers on the show, the mentality behind why certain people were on the show and match-by-match coverage.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 4, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Business year in review, Rock at Wrestlemania 32, tons more.

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    Wrestling Observer Radio with Sean Wheelock is up today talking with Bryan and Dave Meltzer about MMA rules and regulations, his departure from Bellator, MMA scoring and even a movie he’s working on that will be about the birth of MMA in 1993.

    Jerome LeBanner showed up in the ring at the IGF show instead of his scheduled fight against Baruto on the Rizin New Year’s Show.  LeBanner “never came to Japan” and was replaced at the last minute by Peter Aerts.   He had been with IGF in the past.  Nobuyuki Sakakibara of Rizin has already said that he’s going to sue over that.

    Tickets to the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony at the American Airlines Center in Dallas go on sale to the public on 1/15 at 10 a.m. Central time.  Probably a quick sellout here.  That probably means a Hall of Fame announcement will come on 1/11.

    UFC has sent some Fight Pass subscribers an e-mail offering them 20 percent off UFC 195 as a gift.  I didn’t get one so it hasn’t come to everyone, but we’ve gotten e-mails from several who have gotten it.  

    The Vegas Fuel Energy site is offering free tickets to the TNA shows all week in Bethlehem, PA, which probably tells you how tickets are selling, but I don’t think that’s a surprise when it TNA running five straight nights in the same venue.

    The 1/13 episode of NXT will feature the NXT Awards.  There will be voting on the WWE web site starting tomorrow and ending this coming Wednesday for Competitor of the Year, Male Competitor of the Year, Female Competitor of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Match of the year, TakeOver show of the Year.  

    WWE

    • Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been pushing for WrestleMania at Michigan Stadium, saying it’s bigger than Texas Stadium and they could break the attendance record.  
    • With the holidays, the company will return to action with shows in Corpus Christi and Hidalgo on Sunday.  
    • The International Judo Federation sent Dwayne Johnson a Tweet saying to let them know if he needs a judoka to be his tag team partner at WrestleMania.  “I may need a judoka,” he wrote.  “I had the honor of a course in judo last year.”
    • As far as movies with WWE talent, Daddy’s Home was No. 2 in Australia last weekend and Spectre was No. 8 (thanks to James Stanios)
    • While it feels like more, out of 389 matches on Raw in 2015, 21 were won by distraction and roll-up finishes. (thanks to Jason Solomon)
    • Alberto Del Rio’s match in Puerto Rico with Ray Gonzalez Sr.

    UFC

    • Michael Bisping ripped on Anderson Silva in a Tuesday press conference noting him testing positive for three different banned substances, so that may be the theme of his promos leading to their fight.  He said that he respects him as a fighter, but lost a lot of respect for him and this fight represents him trying to beat fighters that cheated.  He said that calling yourself a martial artist and taking PED’s is “the biggest contradiction you could ever make and to be honest, he should be ashamed of himself and I feel that this should be talked about more.”  He said he believes the people who used to cheat will try and continue to cheat and manipulate the system.  “Just because they’re bringing in advanced testing doesn’t share the fact you’re still going to be a coward and you’re still going to try and cheat the system.”
    • Due to an injury to Jimi Manuwa, his 2/27 fight scheduled with Nikita Krylov in London has been canceled.
    • FS 1 will be airing the Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes tonight at 8 p.m.
    • The weigh-ins will be at 7 p.m. tomorrow night with Karyn Bryant, Daniel Cormier, Kenny Florian, Tyron Woodley and Ariel Helwani working the shows.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • There’s talk of a big immediate push for Michael Bennett in TNA. 
    • RDS in Quebec, the French language version of ESPN, had a one hour documentary last night on the Rougeau Family, starting with Eddy Auger to nephews Jacques Sr. & Johnny, third generation wrestlers Jacques Jr. & Raymond as well as Armand and Joanne (who was the local Montreal promoter for WWF) to Emile & Cedric, Jacques’ sons.  Also in the documentary included former promoter Gino Brito, Jacques’ former tag team partner Pierre-Carl Ouellet, announcer Marc Blondin and historian Patric Laprade.
    • Findlay Martin of Powerslam’s book “Pro Wrestling Through the Power Slam Years:  1994-2014” was named by Dan of Geek as one of its top books of 2015.
    • One of the best women’s bouts this year, the Io Shirai Queen of Stardom win over Meiko Satomura
    • Glory kickboxing will have a six hour marathon starting at midnight Eastern tomorrow night on the CBS Sports Network.
    • An interview with Matt Hardy on TNA’s move to Pop TV
    • Michael Landsberg talks about his battles with depression and how WWE wrestling and Bret Hart put Off the Record on the map in 1997
    • The World Series of Fighting will have an eight hour marathon starting at 5 p.m. tomorow on NBC Sports Network.  The Justin Gaethje vs. Luis Palomino match of the year candidate will air at about8:30 p.m. Friday night Eastern and 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.
    • The CW TV show “Supernatural” will have a pro wrestling themed episode airing on 1/20 at 9 p.m.  The show will include familiar themes within pro wrestling including deaths of wrestlers at a young age.    
    • Evolve has announced a Style Battle tournament for Royal Rumble weekend with shows on 1/22 in Ybor City, 1/23 and 1/24 in Orlando, with a four-man round robin tournament featuring Matt Riddle, Tracy Williams, Peter Kaasa and Fred Yehi.
    • The Resurrection Fighting Alliance on AXS has a sow on 1/15 from Broomfield, CT.  the main event will be Bojan Velickovic (12-3) vs. Benjamin Smith (15-3) at welterweight plus Adam Stroup (10-2) vs. John Poppie (6-2) at middleweight.
    • ECWA on 1/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center.
    • AAW is offering two weeks free on its streaming service at www.airwarchives.com
    • Bill Beecroft noted that Harry Simon wasn’t the only person to have written for both the Wrestling Observer and Pro Wrestling Illustrated, as he did as well.
    • American Combat Wrestling on 1/16 in New Port Richey, FL at the All Sports Arena.
    • Promociones del Vallle has a show on 1/8 at the Auditorio in Tijuana with Gronda XXX & L.A. Park & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. vs. Cibernetico & Cien Caras & Dr. Wagner Jr. as the main event.
    • Infinity Pro Wrestling on 1/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory with GT Vega vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Shane Mercer.
    • Bushwhacker Luke Williams celebrates in birthday on 1/8 at the River City Wrestling show in San Antonio at Sideliners Grill.  Hernandez will also be on that show.
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix from last night in Omaha:  Purple b Robert Storm, Dalton Lee Roth won three-way over Kevin Davidson and Ozzie Gallagher, Zac James b Pat Powers, L-Ray b Branden Juarez, Blue Rocket b Brandon Wallace, Michael Elgin b Devin Carter, Daniels Brothers b Hype Gotti & Tony Cortez in a tables match.  Next show is 1/16 in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory.

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/29): Mankind wins the WWF World Title

  • Wrestle Kingdom 10 Preview Series: The Swag vs. The Phenomenal One

    At Wrestle Kingdom 9, Shinsuke Nakamura fended off Kota Ibushi’s challenge for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in what was one of the best matches of 2015, despite taking place only four days into the new year and being followed by nearly twelve months worth of fantastic wrestling. This year, it’s A.J. Styles’ turn for a shot at the IC title, a belt that’s become synonymous with its current holder, Shinsuke Nakamura.

    Nakamura is a five time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, the most since the title’s inception in 2011. Nakamura first won the title in 2012 when he defeated Hirooki Goto. Since then, the belt has basically belonged to him. Sure, he’s lost it four times, but Nakamura doesn’t really ever lose the title, he just lets others play with it until he’s ready to take it back.

    A.J. Styles is no slouch when it comes to impressive title reigns. After signing with New Japan, Styles defeated Kazuchika Okada in his debut match at Wrestling Dontaku 2014 for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Not a bad start. He was also in some company called TNA, or Impact Wrestling, or Wrestling Matters, or something, where he was apparently quite successful, but I don’t really know anything about that.

    How’d We Get Here?

    It’s pretty simple, actually. After deciding Hirooki Goto had played with his belt for long enough, Nakamura took back his property at Destruction in Kobe in September. Nakamura successfully defended the title against Bullet Club co-founder Karl Anderson at Power Struggle, but before the match, he went the John Cena route and issued an open challenge for the title at Wrestle Kingdom. You’ve got to admire the gall of Nakamura, issuing an open challenge when he still had Karl Anderson to get through. After defeating Anderson in a very exciting match, A.J. Styles came out to graciously accept the challenge. And there we have it. Nakamura vs. Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 10.

    One reason I’m excited about this match, besides the fact it involves two of the best wrestlers in the world today, is that it’s a first time match. Nakamura and Styles have only previously met in tag matches or multi-mans, so this will be their first singles match together. So that’s neat. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of chemistry they have, and if this match will be the beginning of a long term feud, or just a one off thing.

    It’s also a battle of the hairstyles. One wrestler has a very progressive, fashionable hairstyle, and the other is A.J. Styles. I kind of wish this match was a Lucha de Apuesta, with Nakamura’s title vs. A.J.’s hair. There’s still time, NJPW!

    Finally, what I’m most excited for is Shinsuke Nakamura’s ring entrance. At Wrestle Kingdom 9, Nakamura came out wearing a regal crown and looking like Vincent Valentine, which was great, but fairly tame for Nakamura. The previous year, he was accompanied by a whole troop of dancers. With poles for some reason! One thing that was missing from Wrestle Kingdom 9 were the long, extravagant entrances. Without GFW’s involvement and the incurred time constraints, Wrestle Kingdom 10 should go back to the big, elaborate entrances of years past.

    Of course, this will all be for naught if A.J. Styles doesn’t even make it to the Tokyo Dome. Recently, Styles was sent home from the NJPW World Tag League tournament due to a lingering back injury. Shortly before the tournament, he had also missed some ROH shows. Hopefully it’s nothing a little R&R can’t fix. Though he still had a major match in ROH against Jay Lethal to get through before Wrestle Kingdom, so I’m not sure just how much of the R’s he’s actually got. 

    Cards are always subject to change. It would be a huge disappointment to miss the biggest NJPW show of the year, but personal well-being does come first. However, I don’t doubt Styles will make it to Wrestle Kingdom, but I highly doubt he’ll be at his best. Luckily for him, he’ll be in there with one of the best in the world. Besides, even an A.J. Styles at 50% would still be better than most.

  • Figure Four Weekly 12/28/2015: Gawker files to dismiss Hogan lawsuit

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