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Category: News

  • NXT Tampa, FL, live results: Austin Aries, Enzo & Cass & Tough Enough Josh debuts!

    I am live in Tampa tonight where they’re expecting approximately 450 people.

    – Asuka and Liv Morgan beat Mandy Rose and Daria

    Daria and Liv took turns working over Liv with a lot of basic mat work, headlocks and armbars, all leading to the hot tag for Asuka. Asuka ran wild, knocking Mandy off the apron, transitioning an arm bar into the Asuka Lock for the win.

    – Dylan Miley beat Bronson Mathews

    The former Tough Enough Josh made his in-ring debut. Big diving headbutt from Miley for the win. Short strong guy match here.

    – Levis Valenzuela beat Elias Samson

    Pre-match, Samson barely got his song out due to vicious heat from the crowd: “You Need Lessons” “Your Song Sucks” “Drift Away” chants. He attempted to mock the town but Levis made his entrance. Match was a lot of headlocks and control by The Drifter. Levis made a comeback and hit some big axe handles and hit his windup punch finish for a big win.

    – Patrick Clark and Kenneth Crawford beat Blake and Murphy

    BAMF was without Alexa Bliss. They took control early, cutting off the ring and working over Kenneth. Patrick took the hot tag and did some amazing drop kicks and midsection kicks. Blake & Murphy tried to cheat and run distraction yet Patrick got a flash pin roll up on Blake for the surprise win.

    – Austin Aries beat Steve Cutler

    Aries began with a promo. He says he’s prepared for Baron Corbin in Dallas and is proud to be here in Tampa. Cutler interrupts him and says he’s been here for two years.Showcase match for Aries who hit a dive to the outside, his spinning elbow, and the win.

    – Mojo Rawley beat Chris Girard

    Girard hit variations of his uppercut throughout this match, Mojo would try to taunt him yet get caught up fighting rather than goofing around. Girard worked a chinlock and Mojo fought out of it, got hyped up and ran wild before scoring the win with his shoulder blocks, and front slam.

    – Apollo Crews beat Angelo Dawkins

    The usual Dawkins jawjacking, taunting Apollo, and talking about the Curse Of Greatness. Apollo was able to get Angelo’s headband at one point which upset Dawkins greatly. Apollo for the win and celebrated with the fans.

    – Enzo and Cass beat The Vaudevillains

    Pre-match promo with Enzo and Cass saying it is good to be back in Tampa and they aren’t happy with the results of Roadblock. They challenged anyone who wanted a match and out came the Vauds. Good match here with Enzo and Cass each getting the shine early on. The heels used distractions and cheating to take the advantage behind the ref’s back to work over Enzo.

    After a long beating by the heels on Enzo, he was able to get the hot tag to Cass who ran wild with big slams and clotheslines. He hit a Stinger Splash and big boot for a near fall. Enzo kicked out of a big powerbomb late. Cass cleared house and Enzo got the splash and pin for the win.

  • Jury reaches verdict in Hulk Hogan vs Gawker trial

    The Florida jury just came back with a verdict awarding Hulk Hogan $115 million in his case with Gawker Media.  The case will obviously be appealed and there is very little chance he will be getting anything close to that figure. But the verdict sends a strong message to the media regarding publishing sex tapes of people without their consent.

    The jury broke down the verdict as $55 million in lost economic injuries and $60 million in emotional distress.  

    Gawker would have to post $50 million to take it to the appeals court, which makes that aspect tricky as well, as the verdict could force the company into either bankruptcy or sale. There was a great deal of potential evidence Gawker was hoping to introduce that didn’t make the trial due to the rulings of judge Pamela Campbell and Gawker is going to use that in its appeal.

    The following is from Gawker:  “As the trial concludes, we’re disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness.  So, it may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case.  Hulk Hogan’s best friend Bubba the Love Spongewho made the tape and offered up his wife in the first place, originally told his radio listeners that Hogan knew he was being taped.  The jury was only able to hear a questionable version of events.  Bubba should have been required to appear in court and explain what really happened.  There is more to the story.  We expect the upcoming release of improperly sealed documents, important evidence that the jury should have been able to see, will begin revealing the true facts that the jury deserved to know about during deliberations.”

    It’s generally believed Bubba was lying when he said Hogan knew he was being taped.  Amazing, out of all the best friends in the world this guy could have chosen, he picked Bubba and Ed Leslie.  Well, at least he’s still got Jimmy Hart. 

  • TNA Impact tapings: Matt Hardy, Drew Galloway, Bobby Lashley

    The first part of the show were matches taped for the 3/29 episode of Impact.  The second part are matches taped for something else, whether it be Xplosion or PPV shows.

    For 3/29:

    Jeff Hardy beat Eric Young in a cage match.  The big spot was Hardy doing a swanton off the top of the cage putting Young through a table.

    There was an interview segment with Matt Hardy’s crew including Tyrus and Rockstar Spud, and Drew Galloway (the new champion) along with Jeremy Borash.  Hardy wanted his rematch with Galloway but Tyrus noted that he has the ability to cash in his briefcase for a title shot any time he wants.

    Bobby Lashley beat The Pope in a no DQ match pretty much destroying him

    EC III issued a challenge to Mike Bennett

    Jade won the Knockouts title in a three-way over champion Gail Kim and Madison Rayne.  Maria Kanellis caused Kim to lose.

    Drew Galloway beat Matt Hardy to retain the title

    Other matches taped:

    Robbie E & Jessie Godderz beat Tom LaRuffa & Pierre Marceau – LaRuffa & Marceau were with WWE as Sylvester Lefort and Marcus Louis.

    James Storm beat Bram

    Pepper Parks issued an open challenge against anyone.

    Bobby Roode beat Pepper Parks

    Trevor Lee beat Eddie Edwards

    Chris Melendez beat Beauregarde.

  • Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor rematch in the works for UFC 200

    Ariel Helwani reported this morning that UFC is working toward a rematch with Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, at welterweight no less, as the main event for UFC 200 on July 9 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Helwani reported the UFC is close to finalizing plans for the match. 

    This would be a major blow to Frankie Edgar, as just last week Dana White indicated the match that made the most sense going forward was McGregor defending the featherweight title against Edgar.  McGregor himself, after his loss to Diaz, said he’d decide whether more people would be interested in Edgar or Jose Aldo, and that’s he was looking at defending his title against one of them.  He gave the impression that he thought Aldo would have more interest but was leery if Aldo wouldn’t pull out before the fight.

    McGregor vs. Diaz would also eliminate the possibility of Robbie Lawler vs. Diaz, a fight that both White and Fertitta talked about for the welterweight title.

    Based on the results of UFC 196, McGregor vs. Diaz would be the best drawing fight for UFC 200 even without a title at stake.  Plus, there would be longer to build the fight.  For McGregor, he’d be facing Diaz with a full camp, making his odds of winning even longer.

    It also puts the featherweight division on hold and almost forces an Aldo vs. Edgar match for the title shot, which would eliminate a contender.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/18): Ivan & Nikita Koloff win the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1933 

    Brisbane, Australia:
    – Joe Dawson defeated Billy Meeske to win the Australian Heavyweight Title 

    1943 

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Whipper Billy Watson defeated Jack Claybourne to win the Toronto NWA British Empire Heavyweight Title

    1952

    San Francisco, California:
    – Ben and Mike Sharpe defeated Hombre Montana and Leo Nomellini for the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1954

    Dayton, Ohio:
    – Roy Shire defeated Marvin Mercer to win the Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Title

    1956 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Billy Varga defeated Al Loloati for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title 

    1957

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – George and Sandy Scott defeated Jim Austeri and Ali Bey to win
    the Mid-Atlantic NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1959

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Papa Pasquale defeated Billy Wicks for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title 

    1960 

    – Ed Francis defeated Shag Thomas to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    1961

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Leo Nomellini & Verne Gagne beat Gene Kiniski & Len Montana 2 out of 3 falls (Montana suffered a broken leg and has to vacate his half of the AWA Tag Team Title, Gene Kiniski chose Hard Boil Haggarty as his new partner)
    – AWA US Champion Wilbur Snyder beat Hard Boiled Haggerty
    – Stan Kowalski beat Jim Hady
    – Joe Scarpello beat Vic Christy

    1963

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Louie Tillet defeated Bull Curry for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title 

    1964

    Salem, Oregon:
    – Nick Bockwinkel and Nick Kozak defeated The Destroyer and Art Michalik to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

    Lubbock, Texas:
    – Larry Hennig and The Viking defeated Ken Lucas and Fritz Von Erich for the Amarillo NWA North American Tag Team Titles

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Lee Fields and Mario Galento defeated The Mysterious Medics to win the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1968 

    Auckland, New Zealand:
    – John DaSilva defeated George Gordienko for the New Zealand NWA British Empire Heavyweight Title 

    1971

    Tampa, Florida: 
    – The Texan defeated Bob Roop to win the vacant NWA Florida Television Title (after the match, The Texan unmasked,
    revealing himself to be Terry Funk)

    1974 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Lou Thesz defeated Tommy Gilbert to win the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title 
    – The Infernos (Ron Gibson and Stan Pulaski) defeated Don Fargo and Rufus R. Jones for
    the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1976

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – The Hollywood Blonds (Jerry Brown and Buddy Roberts) defeated Gorgeous George, Jr. and Greg Valentine to win
    the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    1978

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Mr. Wrestling II
    – Thunderbolt Patterson & Tony Atlas beat Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen
    – Georgia TV Champion Ole Anderson beat Mr. Wrestling I
    – Tommy Rich beat Jacques Goulet
    – Adrian Adonis beat Helmut Schmidt
    – Raymond Rougeau beat Bounty Hunter

    1981

    Port Huron, Michigan:
    – Ricky Cortez defeated Dick Garza for the Michigan Championship Wrestling Michigan Heavyweight Title 

    1982

    Oakland, California:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Pat Patterson
    – Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum & Bobby Heenan beat Hulk Hogan & Tito Santana & Buck Zumhofe
    – Non Title: Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan beat AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
    – Brad Rheingans beat Sgt. Goulet

    1983

    Boston, Massachusetts:
    – WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco 

    1984 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Ivan Koloff defeated Angelo Mosca, Jr. to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title

    1985 

    Fayetteville, North Carolina:
    – Ivan and Nikita Koloff defeated Manny Fernandez and Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1986

    Mooresville, North Carolina:
    – Black Bart defeated Sam Houston to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title

    1988 

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Chris Benoit defeated Gama Singh to win the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title 

    1990

    Rochester, Minnesota:
    – Larry Zbyszko & Tully Blanchard beat DJ Peterson & Paul Diamond
    – Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom & Tully Blanchard beat The Trooper (the Patriot) & Paul Diamond & DJ Peterson
    – Kokina Maximus (Yokozuna) beat Sgt Slaughter dq

    1994

    Netzahualcóyotl, Mexico:
    – Canek defeats Yamato for the UWA World Heavyweight Title

    1995 
    Dallas, Texas:
    – Greg Valentine won the NWA North American Heavyweight Title defeating John Hawk 

    ECW Extreme Warfare, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – 2 Cold Scorpio pinned ECW World Television Champion and Tag Team Champion Dean Malenko to win the Television title
    – Axl Rotten pinned Ian Rotten in a Strap match
    – The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock) defeated The Pitbulls
    – Sabu defeated Mikey Whipwreck 
    – Terry Funk and The Sandman defeated Cactus Jack and ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas

    1997 

    Vancouver, Washington:
    – Colonel DeBeers defeated Matt Borne to win the Championship Wrestling USA Television Title 

    2000 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Derrick King and Moondog Spot defeated Wolfie D, who held the title by himself, for the Power Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles

    2001 

    WCW Greed: Jacksonville, Florida: 
    – Kid Romeo and Elix Skipper defeated Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio, Jr., to become the first WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions 
    – Shane Helms defeated WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero, Jr. to win the title
    – WCW World Heavyweight Champion Scott Steiner (with Midajah) defeated Diamond Dallas Page in a Falls Count Anywhere match
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions The Natural Born Thrillers (Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo) defeated Totally Buff (Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger) to retain the title
    – Booker T pinned WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Rick Steiner to win the title
    – Dusty and Dustin Rhodes defeated Ric Flair and Jeff Jarrett

    Deer Park, New York: 
    – Big Dick Dudley defeated Tommy Cairo and Axl Rotten in a three-way match to win the United States Extreme Wrestling Heavyweight Title

  • NXT Coral Gables, FL, live results: Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe; Sami Zayn, more

    Photo: @TripleH

    Notes from Ernie Quincosa from University of Miami’s BankUnited Center

    – Sami Zayn beat Baron Corbin

    They kicked this house show off with a match that could have been near the top of the card. Crowd was pretty hot for Sami and heckled Baron throughout. Typical Sami Zayn match, Baron got quite a bit of offense in, more than Sami, and looked much much more experienced than he has recently, he came across to me as a main event of NXT caliber heel for the first time. Sami won with a Heluva Kick to the corner and a pin.

    – Carmella and Aliyah beat Emma and Billie Kay

    Match was flat. People tried to get behind Carmella and booed Emma, but this was the quietest they were all night. Everything looked very soft and not very stiff, but all the women in the match did look like great athletes. Emma and Billie Kaye worked over Aliyah and Carmella got the hot tag and submits Billie Kaye with her neck choke finisher.

    – Rich Swann beat Riddick Moss

    Crowd liked Rich Swann but kept heckling through the match.  Very back and forth match, and Swann won with a 450 splash. Riddick Moss seems to be improving, and Rich Swann seems like a solid baby face.

    – NXT Tag Champions The Revival vs. American Alpha ends in a draw

    This felt like a dry run of a pay-per-view match. Match started slow with Chad Gable getting a lot of shine. Revival tries to cheat, start cutting the ring in half with Gable. Jordan gets a very hot tag and goes to town with the spot where he pulls his singlet straps down, pulls them up, and pulls them back down. Crowd loses it. Match ends with pinning trade-off between Dawson and Gable, ending in a double pin. Referee calls the match a draw, Jordan asks The Revival to go five more minutes and they refuse and try to jump American Alpha. Jordan and Gable get a come back and hit Grand Amplitude, then soak in the applause from the crowd.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Bayley beat Nia Jax

    Big contrast between this match and the earlier women’s match. Every time Nia hit Bayley, the crowd gasped. Nia dominated Bayley for most of the match, until Bayley had a comeback and hit the Bayley-to-Belly suplex and pinned Nia. 

    – Manny Andrade beat Tye Dillinger

    Surprisingly, it seemed like a good amount of the crowd knew of La Sombra, and there were multiple Sombra chants during the match. Manny seemed VERY popular with the crowd, which garnered multiple chants in Spanish. A lot of the crowd was Latino, but it’s also important to remember Miami has a lot of Cubans and Central Americans, and not so many Mexicans specifically. This match got the first (and possibly only) “This is Awesome” chant of the night. Dillinger and Andrade went back and forth, lots of chops and reversals in this match. Much more high-flying than I’ve seen in an NXT match before. Andrade won with a very impressive moonsault from the corner to standing into a standing moonsault.

    – NXT Champion Finn Balor beat Samoa Joe

    This was more or less the same match these two have had before. The pacing was a little different, however. Samoa Joe seemed like a monster throughout the match, dominating Finn early with a very physical style. Finn won with a brainbuster, however he was not able to lift Joe all the way up and so it ended up being more of a face slam. Samoa Joe was very popular with the crowd, who sang happy birthday to him during the match without prompting. After the match, Finn led the crowd into singing happy birthday to Joe again, and then sang “Danny Boy” for the crowd, it being St. Patrick’s Day. 

  • Watch the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker Media trial live

    Photo: TampaBay.com

    If you need some entertainment and courtroom drama is your jam, you can live stream the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker Media trial live below. What a time to be alive, eh?

    If you haven’t been following the case, Hogan (aka Terry Bollea) is suing Gawker for $100 million for publishing a clip of a sex tape of himself and the wife of Bubba Clem (aka radio host) Bubba The Love Sponge), along with a long article to accompany it in 2012.

    At the basis, Hogan is claiming the post is a violation of his privacy, claiming the video was made without his consent or knowledge. Gawker is claiming their post is protected under the First Amendment because of Hogan’s past discussing his sex life.

    A six-member jury will ultimately make the call.

    If you’re looking for in-depth analysis and conversation about the case, check out the Figure Four Weekly newsletter archives for some in-depth analysis from our David Bixenspan. You can also follow trial analysis and thoughts on #HulkvsGawk on Twitter.

  • WON Preview: UFC 196 sets records; Hayabusa; Eddie Einhorn

    SUBSCRIBERS READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    We’ve got a major history issue of the Wrestling Observer this week, a double issue with a story on the life of Hayabusa and the story behind one of the more noted sports owners, Eddie Einhorn, and his two major forays in pro wrestling including his challenging of the wrestling establishment in the 70s, and his failed attempt to unite them in the 80s.

    Our lead story goes into the records set at UFC 196, including why PPV numbers were so strong, lessons about the UFC audience, what the audience wants from big fights now, numerous records set last week, the value of stars and momentum and what comes next.   Update on what may be the end of UFC’s long struggle to get legalized in New York.

    WrestleMania update, with the entire lineup, as well as updates on WWE injuries, what happened in the Chris Jericho vs. Neville match, what was supposed to happen, and the ironies of the WWE officiating.  WWE’s most underutilized talent is right now, and look at the Roadblock show with full coverage.

    Ticket sales and gate for WrestleMania this year, and how it compares with previous company records, boxing attendance record, more people talked about for the WWE Hall of Fame this year that haven’t gotten out, more on a physical Hall of Fame, more on comparisons of WWE TV revenue with that of NASCAR, Mick Foley talks Mania, Foley’s new TV show, WrestleMania in Europe, notes on NXT TV taping dates, Notes on the 2017 WrestleMania, why William Regal has warned wrestlers about certain bumps, Paul Heyman signs a new distribution deal, AAA star getting tryout, the interesting career and role John Cena’s grandfather played in major league baseball and college baseball, plus reports on all the WWE & NXT events over the past week and business notes on all the shows.

    The struggles of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the next set of major shows, as well as the New Japan Cup finals and where everything looks to be going next.

    Major story on the life and career of Hayabusa, looking at his childhood, becoming a wrestling fan, his start in the business, his rise to stardom, his career title history, the politics that hampered his career at different times, injuries, big show matches, story behind many of his career breaks, the heyday of FMW and its fall, as well as the various attempts to get it back going.  We also look at the end of his career, how close he came to death, his thoughts while he was paralyzed, the death of FMW, and Hayabusa’s life after pro wrestling.  There is a lot about the high-flying style that he popularized and the business of Japanese pro wrestling underneath the major league promotions.

    Results of the fan voting awards from Nikkan Sports, of Japan’s major newspapers, covering the best of 2015.

    The death of music legend Keith Emerson, and his role in two of the most iconic wrestling themes in different parts of the world.

    Eddie Einhorn, both from his role in making college basketball a popular television sport, and his attempt in the 1970s to get into pro wrestling and ran opposition to the NWA and WWWF.  We look at the background of Pedro Martinez, his partner, including when he ran wrestling in Madison Square Garden and his famous fight with Toots Mondt.   We look at the glory days of the Buffalo/Cleveland area, what killed the NWF, how the IWA was formed, the original roster members, some big names who got their start and the stars who were with him.  Einhorn’s second run in pro wrestling, trying to unite the establishment in fighting Vince McMahon in 1985, and why that didn’t work.

    The start of the IWA and its major stadium shows just outside of New York, as well as why they didn’t succeed, and the post-Einhorn IWA.

    The ratings of all the major wrestling and MMA programming from the past week, as well as results of the major arena events around the world and reviews of the key television shows.

    READ IT HERE:  March 21, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 196 breaks records, New Japan Cup, WWE Road Block

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Giant Baba passes away  A look at the life and times of Giant Baba, details on the Mankind vs. Rock empty arena match at WWF Halftime Heat, plus tons of news.

    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.

    Also in this issue:

    –CMLL’s iPPV this week

    –Second generation wrestling star accused of kidnapping and rape of ex-girlfriend

    –More on issues in AAA

    –AAA doing an iPPV shortly

    –More on Octagon’s issues with AAA regarding the use of his name and creation of Octagon Jr.

    –Wrestle-1’s big show of the month and where they are going next

    –All Japan vs. Big Japan main event

    –Legends coming back to All Japan next month as in May

    –Another pro wrestling star signed to headline the next Rizin show who should not be fighting

    –Very controversial return of a woman wrestling star in Japan

    –Notes on the career of Charlie Fulton

    –The Who’s Who in wrestling in the 70s and 80s who Fulton faced during his career

    –Fulton’s greatest successes

    –Why Lonnie Mayne beat up one of Fulton’s most notable partners

    –Fulton’s role as the WWF’s Iron Man in 1982

    –Ed Leslie mad at Hulk Hogan

    –Full coverage of the wXw 16 carat gold tournament

    –Why Drew Galloway was a last minute sub

    –Lots of things scheduled for WrestleMania weekend

    –Preview of NCAA Division I wrestling tournament

    –Notes on the movie on the life of the Great Sasuke that played in the U.S. this past week

    –More on the life of Lord James Blears

    –Blears coming up with the original idea for entrance music on promos

    –Ed Francis talks about his longtime partner

    –Oldest living wrestlers

    –Movie planned on major European star

    –Lucha Underground’s first house show

    –Notes on ROH’s final show before WrestleMania weekend and Daniels & Kazarian’s new move

    –Updated ROH plans for WrestleMania week

    –Notes on Drew Galloway winning TNA title

    –What happened with Ken Anderson and TNA

    –A look at TNA’s return to action

    –A look at UFC’s weekend show

    –Chael Sonnen talk about his future

    –Background of press conference issue talked about by Daniel Cormier

    –Another failed drug test in UFC

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Vinny Massaro names a wrestling move after Daniel Cormier

    –Update on injuries from shooting on former UFC star Mikey Burnett

    –Someone just debuting in pro wrestling going after MMA world title in May

    –Kimbo Slice & Ken Shamrock suspension notes

    –Bellator ratings for 2016

    –Matt Mitrione signs with Bellator and the state of Bellator’s heavyweight division

    –More on ONE FC’s addressing the weight issue

    –Jason Miller arrested once again

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

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  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/17): Scott Norton wins IWGP World Title

    1926

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Joe Stecher beat Ivan Lindow 

    1971

    Portland, Oregon: 
    – NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr drew Lonnie Mayne
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Kurt & Karl Von Steiger beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon dq
    – Pat O’Brien beat Haru Sasaki dq
    – Dutch Savage drew Steven Little Bear
    – Stan Stasiak beat Moose Morowski
    – Tony Borne beat Bing Ki Lee
    – Eric Froelich drew Bobby Nichols

    1975

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – Andre the Giant beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Horst Hoffman beat Superstar Billy Graham 
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Buddy Wolff 
    – Billy Robinson beat Moose Cholak 
    – George Gadaski beat Kenny Jay 

    1976

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Chris Taylor won a 18 man $20,000 Battle Royal
    – Andre The Giant beat Baron Von Raschke dq
    – Chris Taylor beat Kim Duk
    – Jos LeDuc ddq Mad Dog Vachon
    – Larry Hennig beat Jimmy Valiant
    – Dick Blood (Ricky Steamboat) beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Scott Irwin ddq Jan Nelson

    1978

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    Andre the Giant won 17 man Wrestle Royal 
    Terry Funk beat Black Lack Lanza 
    Andre the Giant and Dick the Bruiser beat Ric Flair, Dusty Wolfe, and Baker 
    Dick Murdoch beat Evan Johnson 
    Pat O’Connor and Rocky Johnson beat Bobby Jaggers and Bob Brown 
    David Von Erich beat Doug Somers 

    1979

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Non Title Cage match: Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat AWA Tag Team Champions Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens
    – Billy Robinson ddq Bobby Duncum
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Cecil DuBois & Iron Sheik
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Joe Scarpello
    – Doug Gilbert drew Buddy Wolff

    1981 

    Allentown, Pennsylvania:
    – The Moondogs (Rex & King) defeated Tony Garea & Rick Martel for the WWF World Tag Team Titles

    1982

    Shreveport, Louisiana:
    – Bob Roop defeated Ted DiBiase for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title 

    1993 

    Dublin, Ireland:
    – Big Van Vader defeated Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Title

    1999

    Tokyo, Japan: 
    – Koji Kanemomoto defeated Jushin Liger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship

    2001 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Scott Norton defeated Kensuke Sasaki to win the IWGP Heavyweight championship

    2002 

    WrestleMania: Toronto, Ontario, Canada: 
    – Triple H pinned Chris Jericho (with Stephanie McMahon) to win the Undisputed WWF championship  
    – Rob Van Dam pinned William Regal to win the WWF Intercontinental championship
    – The Undertaker pinned Ric Flair in a great street fight 
    – WWF Tag Champs Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo beat The Acolytes, The Hardy Boyz, and The Dudley Boys in a Four-Way Elimination match
    – The Rock pinned Hulk Hogan 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Canek won the AAA Rey de Reyes Tournament, defeating Pirata Morgan, Cibernetico & Octagon

  • Sting’s pro wrestling career is over, neck injury too severe

    TMZ reported today what has been pretty well known for some time, that Sting is retired as a pro wrestler due to the neck injuries suffered in the Night of Champions match with Seth Rollins.

    Sting was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and told that he needed surgery, which is it believed he has not yet gotten.  According to the story, Steve Borden has seen several doctors who all agreed that he shouldn’t return to the ring.

    Sting was injured twice in the match with Rollins in September, both times taking power bombs into the turnbuckles.  He went limp briefly the second time but was able to finish the match.

    The story said Sting may officially announce his retirement at the Hall of Fame ceremony on 4/2 in Dallas, where he is the main event inductee.

    Due to the injury, Sting vs. Undertaker was never under consideration for this year’s WrestleMania nor was he ever talked about after September for a spot on the show.

    The story at www.tmz.com stated Sting would be open to a non-physical role with the company.

    Borden, who turns 57 later this month, started wrestling in 1985 after being discovered by Rick Bassman working at a Gold’s Gym.  He began his career in Tennessee working for Jerry Jarrett as a tag team with Jim Hellwig, who became the Ultimate Warrior.  The pair were then hired by Bill Watts, where they split up when Hellwig wasn’t happy with the company.  Sting remained and became part of Eddie Gilbert’s Hot Stuff International heel group, often teaming with Rick Steiner.

    Gilbert turned him babyface just as the UWF was being purchased by Jim Crockett, and Sting came over in the purchase but wasn’t used well until a 45 minute draw on the first Clash of the Champions with Ric Flair.  The last 15 minutes of the match peaked with a 7.8 quarter hour, and the match itself did a 7.1 rating, both records for post-1983 TBS wrestling that were never broken, and Sting remained one of the top stars in wrestling since that time.