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  • Daily Update: The passing of Muhammad Ali, UFC 199 tonight

    MUHAMMAD ALI

    Muhammad Ali is very likely the most well known and important figure in the history of sports.  Besides Jackie Robinson, no other athlete may have had as great an impact on society, as Ali’s refusal to participate in the Vietnam War stands out as a seminal moment in American history.  That’s to say nothing of his public conversion to Islam and his steadfast refusal to play down his faith.  Those two acts alone helped to define a generation.

    Of course, his fame was international as well, and that same influence was felt throughout the globe.  From Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), site of the famous Rumble in the Jungle, to the Philippines, home to the Thrilla in Manila, Ali truly was a World Champion.

    His connections to pro wrestling are thoroughly documented, with Ali crediting pro wrestling for influencing his bombastic public persona.  And in a funny twist, Ali’s fight with Antonio Inoki ended up essentially being the birth of mixed martial arts. 

    Ali’s legacy is one that would fill several books and will safely live on for decades.  There was never a man like him before and there will never be one like him again.

    Tons more on Muhammad Ali:

    New Zealand Herald looks at his famous fight with Antonio Inoki. The article includes a video with Gene LeBell talking about the damage Inoki’s leg kicks had on Ali.

    Miami Herald has a story about Dusty Rhodes saying he almost had a match with Ali in Florida. The article includes a link to a video of Dusty telling the story (the Ali part starts at 3:35).

    Yahoo! Sports describes how Ali not only influenced pro wrestling and MMA but how wrestling promos also influenced him.

    Forbes looks back to 1995 when Ali attended the festival in North Korea that featured a Ric Flair vs. Antonio Inoki pro wrestling match as the main event. A few weeks back on Chris Jericho’s podcast, Flair talked about that trip and told stories about flying to North Korea with Ali and his entourage.

    A Calgary Herald an article mentions that Ali was once given a photograph of himself posing with Stu Hart. The person that gave the photo to Ali said he was speechless. The photo and him being unable to speak at the time were both rare.

    A sports news site from the Philippines briefly mentions Ali getting some inspiration from pro wrestling when listing things you may not know about him.

    Here is a classic Muhammad Ali promo featuring some often quotes lines: “I have wrestled with an alligator… tussled with a whale… handcuffed lightning… thrown thunder in jail…”

    Here is a collection of clips featuring some of his best promos (starts at :37). Besides his promos, highlights include a pull-apart brawl with Joe Frazier in a studio with Howard Cosell doing play-by-play.

    Here is Freddie Blassie doing a run-in during an Ali appearance on The Tonight Show with guest host McLean Stevenson (of M*A*S*H fame). It was part of the promotion leading into the Inoki fight.

    Here is Ali jumping in the ring to confront and throw hands with Gorilla Monsoon on a WWWF show in 1976. After Ali starts jabbing him, Monsoon picks Ali up in an airplane spin with Vince McMahon calling the action on commentary. The angle was part of the build towards Ali vs. Inoki.

    Here is Ali vs. Buddy Wolfe in boxer vs. wrestler exhibition match on an AWA card from Chicago in 1976. It was also part of the buildup to Ali vs. Inoki. That match aired on ABC during a “Wide World of Sports” broadcast and features an intro by Howard Cosell. Verge Gagne is the referee. Freddie Blassie is a cornerman.

    Here is Ali vs “Sodbuster” Kenny Jay in another boxer vs. wrestler exhibition on an AWA card in the Midwest. Gagne was also the referee in this match.

    Here is Ali cutting promos on Inoki at a press conference in Japan promoting their fight. Inoki was mostly laughing at his insults.

    Here is an extended trailer for a promising new documentary on the Inoki vs. Ali fight.

    Here are highlights from Ali vs. Inoki.

    UFC 199 TONIGHT FROM THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

    Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m.

    • Maestro Dong Hyun Kim vs. Polo Reyes
    • Kevin Casey vs. Elvis Mutapcic
    • Luiz Henrique da Silva vs. Jonathan Wilson
    • Tom Breese vs. Sean Strickland

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    • Jessica Andrade vs. Jessica Penne
    • Beneil Dariush vs. James Vick
    • Clay Guida vs. Brian Ortega
    • Alex Caceres vs Cole Miller

    PPV at 10 p.m.

    • Dustin Poirier vs. Bobby Green
    • Dan Henderson vs. Hector Lombard
    • Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas
    • Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber for bantamweight title
    • Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping for middleweight title

    NEW JAPAN WORLD SUNDAY AT 3 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM GUNMA

    • Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero
    • Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Juice Robinson & Captain New Japan & Matt Sydal
    • Tiger Mask vs. Trent Baretta
    • Will Ospreay vs. Jushin Liger
    • Bobby Fish vs. Chase Owens
    • Ricochet vs. Volador Jr.
    • Satoshi Kojima & Michael Elgin & Yoshitatsu vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi

    LUCHA LIBRE WORLD CUP SUNDAY FROM PALACIO DE LOS DEPORTES IN MEXICO CITY ON IPPV AT www.internetvluchalibreworld.cup.tv

    Sunday we’re looking for reports from:

    *WWE in Amarillo (Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Seth Rollins, Alberto Del Rio, Charlotte, Rusev, Usos, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Cesaro)

    *WWE in Lawton, OK (Kane, Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Paige, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Apollo, Crews, Sheamus, New Day, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)

    *ROH in Columbus, OH at the Ohio Expo Building (Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian defend the tag title against War Machine, Adam Cole vs. Lio Rush, Dalton Castle vs. Kamaitachi) 

    NEW JAPAN WORLD MONDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)

    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil
    • Volador Jr. vs. Will Ospreay
    • Ricochet vs. Chase Owens
    • Bobby Fish vs. Tiger Mask
    • Jushin Liger vs. Trent Baretta
    • Matt Sydal vs. David Finlay
    • Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero
    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo
    • Kushida vs. Bushi

    Raw will be Monday in Oklahoma City.  John Cena, Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are all booked on the show along with the usual regulars.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD TUESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)

    • Best of the Super Juniors championship match

    NXT TAKEOVER THE END ON WEDNESDAY AT 8 P.M. FROM FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY IN WINTER PARK, FL

    • Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger
    • Asuka vs. Nia Jax for women’s title
    • Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder for tag titles
    • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries
    • Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match for the NXT title

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Wichita.  John Cena is not scheduled but Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are scheduled.

    THE ROUND-UP

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    Figure Four Weekly 5/30/2016: Big Vito’s deposition – If you thought Evan Singleton’s deposition went badly for the plaintiffs in the WWE concussion lawsuit, then that appears to be nothing compared to what happened a week later during Vito LoGrasso’s deposition on May 18th. Given the back and forth over LoGrasso claiming that head injuries caused partial deafness when, in the past, he had spoken of having a hearing impairment since birth, the deposition promised to be interesting. It over-delivered.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more

    A huge double issue of the Observer is out this week, including the real catalyst behind the WWE brand split, a breakdown of the roster, justice denied again in the Jimmy Snuka case, Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay and the Super Juniors tournament plus a full rundown, the story behind Bill Goldberg and the WWE video game and the Brock Lesnar tease, famous boxer vs. pro wrestler fights, WWE schedule and injury rates, business rundowns from the past two months for WWE & TNA, updates on cable stations that carry wrestling and MMA, and one of the greatest territorial business runs in history in the life and career of Cowboy Frankie Laine.

    Our lead story looks at the WWE brand split, why it happened, what is known that isn’t a secret, ads out post brand split, plans for the split two months ago and what the ad department was told then, what different arenas have been told this week, thoughts behind decisions having too be made, plus a roster rundown on what positions WWE is strong and weak in, and where NXT talent should fit in and who is ready, or who can fill a slot.

    There is also an update on the Jimmy Snuka situation, with a realistic view if there will be a trial and what the time frame is and what happens next.

    This issue also looks at the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, Vader’s reaction, Super Juniors standings and rundowns of the shows plus looking at where things are going.

    Updates on Money in the Bank, stars returning to television soon, how the NBA & NHL playoffs coincide with wrestling the next two weeks, an update on NXT, lots of WWE performers off TV for the next several weeks, notes from lawsuit depositions that are eye opening, Cena getting a gigantic endorsement deal, Rollins return news, injury updates, lots of Dwayne Johnson news, WrestleMania in the future notes, notes on how little talent gets told in advance about things, who watches what on WWE network, plus we’ve got rundowns of every WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on the shows, all included in in this issue.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

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    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 26, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davy Boy Smith recovering in the hospital, UFC to be sanctioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission, more. This past week has seen Davey Boy Smith, going stir crazy in a Calgary Hospital, attempt to start battling back after the worst year in his life.

    SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

    PRO WRESTLING

    • No surprise, but John Cena vs. AJ Styles is official for Money in the Bank.
    • No update this morning on the status of The Drifter, who appeared to have injured his ankle at the house show last night and left the building on crutches.  He was in a lot of pain, and it was definitely not a worked angle despite the fact that NXT has been doing the fake injury finish for a little while now.
    • WWE announced a new episode of Breaking Ground immediately following NXT Takeover on Wednesday.  It appears to be a reunion show where we take a look at what everyone is up to since the series ended.  I hope they focus on Tyler Breeze and his main roster success.
    • WWE has also been adding AWA Supershows to their Vault area on the WWE Network.
    • St. Louis Post Dispatch has an interview with Jay Lethal talking about his career in ROH and the article also plugs a show from Friday.
    • Nick Denton, Gawker owner, is confident that they will do much better when they appeal the Hulk Hogan lawsuit which ordered Denton to pay the Hulkster 140 ga-zillion dollars.
    • An Orlando paper has a feature on local indie wrestling going from the ring to the stage.
    • Bleacher Report describes how blind fans can enjoy pro wrestling.
    • Kansans City blog The Pitch features an interview with Demolition Ax.
    • The Missoulian (Missoula, MT) has a gallery with exactly two photos from an independent show.
    • WhatCulture lists “8 reasons why Ricochet and Will Ospreay ARE wrestling”
    • The next Superkick’d show is scheduled for July 8th in Toronto and is promising ‘eight matches, live music, alcohol, and hot girls!’ We’re awaiting confirmation on whether John Pollock is defending his hardcore title on the show.
    • VCW returns to Toronto’s Super Wonder Gallery with SuperSlam 4 on June 30th. We’re awaiting confirmation on whether Wai Ting will finally challenge for the TV title on that show.
    • This week on 6:05 Superpodcast, Brian Last and David Bixenspan talk to Bob Barnett about his decades of fandom including meeting Vince McMahon when they were kids, chat with Jammie Ward about tape trading and ’80s wrestling hardcore fandom in general, learn more about “Rasslin’” singer/songwriter Glen Goza, and much more.

    MMA

    • Jon Jones has been tweeting a lot about Muhammad Ali.

    “Rest in peace to my greatest inspiration”

    “A few things I’ll cherish forever” (accompanied by above pic)

    • Nikita Krylov and Ed Herman have been signed to fight at UFC 201 in Atlanta in a light heavyweight bout.

    MISC.

    • The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC) has a feature on a beach wrestling competition. The article describes the new take on an old sport as “expanding the traditional gymnasium sport to America’s sandy beaches.” Kind of like Bash at the Beach in 1995 but no ring or spandex.
    • The Daily Star (UK) features arguably the most intense arm wrestler ever displaying his intensity and it is indeed intense. Warning: Language is NSFW (and the video player opens automatically so be prepared for intensity)
    • James Renner will be our guest on After Dark Radio Sunday night, 9 PT/12 ET on the Dark Matter Digital Network, live and free.  Details and a link are always available on the front page.

    EVENTS

    • TONIGHT – ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center with Sean Carr vs. Papadon
    • TONIGHT – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
    • TONIGHT – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
    • TONIGHT – Aerostar vs. Flamita vs. Laredo Kid vs. Septimo Dragon headline tonight in Benbrook, TX at the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.  The same promotion has a tag match tomorrow night in Houston at the Atlantico Hall with Aerostar & Laredo Kid vs. Flamita & Ultimo Ninja.
    • TONIGHT – CWE in Morden, Manitoba at the Morden Block Party Street Festival has a free show with a 1 p.m. start time.
    • TOMORROW – AAA’s Victoria World Cup men and women’s trio tournament finals at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City which will be a live iPPV show
    • TOMORROW – Silver Star Promotions at the 4 Ever Arena in Fort Worth has Caristico & El Hijo del Fishman vs. Silver Star & Psicosis Jr. 
    • June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
    • June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
    • June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
    • June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
    • June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
    • June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
    • June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us” features Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Drago vs. Chris Hero, and more at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) All Ages Event – Tickets available.
    • June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
    • June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
    • June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
    • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
    • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
    • June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com as the top prelim fight Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis.  This will be a combination MMA and kickboxing show.
    • June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym  has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
    • July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack and an appearance by Kevin Nash.
    • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.
    • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center.  Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event to raise money for the Godson of Jeremy Elliott, who Hero will wrestle.  Elliott’s Godson is a patient at the CPRI Treatment Center.
    • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY.
    • August 13 – Rey Mysterio Jr. will headline a show at Montgomery High School in San Diego, his alma mater, for Viva La Lucha promotions.  Also appearing are Konnan, Psicosis, Johnny Mundo, Teddy Hart and TJ Perkins.

    Today in Professional Wrestling History: Lawler & Dundee win Southern Tag Titles; Billy & Chuck win WWE Tag Team Gold

  • WWE Odessa, TX, live results: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins

    Submitted by Chappell Guthrie

    – R-Truth vs Tyler Breeze

    Truth came out first and got a loud pop. Breeze had little reaction. Started out as comedy match, then Breeze took control until run-ins by Fandango and Goldust. Truth won with a roll up after about 8 minutes.

    – Cesaro vs Primo

    Cesaro came out first to a really loud pop. Primo had no reaction until he cut a local promo. Epico wasn’t there. Back and forth match, Cesaro hit all his spots, and won with the Sharpshooter after about 10 minutes.

    – AJ Styles did a local backstage video promo. Hard to understand, but the crowd was heavily booing throughout.

    – Karl Anderson vs. an Uso (not sure which)

    Anderson and Gallows came out first to medium boos then one of the Usos came out to a huge pop. The other Uso wasn’t there. Anderson won with a roll up after Gallows distracted Uso.

    – Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler

    Corbin came out first to little reaction. Dolph has one of the biggest pops of the night. Crowd wasn’t really into except six little kids relentlessly chanting for Ziggler, Baron eventually zeroed in on them and started saying each punch was for them and the like. This got the crowd more into it. Ziggler won by DQ after about 14 minutes when Corbin used a chair. Ziggler then came back in and kicked Corbin in the nuts, and hit the Zig Zag.

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte vs Natalya

    Natalya entered first to a pretty good reaction. Charlotte got a really loud reaction, probably 70% negative. They worked the crowd before the match and got the crowd all on Natalya’s side. Crowd was probably most engaged in the near falls of this match than any other, besides the main event. Good match, eventually Charlotte started working the leg. Ended when Charlotte pinned Natalya, but ref missed Charlotte’s feet on the ropes.

    – US Champion Rusev vs Sin Cara

    Rusev got a lot of boos. Sin Cara got an ok reaction, but it was obvious that crowd was wanting Kalisto, who wasn’t there. Crowd couldn’t decide between chanting “USA”, “We want Lana” (who wasn’t there), or “lucha.” Rusev wins with the Accolade after about 9 mins. After the match, Rusev cut a promo until Titus O’Neil entered the ring and eventually hit a spinebuster.

    – WWE World Champion Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins vs AJ Styles

    AJ came out first to almost entirely boos, even though I saw quite a few people with his t-shirt on. His reaction was definitely not as strong as the other two guys. Rollins out next, and his reaction was about 70% boos. Finally, Reigns came out to by far the loudest reaction of the night. I would guess 80 to 90% cheers. Rollins started as cowardly heel, sitting out until he found a spot.

    Really fun match, eventually Seth and AJ teamed up, and Seth teased tapping “too sweet” hand signal with AJ, but eventually turned on him. They kinda went back and forth working with Reigns, until everybody hit their signature moves (forearm, Superman punch, and Pedigree). Roman eventually won with a spear on AJ after about 17 minutes.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/04): Lawler & Dundee win Southern Tag Titles; Billy & Chuck win WWE Tag Team Gold

    1937 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ali Baba beat Nanjo Singh by dq
    – Bill Lee beat Chris Zaharias
    – Lou Thesz beat Gene Bowman
    – Walter Podolak beat Eddie Newman 
    – Beppo Vitale beat Steve Nenoff

    1964

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Steve Bolus and Richard Moody beat Bob Geigel and Charlie Triggs
    – Pat O’Connor beat Mongolian Stomper via dq
    – Moose Evans beat Tokyo Tom
    – The Lawman beat Harley Race 

    1966 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – In a No Time Limit Match with Special Referee, Joe Blanchard; AWA Tag Team Champions Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher beat Larry Hennig & Harley Race in 2 out of 3 fall
    – The Alaskan beat Billy Red Cloud
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Moose Cholak
    – Chris Markoff beat Juan Zendajas 
    – Eddie Sharkey won an 8 man battle royal

    1970

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Roger Kirby defeated Frank Hester
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Scandor Akbar
    – Bob Geigel defeated Baron Von Raschke via DQ 
    – Indian Strap Match: Danny Little Bear defeated Harley Race

    1971 

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – In a Loser Leaves USA match, Dick the Bruiser beat Strong Kobayashi
    – Hans Schmidt & Baron Von Raschke beat Moose Cholak & Wilbur Snyder 
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Bull Bullinski by count out

    1977 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Billy Robinson beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel in a non Title Match
    – Super Destroyer & Angelo Mosca beat Ray Stevens & Pedro Morales 
    – Jim Brunzell & Billy Francis & Bob Backlund drew Black Jack Lanza & Mad Dog Vachon & Bobby Duncum 

    1979 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler & Bill Dundee beat Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka to win the Southern Tag Title 
    – Robert Fuller defeated The Mongolian Stomper in a “loser leaves town vs. title” match to win the Southern Title

    1984 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Phil Hickerson & The Spoiler beat Tommy Rich & Eddie Gilbert via DQ
    – Jim Neidhart beat Austin Idol via DQ
    – Southern Champ Jerry Lawler beat Kimala via countout

    1992 

    Tazwell, Virginia:
    – Dixie Dynamite pinned Killer Kyle
    – Hector Guerrero defeated Buddy Landel via disqualification
    – SMW Heavyweight Champion Brian Lee defeated the Dirty White Boy
    – Brad & Bart Batten defeated Jimmy Golden & Dutch Mantell
    – Robert Gibson & Tim Horner defeated The Heavenly Bodies
    – Stan Lane & Tom Pritchard and Robert Gibson won a battle royal

    1993

    Cleveland, Ohio:
    – Erik Watts defeated TJ Arion
    – Maxx Payne defeated Kensuke Sasaki
    – Ron Simmons defeated WCW World TV Champion Paul Orndorff 
    – Arn Anderson (substituting for 2 Cold Scorpio) & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Lord Steven Regal (substituting for injured WCW/NWA World Tag Team Champion Brian Pillman) & WCW/NWA World Tag Team Champion Steve Austin
    – Dustin Rhodes defeated Rick Rude
    – Davey Boy Smith defeated WCW World Champion Big Van Vader via disqualification

    2002 

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
    – Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo defeated Rico & Rikishi for the WWE World Tag Team Titles

  • NXT Nashville, TN, live results: Elias Samson hurts his ankle; Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor

    Submitted by Josh Baker

    They’re showing videos before the show starts. Every time time Roman Reigns is show, he got booed.

    – No Way Jose beat Angelo Dawkins in a fun opener

    – Elias Samson vs. Andrade Cien Almas ended when Samson legit hurt his ankle. The ref stopped the match, but Almas refused to have his arm raised. Samson got a supportive “Drifter” chant from the fans as he was being led out.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Tino Sabatelli in a decent match. Tino seemed nervous, but looked okay.

    – NXT Tag Champions American Alpha beat The Revival to retain. Great, great match, and exactly what you’d expect from these guys. Gable and Jordan got huge pops for everything they did.

    – Nakamura vs. Buddy Murphy was after intermission. Nakamura got an absolutely deafening reaction when he came out. The match was good as Murphy is underrated. Nakamura won with the Kinshasa.

    – Carmella and Bayley beat Peyton Royce & Darla. Fun match, but not much to it. Bayley was very over.

    – NXT Champion Samoa joe beat Finn Balor. Good match, ended with Joe pinning Balor with his feet on the ropes. Balor sent Joe packing afterward to send the crowd home happy.

  • NXT Crystal River, FL, live results: Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax

    Results c/o Wayne Mason who estimated a crowd of 200

    – Josh Woods beat Noah

    Woods was able to score the win via submission.

    – Cezar beat Bronson Matthews

    Cezar wins with an inverted stomp facebreaker.

    – Adrienne Reese beat Mandy Rose

    Good match. Reese hit the off the top rope stunner for the win.

    – Nick Miller beat Alexander Wolfe

    Both men had their tag partners in their corner. Miller picked up the win with a sit out powerbomb.

    – Hugo Knox beat Tucker Knight

    Hugo was back to being a heel tonight and got the win with a spinning neckbreaker.

    – In ring interview with Mada from Tough Enough. He mentioned wanting to be NXT champion and then becoming the first ever Egyptian-born WWE champion.

    – Steve Cutler beat Chris Girard

    Cutler takes this one with a lariat in a hard hitting match.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka beat Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax in a three-way to retain.

    Great match. Bliss would try to pick her spots and not get involved when Jax had control. Asuka was able to submit Bliss with the Asuka Lock.

  • Galloway, Lashley, Broken Matt and Brother Nero highlight TNA return to PPV

    Since 2005, Slammiversary has celebrated the company’s June debut and it has usually been one of its biggest events of the year. This year, we have a title-heavy show with the King of the Mountain, World Tag Team, and World Titles on the line.

    Here’s the lineup:

    TNA World Champion Drew Galloway vs Bobby Lashley in a submission or knockout only match

    Lashley has cut the best promos of his career since turning heel and he is perfect in his role as an ass-kicking MMA world-beater who feels like he’s the best and just needs Drew’s gold to prove it to the world. Drew has been a fine white meat babyface champion, although his TNA matches haven’t given him as much of a chance to shine as they theoretically should. With this being his first PPV main event as a champion, we should get an outstanding match aided by the knockout or tapout stipulation.

    Strangely, they haven’t really focused on that aspect in theh TV build. One would think that having Lashley, the badass MMA fighter, knock people out in squashes to hype him up would be done. Instead, they’ve tried to get over Drew’s crossface as his top finisher for submissions and the Sick Kick as his knockout shot. I guess since Lashley has the MMA credibility, they want to build Drew up as the badass since he’s facing a legit shooter – but it’s a bit odd.

    Jeff Hardy vs Matt Hardy in a Full Metal Mayhem Match

    The explosion of the former Hardy Boyz may not be the main event, but its build has certainly been the most interesting for every possible reason. They’ve had issues since Matt turned heel, and when Jeff broke Matt’s brain by swanton bombing him off of a balcony, we got the debut of Broken Matt Hardy – complete with a wacky accent and white streak in his hair. He plays piano, writes poetry, and despises Brother Nero. If you’ve missed their rivalry, you can get caught up on all the best (and worst) of it here.

    Decay (Abyss/Crazzy Steve) vs The Bromans (Robbie E/Jesse Godderz) for the TNA Tag team titles

    The Bromans and their new trainer Raquel just debuted and earned the number one contendership, so it would make sense to keep that momentum rolling by having them win. Decay hasn’t done a thing with the titles yet anyway, and this kind of match just shines a light on how minimal the tag division is in TNA right now.

    The rest of the card:

    Maria and Gail Kim have been feuding for months now, with their rivalry coming to a head in Maria’s first PPV match in the company. Her husband Michael Bennett’s issues with EC3 dominated television over the last few weeks and with Bennett being the first person to pin EC3, one would expect an EC3 win here.

    Eli Drake cashed in his Feast or Fired briefcase to win the King of the Mountain Title and celebrated with some free champagne. With the title win just happening, it seems too early to take the title off of Eli Drake – but it’s the KOTM Title, so it doesn’t really matter who holds it. Former champion Bram will attempt to wrest the belt away from Drake.  

    Knockouts Champion Jade doesn’t have a match set for the card. The same goes for X Division Champion Trevor Lee – although they could do another Ultimate X match to further the issues between Lee and Andrew Everett. Any or all of these can probably be expected to be added to the PPV on the go-home show that airs this coming Tuesday.

    The build-up for the show has been largely enjoyable even if it wasn’t always for good reasons. As hilarious as the Matt vs. Jeff build has been, Raquel’s acting is even worse. The Matt and Jeff stuff has gotten more eyeballs on the product via Youtube, so that’s a plus. It’s doubtful that it will translate to an increase in buys, but it should be a fun way to spend an evening. It should certainly be far better than their last live PPV, which was done with three days notice and full of last-second matches.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/3): Steve Austin wins WCW TV belt; Rey Mysterio wins WWE cruiser gold

    1937 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Lee Wykoff beat Dick Raines via dq 
    – Joe Corbett beat Bull Curley 

    1961 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Leo Nomellini & Wilbur Snyder beat Stan Kowalski & Tiny Mills in 2 out of 3 falls 

    1964 
    – Dr. Jerry & Crazy Luke Graham defeated Vittorio Apollo & Don McClarty for the WWWF U.S. Tag Championship

    1965 

    Denver, Colorado:
    – The Crusher & Verne Gagne & Reggie Parks beat Larry Hennig & Chris Markoff & Harley Race 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Mongolian Stomper beat Dick the Bruiser
    – Bob Geigel and Dutch Savage beat Steve Bolus and Sonny Myers
    – Pat O’Connor drew Ron Reed 
    – The Missouri Mauler beat Don Soto

    1973 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Dusty Rhodes went to a double count out with Billy Robinson
    – Geoff Portz beat Dick Murdoch
    – Greg Gagne beat Rene Goulet via dq

    1976 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Mike George defeated Ed Wiskoski
    – The Super Intern defeated Pat O’Connor 
    – Harley Race defeated Bob Brown in three falls

    1979 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Mad Dog Vachon went to a draw with AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Super Destroyer Mark II beat The Crusher
    – Greg Gagne beat Pat Patterson 
    – Paul Ellering beat Jesse Ventura

    1991 

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – Steve Austin defeated Bobby Eaton for the WCW Television Title 

    2003

    Anaheim, California:
    – Rey Mysterio, Jr. defeated Matt Hardy for the WWE Cruiserweight Title 

    2004 

    Orlando, Florida:
    – America’s Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) defeated Kid Kash and Dallas to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles

  • Wedding bells are in the air for WWE couple

    First reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:  Rusev and Lana have set a date! The couple known in their real lives as Catherine Jo Perry and Miroslav Barnyashev have announced that they will be married on September 2nd. With Perry joining the cast of Total Divas for the next season, it would have to be assumed that the wedding will be a big part of that show, as weddings generally are good for ratings to that audience.

    Lana will be known as CJ on that show and will not use the accent that she floats in and out of on RAW and Smackdown. The couple announced their engagement earlier this year at the time that Rusev was injured and Lana was linked in storyline to Dolph Ziggler. The announcement forced plans to change and it was acknowledged on RAW that the two were engaged. The push of Lana seemed to stall after that point and it’s only been recently when she’s appeared with Rusev onscreen.

    From this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    “The Rusev and Lana wedding, actually Miroslav and Catherine, will be on 9/2. It would be almost a lock that their wedding would air on Total Divas since that show, aimed at the women’s audience, is all about engagements and marriages.”

    Sign up now and read this week’s full issue:  June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent

  • Daily Update: AAA World Cup, UFC 199, Rockhold injured

    UFC 199: Rockhold vs Bisping

    The experiment with earlier weigh-ins went well from a fighter perspective today.  Just about everyone weighed in before Noon so the weigh-ins at 7 p.m. Eastern time on television are just for show.  The fighters were, as a rule, far happier, to the point almost everyone wants the early weigh-in rule to stay in place going forward. 

    The odds tumbled down for Luke Rockhold when word got out he suffered a torn MCL early in camp and has done no grappling training. 

    These are the odds from 5Dimes

    Luke Rockhold -660

    Michael Bisping +540

    Dominick Cruz -430

    Urijah Faber +380

    Max Holloway -310

    Ricardo Lamas +280

    Hector Lombard -400

    Dan Henderson +355

    Dustin Poirier -192

    Bobby Green +177

    Rockhold was a pretty consistent -1100 favorite two days ago.  Cruz was -500 to -600, so his odds have closed slightly as well.

    We’re looking for live reports on these shows tonight to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

    *WWE in Odessa, TX (Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Seth Rollins, Alberto De Rio, Charlotte, Rusev, Usos, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Baron Corbin)

    *NXT in Nashville

    *NXT in Crystal River, FL

    *ROH in Collinsville, IL (Jay Briscoe & War Machine vs. Jay Lethal & Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian, Adam Cole vs. Kamaitachi, Roderick Strong vs. Silas Young vs. Stevie Richards vs. Moose) 

    NEW JAPAN WORLD FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8  P.M. FOR A TWO HOUR G-1 SPECIAL

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Tetsuya Naito

    A.J. Styles vs. Kota Ibushi

    Katsuyori Shibata vs. Togi Makabe

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tomohiro Ishii

    Michael Elgin vs. Tomoaki Honma

    Yuji Nagata vs. Karl Anderson

    LUCHA LIBRE WORLD CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT FROM PUEBLA ON IPPV AT www.Internetvluchalibreworldcup.tv

    CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME AT www.clarosportscom/en-vivo02/

    Shockercito & Ultimo Dragoncito vs. Pequeno Olimpico & Pequeno Violencia

    Fuego & Pegasso & Triton vs. Fujin & Raijin (Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu & Okumura

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

    Rey Cometa & Stuka Jr. & Titan vs. Cavernario & Felino & Mr Niebla

    La Mascara vs. Pierroth

    Atlantis & Marco Corleone & Valiente vs. Negro Casas & Shocker & Ultimo Guerrero

    RESURRECTION FIGHTING ALLIANCE TONIGHT FROM COSTA MESA, CA AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON AXS

    Jason Gonzalez (155.8) vs. Chris Padilla (154)

    Mario Israel (135.8) vs. Albert Morales (134.6)

    Nick Barnes (169.4) vs. Jose Diaz (169.4)

    Karen Darabedyan (155.2) vs. Christos Giagos (154.8)

    Vinicius Zani (135.4) vs. Joe Murphy (137.2)

    Jamall Emmers (154.8) vs. Thiago Moises (155) for the lightweight title

    Saturday night we’re looking for reports from:

    *WWE in Lubbock, TX (Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Seth Rollins, Alberto Del Rio, Charlotte, Rusev, Usos, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Cesaro)

    *WWE in Tulsa (Kane, Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Paige, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Apollo Crews, Sheamus, New Day, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)

    *NXT in Atlanta at Center Stage

    *NXT in Fort Pierce, FL.

    *ROH in Indianapolis at the Harvest Pavilion (Adam Cole & Adam Page vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley, Jay Lethal vs. Mark Briscoe non-title, Moose vs. Jay Briscoe, Roderick Strong vs. Kamaitachi vs. Jason Kincaid vs. ACH vs. Lio Rush vs. Will Ferrara)

    UFC 199 SATURDAY FROM THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

    Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m.

    Maestro Dong Hyun Kim vs. Polo Reyes

    Kevin Casey vs. Elvis Mutapcic

    Luiz Henrique da Silva vs. Jonathan Wilson

    Tom Breese vs. Sean Strickland

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Jessica Andrade vs. Jessica Penne

    Beneil Dariush vs. James Vick

    Clay Guida vs. Brian Ortega

    Alex Caceres vs Cole Miller

    PPV at 10 p.m.

    Dustin Poirier vs. Bobby Green

    Dan Henderson vs. Hector Lombard

    Max Holloway vs. Ricardo Lamas

    Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber for bantamweight title

    Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping for middleweight title

    NEW JAPAN WORLD SUNDAY AT 3 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM GUNMA

    Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White vs. Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky Romero

    Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Juice Robinson & Captain New Japan & Matt Sydal

    Tiger Mask vs. Trent Baretta

    Will Ospreay vs. Jushin Liger

    Bobby Fish vs. Chase Owens

    Ricochet vs. Volador Jr.

    Satoshi Kojima & Michael Elgin & Yoshitatsu vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi

    Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada & Bushi

    LUCHA LIBRE WORLD CUP SUNDAY FROM PALACIO DE LOS DEPORTES IN MEXICO CITY ON IPPV AT www.internetvluchalibreworld.cup.tv

    Sunday we’re looking for reports from:

    *WWE in Amarillo (Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Seth Rollins, Alberto Del Rio, Charlotte, Rusev, Usos, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Cesaro)

    *WWE in Lawton, OK (Kane, Big Show, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Paige, Enzo, Cass, Dudleys, Apollo, Crews, Sheamus, New Day, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)

    *ROH in Columbus, OH at the Ohio Expo Building (Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian defend the tag title against War Machine, Adam Cole vs. Lio Rush, Dalton Castle vs. Kamaitachi) 

    NEW JAPAN WORLD MONDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)

    Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil

    Volador Jr. vs. Will Ospreay

    Ricochet vs. Chase Owens

    Bobby Fish vs. Tiger Mask

    Jushin Liger vs. Trent Baretta

    Matt Sydal vs. David Finlay

    Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero

    Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo

    Kushida vs. Bushi

    Raw will be Monday in Oklahoma City.  John Cena, Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are all booked on the show along with the usual regulars.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD TUESDAY AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME FROM SENDAI (English language commentary)

    Best of the Super Juniors championship match

    NXT TAKEOVER THE END ON WEDNESDAY AT 8 P.M. FROM FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY IN WINTER PARK, FL

    Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger

    Asuka vs. Nia Jax for women’s title

    Jason Jordan & Chad Gable vs. Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder for tag titles

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries

    Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match for the NXT title

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Wichita.  John Cena is not scheduled but Seth Rollins and Chris Jericho are scheduled.

    THE ROUND-UP

    If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly 5/30/2016: Big Vito’s deposition – If you thought Evan Singleton’s deposition went badly for the plaintiffs in the WWE concussion lawsuit, then that appears to be nothing compared to what happened a week later during Vito LoGrasso’s deposition on May 18th. Given the back and forth over LoGrasso claiming that head injuries caused partial deafness when, in the past, he had spoken of having a hearing impairment since birth, the deposition promised to be interesting. It over-delivered.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 6, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: More details on WWE brand split, Jimmy Snuka found incompetent, more

    A huge double issue of the Observer is out this week, including the real catalyst behind the WWE brand split, a breakdown of the roster, justice denied again in the Jimmy Snuka case, Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay and the Super Juniors tournament plus a full rundown, the story behind Bill Goldberg and the WWE video game and the Brock Lesnar tease, famous boxer vs. pro wrestler fights, WWE schedule and injury rates, business rundowns from the past two months for WWE & TNA, updates on cable stations that carry wrestling and MMA, and one of the greatest territorial business runs in history in the life and career of Cowboy Frankie Laine.

    Our lead story looks at the WWE brand split, why it happened, what is known that isn’t a secret, ads out post brand split, plans for the split two months ago and what the ad department was told then, what different arenas have been told this week, thoughts behind decisions having too be made, plus a roster rundown on what positions WWE is strong and weak in, and where NXT talent should fit in and who is ready, or who can fill a slot.

    There is also an update on the Jimmy Snuka situation, with a realistic view if there will be a trial and what the time frame is and what happens next.

    This issue also looks at the Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet match, Vader’s reaction, Super Juniors standings and rundowns of the shows plus looking at where things are going.

    Updates on Money in the Bank, stars returning to television soon, how the NBA & NHL playoffs coincide with wrestling the next two weeks, an update on NXT, lots of WWE performers off TV for the next several weeks, notes from lawsuit depositions that are eye opening, Cena getting a gigantic endorsement deal, Rollins return news, injury updates, lots of Dwayne Johnson news, WrestleMania in the future notes, notes on how little talent gets told in advance about things, who watches what on WWE network, plus we’ve got rundowns of every WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on the shows, all included in in this issue.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

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    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 26, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davy Boy Smith recovering in the hospital, UFC to be sanctioned by Nevada State Athletic Commission, more. This past week has seen Davey Boy Smith, going stir crazy in a Calgary Hospital, attempt to start battling back after the worst year in his life.

    FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

    The AAA World Cup debuts on iPPV tonight

    The first round matches are tonight and the semifinals and finals of the men’s division are Sunday and finals of the women’s divsion are Sunday.

    Men’s teams:

    • Team NOAH:  Taiji Ishimori & Naomichi Marufuji & Maybach Taniguchi
    • Team Ouduo/Zero One:  Akebono & Masato Tanaka & Ikuto Hidaka
    • Team AAA:  Pentagon Jr. & El Texano Jr. & Psycho Clown
    • Team Lucha Underground Mexico:  Rey Mysterio Jr. & Dragon Azteca Jr. & Dr. Wagner Jr.
    • Team Lucha Underground U.S:  Johnny Mundo & Brian Cage & Chavo Guerrero Jr.
    • Team TNA:  Ethan Carter III & Tyrus & Eli Drake
    • Team International:  Mil Muertes & Apolo & Rockstar Spud

    Women’s teams:

    • Team Japan Wave & Oz Academy:  Aja Kong & Yuki Miyazaki & Natsu Sumire
    • Team Mexico:  Lady Apache & Fabi Apache & Mari Apache
    • Team U.S:  Santana Garrett & Cheerleader Melissa & Sienna
    • Team Canada:  Taya & Allie & K.C. Spinelli

    Josh Matthews is in Puebla right now so he will be the lead announcer on the English broadcast.  Weird when they already have Chris Cruise as the English language voice of AAA, not to mention Mike Tenay available. 

    So here’ the crazy thing about the show.  I have received all kinds of promotional material and nowhere does it say the starting time.  We were told it starts at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time tonight.

    A funny part of the promotion is how little the competitors were briefed.  Rey Mysterio Jr. didn’t do the media day yesterday and the media was most interested in him.  Tyrus was said to have hid in he back.  Psycho Clown talked about looking forward to facing Takayama, except Takayama (who was in the World Cup last year) isn’t even in the tournament.  The Team Mexico women said that the three Japanese women were real fighters while saying that the U.S. and Canadian teams were pretty girls.

    WWE

    • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:  Out of the Shadows, which features Sheamus, as well as Stephen Amell, debuts at the theaters tonight. 
    • Scott Garland (Scotty 2 Hotty) was helping train the wrestlers this week at the Performance  Center.
    • Karl Anderson talks wanting to face Randy Orton
    • Brian Fritz talks to Dolph Ziggler about Swerved Season 2 which premieres Monday after Raw on the WWE Network, who is the worst WWE talent at taking a joke, the upcoming brand split and how the current era compares to others in WWE history. 
    • You can also listen to the interview on the Between The Ropes podcast

    UFC

    • The latest from UFC 199, with what happened at the press conference, Luke Rockhold and Dominick Cruz promoting their fights and more
    • Esquire Magazine has a story on Nate Diaz
    • The Fight Pass schedule for the next few weeks for live events:
      6/4 EFN headlined by Ilja Skondric vs. Alexey Stoyan from Russia
      6/4 Prelims before UFC 1999
      6/4 Cage Warriors from England with Jack Marshman vs. Ali Arish 
      6/10 Titan Fighting Championships headlined by J.Z. Cavalcante vs. Pat Healy
      6/11 Pancrase from Japan headlined by Hatsu Hioki vs. Yojiro Uchimura
      6/17 Brace MMA with Kieran Joblin vs Greg Atzori
      6/19 Vale Tudo Japan
      6/24 Victory FC with two title fights
      6/24 Glory 31 with Zack Mwekassa vs. Mourad Bouzidi

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Jim Ross will be broadcasting boxing on Saturday night on CBS Sports Network from Cancun, Mexico.
    • Northeast indie wrestler Cam Zingami talks the American Grit TV show he’s been on and John Cena
    • The German Wrestling League debuts on TV at 10 p.m. tonight on Fightbox HD.  The GWL is Alex Wright’s promotion.  The show will replay at 6:10 p.m. on Sunday.
    • NWAOnDemand.com has unearthed a match from the 60s with Johnny Valentine vs. Wild Bull Curry.  I have a copy of this match and I’ll just say it is fascinating to watch.  You’ll see very quickly why the top wrestlers of that era like The Funks and Jack Brisco all listed Valentine as one of the five best.
    • There is a match from Progress Wrestling with Hero vs. Tommy End that people are raving about.
    • Konnan talks rapping, music and WCW
    • Harley Race’s WLW television show
    • On this edition see action in the WLW Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament as Jon Webb faces Kyle Roberts in the semi-final round. 
    • Harley Race’s WLW-TV is hosted by Leland Race and Brian Thompson.
    • A video of Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer talking ECW

    EVENTS

    • TONIGHT – There is a big show at the Auditorio in Tijuana tonight with L.A. Park vs. Rush vs. Cibernetico and Extreme Tiger & Mistico & Rey Hours (Dragon Azteca Jr.) vs. Mr. Aguila & El Hijo del L.A. Park & Mephisto plus a TLC match with Mortiz vs. Aero Boy.
    • TONIGHT – Rockstar Pro Wrestling has an iPPV tonight at 7 p.m. from the Rockstar Pro Arena in Dayton, OH with Sami Callihan vs. Aaron Williams vs. Ethan Page plus Gregory Iron & Zach Gowen as a tag team and Jessicka Havok vs. Samantha Heights.
    • TOMORROW – ECWA on Saturday night in Woodbury Heights, NJ at the Community Center with Sean Carr vs. Papadon
    • TOMORROW – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
    • TOMORROW – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
    • TOMORROW – Aerostar vs. Flamita vs. Laredo Kid vs. Septimo Dragon headline tonight in Benbrook, TX at the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.  The same promotion has a tag match tomorrow night in Houston at the Atlantico Hall with Aerostar & Laredo Kid vs. Flamita & Ultimo Ninja.
    • TOMORROW – CWE in Morden, Manitoba at the Morden Block Party Street Festival has a free show with a 1 p.m. start time.
    • SUNDAY – AAA’s Victoria World Cup men and women’s trio tournament finals at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City which will be a live iPPV show
    • SUNDAY – Silver Star Promotions at the 4 Ever Arena in Fort Worth has Caristico & El Hijo del Fishman vs. Silver Star & Psicosis Jr. 
    • June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
    • June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
    • June 11 – ECCW Port Coquitlam, BC at the Elks Hall #49.
    • June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
    • June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
    • June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
    • June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us” features Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Drago vs. Chris Hero, and more at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) All Ages Event – Tickets available.
    • June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
    • June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
    • June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
    • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
    • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
    • June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com as the top prelim fight Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis.  This will be a combination MMA and kickboxing show.
    • June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym  has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
    • July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack and an appearance by Kevin Nash.
    • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.
    • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center.  Chris Hero will headline this fund raising event to raise money for the Godson of Jeremy Elliott, who Hero will wrestle.  Elliott’s Godson is a patient at the CPRI Treatment Center.
    • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY.
    • August 13 – Rey Mysterio Jr. will headline a show at Montgomery High School in San Diego, his alma mater, for Viva La Lucha promotions.  Also appearing are Konnan, Psicosis, Johnny Mundo, Teddy Hart and TJ Perkins.

    Today in Professional Wrestling History: 

  • WWE Main Event results: The Boss returns to ruin Summer Rae’s “New Error”

    Vaudevillains in-ring promo

    The New Era overload continues as Aiden English boasts that leaving the New Day laying “singlehandedly” on RAW proves, once and for all, that the “New Era” reflects the “Bygone Era”, whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean. Simon Gotch then introduces English’s “pre-emptive eulogy” for the New Day’s tag team titles “in the form of song”. English makes a unbelievably terrible World’s Fair reference before singing for a little while until Enzo & Cass interrupt.

    Enzo does his “couple of haters” line, prompting Gotch to ask, non-rhetorically, if he remembers Payback. English reckons that the little man’s head is “S.O.F.T.” after the concussion he sustained on that particular Sunday. And then, Big Cass if forced to recite a line so awful that it almost matched the cruddy material he was given on this very show a few weeks ago. Cass threatens to beat their “rusty pipes….back into Prohibition” so they won’t be able to “speak easy”. Wow.

    Enzo & Cass def. The Vaudevillains by pinfall

    The usual 12 minute opening match, four minutes of which is (fortunately) lost to a commercial break. Gotch and English got the heat on Enzo for an absolute eon. Nobody cared. Eventually Cass did his brief hot tag schtick before setting up Enzo for the silly-looking Rocket Launcher.

    Zack Ryder def. Viktor by pinfall

    Viktor, now kitted out with Darth Maul-esque face-paint, delightfully poses the question, “Where’s your ‘woo woo’ now?”, during the heat. His smugness doesn’t last long however, with Ryder wrapping this one up in under five minutes. The finish saw Viktor get cut off while perched on the top rope. Ryder then hit a ‘rana, followed by the Broski Boot and an Elbro Drop.

    Sasha Banks def. Summer Rae by submission w/ Dolph Ziggler on commentary

    Looks like I wasn’t the only one who appreciated Ziggler’s over-exuberant contributions to the announce booth on last week’s show. Despite having no connection to any current Women’s division storyline, he’s back again to lend his thoughts on Banks’ first televised match since April 18. Ziggler does however reference his history with Summer Rae, which is a nice touch.

    Summer cuts a promo before Banks’ entrance, following up a mention of the brand extension with a hilariously apt slip of the tongue: “New Error”. She reckons that the entire WWE Universe is wondering which show she will end up on. Meanwhile, all three announcers are laughing openly.

    Sasha eventually interrupts, but is quickly cut off by Summer, who mocks her for failing at Wrestlemania. The Boss tells Summer that, despite her thoughts to the contrary, Summer “wouldn’t be Women’s champion at Wrestlemania…..you can’t even hold my mic!”. I guess that’s supposed to be a burn in the writers’ universe, but Summer ruins it by catching the thrown mic! The three announcers again laugh uproariously, with Dolph selling the catch like it was the greatest thing he’s ever seen: “BUT SHE HELD IT!”.

    The match itself was short, at six minutes, but perfectly acceptable. Sasha’s comeback kicked off with running double knees into the face of Summer Rae, with The Boss hanging on for a subsequent pinfall attempt (Dolph: “It would be hard for me to kick out of that, King”). More knee-based offence got cut off by a vicious-looking DDT from Summer, before Sasha caught a spin kick attempt and transitioned straight into a Banks Statement. Summer tapped with both hands, which caused Dolph to lose his bowel contents again: “Double tap, TP!”. The final line uttered, as the show went off the air, was also Ziggler’s: “I love this so much!”.

    Final Thoughts

    As weird as it is to say, Dolph Ziggler’s announcing saved this show. I’m as surprised as you are. The guy’s overconfident, handsy, depth-free promos bug the hell out of me, but he appears to have an aptitude for this; more of an aptitude than he has for stand-up comedy, at least. Meanwhile, everything the Vaudevillains touch continues to turn to ice, as Enzo & Cass are finally involved in a segment so badly scripted that even Enzo’s delivery can’t save it.