A heavyweight match-up between Junior Dos Santos and Ben Rothwell headlines UFC’s first event in Croatia on April 10 at the Zagreb Arena.
The company announced the fight on Twitter early Monday morning. Dos Santos (17-4), is a former heavyweight champion and No. 6 ranked contender. Rothwell (36-9), is now ranked No. 5, and after a submission win over Josh Barnett on Jan. 30, his fourth straight finish, had a viable argument for a title shot.
One of those wins by Rothwell was over Alistair Overeem via first round knockout on September 5, 2014, in Manshantucket, Conn. Overeem knocked Dos Santos out of title contention on Dec. 19 in Orlando on FOX. Prior to that loss, Dos Santos had lost only to Cain Velasquez over the prior eight years. In late 2014, Dos Santos scored a close decision win over Stipe Miocic, who is expected to get the next heavyweight title shot.
Dos Santos’ title reign started with a 64 second knockout of Velasquez on November 12, 2011, which was, by a great margin, the single-most watched televised MMA fight ever in the U.S., viewed by 9.5 million viewers between live airings on Fox and Fox Deportes.
He lost the title to Velasquez won December 29, 2012, and lost a third fight in 2013. He took terrible beatings in both losses, particularly the latter, and didn’t look like the same fighter against Miocic, but had enough to win. With Overeem, his performance raised questions about how much he had left.
Rothwell is a veteran who was the heavyweight star of the International Fight League in 2006 and 2007, and debuted in UFC in 2009 with a loss to Velasquez. He lost three of his first five UFC fights, but rebounded with wins over Brandon Vera, Overeem, Matt Mitrione and Barnett.
Des Moines, Iowa: – World Heavyweight Champion Earl Caddock defeated Wladek Zbyszko
1954
Birmingham, Alabama: – Fred Blassie defeated Don McIntyre to win the Florida NWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1957
Atlanta, Georgia: – Don and Mark Lewin defeated Chief Big Heart and Red McIntyre for the Georgia NWA International Tag Team Title
1962
Rochester, Minnesota: – Death Match: Verne Gagne beat Bob Geigel – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Tiny Mills dq – Joe Scarpello drew Nikita Kalmikoff
1963
Atlanta, Georgia: – Eddie Graham defeated Fred Blassie to win the Georgia version of the NWA World Heavyweight Title
1966
Dallas, Texas: – The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) and The Golden Terror defeated Kanji (Antonio) Inoki and Duke Keomuka to win the Texas NWA World Tag Team Title
1967
Mobile, Alabama:
– Dennis Hall and Roger Kirby defeated Frank and Jack Dalton for the Gulf Coast NWA United States Tag Team Title
1971
Madison Square Garden, New York: – WWWF United States Heavyweight Champion Pedro Morales pinned WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff to win the title
1973
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Bob Kelly defeated The Mysterious Medic for the NWA Mississippi Heavyweight Title
1975
Winston-Salem, North Carolina: – Ric Flair defeated Paul Jones for the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title (Flair’s first pro wrestling title)
Detroit, Michigan: – Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bobo Brazil to win the Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Title
1978
Honolulu, Hawaii: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat John Tolos – North American Champion Rick Martel beat Tor Kamata dq – Hawaiian Tag Team Champions Steve Strong & Chris Markoff beat Russ & Bill Francis – Rocky Tomayo beat Tosh Togo by countout – Billy Whitewolf beat Duke Savage – Sam Steamboat beat Bruce Brown
1980
Tokyo, Japan: – Stan Hansen defeated Antonio Inoki for the National Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title
1985
Dallas, Texas: – Chris Adams defeated Kerry Von Erich to win the World Class American Heavyweight Title
1986
Boston, Massachusetts: -Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana to win the title
1987
Shawano, Wisconsin: – AWA Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers beat Buddy Rose & Doug Somers – Non Title: AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Larry Zbyszko dq – Mr. Saito beat Buck Zumhofe – Super Ninja beat Earthquake Ferris – Colonel DeBeers beat Steve Olsonoski
1988
Memphis, Tennessee: – Max Pain (Daryl Peterson) defeated Jerry Lawler for the Continental Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title
1992
Sapporo, Japan: – Jushin Liger won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title from Norio Honaga
Memphis, Tennessee: – Tom Prichard defeated Eric Embry for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1999
Buffalo, New York: – Roddy Piper pinned WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart to win the title
2000
Austin, Texas: – Kurt Angle pinned WWF European Champion Val Venis to win the title
2002
Indianapolis, Indiana: – Ace Steel defeated Kurt Krueger for the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title
2004
Falls River, Massachusetts: – Low Ki defeated Justin Credible to win the Premier Wrestling Federation Universal Heavyweight Title
2009
Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida: – TNA Tag Team Champions Beer Money Inc. defeated Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed – TNA World Champion Sting defeated Kurt Angle, Brother Ray and Brother Devon to retain the title
For wrestling fans, the saga of Daniel Bryan’s health in recent years with WWE has been, in a word, tragic. A month after he finally won the WWE title at Wrestlemania 30 to culminate an incredible fan-fueled and improbable run, he had to undergo neck surgery that saw him stripped of the title and on the shelf for nearly a year.
After winning the Intercontinental title at Wrestlemania 31, he had to relinquish the belt weeks later due to concussion-related issues. Since that time, it’s been a constant drumbeat of “Will he come back? When will he come back? He’s coming back…right?” questions.
With NXT on fire, AJ Styles now becoming a force in WWE, and Nakamura on the way, the thought of Bryan getting in that mix was oh-so-tantalizing for those of us wanting to see one of the very best in the ring ply his trade with his peers once again.
But on Monday, the wrestling world got confirmation of the bad news we had all felt might be coming as Bryan Lloyd Danielson tweeted that on the February 8th edition of RAW, he will officially retire, leaving behind the life of an active wrestler that he’s lived for 17 years.
Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I’ll have a chance to elaborate. #gratitude
The 34-year-old Danielson accomplished nearly everything you could ever want to in the world of pro wrestling, competing in Japan, being part of the founding class of Ring of Honor, working with nearly every major independent talent out there, and eventually signing with WWE in August 2009. A memorable run on NXT with the Miz eventually led to bigger and better things, save a ridiculous firing due to him choking out ring announcer Justin Roberts with a tie in a June 2010 RAW-closing angle.
He eventually returned and made an impact, regardless of how WWE tried to position him. He is the company’s 26th Triple Crown champion, and the company’s 15th Grand Slam champion. He did lose his World title to Sheamus in just 18 seconds at Wrestlemania 28 in a head scratcher, but he started the “Yes Movement”, had a memorable partnership and feud with Kane, had plenty of incredible matches, and found a place in the hearts of those who had never heard of him before he came to WWE while cementing himself with those that knew how special he was all along.
Tonight on RAW, Danielson bids farewell to the dream of returning to the squared circle and we’ll all be along for the gut-wrenching explanation as to why.
Raw takes place at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA, considered Bryan’s hometown even though he was actually born and raised in Aberdeen.
Bryan has not appeared on WWE TV in months. While he has been given a clean bill of health by several doctors, WWE’s main doctor, Joseph Maroon, has refused to clear him due to concussion-related issues.
While it may be much ado about nothing, Bryan has cut off all of his hair and trimmed up his beard, which could be an indication he believes he won’t be returning to wrestling in WWE anytime soon.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass (with Carmella) against The Ascension
Fans did not really know Enzo’s pre-match spiel, pretty silent during their intro aside from the SAWFT line by Cass
Pretty decent match between the four but I dont think many people knew who Amore and Cass were. The heels get the heat on Enzo and he eventually makes the hot tag to Cass.
Finish sees Amore hit a splash onto Viktor for the win
Miz vs. AJ Styles
Major heat for Miz, who got on the mic and complained about Styles breaking his tooth earlier this week
Styles comes out to a massive pop and before they lock up there are huge “AJ Styles” chants and a light “this is awesome” chant
Pretty good stuff here, with Miz hitting the skull crushing finale and Styles kicking out. Styles teased the Clash but Miz broke out. Finish saw Styles lock in the calf slicer for the win
Rusev vs. Axel
Lana works the crowd by bashing Abbotsford and saying how everyone should be so grateful to see herself and Rusev. This brings out Axel (by himself) to not much reaction
Axel says he will kick Rusev’s ass and then have Lana to himself and shakes his hips like Rick Rude
Short match follows, with Lana distracting Axel and it leading to a superkick and accolade.
Rusev then gets on the mic again and asks for competition. This brings out Jack Swagger and another short match that sees Swagger roll up Rusev in a few minutes
New Day vs. Usos/Ryback
Huge reaction for New Day, who came out first and then had to return to the back because their smoke pyro didnt go off. Light boos for the Usos but Ryback was over. He’s wearing new tights that say “Big Guy” and now wrestles wearing a weight belt.
Fun match follows, with Ryback eventually catching Woods and hitting the shell shock on him
Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores
Dragons come out to a decent reaction, while the Matadores come out to crickets. They then establish themselves as heels by taking a Lucha Dragons shirt and wiping their nose/underarm and ass with it.
Pretty pedestrian match, with the finish seeing Sin Cara hit one of the Matadores with a swanton
Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch
Both girls got decent reactions, and the match had some decent spots, including Lynch apply an armbar to Charlotte, who turned it into a powerbomb.
Lynch reversed the figure eight but moments later Charlotte rolled her up with the tights to win
Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio was over, and was interacting a lot with the crowd. He was behaving like a face to the males over 13. Good reaction for Reigns, with kids and women behind him
Solid match, but a little long. Reigns eventually goes over after fighting out of the armbar twice. Reigns hits a spear to win.
Biggest Pops:
1) AJ Styles
2) Roman Reigns
3) New Day
Biggest Heat
1) Miz
2) Rusev
3) Charlotte
T-shirts for sale: New Day, Cena, Reigns, Ziggler, Styles, Ambrose and Lucha Dragons. Interesting they had no Kevin Owens items for sale.
We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE house show in Abbotsford, BC, headlined by Roman Reigns vs. Rusev.
Raw will be Monday in Seattle. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are scheduled on the show.
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
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Kevin Greene, who did a number of high profile matches for WCW in the 90s and actually had great potential as a pro wrestler, was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame. Greene still has the third most sacks in NFL history and coached for the Green Bay Packers when they won the Super Bowl several years ago. Here is the article.
Mike Mooneyham, a longtime friend and author of the longest running wrestling column in the country, is retiring from the Charleston Post-Courier but the column will be continuing Read that story here.
Chris Nowinski was in USA Today over the weekend heavily critical of the NFL’s treatment of concussions., saying he doesn’t think the NFL is making a good faith effort to study the effects of concussions.
Even with the Super Bowl and everything related to it, the tenth most searched item on Google today has been Johny Hendricks with 50,000. Maybe people were wondering what happened to him.
WWE
A video of A.J. Styles who turned to DDP Yoga for help on his bad back (thanks to Ross Blair).
At last night’s house show in Penticton, BC, they did a double turn in the Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze match, but that was only for the house.
Enzo & Cass worked the house show in San Jose last night, as did Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is scheduled for Raw tomorrow, but not for Smackdown this week.
A new episode of Ride Along airs after Raw tomorrow night with Sheamus, King Barrett, Renee Young, Summer Rae and R-Truth.
The first NXT show from the University of Central Florida gym that was taped on 1/21 will air on Wednesday
Here is a story on the New Day saying that are revolutionizing the business
UFC
The flying knee finish by Diego Rivas on Noad Lahat on last night’s show not only won him a $50,000 bonus but was shown over and over as one of ESPN’s Top Plays of the day. (thanks to Daniel short)
In predictions last night, Me, John Pollock, Mike Sempervive, Mike Sawyer and Ryan Frederick all went 4-1, only missing the main event in most cases. Josh Nason, Steve Juoin, David Bixenspan and Frontrow Brian were 3-2 and Paul Fontaine was 1-4.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Sky News app on Friday had the story of the death of Axl Rotten as the fourth leading story in the Showbiz section
Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with Ethan Page vs. Josh Prohibition, Jock Samson & Tracy Smothers & Bunkhouse Buck (managed by Col. Rob Parker) vs. Dick Justice & Marion Fontaine & Colt Cabana (managed by Missy Hyatt), Alex Shelley vs. Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace vs. Veda Scott for the women’s title, Brian Myers vs. Tim Donst and more.
Scott Steiner will be doing talk shows next month in the U.K. He’s appearing 3/21 in London at The Garage, 3/22 in Manchester at the Comedy Store, 3/23 in Glasgow at The Classic Grand and 3/24 in Belfast at The Empire. Tickets are on sale here.
The Globe tabloid ran an article destroying Hulk Hogan and the company that hired him as a spokesman.
Preston City Wrestling on Friday in Preston, England before 400 to 500 fans: Ken Anderson b Luther Ward, Rampage Brown b Chris Dickinson, Drew Galloway b Martin Kirby, Noam Dar b Timothy Thatcher, Matt Hardy b Lionheart, Billy Gunn b Joey Hayes, T-Bone b Tajiri, Iestyn Rees & Sha Samuels b Dave Rayne & Dave Mastiff, El Liger b Bubblegum. Galloway’s match only took a few seconds. Dar & Thatcher was solid. Gunn got a good reaction. Liger vs. Bubblegum was the match of the night. (thanks to Jan Buxton)
Preston City Wrestling had two shows yesterday:
Afternoon show: Tajiri & Luther Ward & Sammy D b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby & Bubblegum, Drew Galloway b Ken Anderson, Lionheart b Dave Rayne, T-Bone b Billy Gunn, Noam Dar b El Ligero, Iestyn Rees b Chris Dickinson, Rampage Brown b Matt Hardy via DQ
Evening show: Matt Hardy b Luther Ward, Lionheart b Charlie Garrett, Drew Galloway b Noam Dar, Rampage Brown b T-Bone, Billy Gunn & Ken Anderson & Tajiri (calling themselves The New Age Assholes) b Joey Hayes & Martin Kirby & Dave Rayne, Chris Dickinson b El Ligero, Bubblegum b Iestyn Rees, Rampage Brown b Drew Galloway to win Road to Glory tournament, Sha Samuels b Dave Mastiff to win the PCS title. Galloway “injured” Dar’s arm in the afternoon show to lead to a short win in he evening show. Galloway was sick all weekend but still had two of the best matches with Anderson and Brown. Billy Gunn was announced as returning in June.
Championship Wrestling Entertainment from Friday night in Fort Pierce, FL: Slade Porter & Josh Parker b Richard Delicious & Derek Steele, El Hero Byronico b Chico Adams, J-Dawg Brooks & Mad Dawg Wilson b Jamal King & Jay Prince, Shaniah Ariyana b Dominque Fabiano, Rhett Giddins won over Braydon Knight, JB Cool and Craig Classic, Raquel (TNA) b Shaniah Ariyana, Lince Dorado & Jon Cruz b Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus=-DQ, Rhett Giddins won three-way over Tyranus and Irish Jack with Alex Porteau as referee. Next show is 3/18 with Giddins vs. Tyranus and Santana Garrett (thanks to Al Haft)
IWF has shows at the IWF Centre in Nutley, NJ on 2/13 and 2/20 at 7 p.m. and 2/26 at 8 p.m. They also announced a 4/16 show featuring Tito Santana.
Sean Carr was announced as joining John Skyler, Papadon and Davey Richards in this year’s ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ. Well, with Richards’ knee injury, that is questionable in his case.
NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday night in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium with Jason Kincaid vs. Vince Brent for the Southeastern title and NWA champion Jax Dane vs. Toby Farley.
CCW Winter Fallout on 3/6 at the Wish Centre in Chatham, ONT at 2 p.m.
Future Pro Wrestling from yesterday in Sutton, Surrey, UK before 250 fans: The Warden b Earl Windsor, Ryan Smile b Will Ospreay (crowd gave them a standing ovation), London Riots b GZRS, Jimmy Havoc b Paul Robinson to retain FPW title, Darrell Allen won Rumble (thanks to Darren Rogers)
Stardom from yesterday in Tokyo: Yoneyama b Azumi, Haruka Kato b Starlight Kid, Keitlin Diamond b Hiromi Mimura, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Alez Lee, Santana Garrett & Kellie Skater & Evie & Viper & Chelsea Green b Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani & Kairi Hojo & Momo Watanabe & Jungle Kyona
Marty Jannetty appears on 3/12 for In Your Face Wrestling in Albany, NY at the Polish Community Center. Also appearing are Kevin Nash, Scott Norton, Bob Holly and Cody Deaner. The convention will be 2-6 p.m. with a wrestling show at 7 p.m.
Dynamo Pro Wrestling from last night in Fenton, MO”: Jack Gamble & Jon Webb b Danny Adams & Paco Gonzalez, Billy McNeil b Brandon Aarons, Ozzie Gallagher b Rocket Mapache, Evan Morris b Jayson Khaos, Kiyoshi Shizuka b Shorty Biggs, Outtkast won three-way over Elvis Aliaga and Jayden Fenix, Mike Sydal b Kevin Lee Davidson, Lucy Mendez b Heather Patera, Jake Dirden won four-way over Ricky Cruz, Brandon Espinosa and Mike Outlaw (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
Lucha Xtreme TV from last night in Fresno: Chat Douglas b Fantastico, Guerrero de la Muerta (formerly Kevin El Devino) b Anthony Idol-DQ (thanks to Jon Southerland)
NSPW from last night in Quebec City before 472 fans: Matt Angel b Brad Alekxis, Surfer Mitch & Dru Onyx & Shayne Hawke b Alex Price & Dead End, Pee Wee & Judas b Handsome Jean Frais & Jay Phenomenon, Travis Toxic b Michael Style, Frankie the Mobster b Giovanni, Heavy Metal Chaos & Scott Parker b Kickin n Stompin & Shane Matthews, Marko Estrada b Chris Hero to retain the NSPW title. Next show is 3/12 with Frankie the Mobster vs Travis Toxic for the No. 1 contender spot (thanks to Patric Laprade)
Hoosier Pro Wrestling from last night in Columbus, IN: Lightning Bolt won Battle Royal, Psycho Sytt & Scarecrow b Butcher Manson & Tim Lutz, Dynamite Dillen b Nate Steele, Van Zants won tag titles from Cowboy Marc Houston & Big Country Clint Poe, Amazing Maria b Haley Shadows, Lightning Bolt b TJ Kemp (who thanked the fans for 14 years of support and said he was going to be gone for a while), Timmy Danger NC Flash Flanagan in a strap match. Next show is 3/5 with Vic the Bruiser & Timmy Danger vs. Flanagan (thanks to Jerry Wilson)
Chikara Pro was featured in an article this weekend on Rolling Stone’s website. “Part badass B-movie, part sugary Saturday morning cartoon, it’s wild, weird and everything WWE isn’t. And that’s precisely the point.” (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
Super Fight League on 2/20 in Tacoma, WA at the Emerald Queen Casino.
WSWF from last night in Yuba City, CA before a sellout 240 fans to honor Darren “Mike” Dean: JJ King & Rik Luxury b Christian & Airon Skye, Scooter McGavin b Victor Sterling, Joe DeSoul & Eddy Vega b Drake Frost & Sir Samurai-DQ, Ethan White b Reggie Bright, Nathan Brick b MPT. (thanks to Jim Davis)
The Prime Time Players and The Usos def. Stardust, The Ascension and Tyler Breeze via pinfall
Every participant in this 8-man tag gets a full entrance, which helpfully burns off five minutes of airtime – even Tyler, who is now sporting a rather dashing five o’clock shadow.
Boring 15-minute match here, that meandered along at a glacial pace until the hot tag to Darren Young. Up to that point, Jey Uso had the honour of being beaten up by the heels forever, a portion of the match enlivened only by Jerry Lawler’s excellent commentary. Highlights included berating Titus O’Neil for not splashing out on ringside tickets for the kids he invited to last week’s Smackdown and instructing Rich Brennan on how to tell the Usos apart.
Young ran wild with a belly-to-belly on Stardust, followed by delivering his back suplex on the apron to Viktor. Of course, Titus had to blind tag himself in and steal his thunder, Pay Check-ing Tyler Breeze into Stardust, before hitting the Stinger Splash on both men. Clash of the Titus on Cody wraps it up for Titus and his team. I can’t believe it wasn’t Breeze taking the pinfall there.
– A recap of the Sasha/Becky/Team BAD segment from RAW leads us into a backstage interview segment featuring Naomi and Tamina. Jojo, wearing an unnecessarily large amount of slap on her face, asks the ladies for justification for their actions on Monday night.
Naomi maintains that Sasha betrayed them first, before Tamina goes all Confucius/Cantona by talking about the dangers of baby birds flying too high from the nest, or some such bilge. Naomi finishes by saying that “Naomina” (ugh) never needed Sasha, to which Tamina adds “you can take that to the bank”. Poor Naomi.
Jack Swagger def. Fandango via submission
Pretty funny/sad moment during Fandango’s entrance when they attempt to cut to shots of the crowd dancing to his music; only to find one little kid Fandango-ing in the midst of a sea of bored faces.
Fandango also arrived to the ring wearing a “Let’s Get Weird” jacket, which seems to nod at his old Johnny Curtis gimmick. Or has he always worn it? Answers on a postcard, please.
Nothing match, which wrapped in under three minutes with a Patriot Lock out of nowhere. Crowd did not care one jot. Unfortunate for Swagger, who has impressed on this show when given time in recent weeks.
Naomina def. Paige and Natalya via submission
That Team BAD entrance theme that lasted all of two weeks appears to be dead along with the faction that spawned it; the heels emerge to Naomi’s “amay-yay-yay-yay-zing” tune instead.
Another long tag match that failed to hold the interest here, I’m afraid. Paige’s shine seemed to go on forever, but featured a cute spot where she tried a headbutt on Tamina, only to beg off when she realised the old adage about trying that on a Samoan.
Paige has to resort to screaming about her house on more than one occasion to draw heat, to which Lawler responds “we get the message”. She is also guilty of loud spot calling (of sorts) later on, when she is picked up shouting “Trin! Trin!” on the mic, reminding Naomi to lay the boots to her on the outside as Tamina distracts the ref.
The heat is dull, especially when Tamina is in the ring, although “Nah-eeee” (as Paige calls her) is amusing with her energetic cheerleading on the apron.
Nattie eventually gets the hot tag, only to quickly fall victim to the numbers game to cut her off. Paige trips Tamina from the outside to help her out, but can’t stop Naomi hitting the Rear View on her partner. She does break up the ensuing pinfall attempt, however.
The ref then sends Paige back out of the ring, as Nattie lines up the sharpshooter, only to see Naomi counter it (awkwardly) into her headscissors choke (the Slay-o-mission, apparently) for the win. The finish makes sense, given that the heels are likely going to be featured in a tag feud with Sasha and Becky going forward.
Final Thoughts:
Two disappointing tag matches, bookending a nothing squash, makes this a pretty underwhelming edition of Main Event. Recommendation to skip.
Des Moines, Iowa: – World Heavyweight Champion Frank Gotch beat Fred Beell 2 falls to 0
1952
Kansas City, Kansas: – Heart of America Champion Bob Orton Sr. beat Enrique Torres in 2 out of 3 falls – Jack Kennedy and Sonny Myers beat Ray Eckert and Babe Zaharias
1956
Dallas, Texas: – Pepper Gomez and Luigi Macera defeated Duke Keomuka and Tiny Mills to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles
1957
Amarillo, Texas: – The Great Bolo defeated Dory Funk to win the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title
Toronto, Ontario, California: – Billy Watson and Yukon Eric wrestled Dick Hutton and Gene Kiniski to a draw – Pat O’Connor beat Guy Brunetti – The Miller Brothers, Bill and Ed, beat Timothy Geohagen and Red Lyons – Hard boiled Haggerty beat Joe Brunetti – The Mighty Ursus beat Mike Gallagher
1963
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz defeated WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers in a Best-of-Three Falls match, 2-1, to retain the title – Bulldog Brower and Tara Sakuri beat Gino Morella and Bruno Sammartino – Johnny Valentine beat Sam Steamboat – The Beast beat Fred Atkins – Billy Red Lyons and Hans Schmidt went to a 15:00 draw
1969
Los Angeles, California: – Pepper Gomez and Black Gordman defeated Paul Jones and Nelson Royal for the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles
1970
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Johnny Barend defeated Pedro Morales to win the NWA Hawaii North American Heavyweight Title
1972
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: – Bob Brown defeated Mark Lewin for the Vancouver NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title
1973
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat Billy Robinson & Don Muraco – Ripper Collins ddq Neff Maiava in 3rd fall – Ken Patera beat Tapia – Paul Jones beat Harley Race dq – Ed Francis beat Lord Nelson – Jimmy Snuka beat Pepto Castro – Bulldog Bob Brown drew Sam Steamboat
1974
Indianapolis, Indiana: – The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy and Johnny) defeated Dick the Bruiser and Bruno Sammartino to win the WWA World Tag Team Titles
Kansas City, Kansas: – Baron Scicluna & Bob Orton defeated Jim Brunzell & Mike George – Omar Atlas defeated Taro Kabayoshi – Bull Bullinski defeated Frank Valois – Don Fargo fought The Viking to a draw – Handicap Match: Andre the Giant defeated Tokyo Joe & Percy Pringle – Jack Brisco defeated Roger Kirby
1975
St. Joseph, Missouri: – Jerry Oates defeated Terry Martin to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title
1976
San Francisco, California: – Mr. Fuji defeated Pat Patterson to win the San Francisco NWA United States Heavyweight Title
Chicago, Illinois: – AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher no contest Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant – Bobby Duncum beat Verne Gagne dq – Wilbur Snyder beat Sgt. Jacques Goulet – Bobby Heenan drew Jim Brunzell – Jos LeDuc beat Soldier LeBoeuf – Larry Hennig drew Chuck O’Connor (Big John Studd) – Sailor Art Thomas beat Kim Duk
1977
Memphis, Tennessee: – Porkchop Cash and Gorgeous George, Jr. defeated Bill Dundee and Ricky Gibson to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1979
Portland, Oregon: – Roddy Piper defeated Jonathon Boyd to win the NWA Pacific Title
1981
Greensboro, North Carolina: – Mr. Fuji and Tenryu defeated Dewey Robertson and George Wells to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title
1982
Memphis, Tennessee: – Dutch Mantel defeated Jerry Lawler for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan by countout – Ken Patera beat Hulk Hogan dq – Tito Santana beat Bobby Duncum – Baron Von Raschke beat Sgt. Goulet – Brad Rheingans beat Bobby Heenan by countout – Buck Zumhofe beat Ricky Hunter
1983
Louisville, Kentucky: – The Sheepherders (Jonathan Boyd and Luke Williams) defeated The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles
1984
– The Dynamite Kid defeated The Cobra (George Takano) in the finals of a month-long eight-man round-robin tournament to win the vacant WWF Junior Heavyweight Title
Mobile, Alabama: – Wayne Ferris (Honky Tonk Man) won a tournament final to win the vacant NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title
1985
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Blackjack Lanza (sub Jerry Blackwell) & Sgt. Slaughter beat Masked Superstar & King Tonga (sub King Kong Brody) dq – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors dq – Jim Garvin beat Baron Von Raschke – Tom Zenk drew Steve Regal – Nick Bockwinkel beat Curt Hennig – Buddy Lane beat Rick Renslow – John Nord beat Drew Tossell
1986
Calgary, Alberta, Canada: – Leo Burke and Ron Ritchie defeated Wayne Ferris and Ron Starr to win the Stampede International Tag Team Titles
1987
Fort Worth, Texas: – Chris Adams and Terry Taylor defeated Rick Steiner and Sting to win the vacant UWF World Tag Team Titles in a tournament final
1989
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Larry Zbyszko won a battle royal to win the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Title – Tom Zenk & Wahoo McDaniel beat Manny Fernandez & Larry Zbyszko – Tom Zenk & Ken Patera beat AWA Tag Team Champions Badd Company Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond dq – Destruction Crew Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom beat Top Guns Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes
1991
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Charlie Norris defeated Terminator Rigs to win the Pro Wrestling America Heavyweight Title
1992
Eugene, Oregon: – Steve Doll defeated Ron Harris to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
Denver, Colorado: – Money, Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) defeated The Legion of Doom (Animal and Hawk) for the WWF Tag Team Titles
1994
Memphis, Tennessee: – Doug Gilbert defeated Brian Christopher in a hair vs. title match to win the USWA Title – Jerry Lawler defeated Eddie Gilbert to win the USWA Unified World Title
1998
Sapporo, Japan: – Jushin Liger defeated Shinjiro Otani to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title
2003
Clarksville, Indiana: – Chris Hero defeated IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion CM Punk in a Two out of Three Falls match, 2-1, to win the title
2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – Masato Tanaka defeated Jerry Lynn to become the first WORLD-1 Heavyweight Champion
2013
– Bobby Roode & Austin Aries defeated Chavo Guerrero, Jr & Hernandez to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles
– AJ Styles b The Miz by submission with the calf crusher. AJ was super over.
– Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady (w/ Carmella) b The Ascension. Seemed like most of the crowd knew Enzo and Cass.
– Jack Swagger b Curtis Axel by submission with the Patriot Lock.
– The Lucha Dragons b Los Matadores. I guess Sin Cara is healthy again.
– Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) b Rusev (w/ Lana) in a short match.
– Divas Champion Charlotte b Becky Lynch to retain in the only title match on the card. Solid work from these two. With the referee distracted, Charlotte poked Becky in the eye and pinned her with a handful of tights. Daddy would be proud.
– Ryback & The Usos b WWE Tag Champions The New Day (w/ Francesca II) in a six-man.
– Roman Reigns b Alberto del Rio. Pretty good, easily the longest match of the night. Del Rio pulled out a table during the match but they never used it.
The Dudleys and Titus O’Neil vs. The Social Outcasts (Rose and Slater) and Fandango
Bubba worked the crowd hard and had a fine 10 minute 6 man tag to get the crowd going. Dudleys and Titus went over with a 3D.
Goldust vs. Darren Young
This match was very quick with Young working heel. There wasn’t very much offense going on. Goldust won with a quick rollup.
Team B.A.D. (Tamina and Naomi) vs. Paige and Natalya with Alica Fox as the special guest ref
Natalya, notably, got a huge pop. B.A.D. was on the offense the entirety of the match, until Nattie got the hot tag and threw on a sharpshooter onto Naomi. Fox then kicked Nattie in the back of the head to end the match in a no contest. B.A.D. and Fox gave a beatdown on both Natalya and Paige before Sasha Banks came in with the save. She helped even the odds, and put on the Banks Statement on one of them while Paige and Natalya put on sharpshooters in stereo.
Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler
This was the match of the night. Breeze came out first with the biggest pop of the night. People went ballistic because hometown boy. Ziggler also got a huge pop, but had a lot more boos. Five minutes into the match, Ziggler realized that the fans were cheering hard for Breeze and started playing heel. He started to show mannerisms of his Show Off character, including more hip shaking and mocking Breeze resting on the turnbuckle. It was a very fast pace finish with Ziggler going for a Sweet Chin Music, blocked by an Unprettier, then countered by a backslide pin, which was then followed by a back and forth of pinning combinations.
People were freaking out at every nearfall, which chants of “This is Awesome” filling the SOEC. Ziggler finally won with a Zig Zag, to a huge applause. At the end of the match, Ziggler helped Breeze’s up and was trying to shake his hand. After hesitation, he finally did but then immediately super kicked Ziggler. Breeze got a huge cheer and knocked Ziggler out. The ref came and did the arm raise thing, then on the third arm raise it stayed up. Ziggler spaghetti legged to his feet and walked to the back.
Intermission
R-Truth vs. Stardust
It started with a flurry of ‘CODY’ chants. R-Truth would play to this. He got a microphone and was doing a “remix” where half the crowd was saying Wassup, the other one screaming Cody. It was a fine back and forth, Stardust took of a glove and was whipping Truth with it. Truth took it and started whipping back. Truth won after his flatliner maneuver that I cannot remember the name of. For some reason, a fellow hated Stardust. Like, truly despised him. He would come from his seat in the middle of the floor, run up to the rail and throw up double birds. I did not see what happened or what caused it to happen, but he was tackled and forcefully escorted away.
The Wyatts (Harper and Rowan) vs. Kane and Big Show
I will be honest, I haven’t been paying complete attention to WWE programming, but Harper was flexing on everyone and everything.After hitting a move, he would flex on Kane or Big Show. Kane was in the ring and getting beatdown most of the match, Show hot tagged in and threw the Wyatts around. it ended with Kane chokeslamming Rowan, and Show chokeslamming Harper.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
People went nuts for Ambrose. It was a fine back and forth match, but I and a quarter of the audience was checked out. There was a little bit of frustration before them because Owens, who was advertised before, was not there. The rumour was that he was bumped for Breeze. Anyway, after an Sister Abigal attempt, Ambrose spun around and hit a double underhook DDT for the win and retained the belt.
