Wichita, Kansas: – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Lew Newman in 2 out of 3 falls – Don McIntyre beat Harry Cohen in a Hindu mud match – Barney Bernard and Ralph Garibaldi went to a 30 minute draw
1949
Kansas City, Kansas: – Tarzan Kowalski defeated Jim Wright in 2 out of 3 falls – Joe Pazandak defeated Herman Von Doyle in 2 out of 3 falls
1961
Chicago, Illinois: – “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers defeated Pat O’Connor to win the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Heavyweight Championship
1967
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher in 2 out of 3 falls – Rene Goulet (sub Lou Thesz) beat Chris Markoff by countout – Big K (sub Ernie Ladd) beat Moose Cholak by dq – Dale Lewis drew Mitsu Arakawa
1970
Chicago, Illinois – Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher & Ernie Ladd beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon & Blackjack Lanza – Baron Von Raschke beat Red Bastien – Mitsu Arakawa beat Paul Christy – Pepper Gomez beat Bob Windham
1973
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher – Ernie Ladd no contest with Wahoo McDaniel – Sailor Art Thomas drew Jimmy Valiant – Baron Von Raschke beat Bull Bullinski
1978
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Verne Gagne beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq – Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens beat Evan Johnson & Steve Olsonoski – Jim Brunzell beat Bob Orton Jr – Super Destroyer Mark II beat Rufus R Jones
1979
Chicago, Illinois: – Andre The Giant beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq – Dick The Bruiser beat King Kong Brody by countout – Wilbur Snyder drew Bobby Duncum – Greg Gagne & Billy Robinson beat Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens – Bobo Brazil beat Paul Christy by dq – Steve Regal drew Jesse Ventura
Portland, Oregon: – Stan Stasiak defeated Roddy Piper for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
1985
Orlando, Florida: – Hercules Hernandez defeated Hector Guerrero for the Florida State Heavyweight Title
1987
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat Greg Gagne dq – AWA Tag Team Champions Boris Zhukov & Soldat Ustinov beat Wahoo McDaniel & DJ Peterson – In a Taped Fist match; Scott Ledoux beat Larry Zbyszko by count out – Tommy Rich beat Mr Magnificent Kevin Kelly – Original Midnight Express beat Nick Kiniski & JT Southern by dq
2003
– Gail Kim won a Battle Royal for the WWE Women’s Title
2008
– CM Punk defeated Edge to win the WWE World championship
It’s a double issue week featuring a look back 40 years at what was the biggest undertaking up to that point in pro wrestling history, and Inoki vs. Ali match, how it came together, what happened that night, coverage of the upcoming G-1 Climax tournament, coverage of Ultima Lucha 3 and details on where the company stands, full coverage of the WWE cruiserweight classic, ROH Best in the World coverage as well as a look at those coming and going from the promotion, the death of Ryan Jimmo, the life and times of Gypsy Joe, and far more about the fallout of the Roman Reigns suspension.
The lead story details this years G-1 tournament including what will air in English, newcomers to the tournament, some interesting political news regarding who is and isn’t in it, as well as a complete lineup for every show.
This issue looks at the background of Ali vs. Inoki, the first time boxer vs. wrestler with major stars came close to happening, boxing champions who did wrestling and wrestlers who faced boxers including involving one of the all-time greats, Thesz vs. Marciano talk, and the two best known mixed matches prior to Ali vs. Inoki in the U.S.
There is also a look at Japanese pro wrestling in the 70s and how that led to the match, the business of Billy Robinson involving Inoki vs. Baba, how Inoki was being marketed, and the attempts to put together Ali vs. Bruno Sammartino and how that led to this.
The goals of Ali vs. Inoki for the New Japan side, the pro wrestling angles, just how big the match was why the match wasn’t a work, where Ali’s career stood at the time, media coverage, how the terrible rules were the reason the fight, Sammartino’s broken neck and return, Stan Hansen becoming a superstar in Japan, and why Ali vs. Inoki was not a success in much of the U.S, and much more in this issue of the Wrestling Observer.
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Also in this issue:
Update on the health issues involving former CMLL headliner Thunder
Notes for this week’s CMLL iPPV show with lineup
How the New Japan stars did this week at Arena Mexico
Mascara Dorada after being in the WWE tournament
Promotion falling apart due to financial issues and several wrestlers contracts not being renewed
Update on Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year
New Japan big show this week
Update on the Super J Cup for 2016
New Japan booking changes
Notes from New Japan’s big show of the week
Small groups doing angles that sold out Korakuen Hall
The most disgusting promotional tactic of 2016
Update on George Steele
PWG Battle of Los Angeles news
Chyna Memorial Service news
Legendary pro wrestling announced big health issue
Future of Roderick Strong
Future of Bill Goldberg
Vader vs. Will Ospreay
Tommy Dreamer’s promotion hits Australia
Battle of legends draws big crowd
Ex-WWE stars working on top in Puerto Rico
New Lucha Underground signing
Notes on ROH TV tapings for the next month
A look at matches planned for the next ROH TV tapings and a PPV match
TNA personality gets radio show
TNA has issues with U.K. promoters
Vince Russo admits to burying TNA with Pop TV
Lorenzo Fertitta with new job
Update on UFC sale talk
Campbell McLaren talks value of UFC and trying to buy it
More on C.M. Punk’s UFC debut
UFC nominations for ESPY awards
UFC owner dividends at the end of 2014 and 2015
Dan Severn writes autobiography
Tons of new UFC fights
B.J. Penn’s suspension update
Another legend wants Michael Bisping
Urijah Faber talks future
Coverage of Bellator Dynamite
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– Show opens with KA and Gallows video, bashing the Usos.
Curtis Axel vs Titus O Neil
Axel bails from ring twice. Axel runs wild for a bit, Titus counters does his power spot. Titus wins via pop up power bomb.
Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler
Crowd really into Ziggler. Corbin rolls out. After about 3 minutes of this, Ziggler attacks Corbin on the outside and rolls him in to get the match going. Corbin knees Ziggler for him to get the advantage for now. Ziggler counters Corbin does his comeback and neckbrealer into a 2 count. Ziggler tries for a clothesline and gets countered, Corbin for a 2 count. Ziggler hits famouser for a near fall. Corbin tries for End of Days, Ziggler hits super kick, crowd popped for that. Ziggler goes to the top, Corbin hits the ropes and End of Days for the win.
Gallows & Karl Anderson vs The Usos
As expected heavy Polynesian crowd, so the Usos got a very big pop. Usos get on offense, clothesline both KA and Gallows outside. Gallows hits one of the Usos against the ring post, almost gets counted out. The other Uso gets the hot tag, runs wild on KA. Usos win via a splash on Anderson.
NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Natalya
Starting off with Nattie and Asuka doing Mat wrestling. Very shoots style match so far, crowd seems confused. Asuka does the hip thingy twice, Nattie gets on the outside does a Suplex on the floor. Nattie with the surfboard. Asuka hits a dropkick and they are both down. Nattie went for the sharpshooter, Asuka counters into Anklelock. Asuka hits her Asuka combination then gets Nattie into the Asuka lock for the win. After working a MMA hybrid match for the first few minutes, crowd got back into it when they went back into the wrestling,
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs The Vaudevillians
Aiden English playing heel to start off. Woods cuts him off, hurricanrana for a near fall. English gets the tag in, Big E gets in as well. Big E does some dancing, crowd is into that. English gets a tag in beats down on woods. Big E gets the hit tag and starts belly to belly suplexing both guys. Vaudevillains hit the whirling dervish for a 2 count. Big E gets in and him and Xavier hit an assisted Big Ending for the win.
WWE Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs Charlotte
Crowd kinda split to start off, or that they like to woo… Starting off slow. Charlotte does the flair bump over the ropes and takes a powder to the outside. Charlotte kicks on the inside to take control. Charlotte in control for a while, Becky nits a electric chair counter into the turnbuckle. Becky firing back up, T bone Suplex for a near fall. Becky tries the Disarmer, Charlotte counters with the armbar power bomb spot. Charlotte misses a moonsault, Becky gets the Disarmer Charlotte has the rope break. Charlotte gets the figure 8 for the win.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kevin Owens
Owens beats down Nakamura right from the beginning. About half the crowd knows who Nakamura is. Owens mocks Nakamura’s corner stomp thingy. Crowd starts doing dueling Nakamura/Kevin Owens chants. Owens going to chinlock city. Owens taking the majority of the match until Shinsuke hits a counter wheel kick. Nakamura gets his corner kick in followed by the top of the rope knees. Owens hits a super kick for the near fall. Owens does a superplex from the top rope and crowd finally wakes up. Owens tries for a Senton, Shinsuke gets his knees up and hits a counter Knee for a near fall. Owens tries for the powerbomb, Shinsuke hits the Tiger Suplex and Kinshasa for the win.
WWE Champion Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho vs Seth Rollins
Jericho cuts promo on the crowd. Crowd calls Jericho a mahu, he thinks it’s great. Rollins gets a nice pop, Ambrose got a great pop. Crowd wants Jericho to take scarf off, but he refuses. Crowd chants Mahu at him. AJ and Ambrose start off the match, AJ takes a powder, Jericho comes in. Kinda standard 4 way layout. Everyone starts ganging up on Ambrose. Jericho tried to steal pin, Ambrose goes out. Other 3 are fighting, then Rollins and Styles take out Jericho. AJ takes out Rollins and Jericho gets back in, tries for the walls of Jericho and missed. AJ cuts him off, AJ hits forearm to Jericho, Rollins hits suicide dive, Ambrose gets a top rope Elbow to all of them.
They all go for the super-duper plex. Crowd starts chanting “this is awesome” Jericho misses codebreaker, Ambrose tries for the Nigel clothesline, Jericho connects with the Codebreaker for a nearfall. Rollins comes back in hits AJ for falcon arrow for a two count. AJ gets the calf crusher on Seth and Jericho gets walls onto Dean for a double submission spot. Rollins hits Pedigree on Jericho, Ambrose hits the Nigel clothesline on Seth and Ambrose does dirty deeds on AJ for the clean pin.
Two people have been charged in connection with the hit and run homicide of former UFC fighter Ryan Jimmo, Edmonton police posted on their website Wednesday.
Anthony Getschel, 23, was charged with second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death and fail to stop at scene of accident involving death. Jordan Wagner, 21, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Edmonton police also stated that the suspects did not know Jimmo and that a brief arguement had taken place shortly before the hit and run took place.
Jimmo, 34, last fought in UFC in May 2015, losing to Francimar Barroso and hadn’t fought since.
The road to Ultima Lucha Dos has been paved over the past few weeks, and with that show one week away, the card should take shape tonight. We see the death and rebirth of Mil Muertes and last week’s Rey vs. Puma challenge. Vamp says that he’s half out of his mind with excitement over Ultima Lucha Dos.
Striker says that the LU version of the Super Friends of Drago, Fenix, and Aerostar face Mundo, PJ Black, and Jack Evans tonight while Prince Puma faces his other former Trios Championship partner El Dragon Azteca. Next week’s show is run down and we’ll get Mil Muertes vs. King Cuerno to start things off tonight. Cuerno flexes his pecs to the “Cuerno, Cuerno!” chant. Mil shoves the cameraman away and we’re underway.
King Cuerno vs. Mil Muertes
Mil drops down and goes for a tiltawhirl, but Mil hits a big kick to the gut and a spear to the spine. Mil stomps the groinal region, or as Vamp says “he stomped him right in the balls!”. Cuerno hits a boot, but eats a big lariat for 2. Mil hits a huge swinging chokeslam ala The Giant for 2. Mil is sent to the floor and eats a baseball slide and then the Arrow of Death hits! Ref is taken out with it and Cuerno grabs a chair and hits him in the head, but it’s no-sold and Mil punches his lights out!
Mil slams the back with a chair and he sets the chair up in the corner. Cuerno avoids a corner spear and Mil hits the chair and eats a schoolboy with the ropes held to give Cuerno the win. This was short, but fantastic while it lasted.
Dario meets with Taya and Ivelisse and puts them over for being tough – but says there can only be one baddest bitch in the building. At Ultima Lucha, they will determine who deserves that title most. Catrina walks in and wishes Ivie luck and she wants a rematch against Cuerno for the show. He says that she took over his temple, took over his office, tried to destroy his brother and says that their issue over a dented casket involves a funeral home – not him.
Catrina says they want a death match and Dario says he hates her – but she knows what to say to excite him, so it’s on and then she disappears. Puma walks down and then Rey brings Azteca down with him.
Prince Puma vs. El Dragon Azteca Jr.
Puma chops him and we get a tumbling exchange before a sunset flip leads to spinning and a legsweep gets 1. Back and forth armdrags lead a staredown. They shake, but Puma won’t let go – so Azteca hits a pair of chops and slaps him. Puma slides over Azteca, who hops up and kicks him before eating a snake eyes against the post.
This is a crazy-fast match – holy smokes! Puma gets a dueling chant and lands a European uppercut before eating a pop-up springboard rana. Puma gets crotched and chops him on top before hitting a springboard rana for 2. Puma hits a forearm shiver and then eats a running forearm from Azteca. Azteca hits a DDTJ for 2.
They exchange waistlocks and Puma traps him in the corner and hits a pop-up blue thunder bomb into a Northern Lights and then into a brainbuster for 2! Puma goes for the 630, but takes too long and Azteca crotches him up top. Azteca hits a super victory roll for 2! Azteca flows through a missed 450 but eats a belly to belly into the buckle! A spinning Benadryller gets 2!
A corner hesitation dropkick hits for Puma, leading to the 630 as he stares at Rey and gets the win. This was fantastic and easily Azteca’s best match to date. Puma says that will be Rey next week and slaps him.
Cage, Texano, The Mack, and Son of Havoc are mid-ring with Dario. He says that he feels like a kid on Christmas and it’s time for one of them to get a gift from him for Ultima Lucha Dos. He says they will be entered into the Unique Opportunity Tournament for a Unique Opportunity because they have a shot at a unique opportunity! The winner gets a Unique Opportunity and he tells them to rest up because their match is next! Or not….they brawl and Cage hits a big lariat on Texano on the apron.
This was poorly explained, but amusing thanks to Dario. Ultima Lucha Dos’ card is recapped, with everything run through so far along with the Gift of the Gods Title match. Matanza’s path of rage is recapped and we see a rundown of his issues with Pentagon Jr. Fenix comes out in new orange and black gear that looks slick. Mundo comes out and Vamp marks out over Mundo’s jacket and talks about how he helped Mundo put on his headband.
Fenix vs. Johnny Mundo
Fenix slaps Mundo and gets a standing moonsault for 1. Mundo’s basement knee strike gets 2 before a set of mounted forearms. Fenix machine gun chops him before cutting him out and then running chopping him. Fenix runs into a C4 for 2. Mundo chinlocks him, but eats knees. Mundo hits a hard spinebuster for 2. Mundo grinds his boot into the face – blocking the ref’s view from Taya choking him.
Fenix flips onto them while a dueling Lucha/Let’s Go Fenix chant breaks out. Fenix hits a diving chop to the fallen Mundo before hitting a big boot and a chest chop before a jumping Yakuza kick in the corner! A sunset flip powerbomb gets 2 for Fenix!
Taya holds Fenix up and he gets kicked – but lands on his feet before a Moonlight Drive gets 2. Fenix avoids the End of the World and lands a palm strike before a C4 off the top – but Taya has the ref distracted. Mundo grabs a Trios Title hits Fenix with it for the win – marking the first time this decade that a belt shot ends a match. I love that – it’s such a cliche for a nearfall now, and I like seeing it actually get a win so it matters again.
PJ and Evans come down to celebrate and play air guitar while Vamp describes Taya in a fairly unfattering manner. Drago and Aerostar come down, and then Ivie comes down to battle Taya. The faces clear the ring and we hear that Ultima Lucha Dos will be a three week event that starts next week.
On Wednesday, Podcast One confirmed what we had reported months ago: the creation of “The Jericho Network” for the growing media company.
Chris Jericho will have an audio network that will cover wrestling, music, paranormal activity, and pop culture with various regular hosts. He also announced today that Charles “Konnan” Ashenoff will be his first regular host when the network debuts.
All shows will be available at PodcastOne.com, their app, iTunes, and wherever else you can download their podcasts.
“I’m stoked to bring some of the most talented, interesting and hilariously ridiculous hosts to PodcastOne via The Jericho Network,” said Jericho. “My overall plan is for TJN to be an extension of the diverse array of subjects and guests I already feature on Talk is Jericho twice a week. Get ready to be amazed, amused, and entertained by all the hosts and programs that will be added to TJN over the upcoming months, and don’t forget to wear a helmet.”
The Big News: Chaos reigned supreme in the tag team division with three teams vying for the titles, but The Authors Of Pain seem more content with destroying American Alpha than trying to capture gold.
The Medium News: Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura are friends…but have no problem ripping each other’s heads off in 2 weeks.
The Little Beaver Sized News: Gargano & Ciampa are now on a full fledged winning streak, having defeated The Hype Bros in the main event
Alexa Bliss pinned Carmella
NXT’s pixie-sized Diva is here to kick off the show this week against the most fabulous girl on the show. Alexa is so short…(How short is she?)…Alexa is so short that when she is standing on top of a fallen Carmella, she is still shorter than the referee.
This match was solid, yet unspectacular. They have both improved to the point that it is not embarrassing to see them on tv. The only rough spot was when Carmella was standing on the apron, Alexa reached over the top rope to throw Carmella down, which was difficult since Alexa is barely taller than the top rope.
Alexa threw a temper tantrum when she didn’t get a pin. My grandmother would have threatened to put her over her knee for that. Carmella used a kick to the head and a Bronco Buster, but still almost lost to a roll up. Finally, Alexa won with Twisted Bliss, which is the new name for the Sparkle Splash. That makes sense since she no longer dresses like a pixie cheerleader.
********
We got “exclusive comments” from Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura talked about how well he knows Finn Balor, and about how he supported Balor when he left Japan and watched him every week on NXT. He reiterated that he wants to become an NXT icon and in order to do that, he has to beat Balor. He vows to give us something sensational in two weeks.
********
Bayley cut a promo backstage saying it feels amazing to get back in the ring and get a win last week. She feels 100% and is ready to get her championship back. Alexa Bliss walked up and said she deserved the title shot more and if Bayley wants a title shot, she has to go through her.
********
Andrade Cien Almas defeated Noah Potjes
Noah Potjes had one previous match on NXT: a tag match last month where he was only called Noah and now, not only did he get a last name, but he got to walk down the ramp and get a ring introduction on tv!
Andrade looked good here, including a spot where Noah shot him off and ducked down, but when he came off the ropes, Almas hit a really nice dropkick to his fallen foe. Almas won with the running double knees in the corner.
********
Austin Aries said he is the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived and since the moment he walked into NXT, the fans should have felt privileged to see him compete. No Way Jose hasn’t done anything in his career and hasn’t beaten anyone, but the fans explode because he shakes his butt. He attacked Jose because of the fat, pasty, ugly fans and vowed that everything that happens now is our fault.
********
Finn Balor did his own backstage promo. He reiterated what Nakamura said earlier about them being friends. He came to NXT two years ago and never thought he’d see Nakamura again, but he got goosebumps when he found out his friend had signed with NXT. Balor said they may have faced each other in Japan, but this feels different, this feels special.
********
Next week: Bayley vs Alexa Bliss
********
Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Hype Bros
A month ago, Gargano & Ciampa won a match. Two weeks later, they won again, making it two in a row. If they beat the Hype Bros tonight, they will be on a winning streak. Their quest for a third straight win didn’t start well when Rawley literally caused Gargano to fly across the ring, crashing painfully to the mat.
Ryder tagged in and immediately got taken down and beaten on by Gargano and Ciampa. A wild free for all broke out, culminating with Rawley hitting a nice clothesline outside to Gargano. Mojo used a Pounce on Ciampa and they set up the Hype Ryder, but Gargano broke it up and took Mojo’s head off with a super kick.
After an exciting series of near-finishers and roll ups, Gargano & Ciampa got their elusive winning streak with the double kick to the head.
********
After the match, Ciampa and Gargano took the mic to announce they wanted a title shot at The Revival, who they defeated a month ago.
This brought out American Alpha, who were champions until just three weeks ago. Gable said they are not next in line, American Alpha is. Jason Jordan vowed revenge on The Authors Of Pain and they will show The Revival that they are the alphas of NXT. Is it sad I forgot all about The Authors Of Pain?
Out came The Revival, who told them that as champions, they drive the car and man the ship. They are calling the shots and feel neither team deserve title shots. They also said they dictate the terms.
This brought out William Regal, who pointed out that he dictated the terms. Mr. Regal did say Ciampa & Gargano deserve a title shot, but before that happens, it will be Revival vs American Alpha in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the titles next week.
The babyface teams shook hands and Gargano & Ciampa left. The Authors of Pain suddenly hit the ring and laid out Gable & Jordan. Gargano & Ciampa ran down and also got beat up. American Alpha made a comeback, leading to Jordan actually suplexing one of them, but ultimately both got laid out with the combination legsweep/clothesline. Paul Ellering came out on the ramp and beckoned his boys away as the show ended.
That does it for this week. Until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!
This past weekend, I made my way to Chicago to attend the SHIMMER DVD tapings. Twice a year, Dave Prazak and his crew bring in the best women’s wrestlers from around the world (U.S., England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, etc).
Many women wrestlers in WWE and NXT have made stops there over the years. If you think NXT has great women’s wrestling, you can see 60 to 70 matches as good or better at these shows.
The tapings are usually held at the Berwyn Eagles Club on Saturdays and Sundays, but this year, a Friday night show was added. The Saturday show was held at Logan Square, and if I have one complaint from the weekend, it was damn hot waiting in line to get in to the show. It didn’t help that the show was running a little late. I’m from Texas and I’m complaining about it, so that tells you it had to be hot!
Thankfully, once we got in, it felt fine. As soon as I entered, I ran into Dr. Keith Lipinski of this website and also Dave Prazak. I spoke with them and then made my way to my front row center seat.
Veda Scott defeats Nixon Newell
Veda is the perfect person to start the show. The fans here hate her with a passion and she plays it up big time. This was Nixon’s first time with SHIMMER and she did not disappoint. She did a great job and is a very attractive girl.
Shayna Baszler defeats Rhia O’Reilly
Shayna made a great debut here and won with a TKO that caused me to text Lance Storm and tell him Shayna just killed his girl. Rhia is awesome, and has one of the best intros with kick ass ring music and circles the ring carrying the Irish flag.
Kellie Skater defeats Vanessa Kraven, Shazza McKenzie, and LuFisto in a 4-way match
Over the past couple years, Skater has become one of the best women’s workers in the world. Kraven is a monster, Shazza is really good and has one of the cutest faces you will ever see. LuFisto is a legend and is still great.
Viper defeats Jessica Havok
This was one hell of a “mean guy” match, or should I say “mean women’s” match. Viper from the UK and also made her debut here. She is a female version of Earthquake, only better. Havok was also good in the match.
Mia Yim & Kay Lee Ray Defeat Yumi Ohka and Melanie Cruise
This was the debut of Team WDSS (We Do Stupid Sh*t) of Mia and Ray, and they make one hell of an awesome team. Cruise was taking the place of Cheerleader Melissa and kind of looks like she is Melissa’s bigger older sister. Ohka is always good.
Arisa Nakajima defeats Nicole Matthews
Arisa brought her JPW title with her, and had a great match with the former SHIMMER champ Nicole. Matthews is one of the best heels in wrestling.
Ruo Mizunami defeats KC Spinelli
Ruo is a veteran of the ring and is still going strong. KC danced to Ruo’s music and was having a great time. No one has more fun at a show then her.
Heart of SHIMMER Champion Nicole Savoy defeats Crazy Mary Dobson
Nicole has become one of the top workers in a very short time, and like Shayna, she uses a lot of BJJ in her match. She almost has a counter into a submission for everything. I love Crazy Mary and she is awesome, but how do you get a title shot when you are 1-4 in your last SHIMMER matches? I guess it’s about heart and not win-loss records for this title.
SHIMMER Tag Team Champions The Kimber Bombs (Kimber Lee and Cherry Bomb) defeat Team Slap Happy (Evie and Heidi Lovelace)
This is the match I really came to see and it is also the match where I wanted to kick Prazak after. This match was built up from the past tapings and looked like it was time for new champs, but sadly, it wasn’t as the Kimber Bombs cheated to win using the title belts. The bombs are incredible heels, and Heidi is one of the top women in the US. Evie is one of my favorites, and is just amazing in everyway. Her offense is incredible, her kicks are the best, and she is such a great babyface in peril. I love this woman.
SHIMMER Champion Madison Eagles defeats Courtney “The Demon” Rush
Last taping, Rush started to change into a vampire or something. She has since become a possessed demon from hell. This match featured an attempted exorcism as Eagles used forks as a cross and started yelling, “The power of Christ compels you!” Sadly, this did not work so Eagles then poured salt all along the ring to keep the Demon from getting back in, and it worked until Rush grabbed the ref and pulled him out, moving the salt in that area away and was able to get back in the ring.
After Eagles won, Arisa came out to challenge Madison and we have a main event for the next tapings.
**********
After the show, the girls came out to sell their gimmicks and take pictures with the fans. I always make it a point to buy stuff as this is a big part of their pay, so I bought Mia Yim’s newest T-shirt and 8×10’s of other girls. Some of the performers I talked to that night were Mia (who’s been a friend of mine for awhile now), Solo Darling (who didn’t wrestle on this show but was going to on the next ones), Shazza (who was very accessible), and Kellyanne (who was not able to wrestle because of an injury which is sad because she stole the show last year and became one of my favorites).
UFC 200/International Fight Week press is in full swing.Here’s the full audio of one of the media calls featuring lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, challenger Eddie Alvarez, and interim featherweight title contenders Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo.
Also part of International Fight Week is the unlikely tag team of UFC and Hank Hill. The character from the King of the Hill animated series is plugging UFC 200 in ads during the Adult Swim programming block on Cartoon Network. The ads are specific to the Adult Swim brand and are reportedly the brainchild of Dana White. In one commercial, Hank drinks beer and argues with another character about who is winning the Jones vs. Cormier fight. More animated ads will air later this year on Cartoon Network to promote other UFC cards.
There will be a tour of Japan and Hawaii that starts tonight in Honolulu (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho).
The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.
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
READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/27/2016: WWE concussion lawsuit update, more – For now, the WWE concussion lawsuit continues to center around the matter of whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be deposed by the plaintiffs, with WWE sides arguing back against yet again in court filings this past week and Nowinski’s lawyer joining in.That said, the most newsworthy part of the story comes from a literal footnote in WWE’s pleading, which refers to an affidavit attached to the filing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.
A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.
Plus there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.
This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.
Inside this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: May 24, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: ECW Hardcore Heaven/WWF No Mercy – Amidst rumors flying everywhere of the possible demise of the company and others who are talking that the company is a short period away from growing bigger than ever, the ECW Hardcore Heaven PPV came off like a show that was a bridge for the company to something new, but when it was over, there were still no answers over whether what is new is good news or bad news… Current subscribers click here to continue reading.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stephanie McMahon was asked about Brock Lesnar fighting at UFC 200 and gave interesting insight into the WWE’s thought process. McMahon describes the fight as something they don’t necessarily support, but outlines why she feels the WWE and UFC are not in competition with each other.
As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio, everyone in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic had to actually make weight for the tournament. WWE posted the video last night. Also, in case you missed the opening ceremonies, that’s on YouTube as well and has well over 700,000 views already.
The Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch has a short article on Cesaro’s path to the WWE and what it takes to make it in professional wrestling in advance of Sunday’s WWE house show in the area.
PRO WRESTLING
Dave Bautista joined former WWE writer Alex Greenfield for a particularly noteworthy conversation on Wednesday’s MLW Radio Writers Room podcast. Bautista talks candidly about the creative dissatisfaction he had with his 2014 WWE run, his thoughts on modern WWE crowds and leaving the company originally in part because of acting opportunities being given to John Cena that weren’t afforded to him.
Ring Rust Radio had former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway on the show this week.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced Dalton Castle, Pete Dunne, Sami Callihan, Tommy End, Trevor Lee, Adam Cole, John Hennigan (Lucha Underground’s Johnny Mundo and the former John Morrison) and Jack Gallagher as the next entrants in their 2016 Battle of Los Angeles tournament.
Evolve will hold WWE Cruiserweight Classic Spotlight Matches at their events this summer. Announced matches are: Johnny Gargano vs. Cedric Alexander and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TJ Perkins at Evolve 64 on July 16th in Queens, NY. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 65 on July 17th in Melrose, MA. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese and TJ Perkins vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 66 on August 19th in Joppa, MD. And Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Cedric Alexander at Evolve 67 on August 20th in Brooklyn, NY.
Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Weichel has been added to Bellator 159, set for Friday, July 22nd in Mulvane, KS.
One of WSOF’s top prospects returns to action as Phil Hawes (4-0) faces veteran Louis Taylor (12-3) in a middleweight fight on their Everett, WA, show on July 30th. We’re still awaiting word if that will be in conjunction with Bryan Alvarez Appreciation Night.
Miscellaneous
Today, Headlock for Hunger presents Jim Ross and Jimmy Garvin. They will be at Ingles store 7, on Tunnel 29 road in Asheville, North Carolina, from 4:30-7:00. This is a food drive.
Ian Hamilton has a review of the WhatCulture “Loaded” debut YouTube show on BackBodyDrop.com.
Here’s more on the University of Minnesota drug scandal. According to the article, coach J Robinson told police investigators in April that he had “fully taken care of” his team’s drug problem and refused to turn over the names of student-athletes involved.
Results: Paragon Pro Wrestling on Fight Network June 26 – PPW champion Alex Chamberlain defeated Lemon Drop, Scotty O’Shea and Kid Quick defeated Royce Isaacs and Hubby Cub, Gangrel defeated Beast the Butcher, PPW tag team champions Wes Brisco and Jesse Sorenson retained the titles defeating former champions Caleb Konley and Drew Donovan.
Nigel McGuinness has a new podcast up on iTunes. It’s not really wrestling oriented but if you’re interested, it is called “My Unconventional Life”.
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR
July 1- PWEclipse – Presents a free event for Canada day at Lakeview Park, Oshawa.
July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
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, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
July 16 – In Your Face Wrestling Presents: “Malicious Intent” – Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY www.iyfwrestling.com
July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
July 22 – AIW runs on 7/22 in Cleveland, OH, with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition vs. Josh Alexander, and Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae vs. Ethan Carter III & Karlee Perez
July 22 – The Lou Thesz Hall of Fame weekend show in Waterloo, IA, featuring Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, Wes Brisco, B. Brian Blair, Jessika Havok, Tessa Blanchard, a steel cage match and more – This is the weekend Dave Meltzer will be honored.
July 23 – Live Pro Wrestling, Glengarry Sports Palace, 170 McDonald Blvd. Alexandria, Ontario
July 23 – AAW in Merrionnette Park, IL, with Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr., Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll; Tommaso Ciampa; Fenix; Johnny Gargano. Here’s what you missed.
July 23 – Masters of Ring Entertainment in Wilmington, NC, as part of Pro Wrestling Fan Expo 3 will feature Jeff Jarrett vs. ECIII vs. James Storm, announced by Jarrett.
July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
July 30 – WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill 2 – Live on NBCSN from Everett, Washington
July 30 – Smash Wrestling – Oshawa Music Hall, 39 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B2
July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36; Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC
Kansas City, Kansas: – Lee Wykoff beat Dave Levin to capture the MWA World Heavyweight Title
1963
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Crusher beat Moose Evans in 2 out of 3 falls – AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski – Don McClarty beat Joe “Tiger” Tomasso – Doug Gilbert no contest Iron Mike DiBiase
Waterloo, Iowa: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne defeated Bob Orton – The Medics defeated Steve Bolus & Steve Kovacs – Bob Geigel beat Ray Gordon
1967
Amarillo, Texas: – Nick Kozak won a Russian Roulette battle royal for $1,000 – Kinji Shibuya beat Dory Funk Jr to win North American Title – Bearcat Wright & Thunderbolt Patterson beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race by dq – Nick Kozak drew The Alaskan
1968
Bloomington, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig – The Crusher & Bill Watts beat Harley Race & Dr. X – Mad Dog Vachon beat Dutch Savage
1972
Kansas City, Kansas: – Rufus R. Jones defeated Juan Sebastian – Omar Atlas & Bob Geigel defeated Chati Yokouchi & Yasu Fuji – Harley Race beat Pat O’Connor – The Stomper & Danny Little Bear beat Roger Kirby & Black Angus
Fargo, North Dakota: – In a cage match; The Crusher beat Ivan Koloff – Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Hennig – Dusty Rhodes beat Don Muraco
1973
Denver, Colorado: – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens via dq – Geoff Portz beat Rene Goulet – Greg Gagne beat Bill Crouch
Mexico City, Mexico: – Kim Sung Ho defeated Alfonso Dantes for the EMLL NWA Light Heavyweight Title
1974
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham by countout – Billy Robinson beat Larry Heiniemi
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Wahoo McDaniel & Chris Taylor – Bobo Brazil beat Baron Von Raschke by dq
1986
Denver, Colorado: – Stan Hansen vs. Nick Bockwinkle for the AWA Title never took place. (Hansen was ordered to lose the belt to Bockwinkle and refused and left the building, ran over the AWA belt with his pickup and mailed the belt back to Gagne). The AWA announced that since World Champion Stan Hansen refused to wrestle Nick Bockwinkle, Hansen was stripped of the title and Bockwinkle was named the new champion – Verne Gagne & Greg Gagne & Jimmy Snuka beat Nord The Barbarian & Boris Zhukov & Sheik Adnan – AWA Tag Team Champions Buddy Rose & Doug Somers beat Midnight Rockers – Sherri Martel beat Candi Devine
1992
Memphis, Tennessee: – Tom Prichard defeated Brian Christopher for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1998
Cleveland, Ohio: – Steve Austin defeated Kane for the WWF World Heavyweight Title
1999
Fayetteville, North Carolina: – The Hardy Boyz defeated Faarooq & Bradshaw for the WWF World Tag Team Titles
2008
WWE Night of Champions: Dallas, Texas: – Jeff Hardy defeated Montel Vontavious Porter – John Morrison and The Miz defeated Finlay and Hornswoggle to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship – Matt Hardy defeated Chavo Guerrero (with Bam Neely) to retain the WWE United States Championship – Mark Henry defeated Kane and Big Show to win the ECW Championship – Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes defeated Hardcore Holly in a Handicap match for the World Tag Team Championship – Kofi Kingston defeated Chris Jericho (with Lance Cade) to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship – Mickie James defeated Katie Lea Burchill (with Paul Burchill) to retain the WWE Women’s Championship – Edge defeated Batista to retain the World Heavyweight Championship – Triple H defeated John Cena to retain the WWE Championship
