St. Louis, Missouri: – World Heavyweight Champion Joe Stecher beat Jim Londos in 2 out of 3 falls – Stanislaus Zbyszko beat Jack Brissler
1955
Columbus, Ohio: – Buddy Rogers and Great Scott defeated Stan Holek and Bill Miller for the Midwest Wrestling Association American Tag Team Titles
1965
Lubbock, Texas: – Johnny Valentine defeated Dory Funk, Sr. to win the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title
1967
Los Angeles, California: – Pedro Morales and Ricky Romero defeated Hard Boiled Haggerty and El Shereef to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles
1968
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Harley Race – Dr X beat Luke Brown – Mad Dog Vachon no contest Bill Watts – Rene Goulet & Eddie Sharkey beat Mark Starr & George Gadaski – Kenny Jay beat Guy Taylor
1970
Orlando, Florida: – Jack Brisco defeated Mr. Saito for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title – Dante and The Great Mephisto defeated Sailor Art Thomas and Thunderbolt Patterson to win the Florida NWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1973
St. Louis, Missouri: – Terry Funk defeated Johnny Valentine to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Don Muraco – Superstar Billy Graham beat Bill Watts – Rene Goulet beat George Scott – Reggie Parks beat Lord Blears – Ken Patera beat Johnny Heidman
1978
Los Angeles, California: – Hector Guerrero defeated The Canadian (Roddy Piper) for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title
Atlanta, Georgia: – Georgia Champion Stan Hansen drew Dick Slater – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Tommy Rich – Ole Anderson beat Bob Armstrong – Dusty Rhodes beat Abdullah The Butcher – Mr Wrestling II & Tony Atlas beat Bounty Hunter & Jacques Goulet – Adrian Adonis beat The Invader
1979
Chicago, Illinois: – Giant Baba defeated Abdullah the Butcher for the AJPW PWF Heavyweight Title
1980
Knoxville, Tennessee: – The Matador (Jerry Stubbs) and Mike Stallings defeated Dennis Condrey and David Schultz in a rematch for the held-up NWA Southeastern Tag Team Titles
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Dewey Robertson retained The Canadian title pinning The Sensational Intelligent Destroyer – Ric Flair won by disqualification over U.S. champion Jimmy Snuka – Texas Street Fight: Black Jack Mulligan won over Big John Studd – Pedro Morales defeated Brute Bernard – The Blue Demons defeated Klondike Bill and Nick DeCarlo
1982
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – Greg Gagne beat AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq – Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum beat Tito Santana & Hulk Hogan – Weasel Suit Match: Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Heenan – Jerry Blackwell beat Jim Brunzell – Brad Rheingans drew Sheik Adnan El Kassie – Baron Von Raschke beat Sgt. Jacques Goulet
1985
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Jimmy Snuka defeated Rowdy Roddy Piper on a count out – W.W.F. world tag team champions Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham and the team of Nikola Volkoff and the Iron Sheik were both disqualified – Hillbilly Jim defeated Rex Moondog – Cowboy Bob Orton defeated George Wells – Brutus Beefcake defeated SD Jones – Dick Murdoch defeated Nick DeCarlo – Black Jack Mulligan defeated Goldie Rogers
1990
Tokyo Dome: Tokyo, Japan: – Maso Saito defeated AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko to win the title – Special referee: Lou Thesz: Antonio Inoki & Seiji Sakaguchi beat Shinya Hashimoto & Masa Chono – Koji Kitao beat Bam Bam Bigelow – IWGP Champion Big Van Vader dcor Stan Hansen – Genichiro Tenryu & Tiger Mask beat Riki Choshu & George Takano – Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu beat Kengo Kimura & Osamu Kido – Steve Williams beat Salman Hashimikov – Brad Rheingans beat Victor Zangiev
1992
Memphis, Tennessee: – Kamala defeated Koko B. Ware for the held-up USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title – Brian Christopher defeated Tom Prichard for the USWA Texas Heavyweight Title
1996
Caguas, Puerto Rico: – Abdullah the Butcher defeated Mabel to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title
2008
Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida: – TNA Knockouts champion, Awesome Kong defeated ODB to retain the title – TNA champion, Kurt Angle defeated Christian Cage to retain the title
CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks) will undergo back surgery on Wednesday in Chicago, delaying his UFC debut indefinitely.
According to what Brooks told MMAFighting.com‘s Ariel Helwani, the injury is a lingering issue from his pro wrestling days that has worsened in recent months. The recovery time will be 4-6 weeks, and he’s still planning on debuting at some point in 2016.
The timing couldn’t be worse as his opponent was just confirmed last Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas after Mickey Gall took less than a minute to defeat Mike Jackson to earn the shot. An exact date was not announced at the time, but he was to face Gall at an undetermined UFC PPV, assumed to be in June or July. Unfortunately, he found out about needing surgery just hours before Gall fought Jackson.
Punk has already had one injury setback when a shoulder injury last August delayed his training.
There was a skeleton crew because much of the crew left after Raw for shows this week in Germany which start tomorrow with a show in Bremen.
Chris Jericho opened the show doing a semi-heel promo on A.J. Styles. He said Styles can’t match his career in WWE. Styles confronted him. The Social Outcasts came out and this led to a tag team match.
Jericho & Styles beat Adam Rose & Curtis Axel. Styles got the pin but Jericho attacked him after the match.
The Dudleys cut a promo saying they were sick of Daniel Bryan and were not a nostalgia act but were here to add to their legacy. They also said they are refusing to use anymore tables.
Goldust was choking on food and R-Truth saved him. Goldust again wanted to be his partner and again got turned down.
Sasha Banks beat Naomi with the Bank statement. Tamina attacked Becky Lynch, who was on commentary.
The Wyatt Family did a promo, saying they were going to rid the WWE of Titans and Gods, specifically mentioning Kane, Big Show & Ryback.
Sin Cara & Kalisto & Neville beat The Ascension & Stardust.
Chris Jericho beat A.J. Styles clean with the codebreaker Fans chanted for both men. Better match than the last time. Really quite good.
The Wyatt Family attacked Jericho after, although this was probably off the air. Styles, Neville and the Lucha Dragons all made the save.
TNA Impact emanates from the United Kingdom tonight. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour hits Manchester when Kurt Angle battles it out with Drew Galloway. Also, The Destroyer Lashley faces off with Bram. TNA World Champion Matt Hardy is expected to make an appearance tonight. Additionally, Ethan Carter III has vowed to make his return in Manchester.
Show Recap
-Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to this week’s show in the U.K. TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his wife Reby, bodyguard Tyrus and son Maxell come to the ring. Matt talked about his accomplishments in the last few weeks. Tyrus took the mic from Matt and made a Winston Churchill joke. Reby took the mic and got some intense heat from the crowd. Matt said if Dixie Carter wants to keep him happy she has to fire EC3 later tonight.
-Backstage, TNA President Dixie Carter is shown arriving in the building.
Lashley vs. Bram w/Eric Young
Earlier in the day, EY and Bram were backstage and bragging about ending the career of Jeff Hardy. Lashley and Bram used a lot of power moves to start. EY interfered which gave Bram the advantage. Lashley made his own comeback, but Bram was able to cut off his momentum. EY came in the ring, but his interference backfired and Lashley hit the spear to win the match.
-Backstage, Reby was assuring Matt that Dixie would fire EC3 to keep Matt happy. Matt’s also worried about the return of EC3 tonight. Tyrus promises to have it under control and introduced Matt’s security team in case EC3 shows up.
-Kurt Angle comes down to the ring to a huge pop. Kurt said the crowd was making it hard for him to say farewell and they booed him. “Thank You Angle” chants fill the arena as Kurt talks about his time in TNA. Kurt talks about The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour, but he’s interrupted by “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis. She introduces “The Miracle” Michael Bennett. Bennett insults Kurt and his legacy. The Miracle wants to face Kurt and promises to beat him. Kurt told Maria she’s a very pretty girl but has bad taste in men. Kurt hit The Miracle with one shot and then bailed from the ring. Drew Galloway came out on the stage and had a stare down with Kurt who was still in the ring. Kurt and Drew face off later tonight in the Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
-Backstage, Beer Money was walking down the hall. Beer Money was once again great in their segment. Bobby Roode wouldn’t let James Storm into their locker room because he got him a surprise. Storm tried to guess and asked if it was Pyro or a stripper. Roode gave Storm The Boozier Cruiser.
X Division Champion Trevor Lee w/ Gregory Shane Helms vs. Tigre Uno
Tigre has the early advantage in the match using lots of high-risk moves. Trevor dominates Tigre with power moves. Tigre makes a short comeback and hits a hurricanrana off the steal steps on the outside. Back in the ring, Helms interferes and Lee hits the fishermen buster to win the match and retain the X Division title.
-Beer Money entered the ring and wanting to cash in their Feast or Fired title shot. They call out the TNA World Tag Teams Champions, The Wolves. Instead, Decay comes out, which leads to our next match
Beer Money (James Storm & Bobby Roode) vs. Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss w/Rosemary)
All four guys brawl around ringside. Beer Money use double team moves on Crazy Steve until Abyss gets in the ring. Decay use great teamwork to isolate and beat down Roode. Roode makes the hot tag to Storm who runs wild. Beer Money hit the DWI on Crazy Steve but Abyss causes the DQ. After the match, Roode launches Storm onto Abyss from the ring to the outside. Rosemary distracts Roode who is attacked by Crazy Steve from behind. Abyss pulls out Janice from underneath the ring but before they could use it The Wolves hit the ring for the save. Decay challenges The Wolves to a Monster’s Ball match next week. The Wolves accept.
-Backstage, Reby Sky approaches Dixie Carter. Reby claims she is talking to Dixie without Matt knowing. Reby is very sincere and genuine when talking to Dixie. She tells Dixie that she just wants what’s best for her family. However, as Reby walked away she rolled her eyes.
-Back from commercial, the recently fired Grado comes through the crowd and jumps the guardrail. Josh points out that Grado doesn’t work in TNA. Grado gets a great reaction from the crowd. Grado is claiming that he was “screwed” by TNA in the Feast or Fired match. He was going to show us proof when Eli Drake with security interrupted him. Eli tried to get the proof, but Grado got away.
Madison Rayne vs. Jade w/ The Dollhouse (Marti Belle and Rebel)
Good match between these two. Madison hit a cross body off the apron onto all members of The Dollhouse. Madison hit Jade with some serious chops that would have made any man cry. Jade hit the package piledriver to win the match. After the match, The Dollhouse continued to beat down Madison until Gail Kim made the save and cleared the ring.
-Backstage, Billy Corgan is being interviewed about being back in the U.K. Billy Corgan is best known as the Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development. Oh yeah, he’s also lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins. Grado runs up and asked for his help. Eli and the security guards beat up Grado.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour: Kurt Angle vs. Drew Galloway
Kurt and Drew have a tremendous match. Kurt is the regular amazing wrestler that he is, but Drew Galloway is showing that he is a lot better then people realize. There were several intense and great near falls. The crowd is solidly behind Kurt. Drew had the early advantage, but it didn’t last long and the veteran Kurt made a comeback.
Back from commercial, Drew is in control of the match and is dominating Kurt. Kurt got the ankle lock secure, but Drew fought him off. On the outside, Drew continued to beat down Kurt until Kurt hit the Angle slam onto the steal steps. This got a “TNA” chant from the crowd. Drew hit a very unique move that Pope described as being “a reverse Alabama Slam.” Drew hit two Claymore kicks, but only got a two and half. Drew locks on a unique submission and Kurt’s bleeding from the mouth, which makes the spot look amazing. Kurt countered into the Ankle lock, but Drew fought out. Drew locked on the submission a second time and shockingly Kurt tapped! Drew Galloway is victorious over Kurt Angle.
-Earlier, Josh interviewed Tyrus about turning on EC3. Tyrus was really good here as he talked about all the reasons for turning on EC3. He explained that it was for money and because EC3 never gave him a title shot despite being number one contender. During the interview, at two separate points, Tyrus insulted The Pope.
-Matt Hardy, Reby and Tyrus are in the ring. TNA President Dixie Carter comes to the ring. Matt is demanding that Dixie fire EC3. Matt’s loosing his mind insisting she fire EC3. Rockstar Spud’s comes out to defend Dixie. Matt says he wants Spud to make Dixie fire EC3. Spud thinks about if for a moment, teasing that he’s going to do it but instead stands up to Matt. Tyrus attacks Spud and beats him down. Matt and Tyrus back Dixie into the corner. EC3’s music hit to a big pop and he comes out for the save. He walks into beating Matt’s security team along the way. EC3 and Tyrus brawled around ringside. Spud and Dixie are holding each other in the corner. EC3 and Matt had a stare down, but when he got in the ring Matt bailed. To end the show EC3 posed on the stage.
Final Thoughts
Another really good Impact this week. Impact continues to deliver really good matches and interesting characters. However, the show can be predictable at times. The Kurt Angle-Drew Galloway match was fantastic and topped their match from a few weeks ago. The show closing angle was energetic and entertaining.
Next Week:
We’re still in the U.K. for Impact. The Wolves face off with Decay in a Monster’s Ball Match. Also, more on the Matt Hardy-EC3 feud, and The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour continues.
DON’T FORGET: Daniel Bryan, aka Bryan Danielson, will be on ESPN’s SportsCenter with Jonathan Coachman tonight at 9 EST. It will be his first interview since his incredible retirement speech Monday night to close out RAW.
Just a bit ago we posted Daniel Bryan’s appearance from 2007 on Figure Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez.
On the heels of the retirement, a new study is all over the place today, claiming that concussions “may also be associated with an increase in the long term risk of suicide.” For anyone in combat/collision sports, this is a terrifying time, indeed.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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!
The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes. Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.
Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.
A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.
A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.
We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.
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.
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.
After Raw last night, WWE FastLane has Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose for a shot at the WWE Title at WrestleMania, Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio for the US Title, Charlotte vs. Brie Bella (interesting timing) for the Diva’s Title, and Becky & Sasha vs. Naomi & Tamina. Looks like probably a Big Show & Kane & Ryback vs. Wyatts match as well.
For those who have been following Bryan and Vinny on Retro Raw and Retro Nitro, the plan tonight is Nitro and Thursday Raw Thursday, which is the show where Shawn Michaels lost his smile. Bryan on Observer Live today noted how amazing it was to watch that right after watching Daniel Bryan’s retirement speech. Thursday Raw Thursday is not available on the WWE Network but it can be found online.
In case you hadn’t heard, WWE talent will be flying with you on American Airlines for the month of February as the official in-flight periodical of the airline, American Way, will feature a cover photo of both Bellas, Mark Henry, and John Cena of course. Give it a look the next time you use the seat back to stuff empty peanut bags and napkins in.
Saturday’s UFC, headlined by Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson knocking out Johny Hendricks, did an average of 1,317,000 viewers for the 3 hour broadcast on FS 1. Even more impressive were the two hour prelims, which did 1,093,000 viewers for the 2 hours preceding the main card, also airing on FS 1. Both numbers are well above 2015 averages, which were also way up from the previous year.
With the dominant win, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson jumped up 5 spots from 8 to 3 in the welterweight rankings, while Hendricks fell to 4.
Mickey Gall, who submitted Mike Jackson in 45 seconds Saturday night to set up a fight this summer with CM Punk, opened as a -300 favorite for the fight against the former WWE Champion according to BestFightOdds.com
Jason “Mayhem” Miller is back! Sort of…..The former UFC, EliteXC and Dream fighter will face former UFC Middleweight Luke Barnatt in May for a promotion in Italy. Bellator is running in Italy as well this year so hopefully he doesn’t show up on their radar.
New fight announced for UFC 197 is a couple of Middleweights with 3 and 4 fight winning streaks respectively. Robert Whitaker (15-4) takes on Rafael Natal (21-6-1) on the show headlined by Daniel Cormier’s Light Heavyweight title defence against the returning Jon Jones.
Cleveland, Ohio’s, AIW returns this Friday with a fun show featuring Missy Hyatt, Alex Shelley, Colt Cabana, Col.Robert Parker, Veda Scott, and all the regulars.
Florida indie promotion Real Pro Wrestling has changed its name to Ignite Pro Wrestling.
Fire Pro Wrestling this week looks at football players who successfully transitioned into pro wrestling (such as Ron Simmons, Bronco Nagurski, Steve Williams, Stan Hansen, Goldberg, and many more here.
Robbie E has been added to this year’s ECWA Super 8 on 4/23.
It was very clear that Raw was not going to do well last night until the interest generated when mainstream media picked up on the Daniel Bryan retirement story.
The show’s audience increased greatly, but ironically, likely due to the show not ending until 11:26 p.m., the third hour with the Bryan farewell speech fell greatly.
Raw did 3.68 million viewers, up nine percent from the nearly 18-year-low set the previous week.
The three hours were:
8 p.m. 3.91 million viewers 9 p.m. 3.91 million viewers 10 p.m. 3.37 million viewers
The show was second for the night on cable, trailing the O’Reilly Factor by 2,000 viewers.
On Tuesday, Flipps Media of San Mateo, CA, announced the development of an online service called FITE TV, and that Jim Ross has signed on as the public face of the product, strongly suggesting he would be doing more commentary.
FITE TV will give viewers worldwide access to PPV and iPPV events from pro wrestling, boxing, and MMA. There will be both a free and a PPV component to the service, which in many ways, is reminiscent of Go Fight Live, a similar service.
The key is this service will also offer streaming PPV events from TNA and ROH for those who either a) don’t have access to them or b) want the convenience of streaming rather than buying on TV. FITE TV will be available on smart TVs as well as most streaming devices. The app is available free on iTunes and Google Play now.
Besides TNA and ROH, the entire WWN Live family of Evolve, Shine and FIP, as well as Future Stars of Wrestling have signed on with FITE. If you remember, Jeff Jarrett used Flipps Media for the iPPV broadcast of Wrestle Kingdom 9 when he had the international rights to the show.
Ross’ involvement was due to a connection with Mike Weber, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Flipps Media. Weber had a long history in pro wrestling, serving as a marketing head for WCW, WWE and TNA.
“Getting invovled with FITE is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Ross. “It is the future of televised fighting sports. There is no easier way to stream wrestling, MMA and other fighting sports content including special commentaries on those sports by me.”
Other organizations involved will include the Las Vegas based Tuff-N-Uff amateur MMA promotion, Legacy Fighting Championships, USA Sumo and the World Arm Wrestling championships.
Kansas City, Kansas: – Richard Brown beat Ike Eakins – June Byers and Carol Cook beat Penny Banner and Mary Jane Mull – Guy Brunetti beat Bob Corby (dq) – Joe Tangaro drew Danny Plechas (20:00)
1957
Kansas City, Kansas: – Wild Red Berry and Richard Brown beat Babe Zaharias and Lou Plummer 2 falls to 0 – Bob Geigel beat Tommy O’Toole – Ramon Cernadas beat Frank Hurley – Richard Brown beat Babe Zaharias
1961
Rochester, Minnesota: – Hard Boiled Haggerty beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne dq – Jim Hady beat Len Montana – Gene Kiniski beat Joe Scarpello – Wilbur Snyder beat George Drake
1964
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Moose Evans & Verne Gagne beat Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher to win the AWA Tag Team Title – Mitsu Arakawa beat Doug Gilbert – Rene Goulet beat Marquis de Paree – Princess Little Cloud beat Bette Boucher – Bob Geigel beat Maurice Lapointe
1969
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – The Mighty Igor beat Ivan Koloff – Bulldog Brower and Whipper Billy Watson beat The Assassin and Al Costello Watson – Edouard Carpentier beat The Mighy Ursus – Rocky Johnson and Ivan Kalmikoff went to a 15:00 draw – Dewey Robertson beat Eric the Red – The Sheik beat Bill Palmer – Paul DeMarco beat Fred Atkins
1973
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Blackjack Mulligan 2 out of 3 falls – Superstar Billy Graham beat Wahoo McDaniel dq – Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat Billy Robinson & Wilbur Snyder – Ernie Ladd beat Lord James Blears – Rene Goulet drew Reggie Parks – Blackjack Lanza beat Jim Brunzell
1977
Denver, Colorado: – Andre the Giant & Ray Stevens & Larry Hennig beat Nick Bockwinkel & Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum – Pedro Morales beat Pierre Poisson – Angelo Mosca beat Bill Francis – Super Destroyer beat Peter Maivia dq
1982
Tampa, Florida: – The Midnight Rider (the suspended Dusty Rhodes under a mask) defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (After the match, NWA President Bob Geigel demanded that the Midnight Rider unmask. If Rhodes revealed it was him under the mask, he would have been banned for life, so he refused and gave up the NWA Championship, which was returned to Flair)
Omaha, Nebraska: – Ken Patera beat Hulk Hogan dq – Tito Santana & Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Duncum & Bobby Heenan – Greg Gagne beat Rene Goulet – Brad Rheingans drew Jerry Blackwell
1986
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Road Warriors & Paul Ellering beat Mongolian Stomper & Boris Zhukov & Barbarian dq – No dq match: AWA Champion Stan Hansen beat Sgt. Slaughter by countout – AWA Tag Team Champions Scott Hall & Curt Hennig beat Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin dq – Jerry Blackwell beat Earthquake Ferris (sub King Kong Brody) dq – Marty Jannetty beat Doug Somers – Brad Rheingans beat Earthquake Ferris
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid defeated the WWF tag team champions Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine via disqualification – Intercontinental champion Tito Santana pinned Jesse Ventura to retain title – Paul Orndorff defeated Cowboy Bob Orton – Corporal Kirchner defeated The Iron Sheik – George(The Animal) Steele beat Barry O – Adrian Adonis defeated Special Delivery Jones
1998
El Paso, Texas: – Rick & Scott Steiner defeated The Outsiders (Scott Hall & Kevin Nash) to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship
2003
Guadalajara, Mexico: – Vampiro defeated Shocker to win the NWA light heavyweight title
2009
Tokyo, Japan: – Kaz Hayashi defeated Naomichi Marafuji to win the All Japan title
I wish the best of luck to Bryan Danielson tonight in his retirement speech hope everyone wishes the best for him in his post-wrestling career. To me, Bryan Danielson was both a model pro wrestler and far more than that, a very intelligent and very honest human being.
He reached the highest rung in this profession in 2014 even when his look and size based on previously established standards of the business would have said it was impossible. Unlike many, his rise to the top was entirely fan-driven, and I hope all those fans understand that whatever decision he has made is based on what he believes is the best for him in the long run.
It will be a long time before people fully understand the contributions he made to this industry, which is a far better place because of his involvement. There were things dating back to 2001 that he was involved with that changed the underground foundation of the industry, and over the past few years, significantly changed talent evaluation at the highest level of the industry.
Change is slow, to be sure, but this is a different industry and he played a huge part in it. When you really look back, from an influence standpoint, he triggered a number of changes and his contributions are actually enormous.
On a side note: I was told that word spread today within WWE about Danielson. As of a few hours ago, the description was the mood was very somber backstage.
Also, Danielson will be on ESPN with Jonathan Coachman tomorrow night talking about his retirement.
More of F4WOnline.com’s Coverage of the Daniel Bryan story:
Bryan on Twitter posted “Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I’ll have a chance to elaborate.” So, now we wait for his speech tonight on RAW. To many this retirement is not coming as a surprise but to many others this will be a hard pill to swallow. There are those who held out hope that a guy like Daniel Bryan who defied the odds of making it into the WWE, would once again return. A guy who was small and didn’t have the prototypical WWE body, not only made it to the WWE but won the WWE title at WrestleMania 30. In what many saw as one of the great celebrations and they got to share it with him. This is pro wrestling and few truly retire from this business, so fans will still hold out hope he will eventually make his return however unlikely.
They will be back later tonight with another Wrestling Observer Radio talking the fallout of RAW and the retirement speech. They will also talk about the death of Axl Rotten and the latest news. If you’ve got any questions Bryan Danielson related, particularly from the report we did or anything he may say on Raw tonight, you can send them to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com We will try and answer all Danielson questions tonight. Questions on other subjects we’ll go into on Wednesday.
Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show and of course the Daniel Bryan retirement announcement.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Portland, OR. Chris Jericho vs. A.J. Styles is on the show.
Thanks to everyone who did a great job of correspondent work at the shows this weekend including Adam Kirby, Alex Keeling, Jai, Thomas Green, Lee Thomas, Kody Ludwig, Tyler Kemmerer, Ross Hart, Craig Freeman, Todd Bergman, Lou Pickney, Josh Baker, Sean Moore, Dan Thompson and everyone else.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our new 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!
The new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter looks at Bret Hart’s battle with cancer, his discussions about it, and updates on the situation. The most detailed coverage of the last month of Lucha Underground’s second season, backstage news, season three, lots of business notes. Full coverage of all the Ultima Lucha 2 matches and direction. Nakamura’s final day with NJPW, where Nakamura and New Japan go now, his background and building the IC title, the next two New Japan PPV shows to this weekend’s biggest event.
Fast Lane and WrestleMania, what’s up with Undertaker, WWE injury updates, the next WWE Network special, Licensing issue with new WWE signees, notes on the next NXT Takeover show, a look at all the TV building the next Takeover show, who led to a huge increase in demand for WWE tickets, next WWE show in Madison Square Garden update, Nakamura updates, WWE performer wants to compete in the Olympics and what former pro wrestler went back to the Olympics to medal, Lesnar’s schedule, Tough Enough winner starts out, Other Tough Enough competitors start out, change in Rumble plans, New WWE Network series based on wrestling matches, new WWE movie, WWE’s tour of Germany this coming week, more on The Rock’s segment on Raw.
A detailed look at the Awesome Kong-Reby Hardy situation in Manchester, England. Benson Henderson’s decision to leave UFC for Bellator and take a championship fight, why he made the decision, what both Dana White and Henderson said. We look at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last major event and where it’s storylines are going.
A huge look at the life and career of Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie, one of the most memorable wrestling characters of his generation, stories about him, his gimmick, how big a star he was in his heyday, his incredibly long career title history, how he was two very different successful characters, and his most famous angles and biggest bouts. We also have a lot of comments from people who knew him, including how he changed the life and career of J.J. Dillon. The life and career of the original Espectrito, the best heel mini of his generation including when he main evented the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a rarity for a mini.
We also look at Saturday’s UFC , what’s next for the winners, thoughts on Sage Northcutt, as well as business notes on the show and match-by-match coverage.
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.
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.
Jon Jones was cited on 1/31 for driving without a license, without registration and without insurance by a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy. That could have been trouble given Jones currently being on probation, but Bernalillo County District Attorney spokesperson Kayla Anderson said they will not be filing a probation violation against Jones for the incident according to Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting. Jones is serving 18 months of probation from his felony hit-and-run charge from last year.
B.J. Penn on his web site announced today that his return would be on 4/23 in Las Vegas at UFC 197. Originally he was expected to fight on 3/5 against Dennis Siver, although UFC never officially announced the fight. Ariel Helwani had reported the 3/5 date as what they were looking for and we’d also gotten internal confirmation that was the plan as of last week.
The Super Bowl, for those asking did a 49.0 rating based on the metered markets last night. It looks like the show did 111.9 million viewers, making it the third most watched television show in U.S. history. The numbers are based on the fast nationals. The peak was 115.5 million between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The show also averaged 1.4 million streaming viewers. The two most watched shows were the 2014 and 2015 Super Bowls, with last year setting the record of 114.4 million viewers. Advertisers were paying as much as $5 million for a 30 second spot.
WWE
Tonight’s Raw in Seattle was expected to come close to selling out even before the Danielson announcement.
HHH sent a WWE title belt to the Denver Broncos for winning the Super Bowl.
Sheamus was shown in a Super Bowl commercial as he’s in the trailer of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie. It aired during the second quarter.
Sisters was No. 10 at the box office in Australia this past weekend and Daddy’s Home was No. 13. Both were out of the top ten in the U.S., with Daddy’s Home No. 15 and Sisters No. 25. (thanks to James Stanois)
Cricket Wireless and WWE and launching a sweepstakes to send one fan and a guest to WrestleMania. Between today and 3/20, fans can enter the sweepstakes visiting their local Cricket Wireless store or go to www.Cricketsweepsakes.com/wwe32 for a chance to win. The winner gets round trip airfare and lodging in Dallas for two, $500 in spending money a new ZTE Grand X 3 with one year of Crocket Wireless service, as well as tickets to the pre-party and Fan Axxess.
Stock closed down eight cents today at $16.49.
Two new trailers been put online for the Nine Legends film profiling Bret Hart and Dynamite Kid The film also profiles Bill Goldberg, Lita, Mike Tyson, Chris Jericho, RVD, Randy Couture and Ted DiBiase. The film was covered this past week upon release by mainstream publications such as Fox Sports, Yahoo News, Nerdist, Deadline and Digital Trends.
MISCELLANEOUS
The first of six episodes of Impact from the U.K., this being the first show taped in Manchester with Kurt Angle vs. Drew Galloway as the main event, will air tomorrow night on Pop TV.
Jerry Lynn was backstage working as an agent at the ROH tapings in Nashville on Saturday night.
Future Stars of Wrestling on 2/28 in Las Vegas at the Silverton Casino with Kevin Kross vs. Eli Drake vs. Kenny King vs. Willie Mack in a four-way that involves a star of TNA, ROH and Lucha Underground. Also on the show are Rocky Romero, TJ Perkins, Silas Young and Colby Corino.
Revolution Pro Wrestling from yesterday in London at the Cockpit Theater before a sellout of 180 fans: Bob Lyons b Matt Nathan, Pete Dunne b Sonjay Dutt to keep the British cruiserweight title, Josh Bodom b Donovan Dijak, Marty Scurll b Timothy Thatcher, Flash Morgan Webster b James Castle, Big Damo b Mark Haskins, Colt Cabana b Lord Gideon Gray, Zack Sabre Jr. b Will Ospreay. The show was taped for the Revolution Pro YouTube channel. Told Bodom vs. Dijak was a great short match, Dunne vs. Dutt and Thatcher vs. Scurll were very good and the main event was exactly what you’d expect from those two. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 3/5 in Ottawa and the Dom Polski Combatants Centre.
Real Pro Wrestling of Port St. Lucie, FL has announced a name change to Ignite Wrestling. The first show with the new name will be 2/27.
Here is a story on Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews and the Super Bowl being in the city yesterday. In the background of the main picture is a WrestleMania poster from WWE’s visit to the city for WrestleMania last year. Matthews created a near incident when he publicly stated about how they are going to meet with WWE officials over WrestleMania, and WWE rules are you are supposed to keep it quiet. Despite his breaking of the rules, WWE still went with Levi’s Stadium for the show, for a number of reasons including that the Super Bowl was coming to the building and WWE could announce a larger number than the Super Bowl. In actuality, the Super Bowl had more people in the stadium yesterday than WrestleMania did.
The Big Takeaway: Daniel Bryan announced his retirement in one of the most emotional segments in the 23-year history of Raw. Bryan made a memorable speech where he came off as the most normal person ever to achieve stardom. The theme of the speech was all the things he had been grateful for over his 15-year career. It’s amazing to think that someone perfectly content with being the world’s biggest cult wrestler could become the biggest star in the biggest company in the world, but that’s what happened. In terms of storyline, the biggest news was the Dudley Boyz turned heel on the Usos, which was overdue.
Show Recap:
Right away, a Daniel Bryan package aired, starting with his early days as American Dragon competing in the Texas Wrestling Alliance. It continued until the culmination at WrestleMania. They showed his tweet from earlier today announcing his retirement.
Stephanie McMahon opened the show in the ring for a contract signing. Crowd chanted for Bryan. She appeared to have a tear in her eye while trying to maintain a straight face. She was out there for a contract signing for the Fast Lane main event with Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. Ambrose got the jump on her, and demanded to move things along. Stephanie started to say there would be no physical altercations between the three of them when Reigns walked down. Someone had a sign that said “Can we trade Roman for Cesaro?” Lesnar and Paul Heyman were introduced by Stephanie, who interrupted Heyman during his ring entrance. Everyone signed the deal and Stephanie left, leaving the three men alone in the ring.
Heyman referred to Ambrose as “little brother” as said he should ask his “Big brother Samoan” what the difference is between a beatdown by the authority and an authoritative beatdown by Brock Lesnar. Ambrose was set off by that and got in Lesnar’s face. Lesnar threw Ambrose across the table and into Reigns like a rag doll,threw the table onto Reigns, then gave Ambrose an F-5. Lesnar left the ring. HHH walked out for a staredown with Lesnar. Reigns looked upset at Ambrose, for some reason. Ambrose is being booked like a cruiserweight in this program and it’s done nothing but get him under.
There was a theme for the night entitled #thankyoudanielbryan, highlighting moments from his WWE career. It started with his first match at NXT, where he wrestled Chris Jericho in 2010. It’s so funny to think Bryan is getting a hero’s sendoff tonight when the company did everything they could to get him under during his first six months in NXT.
Ambrose told Reigns backstage he would get even with Lesnar tonight.
Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens (11:02)
Dolph Ziggler won when Kevin Owens missed a Cannonball, and Ziggler rolled him up in a cradle while his feet were on the ropes. How the ref missed that one was unreal. He looked right at Owens shoulders and Ziggler’s feet were in plain view unless he has no sight in his left eye. Michael Cole then acted like he didn’t notice anything unusual. Apparently, Cole is going for Mike Carey’s job on CBS next football season. A good match where they teased a double countout after Ziggler hit a Famouser on Owens from the apron onto the floor.
The next #thankyoudanielbryan moment was from 2011, when Bryan defeated the Miz to win the U.S. Championship.
The Usos talked with the Dudley Boyz tonight. The Usos wrestle the New Day tonight in a tables match. Devon Dudley said if anyone should get a tables match tonight, it should be them. Bubba Ray Dudley said the entire WWE Universe didn’t like the New Day. The crowd responded by booing. Bubba Ray told the Usos they should team tonight for a 4-on-4 match against the New Day, where they New Day would have to get themselves a partner. Usos agreed.
Charlotte defeated Alicia Fox via submission (5:14)
Charlotte won with the Figure Eight. Crowd elected to entertain themselves by chanting for Lana (which Charlotte didn’t look happy about) and the Seattle Seahawks. Alicia Fox’s only offense were one-legged drop kicks like Velvet McIntyre.
MizTV with Chris Jericho started with Miz replaying him getting pounded by A.J. Styles last week. Miz said he could have made Styles an A-lister. Jericho interrupted him and said the fans would rather see a Highlight Reel instead of MizTv. So they overhauled the set instantly with roadies bringing in the JeriTron 5000, a new rug and new lighting. Even a potted plant. So it became the Highlight Reel. Jericho started interviewing Miz and brought up Styles’ victory over Miz on SmackDown. Crowd chanted “You look stupid” at Miz, who claimed he had a meeting with Stephen Spielberg last week, putting himself over as an A-lister. Somehow, Jericho said that reminded him of the Chipmuncks song “All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth.” Some fans sang along.
Miz ran a clip of his own, which was Styles beating Jericho. Miz said losing to Styles was eating him alive. Jericho said he was right, it has been eating him alive. Crowd chanted for Styles. Jericho knew Styles was good, but he asked if he was great. Jericho said we would find out on SmackDown, but he highly doubted it because he was the best in the world at what he did. Styles came out, but Miz jumped Jericho from behind . Styles ran down to take care of Miz. Jericho gave Miz a clothesline out of the ring, then had a brief staredown with Styles. Miz ran back in, only to get discarded again, leading to another staredown that got physical and turned into fisticuffs. Miz dragged Jericho out of the ring, only to have Jericho throw him across the announcer’s table. And it ended with Styles and Jericho traded words going to the back. Styles vs. Jericho is such an effective program by itself, potentially feud of the year-caliber if handled right. Putting the Miz in the midst of it is like having Al Pacino and Robert Di Niro star in a Goodfellas sequel, but instead of Joe Peschi or Ray Liotta as the third-billed star, it’s Rob Schneider.
The next Bryan highlight was the 2011 Money in the Bank, where Bryan kicked Wade Barrett off the ladder to take the briefcase. 5 months later, he cashed in the briefcase to beat the Big Show and win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Bray Wyatt defeated Ryback (6:55)
Bray Wyatt won when Ryback attempted a spear. Wyatt stopped him dead in his tracks with Sister Abigail and the three count. You can always tell when Ryback is jobbing based on the inflection he uses when he says “Wake up, it’s feeding time” during his ring entrance. Lately, he’s had a downward inflection. To punctuate that, Wyatt, Erick Rowan, Luke Harper and Braun Strowman laid waste to him postmatch, ending with Wyatt giving him Sister Abigail on the floor. Wyatt cut a promo to no one in particular afterwards, saying people can ask for mercy, mercy they will not receive.
Daniel Bryan flashback to his days with Kane in Team Hell No.
Tweets to Bryan from various WWE personalities included Vince McMahon, Kalisto, Paige and the Ultimate Warrior’s widow were shown.
Big E. was polishing up tables in the back when Renee Young walked in wondering who their mystery partner for the tables match was going to be. Xavier Woods wouldn’t say, and Kofi Kingston said New Day were like the Denver Broncos, world champions that everybody loved.
Ambrose told Reigns he wanted to have a one-on-one confrontation with Lesnar tonight.
Adam Rose defeated Titus O’Neal (3:17)
Prematch, Adam Rose did micwork where he proclaimed himself “The Radical Mongoose.” Curtis Axel couldn’t believe how horrible that sounded. Bo Dallas said he had great friends that would turn into great trends. Rose won when Hath Slater distracted Titus O’Neal, leading to Rose getting the schoolboy cradle pin. O’Neal immediately clotheslined Rose over the top rope. So Rose didn’t go over, O’Neal lost and no one got over. So what was the point of this?
Next Bryan flashback was him winning the WWE Heavyweight Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam 2013.
Ambrose came out and said Lesnar must have hit him with a F-2 or an F-3 earlier, because he thought an F-5 was supposed to hurt. He called out Lesnar, who came out chuckling at the thought of Ambrose calling him out. Lesnar quickly laid Ambrose out beating him up around the ring, then laying him out with an F-5. At this point, Ambrose had the booking cred of Adam Rose on the show. That only slightly changed when Ambrose called Lesnar back to the ring with a wild look in his eye. Lesnar stepped back in the ring, but then Reigns stepped out on the ramp. As Lesnar was distracted by Reigns, Ambrose snuck up from behind and gave Lesnar a low blow. And then Ambrose left. Reigns smiled like Ambrose had won the battle over Lesnar. Crowd stayed totally silent, as if Ambrose was the heel in that scenario. At the very best, Ambrose looks like Reigns’ tag-along in this setup, which isn’t how you make a new star.
Alberto Del Rio and Rusev defeated Lucha Dragons (5:37)
Alberto Del Rio pinned Kalisto with the world’s most elaborate finisher where ADR jumps off the top rope onto the chest of Kalisto. Sin Cara returned and gave Rusev a tope to take him out. Lana was missing again after reemerging from oblivion last week.
In footage from earlier, R-Truth was on his way to the Jimi Hendrix Museum when he stumbled onto Goldust dressed as Hendrix, playing a guitar while singing an offshoot of “Purple Haze.” Goldust smashed the guitar on a sidewalk. Security led Goldust away. An attempt at comedy the same way recent Adam Sandler movies have been an attempt.
Next Bryan moment was from March 2014, the Occupy Yes movement which led to Bryan’s victory over HHH at WrestleMania. I loved the bitter, old wrestlers criticism of that angle, one of whom claimed it was “contrived.” As if all the angles from the 1970s were shoots. The irony was Bryan’s push to the top in 2014 was a series of spontaneous events spawned by the fans, which led to contrived angles that got over.
Tamina defeated Becky Lynch (3:38)
Sasha Banks was on commentary. Tamina started mouthing off to Banks in the ring. That led to Naomi hitting Banks with a forearm, and it looked like she stuffed Banks good. Lynch saw this, left the ring and gave Naomi an Exploder suplex. Lynch got back in the ring and ate a superkick by Tamina, who got the pin. Earlier, Naomi got some heat with outside interference. That was kind of different seeing a heel actually break the rules.
The New Day talked to its mystery partner and gave him a unicorn horn to place on his head. It was Mark Henry, who started playing Woods’ trombone. Henry and Big E. began dancing, with Henry bringing up his days as Sexual Chocolate in 1998.
Nikki Bella, Owens, Cena and Natalya tweeted salutes to Bryan.
The Dudley Boyz and the Usos defeated the New Day and Mark Henry in a tables match (7:31)
The match was rushed. Henry walked out when the New Day ordered him to splash Jimmy Uso. It ended with the Dudleys giving Big E a 3-D through the table. It appeared that Jey Uso had a hard time putting weight down on his left leg.
The Dudleys then turned heel, jumping the Usos. First, they put Jimmy Uso through a table, then Jey took a super bomb through a table. Crowd chanted “ECW.” Bubba reeled off some of his catchphrases from his Bully Ray days, asking Jimmy if he knew who they were. Overdue move turning the Dudleys because the company needs a strong heel tag team act, as opposed to the New Day as a comedy heel act.
The company profiled all of the major mainstream publications that broke the Bryan retirement news. It was even on ESPN’s bottom line all day, which is incredible if you watched how that network treated wrestling during the boom period.
Bryan came out with his trimmed beard and a haircut. He looked like he really didn’t want to give this speech. He stood in the ring with his eyes closed and head down as everyone chanted “Yes” around him, looking like he was going to break down. The expression only got more cheers and chants, which made him crack a smile. Bryan said he was able to close his eyes and feel the reaction the way he had never got to feel it before, and he’ll never forget it.
He said that he had to address the elephant in the room…he really wanted to shave his beard. He said he shaved his head called “Wigs for Kids,” which makes wigs for kids that have cancer. Bryan said he had been wrestling since he was 18 and within 5 months, he had 3 concussions. After that, he would get a concussion here and there, which adds up after 16 years. It gets to a point where doctors say you can’t wrestle anymore. He fought that for a long time, after receiving EKGs and various evaluations. He wanted to come back and wrestle in the WWE because he’s loved wrestling more than anything.
A week and a half ago, a test indicated perhaps his brain wasn’t as OK as he thought it was. He has a family to think about, he and Brie Bella want to start having kids soon (which got Yes chants). Bryan joked that’s what Brie says all the time. That got Holy Shit chants. Bryan announced his retirement with the heaviest of hearts and the utmost sadness.
For the last year, Bryan said he’s been sad, frustrated, and angry. But when he woke up today he felt gratitude. He got to do what he loved for 16 years. He loved the Seahawks, which got a huge pop. He loved hearing the fans react just as his music hits. He loved diving through the ropes, which makes him feel like Superman. He loved wrestling in the parking lot of gas stations and wrestling in front of 70,000 fans in New Orleans. He loved getting to know people like Kane, who looks like a monster but is among the smartest people he knows.
He got to know Steven Regal, who has been his mentor. He got to know children like Connor. He said he was very grateful because wrestling doesn’t owe him anything, nor does the WWE or the fans. The wrestlers do this because they love to do it. He neer dreamed the fans would get behind him the way he did, since he was 5’8, 180 pounds. He came close to breaking down here. He was grateful for two years ago when the fans in Seattle hijacked Raw. And the WWE was trying to arrange a program between Cena and Randy Orton, and the fans still chanted for Bryan.
Bryan said that wasn’t why he was grateful. He was grateful because his father was sitting in the crowd and got to see that. Bryan started crying as he remembered his father, who passed away shortly after WrestleMania. It was the last time his father got to see him wrestle.
Because of wrestling, he got to meet the most wonderful woman in the world. She’s beautiful, smart and completes him in a way that he didn’t think was possible. He was grateful to announce his retirement in front of his mother, his sister, his family and friends. He. Was. Grateful.
Tomorrow morning, he starts a new life, where he is no longer a wrestler. But that’s tomorrow, not tonight. He asked for one more Yes chant and he would really appreciate it. Brie came out as the fans chanted yes and his music played. They kissed in midring as Michael Cole said the company was thankful for having his talent under their employ.
