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  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/23): Naugurski wins NWA Title; Austin 3:16 is born; Flair unifies WCW belts

    1939

    Houston, Texas:
    – Bronko Nagurski defeated Lou Thesz to win the National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight 

    1944

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Firpo Segra defeated Doc Macias to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title

    1945

    Wichita, Kansas:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Ray Eckert in a 2 out of 3 falls match 
    – Don McIntyre beat Jerry Meeker via dq

    1949 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown defeated Joe Pazandak in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Tarzan Kowalski beat Lou Newman in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Herman Von Doyle defeated Fred Blassie 

    1959 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Bobby Jones defeated George Eakin for the Madison Wrestling Club Heavyweight Title 

    1960 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Central States Heavyweight Champion Thor Hagen beat Rocky Lee in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Bob Orton beat Joe Costello

    1961

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Bobby Graham and Sonny Myers defeated The Bat and Ernie Dusek in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Buddy Austin beat The Alaskan in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Ronnie Etchison defeated Don McClarity 
    – Thor Hagen and Don Miller went to a time limit draw

    – Waldo Von Erich defeated Pepper Gomez to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

    1964 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Eddie Graham and Sam Steamboat defeated Chris and John Tolos for the Florida NWA World Tag Team Titles

    Eugene, Oregon:
    – Pampero Firpo defeated Nick Bockwinkel to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title 

    1965

    – Ken Lucas is awarded the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title

    1966 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – In a Texas Death Lumberjack Match: The Mongolian Stomper defeated The Viking

    Eau Claire, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher beat Stan Kowalski
    – The Alaskan beat Eddie Sharkey (sub Billy Red Cloud) 
    – Doug Gilbert drew Chris Markoff

    1966 

    Sioux City, Iowa:
    – Big Luke Brown beat AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon dq
    – Dale Lewis beat Billy Red Cloud
    – Mr Wrestling Tim Woods beat Bulldog Danny Plechas 
    – Jack Pesek drew Haru Sasaki

    1967 

    Atlanta, Georgia
    – Butcher and Stan (Stan Pulaski) Vachon defeated Enrique and Ramon Torres to win the Georgia NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Mitsu Arakawa dq
    – Devils Duo (Angelo Poffo & Chris Markoff) beat Ernie Ladd & Earl Maynard
    – Johnny Powers no contest Wilbur Snyder 
    – Lou Thesz beat Moose Cholak

    1970 

    Macon, Georgia:
    – Nick Bockwinkel defeated Joe Scarpa to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title

    – Moondog Mayne defeated The Claw for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    1973 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel & Billy Robinson beat Nick Bockwinkel & Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Reggie Parks drew Geoff Portz 
    – Sailor Art Thomas beat Rene Goulet

    1974

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – The Crusaders (Billy Red Lyons and Dewey Robertson) defeated The Love Brothers (Hartford and Reginald) for the Toronto NWA International Tag Team Titles

    1977

    Panama City, Florida:
    – Kurt Von Hess defeated the Wrestling Pro to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title 

    1978

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Ringo Mendoza defeated Perro Aguayo to win the NWA World Middleweight Title

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – The Mongolian Stomper won a tournament final to win the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    Atlanta, Georgia:
     – Tony Atlas and Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Titles

    – Pak Choo (Kengo Kimura) and Mr. Ito defeated Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

    1979 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher & Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Duncum & Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Greg Gagne beat Ray Stevens dq
    – Billy Robinson beat Pat Patterson 
    – Paul Ellering beat Doug Gilbert

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – Bob Brown defeated Jerry Brown in a Texas Death Match 
    – In a Central States Heavyweight Title match; Champion Bob Sweetan defeated Frank Hill

    1980

    Amarillo, Texas:
    – Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada defeated Tiger Conway, Jr. and José Lothario to win the NWA American Tag Team Titles

    1982

    Shreveport, Louisiana:
    – Ted DiBiase defeated The Junkyard Dog for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title 

    1984

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – WCCW American Heavyweight Champion Gino Hernandez defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair to win the vacant WCCW Texas
    Heavyweight Title

    1986 

    Memphis, Tennessee
    – Giant Hillbilly Elmer (Stan Frazier) and Jerry Lawler defeated The MOD Squad (Basher and Spike) to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    Dothan, Alabama:
    – Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden defeated Steve Armstrong and Tommy Rich to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Titles

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – Brad Armstrong won the NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight Title from Jerry Stubbs 
    – Adrian Street defeated Wendell Cooley to capture the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    1987

    Tampa, Florida:
    – The Sheepherders (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) defeated Mike Graham and Steve Keirn for the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1989 

    AWA War in the Windy City: Chicago, Illinois:
    – Tommy Jammer defeated Jonnie Stewart
    – Mike George defeated Rockin’ Randy
    – Akio Sato defeated Paul Diamond by disqualification
    – Chavo, Hector and Mando Guerrero defeated The Executioner (Donn Lewin) and The Texas Hangmen (Killer and Psycho)
    – AWA World Women’s Champion Wendi Richter defeated Candi Devine to retain the title
    – Scott Norton and Ken Patera defeated The Destruction Crew (Wayne Bloom and Mike Enos)
    – AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko fought Greg Gagne to a draw to retain the title
    – Colonel DeBeers defeated Derrick Dukes in a loser gets painted yellow match

    Dallas, Texas: 
    – Robert Fuller and Brian Lee defeated Jeff Jarrett and Mil Máscaras to win the WCWA World Tag Team Titles

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Tom Prichard defeated Wendell Cooley for the Continental Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title 

    1990 

    Graz, Austria:
    – Dave Finlay and Marty Jones defeated Tony St. Clair and Miles Zrno to win the Catch Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles

    Memphis, Tennessee:
     – Rex King and Joey Maggs defeated Tony Anthony and Tom Burton for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Juice Patrol (Beetlejuice (Art Barr) and Big Juice (Jeff Warner)) defeated U.S. Male (Ricky Santana and Curtis Thompson) to win
    the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

    1992

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – The Super Destroyers (#1 and #2) defeated Glenn Osbourne and Max Thrasher to become the first-ever ECW Tag Team Champions

    1994

    WCW Clash of the Champions: Charleston, South Carolina:
    – WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair pinned WCW International World Heavyweight Champion Sting to unify the titles
    – Lord Steven Regal (with Sir William) pinned WCW World Television Champion Larry Zbyszko to win the title 
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan (with Dave Sullivan) defeated The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) to retain the title
    – The Guardian Angel (Big Bossman) pinned Tex Slazenger 
    – Johnny B. Badd defeated WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Steve Austin by disqualification

    1995

    Lasalle, Ontario, Canada:
    – Scott D’Amore defeated Bruiser Bedlam for the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title

    1996

    WWF King of the Ring: Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Ahmed Johnson pinned WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust (with Marlena) to win the title 
    – Steve Austin pinned Jake Roberts to win the King of the Ring tournament 
     WWF Champion Shawn Michaels (with José Lothario) defeated The British Bulldog (with Jim Cornette and Diana Smith) to retain the title
    – Mankind defeated The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) by referee stoppage 
    – WWF Tag Team Champions The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart (with Sunny)) defeated The Godwinns (Henry and Phineas (with Hillbilly Jim)) to retain the title

    2000 

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – The Disciples of Synn (Damian and Slash) defeated OVW Southern Tag Team Champions B.J. Payne and Scotty Sabre to win the titles

    2002 

    WWF King of the Ring: Columbus, Ohio:
    – Molly Holly defeated WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus to win the title 
    – Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) defeated WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam to win the King of the Ring tournament
    – Ric Flair pinned Eddie Guerrero 
    – Kurt Angle defeated Hulk Hogan by submission 
    – WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker pinned Triple H to retain the title

  • TUF 23 recap: Dana White gets dunked

    Last week, Team Gadelha finished the first round 7-1 with Kate Jackson’s victory over Ashley Yoder. The quarterfinals: Andrew Sanchez vs. Eric Spicely, Amanda Cooper vs. Lanchana Green, Tatiana Suarez vs. Kate Jackson, and Josh Stansbury vs. Cory Hendricks. Unfortunately, Hendricks’ injury has proven to be too much for him so he’s pulling out of the tournament and someone gets to come back to replace him.

    Dana White sets up a Skype call with the coaches live from his location in London (presumably for the Bisping vs. Silva fight). He’s bringing back Khalil Rountree to face Josh Stansbury, so Sanchez and Spicely are still fighting each other as previously planned, and if Hendricks is healed up, he gets a shot on the TUF Finale in July. Gadelha is “very happy” with the decision.

    Rountree is frustrated that he’s having to fight a friend for the second time on the show, and Jedrzejczyk tries to encourage him to cheer up, but in his interview, he says he has to deal with it the way he needs to. “I’m in a situation where I have to put myself first and that’s not something that I’m used to.” Neither team is thrilled about fighting friends in their matchups.

    It’s time for the annual COACHES CHALLENGE.

    Two giant glass tanks have been filled up with ice water and there are platforms to stand over the top of them. The coaches have to stand up there and shoot air rifles at targets with 5, 10, and 20 point circles. The 20 is the bullseye and also says “DUNK.” For every 20 points, they go in the water, which Gadelha is already very unhappy about, but after winning the coin toss, she gets to shoot first.

    Gadelha scores 10. Jedrzejczyk misses. Gadelha scores 20 and Jedrzejczyk gets dunked. Jedrzejczyk scores 20 and Gadelha gets dunked. Gadelha scores 20 for another dunk. Jedrzejczyk scores 5. 10, 10. 20 and Jedrzejczyk is dunked again. Jedrzejczyk with a 20 and Gadelha is dunked. It’s 80 to 55. Gadelha hits the bullseye again and that’s game over – Jedrzejczyk gets dunked one last time. Gadelha gets $10,000 and her team gets $1,500 each. Jedrzejczyk vows to win even more money when they fight in July.

    Now, White goes up to the platform! She gets three shots to dunk him and if she succeeds. Gadelha gets another $15,000 and $500 more to each member of the team. Gadelha hits the bullseye on her very first try.

    * Eric Spicely (204.5, Team Gadelha) vs. Andrew Sanchez (201 pounds, Team Gadelha)

    Spicely is in the red trunks, Sanchez is in the navy blue trunks. Sanchez is hurting him early and hurting him often and the fight is over by KO in just 47 seconds! An overhand right set it up and a head kick really shook Spicely up, and it was only a matter of time until the stoppage after that. Sanchez isn’t happy about it because he had to fight a friend.

    “It’s very bittersweet. It’s strange and unexpected,” he said.

  • WWE Main Event results: Rusev vs. Zack Ryder; Baron Corbin vs. Sin Cara

    By Kevin LaRose for F4WOnline.com

    Welcome to the longest running episodic Internet Wrestling Show recap report in the history of all time and space: The main Eeent of weekly WWE recaps, the weekly recap of WWE Main Event.

    The Ascension vs. Big Cass and Enzo Amore

    The commentary team is very concerned about the WWE right now. Tom Phillips thinks that the WWE is in the midst of a time of change. David Otunga, I’m not too sure about him. Between showing up regularly at the Steve Harvey Show, painting the town red with his Hollywood wife, being a high powered attorney, and making sure his arms are ripped to the point of absurdity, I can understand how he doesn’t have time to reflect on how I find his fashion offensive. He is wearing a sleeveless hoodie over a shirt that has to be a Youth XL, because it looks like it is about to tear itself in half from being so tight.

    And Phillips is right, things are changing because the other Ascension is back from his suspension.

    Enzo and Cass make their way out to a huge ovation from the crowd, and Otunga has the nerve to make fun of Enzo’s outfit. Enzo says his piece, and they get a few laughs over on the Ascension. Big Cass talks a lot about football for a really long time. Otunga continues to make fun of Enzo’s outfits. Enzo starts off the fight against Viktor, and then Konnor gets tagged. There’s a cool spot where Enzo lands a springboard plancha and Viktor hits him with a corkscrew uppercut. Otunga loves that move. Konner beats up Enzo, and the Ascension cut him off and everyone wants the HOT TAG.

    Enzo makes tag to Big Cass and they hit the Badda Boom Shaka Laka for the win.

    We learn that John Cena speaks Mandarin.

    Sin Cara vs Baron Corbin

    Otunga reminisces for a moment on his in-ring career. Out comes Corbin. He’s closed the book on his rivalry with Dolph Ziggler, according to Phillips. So with that out of the way, now is the opportunity to establish who Corbin is with the audience. I know what he is. He’s a sweaty biker dude with a skullet, who also drives an old white van, carries a pocket knife and will do unspeakably horrific things to you if he doesn’t like you, and man oh man, he doesn’t like you because Corbin doesn’t like anyone. Otunga thinks Corbin is a future world champion, and everyone knows Otunga is famous for his eye for talent.

    Sin Cara kicks Corbin, and then Corbin throws Cara across the ring. Cara fights back for a bit and attempts the pin to no avail. Corbin hits the End of Days, and as my girlfriend always says, “No one ever kicks out of the End of Days”.

    Otunga is so excited about the upcoming brand split.

    US Champion Rusev vs Zack Ryder

    If there is any justice in the world, Rusev will be a multi-time World Champion by the time his run is over. His talent and charisma is off the charts. Plus he gets to hang out with Willie Nelson, Woody Harrelson, and Kris Kristofferson in Hawaii, he tries to play the acoustic guitar in his spare time, he seems like he is in a happy relationship, and he loves Space Jam.

    Dolph Ziggler is on commentary wearing a Degeneration X shirt and a blazer. I have to apologize to Ziggler because I lied to him once. He was doing a comedy thing and I went to laugh, but I didn’t laugh at all because I didn’t think anything was funny. I saw him leaving the venue and I shouted “Good job” to him, and I feel bad because that is not how I felt at the time. Dolph, I hope you can forgive me, and I promise to be honest from now on.

    Otunga, such a brave and bold broadcast journalist, asks Dolph about Rusev and Lana’s engagement. Dolph rambles off about Twitter. Sometimes I think all he has in this world is his Twitter account, @heelziggler. Rusev kicks Ryder in the damn face because Rusev is a damn beast and he can and will rip your damn heart out in front of your damn face. But, he can also steal it from you.

    Rusev has everything it takes to be America’s sweetheart and American Psycho. Otunga is so mad that Rusev is US Champion. No one on commentary thinks that there’s any truth to Rusev’s claim that he is an American hero. What a bunch of ignorant meatheads. Rusev continues to beat the living puke out of Ryder. Ryder shows his heart for a bit, and puts up some offensive. But Rusev machka.

    Ryder taps out to the Accolade. Ziggler calls Phillips “TP”…and we’re done.

  • CM Punk’s debut set for September 10th at UFC 203

    Former WWE Champion CM Punk announced Wednesday that he would be debuting in UFC on September 10th against Mickey Gall at UFC 203.

    Punk made the announcement on UFC Unfiltered, a new podcast with Matt Serra and Jim Norton that debuted earlier this week. The show also featured Dwyane Johnson.

    The 37-year-old Punk (Phil Brooks) said he had just gotten clearance to train after back surgery and would debut in Cleveland, a show headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem for the UFC heavyweight title. Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell is also on that show.

    Assuming the fight goes off as planned, his debut would happen nearly two years since he first signed with UFC, a timetable far longer than expected. Reasons included delays due to head trainer Duke Roufus not wanting him to fight too early, as well as shoulder and back injuries, both of which date back to his days as a pro wrestler.

    Gall is 2-0 in his young MMA career, and won his February UFC debut convincingly against Mike Jackson.

  • WWE Smackdown results: Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn; Cesaro vs. Alberto Del Rio

    – Air Date: June 23, 2016
    – Location: Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ

    – The Big News:

    There was no acknowledgement of the Roman Reigns wellness policy violation or suspension. There was also no mention of what happened with Jerry Lawler this week. Smackdown did feature Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins for the first time ever, and it delivered.

    Show Recap:

    They started with a video package recapping Dean Ambrose’s night at Money in the Bank and Raw. They officially announced Ambrose vs. Rollins vs. Reigns at Battleground. The commentary team was Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton and David Otunga. The Raw/Smackdown podiums were on the stage too, even though they were never used.

    Seth Rollins Promo

    Rollins said all of our parents told us that we can accomplish our goals if we work hard, but MITB was proof that they’re all liars. Nobody works harder than him and he proved it when he came back early from his injury and pinned the paper champion Roman Reigns. Rollins said Ambrose snuck up behind him and stole his title.

    Rollins said he would prove again that he was, and always will be, the best member of the Shield. Tonight, he wanted to prove he was the man and issued an open challenge, which brought out Sami Zayn. Rollins asked him of his master Kevin Owens let him off his leash. Rollins was taking Zayn lightly and called him the perfect opponent.

    Before Zayn could say anything, Dean Ambrose interrupted. Ambrose called for the production guys to bring his Ambrose Asylum set into the ring, which they did. Ambrose has a cactus now. He also (poorly) drew the WWE title belt on the bristol board sign. Rollins thought this was crap and didn’t want to be a guest on his show, but Zayn played along, acting overly excited and honoured to be on.

    Ambrose’s first question was for Rollins, asking him why he’s such a jackass. Rollins didn’t want to be there, so Zayn challenged him to a match right now. Rollins was pissed about this whole thing and stormed off. Ambrose announced the match for the main event, and Ranallo called it a first-time ever match. Perfectly fine opening segment.

    Cesaro beat Alberto Del Rio via pinfall

    They went to commercial one minute into the match. The story behind this was that Del Rio blames Cesaro for costing him the ladder match. Cesaro won an 8-9 minute match after reversing the armbar into a Neutralizer. Really good match and the crowd got into it the more it went.

    Sheamus beat Apollo Crews via countout

    Otunga said he understood Sheamus’ position because when Otunga himself was out, he was afraid somebody else would take his spot, and Sheamus must be worried about the same thing.

    Crews had control until Sheamus gave him a rolling senton on the outside. Sheamus grabbed the steel steps, stood them up, and eventually hit Crews with a Brogue kick, sending him into the steps. This was somehow not a DQ, and Sheamus got in the ring as the referee counted out Crews.

    The announcers discussed the Draft and the AJ Styles/John Cena program.

    Backstage with The Club

    Gallows said there’s no better feeling than beating Cena, which Styles did. Anderson said there was no better feeling than beating up Cena, which they all did on Raw. The Usos interrupted and told Styles he can’t win without his boys “Head and Shoulders.” Styles couldn’t tell the Usos apart. Jimmy said they’ve fought Gallows and Anderson before, but not Styles one-on-one, and challenged him.

    Styles agreed to a match and would take him on without the Club at ringside. Jimmy wanted to shake on it, but when Styles went to shake his hand, Jimmy pulled his hand back and dabbed. The crowd laughed. They cut to Ranallo who said the match was made official, even though the segment literally just ended a second earlier. Whoever runs Smackdown works quickly, I guess.

    AJ Styles beat Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) via pinfall

    Otunga picked Jimmy Uso to win this match. He also mentioned listening to the Stone Cold podcast and thought Styles was insecure about his size, which is why he hangs out with such big guys. Amazing. As Styles held a headlock, the younger portion of the audience chanted “AJ sucks.” Jimmy made his comeback and hit a superkick.

    At this point, Gallows and Anderson ran down through the crowd  to attack Jey. Jimmy nailed them both with a dive, and Styles followed with slingshot forearm on Jimmy. Styles pushed him back in the ring and hit a Phenomenal forearm for the win. The action was good but this was too short. The story, of course, was that Styles won thanks to the Club.

    Non-title: WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Big E (w/Xavier Woods) beat The Vaudevillains via pinfall

    New Day won very quickly after hitting Gotch with Midnight Hour.

    After the match, the Wyatts appeared on the screen. Bray said the measure of a man is what he does with power, but New Day used their power of positivity to interrupt the eater of worlds and that would be a grave mistake. New Day falls… Run.

    There was a new segment with Bob Backlund and Darren Young. Young said his goals were to win a singles title and main event WrestleMania. Backlund said his era was called the “Bob Backlund era” and this will be the “Darren Young era.”

    Backstage Interviews

    Sami Zayn told a new interview man that it was time to move on from Kevin Owens, which is why he accepted Rollins’ challenge. He said the earlier segment may have been fun and games, but it was time to get serious. Zayn said he wouldn’t be worried about Owens tonight, and he hoped Rollins wouldn’t be worried about Ambrose, because Zayn would kick his face off. This was great.

    Elsewhere, Renee Young asked Charlotte and Dana Brooke about Sasha Banks, which led to “We want Sasha” chants in the background. I missed Charlotte’s response. I’m sure it doesn’t matter. Brooke said she would beat Carrot Top Becky and playtime was over. One of the announcers (or someone) coughed into their mic during this segment and they didn’t bother editing it out.

    Dana Brooke (w/Charlotte) beat Becky Lynch via pinfall

    After Lynch hit a reverse DDT, Charlotte jumped on the apron, so Lynch knocked her off. The distraction allowed Brooke to apply a small package for the win in less than 2 minutes. Stupid. Another short women’s match and it was the only one on the show.

    Afterwards, the heels doubled teamed Lynch. Lynch gave Brooke an Exploder, but Charlotte nailed her with a big boot. Sasha Banks came down for the save. Charlotte bailed and Brooke attacked Banks from behind, but she gave Brooke the Bank Statement as she stared at Charlotte.

    Backstage, Rollins walked toward Gorilla when Ambrose showed up behind him. Ambrose said he wasn’t about to miss this match and casually walked along behind Rollins. Rollins was annoyed and responded by just walking really fast to get away. Funny.

    Seth Rollins beat Sami Zayn via pinfall

    Dean Ambrose joined commentary. Ranallo called him the new kingpin of WWE, and Ambrose really liked that. There were dueling chants of “Let’s go Rollins” and “Sami Zayn.” After a break, Rollins stomped a mudhole into Zayn. They each tried to hit a vertical suplex, but Rollins got the better of it and hit a Falcon Arrow.

    Ranallo asked Ambrose what it was like to get “You deserve it” chants. Ambrose said you can’t outsmart the people and, “to quote John Cena, even though I don’t want to, real recognizes real.”

    Zayn began making a comeback but Rollins escaped to the outside. Zayn went right after him with a clothesline, followed by a crossbody back in the ring for two. Zayn then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall.

    Zayn went for the Helluva kick but Rollins countered with a jumping kick and turnbuckle bomb. Zayn countered into a school boy for two, then reversed a Pedigree into a tornado DDT. Zayn went for Helluva kick again, but again Rollins escaped the ring. Zayn hit a flip dive, but as they re-entered the ring, Rollins immediately hit the Pedigree for the win. Very good match, although it was only about 12 minutes.

    After the match, Rollins confronted Ambrose, but when Ambrose got in his face, Rollins backed off. Ambrose went to sit back down so Rollins gave him a cheap shot. With Ambrose down, Rollins celebrated, but Ambrose wildly attacked him. Ambrose went for a Dirty Deeds in the ring but Rollins bailed.

    – Final Thoughts:

    Based on normal Smackdown standards, this show was pretty good, especially with what felt like a light crew. Del Rio vs. Cesaro and Zayn vs. Rollins were both really good and the talking segments were entertaining too. I love that Seth Rollins seems like he’ll be perpetually annoyed as long as Dean Ambrose is WWE champion. 

  • Lucha Underground results: Rey Mysterio and Prince Puma confrontation

    The episode begins with a recap of the importance of the Gift of the Gods Title, Cage’s win and then cash-in against Matanza that led to Matanza retaining. We see the history of Famous B and Mascarita Sagrada and the Black Lotus-Dragon Azteca Jr. feud. Dario meets with a new luchador – Night Claw, who will compete in a medallion match to determine who gets a Gift of the Gods match at Ultima Lucha Dos.

    Dario gives Night Claw a history lesson about his jaguar tribe being destroyed, and Night Claw cuts a promo with a wacky voice filter about being on top of LU and Dario tells him to not be overconfident.

    The Voodoo Glow Skulls sing ‘Revenge of the Nerds” while fans dance back and forth. Striker says that the “new luchador” debuts at Ultima Lucha Dos, and will compete for one medallion while the others will be on the line tonight. Daga is mid-ring and gets a “Daga” chant while Famous B interrupts Melissa and gets a “423-GET-FAME!” chant. Brenda brings Sagrada down while his epic theme plays.

    Daga vs. Mascarita Sagrada – Medallion Match

    Daga tosses him across the ring while Vamp talks about how Kobra Moon is stalking Daga from atop Dario’s office. DON’T STAND THERE – BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN. Brenda cheers on Mascerita while Vamp buries her for having an annoying voice. A one-footed dropkick gets 2 for Daga. Sagrada gets a rana cradle for 2. We get a shot of Kobra and Daga tosses Sagrada high in the air. A Russian Legsweep into a crossface gets a tap – but Daga keeps moving and the ref can’t see it.

    Finally, the ref sees it and stops things long after they should’ve been stopped. Maybe it was just an homage to PRIDE. Brenda gives Sagrada a big kiss resulting in comedic lips appearing on his mask, and Famous B kicks his ass with his shoe before telling Brenda to go get it. It’s amazing how he went from the biggest babyface to a huge heel in no time. Striker says that the next match will be for three medallions. 

    Dario talks to Dragon Azteca Jr. about how his brother didn’t kill El Dragon Azteca. Azteca calls him a liar, and Dario says that Black Lotus will destroy the Azteca mask by beating him. “When you look into her eyes, you will see the eyes of your mentor’s killer”. The Crew and Joey Ryan walk down the aisle and Striker talks about how he shoves himself down everyone’s chest and Vamp says he doesn’t want to wrestle someone with a very oily chest. Marty tells Killshot to hang on and not kill him and offers him his dogtags back as a show of unity for tonight.

    The Crew & Joey Ryan vs. Killshot, Sinestro & Marty the Moth

    Marty kicks Castro and Striker rattles off movie characters that Marty reminds him of. Flying neckbreaker gets 2 for Castro. Marty and Joey go at it and Marty steals the lollipop and puts it in his mouth, before Joey recovers his stolen property and chomps on it. God, just imagine how great a Kings of Sleaze team would be with Joey and Marty.

    Sinestro goes at it against Mr. Cisco and Cisco chops away and lands a fancy armdrag to a huge pop. Sinestro goes for a blindside lariat, but eats a snap powerslam for 2. Striker calls Cisco a hispanic Buzz Sawyer, which Vamp doesn’t sell. Striker talks about the Canadian trip and then calls it a Mexican trip before talking about how it originated from Lance Storm and Vamp says he’s not Canadian – he’s from Alberta.

    Marty and Castro go at it and a DDT gives Castro a chance to recover and he tags in Cisco who lands a series of lariats. Cisco hits a sloppy and kinda scary rana off the second rope for 2. 

    Sinestro comes in for a low blow on Joey, but it has no effect. Marty teases a dive, but flaps instead and gets sent to the floor so folks can do dives. Killshot hops off the top onto Castro’s chest and onto the pile! Marty tags in Killshot and they double team Cisco before a Marty spinebuster leads to a Killshot dropkick for 2. Cisco comes in and hits a rewind rana before The Crew goes for the 3D Codebreaker, but Joey superkicks Sinestro and nixes that.

    Marty curbstomps Cisco and a Killshot double stomp ends it! This was a blast! Marty steals Killshot’s dogtags again – absolutely perfect. Sexy Star teams with Mariposa against Ivelisse and Taya next.

    The Voodoo Glow Skulls play more music so the fans can dance more. Sexy Star comes down and they talk about her character’s backstory being a victim of domestic abuse. Vamp calls her “the face of Lucha Underground”, which is some grade A BS even by pro wrestling standards.

    Taya and Ivelisse vs. Sexy Star and Mariposa

    Taya starts off against Sexy after arguing with Ivie. Taya armdrags her down and wants more. A wacky cradle leads to a wacky submission by Sexy. They go back and forth on the mat in an expressive exchange before they tag their partners in. They exchange a variety of headlocks and Ivie gets 2 off a sunset flip before eating a lariat. Mariposa locks on a modified Sharpshooter, but gets pushed into the buckle and schoolgirled for 2. Taya and Mariposa tag in, argue and Sexy tags in.

    Sexy eats a superkick to the gut, but lands a flying armdrag off the top. Running rana sends Taya to the floor and they talk about how we could see a female Gift of the Gods or LU Champion. Mariposa tosses Taya into a set of wooden steps on the floor. Sexy lets about another F bomb and Mariposa dives onto Taya on the chairs, before Ivie dives onto Mariposa on the floor.

    Taya hits a corner choke with he foot and hits a back elbow. Double knees hit Sexy and only get 2. Sexy hits a yakuza kick and a lariat before a spinkick and DDT give her a brief edge.

    A victory roll gets 2 for Sexy. Taya tags in Ivie before a chop exchange breaks out between Ivie and Sexy. A series of cradles get 2 for each. A standing backslide gets 2 for Sexy before a jackknife cradle gets 2 for Ivie. Taya runs in for a spear, but “misses” Sexy and hits Ivie before Mariposa hits the Celtic Cross and tosses Sexy on top to score the win.

    This was far better than it seemed like it could be going in. Prince Puma talks to the crowd next.

    Prince Puma comes down and Striker talks about him being the face of the company – like Tanahashi, Cena, and Bockwinkel. Puma debuts a new mask and says that he wants only one match at Ultima Lucha Dos. When Konnan was training him, he was told he could be the best – he could be the next Rey Mysterio.

    He says Rey is the best and he wonders what he has to offer, and is he really the next Rey or is he even better? Rey comes down and Vamp says this is a meeting of a legend and icon against a future legend. Rey says he was one of the people who paved the road for a talent like Prince Puma, and he has a lot of respect for him.

    Rey says that Puma is still a prince, while he is El Rey. Rey says that Puma needs to know if he’s better, while Rey needs to know if he’s still the best. This was built up very little in-storyline, but done so in a way that makes perfect sense now and it should lead to a classic.

    To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.

  • Conor McGregor, Robbie Lawler, and Holly Holm up for 2016 ESPYs

    On Wednesday night, ESPN announced its nominees for this year’s ESPY awards, the winners of which will be announced on the live  July 13 show from Los Angeles where John Cena will be the host.

    UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor is nominated along with Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, U.S. snowboarder Chloe Kim, and Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns in the category of Best Breakthrough Athlete.

    Holly Holm’s win over Ronda Rousey was nominated for Biggest Upset, along with Middle Tennessee over Michigan State in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and Roberta Vinci over Serena Williams in the U.S. Open. Because fans vote for the awards, Holm could have a good shot at winning. 

    Holm was also nominated for Best Play Of The Year for her November 2015 knockout of Rousey in Australia.

    McGregor and Robbie Lawler were nominated for Fighter of the Year which is weird since McGregor last lost in a fight against Nate Diaz, while many thought Lawler lost in his last outing against Carlos Condit, a fight he won via a razor-thin split decision.

  • WWE NXT results: Nakamura; Bayley returns; Austin Aries & No Way Jose dance

    • The Big News: Finn Balor will wrestle Shinsuke Nakamura on July 13!
    • The Medium News: Bayley returned to the ring after 5 weeks, picking up a big win
    • The Little Beaver Sized News: Chris Girard changed his name but shockingly won a match

    Oney Lorcan pinned Tye Dillinger

    We start things off with the Perfect 10. Dillinger had won a match 3 weeks ago, but since that, he has straight losses to Andrade Cien Almas. Lorcan is the new dumb name for Chris Girard. This is the first time Dillinger has wrestled where his opponent was already in the ring, which gave him a really good chance of winning as per the rules of wrestling.

    Lorcan got more offense than you would think, including nearly taking Dillinger’s head off with an uppercut. Lorcan hit a series of elbows in the corner until he got smacked right in the jaw with a superkick, which popped the crowd. Dillinger went for the 10 Punches of Doom, but Lorcan pushed him off…and pinned him with a neck breaker?

    So much for the rules of wrestling.

    *******

    Austin Aries cut a promo backstage with Cathy. He said he will prove his greatness and one day become NXT Champion. You don’t become the greatest in one match and you don’t lose it in one match. He is now more focused and has a bigger chip on his shoulder.

    Up walked No Way Jose, who told him to stay positive.

    *******

    Bayley was standing outside in her wrestling gear and announced that she just found out she has been cleared to return to action.

    *******

    No Way Jose pinned Josh Woods

    Woods looks like an indy MMA fighter, but we proved that the real tough men are in WWE. This match was 95% Jose and he won with the Full Nelson Slam.

    Jose danced after the match when he was interrupted by Aries. I guess that’s only apropos since Jose interrupted his promo time. Aries told him that in this industry, you are not defined by your victories, but by your victories. He was not 100% at Takeover, but will not make excuses.

    Aries then realized what Jose taught him. Aries forgot that NXT is about having fun and thanked Jose for reminding him of that and reminding him what he needs to be. Aries shook his hand and went to leave, but Jose dragged him back into the the ring to dance.

    This actually happened.

    Jose and Aries danced all the way up the ramp and over to the announce position…and then Aries finally turned on Jose. Aries beat Jose back to ringside and eventually slapped the Last Chancery on on the ramp.

    *******

    William Regal met with Shinsuke Nakamura and informed him that in 3 weeks it will be Balor vs Nakamura.

    In walked Buddy Murphy who was mad that Mr. Regal wasn’t treating him like a top star. Nakamura basically informed her that they would be wrestling.

    *******

    Bayley defeated Deonna Purrazzo

    This is Bayley’s first tv match in 5 weeks since a worked injury angle in a match with Nia Jax. The fans exploded for her. This match was all about Bayley, which is exactly what the fans wanted. Bayley won with the Bayley to Belly Suplex.

    *******

    Carmella wants to be the face of the women’s division and wants to be the next champion. Up walked Alexa Bliss who said no one knows who she is. They argued over who was more important to their respective team.

    They challenged each other and will wrestle next week.

    *******

    We got a video package for Samoa Joe and then a video package of the Asuka-Nia Jax match from Takeover. If that wasn’t enough for you, we also got a video package for The Authors Of Pain.

    *******

    Nia Jax destroyed Liv Morgan

    Morgan went for a headlock in the first ten seconds, which caused Nia to squash her like a bug. Morgan did her best to run from Nia, but Nia ran at her, smashing Liv with her entire body and winning with a power bomb.

    *******

    Shinsuke Nakamura pinned Buddy Murphy

    Blake and Murphy seem to have finally thrown the towel in on the team. However, I do remember saying that about Jason Jordan and Tye Dillinger, but they kept breaking up for months until they finally did.

    The match didn’t even start until 8:55 and the first thing that happened was Nakamura kicking poor Murphy. Murphy got to use both an armbar and a headlock before resuming his position as Nakamura’s kicking bag. Nakamura eventually got tired of kicking Murphy and won with the Kinshasa.

    So, that does it for this week. It’s almost a skippable episode, but we are just three weeks away from Nakamura-Balor! Until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • ROH announces departure of Roderick Strong

    Ahead of this Friday’s ROH Best in the World ppv, Ring of Honor announced Wednesday that “Mr. ROH” Roderick Strong would be leaving the promotion following Saturday’s TV tapings.

    Strong has been a part of ROH off and on since 2003, and has been one of their longest-tenured performers outside of a brief TNA run. He and Austin Aries held the ROH Tag Team Titles, and he won both the TV and World titles in the company as well. In the ROH announcement, he didn’t list any reasons for leaving the promotion.

    Over the past few years, he has had some outstanding matches with New Japan stars including classics with Okada, Nakamura, and Tanahashi. With WWE hiring like crazy for the roster split, one has to wonder if WWE is in his future or if he will return to TNA, where his ROH Generation Next team briefly reformed. New Japan would also be a fantastic match for his style, although one would think that if that was his goal, he would just continue with ROH. 

    Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez will have more on this news on the Wednesday night edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/22): Pro Wrestling USA card; Elgin wins ROH Championship

    1947 

    Waterloo, Iowa:
    – Orville Brown beat Ras (Seelie) Samara to retain the World Title

    1968

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Bill Watts beat Harley Race
    – Dutch Savage beat Dr X on a 3rd fall dq 
    – Luke Brown beat Larry Hennig

    1972 

    Peoria, Illinois:
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Hennig 
    – Don Muraco beat Nick Bockwinkel

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Chati Yokouchi
    – Chati Yokouchi & Yasu Fuji & Juan Sebastian defeated Rufus R. Jones & The Viking & Ronnie Etchison
    – Black Angus & Roger Kirby defeated Omar Atlas & Danny Little Bear 
    – The Stomper fought Harley Race to a 60 minute draw

    1974

    Duluth, Minnesota:
    – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham dq 
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz
    – Greg Gagne beat Larry Hennig 
    – Jim Brunzell drew Buddy Wolff

    1979 

    Rockford, Illinois:
    – Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne beat Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens
    – Bobby Duncum beat Billy Robinson
    – in a Pose Down; Paul Ellering beat Jesse Ventura

    1980 

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka defeated Rick Steamboat & Jay Youngblood for the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Jumbo Tsuruta beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Giant Baba beat Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Greg Gagne no contest Jesse Ventura
    – Dino Bravo beat Adrian Adonis
    – John Studd beat Steve Olsonoski 
    – Tito Santana beat Chris Markoff

    1984 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Wahoo McDaniel
    – Crusher Blackwell & Buddy Roberts & Michael Hayes beat Blackjack Lanza & Billy Robinson & Iceman Parsons
    – Missouri State Champion Harley Race beat Curt Hennig
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Steve Olsonoski
    – Ted Oates (sub Jim Duggan) beat Luke Graham 
    – Marty Jannetty & Tommy Rogers beat The Grapplers

    1985

    Pro Wrestling USA: East Rutherford, New Jersey:
    – In a Boot Camp Cage match; Sgt. Slaughter beat Kamala
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Zbyszko dq
    – Fabulous Freebirds, Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat Curt Hennig & Greg Gagne & Jim Duggan
    – Butch Reed beat Baron Von Raschke 
    – Bobby Duncum beat Steve O

    1986 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – In a Cage Match; AWA Champion Stan Hansen beat Nick Bockwinkel
    – Ray Stevens & Greg Gagne & Verne Gagne beat Boris Zukhov & Nord The Barbarian & Sheik Adnan
    – Jerry Blackwell beat Boris Zukhov (sub King Kong Brody) by countout
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Buddy Rose & Doug Somers beat Midnight Rockers
    – Curt Hennig drew Larry Zbyszko 
    – Colonel DeBeers beat Scott Hall dq

    1990

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Bill Dundee defeated John Tatum for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title 

    1992

    WCW Clash of the Champions | Charleston, South Carolina:
    – Ricky Steamboat & Nikita Koloff defeated Joe & Dean Malenko
    – Rick Rude & Steve Austin defeated Marcus Bagwell & Tom Zenk
    – Terry Gordy & Steve Williams defeated Larry & Jeff O’Day
    – Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Miguel Perez, Jr. & Ricky Santana
    – Barry Windham & Dustin Rhodes defeated Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton
    – The Freebirds (Michael Hayse & Jimmy Garvin) defeated El Texano & Silver King
    – Jushin Liger & Brian Pillman defeated Chris Benoit & Beef Wellington
    – Akira Nogami & Hiro Hase defeated The Headhunters (Arn Anderson & Bob Cook under masks)
    – Terry Gordy & Steve Williams defeated Rick & Scott Steiner

    1996

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Chris Jericho defeated Pitbull #2 for the ECW World Television Title

    2014

    ROH Best in the World | Nashville, Tennessee:
    – ACH defeated TaDarius Thomas, Caprice Coleman, B.J. Whitmer, Takaaki Watanabe and Tommaso Ciampa    
    – Jay Lethal (with Truth Martini and Seleziya Sparx) defeated Matt Taven to retain the ROH World Television Championship
    – Cedric Alexander defeated Roderick Strong (with Adam Page and TaDarius Thomas)    
    – The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) defeated Matt Hardy and Michael Bennett (with Maria Kanellis and Nick Searcy)    in a no DQ match
    – Kevin Steen defeated Silas Young    
    – reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly) defeated Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian    to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship
    – Michael Elgin defeated Adam Cole to win the ROH World Championship