Category: Post Type article

  • WWE Main Event results: #SocialOutcasts go viral in Laredo

    The newly-formed Social Outcasts open the show to successfully live down Monday night’s abysmal introductory promo. They enter to Heath Slater’s theme, which does nothing to dispel assumptions that this grouping will be 4MB in all but name. The graphic at the bottom of the screen suggests that there will be no hashtag in the faction’s title; however, one is prominently featured on their bland (and presumably placeholding) TitanTron video.

    Slater beings by screaming: “Forever trending baby, Social Outcasts!” before encouraging the WWE Universe to take their penicillin…as he and his cronies are about to go viral. What chance have we got against anitbiotic-resistant bacteria when opinion-moulders like Slater are peddling misinformation like this? Shameful.

    Adam Rose leans in to bring the weirdness again. He talks in floral metaphors before throwing off his spectacles and announcing to the world that he does in fact have 20/20 vision. Okay.

    Slater goes to start flapping his gums again, but becomes distracted by Curtis Axel’s frantic pacing in the background. This allows Bo to jump in, telling us that poor Curtis may be very upset, but he is about to release some of that inner anger on The Usos. Bo states that he and his new jobber pals will be “walking the path of success together”. He then goes to deliver his catchphrase, only for the Usos’ theme to cut him off mid-sentence.

    Jimmy shouts “Whoa!” like a million times, which somehow manages to get roughly five of this previously dead-silent Laredo crowd to chant along with him. The Usos clearly have taken issue with their names being mentioned in anger. Bo attempts to receive them with a friendly handshake as they climb into the ring, only for Axel to attack them and ruin the gesture. What a hothead. Predictably, Jimmy and Jey get the upper hand and clean house, leaving the Social Outcasts to run up the ramp and lick their wounds ahead of tonight’s featured contest. Yay.

    – More promo “goodness” on an unusually talk-heavy installment of Main Event, as we get one of those “awesome” promos from the Star Room, in which Stardust says some cryptic things that may or may not be directed at his opponent for the night, Titus O’Neil.

    Titus O’Neil def. Stardust by pinfall

    This, of course, is a rematch from RAW the previous night, where Titus emerged victorious from a nothing match. We get an inset promo from The Big Deal as he makes his entrance, in which he tells us that 2016 will be his year. He said the same thing almost exactly two years ago – the last time the Prime Time Players went their separate ways. That didn’t go well. Remember Slater Gator?

    Rich Brennan helpfully reminds us of the now-forgotten storyline of Titus attempting to get Stardust to drop this stupid gimmick. God forbid the matches have any actual motivation behind them or anything.

    Titus’ weaknesses are masked by keeping this one short. Usual overhand chops in the corner to start, before Stardust works the left arm for a while for some reason. A missed crossbody off the top from Stardust leads into the comeback, as Titus hits the Pay Check, the Stinger Splash and the Clash of the Titus for the win.

    Tyler Breeze def. Zack Ryder by pinfall

    It’s hilarious that this aired just two days after the Breaking Ground season finale, in which Tyler’s triumphant promotion to the main roster was highlighted. What an unmitigated failure that has been. Breeze, of course, made his entrance alone here, after last week’s amicable parting of the ways with Summer Rae on Smackdown. Ugh.

    These two only get three minutes to do their thing. Breeze escapes a Broski Boot by slipping under the bottom rope, only to eat a baseball slide for his troubles. Back in, and Ryder hits a running forearm in the corner. He goes up for the ten-punch, but gets crotched, which allows Breeze to – awkwardly – tie him up for the Unprettier and the win. I absolutely hate that finish, the aptness of its name in this instance notwithstanding.

    – RAW Rebound: Focusing on the Roman/Vince developments and conveniently editing out Vince’s unbelievable botch before Scott Armstrong’s arrival on the scene.

    The Usos def. Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel (w/ Heath Slater and Adam Rose)

    Jerry Lawler, who joins Rich on commentary this week, speculates that Dallas may be the leader of this motley crew, as Dallas gets beaten on by Jimmy in the early going. Hands up who isn’t surprised that Jerry doesn’t know what Heath Slater’s music sounds like? Rich corrects him, to his credit, but of course Jerry no-sells the error.

    Bo prevents getting tossed over the top rope, slipping under it limbo-style instead. He feels that this merits a well-earned victory lap. And is excitedly joined by the other three in what can only be described as a conga line of the damned. Slater air-guitars and Axel screams loudly. The crowd is silent.

    Jimmy and Jey greet the completion of said victory lap with stereo dives to Bo and Axel leading into the final commercial break. We come back with Jey as your babyface-in-peril. He gets worked on for a while, also eating a cheap shot from Heath while the referee is distracted.

    We eventually get what might charitably be referred to as a lukewarm tag to Jimmy, who cleans house with the usual samoan drop/hip attack/superkick offence. He goes up top to hit the Superfly Splash on Bo, only to get distracted by Slater’s presence on the apron. Jimmy chases him off, allowing Bo to catch him with an O’Connor Roll. Jimmy reverses it however, for the pinfall victory. So, the Social Outcasts’ unbeaten run lasts a whole 24 hours from inception, rendering Heath’s victory over Dolph Ziggler even more pointless. And tonight’s failed distraction finish makes Ziggler look like even more of an idiot for his part in the end of Monday’s match.

    Final Thoughts:

    Under ten minutes of in-ring action prior to the featured contest makes this an unusually promo-heavy edition of Main Event. The Social Outcasts opened the show with a chance to shine on the mic. They didn’t. But they did sustain their first loss as a group, only 24 hours after coalescing. 4MB it is, then. I hope Curtis, Bo and Adam have saved their money.

  • Daily Update: John Cena out, Jeff Hardy at TNA tapings, Nakamura

    John Cena out with shoulder injury

    John Cena will be out at least 6-9 months as he needs another shoulder surgery which he had today in Birmingham.  In what has to be devastating news for WWE, apparently Cena suffered a torn labrum but did not mention when or where it occurred, just ominously noting on twitter that 2016 would be starting differently than he had hoped. Cena had been out since October filming a reality TV show, and had just returned to begin a program with the League of Nations and Alberto Del Rio over the U.S. title. At this point, Cena will be unable to wrestle at Wrestlemania 32, but will probably do some sort of appearance. 

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s TNA tapings in Bethlehem, PA and NXT tapings in Orlando at Dave Meltzer

    SMACKDOWN DEBUTS TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON THE USA NETWORK

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto non-title

    Dolph Ziggler & Goldust & R-Truth & Neville vs. New Day & The Miz

    Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch for Divas title

    Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for IC title

    This is the debut show on the USA Network with the new announcing team of Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton.  Ranallo got strong reviews of those who already saw the show since it aired last night in Canada.

    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! We have have clips of the post Summer Slam / Super China Buffet show featuring a lengthy Brent Kremen discussion, as well as clips from the X-Mas show. This is a soft launch but we will be releasing much more shortly.

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 1/4/2016: More on Gawker motioning to dismiss Hulk Hogan lawsuit

    More information on Gawker’s motion to dismiss Hulk Hogan’s sex tape lawsuit, tons more.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used. All the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who’s been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, affects on ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    Full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, New Year’s Dash coverage.

    The changes to this year’s Royal Rumble and scout the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, and the return of Chris Jericho.

    WWE Network, John Cena on Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion”, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, February NXT, WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, WWE injury updates, Austin TV show.

    A complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business regarding the show, a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 23, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF Survivor Series review, Rock becomes Corporate Champion
    A full review of WWF Survivor Series with The Rock becoming the Corporate Champion, more WCW woes, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    Jeff Hardy worked at last night’s TNA tapings in a match with Shynron that will air this coming Tuesday night on Impact.

    Shinsuke Nakamura will not be at the ROH Las Vegas shows in late February due to his expected signing with WWE. 

    The story going around that WWE has purchased the rights to Bullet Club from New Japan is a hoax.

    Lucha Underground has reached its first Canadian television deal. It will air on TLN (Telelatino Network) in Canada every Sunday start at 10 p.m. Eastern starting on 1/31, or a few days after the same episode airs in the U.S. on El Rey.  TLN will be taking the English language feed with Matt Striker and Vampiro as announcers. 

    Evolve and WWN have announced talent for its WrestleMania weekend shows on 4/1 and 4/2 in Dallas, including Timothy Thatcher, Drew Galloway, Zack Sabre Jr., Tommy End, TJ Perkins, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, Anthony Nese and Caleb Konley. Terry Funk will be at the Mercury Rising show that weekend being honored.

    WWE

    • Linda McMahon has announced a start up company called Women’s Leadership (WLL), geared toward promoting leadership opportunities for women. The company will be based in Texas and will sponsor and organize events with prominent women speakers, as well as panel discussions and workshops.
    • WWE sent out a survey yesterday asking fans what personalities they’d like to see in a reality show on the WWE Network. The names listed in the survey were Zack Ryder, Edge, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Paige, Paul Heyman, Big Show, Roman Reigns, Lita, The Miz, Mick Foley, The Usos, Kevin Nash, Ric Flair, Seth Rollins, Sheamus, Ryback, Big E, R-Truth. Dean Ambrose, Beth Phoenix, Charlotte, Trish Stratus, Dolph Ziggler, Lita and Xavier Woods.
    • Roman Reigns and the Bella Twins were on Good Morning America today. The Bellas were promoting the new season of Total Divas and Nikki talked about her relationship with John Cena.
    • Paul Heyman did an interview with Fox Sports promoting Brock Lesnar returning to Raw on Monday night in New Orleans.
    • Summer Rae wasn’t at Smackdown last night because she represented WWE at the People’s Choice awards in Los Angeles.
    • An interview with Dr. Julian Bailes about how he and Dr. Joseph Maroon were portrayed in Concussion as well as Merrill Hoge defending Maroon
    • WWE stock fell another 35 cents per share today to $16.32.

    UFC/MMA

    • A settlement agreement between Nick Diaz and the Nevada commission is on the docket for a commission meeting on Tuesday. The commission had suspended Diaz for five years and fined him $165,000 for his third marijuana violation in the state, not to mention other issues in different states. Diaz filed suit and the sides have been working on an out-of-court settlement. A hearing regarding voiding Wanderlei Silva’s lifetime ban that the commission imposed when he ran away from a drug test will also be on theTuesday agenda. 
    • Joanna Jedrzejczyk was nominated for Poland’s Athlete of the Year for 2015.
    • Joseph Benavidez vs. Zach Makovsky has been added to the 2/6 UFC show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the show headlined by Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight title, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
    • Another new fight announced is Dennis Bermudez vs Tatsuya Kawajiri on 2/21 in Pittsburgh, as reported by Ariel Helwani.
    • Bellator announced Dave “Caveman” Rickels will face Bobby Cooper on its 2/26 show in Mulvane, KS, which is headlined by Marcos Galvao defending the bantamweight title against Eduardo Dantas and Cheick Kongo vs. Augusto Sakai.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Today is the 50th anniversary of Gene Kiniski beating Lou Thesz in St. Louis to win the NWA world title. It was the end of Thesz’s last NWA title run.
    • A story on TNA’s restart in Bethlehem, PA
    • GFW has announced Nick Aldis vs. Bobby Roode for the GFW title as the main event for 1/22 in Poughkeepsie. That’s an awfully quick comeback for Aldis, who recently had biceps surgery. They also announced Aldis defending against Pro Wrestling Syndicate champion Matt MacIntosh on the GFW vs. PWS joint show on 1/13 in Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center.
    • Jason Kincaid was the latest person announced for the ROH Top Prospect tournament which starts Saturday night in Concord, NC.
    • DJ Zema Ion interivew
    • Time Warner Cable in Queens, NY had an outage problem during Impact just as the Beautiful People came to the ring (thanks to Dominick Valenti and others).
    • A story on Tiger Jeet Singh promoting sports to keep youth in Punjab and Haryana, India away from drug addiction
    • Evolve on 1/23 in Orlando at the Downtown Recreation Complex on Royal Rumble weekend as well as a 2 p.m. Sunday show before the Royal Rumble in the same city.
    • Smoky Mountain Wrestling on 1/16 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium.
    • Rockstar Pro Wrestling on 1/8 in Dayton at the Rockstar Pro Arena headlined by Matt Tremont.
    • All Pro Wrestling on 1/9 in Shelbyville, IN at the West Street United Methodist Church.
    • Capital City Championship Combat on 1/23 in Ottawa, ONT at the Vanier Columbus Club with Mathieu St. Jacques vs. Speedball Mike Bailey and 2 Cold Scorpio vs Stu Grayson.
    • CZW on 1/16 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Centre with Johnny Gargano vs. Sami Callihan, Drew Gulak vs Tarik, and Tyson Dux vs. Jonathan Gresham.
    • CZW also runs 2/13 with both a CZW show and a WSU womens’ show on the same day at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ with Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match.
    • Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 2/27 in Oshawa, ONT at the Oshawa Legion with Cody Deaner, Ethan Page, Tyler Tirva and Buxx Belmar.
    • Infinity Pro on 1/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory headlined by G.T. Vega vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Shane Mercer.

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history.

  • WON Preview: John Cena’s shoulder injury

    In the biggest news week in a long time, we’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, covering John Cena’s injury, New Japan stars headed to WWE, a major feature looking at the year that past in pro wrestling and MMA and the year coming up, WWE direction for WrestleMania season, Tokyo Dome coverage, Rizin debut coverage, TNA changes and UFC 195.

    Our lead story talks about John Cena’s injury and the injury issues in WWE with more notes on the training program being used.  We’ve got all the news regarding wrestlers leaving New Japan, who has been contacted, different roles, the various schedules for different guys, other negotiations, what led to these moves, what New Japan needs to learn from this, how this affects ROH, and other ideas for New Japan to break out of its standard mentality.

    We look at UFC in 2016, the success of the women’s division and how easily it could have filed, UFC business review, big fights on the horizon, the state of WWE in 2015 and 2016, different fan bases, rise of NXT, where New Japan has failed on the international scene, plus AAA, CMLL, Bellator, TNA and ROH prospects in 2016.

    We’ve got full coverage of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results, plus the big angles, Okada’s prospects as the top star, the next big programs on the horizon, the big show plans for 2016, the Fanstastica Mania tour lineup and thoughts, as well as coverage of New Year’s Dash.

    We also look at the changes in this year’s Royal Rumble and scout out the possibilities and big matches on the horizon for Mania, as well as the return of Chris Jericho.

    We also have notes on the WWE Network, John Cena talks Peyton Manning and HGH, football coach trying to recruit WWE for Mania, portrayal of Joseph Maroon in the “Concussion” movie, lots of details on new Dwayne Johnson projects, Lesnar’s future schedule, a look at 50/50 booking, Reaction to HHH circumventing his own angle, notes on February NXT shows, more on  WrestleMania plans, Jericho talks current interview style, WWE looking for new stars around the world, Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, lots of WWE injury updates, Austin TV show news, plus notes on all the weekend house shows with highlights and business.

    We’ve got a complete look at the debut of the Rizin promotion, details on the ratings and how it compares to WWE & UFC, the Masato vs. Kid Yamamoto show in competition, boxing in competition, Spike TV numbers, Fedor’s return, the freak show fights and what did and didn’t work on the first two shows.

    We also look at UFC 195, with match-by-match coverage, poll results and business notes regarding the show, as well as a look at all the close decisions and why they went the way they did.

    We also look at TNA’s debut on Pop TV, the ratings, the title tournament, who was watching, the PPV show this week, the Mike Bennett debut, the James Storm return, the departure of Taryn Terrell and the good and bad of the latest relaunch.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: January 11, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

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

    Also in this issue:

    –Great wrestlers headed to CMLL and ROH

    –Big holiday week business

    –CMLL iPPV coverage with two hair vs. hair matches

    –Latest on Lucha Libre Elite

    –Another legend returning to LLE this week

    –Another international group negotiating to get on U.S. television

    –AAA fan voted awards

    –Dragon Gate’s early year shows

    –Triple Crown title change and notes on the match

    –Japan tournament in February

    –New Japan signing new talent and background plus notes on other wrestlers debuting and a new style of show

    –Coverage of many big holiday events

    –Another woman’s star retires

    –Notes on the career of Buddy Wayne

    –Notes on huge indie shows coming to the U.K.

    –Coverage of the latest PWG show

    –Mick Foley’s future

    –Michael Landsberg talks about how pro wrestling put Off the Record on the map

    –AWA historical get together and Q&A

    –Next ROH show

    –Kurt Angle appears on major TV show

    –Lots of notes from TNA tapings

    –Dana White talks future of Holly Holm and Conor McGregor and hints at their next fights

    –A look at different matches that will be happening in UFC in the first six months of 2016

    –Lots of new UFC matches

    –International show expected to be announced by UFC

    –Notes on person expected to be CM Punk’s first opponent and where you can see him this week

    –Next UFC card

    –UFC odds for future big fights

    –Lots of new UFC fights and injury updates

    –Bellator finalizes first major show of the year

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

  • TNA TV taping results (Bethlehem, PA): Kurt Angle vs Drew Galloway

    These matches were taped for this coming Tuesday night’s Impact episode as well as for future One Night Only shows:

    – Impact opened with EC 3 out. Jeff Hardy came out and said he was cleared to wrestle and wanted a title match. EC 3 told him he had to start from the bottom.

    – Jeff Hardy beat Shynron. Shynron looked good in the short match, as did Hardy.

    – Jade & Awesome Kong beat Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne in a street fight. All kinds of weapons.  Jade pinned Rayne with a piledriver.

    – Eric Young beat Bobby Roode to win the King Of The Mountain title after hitting a piledriver. Bram and James Storm were both involved interfering. Segment started when Beer Money was in the ring when Young and Bram came out.  Young wanted a shot at the title.

    – Ken Anderson debuted a new interview segment called “Huh.” Matt Hardy, Reby Hardy and Maxel Hardy were the guests.  It seemed to build up Anderson vs. Hardy.

    – Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards & Tigre Uno beat Jessie Godderz & Eli Drake & DJ Zema Ion. Godderz & Drake wouldn’t work with Ion.  Ion superkicked Godderz and Godderz was pinned.

    – Kurt Angle beat Drew Galloway in the main event.  Great match.  The finish was Angle winning clean with the Angle slam off the middle rope.

    – The show ended with Matt Hardy asking for one more title shot and if that if he doesn’t win that title, he will leave TNA forever. This led to the announcement of next week’s main event, which is likely taped tonight, with EC 3 vs. Hardy as a last man standing match, title vs. loser leaves town.

    Not for Impact:

    • Rockstar Spud & Grado beat Mahabili Shera & Aiden O’Shea: This may air on the PPV on Friday in highlight form since Shera and O’Shea broke up as a team and they are wrestling on Friday night live. Either that or they just shot the angle for the people in Bethlehem.
    • Mike Bennett beat Mark Andrews
    • Eric Young beat Chris Melendez
    • Jessie Godderz beat Robbie E
    • Ken Anderson beat Bram
  • Daily pro wrestling history (1/7): Gene Kiniski defeats Lou Thesz to win NWA World Title

    1913 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Jess Westergaard defeated Henry Ordemann for the American Heavyweight Title in 2 out of 3 falls (Frank Gotch referee)
    – Danny Larkin beat Crowley  

    1941

    San Francisco, California:
    – Ivan Rasputin defeated Bobby Managoff to win the Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title

    1953

    Vancouver, British Columbia:
    – Carl Engstrom and Frank Stojack defeated Johnny Cretorian and Kurt Von Poppenheim for the Big Time Wrestling Northwest Tag Team Title 

    1954 

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Hombre Montana and Whipper Billy Watson defeated Al and Tiny Mills to win the NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title 

    1958

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Casey and Danny McShain won a tournament for the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Title

    1961

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Don Leo Jonathan defeated Dr. X (Bill Miller) to win the Omaha version of the World Heavyweight Title 

    1965

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Mr. Fujiwara and Curtis Iaukea defeated Lord James Blears and Neff Maivia for the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title 

    1966 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Gene Kiniski defeated Lou Thesz for the NWA World Heavyweight Title 

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Bob Geigel won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title from Sonny Meyers 

    1974
    Nigata, Japan:
    – Sharon Lee and Jackie West defeated Mariko Akagi and Peggy Kuroda to win the WWWA World Tag Team Title 

    1976

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
    – Greg Valentine and Bill Watts defeated The Hollywood Blonds (Jerry Brown and Buddy Roberts) to win the vacant Tri-State version of the NWA United States Tag Team Title

    1977

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Ernie Ladd
    – Bill Francis & the Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke
    – Greg Gagne beat Moose Morowski
    – Chris Taylor beat Bounty Hunter II

    1978

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ted DiBiase won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title by defeating Bob Brown 

    1979

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes defeated Bobby Eaton and George Gulas to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title

    1980

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – The Assassins (Jody Hamilton and Tom Renesto) defeated Ricky and Robert Gibson for the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1982

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Cage match: AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura  
    – Sheik Adnan beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Hulk Hogan beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Brad Rheingans beat Ken Patera dq
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Rene Goulet
    – Bobby Duncum beat Rick Hunter

    1984

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Spike Huber defeated Bobby Colt to win the World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title 
    – Dick the Bruiser and Jeff Van Kamp defeated Abdullah the Great and Jerry Valiant for the WWA World Tag Team Title

    1985 

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Billy Haynes defeated Gino Hernandez (subbing for an absent Chris Adams) for World Class Television Title

    1987

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Coco Samoa and Ricky Santana defeated Abbuda Dein and Mike Miller for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title 

    1989 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Southern Rockers (Steve Doll and Scott Peterson) defeated Abbuda Dein and The Grappler to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title 

    Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – Cage Match: Manny Fernandez beat Wahoo McDaniel
    – Greg Gagne & Brad Rheingans beat Iron Sheik & Mike Enos dq
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Badd Company Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond beat Chavo Guerrero & Mando Guerrero
    – AWA Women’s Champion Wendi Richter beat Magnificent Mimi
    – Brad Rheingans beat Iron Sheik
    – Jay Strongbow Jr beat Mike Enos

    1991 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) defeated Tony Anthony and Doug Gilbert for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1993 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Masayoshi Motegi defeated Ray Gonzalez to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1995

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Kevin Von Erich defeated Greg Valentine to win the NWA North American Heavyweight Title.

    1996

    San Germain, Puerto Rico:
    – Mabel defeated Carlos Colon for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title 

    1999

    Kochi, Japan:
    – Jun Akiyama and Kenta Kobashi won the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title from Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue

    Glen Burnie, Maryland:
    – Romeo Valentino defeated King Kong Bundy for the Maryland Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title 

    2001 

    New York City:
    – The Sandman defeated ECW World Heavyweight Champion Steve Corino and Justin Credible in a Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Canes match to win the title
    – ECW World Television Champion Rhino pinned ECW World Heavyweight Champion The Sandman to win the World Heavyweight Title 

    Mayaguez, Puerto Rico:
    – One Man Gang defeated champion Carlos Colon and Abdullah the Butcher in a three-way match to win the WWC Hardcore Title 

    2002 

    New York City:
    – Spike Dudley and Tazz defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) to win the title 
    – WWF Intercontinental Champion Edge pinned Lance Storm
    – Steve Austin and The Rock defeated Big Bossman and Booker T

    2004 

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Chris Sabin defeated champion Michael Shane, Christopher Daniels and Low Ki in an Ultimate X match to win the TNA X Division Title 

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Nick Dinsmore defeated Johnny Jeter for the vacant OVW Heavyweight Title

    2006

    Rahway, New Jersey:
    – Rhino defeated JAPW Heavyweight Champion Jay Lethal to win the title 
    – Teddy Hart defeated JAPW Light Heavyweight Champion Azrieal in the finals of a Gauntlet match to win the title

    2007

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe) defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Takashi Sugiura to win the Pro Wrestling NOAH GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title
    – Gedo and Jado defeated Don Fujii and Masaaki Mochizuki for the Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Title

  • WWE Smackdown results: two title matches highlight USA Network, Mauro Ranallo debut

    – Air Date: January 7, 2015 (Jan 6 in Canada)
    – Location: Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, TX

    The Big News:

    Charlotte and Dean Ambrose are still champions and Smackdown is the same as it ever was.

    Show Recap:

    The show started with a recap from Raw, including a zoom-in on Sad Roman. Smackdown has the same crappy theme music as before and the intro, for now, includes John Cena. Byron Saxton welcomed everyone to Smackdown and Jerry Lawler plugged the two title matches. Lawler introduced the TV audience to Mauro Ranallo who called this a dream come true.

    John Cena came out and welcomed everyone to the first Smackdown of 2016. Cena also plugged the two title matches but said we were missing our “U.S.A” champion. He said it was a new year and new network, so he thought Alberto Del Rio deserved a fresh start. Cena called out Del Rio, giving him out hell of an introduction.

    Del Rio told Cena to save it because he knew that “Juan” was trying to weasel his way into a title shot that he doesn’t deserve. Cena tried to get the Laredo crowd to goad Del Rio into defending the title but he told Cena to shut up in Spanish and said he would not defend the title. Del Rio challenged anyone besides Cena to a non-title match.

    Cena said someone in particular deserved a chance, and he called out Kalisto. Kalisto grabbed the mic from Del Rio and said he would beat him right now. Kalisto sent him out of the ring and a referee jumped in to start the match.

    Non-Title: Kalisto (w/John Cena) beat U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio via pinfall

    Lawler made sure to point out that Del Rio had to bend over to hit a clothesline on Kalisto. After Kalisto spilled to the outside, Del Rio went after him and did the “you can’t see me” gesture to Cena. Cena was offended and took off his shirt. This resulted in dueling Cena chants.

    Del Rio got ready for the armbar but distracted himself by taunting Cena. Del Rio eventually went for the armbar but Kalisto reversed into a hurricanrana for the sudden pinfall win. Considering the location, I don’t think this got the reaction they wanted. Although, the crowd was quiet most of the show. John Cena’s last appearance on WWE TV for a long while will be as a cheerleader for Kalisto.

    Backstage, Becky Lynch told Jo-Jo that Charlotte was not her best friend anymore. She doesn’t want an explanation for what Charlotte did, she just wants vindication and will take the title from her.

    Up next was an awful segment. The Miz hosted MizTV and reminded everyone that the WWE Title will be defended in the Royal Rumble match. New Day interrupted. People usually pop when Big E does the introduction but they didn’t here. Xavier Woods accused Chris Jericho of stealing his light-up jacket idea and said The New Day party like it’s 2016, not 1999.

    Dolph Ziggler, with straight hair, came out next. Before he could really say anything, he was interrupted by Goldust, who threatened to give them all golden globes. Neville came out next and said Miz could borrow his accent or Slammy if he wants, as long as he promises to cancel MizTV and never talk again.

    R-Truth came out and said if anyone was going to accept Del Rio’s open challenge it would be him. Miz corrected him and Truth said “my bad.” Miz made a bad joke and New Day laughed. Truth punched Miz with the mic and the other good guys sent Kingston and Big E out of the ring. Woods was left alone so Neville kicked him out of the ring too. It’s hard to describe just how bad this segment was. Even worse, it was designed to push the Rumble, which has its highest stakes in years, but was just a joke.

    8-Man Tag Match: Dolph Ziggler, Neville, Goldust & R-Truth beat The Miz & New Day via pinfall

    The heels worked over Neville until he tagged in Ziggler, who ran wild on Miz and hit a Fameasser. Kingston broke up the cover, so Goldust gave him a powerslam, Truth sent Big E out of the ring, and Neville took out the entire New Day with a dive. This left Miz alone, so Goldust and Truth tossed him into Ziggler who hit a superkick for the win. Nothing match.  

    Immediately afterwards, Ziggler superkicked Truth and tossed Goldust over the top. This wasn’t a heel turn. Ziggler told Goldust “sorry,” it’s every man for himself at the Rumble. As this was all happening, Neville just sorta slunk away. This was all bad.

    Backstage, Ric Flair told Jo-Jo that Lynch was leeching off Charlotte. Charlotte said her and her father act like champions, and Lynch has never been champion. Flair said woo.

    Lawler told Ranallo that he name was hard to pronounce and asked if he could call him “M.R.” like he did with J.R. Ranallo seemed fine with this. Lawler then cackled when he realized that Byron Saxton was “B.S.” That part was pretty funny.

    WWE Divas Championship: Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) beat Becky Lynch via pinfall

    Ranallo said he has called big fights and this one has a big fight feel. He also mentioned calling Lynch’s matches in British Columbia when she was 18 years old. Lawler dismissed her pre-WWE experience. Lynch had control early on and went after Charlotte outside the ring. However, Flair got in her way to act as a shield, allowing Charlotte to nail her with a sloppy big boot. The referee watched this all happen and didn’t do anything about it.

    The crowd rallied behind Lynch as Charlotte took control. Lynch came back with a clothesline, leg lariat, forearm and Exploder suplex for two. Charlotte responded with a neckbreaker and chops but Lynch ducked a big boot and hit another Exploder. Charlotte hit a spear and went for a Figure Eight, but Lynch countered into a small package for a near fall.

    Lynch applied the Disarmer but Flair put Charlotte’s feet on the rope. Charlotte tapped but it didn’t matter. As Lynch complained to the ref, Charlotte rolled her up with her feet on the rope for the win. Lynch was livid afterwards and the referee looked like an idiot. This match was alright. Went about 11-12 minutes. The crowd was quiet all show but they liked Becky Lynch.

    Backstage, Renee Young asked Kevin Owens for a minute of his time. Owens said she had a minute and made her hold up her watch so he could keep an eye on the time during the entire interview. Owens said Ambrose might be a cockroach, but he’s had to kill a lot of cockroaches in a lot of the terrible places he’s stayed at on his road to the top. Owens said he would take his title back tonight.

    They plugged that a Raw replay would air after a commercial break. Yes, Smackdown is still the B-show. The replay was 4 minutes long.

    They showed an interview with Roman Reigns from after Raw, where he said the McMahons were trying to burn him down, but they were just firing him up, and at the Rumble he would be the last man standing.

    Backstage, Dean Ambrose told Renee that Owens has put him through tables and into steel, but he’s adjusted just fine and was ready for fight.

    Intercontinental Championship: Dean Ambrose DCO Kevin Owens

    They went to commercial a minute into the match as Owens called Ranallo a moron. They fought to the outside and Ambrose tossed Owens into the barricade twice and did a Russian leg sweep into the barricade. Owens responded with a draping DDT back in the ring and they went to commercial again. During the break, Owens nailed a running cannonball into the barricade.

    Owens missed a senton and yelled “Shut up, new guy!” at Ranallo as he slowly got up. Ambrose made his comeback but Owens kicked out after a bulldog. Owens hit a German suplex but Ambrose responded with a tornado DDT off the ropes. Owens knocked Ambrose off the top and hit another cannonball for two. Ambrose countered a pop-up powerbomb into a hurricanrana, and hit a rebound clothesline after an Owens superkick for two. Ambrose hit a suicide dive and Owens went flying over the announce table.  

    They did a spot where Ambrose was supposed to back body drop Owens into the crowd, but Owens recognized that fans were standing way too close, so he countered and they tried again – this time Ambrose just whipped Owens over the barricade. Ambrose went after him in the crowd and the referee called for a double countout.

    They fought all the way to the stage and Ambrose sent Owens face-first into the giant WWE logo. Owens attacked Ambrose with a laptop and tried for a powerbomb but Ambrose did a back body drop on top some equipment boxes. They kept brawling, ending with Ambrose sending both men through a table. The referees checked on them as the show went off the air. I enjoyed the match but the finish was obviously a let down. The brawl was… fine.

    Final Thoughts:

    I wouldn’t call this show a disappointment because I wasn’t expecting much. It became clear leading up to this show that they’d already given up on trying to push Smackdown much more than usual. John Cena’s appearance was relatively insignificant and they announced two title matches knowing neither belt would change hands.

    Also, I don’t think Lawler is turning heel, but he was sort of in the JBL role tonight. He called Kalisto lucky for beating Del Rio, dismissed Lynch’s previous wrestling experience outside of WWE, and sided with McMahon in the Reigns storyline. If they want him to say stuff like that then go ahead and make him a full-fledged heel.

    Mauro Ranallo was good but he might suffocate in this environment.

  • Tokyo Sports: Shinsuke Nakamura set to leave New Japan at the end of the month

    Tokyo Sports reported this evening that New Japan Pro Wrestling star Shinsuke Nakamura will be leaving the promotion at the end of the month, according to translations done by Chris Charlton. In their report, Toyko Sports mentioned that they learned of Nakamura’s quick departure intentions the day prior, which would be January 6 given time zone differences.

    Although Monday afternoon’s Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Nakamura had already given his notice to New Japan on January 4, the thought was that he would remain for the promotion for a while before departing. This made sense as he is the current Intercontinental champion. In fact, it was strongly pushed at the recent New Year’s Dash event on January 5 that a program between him and Kenny Omega over the title was imminent, but that may be up in the air at this point. If Nakamura does leave at the end of January, it seems likely he may be WWE bound, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

    New Japan has yet to comment on this latest report.

  • John Cena likely out for Wrestlemania due to shoulder injury

    Former WWE Champion John Cena will have shoulder surgery and will miss this year’s Wrestlemania according to a members-only report by PWInsider’s Mike Johnson. Via Twitter, Cena confirmed he’ll be having the surgery in Birmingham, AL, assumed to be with the famed Dr. James Andrews.

    The injury is believed to be a torn labrum, putting Cena out of action for 6-9 months. Cena didn’t add any details other than “shoulder surgery”.

    The 38-year-old Cena’s injury is just the latest in a string of injuries to top WWE stars (Seth Rollins, Randy Orton) and mid-level talents like Cesaro in recent months, thinning out the roster and leaving WWE to focus on talents like WWE Champion Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, The New Day, and Kevin Owens to help carry things. Brock Lesnar returns this Monday on RAW and Chris Jericho just returned Monday to help add some part-time depth.

    Cena just returned from a short absence off TV as he was filming a reality series for FOX. He was expected to continue his feud with U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio, but didn’t appear on this week’s RAW.

    We’ll add more details on this story as we get it and will discuss it more on tonight’s Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave and Bryan.

  • TNA on POP TV debut draws 255,000 viewers

    TNA Wrestling’s debut on POP TV Tuesday night brought in 255,000 viewers for the first airing of the show and 90,000 viewers for the immediate replay.

    For a comparison, during November on Destination America (in 57 million homes as compared to POP TV’s 72 million), the show averaged 244,000 for the first run episodes and 84,000 for the replay for shows taped months earlier as opposed to the same day with promises of a new start and the ending of a several month long World title tournament.

    TNA has always gotten hurt whenever it has switched days, even though it’s technically the third straight week on Pop on a Tuesday. The previous two shows did 111,000 and 136,000 viewers and were “best of” shows with little publicity.

    In the first semifinal match last night, EC3 advanced by defeating Bobby Lashley while in the second semifinal, Matt Hardy beat Eric Young. EC3 beat Hardy in the main event of the show to win back the TNA World title. Kurt Angle was also on the show, doing a promo about his farewell tour that led to an announcement of a match with Drew Galloway on next week’s show.