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  • UFC Fight Night 75 Preview: 5 storylines to watch, betting odds & predictions

    After a three-week break, which in this day-and-age is a long break, the Octagon returns on Saturday night as the UFC makes its now annual trip to Japan for UFC Fight Night 75 from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The main card airs on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday night, with preliminary action taking place on FOX Sports 2.

    The event will be headlined by a five-round bout in the UFC’s heavyweight division as veterans Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson square off following a coaching stint on the UFC Fight Pass exclusive television show, UFC: Road To Japan. The finals of that reality event will also take place on the card as Mizuto Hirota meets Teruto Ishihara. In the co-main event of the evening, former Strikeforce and DREAM champion Gegard Mousasi takes on Uriah Hall, who steps in as an injury replacement for the toughest bout of his career. The rest of the card will be filled with Japanese fighters. Let’s take a closer look at the night’s action and find five storylines to keep an eye on as we head into Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 75 event.

    1. Who has more left to give in their career: Josh Barnett or Roy Nelson?

    Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson meet in the main event of Saturday’s event, and it is an interesting time in both men’s careers as they head into their headline bout. They coached eight fighters during UFC: Road To Japan in the lead-up to this event, and now they meet in a fight where both could be fighting for their UFC futures. It’s not to say either man will be cut due to the depth issues in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but Barnett is 37-years old and Nelson is 39-years old, and their best days are likely behind them. Barnett also hasn’t fought in over a year-and-a-half as he was last seen in the Octagon eating elbows from Travis Browne in a 60-second loss at UFC 168 in December 2013. Nelson has lost four of his last five fights, and he hasn’t looked all that competitive in those losses. His only win in over two years was a knockout win over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who recently retired.

    Barnett has had a lot of success in his career in Japan, and returning to action there may be quite the confidence boost for him. His time away should have gotten him healthy, but it will be interesting to see if he suffers from any form of rust. His only losses since 2006 have come to Browne and Daniel Cormier, so it’s not like he has been getting blown away by lesser fighters. Meanwhile, Nelson has only fought once in Japan, and it came one year ago when he was knocked out by Mark Hunt. It was the only time in Nelson’s career he has truly been knocked out, and it came at the hands of one of the hardest hitters in the sport. It is hard to envision a repeat of that on Saturday night.

    All of Nelson’s wins in the UFC have come by knockout and he will be looking to do the same for Barnett. It has seemed for the longest time that Nelson has given up on following a gameplan in looking to headhunt. He either gets the knockout or he struggles mightily and doesn’t look good. Barnett has good wrestling and good submissions and a style to make Nelson look bad if Nelson can’t land the big right hand. Barnett will probably look to drag the fight out, but he will also want to test the chin of Nelson to see if there is anything left there. It’s heavyweights and anything can happen, but this fight has the chance to be a long, drawn-out and not neccessarily exciting fight. I like Barnett to get the win in this one as I see him having more to give at this stage in his career.

    2. Can Uriah Hall score the upset win over Gegard Mousasi?

    Gegard Mousasi is one a decent roll in the UFC’s middleweight division, scoring wins in his last two fights. His only UFC losses have come to Lyoto Machida and Ronaldo Souza, and he is currently ranked sixth in the UFC’s middleweight rankings. He is on the cusp of title contention, but has yet to beat a top-five ranked opponent. He was to face Roan Carneiro at this event, but with Carneiro being forced out due to injury, Uriah Hall stepped in to take a huge opportunity. It is going from a ranked opponent to an unranked opponent for Mousasi, but this is probably a more dangerous fight for him due to the striking prowess of Hall. Hall has solid kickboxing skills and is a violent opponent if he can connect. He fought recently, scoring a first-round TKO win over Oluwale Bamgbose on August 8 in Nashville. Stepping in on short notice will receive some good faith from the UFC brass, but he has a tough test.

    Mousasi tends to, at times, fight below his skill level. He is highly talented and a legitmate contender to be a title challenger in the near future. He can have a boring and plodding style, but it is effective. Hall sometimes comes up mentally short, and he tends to fight below his skill set. Fighting Mousasi can be extremely frustrating, and it will likely get in the head of Hall. Mousasi may look to take the fight to the mat, and Hall would prefer to keep the fight on the feet. For all of Hall’s flashy kickboxing skills, Mousasi is a better overall striker. This is definitely Mousasi’s fight to lose. I don’t see Hall being able to score the upset, but funnier things have happened in the UFC. However, Mousasi will take this fight the distance and score an uneventful decision win.

    3. Can Kyoji Horiguchi and Takeya Mizugaki rebound in their home country?

    Kyoji Horiguchi and Takeya Mizugaki are the only Japanese fighters ranked in the top ten of their divisions, and both have fought for championships during their time under the Zuffa banner. Horiguchi is coming off a loss to Demetrious Johnson when he challenged for the UFC Flyweight Championship at UFC 186 in April. Mizugaki challeged for the WEC Bantamweight Championship in his Zuffa debut, losing a decision to Miguel Torres in April 2009 in one of the best fights in WEC history. Mizugaki is looking to bounce back from two straight losses to Dominick Cruz and Aljamain Sterling that ended his five-fight win streak.

    Horiguchi will take on Chico Camus, who is looking to bounce back from a loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 188 in June. Camus was looking to get into title contention after an impressive flyweight debut win over Brad Pickett, and he will be looking to improve on his record of just three wins in seven UFC bouts. Mizugaki will be taking on long-time UFC and WEC veteran George Roop, who returns after being out of the Octagon since a first-round knockout loss to Rob Font at UFC 175 in July 2014. Roop is just 4-5 since returning to the UFC following the WEC merger, and he could very well be fighting for his UFC future. The same could be said for Camus, so Horiguchi and Mizugaki will need to be impressive in front of their home country fans.

    4. Katsunori Kikuno and Diego Brandao both have title aspirations. Who takes a step forward?

    Admittedly, this fourth storyline was originally written about Norifumi “KID” Yamamoto, who was scheduled to compete on this card against Matt Hobar. However, both Yamamoto and Hobar fell victim to the injury bug, and the bout was scrapped from the card. The featured preliminary bout between Katsunori Kikuno and Diego Brandao was moved to the main card, and it takes this spot on our preview. Brandao is a former winner of The Ultimate Fighter, but he has had mixed success, sporting a 5-3 record in the Octagon, but those losses have come to Darren Elkins, Dustin Poirier and current interim champion Conor McGregor, all tough opponents. He won his last bout by stopping Jimy Hettes at the end of the first round in April.

    Kikuno is just 2-2 in the UFC and is coming into the fight off a first-round knockout loss to Kevin Souza in March. He has talked lately about his big aspirations of being champion, but it is entirely possible that he is fighting for his UFC career in this bout. Both of his losses have come by knockout in the first round, but he did score an impressive submission win over Sam Sicilia in Japan last September. Both men are far away from title contention, but should be able to put together a nice little scrap on Saturday night. Brandao has a penchant for being violent, and Kikuno does have the suspect chin. I expect to see Brandao getting his hand raised and taking a step forward in the 145-pound division.

    5. What else on the card is there to look forward to?

    With this being a fight night event in Japan, the card is filled with Japanese fighters. In fact, nine of the eleven total bouts feature Japanese fighters. The fight card also features the finals of the “UFC: Road To Japan” when featherweights Mizuto Hirota and Teruto Ishihara meet. Hirota has fought in the UFC twice before, losing both bouts, but he returns on the heels of a three-fight win streak. Ishihara will grace the Octagon for the first time, and both of his career losses have come to fighters who have UFC experience.

    In preliminary action, Keita Nakamura makes his return to the UFC on short notice when he fights Li Jingliang. A pair of lightweight bouts take place as Germany’s Nick Hein takes on the debuting Yusuke Kasuya, and Naoyuki Kotani takes on Kajan Johnson. All four of those bouts take place on FOX Sports 2. In the lone bout on UFC Fight Pass, Shinsho Anzai takes on Roger Zapata, who will be making his UFC debut after competing on season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter.

    Full UFC Fight Night 75 Fight Card, Betting Odds and Predictions

    MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

    Heavyweights: (#8) Josh Barnett vs. (#11) Roy Nelson
    Betting Odds:     Barnett (-260), Nelson (+220)
    Prediction: Barnett by decision

    Middleweights: (#6) Gegard Mousasi vs. Uriah Hall
    Betting Odds:     Mousasi (-450), Hall (+360)
    Prediction: Mousasi by decision

    Flyweights: (#7) Kyoji Horiguchi vs. (#13) Chico Camus
    Betting Odds:     Horiguchi (-365), Camus (+255)
    Prediction: Horiguchi by decision

    Bantamweights: (#8) Takeya Mizugaki vs. George Roop
    Betting Odds:     Mizugaki (-245), Roop (+175)
    Prediction: Mizugaki by submission in round 2

    Featherweights: Katsunori Kikuno vs. Diego Brandao
    Betting Odds:     Kikuno (+170), Brandao (-230)
    Prediction: Brandao by knockout in round 1

    UFC: Road To Japan Featherweight Finals: Mizuto Hirota vs. Teruto Ishihara
    Betting Odds:     Hirota (-245), Ishihara (+175)
    Prediction: Hirota by submission in round 1

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 2- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

    Welterweights: Keita Nakamura vs. Li Jingliang
    Betting Odds:     Nakamura (+170), Jingliang (-230)
    Prediction: Jingliang by knockout in round 2

    Lightweights: Nick Hein vs. Yusuke Kasuya
    Betting Odds:     Hein (-280), Kasuya (+200)
    Prediction: Hein by decision

    Lightweights: Naoyuki Kotani vs. Kajan Johnson
    Betting Odds:     Kotani (+190), Johnson (-270)
    Prediction: Johnson by submission in round 3

    Welterweights: Shinsho Anzai vs. Roger Zapata
    Betting Odds:     Anzai (-130), Zapata (-110)
    Prediction: Zapata by decision

  • This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter and links to access the latest 19 radio shows

    For the moment as we rebuild the site, subscribers should be able to access the following 18 radio shows using these download links.

    If you are among those who cannot access the shows using these links, email support@wrestlingobserver.com

    We hope to have a similar solution for this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter up soon.

    *** Note from Tony:  If you want to download these links, LEFT CLICK on any of these links.  You will see the login.  Then you can hit the BACK button and right click and download each file.   I assure  you we are working hard to rectify all of this and thank you for your patience.  

    If you are one of the unlucky ones that are experiencing Paypal/Membership issues where the money was taken out and you still don’t have access, please email support@wrestlingobserver.com we will get you squared away ASAP.

    Wrestling Observer Live 9/25: TNA notes, Bound for Glory more!

    DragonKing Karl Classic Wrestling Show: Biography Series on Junkyard Dog

    Dr. Keith Presents: Alan4L goes solo on New Japan, joshi, indies

    Bryan and Vinny Show 9/25

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter Sept 28th 2015

    Wrestling Observer Live 9/24 with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive

    Wrestling Observer Radio 9/23 with Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez and Josh Gross

    Wrestling Observer Live 9/23 with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive

    Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show 9/23: Raw, Retro Nitro, more

    Wrestling Observer Radio 9/22 with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talking Monday Night Raw and more

    Wrestling Observer Live 9/22 with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive

    Wrestling Observer Live 9/21 with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive

    Figure Four Daily 9/21 with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor

    Wrestling Observer Radio 9/21 with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talking WWE Night of Champions and more

    Bryan & Vinny Show 9/20: WWE Night of Champions PPV report, more

    Wrestling Observer Radio 9/20 with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talking Bellator Dynamite 1 and more

    Wrestling Observer Radio 9/19 with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez talking the ROH PPV and more

  • TNA vs. Global Force Wrestling match announced for Bound for Glory pay-per-view

    Barely one week after the “blow-off” of the TNA vs. Global Force Wrestling feud on television, TNA has announced a new match for the Bound for Glory PPV on October 4th in Concord, NC, as Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards will defend the TNA Tag Team Championship against Trevor Lee & Brian Myers, who are billed as GFW wrestlers.

    The teams wrestled twice on television at the last set of tapings, with Lee & Myers scoring a fluke title win, but then dropping them back before the blow-off Lethal Lockdown match that aired on 9/16.

    The two organizations seem to be maintaining an alliance, which behind-the-scenes is described as cordial but uneasy, because they both have reason right now to benefit from working with the other.

    Bound for Glory also features:

    – Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong for the TNA Knockouts Title

    – Tigre Uno defending the X-Division Title in an Ultimate X match

    – Ethan Carter III vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA World Heavyweight Title

    – Bobby Roode vs. Lashley vs. the TNA King of the Mountain Championship

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (9/25): Ronnie Garvin beats Ric Flair for NWA world title

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1958

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Cowboy Bob Ellis and Thor Hagen beat Bob Geigel and Wild Bill Longson by dq, 2 falls to 1

    1963 

    Columbus, Georgia:
    – Marco Polo defeated Joe McCarthy to win the Southeastern Heavyweight Title 

    1964 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Don Fargo defeated Sputnik Monroe in a no DQ-no timelimit match to win the Georgia Heavyweight title

    1970 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Bobby Shane and Doug Gilbert defeated The Assassins to win the Georgia Tag Team Titles

    1971

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson
    – Dr X no contest Ray Stevens
    – Vivian Vachon beat Kay Noble
    – Don Muraco beat Butcher Vachon
    – Sailor Art Thomas beat Jack Bence

    1973 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – The Missouri Mauler defeated Ray Candy to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title

    1977

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Canek defeated Lou Thesz to win the UWA World Heavyweight Title.

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Jimmy Valiant won a tournament to become the first AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion 

    1978 

    Augusta, Georgia:
    – Thunderbolt Patterson defeated King Kong Mosca to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Jimmy Valiant
    – Jerry Lawler beat Jos Leduc
    – Nelson Royal beat Bill Dundee
    – Tommy Gilbert beat Frankie Laine

    1979 

    Macon, Georgia:
    – Killer Karl Kox defeated Tommy Rich in a one night tournament to win the Macon Title 

    1983 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Brett Wayne defeated Larry Zbyzsko to win the National Heavyweight Title

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Brad Rheingans drew AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Handicap Match: Hulk Hogan beat Mr. Saito & David Shults dq
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell & Rick Martel beat Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan
    – Blackjack Lanza beat Bobby Heenan COR
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Steve Regal
    – Steve O drew Bill White

    1985 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Terry Taylor defeated Black Bart to win the NWA National Heavyweight Title 

    Seattle, Washington:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair drew Billy Jack Haynes
    – Sgt. Slaughter beat Karl Steiner
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Ivan Koloff & Khrusher Khrushev
    – Jesse Barr drew Bruiser Brody
    – Bobby Jaggers beat Rip Oliver

    1986

    Seattle, Washington:
    – Road Warriors beat Bruiser Brody & Rip Oliver dq
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel double count out Curt Hennig

    1987

    Detroit, Michigan:
    – Ronnie Garvin defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Title

    1990 

    Nagoya, Japan:
    – Katsuji Ueda defeated Jimmy Backlund (Jimmy Del Rey) to become the AWA World Light-Heavyweight Champion 

    1999 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Steve Bradley defeated Vic Grimes to win the Memphis Power Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Gary Steele defeated Naoya Ogawa and Brian Anthony to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title

    2010

    Rahway, New Jersey:
    – Jay Lethal defeated The Amazing Red to win the X-Division championship

  • Tammy “Sunny” Sytch arrested for no-showing court dates

    WWE Hall-of-Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was arrested on Wednesday for missing three different court dates.

    The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted her not appearing for court dates on 7/29 and 8/21, as well as missing an arraignment on 9/3, all stemming from several charges on 5/30 in Palmerton, PA.

    News of her arrest was reported Friday morning by TMZ Sports. Sytch was arrested on charges of a DUI, driving with a suspended license and careless driving. She also faces two other DUI charges in June that this is not related to. She is currently in custody and has a hearing Friday when a bail amount will be set.

    Sytch, better known as Sunny, has had a long track record of issues and remains the only person ever under contract that WWE will no longer send to rehab if a request is made.

  • WWE Smackdown 9/24 TV results and recap: Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

    By Steve Khan, WrestlingObserver.com

    – Air Date: September 24, 2015 (Sept 23 in Canada)

    – Location: American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX

    The Big News:

    Dean Ambrose beat Seth Rollins, which will presumably leads to Kane against Rollins for the title. Also, Natalya confronted Paige but it didn’t go very well.

    Show Recap:

    They started with an almost 3 minute long recap of the Kane-Seth Rollins storyline. Kane was in the ring after the video and gleefully welcomed everyone to Smackdown. He said WWE was on fire and wanted to come back and help with the heat by using all his administrative experience. He announced Kevin Owens and Rusev against Ryback and Dolph Ziggler, as well as Luke Harper against Roman Reigns with all their friends banned from ringside.

    Before Kane could announce another match, Rollins interrupted. Rollins told Kane to cut the crap, comparing him to Bruce Banner. Kane invited him to talk in the ring, but Rollins called him crazy and complained about everything he went through at Night of Champions. Kane said he was watching at home on the network.

    Rollins freaked out about Kane dragging him under the ring, but Kane played dumb. They bickered back and forth for a while with Kane smiling through most of it. Rollins told Kane that he needs help. Kane announced Rollins against Dean Ambrose for tonight.

    Booker T said he has sources who say Kane has split personality disorder. Jerry Lawler called Booker and Brennan nuts for believing this and said Kane was just playing with everyone. I’m glad they cut to the announcers who attempted to explain the story.

    Roman Reigns beat Luke Harper via pinfall

    Harper came out to his singles music and video. Reigns got him up for a Samoan drop but Harper countered with a series of elbows to the head. Reigns basically no-sold it and came back with clotheslines in the corner. They went to the outside and Harper cut off Reigns with a big boot.

    In the ring, Harper followed with a senton, superkick and powerbomb, which Reigns kicked out of. Harper went for a discus clothesline but Reigns countered with a superman punch and spear for the win. Basic match and Reigns was booked to look strong. And by that I mean he no-sold most of Harper’s offense.

    Backstage, The New Day dunked a basketball on some guy. The guy initially saw it coming, so Big E gave Kingston a perfect alleyoop for the basket.

    6-Man Tag Match: The New Day beat Neville & The Lucha Dragons via pinfall

    New Day said they would put an end to the Dudley Boyz once and for all at the MSG show. They called Bubba “Booty Ray” and chanted “Save the tables.” Brennan said the the Dudleys came back for the tag titles, but Booker said they came back for the money. Uh, ok. Despite this being a 6-man, Woods took a moment to play trombone.

    With all three members of New Day on the outside, the three good guys hit dives — Neville and Kalisto hit moonsaults off the top and Sin Cara did a senton. Crazy spot. However, like Harper’s offense in the previous match, none of that mattered. Kingston distracted Sin Cara and Woods hit him with shining wizard for the abrupt win. New Day celebrated on the announce table and Woods played the trombone. This was fun despite the finish.

    Cesaro beat Bo Dallas via pinfall

    They showed a replay of Big Show beating Cesaro on Raw. I can see why they would do that if Show was having a match, but they didn’t have to show it here. Bo Dallas said he survived Suplex City but Cesaro can’t get off Big Show Boulevard. Bo said Cesaro should bo-lieve. Lame.

    Cesaro beat the crap out of Bo for a while until Bo was able to pull the ring skirt out from under Cesaro, who slipped and landed back-first against the edge of the ring. Bo took control and used a headlock. Cesaro got up and applied the same roll-up he did to Rusev last week on Raw and got the pinfall win. Another pretty abrupt finish.

    After the match, Cesaro went into the crowd next to a fan holding a “Cesaro Section” sign. I would’ve prefered Cesaro just kill Bo Dallas, but at least he won and was able to show off a bit.

    They recapped Charlotte’s title win at Night of Champions and her promo with Ric Flair from Raw. They didn’t show the Paige stuff.

    Charlotte and Becky Lynch came out. Lawler wondered where Paige could be and Brennan said, “She could be anywhere.” That’s nice. Charlotte said her title win was a dream scenario and put over Nikki as a great champion. She thanked Becky and the fans for believing in the revolution. That brought out Paige.

    Paige admitted she wasn’t a team player. She got in the ring and insincerely tried to apologize. Charlotte said Paige sucks at this. Becky tried to interrupt so Paige told her to shut up. Natalya interrupted and Paige called her a crazy cat lady.

    Natalya said she was proud of the new generation and thinks this is the best their division has ever been. Natalya said she’s excited, just like she was when Paige won the title for the first time. She likes Paige and doesn’t understand why they’re fighting.

    Paige said she’s better than Nattie, who let the revolution pass her by and is now just clinging on. Paige slapped Natalya and left. This was ok. I’m not sure why they didn’t just beat the crap out of Paige by the end of it.

    Ryback & Dolph Ziggler beat Rusev & IC Champion Kevin Owens (w/Summer Rae) via pinfall

    As Rusev did his warm-up before the match, Owens held up his title behind him. Ryback and Owens were in to start, but Owens tagged in Rusev. Rusev demanded Ryback tag Ziggler, so he did. (What a fighting babyface.) As Rusev beat up Ziggler in the corner, he yelled, “I beat you on Raw, I’m the best! I’m the best! I’m the best!”

    Lawler said, in WWE, a relationship is a success if it outlasts milk. Heels had the heat on Ziggler, who was able to hit Rusev with a jumping DDT. After a break, they still had the heat on him. Rusev used a scoop slam and tagged out. Owens hit a scoop slam and told Rusev to do another. Rusev tagged in but Ziggler slammed him instead. Ziggler slammed Owens too and made the hot tag to Ryback.

    Ryback made a brief comeback but Rusev cut him off with a spinning heel kick (he missed). Ryback used a spinebuster and knocked Owens off the apron. Rusev used the distraction to hit a superkick, but Owens grabbed his title and left. He pointed at the title and said “This is what matters!” Ziggler hit a superkick on Rusev and Ryback followed with shell shocked for the win. If you’re a fan of watching Ziggler sell, this is the match for you.

    There might have been something wrong with Rusev during the match. He kept talking to the referee and completely missed on the spinning heel kick.

    They aired a video package for Big Show.

    Backstage, Bubba told D-Von that he was tired of the New Day, especially “the kid with the trombone.” Renee Young asked them about New Day. Bubba said he knows she likes them, but they don’t care about the fans like they claim, and they don’t act like champions. D-Von said this isn’t about tables, this is about titles.

    Prime Time Players interrupted saying they were next in line. They seemed insincere and Bubba wanted to go after them, but D-Von stopped him.

    Elsewhere, Seth Rollins told Jo-Jo there’s something wrong with Kane and he needs help. He’s fine with facing Ambrose tonight because he’s destroyed him before and will do it again.

    Dean Ambrose beat Seth Rollins via pinfall

    During a break, Rollins hit Ambrose with a double foot stomp on the apron. Ambrose tried a dive but Rollins countered with a forearm and flying knee strike. Ambrose fired back with a million hard chops but Rollins countered with a superkick for two.

    Ambrose followed with a rebound clothesline, which Brennan called a “lunatic lariat.” Ambrose made his comeback, with chops, running forearm and double underhook suplex off the ropes. They traded small packages and Ambrose nailed a suicide dive.

    Ambrose did a fisherman suplex for two but Rollins came back with an enziguri and a slingblade. Rollins almost ran into the referee and used the distraction to thumb Ambrose in the eye and hit the turnbuckle bomb. The announcers called it like Ambrose was done, but Kane’s pyro went off and the lights when red. Ambrose used the distraction to apply a roll up for the win.

    They showed corporate Kane watching backstage on a monitor. A pissed off Rollins grabbed the mic and said Kane doesn’t know who he’s dealing with and referenced what he did to Sting at Night of Champions. Rollins said he would do the same to Kane and no matter what, he’s still the man and the WWE champion.

    Really good match, but perhaps they shouldn’t have given Ambrose the buckle bomb if he was just going to bounce back and get the win.

    Final Thoughts:

    Pretty much a normal Smackdown show with some good wrestling and nothing really important happening. I did like the 6-man and main event in particular.

    On a side note, Booker T is really awful on commentary. Lawler was better than usual tonight, perhaps because he spent so much time correcting Booker.

  • Bellator 143 weigh-in results: Joe Warren vs. LC Davis, one fighter misses by 18 pounds

    At Thursday’s weigh-ins for Friday’s Bellator 143 event, one fighter missed so badly, his fight had to be scrapped.

    In the main event, Joe Warren will face LC Davis with both men hitting at 135.75 pounds. The winner will be gearing up for a bantamweight title shot with a victory. In another feature bout, Joey Beltran (186 pounds) continues to look for some consistency against Kendall Grove (185.5).

    The story of the weigh-ins was Nick Gonzalez who was set to face Ryan Couture. Instead of coming into the fight at the non-title lightweight limit of 156 pounds, Gonzalez stepped onto the scales at 172.75 pounds, over the welterweight limit. The fight was scrapped, but Couture (155.5) will be paid his show money. It’s likely that Gonzalez will be done with Bellator after this. 

    Here’s the rest of the weigh-in results. Spike TV main card coverage will be coming your way on Friday night:

    – Emmanuel Sanchez (146) vs. Henry Corrales (145.5)

    – Vinicius Queiroz (230) vs. Ewerton Teixeira (236)

    Spike.com Prelims

    – Saul Elizondo (135) vs. Amador Ramirez (134.75)

    – Eduardo Bustillos (136) vs. Steve Garcia (135.5)

    – Shawn Bunch (135.5) vs. Darrion Caldwell (135.5)

    – Dan Charles (232.5) vs. Chase Gormley (263)

    – Gleristone Santos (146) vs. John Teixeira (146)

    – Jared Chaffe (155) vs. Guilherme Farias da Costa (156)

    – Luke Flores (155.5) vs. Gilbert Jimenez (155)

    – Abdul Razak Alhassan (170.5) vs. Bryce Mejia (171)

  • TNA & ROH Wednesday night ratings (September 23)

    There was good and bad news on the ratings for TNA and ROH on DestinationAmerica.

    The audience tuned in later than usual, as the ROH show at 11 p.m. did 168,000 viewers, nearly double the previous week, and the best in that time slot since July 29.

    TNA at 9 p.m. did 272,000 viewers, its second lowest to date.

    The TNA midnight replay did 122,000 viewers, the best replay number to date.

    That seems to mean that a lot of the people who tuned into ROH than usually don’t also stay with TNA.

    It would appear “Empire” on FOX may tell the story, since nothing else on television in the 9-11 p.m. time slot did numbers out of the ordinary enough to change regular viewing patterns.

  • Sting injury, USADA vs Hauser

    We’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week because of coverage of so many big shows and all the stuff that has come out of the past week with WWE.

    Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show.  We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.

    The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Our lead story covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.

    We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again.  We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.

    We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes.  We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show.  We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches.  We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.

    We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

    We’ve got details on season two of Lucha Underground, including when filming starts, the location, changes that will and won’t be visible, the little bits of information out, two major deals they have either finalized or are close to finalizing, ratings, announcing and how this announcement affects other promotions.

    We’ve got a rundown on a huge match in Mexico, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra match.  We look at the good and bad of the match from a business perspective, excitement perspective, the future of Sombra, what was lost by CMLL, what hurt the show itself, the farewell of Dark Angel before WWE, the  iPPV numbers, teases for big matches and full coverage of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at where in WWE to expect changes in a few months, the reaction to the ratings, the next WWE Network special and its updated show, ticket sales for Hell in a Cell, updates with Dwayne Johnson, a very cool marketing idea by WWE Network for the holiday season, Alberto El Patron talks going to WWE, WWE’s talk with another former star and where that stands, what WWE star is returning to TV shortly, and more on WWE and Evolve.  We also have updates on WWE legal issues, the fan who hit the ring at Night of Champions, what’s up with Cameron, Arnold’s favorite wrestler, NXT women’s division, WWE stock, Raw and Smackdown coverage, as well as notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and business notes.

    We look at who Akira Hokuto was and why she’s so well known in Japan, and her announcement of battling cancer.

    We’ve got a look at the Bellator Dynamite show, including what was to be learned from the show, what happened with the ratings and more.  We look at the tournament, update on King Mo, how every match did in ratings and what lessons were learned.

    We also look at the announcement of Fedor Emelianenko fighting on New Year’s Eve, the return of big-time non-UFC MMA to Japan in the ring, and more on Sakakibara’s first show as he opens a new promotion.

    We also cover the big shows from Bellator, New Japan, ROH and NOAH from the past week.

    With ROH, we note the angles on the show, the return of Kenny King, business, ROH vs. NXT and where things are going.

    We look at the USADA response to the Thomas Hauser story that we covered in the previous issue.  This goes into a lot of details on drug testing in boxing, what questions were and weren’t answered, and more on Erik Morales failing tests for PED’s and still fighting Danny Garcia in Madison Square Garden.

    We also look at Josh Gross’ story on Vitor Belfort, how his suspicious drug test information got out, whether this test would have or should have kept the Jon Jones fight from taking place.  We look at all kinds of questions with drug testing during the TRT era of UFC as well as a book covering pro wrestling that Gross is working on.

    We’ve got a look at the next major AAA show, Heroes Inmortales.

    We’ve got our weekly look at the ratings for all the major shows of the past week and why this week was so disappointing across the boards.

    We also update Dr. Wagner Jr., after his leaving CMLL and who that has affected his business, Atlantis after winning Friday’s match, and L.A. Park goes crazy on CMLL during an indie house show.  We also look at AAA plans for big shows and top American talent they are interested in, as well as two of the best young wrestlers in the business expected to be regulars there.  We also look at another business deal Rey Mysterio is talking about, and AAA’s last TV taping and why people in the company were very happy about an aspect of it.

    We also look at the last ever meeting with Genichiro Tenryu and Great Muta, new titles Wrestle-1 is introducing, Cima’s latest injury as well as Dragon Kid’s injury, and updates on the NOAH tag tournament, the Dragon Gate tag tournament, and an upcoming NOAH singles tournament that features six North American stars.

    We also have early notes on the Tokyo Dome show in January, and a mayor comes to a new Japan show.

    We also look at a retirement show over the weekend that sold out Korakuen Hall, and a second Korakuen Hall sellout for an indie show with a number of big names.

    We also look at what promotion was in talks with Spike TV, Justin Credible’s announced retirement, non-WWE note for WrestleMania weekend, Tammy Sytch’s legal situation, a new book on the early days of pro wrestling, the WWC Aniversario show, GFW’s U.K. tour notes, longtime MMA name becomes the first person to compete in pro wrestling, MMA and Roller Derby in the same lifetime, update on Larry Matysik, update on Kris Travis, and an update on Otto Wanz.

    We also look at new ROH TV deals, a huge match coming to ROH early next year, as well as look at the next four weeks of ROH television.

    We also have more on the situation involving David Angle, the older brother of Kurt, and the homicide charge in the death of Kurt’s sister-in-law.

    We’ve got more on TNA ownership, TNA loses another television deal, the story behind the e-mail that Dixie Carter accidental sent to the wrong people a few months ago, More on Bound for Glory, legal update on Bram, as well as a look at TNA’s first weekend of U.S. house shows of 2015.

    We also have notes on the UFC ticket sales in Melbourne, Ronda Rousey promoting the show and an interview that got tremendous play, Dana White talks another potential stadium show for next year, UFC early 2016 schedule, and Dana White gives a new answer regarding the future of Georges St-Pierre.

    We also look at fighters supporting Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes’ public situation with Matt Mitrione over Diaz, Dana White talks Nick Diaz, what is next for Diaz and different ways his career can go from here.

    We’ve also got an update on Jon Jones, a look at this wee’s UFC show, why Miesha Tate is upset, more on C.M. Punk in movies and fighting, why the Bellator champion will be on Fight Pass in a fight this week, plus new UFC signings and new UFC fights.

    We also look at a new division Bellator is opening, Frank Shamrock on why he was interested in fighting and if he still is, Will Brooks talks why he’s unhappy with Bellator and this week’s Bellator show.

    We also note a documentary on drug issues in combat sports, Jon Fitch blames Nevada for licensing Rousimar Palhares and his injuries and fighter stops a parking lot beating in front of a night club the day after his fight.

    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.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

  • THURSDAY UPDATE: Akira Hokuto breast cancer surgery, Undertaker on Mexico tour, more

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re sorry for all the issues with the changing of the web site the past few days.  It’s been frustrating for all of us.   Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    This weekend we’ll be doing our only poll on the New Japan Destruction in Kobe show which takes place late Saturday night/early Sunday.  We didn’t do a poll for Wakayama because it was a lesser show.  The only other major show is a UFC show, also from Japan, but that’s an FS 1 show. 

    We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Lakeland, FL as well as tomorrow’s shows which are WWE in Toronto, ROH in California, PA  and NXT in Largo, FL.  All arena reports and news can be sent to Dave Meltzer

    Smackdown tonight at 8 p.m. on Syfy

    Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper

    Lucha Dragons & Neville vs. All three members of New Day

    Cesaro vs. Bo Dallas

    Ryback & Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens & Rusev

    Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose non-title

    We’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week because of coverage of so many big shows and all the stuff that has come out of the past week with WWE. Sept. 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sting, Night of Champions, Bellator Dynamite, more

    Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show.  We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.

    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.

    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

    Our lead story covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.

    We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again.  We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.

    We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes.  We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show.  We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches.  We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.

    We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

    FOR A FULL OBSERVER PREVIEW CLICK HERE

    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.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    –Hall of Famer Akira Hokuto underwent successful surgery on her right breast for cancer.  This has made a lot of news in Japan where she’s well known far beyond the pro wrestling business.

    —Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    –One of the matches on the October Mexico tour will be Undertaker & Kane vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper.

    –This is the UFC coverage on Fox Sports for this weekend.

    *Weigh-ins at 11 p.m. Friday night on FS 2 with Karyn Bryant, Brian Stann, Michael Bisping and Caroline Pearce (who will be live in Japan) covering.

    *The preshow will be on Saturday at 7 p.m. on FS 2

    *Prelims are Saturday at 8 p.m. on FS 2

    *Main card is Saturday at 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on FS 1

    *Post-fight show is Saturday at 1 a.m on FS 1

    *Ultimate Insider on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on FS 2 with Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans and Tyron Woodley

    *Countdown to UFC 192 will air Monday at 9 p.m. Eastern on FS 1 pushing the Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson and Rashad Evans vs. Ryan Bader matches

    –The Claro Sports web site will be airing tomorrow night’s Arena Mexico show live at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.  The show is headlined by Volador Jr. vs. Rush coming off last week’s Anniversary show. 

    –Part 2 of the John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff airs tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on the WWE Network.

    –There are pre sales going on right now for the 12/10 and 12/11 UFC shows in Las Vegas.  For 12/10, the password is DECEMBER.  For 12/11, the password is TUF.  The 12/10 show is a Fight Pass event headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood and 12/11 is Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes plus the finals of the current season of Ultimate Fighter.

    –Dana White last night after TUF said that he doesn’t think Conor McGregor will ever fight Urijah Faber.  He brought up that McGregor is 20 pounds heavier walking around and that both guys career trajectory just doesn’t make the fight likely.

    –Rey Hours is off the 9/27 Lucha Libre show in Whitby, ONT at the Live Act Theater.  Ricky Reyes vs. Maybach Beta of Zero-One is the new headliner. 

    –Superkick’d on 10/10 in Toronto at The Great Hall with Moose and Seiya Sanada appearing.  Also 10/30 in Toronto at the Lithuanian House with Zombie wrestling.

    –Ronda Rousey was named to this year’s Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list of people under 40 who standout when it comes to wealth, power, achievement, ambition and influence. She was the only athlete, male or female, to make the list.  She was cited by not just her UFC success and appearing in movies, but for overall appeal, influence on culture and popularity.  Among the things cited for picking her were her acting, her doing WrestleMania, and her DNB promo which has been viewed 3.1 million times.

    –TNA will be doing a taped PPV on 10/30 in New Orleans, called the Battle of New Orleans at the Lakefront Arena, an old Mid South building:

    Kurt Angle vs. Eric Young cage match

    Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong cage match

    The Wolves vs. EC 3 & Tyrus for tag titles

    Bobby Roode vs. Matt Hardy for King of the Mountain title

    Abyss vs. Robbie E Monster’s Ball

    Plus appearances by Jeff Hardy and Chris Melendez.

    No word on when this will air on PPV, but it’ll be in the One Night Only series.

    –Aljamain Sterling, one of the top bantamweights in UFC, is talking about giving up fighting and going to school to get his Master’s Degree.  He cited he’s been looking for a fight with Bryan Caraway by the end of this year.  If not, he may return to college in January to go for his Master’s as well as take a full-time or part-time teaching job.  He’s got one fight left on his UFC contract and hasn’t been happy with pay and the Reebok deal.  He noted he’s only had three fights since 2013.

    –On the radio show, we talked about how nobody but WWE has been able to run Madison Square Garden (although there is the annual amateur wrestling Grapple at the Garden show) since the late 50s other than the McMahon family.  It should be noted that both WCW and AAA ran shows at the Paramount, adjacent to the Garden, but neither were allowed to run the Garden itself.

    —A story on places in Australia where MMA in a cage is still banned after Victoria passed the law to allow it and the 11/15 show is getting off to huge ticket sales 

    —Rolling Stone talks to Kazuchika Okada, even if he doesn’t say very much past that he’s not interested in going to WWE

    –2K today revealed the MyCareer gameplay trailer for WWE 2K16, featuring details on how players will be able to define their legacy through critical choices while rising through the ranks from NXT to WWE to earn a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. Players will train, compete against others, conduct personality-driven interviews, interfere with rivals and even form the ultimate tag team.  For more CLICK HERE

    —Kenny King talks his decision to go to ROH from TNA

    –WWE stock today closed at $17.65 per share, up five cents.

    –NWA Vendetta from Friday night in Santa Maria, CA:  Stryder b Ricky Almernara, Midnight Delight & Tab Jackson b Ballard Brothers & Holly Renee, La Generica b Kiara Dillon, Judah Matthew over Alexander Bernard, Jimi Mayhem and Ricky Ruffin, Mike Rayne b Shiloh, Classic Connection b Von Dooms-DQ, Matt Riviera b Sigmon-DQ, Sunami b Dylan drake and Jeckles the Jester.  Next show is 10/30 with Sonjay Dutt.

    –The PWA show on 9/27 in Dundas, ONT has been moved to December.

    –IWA Mid South tomorrow night in Clarksville, IN at the Colgate Gym.  They also announced the 2015 Ted Petty Invitational on 12/11 as a one-night 12 man tournament with Timothy Thatcher, Kongo Kong, Jonathan Gresham, Masada, Chris Hero and Too Cold Scorpio.

    –The Jake Roberts documentary will play on 10/2 in Yonkers, NY at the Alamo Drafthouse.  DDP will be appearing for a Q&A.

    –There is a presale going on for WWE tickets for 11/28 in Kansas City at the Sprint Center going on today using the code word RING.  It ends on Friday at 10 p.m.  Advertised for the show are Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Ryback, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Sheamus and Rusev.

    –Elkmania 3 on Saturday in Beverly, MA at the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge at 7 p.m.

    –Renegade Promotions Battle of the Best on 11/8 in Burlington, ONT at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center headlined by Derek Wylde vs. Tyson Dux.

    –AAA star will work for rival promotions in Tijuana next week.  On 10/2 at Auditorio Municipal, Alberto El Patron & Rey Mysterio Jr. & Rey Hours vs. Brian Cage & Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma plus Pentagon Jr. vs. Bestia 666 for the The Crash cruiserweight title and Psycho Clown & Pimpinela Escarlata & ? vs. Cibernetico & Taya Valkyrie & Black Mamba, plus a four-way for the X trophy with Angelico vs. Matt Cross vs. Seiya Sanada vs. Fenix are the top bouts.  The next night at Salon Casa Blanca, a different promotion as Psycho Clown & Fenix & Angelico vs. Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma & Pentagon Jr.

    –Evolve on 10/18 in Deer Park, NY at the Sportatorium has:

    Timothy Thatcher defending the Evolve title against either Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee (based on who wins a match the night before in Brooklyn)

    Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

    Willie Mack vs. Lee/Gulak loser

    T.J. Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

    Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

    –The next Glory event on Spike will be 10/9 from Denver.  There is also a show on 11/6 in Milan, Italy.

    –CZW has a live iPPV on 10/10 at streamCZW.com from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ and on 10/17 from Laval, Quebec at Scratch a Laval.  Vampiro will be on the 10/17 show.

    –Infinity Pro on Saturday night in Bloomington, IN at the National  Guard Armory with OI4K headlining plus Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Lufisto.

    ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

    1940 – Earl McCready beat John Katan in Dunedin, New Zealand to win the British Empire title

    1951 – Enrique Llanes (the uncle of the Guerreros) beat Sugi Sito in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title

    1963 – Gori Guerrero beat Ali Bey in El Paso to win the NWA light heavyweight title

    1995 – Mima Shimoda & Akira Hokuto beat Takako & Kyoko Inoue in Kawasaki to win the WWWA women’s tag title

    2004 – Nicho beat L.A. Park in Tijuana to win the XLWA heavyweight title