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  • Kimbo Slice & Ken Shamrock fail pre-Bellator 149 drug tests

    As if their presence atop an MMA card in 2016 wasn’t bizarre enough, another footnote will be added onto the Bellator legacy of both Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice: busted for a positive drug test.

    MMA Fighting’s Marc Raimondi broke the news Friday afternoon that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has “adminstratively suspended” both guys pending a full adjudication process due to a non-specified banned substance found in their pre-fight urine tests prior to Bellator 149.

    Raimondi added that typical maximum suspension in Texas for this type of failure go up to 90 days with a $5000 fine. Bellator has yet to make a public comment.

    The 52-year-old Shamrock lost to Royce Gracie in the main event via first round TKO after the referee missed Gracie kneeing Shamrock low, leading to strikes for the win. The 42-year-old Slice downed DADA 5000 in the night’s co-main event by TKO in the third round. It was later learned that 5000 nearly died in the cage after suffering renal failure due to bad weight cutting.

    The event did record numbers for SPIKE TV, crushing previous Bellator shows on their airwaves.

    That night just keeps getting stranger and stranger.

  • WON Preview: UFC 196 aftermath

    SUBSCRIBERS READ IT HERE:  March 14, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Diaz defeats McGregor, Hayabusa passes away

    A full rundown of UFC 196 and it’s repercussions, details on the death of Hayabusa, WWE announces a physical Hall of Fame, plus tons more.  The records set by UFC 196 and the WWE records just broken are the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  The aftermath of UFC 196, with Diaz’s win over McGregor and Tate’s win over Holm, what it means business-wise, lessons taught, what fight is out the window and what fights are still on the table, an early look at the business numbers.  Talk of future fights, TV, PPV and video numbers, the stories behind the fights, match-by-match coverage and the disclosed payoffs for the fighters.  The controversy in the Lawlor vs. Anderson match.

    WWE’s biggest crowds, this year’s WrestleMania ticket sales and an update on the show.  Orlando getting next year’s WrestleMania and talk of the physical WWE Hall of Fame. 

    The death of Hayabusa, big announcements by New Japan, and a look at the New Japan Cup.

    Features on the last three members of the WWE’s 2016 Hall of Fame class with notes on their career.

    The unique political situation in WWE right now and power dynamic.  The secondary ticket markets for WrestleMania, Hall of Fame and NXT in Dallas and which one has the greatest demand and why.  WWE lawsuit judgment, an update on Roman Reigns, WWE looking at more signings, Mauro Ranallo hosting a new weekly non-wrestling TV show, Undertaker’s role on European tour, Kevin Owens’ thoughts on the IC title, Rhino running for public office, update on Seth Rollins, Dwayne Johnson news, Y2AJ shirts, Kenny Omega and WWE, WWE gets awards, new WWE book, WWE TV show returning to network, notes on SummerSlam 2016 weekend, WWE tryout camp plus business notes from all the weekend shows and rundowns of the WWE & NXT brand events.

    PWG’s All-Star weekend.

    The life and times of Lord James Blears and the glory days of 50th State Wrestling in Hawaii.  What made Hawaii the wrestling hotbed it was, as well as Blears’ other life as the patriarch of the first family of surfing.

    The monthly rundown of WWE business as well as that of TNA.

    Rundowns of all the major television shows, the ratings and details of the ratings for all the major television shows, results of all the major arena events held around the world this past week.

    READ IT HERE:  March 14, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Diaz defeats McGregor, Hayabusa passes away
    A full rundown of UFC 196 and it’s repercussions, details on the death of Hayabusa, WWE announces a physical Hall of Fame, plus tons more.

    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

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

    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. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners
    All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

    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’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.

    Also in this issue:

    –The complete lineup for the Dos Leyendas card, CMLL’s first big event of the year with two hair matches

    –Notes on the debut of the sons of Cien Caras

    –Continuation of the Ultimo Guerrero vs. Atlantis feud

    –Notes on the amazing Kamaitachi vs. Dragon Lee match from the past week

    –Notes from the last Area Mexico shows

    –Two of Mexico’s all-time legends return for an Elite show

    –Update on AAA bookings

    –Notes on the debut of Octagon Jr.

    –Update on the AAA Rey de Reyes tournament

    –Japanese star with serious neck injury

    –Dragon Gate’s Champions Gate notes

    –The next title matches in Dragon Gate

    –Hayabusa’s connection with Dragon Gate and Dragon Kid

    –Financial issues with major Japan group

    –Japanese star about to return after a broken neck

    –More on the Hogan vs. Gawker case

    –What will be the second biggest wrestling crowd of the year and where that took place

    –Notes on Kota Ibushi coming to WWN

    –Update on Jimmy Snuka trial

    –Notes on WaleMania

    –Big indie crowd reprises legendary feud

    –Update on Rey Mysterio Jr. and indies

    –Update on Jeff Jarrett’s promotion

    –Former WWE star wins Universal title in Puerto Rico

    –Significant business deal getting close for Lucha Underground

    –Notes on the next season of Lucha Underground

    –Power structure in ROH

    –Major international star off ROH for a short period of time

    –Notes on this week’s ROH show

    –Joe Koff talks future of company

    –Expected lineup for the next tour with New Japan talent and the scheduled dates

    –TNA notes regarding the next tapings

    –Davey Richards talks his recovery from knee surgery

    –A look at the next several months of UFC main events

    –Details of the major press conference with all the headliners that took place last week

    –A look at UFC’s next stadium event

    –Notes from the next season of Ultimate Fighter

    –Notes behind the Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha feud

    –The Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier dynamic

    –Paige VanZant on Dancing With The Stars

    –Will one of UFC’s major draws return in a few months

    –Notes on this week’s Invicta show

    –Details of Chris Leben’s career ending once again

    –Rizin announces its first tag team match featuring MMA legends

    –Update on crazy show in Phoenix with boxing, pro wrestling, grappling and MMA on same bill as unique announcing team

    –MMA group looking at running weekly live events and television

    –Will Kayla Harrison go into MMA?

    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.

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

  • March 14, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Diaz defeats McGregor, Hayabusa passes away

    Nate Diaz’s win over Conor McGregor and Miesha Tate’s UFC women’s bantamweight title win over Holly Holm literally changed the direction of UFC.

    Going into UFC 196 on 3/5 in Las Vegas, McGregor was the company’s money machine, expected to headline UFC 200 against Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title, or perhaps even Georges St-Pierre. The latter, which would have been the biggest fight in UFC history, was heavily rumored and talked about. It was given credence when St-Pierre showed up at ringside during the show and was coy about why he was there. After McGregor lost, Dana White denied any talk of GSP vs. McGregor, but at that point, with that fight really out the window, it does UFC no good for the story to be that the biggest fight in history got screwed up by an upset. There are those who believe St-Pierre will never return due his having no money issues and concern of the long-term effects of brain trauma from fighting. There were also rumors flying about GSP vs. Lawler for the welterweight title, which would also be a major fight. But right now there is still nothing officially said past rumors that GSP is going to fight again.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/10): Bully Ray wins the TNA World Title

    1870

    Detroit, Michigan:
    – James H. McLaughlin won a tournament to become American Collar-and-Elbow Champion

    1919

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Champions Wladek Zbyszko beat Joe Stecher in 2 out of 3 falls 

    1950

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Tommy O’Toole defeated Sonny Myers in a tournament final to win the vacant NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title

    1959

    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:
    – Mighty Ursus and Shag Thomas defeated Maurice and Paul Vachon to win the Calgary NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Andre Bollet and Frank Valois defeated Johnny Walker and The Amazing Zuma for the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

    1960

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bob Ellis won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title from Kinji Shibuya

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Mighty Ortega and Alex Perez defeated Dory Funk, Sr. and Dick Hutton for the Amarillo NWA North American Tag Team Titles

    1962

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Larry Hennig 
    – Doug Gilbert beat Bob Geigel in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Tiny Mills beat Karl Von Schoberg
    – Duke Hoffman beat Tony Nero 

    1967

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
    – The Assassins (Jody Hamilton and Tom Renesto) defeated Skandor Akbar and Swede Karlson to win the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    1968

    Osaka, Japan:
    – Yukiko Tomoe defeated The Fabulous Moolah for the NWA World Women’s Title 

    1972

    Los Angeles, California:
    – John Tolos defeated Killer Kowalski to win the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title

    1975

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – George Barnes and Bill Dundee defeated Eddie Marlin and Tojo Yamamoto to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1976

    Miami, Florida:
    – NWA Title: Andre The Giant defeated Terry Funk by dq
    – Lights Out Match: Dusty Rhodes defeated King Curtis 
    – Billy Robinson & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Frank Goodish & Kim Duk 
    – Bob Roop & Bob Orton, Jr. drew Mike Graham & Jerry Brisco 
    – Missouri Mauler defeated Bob Orton, Sr. 
    – Pak Song defeated Abe Jacobs 
    – Steve Keirn defeated Ali Pasha by dq

    1978

    – Ron Bass and Moondog Lonnie Mayne defeated Chavo Guerrero and El Halcón for the NWA Americas Tag Team Title

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Georgia Champion Stan Hansen beat Thunderbolt Patterson
    – Ole Anderson & Lars Anderson beat Mr. Wrestling II & Rocky Johnson
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Adrian Adonis
    – Helmut Schmidt & Wolfgang Schmidt beat Zulu & Pierre Lefebvre
    – Jacques Goulet beat Steve Regal

    1980

    West Palm Beach, Florida:
    – Jack Brisco and Jimmy Garvin defeated Stanley Lane and Bryan St. John to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1983

    Salem, Oregon:
    – Billy Jack Haynes and Stan Stasiak defeated The Assassin (David Sierra) and Rip Hamilton for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

    1984

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair ddq King Kong Brody
    – Non Title Indian Strap Match: Wahoo McDaniel beat Missouri State Champion Harley Race  
    – Kamala vs Bulldog Bob Brown & Buck Zumhofe
    – Greg Gagne & Ted Oates vs AWA Champion Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenyru
    – Blackjack Mulligan vs Ox Baker
    – Blackjack Lanza vs Roger Kirby
    – Luke Graham vs Jay Wolfe
    – Buzz Tyler & Ron Ritchie vs the Grapplers

    1986

    Fort Worth, Texas
    – Brian Adias defeated The Grappler to win the World Class Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1992

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Dr. Death defeated Tom Prichard to win the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title 

    1995

    Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada:
    – Scott D’Amore defeated Mickey Doyle for the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title 

    2001

    Morovis, Puerto Rico:
    – Eddie Colón defeated Damien Steel to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    2007

    Crystal River, Florida:
    – Erick Stevens defeated FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong to win the Eddie Graham Memorial Battle of the Belts Tournament to become the first FIP Florida Heritage Champion

    2013

    TNA Lockdown:
    – TNA X-Division champion Kenny King defeated Zema Ion and Christian York to retain the title
    – TNA Knockouts champion Velvet Sky defeated Gail Kim to retain the title
    – TNA Tag Team champions Austin Aries & Bobby Roode defeated Hernandez & Chavo Guerrero and Bad Influence
    – Steel Cage Match: Wes Brisco beat Kurt Angle
    – Lethal Lockdown Match: Team TNA beat Aces & Eights 
    – TNA World Title: Bully Ray defeated Jeff Hardy to win the title

  • WWE Smackdown results: Sami Zayn & Neville vs. Kevin Owens & Miz

    – Air Date: March 10, 2016 (Mar 9 in Canada)
    – Location: Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI

    – The Big News:

    Sami Zayn made his Smackdown debut and Chris Jericho explained why he turned on AJ Styles.

    – Show Recap:

    They announced The Wyatts vs. Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler and The Usos as the main event.

    The Miz came out for MizTV and introduced Sami Zayn. He asked Zayn to tell us about himself, but as Zayn started, Miz yelled “cut!” repeatedly and asked him to get to the good stuff and make it more dramatic.

    Zayn was annoyed, but continued, saying he and Kevin Owens started 13 years ago in Montreal. They traveled the world and made it this far by sticking together. They weren’t just friends, it was like a brotherhood, and Zayn was even the best man at Owens’ wedding.

    Zayn said Owens debuted the night he won the NXT Title, and the powerbomb on the apron caused a lot of the injuries that led to his shoulder surgery. Zayn said the thing that hurts most is that he doesn’t understand why Owens did it.

    Owens came out (but never got in the ring) and said he’s already explained why he turned on Zayn – it was all business, but Zayn made it personal when he eliminated Owens from the Rumble. Zayn said he was going to take the Intercontinental Title from Owens at WrestleMania.

    Owens told him that wasn’t happening because this is the Kevin Owens show. Zayn challenged him to a fight right now since they were both there. Owens said Zayn didn’t deserve a fight with him and was about leave, but Neville interrupted. Neville said he and Owens had unfinished business, and the IC Title would look good around his waist.

    Miz said Zayn and Neville don’t deserve a title shot, but he does, because he main evented WrestleMania while those two were main eventing bingo halls. Zayn informed Miz that his years main eventing Mania are far behind him. Miz attacked him from behind, but Zayn fought back and Miz bailed. Good segment. Owens and Zayn were both great.

    Sami Zayn & Neville beat The Miz & Kevin Owens via pinfall

    Zayn and Owens never touched. There was a bit early where Neville tagged in Zayn with Owens in the ring, but Owens quickly scrambled to tag out. The heels got the heat on Neville, but Zayn made the hot tag and hit Miz with a springboard crossbody, ten punches in the corner and tornado DDT. Zayn waited for Miz to tag Owens but Owens bailed. Zayn hit Miz with an Exploder suplex into the turnbuckle and a Helluva Kick for the win. Good match.

    Toilet humour segment with Goldust and R-Truth. Goldust still doesn’t want to be his partner. Afterwards, they aired a video package for the Triple H-Dean Ambrose stuff.

    Brie Bella beat Summer Rae via submission

    Lana joined commentary by sitting on top of the announcer’s table, not in a chair. Saxton wanted to know why she attacked Brie on Raw and Lana told him to shut up. Brie did Yes kicks and won quickly with the Yes Lock and did the Yes chant afterwards. Summer tried to attack her, so Brie knocked her down, yelled “Brie mode!” and hit a running knee. Lana jumped in from behind and gave Brie an X-factor again, and did mocking Yes chants.

    They aired the Shane McMahon highlight package from Raw.

    Chris Jericho came out wearing dark maroon pants, a black blazer with no shirt, and a black scarf. He carried out a “Y2AJ” t-shirt, and the ring had a garbage can and lighter fluid in it already. Hmm I wonder what he’s planning. The crowd booed Jericho and he explained that he was mad at the fans for chanting for AJ Styles instead of him.

    Jericho said they’ve forgotten that he’s the best in the world. He said he can do whatever they want – be the world champion, work the opener, invent a new idea like Money in the Bank. He said they had a classic tag match on Raw but people still chanted for AJ. He’s been told many times that a new guy was coming in and would be a future world champion, only to disappear three months later.

    Jericho repeatedly admonished the crowd for chanting “AJ Styles.” He began pouring lighter fluid into the trashcan and said we were about to watch AJ’s career go up in flames. Jericho lit the shirt on the fire and tossed it in the can, which went up in flames. This resulted in a great visual, with Jericho standing the rising flames as he did mocking “AJ Styles” chants.

    This was really good. The only problem – every time Jericho got mad at the crowd for chanting “AJ Styles,” they weren’t really doing that. And a few people chanted “Y2J,” which kind of ruined the effect. Still, a good segment.

    They showed members of the Milwaukee Bucks at ringside and announced Big Bossman for the Hall of Fame.

    King Barrett & Sheamus (w/Rusev) beat Lucha Dragons via pinfall

    Barrett & Sheamus vs. New Day for the tag titles was announced for Roadblock in Toronto. Ryback was shown backstage watching the match. Kalisto took out Sheamus with a dive and Sin Cara had Barrett set up for a senton, but Rusev tossed him off the top and Barrett followed with a Bullhammer elbow for the pinfall win. Barrett did a forward roll in celebration. Backstage, Ryback called Lucha Dragons little guys and said size matters or whatever.

    They aired a clip of Seth Rollins winning the title at WrestleMania last year. After a break, they plugged The Rock for this year’s Mania and aired a video package for Shane and Vince. Shane’s brawl with security featured at least a dozen camera cuts.

    Backstage, Renee Young asked the Usos about the Dudley Boyz. They talked being 10 years old and watching the Dudleys in 1996, and that their recent actions were nothing new. They wanted to be like the Dudleys when they were growing up, but they no longer respect them. Ziggler and Ambrose jumped in and Renee asked if Ziggler was expecting and repercussions from The Authority.

    Ziggler said there would be, but he’s going to bring the fight tonight and referred to their team as “Milwaukee’s best.” Ambrose said he would beat Triple H for the title on Saturday, but tonight they were hunting dem Wyatt boys, one of his favourite things to do, and they all ran off together. This was good.

    8-Man Tag Match: Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler & The Usos beat Wyatt Family via pinfall

    Saxton said the Wyatt family were like clones of Bray, because “They exude the evil that’s flowing through the veins of the eater of worlds,” to which Lawler responded, “They do his bidding alright.”

    They had the heat on Ziggler until he hit Harper with a sunset flip powerbomb and jumping DDT. He made the hot tag to Jey Uso who hit Harper with a Samoan drop. Each Uso did running hip attacks to Harper and Rowan, and followed with dives. Jey tried a splash but Harper got his knees up.

    Jey made a hot tag to Ambrose who hit Rowan with a running forearm, bulldog and swinging neckbreaker. He did a flying elbow but Harper broke up the cover, so Jimmy took him out with a kick. Bray gave Jimmy a uranage and Ziggler superkicked Bray. Ziggler gave two superkicks to Strowman, but Strowman no-sold it and clotheslined him.

    Ambrose tossed Strowman out of the ring, and Rowan tried a school boy near fall. Ambrose ducked a spin knick and hit Dirty Deeds for the win. Bray stared a hole through Ambrose as the good guys celebrated to end the show.

    – Final Thoughts:

    This was a strong show, and a big improvement over the last two weeks. Zayn, Owens and Jericho were all great, and Ambrose came off like a star in the main event.

  • Kurt Angle’s TNA farewell does all-time low rating

    The end of Kurt Angle week was not a ratings hit for TNA, as the combined audience for the two airings was the lowest to date for Impact.

    The final show of the U.K. tapings, built around Angle vs. Bobby Lashley, did 222,000 viewers at 9 p.m. and another 58,000 viewers at midnight.

    The midnight viewership was the lowest to date.  The previous lowest combined audience was 297,000 viewers two weeks ago.

    The 9 p.m. show was down 14 percent from the prior week, also built around Angle in a match with Bobby Roode.  The midnight show was down 15 percent from the prior all-time low was 68,000.

    Impact returns next Tuesday with the first show of a new set of tapings in Orlando, FL.  The episode will be taped two hours before it is broadcast.

  • WWE NXT results: Samoa Joe vs Sami Zayn, 2 out of 3 Falls

    The Big News: It took him 45 minutes, but Samoa Joe defeated Sami Zayn and became the #1 Contender to the NXT Title.

    The Medium News: Mr. Regal also announced that Austin Aries would wrestle Baron Corbin at Takeover.

    The Little Beaver Sized News: Bayley did not get hit in the head by an asteroid.

    The first show at Full Sail in a month kicks off with NXT General Manager William Regal coming to the ring. Mr. Regal was angry at Baron Corbin for attacking Austin Aries last week. He would have suspended Corbin, but Aries asked him not to and instead made Aries vs Corbin at NXT Takeover: Dallas.

    -They announced American Alpha vs The Vaudevillians in a #1 Contender’s Match and Bayley & Asuka in a tag team match. Spoiler Alert: they do not happen.

    1.) In a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match to determine the #1 Contender to the NXT Championship, Samoa Joe defeated Sami Zayn two falls to one.

    The show is completely backwards, the main event is on first. Larry Zbyszko, Mauro Ranallo, Adam Jones, Michael Hayes, Sasha Banks and Hideo Itami were all shown sitting ringside watching the show. Itami looked like he would rather be anywhere else in the world as opposed to watching this match.

    Back in January we had a Triple Threat match with these two men and Baron Corbin. Then after a double submission we got a one on one match, which ended in a double pin. Now, can we finally see these two men finish a match?

    We got a commercial break before the introductions to the match, which was literally the point when I realized they were going a full hour.

    They started slow, even slower than they started a few weeks ago. Neither man taking the advantage and both men grappling and angling to be the one to take over. Joe used a headlock to gain the advantage, with a couple side headlock takeovers and then leaning all 280 pounds down on Zayn. However Sami used his speed and technique to get out of it, taking Joe down with armbars.

    We came back from commercial and Joe has officially taken over, using a jumping elbow drop and then a back elbow to the mush. Joe used the face wash kick and Zayn checked to make sure his nose was still there. At one point it looked like Joe was going for a flapjack, but Zayn flipped over at the last second for a belly to belly overhead suplex.

    Zayn made a comeback and was able to get out of a Muscle Buster, but he immediately got kicked in the head. Zayn at this point was just taking a beating. He would get to his feet, hit a single punch or kick and then get slammed down. The booking of this match was brilliant as Joe beat Zayn from head to toe and Zayn kept getting back to his feet.

    Zayn was able to send Joe flying out of the ring and hit his sitting Asai Moonsault to the floor! Zayn rolling Joe back in and got a near fall with a dive off the top rope. The first fall passed 20 minutes when Zayn went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Joe shifted his weight and fell on top for a 2 count. An exciting series of counters led to a Joe corner Uranage and finally getting the first fall with a Muscle Buster.

    The second fall started with Joe flying across the ring and going for another Muscle Buster, but Zayn blocked it. Joe continued the beating he was giving Zayn until a series of headbutts led to a Missile Dropkick to Joe. Samoa Joe is wearing a crimson mask! Well a crimson trickle. Joe saw the blood and became more vicious. Joe missed a knee drop, so Zayn almost won with a crucifix.

    Joe’s beating continued outside the ring and they teased a count out on several occasions, including with an STO on the floor. Zayn used the energy from getting back in the ring to fire into yet another comeback, hitting a huge suplex and a flip dive over the top rope. Back in the ring Zayn used an STO and the Koji Clutch for the tap out! It’s all tied at 1!

    At the start of the third fall they announced that the other matches would be rescheduled for another time. Joe kicked out of a Blue Thunder Bomb and then a sunset flip power bomb. Sami even broke out his awesome move where Joe is outside the ring and Zayn runs across the ringside area, dives over the bottom rope, through the ring and hooks Joe with a Tornado DDT.

    Joe blocked the Halluva Kick and turned it into a power bomb, turning it into a Boston Crab and then a Crossface. Joe pulled back the other arm too, but Zayn was able to get his foot on the ropes. 40 minutes into the match and Joe was now trying to win the match by knockout, using all of his strikes to knock Zayn down. Zayn had one last gasp and locked on the Coquina Clutch! Sami Zayn is using Samoa Joe’s own submission hold against him! Joe got his foot on the rope, but when he got up he got the Exploder Suplex in the corner!

    Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but Joe sidestepped him and locked on the Clutch! Zayn was just inches from the ropes and scratching and clawing, but Joe changed it slightly, wrapping his leg around Zayn’s arm. Sami was inches away from the ropes, coming oh so close, but he passed out! Zayn was inches away from a rope break, but he couldn’t make it!

    Samoa Joe is finally your #1 Contender. It took over 3 matches over 5 weeks and then it took 45 minutes to get it done. We now know that at NXT Takeover: Dallas on April 1, Finn Balor will defend the NXT Title one more time against Samoa Joe.

    After all that, that does it for this week. Thank you all for reading and until next week make sure to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • Lucha Underground results: Mil Muertes vs. Pentagon Jr vs. Prince Puma

    Tonight, The Mack battles Marty The Moth while Marty’s sister makes her debut. Famous B returns with more advice on how to be famous, and a new partnership is formed inside the Temple as rivals of Drago come together. Cage battles Taya, while Mil Muertes, Pentagon Jr., and Prince Puma battle in the main event for the Lucha Underground Title.

    Show Recap:

    The show begins with a recap of the Moth vs. Sexy Star feud and Cage and Johnny Mundo’s issues, including the debut of Taya. The Jack Evans vs. Drago rivalry is run down, as are Pentagon Jr. and Cuerno’s issues with Catrina. Backstage, Sexy Star is in the back being sad, while The Mack comes in and attempts to act. He says it’s time to squash the bug and make Sexy the Sexy he knows. God bless The Mack, but acting is not his thing.

    In the ring, Marty the Moth stands over Melissa Santos and sniffs her hair creepily. The crowd chants “no means no!” and The Mack runs down to attack.

    Marty The Moth vs. The Mack

    Striker says that it’s time for a garden of empowerment to grow. Mack runs Marty down with big punches and lariats. Mack gets backdropped to the apron and he eats a big kick. Marty hits a dive and Striker says the Math had to fly. Marty plays the bongos on the apron before chopping Mack’s chest and getting 1. Marty goes for a bulldog into the buckle for some reason, and gets crotched.

    Marty elbows Mack down, but he misses a diving splash and eats a big German and T-Bone suplex. Mack goes up, but the lights go out and Marty’s sister comes down to distract while Marty gets a big slam off the top and a stomp to win. Mariposa is his sister and Sexy freaks out on the floor. She tells Sexy to get up and knocks her back down.

    Fenix walks around Mexico in a suit, in his mask saying he grew up with nothing to call his own. He had fantasy though, and heard about Lucha Underground and was told he wouldn’t survive. He proved them wrong doing that and even became champion. They think he won’t become LU Champion – but he will, and it’s no fantasy. Backstage, Jack Evans pees, but is attacked by Drago afterwards.

    He wants Evans to prove he’s the Dragon Slayer, but PJ Black attacks with nunchucks. Then everyone gets a set and spins them around before Drago hits them with a shot, but eats several more. They threaten him, but Aerostar the Time-Traveling Spaceman returns from the future to save his rival. This was hilarious. Cage is mid-ring for his match with Mundo. Taya comes down with Johnny’s slow-mo fan intro and says it’s time for her to kick his ass since Johnny already did.

    Cage vs. Taya Valkyrie – No Disqualification

    Striker says she was trained by Lance Storm while Vampiro says she’s been adopted by lucha fans. Tays starts by slapping the shit out of him and he responds by shoving her down. Cage does lifts in a backbreaker position before putting her in a gorilla press and then powerslamming her down . Taya punches him in the balls before landing a kneeling dropkick. Shotgun knees in the corner hit the chest hard and get 2. Striker says that Lance is one of the greatest wrestlers in the world, while Vamp says Lance had nothing to do with her success.

    Cage powerbombs her on the railing, then on the post before saying “WHO’S THE F***ING MACHINE”, which went unbleeped.  Big powerbomb in the ring leads to a buckle bomb before he sets up two tables on the floor. He gets the deadlift superplex from the apron to the floor on her through the tables. Mundo has seen JUST ABOUT ENOUGH and hits Cage with the pipe to get a 2 count. Mundo brings in another cinder block and beers.

    Striker was okay with the man on woman stuff, but THIS is too much. Cage avoids a powerbomb onto this stuff, but he Alabama slams him and goes for a curb stomp. Taya saves Johnny, and he hits Cage with two beer bottles – but he gets his ass kicked and Taya eats Weapon X on the broken glass leading to a pinfall. 

    Famous B says he’s famous, and a retired underground fighter. He also has a wizard hat and meets Brenda, who has no job and car – she’s tore up from the floor up, but Famous B’s magic touch  makes her beautiful. They flash some cash around and do the classic local ad bit of holding the camera on folks way too long.

    Ivelisse comes out of Catrina’s office and says she got them a trios title shot, but they have to leave LU if they lose. The guys argue and she tells them to argue and man up. Angelico has a new grey and black Lucha Underground shirt on while Striker hypes up Aztec Warfare. Main event time.

    Prince Puma vs. Mil Muertes vs. Pentagon Jr – Lucha Underground Title

    Striker says each man brings something special, and Vamp says yes – and one guy is dressed like a Puma. Pentagon and Puma attack Muertes in the corner.  Puma and Pentagon stare at one another, but resuming beating Mil in the corner. Mil recovers and powerbombs Puma to death. Tilt a whirl backbreaker to Pentagon. Corner lariats to Pentagon lead to Puma intervening and being thrown into the corner to eat them too! Pentagon gets tossed to the floor, but he lands on the floor perfectly and Vamp says that’s an old Jerry Estrada move.

    Puma high kicks Mil, but punched out on the apron. Mil hits a dead man dive over the top to the floor! They fight in the crowd and Puma hits a flying lariat off the steps. Mil goes to toss him in the ring, but Puma does some ninja stuff and runs up the apron before Pentagon superkicks Mil. Mil tosses Pentagon into the post and powerbombs him in the ring for 2. Mil spikes him with a DDT for 2.

    Pentagon lands 2 Slingblades sending Mil to the floor, where he eats a flip dive. Puma responds with a more beautiful flip dive of his own, then a second, and a third! Puma and Pentagon fight on the railing area with some punches amongst the fan. Pentagon lifts him up and hits an FU on the platform before diving onto Mil. Mil runs his spine into the apron five times and he tackles him into the chairs.

    Pentagon stops short of a barricade toss and Puma hits an SSP off the barricade onto the pile! That gets a “holy sh*t!” chant, which Vamp says in Spanish is still “holy sh*t!”.

    Pentagon goes down and Puma hits the 630, but Mil makes the save! Puma lands a chain of uppercuts, but eats a powerslam for 2. Mil sets up a Flatliner, but Pentagon superkicks him before they each land a ton of superkicks leading to Striker saying it’s time to RSVP for the superkick party.

    Pumphandle powerbomb gets 2 for Pentagon! Package piledriver to Puma leads to an arm snapper, but Mil spears Pentagon to end that and hopefully take Pentagon out. Mil double flatliners both for the win! This ruled!

    Catrina gives both Puma and Pentagon the lick of death before Fenix stands atop the temple. He tells them to celebrate now, because he’s handing in the Gift of the Gods Title to get his LU Title shot. Fenix was so passionate here that it made up for his iffy English, and when combined with the prior video package, made Fenix seem like a big star. 

    To see all of the screens taken for the show, just click here.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (03/9): Steiner Brothers win NWA/WCW World Tag Team Titles

    1950

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz beat Tarzan Kowalski in 2 out of 3 falls to retain the title
    – Lee Henning beat Enrique Torres in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Tommy O’Toole beat Vic Holbrook

    1957

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Richard Brown and Kit Fox beat Bob Geigel and Lou Plummer 2 falls to 1 by dq
    – Ladies Champion June Byers beat Betty Hawkins 2 falls to 1
    – Bobby Bruns beat Babe Zaharias 
    – Tommy O’Toole drew Gino Vagnone 

    1962

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Mr. M no contest Yukon Eric
    – Bob Geigel beat Nikita Kalmikoff
    – Joe Scarpello beat Ray Collins
    – Doug Gilbert beat Tony Nero

    1963

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Crusher beat Hercules Cortez in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Doug Gilbert won a 6 man battle royal
    – Larry Hennig drew Jack Pesek 
    – Kay Noble beat Annette Palmer
    – Jack Lanza beat Duke Hoffman 

    1965

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat The Crusher dq
    – Verne Gagne beat Moose Cholak
    – Larry Hennig beat Ivan Kalmikoff
    – Reggie Parks beat Bob Boyer  

    1970

    Madison Square Garden:
    – WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Karl Kovacs 
    – Killer Kowalski fought Waldo Von Erich to a curfew draw

    1973

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher dq
    – Superstar Billy Graham beat Ken Patera by countout
    – Bob Ellis drew Ernie Ladd
    – Billy Robinson beat Reggie Parks
    – Ivan Koloff beat Vic Rossitani
    – Rene Goulet beat Jim Brunzell

    1974

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Buddy Wolff
    – Baron Von Raschke & Horst Hoffman beat Ken Patera & Chris Taylor
    – Geoff Portz beat Larry Heiniemi dq
    – Jim Brunzell drew Ric Flair
    – Rene Goulet beat Paul Perschmann

    1980

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura
    – The Crusher no contest Bobby Heenan
    – Super Destroyer Mark III beat Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Handicap match: Steve Olsonoski & Buck Zumhofe beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Greg Gagne beat Chris Markoff
    – Dino Bravo beat Ricky Hunter

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Dewey Robertson retained Canadian Championship over Greg Valentine by dq
    – Indian Jay Youngblood pinned Ray (The Crippler) Steven 
    – Black Jack Mulligan was the winner over Big John Studd in a Texas Death match
    – The Blue Demon and The Destroyer won over Pedro Morales and Don Kernodle

    1985

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Jim Garvin
    – Special Referee: Verne Gagne: Sgt. Slaughter & Jerry Blackwell beat King Tonga & Masked Superstar & Sheik Adnan dq
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Nick Bockwinkel & Mr. Saito
    – Curt Hennig beat Billy Robinson
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Steve Regal
    – Candi Devine beat Diane Von Hoffman
    – John Nord drew Tom Zenk

    1987

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler & Bam Bam Bigelow beat Austin Idol & Tommy Rich
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers beat Big Bubba & Mighty Goliath
    – Jeff Jarrett beat Pat Tanaka dq
    – Soul Train Jones beat Lord Humongous
    – JT Southern & Paul Diamond beat Mr. Rising Sun & Tarzan Goto
    – Alan West dcor The Hunter
    – Mark Starr beat Boy Tony dq
    – Brickhouse Brown beat John Boyd

    1991

    Montgomery, Alabama:
    – Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin to become the NWA World Tag Team Champions 

    1996

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Rey Misterio Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera in a best two-out-of-three fall match 
    – Raven defeated Shane Douglas to retain the ECW World Title
    – The Gangstas defeated The Sandman & 2 Cold Scorpio and The Headhunters in a Three Way Dance
    – Cactus Jack defeated Mikey Whipwreck 

    2002

    – Dan Severn won the NWA title from Shinya Hashimoto

    2008

    TNA Destination X: Norfolk, Virginia:
    – TNA X-Division champion Jay Lethal defeated Petey Williams 
    – TNA Knockout champion Awesome Kong defeated ODB and Gail Kim
    – In a Fish Market Street Fight: Shark Boy & Curry Man defeated Team 3D
    – Kevin Nash & Samoa Joe & Christian Cage defeated TNA champion Kurt Angle & TNA Tag Team champs AJ Styles & Tomko 

    2014

    TNA Lockdown:
    – Gunner defeated James Storm in a Last Man Standing Match
    – TNA Knockouts champ Madison Rayne defeated Gail Kim
    – TNA champion Magnus defeated Samoa Joe to retain the title

    YESTERDAY IN FLORIDA WRESTLING HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose)

    • 1956 – Don Eagle beat Frank Taylor (Lakeland)
    • 1960 – Gorgeous George beat Billy Parks (Eau Gallie)
    • 1960 – Paul Anderson beat Pedro Godoy and Jack Vanskey (St. Petersburg)
    • 1961 – Harry Smith & Billy Parks drew Sailor Clark & Jack Wentworth (Jacksonville)
    • 1965 – The Assassins beat Eddie Graham & Haystacks Calhoun in a Texas death mach (Tampa)
    • 1971 – Jack Brisco beat Inferno  #1 (Tama)
    • 1973 – Big Bad John beat Chris Markoff (Tallahassee)
    • 1975 – Bob Roop beat Jerry Brisco to retain the Florida title (Orlando)
    • 1976 – Terry Funk beat Thunderbolt Patterson in Tampa to retain the NWA title (Tampa)
    • 1977 – Dusty Rhodes beat Superstar Billy Graham in a Texas death match (Miami Beach)
    • 1978 – Dusty Rhodes beat Killer Karl Kox in a cage match (Jacksonville)
    • 1980 – Steve Keirn & Manny Fernandez beat Nikolai Volkoff & Bad Leroy Brown in a lights out match (Orlando)
    • 1982 – Butch Reed beat Dory Funk Jr. in a lumberjack match (Tampa)
    • 1983 – Dusty Rhodes & Rufus R. Jones beat Kevin Sullivan & Bad Leroy Brown  via DQ (Miami Beach)
    • 1985 – Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy beat Missing Link & The Assassin (Lakeland)
    • 1986 – Wahoo McDaniel beat Kendo Nagasaki (Orlando)

  • WWE Total Divastation: A look at episode 8 of Total Divas

    By Kevin LaRose for WrestlingObserver.com

    The WWE is in Philadelphia. Brie is watching the crew set up the ring and Renee Young announces she bought a scooter. Brie wants one. Nikki thinks it’s a bad idea. She knows Brie will get frightened in traffic. Renee is really insistent that Brie get a Scooter. The whole scooter thing is really getting to Nikki. 

    Rosa is eating a ton of food. Nattie comes up and eats Rosa’s food. Nattie asks Paige if she wants to see a picture of her cats. Paige has to go to the ring. Nattie and rosa continue to eat. Paige is stoked that she is such a huge star but she’s bummed about Kevin. She’s decided work is her number one priority. That’s bound to mean bad news for Kevin. 

    Nikki confronts Renee about the whole scooter thing. Renee doesn’t think it’s a big deal. They tell Zeb Colter about the scooter. He’s confused. They find Brie. Nikki tells her she is not allowed to get a scooter. Renee thinks a scooter is cool and fine. Nikki makes Brie promise she won’t buy one. Brie promises and Renee could not possibly be more disappointed. Brie was actually lying though.

    In Orlando, Paige and Kevin are at the grocery store. Kevin is making chili and he needs some stuff. He’s doing a horrible job finding ingredients and Paige is getting pissed. Paige’s mom, Sarya, is coming and she asked him to promise that everything is fine. Paige picks Sarya up from the airport. Sarya asks about Kevin. Sarya loves Kevin. She gives him a huge hug when she sees him. 

    In Phoenix, Brie and Renee are driving around, I bet they are up to something scooter related. Brie tells her that people are scared of Bryan when he is on a run. They are going to buy a scooter. She found one on Craigslist. Renee is scared of Craigslist. Renee calls the guy and they agree to meet at a pizza place. 

    Rosa returns home with a ton of food. Her fiancé is pissed that she bought a cake. He tells her she eats too much, it’s keeping him up at night. Rosa thinks its ok because she is one of the healthiest woman on earth. He is pissed but she forces him to eat cake and he loves it. 

    Bryan is freaked out that the scooter costs $3000. He’s driving a car with Brie in the front seat and Renee in the backseat. They see the man who has the scooter from Craigslist. He’s in a white windowless van. They are scared. He’s a totally normal guy. Renee and Brie go for a ride on the scooter. Brie loves it. Bryan looks cool in the motorcycle helmet. He tells her to negotiate. Bryan actually negotiates and cuts a very good bargain. Now they all have scooters. Nikki is going to be so pissed when she finds out.

    Rosa’s fiancé is setting up cameras because she thinks he wants to make sure she doesn’t eat whenever she wants. She is concerned. 

    Back in Florida, Paige and Sarya are jumping on a trampoline. Then they go out for lunch at a fancy restaurant. Paige tells Sarya she’s going to put her in a home one day. Sarya thinks that’s hilarious. Paige is drinking Bud light. Sarya is worried about Paige. Paige walks out of the restaurant.

    Back in Phoenix, the scooter guy comes to deliver the scooters. Renee and Brie go out for a ride. Brie loves it. 

    Sarya and Paige are back together in the car laughing about old times. Sarya loves Paige so much, and she’s worried about her. She likes knowing Kevin’s around because she thinks he watches out for Paige. 

    In LA, Rosa, Mandy, and Eva Marie are out to lunch at a nice restaurant. Rosa orders so much food and everyone thinks it’s weird. Rosa is so hungry. Everyone also thinks it’s weird that her fiancé set up cameras to watch the fridge. 

    Nikki and her mom and everyone are going out to a nice looking restaurant. Brie pulls up in a scooter and Nikki is pissed. Nikki makes the whole brunch about the scooter. Everyone thinks Nikki is acting weird. Back in LA, Rosa makes a disgusting video of her eating whipped cream sandwiches. She asks him if he’s seen it. He says no. She is confused. He admits that he installed the cameras so that he could monitor himself because he can’t control himself around sweets and he’s gained like 20 pounds since Rosa became pregnant. He feels terrible. They decide to work it out like adults, and everything actually ends up ok.

    Paige and Sarya go to a park to talk. Sarya is very protective over Paige. She doesn’t want the bad things that happened to her to happen to Paige. Paige comes clean about her issues with Kevin. Sarya is understanding. Paige realizes she’s been worried about nothing. This is one of those moments where WWE produces something actually heartfelt and emotional, something that feels honest and human and real. Maybe this show is turning a corner and we are going to get some genuine humanity.

    Back in LA, Rosa and her fiancé are going to the doctor. They do a sonogram and look at the baby. Rosa wants the baby to be an Olympic soccer player, the fiancé wants her to be the female Kobe. I want her to be herself, untethered from familial expectations. Rosa tells the doctor that she’s been eating too much. The doctor tells her not to eat so much because she could get diabetes. 

    In Phoenix, Brie and Bryan are looking at a calendar. They aren’t going to see each other for a while. Nikki barges in yelling, “Bitches.” She acts all smug because Brie didn’t say hi. Nikki is upset about the scooter and Bryan is pissed because Nikki is trying to tell them how to live. The show devolves back into ridiculousness. Nikki thinks she gives great advice. Bryan hates to be told what to do. She wants Brie to buy a car like a normal person. Nikki all of a sudden realizes she’s flying off the handle about the whole scooter thing.  

    Back in Florida, Paige is putting Tough Enough Josh to work. Tough Enough Josh speaks in short one or two words bursts. His vocabulary is small, consisting of simple phrases such as “what?” and “for sure.” Paige broke up with Kevin and she’s moving out. She feels bittersweet. Paige moves into a nice new house and immediately calls Kevin. She tells him she’s moved her stuff out. They chat awkwardly. It’s really sad but Paige doesn’t want to be pinned down. She goes back inside and smiles at Tough Enough Josh… That Josh… What a dream boat.