WWE has announced a New Day vs. Dudleys rematch for the 10/3 live network special from Madison Square Garden.
Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcoer promotion announced an 11/14 show at the Elmcor Center in Queens, NY. Thus far announced is Ethan Carter III vs. Tommy Dreamer in a street fight, Chris Hero vs. Tajiri and Bobby Roode and Austin Aries will issue an open challenge.
Names announced for a 5 p.m. Meet and Greet not on this list, which means they’ll also likely be on the show are Colt Cabana, Eric Young, Lance Hoyt, The FBI of Guido Maritato & Tony Mamaluke, Thea Trinidad, Jade and Justin Roberts.
According to Deadline, Lucha Underground will return for a second season on El Rey Network. The article states that they will return to film in Los Angeles in the fourth quarter of 2015 for an “early” 2016 return. Lucha Underground Executive Producer Eric Van Wagenen had announced the news on Twitter earlier in the day.
We’ll talk more about this on the post-RAW edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, our fourth show in four days.
We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.
The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site. Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!
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.
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. The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over. We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t. We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide. We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars. We also look at Night of Champions. We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals. We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it. We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is. We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened. We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants. We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down. Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler. We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball. We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows. We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park. We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years. We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch. We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting. We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk. We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are. We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught. We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows. We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events. We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more. We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team. We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled. We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect. We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat. We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events. We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule. We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights. We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show. We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren. 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
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s WWE Night of Champions, Saturday night’s Bellator, Friday night’s CMLL and Friday night’s ROH with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to Dave Meltzer
Raw is tonight in Laredo, TX, which is a traditionally hot market for WWE, particularly for Hispanic wrestlers. It’s a mid-sized market that usually sells out or comes close even for house shows. They’ll start the build for Night of Champions. Nothing has been announced ahead of time but one would think they’ll follow up in some form with Chris Jericho.
We’re also looking for reports from these shows:
*WWE Saturday night in Waco, TX
*WWE Saturday night in Beaumont, TX
*NXT Saturday night in San Antonio
Smackdown will be taped Tuesday in Corpus Christi with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Sheamus as the top advertised stars.
New Japan Destruction in Okayama PPV on Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Pacific and 2 a.m. Eastern on New Japan World
Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Yuji Nagata & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Jay White & David Finlay & Manabu Nakanishi & Tetsuya Naito
Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jushin Liger & Mascara Dorada non-title
Steve Anthony vs. Tiger Mask for NWA jr. title
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Matt Sydal vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan for IWGP tag titles
Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi & Alex Shelley vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero & Baretta
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. A.J. Styles & Cody Hall
Kushida vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP jr. title
Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi for Never Open weight title
We’ve got a look at WWE right now with the issues that have led to ratings setting record lows as well as an update on TNA, New Japan, GFW, ROH and everyone else in the battle for No. 2, as the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This issue also has a detailed look at the Nick Diaz situation and why it is far more complicated than most are making it out to be, Atlantis vs. La Sombra in one of the year’s biggest matches, a history of the CMLL anniversary shows, a look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA, an update on Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana, what led to the Mayweather flop on PPV and New Japan builds for two PPVs this month.
The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator
Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site. Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!
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.
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.
The lead story looks at what is and isn’t misleading about the record low ratings for Raw and Smackdown over the past two weeks, the rate of decline, the future of Smackdown, and why wrestling even with lower ratings may be far more valuable to the USA Network when the current contract is over. We look at the problems that are inherent, those that can be addressed and those that can’t. We look at why this past week’s Raw rating was far more sobering than the week before as well as how wrestling and every combat sport is changing from an economic situation worldwide. We look at interviews, finishes, making stars and dropping the ball on stars. We also look at Night of Champions.
We update the TNA television situation, what promotion had a strong growth year, and the future of No. 2, as well as an update on all of TNA’s TV deals.
We go in depth on Nick Diaz, and what are the key elements of the story, why he got a five year suspension, how Diaz has blown his prime years in fighting, the commissioners discuss the suspension and the deliberations leading to it. We talk about why comparisons to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones aren’t valid in this case, detail the controversies over the test results, the legal issues involved, and Diaz talks about what happened in childhood that led him to where he is.
We also look at the situation with Jake Shields and the commission ruling on his post-match punch to Rousimar Palhares, as well as his comments on what happened.
We also look at what contracted talent was told about Hulk Hogan, as well as a double standard that is too obvious, the next Takeover special, Update on Lana, Dwayne Johnson makes former WWE writer a major executive in his company, what happened at the recent NXT talent meeting, Daniel Bryan talks about creating new stars, and his health situation as well as PPV matches he wants.
We look at plans for the November European tour, WWE performers and Twitter, Paige talks in detail about her incident with Alicia Fox that turned into a fight of sorts with two other women and how it all went down. Jimmy Noonan talks issues with WWE security including a story when a fan kicked the ass of a main event wrestler inside the ring one night and how that fan ended up as a wrestler.
We look at another sports star that WWE is bringing in for a tryout, four cast members from Tough Enough who have now signed contracts, this week’s NXT shows, and the father of a WWE wrestler who is an all-time legend in slow-pitch softball.
We’ve got notes on the WWE TV shows as well as the next month of NXT shows, as well as reports on WWE business over the past week, and highlights from all the house shows.
We look at the Atlantis vs La Sombra match, the build to the match, why the match is so big, the last angle and what happened with Dr. Wagner Jr. an L.A. Park. We also look at a history of the CMLL Anniversary shows, with the big names that have appeared on them and the most famous matches over the years.
We look at Thomas Hauser’s article on USADA and how it related to Floyd Mayweather, what about the article had validity and what was a stretch. We look at USADA’s drug testing in UFC and what the results so far say, the concept of retroactive TUE’s, a scary aspect of a contract Manny Pacquiao was given and wouldn’t sign, rumors of Mayweather positive tests, and the story behind Erik Morales failing four tests before a fight for Clenbuterol and still fighting.
We update the situation with Dr. Christopher Amann’s lawsuit against C.M. Punk. We look at the response to the suit filed by Punk and Colt Cabana, WWE’s response and what the key issues in the suit are.
We’ve got notes on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto PPV number and lessons that it has taught.
We also run down this past week’s New Japan show at Korakuen Hall and how it builds the next two PPV shows.
We’ve also got ratings from all the television shows this past week along with results from all the major arena events.
We also update on the last two AAA TV tapings, Genichiro Tenryu’s last match at Korakuen Hall, the Dragon Gate Summer Adventure tag team tournament, the All Japan Open singles tournament, the NOAH jr. heavyweight tournament, New Japan talks about their relationship with WWE and more.
We look at the Japanese female wrestler who broke her record for most world championships, and a new Hall of Fame mixed tag team.
We’ve got notes on Hulk Hogan’s latest media and what he said that simple time lines can disprove, notes on Jimmy Snuka including why there will be a lot more coverage of his story coming up, as well as why his hearing this week was canceled. We look at the U.S. gold medalists in the world wrestling championships and what wrestler looks like a great UFC or WWE prospect. We also update GFW and where television stands, look at a star indie wrestler sent to prison, Podcasts involving wrestling personalities, two pro wrestlers at the 1980 Olympic team reunion, an update on House of Hardcore, an update on Kelly Kelly, whatever happened to Chuck Palumbo, former UFC star getting a pro wrestling break, a wrestling show uncovered by a historian that drew 80,000 fans in 1936, the daughter of a WWE Hall of Famer starting wrestling training, and a well known pro wrestler competing under another name in pseudo MMA combat.
We also look at some significant negotiations going on with ROH and a look at the weekend events.
We also look at the Jarrett/Dixie Carter deal, Earl Hebner into the TNA Hall of Fame and his background, an update on Bram and Kurt Angle and Angle’s wrestling schedule.
We look at ticket sales for UFC 194 and how early sales have been, more big fights announced, a UFC signee who will start after competing in the 2016 Olympics, Ronda Rousey in the ESPN poll of the greatest female athlete of all-time, as well as lots of new UFC fights.
We also look at a new Bellator deal, and Scott Coker’s hopes for this week’s show.
We also look at a proposed Chael Sonnen vs. Josh Barnett grappling match, and the return of Ben Askren.
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
MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer radio, covering Raw as well as the rest of the wrestling and MMA news. You can send in e-mail questions to the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
We don’t have any update on Sting past he suffered a significant neck injury last night. It was definitely during the buckle bomb spot. For those asking, the finish they did was the planned finish, although they immediately went to it when Sting basically insisted on finishing the match. WWE has acknowledged the injury but not the nature of the injury. Sting was hospitalized for testing. TMZ reported that the resutls of the testing were no fractures.
Sting was booked on tonight’s Raw, but TMZ reported that he is at home today so that would seem he’s not at the show.
This is from Steve Martinez, a rep for Sting: “As many of you may already know, Sting is undergoing treatment for the injuries he sustained in last night’s match with Seth Rollins. Doctors will continue to evaluate his condition, but he is a man of remarkable health and resiliency, especially at his age and with all he’s endured throughout his stellar career. Therefore, we are optimistic he will have a speedy recovery and return to full health soon. Sting has kept his body in excellent shape, due largely to the guidance he’s received from his personal trainer Jeff Cavaliere (ATHLEAN-X), and we trust this will prove beneficial to the recovery process. As a side note, we later learned the greatest damage to his body took place before the match was over, but being the true professional he is and among the hardest workers to ever step foot in the ring, he insisted to see the match through to the end.” -Steve Martinez
ROH made the official announcement today of a six-month TV deal with L’Equipe 21, a sports channel in France. They also announced that they would be starting shortly on WNCN in Philadelphia, WMYD in Detroit and WMCN in Charlotte.
Tonight’s Raw goes against the Jets-Colts game with an 8:30 p.m. kickoff. Raw is coming off the two least watched non-major holiday episodes, and Smackdown numbers have been way down the past three weeks, but in theory the day after a PPV show and with some angles shot last night should boost the numbers tonight.
WWE was the 7th most searched for item on Google yesterday with 500,000 searches, again well above the usual levels for a PPV show. Not bad considering the NFL & Emmys last night.
On Saturday, Tito Ortiz was the 8th most searched item, but that was only 50,000 searches.
Jon Jones is scheduled to enter a plea on 9/29 on his leaving the scene of an accident charge.
Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (34-0, 33 knockouts) vs. Johann Duhaupas (32-2, 20 knockouts) headlines the first prime time heavyweight title fight on NBC in 30 years, which airs on Saturday night. That will go head-to-head with the UFC prelims from Japan on FS 1 and the early part of the main card..
The company has announced Monday Nitro week on the network. The new shows will be a John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff after Raw tonight, on Tuesday at 10 p.m. will be DDP hosting a countdown of the ten biggest matches in Nitro history; Wednesday at 10 p.m. will be Bischoff announcing the ten biggest moments of his career, Part two of the Layfield interview with Bischoff will air at 10 p.m. Thursday after Smackdown, and they have added 100 new hours of Nitro to the network.
C.M. Punk and A.J. Lee (using the name A.J. Brooks) will be starring in a movie called “Hellstorm” that will start filming in November. The story is that after the collapse of the world’s financial system and a devastating world war, a group of mismatched survivors band together to battle unexplainable and horrific beasts that show up.
Stardust uses the name “The Queens Crossbow” as the new name for Crossroads because Stephen Amell’s character in Arrow is named Oliver Queen. (thanks to Michael O’Brien and many others).
In Montreal, where there is a different mentality regarding coverage of pro wrestling in the media (it has gotten sports coverage there since the beginning of time), Kevin Owens title win got a lot of play. The Journal de Montreal, the biggest newspaper in town, had Owens coverage on Thursday and Saturday talking about his match in Montreal and yesterday and today about his winning the IC title. The Thursday, Saturday and Sunday features got a full page. So much media was interested in his return to Montreal that he couldn’t do it all. In just one week, he got more press in the city than Sylvain Grenier and Maryse Ouellet got in their entire careers. It’s been nearly 20 years since an active WWE pro wrestler has gotten the kind of coverage Owens got this past week. Every major area sports web site covered both the Friday night house show and the title win. (thanks to Patric Laprade)
Tomorrow’s episode of Total Divas will cover the women getting the news that Dusty Rhodes had passed away.
The new issue of the National Enquirer has a story on Jimmy Snuka.
Tickets for the Ultimate Fighter Finale and the Chad Mendes vs. Frankie Edgar fight on 12/11 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas are priced at $350, $250 and $150 and go on sale to Fight Club members on Wednesday at 10 a.m., newsletter subscribers on Thursday at 10 a.m. and to the public on Friday at 10 a.m. With only 1,500 seats and with so many tourists in town for the Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor, I expect this to be a quick sellout.
For the 12/10 Fight Pass show, in the same location, headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood, tickets go on sale at noon Wednesday to Fight Club members, noon Thursday for a password pre-sale and to the public on Friday.
Justin Credible (Pete Polaco) on Twitter announced that he plans to retire from wrestling in November. He said his final match would be 11/20 against Tommy Dreamer for PWS in Rahway, NJ.
Scott Norton was backstage at the Night of Champions last night, as was Scott Hall and Wale..
Road Warrior Animal will be appearing for In Your Face Wrestling on 11/7 in Delanson, NY at the Duanesburg Area Community Center doing a Q&A and Meet and Greet. They also have a show on 10/10 in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center.
Was told lots of Balor Club T-shirts in Houston last night at the PPV.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on 10/3 in Cleveland at the Mt. Carmel Church at 3 p.m. with a Girls Night Out show and 7:30 p.m with a men’s show.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 10/3 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Travis Lee for the NWA title. Also on the show is Jason Kincaid, Rob Conway, Kid Kash and E.Z. Money.
The Big Takeaway: Kane made his return. Well, there are now two Kanes. There’s the Corporate Kane, who acts like Joseph Park. And then there’s the Demon Kane, who showed up at the end of the show. Add in the fact that the Big Show went over on this program, it seemed tonight was a salute to 1997. Which is fiiting, because this show could have the lowest ratings of any Raw show since that year. It was a boring show.
Show Recap:
The Wyatt Family started the show. Bray Wyatt said he tried to warn Roman Reigns, but he wouldn’t listen. Wyatt said he reached up to Mt. Olympus and grabbed the Golden Idol and brought him to his knees.
Reigns interrupted him and said he wanted to finish things one-on-one with Wyatt tonight. Wyatt declined. Regins accused him of being scared and said he wanted to fight Wyatt. It led to Wyatt whipsering something to Luke Harper and Braun Strowman, they left the ring and Wyatt agreed to fight.
Regins and Wyatt fought for a bit before Harper and Strowman ran in. Strowman gave Regins soemthing resembling a chokeslam, except Regins landed face first. Dean Ambrose ran out and hit Strowman with a tope. Eventually, the heels overpowered Ambrose. Crowd chanted for Chris Jericho. Instead, Randy Orton came out and cleaned house, including dropping Harper with a back suplex on the announcer’s table. It ended with Orton and Ambrose hitting dropkicks on Strowman, who budged but didn’t go down. Finally Regins knocked Strowman out of the ring with a Superman’s Punch.
Seth Rollins walked into HHH and Stephanie McMahon’s office and found Director of Operations Kane waiting for him. Rollins didn’t know how to react and asked him why Kane tombstoned him last night. Kane acted like he had no idea what he was talking about.So Kane was doing the Joseph Park/Abyss gimmick from TNA in 2013, where Director of Operations Kane was a separate person from his wrestling alter ego. In fact, DIO Kane was downright chipper, saying he had healed from the broken angle that Rollins had laid onto him. Kane said he arranged for Rollins to face John Cena tonight in a rematch for the U.S. Championship. Rollins had no idea how to react and left quickly.
The announcers have already assigned different names to Kane’s various personas: Corporate Kane and Demonic Kane. I thought Alvarez’s Libertarian Kane was pretty good, myself.
Lucha Dragons and Neville defeated The Ascension and Stardust (10:31)
Clumsy match in spots as Konnor and Kalisto has problems working together. Kalisto pinned Viktor with Salida del Sol. Sin Cara slipped attempting a springboard dropkick on Konnor. Later, Cara did a top on Viktor and appeared to hit his head across the announcer’s table.
Rollins found the Authority backstage and couldn’t believe that HHH and Stephanie would reinstate Kane as Director of Operations. He said he was in no shape to wrestle Cena tonight after wrestling twice last night. HHH and Stephanie told him not to worry about Kane and just focus on Cena.
Ryback defeated Bo Dallas (3:36)
Ryback won with the Shellshock. Kevin Owens was on commentary and ran in after the match. Ryback gave him a Meat Hook clothesline and tried to give him the Shellshock, but Owens got away. Ryback was more aggressive in the match after losing the Intercontiental Championship last night.
Ric Flair came out to introduce Charlotte as the new Divas Champion. Fans started chanting “Thank you, Ric.” He said the proudest moment of his entire life wasn’t his first world championship or his retirement match with Shawn Michaels, it was watching his little girl win the Divas Championship. Charlotte, Paige and Becky Lynch came out.
Charlotte got emotional talking to her father saying she was as proud of him as he was of her. Charlotte thanked Lynch for always reminding her to never take life too seriously. Charlotte turned to Paige and said she followed in Paige’s footsteps and they started in NXT together.
Paige took the microphone away and turned heel. She said Charlotte was just a placeholder for the championship and nothing about the Divas division has changed. She said the whole celebration was patronizing and reminded Charlotte that she won the championship on her first day. Paige said Lynch was the least relevant of all of them. She said Lana and Summer Rae were too busy trying to climb over top of each other instead of wrestling. Paige said she didn’t even know where Nattie was because she was too busy taking care of her husband. Paige also said we all knew the real reason why the Bella Twins got to where they are, and said Charlotte wouldn’t be where she is without her old man. Paige said “Whooo” and walked off. This was supposed to be a heel turn for Paige, but she got mostly cheers.
Nikki Bella, Brie Bela and Alicia Fox followed that up by coming out. Nikki mainly no sold losing the title and said Brie was going to take the title from Charlotte tonight.
Charlotte (C) defeated Brie Bella via submission to retain the Divas Championship (6:22)
Charlotte won with the Figure Eight. Brie spent most of the match on offense, which led to a sloppy match. Brie mainly worked on Charlotte’s left leg, continuing the storyline from last night where Nikki did the same thing.
Sheamus defeated Mark Henry (2:23)
Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick that missed so badly, even the announcers admitted it. So they redid the spot for the finish. It was Henry’s turn to job in his home state. Sheamus did a promo saying it was only a matter of time before he become world champion.
Stephanie and HHH met with Kane, who just took a sip out of his “World’s Greatest Director of Operations” mug. HHH was curious about Kane showing up last night. Kane again acted like he was oblivious to giving Rollins a tombstone. Stephanie spoke up and said there was no need for Kane to insult out intelligence and play mind games with them. Kane said he would never do that and he wanted to do what’s best for business. Stephanie asked for Kane to give it back and extended her hand. Kane gave her five. Stephanie said she wanted his mask back. Kane noticed that the mask was gone from its case, and said if Stephanie had stolen it, they would have a very big problem. Kane turned deadly serious for a minute, but then got his smiley face back and said he would make sure he would do his job for what’s best for business.
Paige found Nattie backstage. Nattie said what Paige said earlier to Charlotte was unprofessional. Nattie said there have been times where she has felt left behind in the Divas division, but she did something about it. She told Paige that the only person who was standing in Paige’s way was Paige. Nattie said she was wrestling Naomi later.
The New Day came out. The crowd really didn’t respond to them and gave them more of a heel reaction. Xavier Woods sold being put through a table last night by the Dudley Boyz, held up a piece of table and claimed it had to be removed from his buttocks last night. Big E. did a promo saying they had to build a wall around Dudleyville to protect their citizens, their families and their furniture. It was an attempt to get Donald Trump heat, but it didn’t work.
The New Day and Rusev defeated The Dudley Boyz and Dolph Ziggler (14:10)
Rusev pinned Dolph Ziggler after a Thurst Kick after Ziggler gave Woods a Superkick once he got on the apron with the trombone. Pretty good match. Ziggler gave Rusev Wazzup with the Dudleys holding each of Rusev’s legs. Midway through the match, Woods began playing Rusev’s theme song on his trombone as Dolph Ziggler got the heat. When Kofi Kingston hit a dropkick, Woods started screaming about how Kingston had an 8-foot vertical leap. Crowd didn’t react to very much.
Naomi defeated Natalya (3:45)
Naomi won with the Rear End after Tamina and Sasha Banks jumped up on the apron. Not much of a match and the crowd has been dead for the past hour.
Rollins walked into the Authority’s office wanting to know what the plan is tonight. Stephanie said Kane everything out of his system that he needed to last night. Rollins couldn’t believe it and said HHH knew what Kane was capable of. HHH lashed out and Rollins and told him to focus on Cena. Rollins reluctatnly agreed, again teasing the inevitable HHH-Rollins match somewhere down the line.
The Big Show defeate Cesaro (6:16)
After Cesaro hit a vertical suplex on The Big Show into the ring, Show got up first and hit the knockout punch for the clean pin. Great booking for the long-term future there.
Postmatch, Show cut a promo on Brock Lesnar. They’ll be wrestling on a Network Special at Madison Square Garden on October 2nd. He reminded Lesnar that he pinned him at the 2002 Royal Rumble. It was a good promo.
The Wyatt Family did a promo running down Orton. Wyatt told Orton they all fall down, and Orton would, as well. Strowman said he once captured a snake with his bare hands and drank its blood, and claimed the snake is in a better place now.
John Cena (C) defeated Seth Rollins to retain the U.S. Championship (15:34)
Not only the best match on the show, but the only match tonight that would exceed 3 stars. Rollins hit a Frog Splash, but Cena powered out of the cover attempt and hit an AA for the pin. Spots included Rollins using Cena’s STF, and Cena also grabbing the STF but Rollins got the ropes. Rollins didn’t do any knees to the face, to no surprise.
Postmatch, Corporate Kane appeared on the big screen and told Rollins part of his job was to make sure Rollins could be the best champion he could be. He said many people were coming after Rollins’ championship. Then the background turned fiery red, and Kane said in a deep, brooding voice “including some he could never imagine.”
Kane’s fire pyro went off. Then the demonic Kane burst through the mat and dragged Rollins under the ring. Rollins disappeared through the hole, and steam shot out from the bottom.
SUMMARY: So in an effort to make Kane interesting for the next PPV cycle, they ripoff a TNA storyline. That says it all.
ROH- thumbs upBest match- fish vs lethal this was a good show…i like the tag title change…i kind of thought the knights of krd flopped. I was at some of the shows they were introduced under the mask and the crowed was always groaning. Looking forward to aj and lethal that should be really good. Adam Cole vs Kyle o’Reilly is always awesome. CMLL- awesome main event best match of the weekend. la sombra with out the mask errr….i dont know about that. I think there was money left on the table with that one. I love dragon lee this guy is super underrated those matches with kamaitachi are some of the years best stuff. i wish there would be more mixing of njpw and cmll…i would have loved to see some njpw guys on this show and cmll guys on njpw shows. belator dyninite thumbs in the middle 1- this felt like an early an early pride event with older guys fighting young guys, but nothing really stood out. kick boxing in america is always looking for that right match and its never came. night of championships- thumbs up- best Cena vs Rollins it was a good show and i didn’t get boarded…I cant say i disagree with anything of the out comes. i thought Cena and Rollins was very good. jonathan juett
WWE Night of Champions Best Match: John Cena vs Seth Rollins Worst Match: New Day vs Dudleys The Seth Rollins show was quite amazing. Yes he lost to John Cena (and dropped the U.S. title back in the process) but he got to pin a legend, albeit one who has a tainted WWE record (0-2 in big shows). NOC was the occasion to have “legends” put over future talent. I have more faith in Rollins as a main eventer than I do in Bron Strowman however. Although Jericho does have the unbeatable aura, if they keep bringing him back only to job on PPVs, he’ll lose that soon enough – shades of Mick Foley. Owens gains back momentum and the program with Ryback has a basis in reality (bashing the self-help books). But where does Owens go from here with a heel champ and Sheamus seemingly ready to cash in his shot at any turn? Rusev is another heel treading water, doing jobs to Dolph Ziggler and apparently waiting for Lana to return to revive his heat (and his push). Bravo to Charlotte for grabbing the Divas title. Now it’s just a matter of time until they turn Paige and segue the Bellas back to reality TV fulltime (or revive the Divas tag belts for them). Jeff CohenFlushing, NY How you doin’ Dave,
Thumbs In The Middle
Neville & Lucha Dragons vs. Stardust & The Ascension ***1/4 Thought the right team won with Cosmic Wasteland being a new faction, and I’m happy to see a feud between wrestlers this far down the card with some legs, as I presume this isn’t the end.
Owens vs. Ryback ***1/2 Thought they rushed certain things but felt it was a good match. Also was very pleased/relieved with the result as they need some heels with some steam and I’m a big admirer of Owens. Having the IC title is seen as a curse nowadays but they looked after Ryback during his reign and hopefully they do the same with Owens.
Ziggler vs. Rusev **3/4 Didn’t really care for most of the match, wasn’t really much emphasis or dramatics on anything, was largely just a bunch of moves and didn’t think the layout was very good either, it got better towards the end but also got botchy. Glad to see they went with Bryan’s finish and interested to see where things go from here.
Worst Match: Dudleys vs. New Day **3/4 This has to be the worst match I suppose on account of the DQ finish, but I was probably the only person pleased to see it. I was hoping to see a three way on this show with The PTPs involved and getting beat, as I felt it was too early to beat The Dudleys or for New Day to lose the titles, this accomplished that. I guess I’m too old school, but the trombone has to go! Not that I don’t find Woods entertaining, but the heat section of the match isn’t supposed to be overly exciting, in one aspect to give the crowd an incentive to get behind the babyfaces, the trombone negates that. And much like Mizdow, Woods’ antics are killing the babyface team.
Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte *** I thought this was a good effort by the ladies and felt Charlotte performed very well in the match. However I will say I felt the story-spots ratio was a little off, thought the work on the leg was a bit heavy and feared at numerous points they would lose the crowd, but luckily they didn’t. Also Nikki never really gave Charlotte any space to sell, she was just on her, on her, on her. On another note I’m gaining optimism for the divas revolution as it appears to have taken strides forward the last week or so.
Wyatts vs. Ambrose, Jericho & Reigns ***1/2 Thought this match was better than the feud’s outing at Summerslam and thought Strowman’s involvement was laid-out very well. Numerous thoughts went through my head towards the end of the segment as at one point I thought Strowman was getting beat and it was the end of him, then I was shocked to see Jericho get beat on his return as it takes the wind out of his sails, then I was/am interested to see whether this develops into a Jericho heel turn which would be beneficial to the roster, or, whether it was to establish the end of the alliance and Jericho’s return was a one night thing.
Best Match: Cena vs. Rollins ***3/4 Lots of nice pretty moves and sequences during the match and wasn’t as irritating as some of Cena’s recent PPV encounters, but still a little too much sizzle and not enough steak for me. However can’t discount it was a very good match. Best part of the match for me was when the crowd started doing the Mexican Wave and the performers regained control by Rollins conducting the wave, whomevers idea that was whether it be Cena or Rollins it was excellent. Also a Japanese style finish where Cena hit three moves in a row before pinning the guy was nice to see.
Rollins vs. Sting ***3/4 If it wasn’t for the unfortunate incident with Sting at the end of the match this would’ve been my match of the night easy. Yes, I realise Rollins was very much the glue in this match but at 56 years old Sting was absolutely incredible. Really good pacing, good fundamentals, good building, good layout, nice spots, thought it was very good. Plus, Rollins got a clean win!
Thanks Dave
Tom Griffiths
Thumbs Down, think every match under delivered… Best: Rollins vs. Cena. (US) ***1/4 same as we’ve seen on Raw multiple times over the past year, not as good as SummerSlam Worst: Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte (Divas). 1/2* Utter failure, felt like Charlotte would have accomplished something by both winning the title and denying the record, but just winning the title means nothing as we have another largely undeserving champion Ryback v. Owens. (IC) **1/2 (that this was the best match of the first half of the show is a big problem)Ziggler v. Rusev. **New Day vs. Dudleys (Tag). *3/4Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte (Divas). 1/2*Wyatt Family vs. Reigns/Ambrose/Jericho **3/4Rollins vs. Cena. (US) ***1/4Rollins vs. Sting (WWE). *** Ed Branscomb WWE Night of Champions: Thumbs UpBest Match: Cena vs. RollinsWorst Match: Ryback vs. Owens The preshow six man was a fun way to kick things off. It’s amazing how Neville was NXT Champion and now he is on the losing end of the preshow. Not like I should have expected him to actually be treated somewhat better than this. I guess this feud continues. Kevin Owens winning the I-C Title sounds good in theory, but will he be like all the most recent Champs and actually be worse off in the end? Match was okay and I’m getting real tired of the roll up finish. It’s being used far too often. Ziggler vs. Rusev was mostly a good match and I hope this feud is over. Looks like Summer Rae is back to no storyline and not sure where Lana fits in now. Remember when Rusev wasn’t in a meaningless undercard feud? Oh wait I can say that about almost the entire roster at this point. Tag Title match was fun and I guess they had to do the DQ to keep the program going since it was too soon to put it on the Dudley’s. I guess they will meet again. It’s not like there are any other real times on the horizon right now. Was nice to see Charlotte win the Divas Title and celebrate with Ric, but still not as good as the NXT women’s matches. I also didn’t like how they talked about the history of the Divas title and forgot to mention that everyone they talked about was a Women’s Champion before the Divas Title ever existed. They need to split these teams up though as it isn’t really helping anyone I don’t think. Six man tag was fine and I was happy to see Chris Jericho, but had a feeling he was doing the job when he came out. Not sure about his possible heel turn though unless he is sticking around to feud with Ambrose maybe. Cena vs. Rollins once again top match on the show like last month, although not as good as Summer Slam. I guess the U.S. Open Challenge will be back on Raw tomorrow. Sting vs. Rollins was good overall. Too bad Sting got hurt during the match and honestly not sure if Sting will ever have a victory in his WWE tenure. I don’t count that nonsense from Raw against the Big Show. Not sure I want to see Kane vs. Rollins for the title however. Well at least Lesnar vs. Taker in Hell in a Cell next month so that should be good I guess. It says it is the final time so I guess that means they have new plans for Taker at Mania next year. Robb Block
Johnny “Rubberman” walker began wrestling in 1956 and was pretty much a journeyman heel wrestler around the Southern territories throughout throughout the late 60’s and would even get NWA World Heavyweight Title shots against the likes of Lou Thesz but when he donned a mask as The Grappler in Florida in 1971 that would begin a new era of his life. The Grappler gimmick in Florida was successful as he feuded with big names like Ole Anderson, Bobby Duncum, Dick Murdoch, along with getting NWA Heavyweight Title shots against Dory Funk Jr. but there were bigger plans for him in the future. Walker had basically semi-retired in 1972 and was running a gas station outside of Atlanta when Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones came to him with a plan that was set in motion by booker Leo Garibaldi about becoming the new version of Mr. Wrestling with the thought that another Mr. Wrestling would be a huge addition to their roster in their war with Ann Gunkel’s All-South Wrestling Alliance since they couldn’t get Tim Woods because he was on top in Florida. Walker agreed and his career was reborn at the Atlanta City Auditorium on 2/2/73 where he teamed up with Pat O’Brien & Bob Orton Jr. to face Bengali, Butcher Brannigan, & Jack Evans in the 2nd match on the card but it was only 11 days before he was in a semi-main event teaming with Bob Armstrong to face Butcher Brannigan & Tank Morgan at the Macon City Auditorium and then exactly one month from his debut he defeated Sputnik Monroe to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta City Auditorium. This would be the first of his 10 reigns as the Georgia Heavyweight champion.
II’s first mask match came 2 weeks later also in Atlanta where he defended his title and his mask against The Zodiac who unmasked as Bob Orton Sr. giving him some big momentum that carried him through big matches against the likes of Bobby Shane, Bobby Duncum, & Cowboy Bill Watts who would be the one to give II his first big loss as he took the Georgia title from him on 5/11/73 in Atlanta. II would soon turn his focus to the Georgia Tag Titles and formed a team with Bob Orton Jr. who would take the titles from The Super Infernos on 6/9/73 at WTCG Studios on GCW TV but during this reign he continued to feud with Watts and started teaming with the unmasked Mr. Wrestling Tim Woods in tag matches against Watts & Bobby Duncum. II & Orton would lose their belts back to the Super Infernos on 8/4/73 on GCW TV but the month would end on a high note as he regained the Georgia belt from Watts on 8/31/73 in Atlanta which featured Freddie Blassie as the special referee. II would get his first NWA World Heavyweight Title shot in this gimmick against Jack Brisco on 9/14/73 in Atlanta and teamed with Woods against Dory & Terry Funk on 10/5/73 in Atlanta while II was rolling along as Georgia champ before losing the belt to Watts again on 11/2/73 in Atlanta. II ended 1973 still in the main events teaming with all the top babyfaces of the area and along with Bob Armstrong they became the cornerstones of the reborn promotion but that would soon change in the new year.
II was upset that he wasn’t getting the bulk of the NWA World Heavyweight Title shots because Woods was getting them and he said that he knew he was better than him and would win the title with Woods disagreeing so they had their first match on 1/2/74 at the Atlanta City Auditorium with II coming out on top and the feud was born. II would take the Georgia Heavyweight Title back from Ron Fuller 9 days later in Atlanta then a week after that got his shot with Jack Brisco but would get DQed. II continued feuding with Woods and both Robert & Ron Fuller in some heated matches with II in his biggest match to date taking Tim Woods’ hair at the brand new Omni in Atlanta on 2/10/74 which would set in motion the return of Woods under the hood as Mr. Wrestling giving this feud a new feel. II would be basically a tweener at this time as he wouldn’t really align with heels but had issues with the faces until he had an issue with Jerry Lawler & Art Nelson which saw him align with Robert Fuller & Bob Armstrong even though he was still feuding with Woods along with Jack & Jerry Brisco. II got another shot at Jack Brisco in a No DQ No Time Limit match on 4/26/74 at The Omni which would see him fall to Brisco clean this time. II would get his first shot at the North American Heavyweight Title as his war with Bill Watts reignited in the Spring of 1974 and he would lose his Georgia belt to Watts in a title vs. title match at Atlanta City Auditorium on 5/10/74 but would take it back the next morning on TV at WTCG Studios. After burying the hatchet with Mr. Wrestling on TV and they literally buried a hatchet, II is now back as a full fledged babyface and gets another big main event in the Omni teaming up with a young Andre the Giant who was making his name nationally against Bill Watts & Big Bad John on 5/17/74 then main evented the next week at the Omni against Jack Brisco again for the NWA title that would go to a 60:00 draw. II would continue to feud with Big Bad John and his men throughout the summer and would lose the Georgia strap to Buddy Colt on 7/5/74 at the Atlanta City Auditorium which he would take back on 8/23/74 with his mask on the line at The Omni. II wouldn’t have it for long though as he would drop the strap to former NWA World champ Harley Race on 9/13/74 at the Atlanta City Auditorium. II’s feud with Race was bitter and would see him forming a bond with Gene & Ole Anderson who would help him out in tag matches before ending 1974 by beating Race with his mask on the line on 12/6/74 at Atlanta City Auditorium. II would vanquish the area of Bearcat Wright and his goons like Race & Buddy Colt as the year would come to an end but II would meet a new rival who would become a life long rival.
The Assassin & Rock Hunter entered the area in December 1974 and wanted to feud with II so they had their first match on 1/3/75 at Atlanta City Auditorium which saw the Assassin win giving him instant credibility. II would find his match in the Assassin and Rock Hunter as their series was pretty even before II broke through which forced Hunter to bring in Professor Toru Tanaka who put II out of action for over a month with them having their first match on 4/3/75 at Atlanta City Auditorium in what was billed as the “Revenge Match of the Century” that saw II get DQed. Abdullah the Butcher was also brought in by Rock Hunter so II had to align himself with the likes of Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, & Rocky Johnson but Hunter would counter bringing in Harley Race & The Sheik in the war. August 1975 saw II take a youngster named Rick Martel under his wing and they formed a team to battle the combination of former II partner Bob Orton Jr. & Dick Slater who were becoming one of the best teams in the country at this time. Gary Hart was now the heel manager of the territory and he had a bounty II’s head which saw guys like The Sheik, Mr. Fuji, & Tanaka try to take it but they were unsuccessful. II would go back to focusing on singles action and would put his mask on the line yet again to take the Georgia strap from Nikolai Volkoff on 10/3/75 at the Atlanta City Auditorium which would set the table for a feud with Hart’s newest charges in Brute Bernard & The Spoiler who would become another one of II’s main rivals. Spoiler would get his first big win in the feud as he put his mask on the line on Thanksgiving night at The Omni to take II’s Georgia Heavyweight Title. II was now involved in many issues as he was battling Hart’s Army, Rock Hunter who was back for a short time, and along with Dick Slater got a shot at the NWA World Tag Titles against former allies Gene & Ole Anderson as 1975 would come to a close.
1976 would see II’s star start to grow even brighter as not only was he battling all the heels in Georgia which was now featuring Moondog Mayne, Skandor Akbar, & Stan Stasiak but he would start making appearances in Florida where he would get shots at Billy Robinson and his Southern Heavyweight Title. II’s feud with Gary Hart was dominating the year as he would take on guys like Ox Baker, Black Gordman, Goliath, & Greg Valentine along with the usual suspects before Dick Slater would turn heel on him with a feud that heated up the Summer seeing a Taped Fist match on 7/30/76 at Atlanta City Auditorium that II would win but II couldn’t take the Georgia title from him but he would eventually send him packing along with Stan Stasiak in a Loser Leaves Town match teaming with Jos LeDuc on 10/8/76 at Atlanta City Auditorium. II would find himself back in the NWA World Title scene as he would get some shots at Terry Funk at the end of the month but the pesky Slater would return to Georgia after a month and would take back the Georgia strap from II on 11/15/76 in Augusta. II’s year would end again engaging in battles with the Anderson Brothers this time with Thunderbolt Patterson as his partner along with getting more shots at Funk but falling short.
1977 was status quo to start as II’s feud with Slater dominated the early part of the year along with matches with the Andersons this time with Lars Anderson getting involved with various partners such as Bob Armstrong, Tony Atlas, Paul Jones, & Wahoo McDaniel. This era of II is known as his golden era as the battles with the Andersons & Slater were bringing in huge crowds around the state and solidifying II’s status as a local icon. II and Atlas would take the NWA World Tag Titles from Gene & Ole on 8/1/77 in Augusta but the decision would be overturned and it was during the month of August that a young kid from Hendersonville, Tennessee would enter the area named Tommy Rich and it was his 2nd night in the area on 8/16/77 that he would team with II for the first time against Sgt. Jacques Goulet & Pak Song in Macon seeing the present legend and future legend get the win. On 8/27/77, II was announced on TV that he would be representing the United States on a big tour of Australia & New Zealand which was built up for weeks but on the day before he was supposed to leave he was being congratulated by the babyfaces and after that Pak Song & Rock Hunter came out which ended up with Hunter breaking a II painting an Song chopping him on the back of the neck a couple of times which Gordon Solie sold to the fans like it was a paralyzing blow. Solie said that II was in the hospital and he might never return. Song went on a tear around the territory even getting a 2 minute win over Jack Brisco at The Omni on 9/23/77 but II would send in taped promos vowing he was coming back and they had their big match on 10/14/77 at The Omni in a sold out building that went crazy for the icon II as he got his revenge on Song but he went overboard and got DQed. II would eventually send Song packing and by the end of the year had reunited with Slater again in a common hatred of the Anderson Brothers & Sgt. Jacques Goulet but it was also at this time that II started feuding with current Georgia champ Stan Hansen which would carry over into 1978.
January & February of 1978 saw II still in battles with the Andersons & Hansen but in March a new foe was coming into the area as AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel was going to make some defenses around the horn. Georgia was starting to become a hotbed of wrestling nationally at this time as WTCG was getting into more households so names from around the world were coming in and out for shots and Bock wanted to make his mark there. On 3/11/78, Bockwinkel & Bobby Heenan were at TV and Bock was going to demonstrate his figure-four leglock on Ricky Hood which of course saw him refuse to break the hold. II would come out to break it and as it happened he would accidentally strike Gordon Solie which was a very hot angle at the time. Solie would be taken out although he would return later and blamed Heenan for what happened before II would come out to apologize to Gordon which was accepted. II would get his first crack at Bock the next Friday night at Atlanta City Auditorium where he would fall to Bock and the result was the same in their next matches on 4/16/78 in Macon in the afternoon and Atlanta at night. Meanwhile the feud with Hansen was blazing on as II would put his mask against Hansen’s title but the matches would go to a draw and his feud with the Andersons over their $1,000 silver dollars main evented around the horn as well. Rock Hunter & Abdullah the Butcher would eventually turn on Hansen and II now had a new ally in his war with Hunter which prompted some wild heated matches across the Spring and then against Ole Anderson and his new partner Ivan Koloff in the Summer but it was also in the Summer that Hunter brought back in his main charge The Assassin along with The Angel (Frank Morrell), Superstar Billy Graham, & Angelo Mosca but II had friends as well like Rich, Slater, Hansen, and even Rick Martel who came back in for some shots. Sure enough though II would get turned on again this time by Hansen who aligned with Ole & Koloff forming a formidable alliance so II called for Dusty Rhodes & Thunderbolt Patterson to help out. II was still going for singles gold though and had a heated feud with Mosca for his Georgia title as well before the title was held up forcing a tournament to be held on 10/16/78 with II getting a big win over Hansen in the finals to take back the title. II would defend his title against all comers even his friend Rick Martel on TV on 10/28/78 in a match that went to a draw but it was also around this time a new force was coming into the area named the Masked Superstar. II had his first match with Superstar on 11/13/78 in Augusta in a match that went to a draw and the feud was born as Superstar would take the title a few weeks later with II ending the year chasing him around the horn trying to get it back.
1978 was a pivotal year in the career of II as he was solidified as the lynchpin of the area and also had the task of giving a rub to Tommy Rich who they were grooming to be the next major star. II would team with Rich regularly and they had major matches with all the top heels giving Rich the credibility he needed to become a top guy. II also was making some shots for Leroy McGuirk at different times during the year so he was expanding his name across the South even more.
II continued his blood feud with the likes of Superstar, Hansen, Ole, & Mosca into 1979 before winning the North American Heavyweight Title from Ernie Ladd on 2/16/79 at The Omni in what would become the beginning of his end in Georgia for a while as Bill Watts had decided to break free from Leroy McGuirk and decided to run opposition to him featuring a guy who he had major matches against and knew who could carry the load for the new Mid-South Wrestling. II had the aura about him and was a top star everywhere he went but Watts knew he had an X-factor from working against him in Georgia as II was a crossover hit among the African-American community who loved their “Rasslin II”. Every week on TV you would see the younger fans chant “II upside your head it’s II upside your head” in reverance and in waiting for II’s signature Million-Dollar Kneelift which was one of the most popular finishing moves of the time. II would enter Mid-South in March and now had fresh opponents to work in a new area such as Ron Bass, Ladd, Gino Hernandez, & Killer Karl Krupp but II was still making shots for Georgia on the big shows against his rival Masked Superstar. II would make his first Superdome appearance in New Orleans on 4/21/79 where he defended his North American title against Krupp and he was now becoming a force in the area. II would see some new opponents in the Summer such as Mike George & Tank Patton but still met old foes such as Ladd on the next Superdome show on 7/21/79. II would start back appearing in Georgia more regularly in September and started feuding with Killer Karl Kox for the Georgia title in October but it was also at this time that a fake Mr. Wrestling II started appearing during the times that II was in Mid-South. The real II was incensed at all of this and on Thanksgiving night at The Omni the II’s faced off with the real II coming out on top. The feud would go on for another month until Christmas night at The Omni where in a Steel Cage Match the real II defeated the fake II and he had to unmask revealing Joe Powell. The next Saturday on TV, Powell revealed that it was Masked Superstar that sent him after II and the blood feud reignited even more going into 1980. Also by this time, WTCG had become Superstation WTBS and the GCW TV show was nationwide on cable with stars such II becoming even bigger.
1980 saw the feud with II & Superstar raging but II started feuding with the brash Austin Idol as well who was feuding with Tommy Rich making for some heated tag matches. II would bring in Andre the Giant to also help him out in his battles against The Great Mephisto and his charges such as Killer Khan & Toru Tanaka and on 2/3/80 at The Omni, II would regain the Georgia title from the Superstar in a No DQ No Time Limit match. II would get involved in a hot angle on 2/23/80 on TV as Harley Race had injured Tommy Rich’s knee along with Austin Idol thus taking Rich out of his upcoming match with Race the next night at The Omni for the NWA title so II cut an impassioned promo vowing to take his place and on that night II would beat Race by DQ. II avenges Rich by defeating Idol on 3/9/80 at The Omni but Idol would have the last laugh as he would defeat II on TV for the Georgia title on 3/29/80. II was a busy man at this time as he was facing off Koloff, Alexis Smirnoff, & Baron Von Raschke in various matches along with Race who came back in on 4/6/80 in what would become one of the most legendary matches of the era in Georgia as the promotion brought in 3 former NWA champs in Lou Thesz, Dusty Rhodes, & Dory Funk Jr. to judge the match. The match would go to a draw with the judges deadlocked in front of 16,000 strong at The Omni starting a huge controversy as the promotion thought that II won the match and they would award him with the Champion of Champions Cup recognizing that. II would defend the Cup against Dory Jr. at the Omni on 5/4/80 in a match that was one match higher on the card than a Race NWA title defense against Tommy Rich but there was a Lights Out match afterwards between II & Race which saw II get a clean win in front of 9,500 fans. II would defend the Cup again a couple of weeks later against longtime rival Abdullah the Butcher in front of 9,500 again at The Omni and the promotion felt it was time to have the big blowoff match so they put II and his Cup against Race and the NWA title on 6/8/80 in front of a sellout crowd at The Omni with Race coming out on top and winning the war. It was also at this time that The Assassin and a new Assassin #2 had returned to the area and started a war with II. II would use various partners like the new babyface Austin Idol & Tommy Rich in his battles with The Assassins along with side battles against Race and even Masked Superstar on 7/5/80 at The Omni before II teamed with Steve Keirn to win the Georgia Tag Titles from The Assassins in a Steel Cage Match on 7/30/80 in Columbus that they would lose back the next week. II would venture back to Mid-South on 8/2/80 where he would face Ted DiBiase for the North American title in a scientific match in front of 26,000 at the Superdome before going back to GCW and feuding with the Assassins and also the Superstar who was coming in and out from Jim Crockett Promotions culiminating in a Loser Leaves Town Steel Cage Match on 9/5 at The Omni in front of 12,500 fans seeing II come out victorious. The next day on TV saw one of the best angles of the era as Gordon Solie had a point/counterpoint with II & Assassin #1 about why they wore their masks which featured two of the best promo men in the business explain their reasons before it would get heated of course and saw II get railroaded by both Assassins with his mask getting ripped off and bloodied. Mr. Wrestling had returned to the area to help his friend out and they both cut a passionate promo vowing revenge on the heels and they would take their Georgia Tag straps on 9/19/80 at The Omni. The end of September saw a new force coming into the area named Mr. Saito along with three cocky guys known as The Fabulous Freebirds who would take the Georgia straps from the Messirs Wrestling and Assassins in a 3-way match on 10/10/80 at The Omni. The next day on TV, II would face Saito and would get beaten clean and their feud was born but it was also at this time that II was really branching out working for Southwest, Leroy McGuirk, & Southeastern as II had supposedly retired from wrestling on Georgia TV. II would come back though to get revenge on Saito and won $5,000 from him on 12/12/80 at The Omni then beat him in a Judo Jacket match on Christmas night at The Omni.
1981 opened up with II getting his first shot at the National Heavyweight Title and Don Carson’s Mongolian Stomper on 1/1/81 at The Omni where he would win by DQ. By now II had attained Babyface Emeritus status and even though he wasn’t the main babyface he was always in the mix with all the top heels plus he was traveling to Florida more now as The Assassins were down there now running wild. II would rekindle his feud with Gene & Ole Anderson in April 1981 and actually saw II asking his enemy Masked Superstar to team with him and they took on the Andersons on 4/12/81 at The Omni in a match that went to a no contest. II would enter Jim Crockett Promotions regularly in May 1981 and saw II in an interesting spot as he wasn’t a main event guy there but more of a high mid-carder and even worked 2nd matches on the card on occasion. II was able though to start feuds with Koloff, Iron Sheik, & Fuji which moved him higher on the card but still the signs were there that his days as the top guy were coming to an end. II came back to Georgia in August 1981 and teamed up with Kevin Von Erich quite a bit which was to get him over but this was a different II here as he was starting to work guys like Bryan St. John & David Sierra although he was still strong and actually got the first NWA title match against Ric Flair at The Omni on 9/27/81. II would feud with The Great Mephisto’s charges Ray Stevens & Tor Kamata along with the Masked Superstar who was back full-time but II got called back to Florida in late November. This time II got a bigger push in Florida as he was getting NWA title shots against Flair and feuding with The Spoiler over the Florida title.
1982 saw II split his time between Florida & Georgia where he was still mixing it up with all the major heels as well as holding the Florida Heavyweight Title along with getting shot at Dory Funk Jr.’s International Heavyweight Title and going back to his Rubberman roots and facing Les Thornton for the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Title. II would eventually lose his Florida title to J.J. Dillon in a cheap fashion in late March but he would get it back in April and defended against the likes of Derek Draper (Ed Wiskowski) & David Von Erich before losing the title to Jimmy Garvin on 5/3/82 in West Palm Beach. II would return to GCW full-time in June and was reinserted back into the top tier feuding with the likes of the Superstar, Super Destroyer, Buzz Sawyer, The Wild Samoans, & Magnificent Muraco before II would go back to Mid-South in August. II would start feuding with Ted DiBiase for the North American title and aligned with Junkyard Dog & Mr. Olympia in their battle against The Rat Pack (DiBiase, Matt Borne, & Hacksaw Duggan.) II also started a side feud with The Grappler (Len Denton) as II pretty much had to feud with any masked heel but it was also at this time that II was finding his gear vandalized and there was a mystery on who was doing it before it was revealed that Mr. Olympia was doing it and a new feud was born with their first match taking place at the Superdome on Thanksgiving night in front of 15,000 fans.
1983 would see II align with a new masked man in Stagger Lee (Junkyard Dog under a mask) in the Rat Pack feud but II would also have the misfortune of being one of Kamala’s main opponents as well. II also formed a team with Tiger Conway Jr. in March and they would become a dominant team as they won the Mid-South Tag Titles from Borne & DiBiase on 3/11/83 in Houston but they would lose the titles back to DiBiase and the returning Mr. Olympia in April. II would continue to work on top throughout May but he wanted to go home and returned to Georgia in June where he would start a feud with Larry Zbyszko for the National Heavyweight Title. This was a weirdly booked feud that saw Killer Brooks involved, II putting up his mask against $25,000 on TV in a tag elimination match with Pistol Pez Whatley against Zbyszko & Tully Blanchard, and II winning the National title on 7/3/83 from Larry in a match with Brooks & Mr. Wrestling as the referees in front of 4,000 fans but the title was held up. II was still doing shots for Mid-South at the time as well so he was traveling quite a bit between the Northern tours for GCW, Georgia, and the Mid-South shows. Later in July there was a new Mr. Wrestling that debuted for GCW which was Jesse Barr under a mask which prompted a natural feud for II which saw II eventually take his mask in October. Also at this time II was one of the many babyfaces that were being sacrificed to the Road Warriors and he looked especially old against guys like this which wasn’t flattering for him. Like I wrote earlier, II was still working Mid-South throughout this time and became a regular again in November where he formed a team with Magnum T.A. as he was playing his mentor. II & Magnum became a force and they would become Mid-South Tag champs on Christmas night as they defeated Jim Neidhart & Butch Reed in a Steel Cage match in one of the better matches of this era of Mid-South. II was flying high at the end of 1983 even getting a shot at his old rival Nick Bockwinkel’s AWA World Heavyweight Title in Houston on 12/30/83 where he would get DQed but II was in a George Blanda circa 1970 mode here which would carry over into 1984.
Mid-South Wrestling was starting to become a radically different promotion in January 1984 as Bill Dundee had taken over as the booker and new talent such as The Rock n Roll Express, Terry Taylor, & The Midnight Express had entered the area taking it by storm but II & Magnum were still ruling the roost as tag champs. They would start a grueling feud with the Midnights over the titles but it was at this time that Magnum had struck up a friendship with Lanny Poffo which II was very angry about because Poffo was from an evil family in his mind and would corrupt Magnum. The hostilities would rise up during February as Magnum would take 10 lashes after matches for II but II was still angry and on 2/28/84 they would lose the titles to the MX in Alexandria, Louisiana. II would also start having issues with Junkyard Dog and challenged him to a shot at the North American title for 3/12/84 which II would win by taping something to his knee on the Million-Dollar Kneelift which cemented his heel turn. It had been 10 years since II’s last heel turn but this time he was perfectly ready to play the crusty old man who did what it took to win and he would find a new student to train in Ray Hernandez which he would name Mr. Wrestling II as he would now become the new Mr. Wrestling. Magnum & II had their first singles match on 3/23/84 in Houston and a blood feud was born with them selling out around the horn along with the Watts/JYD vs. MX feud as Mid-South was the hottest promotion in the country. Magnum would finally take the North American title from his mentor on 5/13/84 in Tulsa after the interference from the new Wrestling II backfired. II and his student would have a falling out with Hernandez taking off the mask becoming Hercules Hernandez and they feuded for a bit before II left the area in late July.
II basically disappeared for the next 3 months until he appeared for the World Wrestling Federation of all places taking on old rival Rene Goulet on 10/5/84 at The Omni and spent the rest of 1984 working WWF shows in the areas that he was known in like the South and the old spots GCW used to go on Northern tours. II would start working everywhere for WWF in 1985 and was used in opening matches only. The highlight of this year for II was probably his match against Terry Funk at Madison Square Garden which was his first match in the legendary building on 11/25/85 in a match he lost but he was at MSG.
II would leave the WWF in February 1986 and came back to the South making his debut for Continental on 2/17/86 in Birmingham where he became a member of Ron Fuller’s Stud Stable and started a feud with The Bullet (his old friend Bob Armstrong under the mask.) II vowed to take off the Bullet’s mask but he would fail and eventually lost a Loser Leaves Town match on 5/5/86 in Birmingham. II spent the rest of the year working Georgia independents before returning to Continental in February 1987 but this time as a babyface where he would feud with the likes of Rip Rogers & Jerry Stubbs before taking the Alabama title from Mike Golden on 4/27/87 in Birmingham in the last major run of his career before losing the title back to Golden on 6/14/87 in Marietta, Georgia at the Cobb County Civic Center. II would bounce around Continental for the rest of 1987 and Georgia independents throughout 1988 and even had a match with Nick Bockwinkel in Chattanooga on 6/14/88 along with even having matches against Tommy Rich in his heel run in late 1988 for Southern Championship Wrestling. 1989 saw II become a mentor yet again this time for Ranger Ross as they formed a solid team for SCW before Ross was ready to join the NWA in the Spring and by the end of the year II was done as an active competitor.
If you were a fan of Georgia Championship Wrestling in the 70’s and 80’s or were raised by fans of that era, “Rasslin II” was one of those legends that lives on in the folklore as you can bring up wrestling to people who aren’t fans but they know who he was and it’s a testament that 30 years after he was in his prime, he still lives on in the memories of the people that saw him compete. II’s biggest fan status wise was former Georgia governor and President Jimmy Carter’s mother, Miss Lillian Carter who invited II to the White House but he had to decline because the Secret Service would force him to unmask. She understood his decision but that showed the dedication to his gimmick that he would decline such an offer to protect the business. This man was a credit to the business, a true legend, and should be in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame.
Sting’s injury was legitimate and we’re trying to get more information on it. The early reports we have is that the injury was significant.
During the nominees rundown for Best Writing in a Variety show on tonight’s Emmys, they showed the Raw clip of John Cena giving Jon Stewart an Attitude Adjustment on an endless loop as they ran down the names of The Daily Show writers (thanks to Jake Koch)
There is a presale for the next show in Houston, a house show on 1/8, going on right now through Friday. The password is Houston.
WWE has announced the main event for the Hell in a Cell show in Los Angeles will be Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match. The show will be on Oct. 25 at the Staples Center.
