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  • MON. UPDATE: Raw tonight, Shields punished, GFW TV, WWE 2K, Bellator TV deal

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight from Memphis tonight with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live TV show at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>  The matches announced are Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte for the Divas title, The New Day vs. Prime Time Players for the tag titles, plus Sting will be there since it’s the go-home show for Night of Champions.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

    A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

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

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    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

    We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

    We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

    We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

    We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

    We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

    We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

    We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

    We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

    We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

    We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

    We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

    We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

    We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

    We also update things on Lucha Underground.

    We look at next week’s ROH matches.

    We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

    We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

    We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

    We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

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    MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, the Nick Diaz hearing, the huge weekend upcoming as well as taking e-mail questions that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • Tonight’s Raw is being pushed around whether or not Nikki Bella breaks the all-time record for the Divas title longest reign, held by A.J. Lee.  She will defend against Charlotte and whatever is done is likely to set up either a rematch on Sunday or some type of title match on Sunday. 
    • Also on tonight’s show, The New Day faces The Prime Time Players for the tag titles with the winners going to Night of Champions on Sunday in Houston against The Dudleys.  Given the TV buildup, it’s likely The New Day, or a disputed finish to set up a three-way. 
    • If they are going to announce the third partner on the Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose team against The Wyatt Family, tonight would be the time to do it.  As noted, Randy Orton was scheduled to appear tonight and tomorrow night, but that doesn’t mean they may not change their mind, nor that he’s not just working a dark match.  It is possible they could claim him as injured, even though he headlined house shows the last two nights.
    • This is also the first Raw going against Monday Night Football.  There are actually two games on ESPN.  Most of Raw will go against the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons, while the last 50 minutes or so go against the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings game. 
    • Tonight’s Raw is being pushed as the season premiere.  They’ve also added a Miz TV segment to the show and Sting is scheduled for the show.
    • Nick Diaz recieved a 5 year ban from the NSAC.  Diaz tested positive for marijuana for the Anderson Silva fight.
    • Congratulations to Vickie Guerrero, who was married over the weekend to Kris Benson. 
    • The 9/22 episode of Total Divas has a preview that mentions that the women go on vacation to Mexico where Paige announces her engagement.
    • Bellator announced a new TV deal with ESPN Deportes, which starts with Saturday night’s show.  The prelims, which start at 6:30 p.m. Eastern, will stream in Spanish on ESPN 3 and ESPNDeportes+ with the main card eight fights airing starting at 9 p.m.
    • The Nevada Athletic commission today ordered Jake Shields to do 50 hours of community service for throwing a punch as Rousimar Palhares after their fight.  Shields said that he was injured by Palhares,who didn’t break a Kimura after he tapped, and said both his elbow and shoulder were torn.  He also said Palhares repeatedly eye gouged him throughout the second round.  Palhares was not at the meeting but he will be facing a hearing for not breaking the hold and eye gouging next month.  He asked for his hearing to be delayed because his wife is pregnant and close to giving birth.
    • The Flipps App announced today a partnership with both TNA and ROH to stream their PPV events.  For ROH, they will stream worldwide Friday night’s All-Star Extravaganza show.  They will not only stream TNA Bound for Glory, but also the One Night Only series shows.  The first two will be TNA Legends, which airs TNA footage of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, Roddy Piper, The Road Warriors, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Mick Foley, Rob Van Dam, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Jimmy Snuka.  Not exactly the best timing to be pushing Jimmy Snuka.  The other is a World Cup PPV special taped months ago.
    • A couple of changes in Saturday’s Bellator show in San Jose.  Serhiy Adamchuk (29-5) of The Ukraine will face Anvar Boynazaraov in a kickboxing match where the winner gets a shot at the Glory featherweight title and champion Gabriel Varga.  That will air on the Spike web site.  In addition, Roy Caughton (12-5) replaces Philipe Lins, in a fight with Francis Carmont, which is an alternates fight in the light heavyweight tournament.
    • For those in the area, this is the schedule for Bellator:
    • Wednesday will have open media workouts at the AKA Gym in San Jose
      11 a.m. Liam McGeary and Paul Daley
      11:30 a.m. Emanuel Newton and Saulo Cavalari
      Noon Tito Ortiz and Josh Thomson
      12:30 p.m.King Mo and Fernando Gonzalez
      1 p.m. Phil Davis and Kerri Taylor-Melendez
      1:30 p.m. Linton Vassell and Zack Mwekassa
    • Press conference at the SAP Center in San Jose at 11 a.m.  Among those appearing at 11 a.m. are Tito Ortiz, Liam McGeary, Paul Daley, King Mo, Linton Vassell, Randy Couture and Cung Le.  At 1 p.m. will be Scott Coker, Phil Davis, Emanuel Newton, Josh Thomson, Frank Shamrock, Royce Gracie, Kazushi Sakuraba and Fedor Emelianenko.
    • At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Randy Couture, Aaron Pico and Ed Ruth will be at the Gilroy High gym training with the wrestling team.
    • Weigh-in are Friday at 5 p.m. and will stream live at www.Bellator.com
    • The fan fest is Saturday at 7 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s at the Great Mall in Milpitas with Fedor, Royce Gracie, Couture, Frank Shamrock, Cung Le and Sakuraba.
    • Kimbo Slice will be signing autographs at 3 p.m. on Saturday when the doors open to the show inside the SAP Center.  The first fight starts at 3:30 p.m. local time.
    • GFW sent out a release that they’ve signed an international TV distribution deal with Boulder Creek International of London, England.  The shows that have been taped in Las Vegas will be available through BCI starting in November.
    • Combate Americas sent out a press release earlier today plugging Alberto Del Rio as announcing for their MMA promotion that debuts on Thursday night at 11 p.m. on NBC Universo (formerly mun2) in  Spanish.  He was pushed as the biggest name in the promotion and as the only man to win the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in the same year as well as being a four-time WWE champion.
    • New names added today to the WWE 2K 16 roster are Baron Corbin, Big E, Bray Wyatt, Brian Pillman, Colin Cassady, Enzo More, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston, The Ascension, Mark Henry, Mikey Whipwreck, Ricky Steamboat, Rusev, Savio Vega, Stephanie McMahon, Sting (two different Sting characters, the late 80s Sting and Crow Sting), Stunning Steve Austin from the Dangerous Alliance, American Badass Undertaker, Ministry of Darkness Undertaker, and Xavier Woods.
    • The scheduled CZW PPV show on 10/11 from Philadelphia will not be on PPV.  Instead, they will do an iPPV on 10/10 from Vorhees, NJ.
    • Jim Ross will be doing a talk show at 4 p.m. on Sunday at The Warehouse Live Ballroom, near the Toyota Center in Houston, which would be over with time to eat dinner and still attend Night of Champions.
    • Regarding Bellator billboards, one of my friends noted that on Lincoln and Moorpark in San Jose there is a really nice billboard for Saturday night’s show. 
    • Brodus Clay aka Tyrus appears on 11/28 for Ultimate Championship Wrestling in Halifax.
    • Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 10/3 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds featuring Jimmy Valiant in action, and a main event of Trailer Park Trash & Flash Flanagan vs. Marc Houston & TJ Kemp.
    • Premier Wrestling on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Del Mar High School in San Jose.  JR Kratos (8-2) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-2-1) for the Premier title headlines, plus Nicole Savoy & Kahmora vs. Raze & Kikyo Nakamura, Timothy Thatcher vs. Joe Graves, Gabriel Gallo vs. Dom Vitalli, Alexander Hammerstone vs. Dylan Drake, Marcus Lewis vs. Julio Pedroza  and two other matches.
    • Dr. Tom Prichard vs. Mark Reagan was added today to NWAClassics.com
    • Highlights of Friday night’s All Pro Wrestling Bayshore Bash
    • Steve Sims talks the CMLL Anniversary show this Friday
    • Jeff Cobb talks about his wrestling career, competing in the Olympics including a match with Yoel Romero, as well as Lucha Underground
    • Xavier Woods talks the creation of The New Day and Tyler Breeze
    • Jesse Ventura says he’s wants to be Donald Trump’s running mate

  • On this date in pro wrestling history (9/14): AWA title reversed, Chris Benoit wins WCW TV Title

    By Brian Hoops, Wrestling Observer.com

    1937

    – John Pesek was awarded the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Title

    1944

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – MWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Tom Zaharias in 2 out of 3 falls

    – Jack Hader and Les Wolfe wrestled to a 45 minute draw

    1945

    St. Joseph, Missouri:

    – MWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Ben Morgan 2 falls to 1

    – Jerry Meeker defeated Sonny Meyers by dq

    1965

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – In a Death match, Bobo Brazil beat Dick the Bruiser

    – In a North American Tag Team Title Match, Bob Geigel and Bob Brown beat Mongolian Stomper and Jerry Miller to retain the titles.

    – Pat O’Connor drew Sonny Myers

    – The Ox (Ox Baker) beat Bulldog Plechas

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – Dory Funk, Sr. defeated Yasu Fuji

    – Danny Little Bear fought The Destroyer to a draw

    – Harley Race defeated Baron Von Raschke

    – Rufus R. Jones & Omar Atlas & Bill Kersten defeated Black Angus & Roger Kirby & Percival A. Friend

    1977

    Portland, Maine:

    – Peter Maivia defeated WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham in a non-title match 

    1978

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:

    – Greg Gagne beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel to win AWA Title (Decision was later reversed)

    – Mighty Igor Vodik & Rufus R Jones beat Lord Alfred Hayes & Super Destroyer Mark II

    – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens

    – Pat Patterson beat Chris Pepper (sub Jim Brunzell)

    – Bob Orton Jr beat Steve Olsonoski

    – Larry Hennig beat Blackjack Lanza

    – Bob Brown beat Dave Kochen

    1980

    Landover, Maryland:

    – Andre The Giant defeated Hulk Hogan

    1984

    St. Louis, Missouri:

    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Harley Race

    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Dick the Bruiser & Blackjack Lanza

    – Chris Adams beat Jimmy Garvin

    – Crusher Blackwell beat Jim Brunzell by countout

    – Tony Atlas & Ted DiBiase & Buzz Tyler beat Ox Baker & Hacksaw Higgins & Mr Saito

    1985

    Charleston, South Carolina:

    – Magnum TA no contest Tully Blanchard

    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Ivan Koloff & Krusher Khrushchev dq

    – In a Texas Death match, Manny Fernandez beat The Barbarian

    – Black Bart beat Ron Bass

    1991

    Dallas, Texas:

    – Chaz defeated The Lightning Kid (Sean Waltman) to win the Global Wrestling Federation Light Heavyweight Title

    1993 

    New York City:

    – The Quebecers defeated the Steiner Brothers to win the WWF Tag Team Title

    Memphis, Tennessee:

    – Tatanka defeated Jerry Lawler to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title. On the same show, Tommy Rich defeated Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title and The Dogcatchers defeated The Moondogs for the USWA Tag Team Title.

    Oakwood, Virginia:

    – The Smoky Mountain Wrestling “Beat The Champ” Television Title changed hands twice on one television taping as Robert Gibson defeated Jimmy Del Rey for the belt, only to lose it later that night to Tony Anthony. 

    1999

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

    – Diamond Dallas Page won a War Games match in which it was every man for himself

    – WCW Cruiserweight Champion Juventud Guerrera defeated Silver King

    – Chris Benoit defeated Rick Steiner to win the WCW Television Title

    2007

    Detroit, Michigan:

    – ROH World champion Takeshi Morishima defeated Erick Stevens

    – ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoes defeated Matt Cross and Austin Aries

    2008

    Japan:

    – Bryan Danielson defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru to win the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title

    – Nigel McGuinness retained the ROH World Title against Jimmy Jacobs

    TNA No Surrender

    – Sheik Abdul Bashir defeated Petey Williams and Consequences Creed to win the TNA X Division Title.

    – Beer Money defeated LAX to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles.

    – Samoa Joe retained the TNA Title over Kurt Angle and Christian Cage.

  • MMA News: Chael Sonnen announces Josh Barnett Metamoris match, opinions on Holly Holm, Anderson Silva PED woes

    The following is from a third party:

    Chael Sonnen made his first appearance on Submission Radio this week to promote his new role as a commentator for WSOF. While on the show Chael covered a wide array of subjects in the world of MMA.


    Transcript:

    Chael discusses his thoughts on the way Anderson Silva’s defence handled his NSAC PED hearing

    “Gentleman, the cover-up is always worse than the crime. What Anderson Silva did – this is my mortal enemy. I hate this guy, okay? I still give him a full pass. I cannot look at what he did as an objective person, looking at his leg and go, ‘listen, your leg snapped in two pieces, okay? You owed it to yourself, you owed it to your family to heal that leg, whether you had to go to the free market or the black market, it doesn’t make any difference to me. I’m really impressed that you found something to heal your leg’. Now, he could have then been a good guy about it, he could have come out and said “yeah as a matter of fact, here’s how I did it. So anybody else in my spot, let me walk you through what I did”. That would have been the cool thing to do. But you know, he got scared about it. And those guys don’t understand those tests. They’re pass or fail.

    “And everybody that ends up in the hot seat – and I’ve been in that seat. I mean I’m telling you guys, the psychology of somebody that got in the same jam – your first line of defence is to explain how it got in your system. Well how it got there doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. It doesn’t make any difference how it got there. It was either there or it wasn’t, it’s pass or fail. And the commission slapped him on the wrist, but the way he went about it, historically is what would get the book thrown at you. It’s the guys that dig in, it’s the guys that lie about it that always get the worst treatment. The guys that come forward and say, ‘listen you got me. Here’s what happened’. Those are the guys that kind of get the Anderson treatment. So he had the best of both worlds there. He had a great, great fairytale or a story and he didn’t get punished for it. So good for him.”

    Chael’s thoughts on Holly Holm and her boxing world champion accolades:

    “It’s the only thing that’s holding her back. You need the mandate of a few people. You need the mandate of the bosses, the guys on the second floor at the UFC, you need the mandate of the fans, but you also need the support of the people in the locker-room. You know, the fellow fighters kind of have to step aside for somebody to be the number one contender and go ‘okay yeah, you’re the right person’. Holly is gaining some fan support, and as far as the locker-room goes, we can’t get behind her ’cause she’s not telling the truth, that there is no validity that I’m willing to sign off on – and I’m happy for someone to come in and disagree with me, tell me where I’m wrong. But there is no validity to any of her world championships, let alone some ridiculous claim of being a seventeen-time world champion. I mean guys, I can go open the door to my garage right now, invite all comers,  and then put a belt around whoever wins and call it the ‘world championship’. And I mean that kind of stuff happens all the time. You see it in arm wrestling.

    There’s a world championship for some game called ‘cornholing’, which is like some Midwest version of horseshoes. There’s world championships for thumb wrestling, and there’s no validity to this stuff. There’s no validity to her being a seventeen-time world champion, and I don’t believe as an analyst that there’s any validity to any, zero of her championships. I don’t know one tournament that she ever entered where the entire planet was welcome to enter, and they whittled it down with a competitive architecture known as a bracket, and one person was left standing. I don’t know of it. And I’ve been making this claim for a while, wanting somebody to disagree with me, wanting Holly to disagree with me or one of her coaches to come out and go, ‘Chael you don’t know what you’re talking about’. It’s never happened. She’s got the thumb-wrestling world championship from some dude’s garage. That’s just the reality. I do think she’s a skilled fighter, I think she’s a good boxer. I don’t know if that matters. I’m 38 years old, I’ve never met a female boxer. Not one. I’ve travelled the world, I’ve seen damn near every continent in every country, I’ve been in every state in America, I’ve never reached across a table and shaken hands with a women that turned out she was a boxer. So are you the best boxer in the world for females? Maybe? Does that mean you beat about three people? Yeah it does.

    And I’m not discrediting her, I’m discrediting boxing. Boxing is a dying breed, man. People ask me this about Floyd Mayweather all the time. Is he the greatest boxer ever? He’s certainly the best of this time, and he’s certainly a fantastic athlete and he should get a lot more credit than he does, but nobody boxes, guys. The same way I said I’ve never met a girl that boxes. I was 28 years old when I met my first boxer. Clayton Hires was the first man I’ve ever met who had been in the ring and competed in boxing, not one of these liars that goes down to the gym and jumps rope for three minutes and then goes and gets some water. I’m talking about a guy that gets in the ring on a Saturday night and boxes another man. I was 28 years old when I met my first one of those. The sport doesn’t exist. So who cares if you’re the best at it.”

    If Chael thinks Fedor is going to be able to compete with the elite Heavyweights in the UFC

    “No, Fedor is terrible. And Fedor is a very nice guy. I had the pleasure to meet him twice. The first time, I was in line with him at a Starbucks in a hotel in Los Angeles, and he just blended in. He was just a chubby bald guy, with a nerdy sweater, waiting for his latte like everybody else. And I thought, what a nice guy.”

    “The reality on Fedor is, if you’re not fighting in a commissioned fight, you’re not fighting in a real fight. It has to be a sanctioned commission fight. This comes right back what we were talking about with Holly and her quadrillion boxing championships. If there’s no sanctioning and there’s no credibility and architecture, it doesn’t count. So everything he did in Japan with a referee wearing an earpiece gets thrown out. You gotta come to the States where there’s an official weigh-in, where there’s a regulatory body, and where there’s clearer defined rules, with clearer defined judging. He did that. He did that six times and he went 3-3. That’s not exactly an impressive record for a guy that we all keep having to hear is ‘the best of all time’.

    Now God bless him, I love a guy that can come back, but I can tell you first hand, you don’t get better not doing something. Fedor got destroyed by guys who are now getting destroyed. Fedor got destroyed by Bigfoot Silva, who by my last count has fought – I believe Frank Mir knocked him out in 18 seconds, I suppose I’d have to re-watch that – but the point is that it’s ridiculous. I think it will sell once. I know that I’ll tune in, I know that the UFC is going to greatly overpay for him, and good for Fedor, man. I think he did everything right, and he is a nice guy. You know, this isn’t my goal to come out and bash a guy, but look, if a guy’s terrible a guy’s terrible. He’s 3-3 in the States, that means he’s 3-3.”

    On if Chael thinks Fedor has a better shot in the UFC because fighters no longer use TRT

    “Yeah, and I’ll let you be the first to actually get your vernacular right; there’s no such thing as TRT. It’s just ‘T’. It is just Testosterone. You’ll never go buy a bottle of something that says ‘TRT’ on it, but you can get the first letter, you get the ‘T’ down. So I can tell you, and again, you’re talking to a guy that used it. So I mean, let me tell you first hand, it makes a difference, it helps, it is a performance enhancer. If I thought it was going to de-hance me, I never would have taken it. So yes that matters, but not as much as a lot of people think. And the field was pretty level in my experience with the testosterone era. I was one of the few guys that came out and did it right, publicity said I was on it, and went and got the exemptions.

    When I did that, I had no idea there was going to be a backlash. I had no idea that people were going to say ‘man, that’s a loophole’, or anything else I dealt with. And when that happened, everybody else just said ‘you know what, I’m gonna do this too but I’m not going to disclose it. I’m not going to do what Chael did and make myself subject to public ridicule’. And when that happened, that’s when guys started getting in trouble. So the guys you’re talking about that were taking the testosterone and admitted it, the only difference between them and their opponents for the most part, is they admitted it.”

    Chael is asked if he can reveal his next opponent and announces he’ll be fighting Josh Barnett at the next Metamoris

    “I have a match coming up at the very end of October, might even be November 1st, I have to look.”

    “His name is Josh Barnett.”

    “I’ll even give you gentleman a prediction….Sonnen wins. I’m going to take his (Josh Barnett’s) fat ass down and he will never get up. And let him know I said that.”

    “I’m going to take Josh down and then I’m going to whisper in his ear ‘welcome to the next 20 minutes of your life’.”

  • TNA News: referee Earl Hebner to be inducted into Hall of Fame

    TNA announced today that it will be inducting Earl Hebner into its Hall of Fame at its 10/3 house show in Salem, VA, with TNA Senior Producer Billy Corgan inducting him. Jeremy Borash will serve as MC.

    Why Salem, VA, instead of Charlotte the next night? Because the Hebner family grew up in Richmond, VA.

    TNA is calling Hebner the most famous referee in the world, which he very well could be given his role in the infamous 1997 “Montreal Screw Job” at WWF Survivor Series which saw Bret Hart drop the WWF title to Shawn Michaels in auspicious fashion. Hebner and twin brother Dave also played an integral role when Hulk Hogan lost his WWF title to Andre The Giant on a live WWF The Main Event back in 1988.

    The 66-year-old Hebner has been with TNA since 2006.

  • UFC in Australia and WWE in Memphis ticket info

    Tickets for UFC’s biggest live event in history, the 11/15 show at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. Melbourne time using code word UFCFIGHT.  Tickets go on sale to the public on 9/21. They are expecting the largest crowd in UFC history for that show, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm.

    WWE returns to Memphis on 2/2, with a Smackdown taping.  There is a presale going on right now using the code word Memphis.

  • WWE 9/13 Jonesboro, AR, house show results: Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose

    Submitted by Adam Kirby

    WWE ran a pretty decent show in Jonesboro, AR tonight. Crowd not as large as the last time I came to town for a show back in 2012 for Punk v Ryback.

    R-Truth over Bo Dallas

    Truth won after countering a sunset flip reversal.

    Curtis Axel and Damien Sandow over the Ascension

    Axel hit the facebuster Viktor for the win By far the worst efforts I’ve ever seen from the face team. Big bummer when Axel hit what must be the worst dropkick in his career. Goofy match.

    Natalya over Alicia Foxx

    Long heat segment, Natalya never getting more than one offensive move in before getting cut off. Easily best match so far.

    WWE Champion/U.S. Champion Seth Rollins over Dean Ambrose

    Rollins won after hitting an exposed turnbuckle shot and a Pedigree. Great match, tons of moves, sick Falcon Arrow, Rollins argues with the crowd and a child in the front row over whether or not he’s a sissy.  

    WWE Tag Team Champions New Day Big E and Xavier Woods over the Primetime Players

    New Day won after Xavier Woods hits Titus O’Neil with a DDT and a big second rope legdrop. New Day were hilarious as always. Xavier Woods wore Big E’s singlet after claiming the airline lost his luggage. He adopted some of E’s moveset including a nice belly to belly, an attempt at the running splash, and the body block. Referred to himself as Big Woods.

    Cesaro over Kevin Owens

    Cesaro won after reversing a popup powerbomb into a hurricanrana. Smart match, not too crazy as to overshadow the main, but a back and forth with big moves and Owens preventing Cesaro from ever hitting the big swing.

    Roman Reigns over Bray Wyatt in a streetfight

    Lots of big shots back and forth at the beginning. Both guys were over and definitely brought a different feel to the main event. Bray Wyatt worked over Reigns with kendo stick shots and throwing a chair at his head. Hits a Uranage through a table, loses control to a series of Reigns punches and slaps before taking a powerbomb through a table. Luke Harper breaks up the pin, hits a big superkick, only to eat superman punches to the glee of the crowd.

    Lights out, Braun Strowman appears and chokes out Reigns until chants for Ambrose lead to the save and comeback. Reigns throws Wyatt headfirst through a chair in the corner and follows up with a Spear while someone near by freaks out and screams “DESTROOOY HIMMMM.” Big spectacle match sends the crowd home happy.

  • WWE 9/13 Tupelo, MS, house show results: Randy Orton vs. Sheamus

    Submitted by Chris Dempsey

    Dolph Ziggler def. Rusev

    Really strong opener, good back and forth match. Summer Rae was ejected at one point after hitting Dolph with her shoe and then Ziggler hit the Zig Zag for the win.

    Neville def. Adam Rose

    Neville won with the 450 Splash

    Jimmy Uso def. Heath Slater

    Slater started off the match yelling at Jimmy about how he’s nothing but an announcer now and that he wants a dance contest. Heath dances to “I’m Too Sexy” to huge boos which leads to Jimmy dancing to “Watch Me Whip” and even Ref Chad Patton got in on the fun. Jimmy Superkicks Slater for the win. Slater then says he wants another opponent which leads to…

    Jack Swagger def. Heath Slater

    Swagger won with the Ankle Lock. Once again Slater wants another opponent so then we have…

    Mark Henry def. Heath Slater

    Henry won with the World’s Strongest Slam. 

    I-C Champion Ryback def. The Big Show by DQ 

    Team PCB def. Team BAD

    Charlotte hit Natural Selection on Tamina

    The Dudley Boyz def. Los Matadores and the Lucha Dragons

    Dudleys won with a 3D on a Matador. After the match, the Matadores were distracted by “Bad to the Bone” when El Torito came out and beat up on the Matadores. That led to Bubba putting a Matador through a table. 

    Randy Orton def. Sheamus

    Orton won after hitting the RKO

  • SUN UPDATE: Paige talks skirmish, Randy Orton, Cyborg, CMLL, Bret Hart, John Cena movie

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE shows in Jonesboro, AR (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns) and Tupelo, MS (Randy Orton vs. Sheamus) as well as last night’s NXT show in Gainesville, FL at Dave Meltzer

    The World wrestling championship finals from Las Vegas will be airing tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2.  This is a two-hour highlight show airing all four of the bouts where Americans won world titles (Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder at 19 years old, Adeline Gray and Helen Maroulis). 

    Raw will be live on Monday from Memphis

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

    A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

    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

    You can also order at via PayPal by sending a payment 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.

    We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

    We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

    We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

    We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

    We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

    We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

    We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

    We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

    We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

    We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

    We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

    We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

    We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

    We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

    We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

    We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

    We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

    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.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking weekend news including NXT, New Japan, WWE and more.  With no major shows to cover, it’s a good night for questions that can be sent in to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • Paige was at a Comic Con this weekend and spoke about the incident at Supano’s Steak House in Baltimore on 9/6.  She said there was no fight, but that a woman threw a drink on her and her and Fox threw a drink on the woman back, and they were all kicked out.  The argument started when Paige said she got mad she was being recorded just having a conversation with Fox without her permission.  She said there was nearly a fight but the woman and her friend backed down.  She also said the last thing she wanted was to get into a fight, feeling she didn’t want to risk her job over it.
    • Randy Orton worked last night’s show in Huntsville, AL, as advertised.  It was noted in our Friday report that those in WWE have told us that Orton would be appearing at all of his shows this week, including Monday and Tuesday.  As far as whether he’s being written out of things creatively and taking time off, that we don’t know, as he could just appear in dark match segments.  Given tomorrow is the go home show for Night of Champions, if he’s not being written out, he’ll be in the six-man tag, and that in theory should be made clear tomorrow.
    • Cris Cyborg has said she will next fight in November on an Invicta show, and will weigh 140 pounds.  Shannon Knapp announced this after last night’s show at the press conference.  there is no date or location official.  They announced Livia Renata Souza defends her strawweight title against Alexa Grasso on that show. 
    • Floyd Mayweather was the most searched for term so far this weekend on Google with more than 2 million searches.  Serena Williams had more than 1 million.
    • I’m told that this coming Friday’s CMLL Anniversary show on iPPV will only be available live, not video on demand.  That sucks for a lot of people, myself included, as I’ll probably be at the Bellator Fan Fest that night.
    • Speaking of Bellator, I saw big roadside banners for Saturday night’s show while traveling yesterday but it was near Fairfield, CA, which is 75 miles or so from San Jose.  I have no idea if there have them in San Jose, but nothing I’ve seen.
    • Bret Hart and Lance Storm were backstage last night at the WWE house show in Calgary. 
    • Apparently on TBS today during the Yankees game there was a Roller Derby discussion mentioning Joan Weston.
    • Totally quiet weekend with nothing from MMA or wrestling trending right now on Twitter, only Mayweather with 196,000 tweets and Badou Jack vs. George Groves with 14,800.
    • AAW on 9/18 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has Ethan Page vs. TBS for the AAW title, Dave & Jake Crist vs. The Hooligans for the tag title, plus Louis Lyndon vs. Matt Cage, Tyson Dux vs. Eddie Kingston, Chris Hero vs. Johnny Gargano, Trevor Lee vs. Christian Faith, Justice Jones vs. Kongo Kong plus Heidi Lovelace, Candice LaRae, Shane Hollister and more.
    • The movie “Trainwreck” comes out on DVD on 11/10.
    • There will be a Four Horseman reunion on 11/14 at the Big Event Wrestling Convention in Queens, NY.  Appearing will be Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and J.J. Dillon.  Details are at www.BigEventNY.com
    • There is a benefit show at 2 p.m. today in Lewisburg, TN at the House of Pain for Shane Morton, a regular in the Nashville area who suffered a broken kneecap a few months ago and has been unable to work ever since.
    • Yesterday was the 36th anniversary of the final match of the career of Hall of Famer King Curtis Iaukea, who was one of the most colorful characters of his era.  It was a Texas bullrope match in Miami Beach against Dusty Rhodes in the main event and Iaukea was in such bad shape that Dusty had to hold him up at points in the match.. 
    • Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance from last night in St. Louis:  Gary Jackson b J-Mal Swgg, Brandon Aarons won three-way over Clownman Jacko and Andrew Wilder, Barackus b Jim D, LaMarcus Clinton b Brian James, Tommy Dallas & Varik Morgan b Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins-DQ, Gary Jackson won four-way over LaMarcus Clinton, Brandon Aarons and Barackus, Attila Khan b Moondog Rover, Kevin Lee Davidson won three-way over A.J. Williams and Da’Marius Jones (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • EWA from last night in Graz, Austria before 800 fans:  James Mason b Adrian Severe, Damon Brix & Sultanov & Wanentin Kristow b Dennis Zinner & Tom Gatschlhofer & Tom Schruff, Demolition Davies b Mexx, Chris Colen & Hakeem Waqur b Rockn Rolla & Michael Jaritz, Michael Kovac b John Moss, Chris Raaber b Mason Ryan to retain the EWA world title in a European rules (rounds) match.  They did the Japanese tradition of playing the anthem of the country before the world title match and they said Ryan was American and played the U.S. anthem.  Hakeem Waqur, his second who is Arabian, was waving the U.S. flag to get heel heat.  Tony St. Clair was there as an official.  Otto Wanz was supposed to be there and be given an Otto Wanz title belt, but he wasn’t there and no announcement was made.  Raaber in an interview said Wanz was injured last week.  They had pushed Wanz being there in promoting the show and shows the Wanz title belt at a Friday press conference. (thanks to Markus Gronemann)
    • Want to make mention that today is one-year since the death of wrestling historian James Zordani.  Those who worked with him no how valuable a resource he was as he had the best collection of results of almost anyone in the world.  I hope his family realizes how much he is missed among those of us who had regular contact with him.
    • Campbell McLaren told us that his Thursday debut of Combate Americas in Las Vegas will have Konnan, Rey Mysterio, Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White in attendance.  The show airs live on NBC Universo in Spanish at 11 p.m. Eastern. 
    • The National Enquirer made fun of Hulk Hogan’s claim that the n word was something everyone said while he was growing up in Tampa. 
    • Rock Solid Wrestling on 10/2 in Cobourg, ONT at the Community Centre headlined by Cody Deaner vs. Andrew Davis.
    • In today’s episode of the comic strip “Get Fuzzy,” Satchel the Dog donates money to the WWF, thinking it’s the World Wildlife Fund when it’s the wrestling group and Bucky the Cat asks if wrestling fans were that gullible. (thanks to Brian Henke)
    • Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno:  Buddy Royal & Levi Shapiro b Big Dog & Skitzo-DQ, Brandon Pinion b Elemento, Johnny Plinko & Thunder Rosa b Mike Rayne & Kikyo-DQ (thanks to Jon Southerland)
    • Great North Wrestling from last night in Hawkesbury, ONT before 250 fans:  Hart Throbs b Sexy Eddy & Carl LeDuc, Chris Dechateletes b Gregory Carpenter, Eve b Stacy Thibault, Hannibal b Myzery Barbarian.  Frenchy Martin managed Hannibal (thanks to Anthony Ambros)
    • Reports were that MVP injured his lower back during a Friday night All Pro Wrestling show in Daly City, CA.  It was reported he had to go home early in his match with Dylan Drake (thanks to Mike Lano).
    • CWE from Friday night in Port St. Lucie, FL:  JB Cool b CJ O’Doyle, Ace Andrews & Su Yung b T-Rex Bacchus & Aspyn Rose, Santana Garrett b Shaniah Ariyanna, Johann Remzes & Ace Slater NC Lince Dorado & Jon Cruz, Rhett Giddins b Byronico & Ushaka & Hound Dogg & PRS & Areyh Amor & Michael Sky in a ladder match, Barrio Kings b Bidry Bvlondes, Chico Adams b Joey Mayberry-DQ, Zack Monstar DCOR Tyranus.  Next show is 10/23
    • There is a show called Hart Legacy Wrestling tonight at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando with tickets $10 for adults and $7 for kids headlined by Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado vs. Los Ben Dejos.
    • Nova Pro Wrestling from last night in Orlando:  Joey Mayberry b Tyranus-DQ, Santana Garrett b Shojo Machiko & Shaniah Ariyanna & Grace Storm & MJ Knight & Cherry Layne and Aspyn Rose in a seven-way to become the womans’ champion, Carlos Rivera & D Ramos DCOR Mike Reed, & Braydon Knight, Chico Adams b Siniestro, Gabriel Black b Johann Remzes & Damian James, Jesus Rodriguez (Ricardo Rodriguez) & Byronico b Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus, Teddy Hart d Lince Dorado, Teddy Hart & Lince Dorado b Los Ben Dejos.  Next show is 11/14. (thanks to Al Haft)
    • A Vince Russo parody video that features an appearance at the end by a Jim Cornette 
    • A story on WWE stock which came off very simplistic in its approach claiming it is overpriced
    • I didn’t know this existed, but this weekend was the 33rd anniversary of El Santo’s last match, which was also Gori Guerrero’s last match (Eddy’s father and Chavo Jr.’s grandfather)
    • The 1980 Olympic boycott still stings these wrestlers
    • Matt Bloom, the head trainer at the Performance Center, stars in a movie called “Dog Wedding”

  • One of biggest weekends of the year is a week away, plus update on Snuka case, 2015 Hall of fame ballot, Kurt Angle takls future, Battle of Los Angeles postscript

    A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

    The issue is on the site right now at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/44460-september-14-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-huge-weekend-preview-wwecmllrohbellator-show-details-plus-tons-more

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are at  http://www.f4wonline.com/member/signup.php

    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@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    You can also order 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.

    We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

    We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

    We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

    We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

    We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

    We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

    We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

    We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

    We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

    We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

    We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

    We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

    We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

    We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

    We also update things on Lucha Underground.

    We look at next week’s ROH matches.

    We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

    We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

    We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

    We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

    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.

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

  • UFC 191: The Velten Scoring System

    Submitted by Dan Velten

    In this article we will continue to evaluate my new scoring system and other options related to improving MMA scoring, focusing on last Saturday’s UFC 191: Johnson vs. Dodson 2.

    There are no adjustments to be made after part 3.  I’m still fine-tuning the wording of the True 10 Point System, but I have not altered the points. The goal is still to find a way to use more of the 10 points consistently. I’m still leaning towards making it a five point system but I’m going to give this at least one or two more shows. 

    Rules of the column as always, I’ll score only the main card fights and only report on those that actually go to the judges.  Anything controversial will be covered in more detail. For more details of the scoring system I’ve created called “True Ten,” search for ‘Velten Scoring System’ in the archives. 

    With each article, I will look at one fight (if there was one) from the previous show that may have had a controversial decision.

    Questioning the Decision:  Neil Magny vs. Erick Silva

    Official Result:  Magny by Split Decision, on scorecards of 29-28 Magny, 29-28 Silva, and 30-27 Magny

    From last show, the only kind of controversial decision was the fact that this match was ruled a split decision.  The right guy, Magny, won but in my book, he clearly won every round.  OK, you could maybe have scored the third for Silva, but the fact that one judge gave Silva two rounds and the win, is an error in judgment and not really an indictment of the system.  No system can correct for stupidity.  This was not as heinous as I may be making it out to be, but bad judges need to be reprimanded.

    ***** 

    LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS:  Jan Blachowicz vs. Corey Anderson

    Official Result- Corey Anderson def. Jan Blachowicz by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)

    True Ten: Rd 1) Anderson 10-8  Rd 2) Anderson 10-7  Rd 3) 10-7 Anderson

    Result: 30-22 Anderson

    Weighted: Rd 1) Anderson +1  Rd 2)  Anderson +2  Rd 3)  Anderson +3

    Result:  6-0 Anderson

    Pride:  Anderson

    Analysis:  This was a one sided butt kicking by Anderson, and it was nice to see all three judges using more of the 10 points giving Anderson a wider margin of victory. I can’t believe it honestly. The score of 30-25 is very rarely seen.  Maybe we are moving in the right direction. 

    HEAVYWEIGHTS:  Andrei Arlovski vs. Frank Mir

    Official Result- Andrei Arlovski def. Frank Mir by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

    True Ten: Rd 1) Arlovski 10-8  Rd 2) Arlovski 10-8  Rd 3) Mir 10-9

    Result: 29-26 Arlovski

    Weighted: Rd 1) Arlovski +1  Rd 2) Arlovski +2  Rd 3) Mir +3

    Result: 3-3 Draw

    Pride: Arlovski

    Analysis:  I’m fairly convinced Arlovski won this fight, and no one thought this was going to the judges, but my weighted score system created a draw situation.  I don’t think that’s a bad call actually because Mir fought a hell of a third round, especially for being incredibly fat. 

    UFC FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:  Demetrious Johnson(c) vs. John Dodson

    Official Result- Demetrious Johnson def. John Dodson by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to remain UFC Flyweight Champion

    True Ten: Rd 1)  10-10  Rd 2) 10-9 Dodson   Rd 3) 10-9 Johnson  Rd 4)  10-9 Johnson  Rd 5) 10-8 Johnson

    Result: 49-46 Johnson

    Weighted: Rd 1) Johnson +1 Rd 2) Dodson +1  Rd 3) Johnson +2   Rd 4) Johnson +2 Rd 5) Johnson +3

    Result: 8-1 Johnson

    Pride:  Johnson

    Analysis: This fight had a lot of really close rounds and really the first three could have been 10-10’s, but DJ came on in the end and got the rightful decision.  

    Overall Analysis: 

    We all knew the main event was going to go 25 minutes, but no one could have thought Mir vs. Arlovski was going 15 minutes.  I wonder if the judges, who no doubt thought the same thing, had the mindset that someone is getting KO’d and thus they didn’t pay as much attention to the heavyweight match.  I think a case could be made that Mir won rounds 2 and 3, but if you assumed this fight was not going to the distance, you may have sort of tuned out. 

    Random Thoughts:

    What would happen if UFC did away with weigh-in’s the day before completely, and went to a cyclical or seasonal weigh-in system, where a fighter has to make weight 4 times a year?  It would have nothing to do with when you fight, and the fighter could do it at their gym or wherever.  Then they’d be free to enter the cage at whatever weight, as long as they made weight 4 times.  This would make it so that no fighter would ever fight dehydrated and thus it would be much safer.