This season, both the women’s strawweight division and the men’s light heavyweight division will be competing, and the end of the season, Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha fight on the TUF 23 Finale with Joanna Champion defending her strawweight title.
Last week, Team Jedrzejczyk finally got their first win when “The Sandman” Josh Stansbury was able to knock off Abdel Medjedoub via majority decision. That was the good news. The bad news is that Team Gadelha member Cory Hendricks has a pinched nerve or bulging disc in his neck, and it’s so serious he might be medically DQ’d.
**********
The final fight of the first round is Ashley Yoder from Team Jedrzejczyk vs. Kate Jackson from Team Gadelha. The interesting twist on this whole thing is that Jackson has actually fought Jedrzejczyk before — losing a fight by TKO back in 2013. She hails from Cornwall, England, but you could guess that just from her accent.
Gadelha is very impressed by watching Jackson spar, saying she has incredible body strength, and the Brazilian coaches describe her as having “a beast” in her body. Watching her throw knee strikes it’s hard to disagree.
Dr. Jeffrey Davidson, M.D. is back with news for Hendricks: he doesn’t have a herniated disc, just a protrusion. With physical therapy, ice and ibuprofen his prospects for recover are good – the doctor says we’ll know for sure in 4-5 days.
The focus switches for a bit to Gadelha going to Xtreme Couture to train for her own fight, because she’s working hard to prepare for her rematch with Jedrzejczyk at the TUF 23 Finale in Vegas. “I beat her the first time and I’m gonna beat her again.” She can say that all she wants but Jedrzejczyk gave her the only loss of her career.
We see Jedrzejczyk preparing in her own way, enjoying a post workout dinner with her coaches and her team, and then she heads to Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu to get her work in. She vows that she’s going to finish Gadelha. “It’s going to be striker vs. grappler but I’m going to prove strikers are the best in UFC. I want to fight her five rounds and beat her badly, second by second.”
At weigh-ins, Yoder is 115.5 and Jackson is 115. Yoder vows to win the fight in the memory of her deceased brother. Jackson vows to show people what she’s capable of and move on to be a UFC pro.
– Ashley Yoder (Team Jedrzejczyk) vs. Kate Jackson (Team Gadelha)
Yoder is 4-1, Jackson is 7-2-1. Yoder is in the red and Jackson the black. Jackson has a takedown 15 seconds into R1 but Yoder is trying to throw her legs up around Jackson’s neck. She finally breaks free and lands a few hammerfists. A stand-up is threatened for inactivity at 1:28. Jackson responds with hammer but eats a few upkicks, and Yoder is warned by John McCarthy to target them carefully. Yoder is going for a submission again. Jackson’s arm could be in danger but McCarthy wants to see more. Jackson just can’t get free this time. You can see blood leaking out of her mouth on the back of Yoder’s leg. A strange first round but Jackson survived it.
Jackson goes for a single leg in the first minute of R2 that’s stuffed. Jackson goes for a takedown but Yoder nearly takes her back in the process, and she’s already hunting for another submission attempt. Jackson gets her left arm free for a few shots to the face while McCarthy calls for more work. McCarthy stands them up at 2:47. Jackson shoots right away. They break at 3:32. Yoder may have been hurt by a head kick but she’s not down and out. Jackson is tagging her with lefts repeatedly. Another takedown is stuffed. This goes to the judges.
20-18 X3 FOR KATE JACKSON. Team Gadelha finishes the first round 7-1.
The big news of the day revolves around talk of a UFC sale. We have an updated story on it in the current issue of the Observer. At this point, there is no indication a sale has gone through but the bidding period is coming to a close with two new lead bidders, a joint bid of WME/IMG and the Dalian Wanda Media Group of China which reportedly includes the Kraft Family that owns the New England Patriots, and a group bid of a number of investors from China and Hong Kong. The bids are in the $4 billion range, give or take a little in either direction. More is available here. Bryan and I also talked about this extensively on last night’s Observer radio show.
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Bournemouth, UK at the International Centre as well as tomorrow’s show in Plymouth, UK at the Pavilion which ends the current week’s tour at NewsTips@WrestlingObserver.com.
SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON SYFY
Kofi Kingston vs. Big Cass vs. Aiden English vs. Luke Gallows
Zack Ryder vs. Baron Corbin
Rusev vs. Kalisto
Xavier Woods vs. A.J. Styles
Charlotte vs. Natalya
Sami Zayn & Cesaro & Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens & Alberto De Rio & Chris Jericho
Going against the Warriors vs. Cavaliers game, which starts at 9 p.m., or against the second hour of Smackdown, tonight’s rating is likely to be very low.
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com (Apparently Ed has blocked Bryan Alvarez from attendance in response to Bryan blocking Ed on Twitter… LOL) – It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez (yes he’ll be there), Vinny, Granny, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July.
Our “lunch with Granny” is good-to-go at Johnny Rockets (in Excalibur), just like last year, on Saturday July 9th, at 11:30 a.m. local time. We have the “patio area” reserved for us. We’ve also been granted 10% discounts. Just tell the cashier that you’re a part of “Granny’s Gang!” And of course… the star of this event, Ms. Gladys Gibson, just has to show up and be her charming self, and she eats for FREE! See y’all in about three weeks!
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
Figure Four Weekly 6/13/2016: Gawker files for bankruptcy – Depending on your point of view, Hulk Hogan went one step further towards either succeeding or failing in his lawsuit against Gawker Media last Friday when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the type that allows the company to continue operating.
This week’s Observer has a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There’s also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.
Take a look at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked, all covered in this week’s issue.
WWE looks at the possibility of adding PPV shows and the good and bad of that decision-making, and some economics of that decision.
A key WWE musician passes away, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows, in this edition.
Take a look at the background of the NXT Takeover show, the debut of Andrade Cien Almas and what did and didn’t work, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
For UFC 199, we look at the state of the middleweight title, how everything lines up, whom Michael Bisping wants next, as well as match-by-match coverage along with pay records for those on the show.
Finally, read how TNA saved its recent TV tapings and PPV, why they were close to not happening, where money came from, and what to look out for in the future. Plus, check out Slammiversary with match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40-issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues.
We’ll be doing shows both Saturday and Sunday nights, Saturday right after UFC ends and Sunday for Money in the Bank and Dominion.
There are three major events this weekend, with a UFC show on Saturday which will be split between Fight Pass, FS 2 and FS 1, WWE’s Money in the bank on Sunday, and New Japan’s Dominion, probably its third biggest event of the year, taking place starting at2:30 a.m. Eastern time late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.
WWE stock went up 74 cents per share today to close at $18.55, due to the announcement about getting streaming into China.
Michael Bisping heavily was pushing the idea of a fight with Dan Henderson on UFC Tonight last night, saying it would be his last chance to face him and get revenge before Henderson is likely to retire. Henderson hasn’t wanted to face Bisping again, saying there is no upside to it, but now with the middleweight title in the picture, there is a big upside.
WWE
Keep in mind that this early this means nothing, but here are the odds for Sunday’s Money in the Bank courtesy of Bovada.lv.
Roman Reigns -375
Seth Rollins +240
A.J. Styles -200
John Cena +150
Kevin Owens -140
Dean Ambrose +250
Chris Jericho +600
Cesaro +900
Sami Zayn +1800
Alberto Del Rio +2500
New Day -160
Gallows & Anderson +200
Enzo & Cass +550
Vaudevillains +1800
Rusev -650
Titus O’Neil +375
UFC
Cortney Casey vs. Cristina Stanciu in a strawweight fight has been added to the 7/13 show in Sioux Falls, SD.
Nik Lentz vs. Mairbek Taisumov in a lightweight fight has been added to UFC 203 on 9/10 in Cleveland.
Several new matches were announced last night for the UFC show on 8/6 in Salt Lake City including:
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Cub Swanson
Court McGee vs. Dominque Steele
Zak Cummings vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Viktor Pesta vs. Marcin Tybura
Chris Camozzi vs. Thales Leites
MISCELLANEOUS
Evolve has announced an 8/20 show in Brooklyn at Saint Finbar’s Roman Catholic Church, which will be hours before the NXT show that night at the Barclays Center.
Kevin Sullivan appeared in an ROH video with Steve Corino regarding his match with B.J. Whitmer.
Supreme Lee Great, real name Jon Trosky, a student of Afa and owner of Sanctuary Wrestling out of Hazelton, PA came out as gay in a Facebook post after the shootings in Orlando. He also admitted that he was the person who used the name “Angry Wrestling Vet” on Facebook and Twitter.
There will be a Shine iPPV tomorrow night from Ybor City, FL at The Orpheum at www.wwn.com and The Fite App with Taylor Made defending the Shine title against Shimmer champion Madison Eagles and TNA champion Allysin Kay (Sienna). The loser of the fall loses their title to the winner of the fall. Also Marti Belle & Jayme Jameson vs. Evie & Shazza McKenzie, Kellie Skater vs. Mia Yim (Jade in TNA) vs. Santana Garrett vs. Nicole Matthews, Su Yung vs. Kay Lee Ray, Rachel Ellering vs. Tessa Blanchard and Kellyanne vs. Chelsea Green.
World Series of Fighting tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network, meaning it goes head-to-head with Bellator on Spike, with John Howard (23-12) vs. Mike Arrant (15-10), just added. The other main card fights have Blagoy Ivanov defending the heavyweight title against Josh Copeland, Jason High vs. Mike Ricci, Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes and Phil Hawkes vs. Josh Key.
Bellator is in Fresno tomorrow at the SaveMart Arena with Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) defending the bantamweight title against Eduardo Dantas (17-4), Thiago Jambo (18-4) vs. Chidi Njokuani (14-4), Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3) and Chris Honeycutt (7-1) vs. Mikkel Parlo (13-2).
CHIKARA from Saturday night in Philadelphia: Amasis & Ophidian won four-way over Princess Kimber Lee & Heidi Lovelace, Proletariat Boar of Moldova & Parakash Sabar and Arctic Rescue Ant & Pinkie Sanchez, Jigsaw b Oleg the Usurper, Icarus b Missile Assault Man, Jaka b Eddie Kingston-DQ, Hallowicked & Obaryion & Kodama b Fire Ant & Race Jaxon & Hype Rockwell, Mark Angelosetti b Juan Francisco de Coronado in a no DQ match with Dasher Hatfield as referee (thanks to Michael Langan)
In Your Face Wrestling from Saturday night in Delanson, NY: Eric Emanon & Thomas Brewington b Spectacular JC & Five Star Jase, Sgt. Fury b Steve Kruz, Bob Evans b Garrett Holiday, Ryan Rogan b Foxx Vinyer, Bob Evans & Chip Stetson b Trip & Lenn Oddity, Marco & Tequila Rose and Alex Cross & Mystify, Elite b Sgt Fury-DQ, Cassius Cutcher & Drake Evans b Ricky Williams & High Voltage Omar, Roman Dominguez & Salvator Morocco and Liam McFeerrin & Lucain Caiker Kongo Kong over Rob Coleman and Nick Westgate, Bobby Ocean b HC Loc
Thrash Wrestling on 6/24 in Vernon, BC at the Schubert Centre.
Prairie Wrestling Alliance Night of Champions on 6/25 in Calgary at the Century Casino.
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 7/9 in Ottawa at the SPK Dom Polski Polish Combatants Centre.
Battlear 36 on 7/31 in Montreal at Les Foufounes Electriques.
Capital City Championship Combat on 6/25 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.
Old Time Wrestling on Saturday night in Williamstown, NJ at the Monroe Business Park.
IWF on 6/25, 7/2, 7/26 and 7/23 at the IWF Center in Nutley, NJ.
AIW on 7/22 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Cleveland.
Saturday night in Mexicali, Mexico at the Ginmasio Municipal has Dr. Wagner Jr. & Pagano & La Parka vs. The Psycho Circus plus Damian 666 & Bestia 666 & Iron Boy vs. Averno & Chessman & Dinamico.
Damien Sandow, Johnny Mundo and Ryan Nemeth (the younger brother of Dolph Ziggler) are working together on a comedy show no 7/12 at the Second City Theater in Hollywood, CA.
Don “The Dragon” Wilson, the actor and former UFC announcer will join King Mo, Benson Henderson, Stitch Duran, Randy Couture and Wanderlei Silva at the Bellator Fan Fest on 6/23 at Dave & Buster’s in Maryland Heights, MO at 8 p.m., the night before the Bellator Dynamite combined MMA and kickboxing show at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.
Bellator has also announced a show on 8/26 in Southaven, MS at the Landers Center.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 7/2 in Columbus, IN at the parking lot of Aaron’s at 2675 N. National Road. It’s a benefit for the local food bank. Admission is free with six cans of food per person. Bring your own lawn chairs.
Maryland Championship Wrestling’s Base Brawl on Saturday night in Waldorf, MD at the Regency Furniture Stadium with Billy Gunn & X-Pac vs. Joe Keys & Rob Locke, plus King McBride vs. The Bruiser with Ron Simmons as the guest enforcer.
National Fighting Championships no 7/22 at Electric Cowboy in Kennesaw, GA and 8/27 in Atlanta at Center Stage.
Kansas City, Kansas: In a mixed match, Charles Fischer beat boxer Houston Ash – Wladek Zbyszko beat Harry Ekizian via dq – Billy Wolfe drew Jack Hader – Wild Red Berry vs Ali Hussan
1937
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Bronko Nagurski defeated Dean Detton to become World Heavyweight Champion
1949
Kansas City, Kansas: – Tarzan Kowalski and Joe Pazandak beat Orville Brown and Lou Newman 2 falls to 0
1954
Cedar Rapids, Iowa: – US Champion Verne Gagne beat Pat O’Connor 2 falls to 1 – Chest Bernard beat Maurice Roberre – Jim Dobie beat Jack Carter
1959
Dallas, Texas: – The Zebra Kid defeated The Golden Giant for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title
1961
Houston, Texas: – Pepper Gomez and Dory Dixon defeated Duke Keomuka and Tony Martin to win the vacant Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles
St. Joseph, Missouri: – Central States Heavyweight Champion Buddy Austin beat Sonny Myers in 2 out of 3 falls – Thor Hagen beat The Bat 2 falls to 1 – Ronnie Etchison and Bobby Graham drew – Evelyn Stevens defeated Jessica Rogers by dq – Happy Humphrey beat Frank Altman
1962
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Doug Gilbert beat AWA Champion Mr. M by dq – Larry Hennig beat Tiny Mills – Thor Hagen beat Crybaby Cannon by dq
1966
Kansas City, Kansas: – Sonny Myers defeated Jerry Kozak – The Viking defeated Bobby Hart – North American Tag Team Champions, The Mongolian Stomper & Bob Ellis defeated The Butcher & Alex Perez in two straight falls
1967
St. Joseph, Missouri: – Ron Etchison and Sonny Myers defeated Bob Geigel and Bob Brown for the Central States version of the NWA North American Tag Team Titles
Atlanta, Georgia: – El Mongol defeated Buddy Fuller to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title
1969
Memphis, Tennessee: – Tojo Yamamoto and Johnny Long defeated Johnny Walker and Sundown Kid for the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1970
Tampa, Florida: – Hiro Matsuda defeated Dale Lewis to win the NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Championship
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Dr Big Bill Miller – AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon beat Ernie Ladd & Wilbur Snyder in 2 out of 3 falls
1971
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Suni War Cloud and Steven Little Bear defeated Ripper Collins and Mad Dog Mayne to win the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Titles
1972
Denver, Colorado: – Wahoo McDaniel & Billy Robinson beat Larry Hennig & Dusty Rhodes – Ivan Koloff beat Don Muraco
1973
Buffalo, New York: – J.B. Psycho defeated Johnny Powers for the National Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title
1974
Green Bay, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens went to a no contest with The Crusher & Billy Robinson – In a Strap Match; Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heiniemi – Ivan Putski beat Buddy Wolff
1975
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: – Guy Mitchell and Ricky Hunter defeated Gene Kiniski and Dale Lewis for the Vancouver version of the NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles
Memphis, Tennessee: – Karl Von Steiger and Otto Von Heller defeated Tojo Yamamoto and Jimmy Golden to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1977
Kansas City, Kansas: – Rufus R. Jones & Mr. Wrestling defeated Randy Tyler & Bobby Jaggers – In a Loser Leaves Town match, Brusier Bob Sweetan beat “Easy” Ed Wiskowski (Colonel DeBeers) – Superstar Billy Graham defeated “D.I.” Bob Slaughter (later Sgt. Slaughter)
Davenport, Iowa: – Bob Backlund & Bill Francis drew Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell – Ray Stevens beat Bobby Duncum – Angelo Mosca no contest Billy Robinson – Pedro Morales beat Super Destroyer
Tokyo, Japan: – Great Kojika and Motoshi Okuma defeated Akihisa Takachiho and Samson Kutsuwada for the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Titles
1980
Augusta, Georgia: – The Assassins defeated Ole and Lars Anderson for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Titles
1983
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell & Mad Dog Vachon beat Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera & Sheik Adnan – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Wahoo McDaniel – Rick Martel beat Blackjack Lanza dq – Brad Rheingans beat Mike Graham – Billy Robinson beat Baron Von Raschke
1984
Memphis, Tennnessee: – Maso Ito defeated Austin Idol to win the AWA International Heavyweight Title
New Orleans, Louisiana: – Terry Taylor defeated Krusher Khrushchev for the Mid-South Wrestling Television Title
1986
Memphis, Tennessee: – Dutch Mantel defeated Rip Rogers to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title
Fort Worth, Texas: – Buzz Sawyer defeated Chris Adams for the World Class Television Title
1993
Rockford, Illinois: – Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) for the WWF Tag Team Titles
1993
Laredo, Texas: – Scott Putski defeated Dynamite Dixon to win the United States Wrestling Federation Texas Heavyweight Title
2002
Hayward, California: – American Dragon (Bryan Danielson) defeated Super Dragon to win the All Pro Wrestling Internet Title
2013
WWE Payback – Curtis Axel defeated Wade Barrett and the Miz to win the Intercontinental Title – AJ Lee defeated Kaitlyn to win the Divas Title – Alberto Del Rio defeated Dolph Ziggler for the World Title
This week’s Observer has a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There’s also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.
Take a look at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked, all covered in this week’s issue.
WWE looks at the possibility of adding PPV shows and the good and bad of that decision-making, and some economics of that decision.
A key WWE musician passes away, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows, in this edition.
Take a look at the background of the NXT Takeover show, the debut of Andrade Cien Almas and what did and didn’t work, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
For UFC 199, we look at the state of the middleweight title, how everything lines up, whom Michael Bisping wants next, as well as match-by-match coverage along with pay records for those on the show.
Finally, read how TNA saved its recent TV tapings and PPV, why they were close to not happening, where money came from, and what to look out for in the future. Plus, check out Slammiversary with match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.
Also in this issue:
First details of an international pro wrestling tournament that starts this coming week and who thus far is involved including some surprises
Update on Dragon Lee’s knee injury
A Royal Rumble style match to determine who gets in the tournament
Both the CMLL and Elite big shows of the week from Arena Mexico
A show originally set for PPV that wont’ be on it
Major show canceled and what it stays about organization
King of Gate tournament final notes
The Mitsuharu Misawa Memorial show report
New Japan gets more international TV coverage
AXS TV lineup for the next few weeks
When the participants in the G-1 Climax tournament will be announced
Notes on early ticket sales for G-1
More notes on the Dominion show
When the next English language broadcast will be on New Japan World
The most famous match of the last 50 years in Japan, from 1976, aired this past week
Kenta Kobashi’s recent show using talent from a number of companies
The finish at the famed Thrilla in Manila with Ali vs. Frazier III
Evolve runs a major angle with TNA stars and how it went down
Gabe Sapolsky talks Matt Riddle’s quick ascension
Kurt Angle returns to face Zack Sabre Jr.
Will Ospreay returns to the U.K. after winning Best of the Super Juniors
Update on Adam Rose
Jim Ross to produce a documentary on pro wrestling on TBS
Jesse Ventura’s lawsuit verdict overturned
A movie being planned with a top director on pro wrestling
Former WCW stars open a restaurant
NFL player does indie angle
Former WWE star on TV show that opens this week
A new movie out on wrestling in Mexico
Update on legal situation involving Teddy Hart
Notes on fourth generation pro wrestlers
The Junior Hodge Award winner and records he’s set
Update on Damien Sandow
Oldest tag team match
Main matches at Ultimate Lucha 3
A look at the key angles building Ultima Lucha 3 and when it tapes
Lots of new WWE signees
Lots of matches at the next ROH TV tapings including debut of New Japan star
A look at the weekend ROH shows
A look at all the TNA TV tapings from the past week and details on Destination X
Official business numbers for the last show in Las Vegas
More on the backstage incident with Nate Diaz and Clay Guida
Brock Lesnar and drug testing
Highest paid fighters
Marc Ratner to boxing Hall of Fame
Fedor talks UFC
Lots of new UFC fights
Teddy Hart talks his fight with C.M. Punk from years ago
More on Kimbo Slice and a promoter who thought he’d never draw money
A look at this week’s Bellator show
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
Through the Hollywood Reporter, WWE announced a streaming deal with the Chinese service PPTV to air Raw, Smackdown, and PPV events in the country via Internet streaming starting on 6/28 with the shows airing a few hours after they air in North America.
Additionally, WWE announced the signing of their first Chinese-born talent, as well as a September 10th live event — their first event there in more than three years.
The WWE held a press event in Shanghai earlier today with Michelle Wilson, John Cena, Jay Li (Vice President and General Manager of WWE’s Shanghai office), Paul Levesque, as well as PPTV’s Stephen Zhang and Shanghai Expo’s Ding Hao present.
Up to this point, WWE had just a one hour edited version of Raw as its only television available in much of the country. The shows will air in Mandarin, and WWE will also debut a Mandarin language website.
PPTV and PPTV Sports will stream the shows on Smart TVs, set-top boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, as well as their websites. There will also be specialized Chinese programming on those services.
On the in-ring side, Bin Wang is now under a developmental deal, the first wrestler of Chinese ancestry to be with the promotion. Often known as Wang Bin, he has been a regular undercard wrestler for Antonio Inoki’s IGF promotion in Japan. The Inoki group first reported on his signing with WWE Wednesday night and wished him well. He starts this weekend with the promotion.
In conjunction with the news, WWE has reached a deal with Expo Group as live promoters, and announced a 9/10 live event at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai.
The WWE and UFC have both been attempting to open up shop in China. For both groups, it has been a slow-moving and often frustrating endeavor.
“Today’s historic announcements further demonstrate WWE’s long-term commitment to China,” said Vince McMahon. “Partnerships with PPTV and Expo Group, as well as the signing of Bin Wang, will enable us to engage our fans in China like never before.”
Gilberto Melendez, who for years was known as the oldest active pro wrestler, passed away Wednesday night.
Melendez wrestled regularly until about five years ago, and was one of the few people who wrestled in seven different decades. While there was a 1950s era Midwest junior heavyweight start Gypsy Joe who preceded him and who his records are sometimes confused with, he was a legitimate name from the 60s through the early 90s when he worked under a mask as El Grande Pistolero.
He wrestled under a number of other names, including Gene Madrid, not to be confused with Jan Madrid.
He was best known as a mid-card regular in the 70s and early 80s with All Japan Pro Wrestling with his gimmick being his toughness and his ability to absorb wickedly hard chair shots, often to the back but sometimes to the head. He was also a training fanatic who maintained an impressive physique into his late 50s and, to a degree, into his early 70s.
He wrestled regularly in Japan from 1977 to 1993, starting in the IWE promotion where he had bloody matches with Rusher Kimura, including being the first person to come off the top rope in a cage match. After IWE went down, he began as a regular with All Japan, working mostly mid-card matches. At the end, he was working for the W*ING promotion, although he wrestled as late as 2002 in Japan. He was known for hardcore brawling and bloody style matches.
He was best known as a journeyman wrestler in Tennessee with his best success coming from 1977 to 1980 working for Nick Gulas where he held a multitude of tag team championships with Frankie Martinez under a mask as The Blue Infernos.
He started wrestling in 1951 in Puerto Rico, and came to the U.S. in 1963, working for the WWWF.
Joe had serious health issues with gout in recent years which caused his right foot to be amputated in 2013.
The show begins with a recap of all the cop drama that has happened throughout season two. We see the death and resurrection of Mil Muertes and then Pentagon Jr’s return last week leading to his team entering into tonight’s feature content – the first-ever Six to Survive match where the winner gets a shot at Matanza Cueto’s Lucha Underground Title at Ultima Lucha Dos.
The Voodoo Glow Skulls play us into the show and Vamp and Striker run down that the main event will be an elimination match.
Pentagon Jr. vs. King Cuerno vs. Ivelisse vs. Taya vs. Johnny Mundo vs. Fenix – Six to Survive
Vamp says Pentagon’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle and he has no idea how he did it. Cuerno starts things off with a slick sliding schoolboy that gets 2 on Pentagon. Ivie gets double-teamed by Taya and Mundo and kicks out of the Moonlight Drive. Fenix superkicks Johnny and then kicks Taya right in the ass. Fenix and Pentagon double team Pentagon with a wassup spot – only with a double stomp instead of a headbutt. Cuerno lands a running deja vu DDT to Pentagon.
Mundo hits a flip dive onto Pentagon on the floor. Ivie gets picked up and tossed out onto Mundo and Pentagon by Cuerno and Fenix! Somersault superman punch by Fenix to Cuerno up top! Cuerno hits a rewind rana.Cuerno goes for the Thrill of the Hunt, but Muertes runs down and spears him to his doom before landing a nasty powerbomb to Cuerno. Mundo’s DILLIGAF face is perfect and he beats Cuerno with the End of the World.
Taya jumps Fenix and pounds away, before Ivie comes in and clubs away at her. Ivie kicks Fenix’s legs and then lands some kneeling kicks. Outside the ring, Pentagon kicks Taya’s legs out from under her. Fenix won’t fight Ivie, so she opts to chop and kick him. Ivie hits a high kick to Pentagon. Ivie charges in at Taya, but she moves and Mundo kicks Ivie. Ivie ranas Mundo off the middle rope and hits a high kick to Taya for 2. Taya hits a front slam, but a moonsault misses. Ivie goes for a Code Red, but Taya powers her into a Northern Lights and a double stomp for the pin.
Taya misses a corner dropkick and Pentagon goes after her in the corner and hits Shattered Dreams. Mundo gets hits with Snake Eyes into the post on the floor. Pentagon lands the nasty shush chop on Taya, or as Vamp puts it “he just chopped the bitch out of the biatch!” Pentagon lands another kick to Taya – only now it’s another ass-centric one. Mundo and Pentagon trade mid-ring forearms. Taya holds Pentagon for a Flying Chuck. Fenix hits a superkick and then a calf kick to Mundo.
Taya hits a rana and a corkscrew DDT-ish thing on Pentagon. Northern lights into the double stomp only gets 2 on Fenix. Mundo hits the basement knee strike on Fenix for 2. Fenix attacks Taya and Mundo goes after him. Shotgun knees to Pentagon by Taya. Fenix kicks Mundo in the gut, then Taya in the face, then Mundo in the face. Pentagon hits the package piledriver on Taya to eliminate her. Mundo consoles Taya on the floor before coming back in to fight.
Vamp puts over every single person here as someone who is tough enough to win – but Mundo isn’t scarred enough to beat them in a sheer war. Everyone chops everyone else a billion times. A billion may be a low estimate. Mundo lands a nice spinebuster and gets 2. Fenix goes for a handspring off the ropes, but gets stopped and a Batista bomb gets 2. They fight to the floor and Pentagon Jr. hits a flip dive amid a “lucha!” chant.
Striker talks about how everyone is going for strikes and palm strikes to avoid breaking their hands. Mundo hits a huge dive to the floor and nearly knocks over the camera man. Mundo tosses Fenix into the ring and lands a sloppy standing End of the World for 2. Standing C4 hits Fenix for 2. Pentagon hoists Johnny up top where Fenix hits a double stomp up top. Fenix and Pentagon pin Johnny underneath a wacky cradle combination.
Pentagon and Fenix face off to close out Six to Survive. Pentagon hits a flapjack and then the Haas of Pain. Fenix locks on a scorpion deathlock tequila sunrise! Pentagon locks on a double-trap backbreacker, but Fenix gets a Low Ki-style dragon sleeper. Fenix gets a run-up armdrag that sends Pentagon to the floor. Fenix hits a double-jump corkscrew dive on the floor! Fenix throws him in and gets 2.
Pentagon tosses Fenix into the buckle and hits a running punt to the gut. Fenix catches him for an Alabama Slam, but Pentagon turns into a Mexican Destroyer for 2. Pentagon chops him on the rope, but eats a palm strike. Fenix fires up before flipping a whole bunch and hitting a super rana for 2. Pentagon hits two Slingblades, but Fenix won’t fall. Fenix kicks him to prevent a third. Fenix misses a double stomp off the top on the apron and eats a superkick.
Fenix is sent to the floor and eats a Mexican Destroyer on the floor! Fenix is tossed in for another Mexican Destroyer, but Fenix counters it into a Dudebuster for 2! They’re each fighting off of their knees with slaps and meet face to face to fight more on their feet. Fenix swats him down with a hard slap to the face, and Fenix kicks him, but Pentagon superkicks him! Package piledriver gets the win for Pentagon Jr.!
The camera pans to Vampiro looking absolutely shocked. Vamp tells Matt to shut up and let him think so he can enjoy the moment. Matanza comes out on the steps and stares down Pentagon Jr. Pentagon Jr. tells Dario that he’ll break every bone in Matanza’s body, and Dario’s as well because he is Pentagon Jr. and he has zero fear!. Pentagon Jr. is an amazing promo and he says next to nothing in English. His passion says more than words ever could.
This was an excellent match and between this, Aztec Warfare, and the All Night Long match, Lucha Underground really has mastered the art of making one match shows compelling from start to finish.
To see every screen taken for the show, just click here.
The Big News: Shinsuke Nakamura appeared at the end of the show, declaring himself to be the next opponent for Finn Balor.
The Medium News: Andrade Cien Almas defeated Tye Dillinger in a rematch of TakeOver.
The Little Beaver Sized News: In perhaps the first time in WWE history, we had a tag team match where neither member of either team had their name mentioned.
The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering) defeated Two Nameless Opponents (Sean Swags and CJ O’Doyle)
The first show after TakeOver kicks off with Paul Ellering and his giant new tag team, the Authors of Pain. At the big show last week, they attacked American Alpha after their title loss to The Revival.
This may be the most unique match in WWE history as neither the winners nor the losers were named by the announcers. This was just an out and out squash match. It was something completely different than just about anything else on NXT. AOP won with a combo Side Russian Leg Sweep/Clothesline.
*******
Andrade Cien Almas attempted to cut a promo backstage when Tye Dillinger walked up and said he wants to right the wrong from last week. They set up a rematch.
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Backstage, Ellering said he will let everyone know what they’re doing here in due time.
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Carmella submitted Tessa Blanchard
The biggest news of this match was they announced the Almas-Dillinger rematch would be tonight’s main event. The nicest thing to say is this has was better than most of Carmella’s matches have been and she submitted Tessa with the legscissors, which is now called the Code of Silence.
*******
After his match last week, NXT Champion Samoa Joe declared this the start of his era and no one has enough to sacrifice to take the belt from him.
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Blake & Murphy cut a promo. Yeah they broke up a few weeks ago, but they are giving teaming up the old college try tonight to face TM61. They blamed their problems on Alexa Bliss.
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TM61 defeated Blake & Murphy
The Mighty 61 lost their debut match 3 weeks ago to Ciampa & Gargano, so they are looking to even up the old win-loss column. However if they lose they shouldn’t worry too much since Sami Zayn has easily lost 75% of the matches he’s wrestled in WWE and NXT. In case you forget, their new names are Shane Thorne and Nick Miller.
This match was a backdrop to Corey Graves openly making things up about Murphy and Miller’s respective backgrounds and Tom Phillips calling bs on it. If you actually paid attention to the match, it was a fun bout that the crowd was into.
Blake and Murphy crossed themselves up on two different occasions, knocking themselves out. Unfortunately it was not something they could come back from and TM61 won with Thunder Valley, which is a double team Gorilla Press into a reverse slam.
Blake and Murphy stared at each other after the match.
*******
After their match last week, The Revival bragged about doing exactly what they said they were going to do. They talk heavy and hit hard
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Bayley has a doctor’s appointment next week and if all goes well, Mr. Regal will let her back in the ring. (Just don’t tell William about all the matches you have had on house shows the last few weeks.)
*******
Andrade Cien Almas defeated Tye Dillinger
Main event time. Last week these two had a very good match that got the crowd into Almas, who they reacted tepidly to at first.
The match wasn’t at the same level of last week, although both men seemed at times to be recreating the match move for move. The fans had a half hearted dueling chant of “We Want Almas/Perfect 10” during a chin lock spot. Just like last week Almas won with the running double knees to his seated opponent.
*******
The final segment of the show saw Finn Balor come out to address the audience following his loss in the steel cage match to Samoa Joe last week. The fans loved Balor, giving him a standing ovation and chanting at him to please not go.
Balor talked about watching NXT for the first time, seeing Enzo & Big Cass and saying he wanted to be a part of this. As much as he became a part of NXT, NXT became a part of him and became what he was. He put over his wars with Neville, Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe and yet, here he stands not the champion. The question being what’s next for Finn Balor? The fans chanted Balor Club, which he acknowledged by saying “Too Sweet”. He asked what was next for Finn three times, almost as if the production team messed up cuing the music, but I think he was just going for a dramatic effect.
Out came Shinsuke Nakamura, with the fans singing Nakamura’s theme song and chanting “This is awesome” before anything happened. Nakamura said that when he was in Japan he watched Balor and watched Balor become the icon of NXT. Nakamura said that even though he is not champion anymore he is still an icon. Nakamura said if he wants to be champion he has to beat the icon. To become the icon he has to beat Balor. The fans chanted “YES! YES! YES!” and then “Match of the Year”
Balor accepted the challenge, they shook hands and the show ended there. That should be one amazing match when it happens.
Until next week, thank you for reading, say your prayers, and take your vitamins!
The Octagon heads back to Canada this weekend, visiting the capital city of Canada for the first time for UFC Fight Night 89 in Ottawa, Ontario. The event is headlined by a pivotal bout in the welterweight division as Rory MacDonald and Stephen Thompson will do battle for five rounds. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for Saturday’s event.
STUDS —
Steve Bosse ($10,700)
Steve Bosse is going to be one of our top plays for this Saturday’s card. He is a knockout artist, and his opponent, Sean O’Connell, has lost three of his five fights inside the Octagon, with two of those losses coming by knockout. O’Connell himself is a finisher, with nine knockout wins in his career, so this will likely be a battle of big swingers. I don’t expect it to go the distance as Bosse has only been out of the first round just three times in his professional career. Both of his losses have come by knockout, though, and it may make him a little bit of a risk.
With that said, some may look to avoid him just due to his large salary, but I don’t expect him to have much trouble with O’Connell. I’m confident in making Bosse our top play for this weekend, and a knockout win is what I expect to see on Saturday night.
Colby Covington ($10,400)
Colby Covington is coming off of his first career loss in his last fight when he was submitted quickly by Warlley Alves. Alves, despite losing his last fight himself, has shown to be a high-level fighter, and Covington isn’t quite ready for that level. He goes back down a notch on Saturday, fighting Jonathan Meunier, who is a late injury replacement for Alex Garcia. That should give Covington an edge as Meunier didn’t come onto the card until June 9, and he fought just a few weeks ago.
Covington is a good wrestler and very powerful at 170 pounds, and he has five submission wins in his career. I’m actually surprised his salary isn’t higher given the circumstances of this fight coming together, but that likely has to do with Meunier being 7-0 with seven finishes, including six in the first round. That may lead people to think Meunier is a good value pick, but I still like Covington to score a finish.
VALUE PLAYS —
Leandro Silva ($9,500)
In searching this card for some value, I’m finding it hard to find a lot of underdogs that are primed for upset victories as I expect a lot of the favorites, and higher-salaried fighters, to score the wins. I’m going with Leandro Silva as an underdog to score a win, but his salary is a little higher than most of our value plays. Silva is unbeaten in his last four fights and he is showing more confidence each time he steps inside the Octagon.
He is a quality lower-level lightweight in the UFC, and that is a good position to be in to build up yourself as a fighter. He is taking on Jason Saggo, who is 2-1 in the UFC, but is coming off an impressive win in March. Silva has fought tougher competition in the UFC, and he is a good submission artist, with ten of his 19 career wins coming by submission. I like Silva to score the win, whether by submission or decision, making him a good value pick.
Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)
This is a tough one as Ion Cutelaba is making his UFC debut against a very tough light heavyweight in Misha Cirkunov. Cirkunov is 2-0 with the UFC with both wins by finish, and it is a little surprising that he is getting another fighter making his UFC debut in Cutelaba. Cutelaba is coming into the UFC with an 11-1 career record, with all eleven wins coming by stoppage- nine knockouts and two submissions. Even more impressive is the fact that ten of those eleven wins have come in the first round.
His one loss was controversial as he was disqualified for punches to the back of the head in a fight he was dominating likely heading to finish. He is a tough opponent, and Cirkunov may be in a lot of trouble. Cutelaba has a very low salary, and Cirkunov has the second-highest salary on the card, so there is a lot of value in Cutelaba, and I think he is worth the risk.
FIGHTERS TO AVOID —
Ali Bagautinov ($10,800)
Ali Bagautinov’s salary is just too high for me to recommend having him on your roster for this card as there are several better options with lower salaries. I’m actually surprised that his salary is so high as he has lost two straight fights and didn’t look the same in his last bout after being out of action for over a year due to a drug suspension. His opponent, Geane Herrera, is making his third appearance inside the Octagon, with a 1-1 record so far.
He is coming off an impressive knockout win over Joby Sanchez in his last fight, and his debut fight was a decision loss to Ray Borg in a fight he had a lot of chances in. Herrera is a very good opponent for Bagautinov, and has the chance for an upset, which makes Bagautinov’s high salary even more puzzling. Avoid Bagautinov in this fight.
Joe Soto ($9,400)
Joe Soto is 0-3 in the UFC, so he finds himself in a must-win situation when he steps inside the Octagon on Saturday. Most fighters would be cut with that UFC record, but he gets more chances due to saving an event by stepping up at the last minute to fight T.J. Dillashaw for a championship in his UFC debut, but he still needs a win. Soto had a close loss in his last fight, and many thought he won that fight. He will be taking on Chris Beal on Saturday, another fighter in a must-win situation as Beal has lost his last two fights.
I expect both men to play it safe and not fight with a lot of reckless action, and it could make for a boring fight. I do think Soto is going to score the win, but not rack up a lot of points in the process. I would recommend avoiding Soto on Saturday.
OUR LINEUPS
RYAN FREDERICK- Steve Bosse ($10,700), Tamdan McCrory ($10,600), Colby Covington ($10,400), Stephen Thompson ($9,800), Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)
I feel pretty good about this line-up, though I think the same thing for every event and it doesn’t always work out. I like Steve Bosse to get a quick knockout win and score maximum points. Colby Covington is another I like to get a quick finish as he has a short-notice replacement opponent. I like Tamdan McCrory as he has looked impressive since returning to action and is coming off a very good submission win over Josh Samman, though he has a tough foe in Krzysztof Jotko on Saturday.
Ion Cutelaba is my hail mary play as he has a very low salary and has a very good chance at getting an upset win in his UFC debut. And I will be taking Stephen Thompson. I do think he will beat Rory MacDonald, but I also think it will be by decision. Going that extra two rounds opens up for more points scoring opportunites. I also think he may be a sneaky shot at getting a finish.
PAUL FONTAINE- Olivier Aubin-Mercier ($11,000), Steve Bosse ($10,700), Valerie Letourneau ($10,100), Patrick Cote ($9,200), Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)
Aubin-Mercier is a stud and a finisher. Fighting in his home country and close to his home town, I’m really liking him to have a star-making performance here. Bosse’s fight should be fun and he’s got the power to finish anyone in the division and his opponent O’Connell has been stopped in 2 of his 3 most recent losses. Letourneau is coming off a strong performance against Joanna Champion, lasting 5 rounds with the strawweight queen. She should have more power at flyweight and her opponent Calderwood has proven to be vulnerable to submissions as well.
Cote has been on the best run of his career and I think he’s got a huge size advantage over Cerrone, who usually competes at lightweight. Cote was not small at middleweight and he should have the power to stop Cerrone. My last pick is a bit of a gamble but Ion Cutelaba has scored stoppages in each of his 9 pro wins so I’m hoping for the same in his UFC debut.
PEACH MACHINE- Randa Markos ($10,500), Donald Cerrone ($10,200), Valerie Letourneau ($10,100), Stephen Thompson ($9,800), Sam Alvey ($9,100)
Another stellar lineup if I may say so my self, and I may… I like Thompson a lot here. McDonald in his first fight back after that terrible nose break may be a little gun shy. I’m betting Thompson capitalizes. Cerrone, in my book, way outclasses Cote. This is another easy pick. I like Randa Markos and Lybarger didn’t look good her last time out. Smilin Sam is my under dog pick. He’s always in it and has KO pop. Finally, I think Letourneau easily wins here. And her names is the same as that teacher in Florida who married her student… first.
