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  • FRI UPDATE: G-1 finals, NXT, UFC title fight delayed, CM Punk Twitter wars

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for your thoughts on today’s New Japan show from Sumo Hall, as well as tomorrow and Sunday’s shows for the weekend polls, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

    We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s GFW show in Winston-Salem, NC  (Sonjay Dutt vs. PJ Black, Brad Attitude & Vordell Walker & Peter Kassa vs Ali Akbar &  Cliff Compton & Jason Kincaid, Le’D Tapa vs. Tessa Blanchard, Bravado Brothers vs. Washington Bullets, Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett for the OMEGA title, Nick Aldis vs. Lance Hoyt) at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

    New Japan World Pro Wrestling Returns on AXS TV at 8 p.m. (one hour earlier than usual)

    Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka

    Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi vs. A.J. Styles & Tama Tonga

    Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kushida for IWGP Jr. title

    There will be a CES MMA show at 9 p.m. on AXS TV tonight which is why New Japan will air one hour early.

    Live G-1 B block finals from Sumo Hall in Tokyo at 5:30 a.m. Eastern tomorrow on New Japan World

    Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly

    Young Bucks vs. Jay White & David Finlay non-title

    Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi & Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Cody Hall

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Togi Makabe & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan & Ricochet

    Tomohiro Ishii vs. Michael Elgin

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kazuchika Okada

    Yujiro Takahashi vs. Tomoaki Honma

    Hirooki Goto vs. Yuji Nagata

    Satoshi Kojima vs. Karl Anderson

    WWE has shows on Saturday night in Sioux Falls, SD (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt), Detroit (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for WWE title, Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro plus  Chris Jericho) and NXT in Coral Springs, FL.

    Evolve on Saturday night on iPPV from Woodside, NY at La Boom at 6 p.m. Eastern time at www.WWNLive.com

    Timothy Thatcher vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the Evolve title

    Johnny Gargano vs. Ethan Page

    Rich Swann vs. Drew Gulak

    Chris Hero vs. Mike Bailey

    Trent Baretta vs. Rey Hours

    Biff Busick vs. Tracy Williams

    WWE on Sunday has shows in Fargo, ND (Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt) and Bemidji, MN (Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for WWE title, Kevin Owens vs Cesaro).

    New Japan G-1 Climax finals from Sumo Hall at 2 a.m. Sunday Eastern time (11 p.m. Saturday night) on New Japan World

    Tiger Mask & Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Bushi & Mascara Dorada

    A ton of matches involving the guys in the G-1 tournament that aren’t in the finals

    Young Bucks vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly for IWGP jr. tag titles

    Kushida vs. Ricochet for IWGP jr. title

    G-1 Climax finals:  Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. ?

    Evolve on Sunday night on iPPV from Deer Park, NY at the Sportatorium at 8 p.m. also on www.WWNLive.com

    Timothy Thatcher vs. Biff Busick

    Chris Hero vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    Trent Baretta vs. Caleb Konley

    Johnny Gargano vs. ?

    Ethan Page vs. Rich Swann

    Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams vs. Mike Bailey & Rey Hours

    The go-home Raw for SummerSlam will be Monday night from the Target Center in Minneapolis.  John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker and the entire crew will be at the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday night in Green Bay.  

    A look at the WWE shows next week in Brooklyn is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also have full coverage of the G-1 Climax tournament and how it all builds for the Tokyo Dome and the fall season, as well as coverage of all the G-1 matches this past week.  We also have a look at the Teamsters attempting to unionize UFC fighters, the UFC’s letter sent to fighters and morale issues.  We also have a look at the AAA TripleMania PPV show, UFC ratings increases, the brawl at the WSOF show, UFC suing Wanderlei Silva and Layla retiring.

    The issue is on the site right now at August 17, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Summerslam build, Unions courting UFC fighters

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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 the WWE events in Brooklyn with three straight full houses and look historically at the only other promotion that has been able to do it historically and the record, as well as updates on the NXT and SummerSlam shows and more details on the NXT card as well as the probable main event stipulation and ticket demand.

    We have a complete look at the G-1 Climax tournament, including updates on the last few days, the standings, the Sumo Hall preview and coverage of all the shows this past week with star ratings.

    We’ve got a look at the attempts to unionize UFC fighters, the real story behind the attempt, the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters and why they probably could have written it better, and a look at UFC business.

    We also look at the wealth of Vince McMahon, Rosa Mendes being pregnant, WWE injury updates, lawsuits, weird match, Tough Enough, new names, insider trading, Raw advance, Diva search news plus notes on all the weekend WWE & NXT events. 

    We look at TripleMania, all the problems with the show, what happened with the Spanish language broadcast, mistakes made in booking, how the card had to change from its original plans, the letter AAA sent out after, the retirements and Hall of Fame ceremony, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

    We also have coverage of this past week’s UFC show, with business notes, the Johnson-Dariush scoring, and match by match coverage with bonuses.

    We also look at the brawl at the WSOF show with The Diaz Brothers and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as the problems in the Jake Shields vs.  Rousimar Palhares fight.

    We’ve also got notes on the retirement of Layla from WWE and highlights of her career.

    We also look at the lawsuit WWE has filed against Wanderlei Silva for alleging the company fixes fights.

    We look at the CMLL Anniversary show, an injury to the best older wrestler in the business, a New Japan star comes to Mexico and a rundown on the main events the past two weeks at Arena Mexico.

    We also look at another Rey Mysterio match, as well as the next major Dragon  Gate show lineup and highlights from the past week.

    We also look at New Japan stars heading to NOAH.

    We also look at the beginning of talks for an international group to return to PPV, as well as a look at the Fire Festival, one of Genichiro Tenryu’s last matches and a set up for an angle with one of the biggest stars of the 80s vs. one of the biggest stars of the 90s.

    We’ve got notes on the funeral of Roddy Piper, more on the Hulk Hogan tapes story, Hogan’s first public appearance, two Roddy Piper moves that haven’t come out, one of the biggest stars of the last ten years suffering a major health issue, a former star gets his number retired, a U.K. star returns after cancer, a retirement that probably isn’t a retirement, a Japanese promotion running in October in California, a wrestler having his first match in 20 years, the second oldest living wrestler and his background, big shows in Puerto Rico and news no two different wrestling Halls of Fame.

    We also have an update on the status of Lucha Underground, what changes have to be made, the audience watching the show, what to look out for, notes on the contracts the performers have, update on Vampiro and coverage of both weeks of Ultima Lucha.

    We also look at the ROH show in Brooklyn, TNA Hall of fame ceremony, and upcoming TNA house shows.

    We also look at McGregor vs. Aldo, a big show vs. normal show, Las Vegas vs. Cowboys Stadium, Rousey vs. Cyborg update, Lawler vs. McGregor, UFC financials, how much it costs them every year just in interest on their bond, what kind of profits they are making, lots of ratings into, Rousey business notes, the Aldo drug testing fiasco, Overeem vs. Dos Santos, Punk vs. Pendred, fighter already talking about coming out of retirement, and lots of new UFC fights.

    We also have notes on Josh Thomson and Bellator, Bellator’s next major show, Josh Koscheck blasts UFC and more Bellator fights.

    We have an update on Chris Leben after his arrest, new WSOF shows, a crime fighter returns to MMA and notes on weight cutting.

    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

    FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • At last night’s NXT tapings, they taped shows for after Takeover with Sasha Banks coming out with the NXT women’s belt and Kevin Owens coming out with the NXT title.  This could be an attempt to fool people, and I guess we’ll find out Saturday.  Historically, I can only think of one instance WWF ever did that to fool people and every other time it was exactly what it looked to be.  But they haven’t done anything like this in more than a decade, because of the nature of syndication being dead and Raw being live.
    • So this is the situation with G-1.  Hiroshi Tanahashi won the A block earlier today beating A.J. Styles.  I have yet to watch the match but people are raving about it including one person at ringside who told me that many girls in the audience were in tears at the finish.  The B block comes down to this:

    1) If Kazuchika Okada beats Shinsuke Nakamura, he wins the block with an 8-1 record, and will face Tanahashi in the finals.  I don’t expect that to happen.

    2) If Nakamura wins, and Yuji Nagata beats Hirooki Goto, and Satoshi Kojima beats Karl Anderson, then Nakamura vs. Tanahashi is the final match.

    3) If Nakamura, Goto and Kojima win, then Nakamura vs. Tanahashi is the final match.

    4) If Nakamura, Nagata and Anderson win, then Nakamura, Okada and Anderson will need a three-way playoff, probably on Sunday

    5) If Nakamura, Goto and Anderson win, then, based on records against the field, Nakamura vs. Anderson would have to meet in a singles match, probably on Sunday, with the winner facing Tanahashi.

    Of the above scenarios, I don’t expect No. 1 or No. 4 to happen, but they could.  Situations No. 2, 3 or 5 seem more likely.  If it’s my call, I’m going No. 5.

    • ROH booker Hunter Johnston was at the show today and will be at the shows the next two days as well, and the relationship between ROH and New Japan, which had the bump with Jushin Liger appearing for WWE this coming week, appears to be stronger than ever now.  They are working on plans for the future.
    • The Joanna Jedrzejczyk title defense against Claudia Gadelha is being moved back due to a torn ligament in Gadelha’s right middle finger and she won’t be able to train on it for three months.  The earliest Gadelha would be ready to fight is January.
    • There has been a big Twitter war between Will Brooks and Patricio Pitbull Freire.  It started when Freire was goading Brooks by noting that he was in the main event, against Daniel Straus, while Brooks was in the semi-main, against Marcin Held, when they both fight on 11/6 in St. Louis.  This led to taunts back-and-forth.
    • Cathal Pendred, after coming out on the short end of a Twitter war with C.M. Punk,. has challenged Punk for Punk’s debut fight. 
    • Raw on 8/24 at the Barclays Center is sold out.  The recently released allotment of tickets is gone.
    • Evolve is pushing a free Timothy Thatcher match video
    • A story on a fight Brock Lesnar got in while he was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2004
    • 2K today announced the in-game soundtrack details for WWE® 2K16, the forthcoming release in the flagship WWE video game franchise. The soundtrack will feature 11 unique tracks from established and emerging artists that transcend multiple genres, including alternative, hip-hop, classic rock, heavy metal, country and electronic dance. The full WWE 2K16 soundtrack was revealed exclusively during Release on Beats 1 on Apple Music and is available now for streaming at http://apple.co/1DSFmcf. WWE 2K16 is currently scheduled for release on October 27, 2015 in North America and October 30, 2015 internationally for Xbox One and Xbox 360, as well as the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems.

             The WWE 2K16 soundtrack is scheduled to include the following artists and songs: 

    • Billy Idol – “Rebel Yell”
      Diplo (feat. Faustix & Imanos and Kai)  – “Revolution”
      Fashawn (feat. Nas & Aloe Blacc) – “Something To Believe In”
      Kid Ink – “Hello World”
      Marilyn Manson – “Deep Six”
      MGK (feat. Victoria Monet) – “A Little More”
      Run-DMC – “It’s Tricky”
      Skid Row – “Youth Gone Wild”
      Twenty One Pilots – “Heavydirtysoul”
      Yelawolf – “Till It’s Gone” [Dan Heath Remix]
      Zac Brown Band (feat. Chris Cornell) – “Heavy Is The Head”
      Zedd (feat. Logic and X-Ambassadors) – “Transmission”
    • The full lineup for the CHIKARA King of Trios tournament 9/4 to 9/6 in Easton, PA at the Palmer Center:
      Arcane Horde:  Kodama & Obariyon & Oleg the Usurper
      Battleborn:  Kevin Condron & Lucas Calhoun & Missile Assault Man
      Battle Hive:  Amasis & Fire Ant & Worker Ant
      Bruderschaft des Kreuzes:  Jakob Hammermeier & Nokken & Soldier Ant
      Bullet Club:  A.J. Styles & Young Bucks
      Crown & Court:  El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream Jr. & Princess Kimber Lee
      Dasher’s Dugout:  Dasher Hatfield & Icarus & Mark Angelosetti
      Devastation Corporation:  Blaster McMassive & Flex Rumblecrunch & Max Smashmaster
      Gentleman’s Club:  Chuck Taylor & Drew Gulak & Swamp Monster
      Nightmare Warriors:  Frightmare & Hallowicked & Silver Ant
      The Snake:  Eddie Kingston & Ophidian & Shynron
      Team AAA:  Aero Star & Drago & Fenix
      Team Attack:  Mark Andrews & Morgan Webster & Pete Dunne
      BWO:  Stevie Richards & Blue Meanie & Nova
      Fight Club:  MK McKinnan & Trent Seven & Tyler Bate
      United Nations:  Juan Francisco de Coronado & Mr. Azerbaijan & Boar of Moldova
    • This one is almost spooky.  Today would be the birthdays for Gino Hernandez (who would have been 58), Eddie Gilbert and Buddy Landel (who all would have been 53). 
    • IHWE on 10/31 in Crowley, TX at the Rec Center.
    • From yesterday’s update, Dori Yeates, the Canadian Pan American games gold medal winning wrestler who will be on tonight’s show in Brockton, ONT, will not be doing a pro wrestling match, but doing an amateur exhibition match on a pro wrestling show.  The promotion did this before to try and help raise money for their training. (thanks to Colin Brackenridge)
    • CZW on 9/12 in Voorhees, NJ at Flyers Skate Zone with an iPPV at 6:30 p.m.   There is also a women’s show in the same building at 4 p.m.  Nick Gage & Biff Busick vs. Drew & Rory Gulak headlines the show plus AR Fox vs. Mike Bailey in a Chris Cash Memorial ladder match.
    • NWA Vendetta Pro Wrestling on 9/18 in Santa Maria, CA at he Radisson Hotel.
    • In the first step of a planned working agreement with Jeff Jarrett’s GFW and OMEGA Pro, Trevor Lee will be defending the OMEGA title on tonight’s GFW show in Winston-Salem, NC at the ballpark.
    • Alpha-1 Wrestling on 9/20 in Hamilton, ONT at 222 Queenston, Rd with Rickey Page vs. Cedric Alexander plus a title tournament for the Alpha Male title.
    • Lucha Toronto on 9/20 at Chapter Two featuring Vampiro and Pantera, as well as Lince Dorado.
    • C4 tomorrow night in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.  All ticket sales go to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Phrank Morin, who wrestler who passed away from cancer at the age of 23, four years ago.  The main event has Ultimo Dragon & Super Smash Brothers vs. Pinkie Sanchez & Mike Draztik & Angel Ortiz, Buxx Belmar vs. Roderick Strong, Too Cold Scorpio vs. Michael  Von Payton and more.
    • All-Star Wrestling from last night in Haysi, VA:  Reno Kid & Wolf b Beast & Johnny Mustang, Nate Diamond b Joe Briggs, Misty James & Samantha Star (the daughter of Nickla Roberts and Sam Houston) b Kacee Carlisle & Rebecca Lynn, Jimmy Valiant & Ricky Morton & Iron Cross b Beau James & Stan Lee & Scott Sterling, Bulldog Mac b Alex Cage
    • Today’s new match on NWAClassics.com is Brad Armstrong vs. Ernie Ladd.
    • ROH has announced shows for 9/11 in Dayton and 9/12 in Chicago Ridge, IL.
    • The Super Fight League makes its Canadian debut on Saturday night in Calgary with Roland Delorme vs. Jesse Arnett.  The show will air after its conclusion on YouTube.

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

    1968 – Cyclone Negro & Baron Scicluna beat Mario Milano & Dominic DeNucci in Brisbane to win the IWA tag titles

    1989 – Sangre Chicana beat Villano III to win the WWF light heavyweight title

    1998 – La Parka (L.A. Park) beat Pirata Morgan to win the AAA heavyweight title

    2001 – Tokyo Magnum & Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito beat Cima & Suwa & Big Fujii and Masaaki Mochizuki & Yasushi Kanda & Darkness Dragon in a three-way in Tokyo to win the UWA trios titles

    2001 – Olimpico & Sicodelico Jr. beat Black Warrior & Sangre Azteca in Mexico City to win the CMLL Gran Alternative tournament

    2010 – Masato Yoshino beat Tiger’s Mask in Kobe to win the Open the Brave Gate title

    2011 – Shinsuke Nakamura beat Tetsuya Naito to win the G-1 Climax tournament

  • Cena to co-host the Today Show on NBC

    John Cena will be co-hosting The Today Show on NBC both Monday after SummerSlam and again on Thursday at 9 a.m. for one hour.  It’s part of an overall NBC Universal strategy to strengthen the image of WWE.

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (August 14): CM Punk beats John Cena to unify WWE title and then loses it, Hulk Hogan “retires” Kevin Nash

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1941 – In Kansas City at Memorial Hall; World Heavyweight Champion Lee Wykoff beat Bobby Bruns in 2 out of 3 falls, In a Texas rules match, Ray Eckert beat Carl Von Herbert

    1947 – In Kansas City, Kansas; Cardiff Giant beat Warren Bockwinkel 2 falls to 1; Sockeye Jack McDonald  beat Tug Carlson, Wally Dusek beat Carlos Rodriquez and Sailor Fred Blassie drew Finice Hall

    1964 – In Denver, Colorado; Mad Dog Vachon beat Jack Pesek and The Crusher beat Wilbur Snyder.

    1967 – In Davenport, Iowa; in a Loser Leaves Town match; The Crusher beat Johnny Powers, Mighty Igor Vodik (sub Earl Maynard) beat Larry Hennig and Rene Goulet & Igor Vodik & Al Kashey (sub Earl Maynard) beat Steve Druk & Harley Race & Larry Hennig

    1970 – In Chicago, Illinois at Comiskey Park (former home of the Chicago White Sox); AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher in 2 of three falls in a steel cage match; AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Baron Von Raschke in 2 of 3 falls (Raschke was billed as the undefeated challenger); Dr X beat Paul Diamond, Ernie Ladd no contest Blackjack Lanza, Wilbur Snyder beat Mitsu Arakawa, Pepper Gomez beat Double X (XX unmasked), Dr Big Bill Miller ddq Bobo Brazil, Larry Hennig beat Red Bastien and Jean Antone & Lucille Dupree beat Linda Klein & Betty Niccoli. Attendance was 21,000.

    1973 – Buddy Colt won a one night tournament to become the Macon Heavyweight Title in Macon, Georgia.

    1975 – In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Billy Robinson beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne on a 2nd fall dq, Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens & Baron Von Raschke beat Gene Kiniski & Jos Leduc (sub Dusty Rhodes) & Ivan Putski in 2 out of 3 falls, Pampero Firpo beat Buddy Wolff, Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant beat Bull Bullinski & Khosrow Vaziri (Iron Sheik) and Greg Gagne beat Bobby Jones. Attendance was 6,138

    1981 – In Houston, Texas; AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Wahoo McDaniel in 2 out of 3 falls; Southwest Tag Team Champions Gino Hernandez & Tully Blanchard vs Mil Mascaras & Manny Fernandez, Dick Slater vs Tom Prichard and Scott Casey vs Buck Robley

    1982 -In Houston, Texas; AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Dick Slater, In a Piledriver match, Bob Sweetan beat Jerry Lawler, Mongolian Stomper beat Terry Funk and Junkyard Dog & Ernie Ladd beat Tully Blanchard & Gino Hernandez

    1984 – In Québec City; Abdullah the Butcher ddq Jos Leduc, AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel, Dino Bravo beat King Tonga dq, Rick Valentine & Sailor White beat Raymond & Jacques Rougeau to win International Tag Team Title, Richard Charland & Frenchie Martin & Mad Dog Lefebvre beat Gino Brito Jr. & Armand Rougeau & Domenic DeNucci, Bob De La Serra beat Tony Ricco,  Henri Cardinal beat Tito Senza and Denis Goulet drew Rocky De La Serra. Attendance was 11,200; Dr. Tom Prichard and Brett Sawyer defeated Mike Miller and Mr Ebony (Tom Jones) to win the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

    1999 – Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley defeated Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley in Toledo, Ohio to win the ECW World Tag Team Championship

    1999 – In Sturgis, South Dakota; Harlem Heat defeated Kanyon & Bam Bam Bigelow to win the WCW World Tag Team Title at the Road Wild PPV. Also, WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Kevin Nash in a retirement match and WCW United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Diamond Dallas Page

    2000 – Rey Mysterio & Juventud Guerrera won the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Vampiro & The Great Muta.

    2011 – At the SummerSlam PPV; Randy Orton defeated Christian in a no holds match to win the World Title; CM Punk defeated John Cena to unify the WWE Title. Immediately after the match, Alberto Del Rio cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeated CM Punk to win the WWE Title.

  • NJPW G1 Climax Tournament 8-14 live results: Styles vs. Tanahashi to determine A Block winner

    by Bryan Rose, WrestlingObserver.com

    Welcome to today’s coverage of the G1 Climax tournament. Only three shows left, all taking place at Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Tonight’s show will determine the A block winner between AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi. Tomorrow we’ll find out the winner of the B Block, and on Sunday morning we’ll see the finals. Very interesting next few days.

    Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma & Mascara Dorada vs. Karl Anderson & Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga

    Pretty good six man, though nothing exceedingly memorable about it. The usual tropes are here including Dorada doing a great dive out to the floor on Tama Tonga. They’re isolated but Tonga cuts him off and pins him with the waistlock DDT. Kojima and Anderson had words after the match while Yujiro jumped and laid out Honma after the bell rang, since these four are scheduled to have their last matches together tomorrow.

    Michael Elgin & Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Young Bucks & Cody Hall

    Good match. This felt like a breath of fresh air with reDragon and Young Bucks involved. The highlight again was Elgin, who was super over and did all of the stuff that’s gotten him over on the tour. At one point he even did a crazy tope con hilo to the outside wiping out the Bullet Club. Everyone looked good here, including Hall who continues to improve. He and Elgin were the ones trading offense towards the end. Elgin impressively deadlifted him with a powerbomb then pinned him with his sitout powerbomb.

    Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Kushida vs. Hirooki Goto & Ricochet & Captain New Japan

    Another good tag team match. Ricochet mostly worked with Kushida and they had some really great back and forth. Ricochet is a guy who excels in everything he does in terms of presentation, in ring ability and precision, it’s amazing. Nakanishi wasn’t in there long. It was left between Captain New Japan and Nagata. Goto broke up a pin at one point, but Nakanishi ran in and gave him the torture rack while Kushida took out Ricochet on the outside with a tope con hilo. Nagata then submitted CNJ with the white eyes armbar.

    Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo & Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

    Interesting dynamic here as it’s CHAOS against CHAOS. Turned out to be another good tag team match. Much of the story was between Okada and Nakamura, who headline tomorrow’s show. They went at it briefly and had some good exchanges. Maria distracted Sakuraba which let Yoshi-Hashi superkick him as Gedo tried to put him in the Gedo clutch, but Sakuraba transitioned into the kimura and submitted him. Okada and Nakamura had a staredown after the match.

    Doc Gallows vs. Katsuyori Shibata

    I liked this match. It was solid for the most part with Gallows taking out Shibata at one point with a chokeslam on the apron. He hit the Gallows Poll but Shibata kicked out and applied the sleeper. Gallows cut him off and hit a bicycle kick, a superkick then pinned him with the Gallows Poll. Weird they went with this decision. 

    Toru Yano vs. Bad Luck Fale

    Eh, this wasn’t very good, though the ending was funny. Yano jumped him before the bell him, squirted him with the water bottle and attacked him with his DVD. Fale made his comeback and spent much of the match working him over. They were on the outside when Fale teased giving him the Bad Luck Fall into the crowd. Yano jumped back down, low blowed him and Tama Tonga and made it to the ring right before 20 so Fale was counted out. 

     Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tetsuya Naito

    This was interesting. The storyline here is that Naito was completely unimpressed with Tenzan leading to and during the match. So Tenzan is on offense for a lot of the match and Naito seems rather unimpressed despite being on defense, smirking and spitting at Tenzan whenever he had a chance. Naito made a comeback but Tenzan cut him off with a huge headbutt and locked in the anaconda vise, with Naito eventually tapping out. Great match in terms of storytelling, and the action was good as well.

    Kota Ibushi vs. Togi Makabe 

    I thought this was a good match, but nothing that really stood out. Both guys looked good and did their usual stuff, and given the two’s talents they had a good match out of that. It didn’t feel like anything special in the end. Ibushi pinned Makabe after Makabe went for the spider German suplex but Ibushi landed on his feet, kicked him in the back of the head and hit the phoenix splash for the win. Looks like this is the next NEVER title program.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. AJ Styles for the A Block Championship 

    Excellent match. This started out slow, and was just good at the start, but amped up toward the end and became pretty great. A lot of the match was good back and forth between the two, with Tanahashi doing his high fly flow to the floor and AJ doing his springboard reverse DDT. There was a ref bump along the way that allowed AJ to low blow Tanahashi, but Tanahashi came back and low blowed him. AJ put the calf killer on him and people freaked out as Tanahashi sold it for a good while until finally making it to the ropes. Tanahashi made a comeback and tried for the Styles Clash but AJ blocked it. Tanahashi came back and nailed him with it but AJ kicked out. AJ got his knees up when Tanahashi hit a high fly flow and hit one of his own and a Bloody Sunday DDT but when he went for the Styles Clash dragon screwed his leg twice then hit the high fly flow twice for the win.

    Block A:

    Hiroshi Tanahashi- 14

    AJ Styles- 12

    Tetsuya Naito- 10

    Bad Luck Fale- 10

    Katsuyori Shibata- 8

    Togi Makabe- 8

    Kota Ibushi- 8

    Toru Yano- 8

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan- 6

    Doc Gallows- 6

    Block B:

    Kazuchika Okada- 14

    Karl Anderson- 12

    Hirooki Goto- 12

    Shinsuke Nakamura- 12

    Tomohiro Ishii- 8

    Michael Elgin- 8

    Yujiro Takahashi- 4

    Satoshi Kojima- 4

    Yuji Nagata- 4

    Tomoaki Honma- 2

  • WWE NXT TV taping spoilers: build for Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Bayley vs. Sasha contract signing

    Submitted by Will Henderson

    I was at tonight’s NXT tapings at Full Sail. I’m convinced the episodes taped after the Takeover go-home show aren’t going to air, btw

    Airing 8/19 (Takeover Go-Home Show):

    – Contract signing for Sasha vs Bayley at Takeover Brooklyn. Crowd gets all over Sasha. Bayley says she’s seen enough contract signings and she’s ready to fight now. Sasha leaves, but Bayley attacks her on the ramp. Refs have to carry Bayley away.

    – Tyler Breeze beats a jobber. Tyler comes out with Jushin Liger’s mask, and puts it on the guy after the match. He says it’s nice to meet Liger and he’s not impressed, then lays the guy out with a Beauty Shot.

    – Enzo, Cass, and The Hype Bros beat the 4 enhancement talents Baron Corbin beat over the last 4 weeks.

    – Blake & Murphy beat Dawkins & Fulton. The Vaudevillians come out to reveal their plans for Takeover, but Alexa Bliss slaps them several times and they do not reveal who will help them in Brooklyn. Weird segment live.

    – Samoa Joe beats Steve Cutler with the rear naked choke. Corbin comes out and they brawl, Corbin hits End of Days out of nowhere.

    – Kevin Owens comes out with a ladder. When the crowd boos the mention of Brooklyn, Owens blows up and calls the crowd disrespectful, hypocritical, and calls them the “John Cena of wrestling fans” because they boo the fact that NXT is growing. He says he needs the NXT title so he can run it everyone’s faces, and that he will lay out Bálor before he climbs the ladder. The lights go off, and Bálor is perched on the top turnbuckle when his red lights come on. Owens climbs down the ladder and they brawl. Owens bails before Bálor can hit him with the ladder. Bálor poses on the ladder with the NXT Title.

    Airing 8/26 or 9/2 (depending on when the taped Brooklyn show airs):

    – Sasha Banks (still wearing the NXT Women’s Championship) beats the debuting Gionna Daddio. Gionna was the blonde in the Bull Fit gym sketch this week.

    – The Ascension returns to a monster pop and Welcome Back chant, but lose to Rhyno and Baron Corbin. There was some issue outside the ring that resulted in the ref calling for the bell. The fans booed, and Regal came out and restarted the match. Rhyno hit a gore to win.

    – Alexa Bliss beats Blue Pants with the Sparkle Splash.

    – Apollo Crews debuts and defeats Alexander Wolf with the standing moonsault. Crews is very impressive.

    – Eva Marie beats Billie Kay. At one point, Kay pinned Eva and Eva forgot to kick out at two, but the ref stopped counting anyways. The crowd went ballistic and got all over him. Big heat for Eva winning due to this.

    – Neville makes a surprise return to team with Solomon Crowe. Crowd pops huge.

    – Jason Jordan and Chad Gable beat Neville and Crowe. Great match. 

    Airing 9/2 or 9/9:

    – Carmella beats Peyton Royce

    – Tommasso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano beat Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey. Bull knocks Tyler off the apron on accident which leads to Ciampa getting the clean pin. Breeze attacks Bull after the match.

    – Kevin Owens comes out with the NXT Championship. The crowd loses its mind. Owens was never announced at any time during this match.

    – Neville beats Owens via DQ after Owens hits Neville with the belt. Great match. Owens attempts to attack Neville after the bell, but Neville betters him until Tyler Breeze runs out. They double team Neville until Bálor makes the save, and Neville hits the Red Arrow on Breeze. Owens leaves with the belt as Bálor and Neville celebrate with the crowd.

  • UFC officially announces Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold title fight for UFC 194

    On Thursday, the UFC announced that middleweight champion Chris Weidman will defend his title against Luke Rockhold as the co-main event of UFC 194 on Saturday, December 12th in Las Vegas, NV.

    The highly-anticipated bout will be on the same card as another highly anticipated title fight: the featherweight title unification bout between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor.

    That combo alone should push the show in the million PPV buy range.

  • UFC releases statement on Anderson Silva ruling

    The UFC released the following statement on Anderson Silva’s 1-year ban and fine by the Nevada Athletic Commission today:

    “Following the Nevada Athletic Commission’s hearing today, Anderson Silva is required to serve a 12-month suspension from competition, retroactive from his last fight on January 31. At the conclusion of his suspension, Silva must present a clean test upon reapplication of a license before his next fight in Nevada.

    “The UFC organization maintains a strict, consistent policy against the use of any illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs, stimulants or masking agents by its athletes, and fully supports the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure clean competition by all MMA athletes. 

    UFC recognizes Silva’s great career and looks forward to his return to the Octagon in 2016.”

  • When will Dwayne Johnson return to WWE? Roman Reigns knows.

    In a podcast interview with FoxSports.com’s Jimmy Traina, Roman Reigns was asked about if The Rock would be at SummerSlam and gave an interesting remark:

    “I wanna tell you, but I don’t want to give anything away.”

    Later he said, “Let’s just put it this way: It’s The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, biggest superstar on Earth, possibly. If he wants to show up to Brooklyn, he’s going to show up to Brooklyn. It wouldn’t be the first time and it probably won’t be the last time. It’s WWE; anything can happen.”

    The interview also features Reigns talking about Brock Lesnar, finding out that he wasn’t winning the title, and more. Nikki Bella is also on the podcast as well. 

    Side note: Rock’s HBO show ‘Ballers’ has its season finale on the same night as SummerSlam. 

  • TNA & ROH Wednesday Night Wars ratings for August 12

    Ratings for the “Wednesday Night Wars: on Destination America:

    – TNA at 9 p.m. 270,000 viewers (second lowest for a first-run show)

    – ROH at 11 p.m. 148,000 viewers (slightly down from last week)

    – TNA at midnight 60,000 viewers (third lowest replay number)

  • A look at WWE in Brooklyn, Update on G-1 Climax tournament, UFC unionization, TripleManai coverage, Brawl at show,

    A look at the WWE shows next week in Brooklyn is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.  We also have full coverage of the G-1 Climax tournament and how it all builds for the Tokyo Dome and the fall season, as well as coverage of all the G-1 matches this past week.  We also have a look at the Teamsters attempting to unionize UFC fighters, the UFC’s letter sent to fighters and morale issues.  We also have a look at the AAA TripleMania PPV show, UFC ratings increases, the brawl at the WSOF show, UFC suing Wanderlei Silva and Layla retiring.

    The issue is on the site right now at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/44056-august-17-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-summerslam-build-unions-courting-ufc-fighters-more

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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 the WWE events in Brooklyn with three straight full houses and look historically at the only other promotion that has been able to do it historically and the record, as well as updates on the NXT and SummerSlam shows and more details on the NXT card as well as the probable main event stipulation and ticket demand.

    We have a complete look at the G-1 Climax tournament, including updates on the last few days, the standings, the Sumo Hall preview and coverage of all the shows this past week with star ratings.

    We’ve got a look at the attempts to unionize UFC fighters, the real story behind the attempt, the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters and why they probably could have written it better, and a look at UFC business.

    We also look at the wealth of Vince McMahon, Rosa Mendes being pregnant, WWE injury updates, lawsuits, weird match, Tough Enough, new names, insider trading, Raw advance, Diva search news plus notes on all the weekend WWE & NXT events. 

    We look at TripleMania, all the problems with the show, what happened with the Spanish language broadcast, mistakes made in booking, how the card had to change from its original plans, the letter AAA sent out after, the retirements and Hall of Fame ceremony, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

    We also have coverage of this past week’s UFC show, with business notes, the Johnson-Dariush scoring, and match by match coverage with bonuses.

    We also look at the brawl at the WSOF show with The Diaz Brothers and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as the problems in the Jake Shields vs.  Rousimar Palhares fight.

    We’ve also got notes on the retirement of Layla from WWE and highlights of her career.

    We also look at the lawsuit WWE has filed against Wanderlei Silva for alleging the company fixes fights.

    We look at the CMLL Anniversary show, an injury to the best older wrestler in the business, a New Japan star comes to Mexico and a rundown on the main events the past two weeks at Arena Mexico.

    We also look at another Rey Mysterio match, as well as the next major Dragon  Gate show lineup and highlights from the past week.

    We also look at New Japan stars heading to NOAH.

    We also look at the beginning of talks for an international group to return to PPV, as well as a look at the Fire Festival, one of Genichiro Tenryu’s last matches and a set up for an angle with one of the biggest stars of the 80s vs. one of the biggest stars of the 90s.

    We’ve got notes on the funeral of Roddy Piper, more on the Hulk Hogan tapes story, Hogan’s first public appearance, two Roddy Piper moves that haven’t come out, one of the biggest stars of the last ten years suffering a major health issue, a former star gets his number retired, a U.K. star returns after cancer, a retirement that probably isn’t a retirement, a Japanese promotion running in October in California, a wrestler having his first match in 20 years, the second oldest living wrestler and his background, big shows in Puerto Rico and news no two different wrestling Halls of Fame.

    We also have an update on the status of Lucha Underground, what changes have to be made, the audience watching the show, what to look out for, notes on the contracts the performers have, update on Vampiro and coverage of both weeks of Ultima Lucha.

    We also look at the ROH show in Brooklyn, TNA Hall of fame ceremony, and upcoming TNA house shows.

    We also look at McGregor vs. Aldo, a big show vs. normal show, Las Vegas vs. Cowboys Stadium, Rousey vs. Cyborg update, Lawler vs. McGregor, UFC financials, how much it costs them every year just in interest on their bond, what kind of profits they are making, lots of ratings into, Rousey business notes, the Aldo drug testing fiasco, Overeem vs. Dos Santos, Punk vs. Pendred, fighter already talking about coming out of retirement, and lots of new UFC fights.

    We also have notes on Josh Thomson and Bellator, Bellator’s next major show, Josh Koscheck blasts UFC and more Bellator fights.

    We have an update on Chris Leben after his arrest, new WSOF shows, a crime fighter returns to MMA and notes on weight cutting.

    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.