New York City, New York: – James Owens defeated James McLaughlin to win the American Collar-and-Elbow Title
1949
Des Moines, Iowa: – Leroy McGuirk defeated Billy Goelz for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title
1959
Birmingham, Alabama: – Mike Clancy defeated Jackie Fargo to win the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title
1960
Mobile, Alabama: – Pancho Villa defeated Lee Fields for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title
1961
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Whipper Billy Watson and Yukon Eric defeated Chris and John Tolos to win the Toronto version of the NWA International Tag Team Titles
1963
Teaneck, New Jersey: – Chris and John Tolos defeated Killer Kowalski and Gorilla Monsoon for the WWWF United States Tag Team Titles
Jacksonville, Florida: – Bob Orton defeated Eddie Graham to win the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1968
Chicago, Illinois: – The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser won the AWA and WWA World Tag Team Titles by defeating Mitsu Arakawa and Dr. Moto (Tor Kamata)
1970
Vancouver, British Columbia: – Gene Kiniski defeated Don Leo Jonathan for the Vancouver version NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title
1971
Portland, Oregon: – Dutch Savage defeated Jonathan Boyd to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title
1972
Greensboro, North Carolina: – Rip Hawk defeated Jerry Brisco for the NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Title
1973
Calgary, Alberta, Canada: – Archie Gouldie won the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title from Omar Atlas
Denver, Colorado: – One Fall, No Time Limit: AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Red Bastien – Wahoo McDaniel beat Ivan Koloff 2 out of 3 falls – Chris Taylor beat Ric Flair
1975
Pensacola, Florida: – Bob Sweetan defeated Rip Tyler for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title
1980
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Angelo Mosca defeated Hussein Arab (The Iron Sheik) to win the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title
Dallas, Texas: – Kerry Von Erich (subbing for his injured brother Kevin) defeated Gino Hernandez to win the vacant NWA American Heavyweight Title
1983
Denver, Colorado: – Baron Von Raschke & Rick Martel & Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Sheik Adnan & Mr Saito & Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera – Bunkhouse Match: Blackjack Lanza beat Bobby Heenan – Billy Robinson beat Superstar Billy Graham – Brad Rheingans beat Steve Olsonoski – Jesse Ventura beat Buck Zumhofe
1984
Saginaw, Michigan: – Ron Garvin defeated Bob Roop to win the Georgia version of the NWA World Television Title (formerly NWA Georgia/National Television Title)
Memphis, Tennessee: – Terry Taylor defeated Eddie Gilbert to win the CWA International Heavyweight Title
1987
– The Moondogs (Spike and Spot) defeated Tom Brandi and Prince Mike Kaluha for the International Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title
1992
Atlanta, Georgia: – NWA & WCW World Tag Team Champions Shane Douglas & Ricky Steamboat defeated Barry Windham & Brian Pillman – Sting defeated Big Van Vader to win the King of Cable tournament – WCW World Champion Ron Simmons defeated Steve Williams via DQ – NWA World Champion Masahiro Chono defeated The Great Muta
Memphis, Tennessee: – Ron and Don Harris defeated The Moondogs (Spike and Spot) for the USWA Southern Tag Team Title
1997
Washington, DC: – Sting defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title – Diamond Dallas Page defeated Curt Hennig to win the WCW United States Title
1998
Baltimore, Maryland: – Scott Steiner defeated Konnan to capture the WCW World Television Title – Ric Flair defeat Eric Bischoff to become WCW President for the next 30 days
Paige vs Becky Lynch vs Charlotte (w/ Ric Flair.) Really more of a 1-on-1 with occasionally the other wrestler coming in. Charlotte wins over Paige at 10:46 with roll up pin after assist from Dad.
Ryback def Rusev w/ Lana 11:41 via finisher.
Dean Ambrose def Kevin Owens at 9:30 via finisher to retain IC title. Lackluster
Intermission.
R. Truth came out. Hyped up crowd. Adam Rose came out to fight. R truth won at 3:34 via pin. Felt longer and not in a good way.
Big Show def Mark Henry at 6:30 via KO punch.
The Wyatts def Dudley Boys and Tommy Dreamer at 9:06 via Luke Harper clothesline on Dreamer.
Main Event: US Title Alberto Del Rio vs Cena. Del Rio got DQ via low blow at 16:54. Best match of night but that’s not saying much.
Huge lines around the building just to get in. Security took forever. Lots of kids as always.
Swagger over Bo Dallas with the Vader bomb. Not a bad match. We the people is over.
Bo cut a promo saying his loss doesn’t count, people are chanting you suck at him. Open challenge… Goldust comes out to a good pop. Goldust won in ten seconds.
Wyatt cuts a video promo. Something about how monsters and demons are afraid of him or something. Says he’s fighting Kane.
Ten man tag. Ascension, Los Matadores, Heath Slater (who is over) vs. Zach Ryder, Axel, Fandango, Darren Young, Damien Sandow (most over of all ten). I legit forgot most of these guys were still employed. Crowd only cared about Slater, Sandow and Ryder. Fun match. Fandango beat the smaller Ascension guy with the top rope legdrop.
Connor the Crusher video. Cancer blows.
Bray vs. Kane. People swaying in the stands for Bray’s entrance. Kane got a big pop for his entrance. Crowd was into this match and it was good, if slow. Kane won with the chokeslam.
Intermission.
Team Bad (with Naomi’s music) vs. Brie Bella and Alicia. Sasha far and away the most over here. Sloppy match but the ladies worked hard. Brie won over Naomi with an X Factor.
New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Usos for the belts. Kids loved the Usos. Adults loved the new day. Comedy early. Good match that new day won after interference but the faces cleaned house after to stand tall.
Sheamus vs. Reigns in a street fight. Both over, Reigns super over, especially with all the kids. Biggest reaction of the night was for his entrance.
These two are stiff as hell, just laying into each other. Very good match, lots of weapon spots, including Sheamus power bombing reigns through a table. Reigns won with a spear through another table. Fun match.
Good show considering how thin the roster is and the two tours. Thanks for reading!
Start here on NicoNico. Note there is often a discount for ordering shows early. Korakuen Hall shows are traditionally 1500 points/yen and the big Pay Per Views are at 2160 points/yen for a preorder and 2700 pts/yen day of show.
Overall, the process is very easy:
1- Sign up for a free account. You can Google Translate the page to make it easier, but the registration is fairly standard, so it’s not really needed.
3 – Go here to buy points. Note that any that you have left over after your purchase can be used the next time.
4 – When you click on the points you want to buy, you’ll be presented with several payment options. As you proceed, it’s the gold buttons with Japanese writing that confirm each step (the grey button is cancel).
5 – Once you’ve bought your points, go back to the show page. Click the big red button near the bottom. That will confirm that you’ve bought the show with X of your Y points, and you have Z left:
6 – You have the ability now to watch live. If you want to “timeshift” it, simply hit the yellow button that says Timeshift which appears on the show page and where the show is listed in your account. This will allow you to watch on demand for a week or so after the event.
7 – To be sure you’ve done everything right, go here. It should look like this:
That’s all there is to it. It took me about 3 minutes for the whole process and it was very easy. The best news for me is that they have EVERY Dragon Gate show both live and on demand, including all the Korakuens, alll the TVs and all the big shows!
We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE shows in Hartford, CT (Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena; Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens) and Chicago at the All-State Arena (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus for WWE title, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt, New Day vs. Usos vs. Lucha Dragon for tag titles) to Dave Meltzer
Monday will be the live Raw from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as well as a house show in Allentown. Raw features both Vince McMahon appearing as well as the return of John Cena, as he faces Alberto Del Rio.
With the house show in Allentown, those not expected at Raw since they are billed at the house show are Kane & Dudleys & Tommy Dreamer vs. Wyatt Family, Charlotte vs. Paige for the Dias title and Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze.
RIZIN DEBUT SHOW ON LATE MONDAY/EARLY TUESDAY FROM SAITAMA SUPER ARENA (some matches air on U.S. TV on Spike Thursday morning at 10 a.m.)
Tsuyoshi Kosaka vs. James Thompson
Carlos Toyota vs. Kiril Sidelnikov
Yuki Motoya vs. Felipe Efrain
Hiroyoa vs. Wicky Nishiura under K-1 rules
Kazuyuki Miyata vs. Hinata with alternate rounds of MMA rules and K-1 rules
A.J. Matthews (Bellator) vs. Anatoly Tokov
Hideo Tokoro (Bellator) vs. Kizaemon Saiga
Hiroyuki Takaya vs. D.J. Taiki
Valentin Moldavsky vs. Yuta Uchida – heavyweight tournament reserve fight
King Mo (Bellator) vs. Brett McDermott – first round of heavyweight tournament
Teodoras Aukstuolis vs. Bruno Cappelozza – first round of heavyweight tournament
Goran Reljic vs. Vadim Nemkov – first round of heavyweight tournament
Satoshi Ishii vs. Jiri Prochoazka – first round of heavyweight tournament
Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Shinya Aoki
WWE is also running two shows on Tuesday, with the Smackdown tapings in Washington, DC as well as a house show in Providence (John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio for U.S. title; Rusev vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt, Charlotte vs. Paige for Divas title, Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze).
Wednesday has a WWE show in Toronto at the Ricoh Coliseum (John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens) and Baltimore (Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt, Brie Bella & Alicia Fox vs. Naomi & Sasha Banks).
RIZIN FROM THE SAITAMA SUPER ARENA (some matches air on U.S. TV on Spike Thursday morning at 10 a.m.)
Rena vs. Jlena Valentino – women’s match
Heavyweight tournament semifinals
Brennan Ward (Bellator) vs. Ken Hasegawa
Takeru vs. Yang Ming in K-1 rules
Soo Chul Kim vs. Maike Linhares
Gabrielle Garcia vs. Lei’d Tapa – women’s super heavyweight match
Akebono vs. Bob Sapp – Shoot boxing rules (boxing, kicking, takedowns, no ground work or submissions)
Andy Souwer vs. Yuichiro Nagashima
Jerome LeBanner vs. Baruto (sumo star)
Kron Gracie (Rickson’s son) vs. Asen Yamamoto (age group wrestling champion, son of former women’s world champion Miyu Yamamoto)
A look at the Slammy Awards, business of the show, who watched the show, suggestions made for improving the awards show idea, some history of where it came from and what happened at the show including injury updates.
We also have a story about both the California commission, doctors, and reps from the Association of Boxing Commissions talking about the problem of weight cutting in MMA as well as all the medical issues involved, win/loss records of bigger vs. small fighters, belief of how many fighters go into fights dehydrated, the dangers of fighting dehydrated, new weight class suggestions, the good and the bad of adding weight classes, the discussion of splitting up the heavyweight division and the ONE organization becomes the first promotion to take drastic steps in this subject with a look at their new regulations.
We also look at the life, career and significance of Lizmark, one of the biggest stars in the history of Lucha Libre, who passed away this past week. We have his background, how he got into wrestling, his life before wrestling, why he first wore a mask, how he got the name Lizmark, his long run as a constant singles champion or top contender, his induction into the Hall of Fame, his run in the glory days of AAA, Lizmark Jr. and why he fell out of favor in WCW due to loyalty to his father, his biggest rivals, the wrestlers who emulated him and his title history.
We look at what is next for NXT, the upcoming tour dates, reaction to Roman Reigns internally, Notes on the video game, Mauro Ranallo updates, WWE injury updates, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson news, lots of WWE U.K. date business notes, Japan TV update, Two new wrestlers making main roster debut for one tour in January and why. We also have notes from all the weekend house shows.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.
Bryan and I will be back with Wrestling Observer radio tonight talking the latest wrestling and MMA news as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
As noted yesterday, Vince McMahon will return for a continuation of his angle with Roman Reigns on Raw tomorrow. I guess they felt with a big football game, they needed Vince back.
There was another misfire on Friday night on iPPV, this time being the CMLL show from Arena Mexico. Based on what we were told, some people who ordered early and used a Chrome brower got in, but nobody else did. About an hour into the show, CMLL issued a statement saying the problem was the provider’s and not theirs, and gave a YouTube link for the show. If you ordered the show you’ll get this coming Friday’s second iPPV for half price. The show has Negro Casas vs. Super Parka in a hair vs. hair match and Kamaitachi vs. Maximo in a hair vs. hair match.
The movie Daddy’s Home where John Cena has a cameo is projected at doing $38.8 million in its opening weekend, No. 2 behind Star Wars at $153.5 million. Sisters, in its second week, which Cena is also in, is at No. 4 at $13.88 million. Concussion, which debuted Friday, is projected to do $11 million at No. 6.
The New York Times end of year obit on Roddy Piper – This is a video of Piper’s babyface turn in Georgia Championship Wrestling. Some great work here by Piper, Don Muraco, Ole Anderson and Gordon Solie
Nikki Bella on Twitter wrote that “End of January I will know my destiny…Till then..All I can do is…stay fearless. This is in relation to the neck injury she’s been rehabbing of late. At the end of January she’ll find out if she needs neck surgery for bulging discs in her neck.
Stardust, who had been out with a neck injury, returned last night at Madison Square Garden against Titus O’Neil.
Chris Jericho, on Twitter, when asked if he would be at WrestleMania this year, wrote, “Sadly no. Big announcement coming.”
In Philadelphia WMCN-21 will now be airing ROH twice a week, both in the usual Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. time slow as well as a replay at 6 p.m. the next Friday (thanks to Bob Magee)
Sami Callihan has been hired as a trainer at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando, working with Scott Hall and Larry Zbyszko, who both train at the school. He will be teaching one day and one day per week. For more info go to info@teamvisiondojo.com
In yesterday’s history, what was listed as a Red Bastien & Mario Milano IWA world title loss in San Francisco in 1967 was a fictitious match. The IWA in that era would create fake title losses outside of Australia from time-to-time to give the impression the championships were world championships. (thank to Robert Murillo)
Evolve talked about a major announcement regarding Terry Funk, which was hinted at being for their shows in Central Florida over Royal Rumble weekend.
There will be a show in Upland, CA on 1/17 at the Grizzly Den featuring The Young Bucks, Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson, Rocky Romero and Amber Gallows.
Hoosier Pro Wrestling begins its 18th year of operations oN 1/9 at the 4-H Fairgrounds with TJ Kemp defending the heavyweight title against Rob Conway plus Flash Flanagan vs. Vic the Bruiser.
Silas Young is booked for Canadian Wrestling Elite for shows on 2/19 in Fannystelle, Manitoba, 2/20 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, 2/21 in Edmonton/Sherwood Park; 2/23 in Calgary, 2/24 in Regina and 2/25 in Brandon. He is now off the 2/26 show in Winnipeg and 2/27 show in Thunder Boy because he’s booked for the ROH PPV and TV taping that weekend in Las Vegas.
The IWF has announced shows on 1/2, 1/16 and 1/30 at the IWF Centre, in Nutley, NJ.
CMLL on Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Capitan Cobra & Magica Blanca & Robin b Mr. Apolo & Cholo & Mercenario, Estrellita & Lluvia & Silueta b Dallys & Reyna Isis & Zeuxis, Escandalo & Kamaitachi & Bobby Z b Delta & Esfinge & Rey Cometa, Atlantis & Blue Panther & Volador Jr. b Gran Guerrero & Kraneo & Ripper, Marco Corleone b Ultimo Guerrero (thanks to Kris Zellner)
RFVideo.com is having an end of the year sale with up to 40% off selected titles.
Des Moines, Iowa: – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Ed “Strangler” Lewis in 2 out of 3 falls – Karl Davis and Lord Albert Mills drew – Honey Boy Hackney beat Red Ryan
1965
Denver, Colorado: – Non Title: Verne Gagne & Mighty Igor Vodik beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race – Non Title: Wilbur Snyder beat AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon – Steve Druk beat Ivan Kalmikoff – Mighty Igor Vodik beat Chris Markoff
1967
Tampa, Florida: – Johnny Valentine defeated Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow) to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title
Indianapolis, Indiana: – Blackjack Lanza captured the WWA world heavyweight title from Wilbur Snyder
1968
Atlanta, Georgia: – Dale Lewis defeated The Professional (Doug Gilbert) to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title
Kansas City, Kansas: – The Texas Outlaws (Dick Murdoch & Dusty Rhodes) lost the Central States tag team titles to The Viking & Bob Geigel
1974
Chicago, Illinois: – Nick Bockwinkel beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne dq – The Legionairres (Sgt. Jacques Goulet & Private Don Fargo) beat Wilbur Snyder & Larry Hennig – Ray Stevens no contest Pepper Gomez – Moose Cholak no contest Ox Baker – Chris Taylor beat Big K – Khosrow Vaziri beat Kim Duk
1979
Chicago, Illinois: – Two Ring Battle Royal: Ring 1 winner-Dick the Bruiser; Ring 2 winner-Crusher Blackwell – Spike Huber & Bobo Brazil beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Super Destroyer Mark III – Wilbur Snyder beat Ernie Ladd dq – Greg Gagne no contest Adrian Adonis – Bobby Heenan beat Steve Olsonoski – Crusher Blackwell beat Gil Guerrero
1982
Memphis, Tennessee: – Jerry Lawler beat AWA champion Nick Bockwinkel (title held up in Memphis only) – Bill Dundee & Terry Taylor beat Adrian Street & Apocalypse – Southern Tag Team Champions Sheepherders Lord Jonathan Boyd & Luke Williams beat Fabulous Ones Steve Keirn & Stan Lane dq – Sabu beat Jacques Rougeau to win Mid American Title – Bobby Eaton won an Eleven man blindfold battle royal – Dutch Mantel & Ricky Morton beat Sweet Brown Sugar & Bobby Eaton
1986
Ft. Worth, Texas: – Hacksaw Duggan & Terry Taylor defeated Bill Irwin & Leroy Brown to win the UWF World Tag Team Titles
1987
Las Vegas, Nevada: – Greg Gagne defeated Adrian Adonis in a tournament final to become the first AWA International Television Champion – Madusa Miceli defeated Candi Devine to win the AWA World Women’s Title – The Midnight Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) won the AWA tag team titles from The Original Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Randy Rose) managed by Paul E Dangerously – Wahoo McDaniel beat AWA Champion Curt Hennig dq
1991
Dallas, Texas: – Bill Irwin & Black Bart defeated John Tatum & Rod Price to win the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles
1993
Starrcade | Charlotte, North Carolina: – Ric Flair defeated Vader to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title – Steve Austin defeated Dustin Rhodes in two straight falls to win the WCW United States – Sting & Road Warrior Hawk defeated The Nasty Boys by dq in a match for the WCW World Tag Team Titles
1994
Starrcade | Nashville, Tennessee: – Vader defeated Hacksaw Duggan to win the WCW United States Title – Hulk Hogan defeated the Butcher (Ed Leslie) to retain the WCW World Title
1995
Starrcade | Nashville, Tennesse: – Ric Flair defeated Randy Savage to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title – One Man Gang defeated Kensuke Sasaki to win the WCW US Title – Jushin Liger defeated Chris Benoit
1998
Starrcade | Washington, DC: – Kevin Nash defeated Bill Goldberg to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title – Dallas Page defeated the Giant – Konnan defeated Chris Jericho to retain the WCW TV Title
2008
New York City: – Kevin Steen & El Generico defeated Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious to retain the ROH World Tag Team Titles – Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima – Austin Aires defeated Tyler Black – ROH World Title Match: Nigel McGuinness defeated Naomichi Marufuji – Bryan Danielson defeated Takeshi Morishima in a Fight Without Honor
FLORIDA WRESTLING HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose)
1956 – Therese Theis beat Joyce Smith (Jacksonville)
1956 – Hans Schmidt no contest Argentina Rocca (Fort Lauderdale)
1960 – Hans Schmidt beat Mighty Jumbo (Tampa)
1961 – Eddie Graham & Dick Steinborn beat Tojo Yamamoto & Taro Myake via DQ in a U.S. tag title match (Jacksonville)
1965 – Don Curtis & Ronnie Etchison beat Kurt & Karl von Stroheim (Orlando)
1966 – The Infernos beat Eddie Graham & Lester Welch to retain the NWA tag titles (Tampa)
1967 – Johnny Valentine beat Jose Lothario to keep the Florida title (Sarasota)
1971 – Bobby Shane beat Johnny Walker to retain the Southern title (Orlando)
1972 – Bobby Shane & Chris Markoff beat Jack & Jerry Brisco to win the Florida tag team titles (Miami Beach)
1976 – Jos LeDuc won battle Royal (West Palm Bach)
1977 – Don Muraco & Rocky Johnson beat Killer Karl Kox & Lars Anderson via DQ (Tampa)
1978 – Jack Brisco beat Dick Slater via DQ in a Southern title match (Miami Beach)
Did you watch Wrestle Kingdom 9? Did you see the IWGP Tag Team Championship match between The Bullet Club and Meiyu Tag? That is, for all intents and purposes, the same match we’re getting at Wrestle Kingdom 10, except Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata (Meiyu Tag) are being replaced by two balding, ageing men with blonde dye jobs, also known as Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma (G.B.H.), near identical backstory and all.
Firstly, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson of The Bullet Club are heading into Wrestle Kingdom as long-time champs again. They had held the tag titles for an entire year before losing them to Meiyu Tag at Wrestle Kingdom 9. For reasons I’ll never understand, they won the titles back from Meiyu Tag in little over a month. They later lost them to The Kingdom (Maria and some guys) at Invasion Attack 2015, but regained them at Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall in July, and have held on to them ever since.
Another similitude is how the challengers for the belts at Wrestle Kingdom 10 were determined. Meiyu Tag earned their title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 9 by winning the 2014 World Tag League, though they had defeated Gallows and Anderson in a non-title match (and lost a title match) earlier in the year. Surprise! Honma and Makabe also earned their chance at the gold at Wrestle Kingdom 10 by winning the 2015 World Tag league. At least Meiyu Tag had some history with The Bullet Club which gave the match a little extra spice. Honma and Makabe, on the other hand, have both been involved in the Never Openweight Title picture throughout 2015, and only recently reteamed for the World Tag League. So not the most compelling lead up to their January 4th showdown.
One aspect that provided the Wrestle Kingdom 9 match with some added intrigue, and does the same for Wrestle Kingdom 10, is the undertone of the challengers not being able to win the big one. In 2014, Hirooki Goto challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight, Never Openweight, and IWGP Tag Team Championships, and failed at all. Katsuyori Shibata challenged for the Intercontinental and Tag Team championships, and also failed. While Togi Makabe has had some recent championship success with the Never title in 2015, Honma is the walking, talking (well, kind of) definition of coming up short, and it’s that trait that makes him such a perfect underdog character. Honma’s ability to lose so often but still manipulate the audience into believing he can actually “do it this time” is second to none.
And thus, the stories of the two matches are nearly identical. Goto and Shibata proved at Wrestle Kingdom 9 that they could get the job done and finally got their mitts on some gold. I’m putting my hypothetical money on Honma and Makabe achieving the same goal at Wrestle Kingdom 10. It will of course be a team effort, but Wrestle Kingdom 10 will be a truly defining, individual moment for Honma as he does what he’s never been able to do in New Japan, win a title. And there’s no better venue than the Tokyo Dome. Or, he’ll lose, as he is wont to do. Either way, the crowd be with him for every twist and turn in the emotional rollercoaster ride that is a Honma match.
Following the trend of the majority of Wrestle Kingdom 10 matches, the build up has left a lot to be desired, but the match itself ought to be a barn burner with the potential to create an unforgettable Wrestle Kingdom moment. Personally, I’m just hoping Gallows and Anderson lose the titles so that I no longer have to be subjected to Gallows flapping the belt around like it’s an extension of his willy.
Return date announced: Friday March 25th, 2016 “Road to Wrestlemania”
Presale: at box office after show, or at Ticketmaster. Code: WWELIVE
Crowd into most of the show. Toss-up for best match of the night – Cena-Del Rio, or Owens Ambrose.
Co ring announcers for night: Byron Saxton and Jojo
1. NEVILLE W MIZ, red arrow and pin, in a fast-paced opener. **
2. RYBACK W RUSEV (with Lana), shell shock and pin * ½. Lana worked as a heel, back to the pro-Russia/anti-American stuff on the mike. Good back and forth exchanges.
3. CHARLOTTE (with Ric Flair) W PAIGE and BECKY LYNCH in a triple threat to retain the divas title. Finish: Lynch had Paige in the arm bar, Charlotte leaped into ring from the apron, broke it up, and pinned Paige. Flair was at ringside the whole time; interfered once – Paige had Charlotte pinned, pulled Charlotte’s legs under the ropes, then pointed it out to the ref. Adequate divas fare. *
4. TITUS O’NEIL W STARDUST, crash of the titans and pin. Okay. *
5. DEAN AMBROSE W KEVIN OWENS, dirty deeds and pin, in an excellent match. Bout was non-stop action. Finish: Owens missed two pop up power bomb attempts, hit by dirty deeds on the second. Crowd very into this match. ***
6. R TRUTH W ADAM ROSE, pin. Merciful finish: Truth on mat seeming injured; Rose and ref checking on him; Truth leaps up with Little Jimmy and pin. Bad match. DUD
7. BIG SHOW W MARK HENRY, knockout punch and pin. Slower motion match, but kept the attention of the crowd most of the way. Henry with some power moves. ½*
8. DUDLEY BOYZ & TOMMY DREAMER won a “tables match” from LUKE HARPER, ERIC ROWAN & STROHAMN by triple 3D through table on Harper for the win (pins didn’t count). Good wrestling prior to the finish, but meaningless as pins and submissions didn’t count. *
9. JOHN CENA W ALBERTO DEL RIO, DQ., low blow, letting Alberto retain the U.S. title. This was an excellent match, albeit with limited offense by the returning Cena.
Del Rio completely dominated the first 10-12 minutes before Cena attempted a comeback and went through much of his repertoire. Del Rio again gained the upper hand, until Cena mounted a second comeback.
Cena went for the AA; ref was kicked out of the ring, and hence couldn’t count the pin. Rusev ran in, kicked Cena, put Del Rio on top, and shoved ref back in. Cena of course kicked out at 2. Rusev again attacked Cena, and Cena again kicked out of a pin. Cena mounted a final offense, stopped by a Del Rio low blow for the DQ.
Post match: heels attacked Cena, who ducked a Del Rio chair shot that of course hit Rusev. Cena cleaned house and his music hit. Del Rio still U.S. champion.
*Triple H promo airs on the screen hyping tonight’s show
Dolph Ziggler pinned Tyler Breeze w/Summer Rae – 13:17 *Summer Rae was ejected from ringside midway through the match
Goldust pinned Bo Dallas – 2:20 *Bo Dallas cut a promo before the match claiming that his winning streak would begin tonight. After his loss to Goldust, he challenged someone else to come to the ring and attempt to defeat him.
Jack Swagger made Bo Dallas submit – 0:50
*Bray Wyatt promo airs on the screen hyping his match with Kane tonight
Darren Young, Damien Sandow, Curtis Axel, Fandango & Zack Ryder defeated Diego, Fernando, Heath Slater, Konnor & Viktor when Fandango pinned Heath Slater – 11:11 *Before Damien Sandow was tagged into the match, “We Want Sandow” chants prominently filled the arena. The face team Fandango’d in the ring and up the ramp to celebrate.
Kane pinned Bray Wyatt – 9:30
*Intermission
Alicia Fox & Brie Bella defeated Naomi & Sasha Banks w/Tamina when Brie Bella pinned Naomi – 7:10 *Before Sasha Banks was tagged into the match, “We Want Sasha” chants prominently filled the arena
*WWE Tag Team Championship Match Big E & Kofi Kingston w/Xavier Woods (c) defeated The Lucha Dragons & The Uso’s when Kofi Kingston pinned Sin Cara – 10:48 *The Lucha Dragons & The Uso’s beat down Xavier Woods after the match. This match included a lot of playing to the crowd by The New Day before the match started and after the bell rang. Before the show started and during the match, “New Day Sucks” chants prominently filled the arena.
*No Disqualification Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Roman Reigns (c) pinned Sheamus to retain the championship – 21:30 *Multiple chairs, kendo sticks and two tables were used during the match. Sheamus cut a promo after the bell rang, trash-talkin’ Reigns, and then Reigns started punching him. After the match, Reigns thanked everyone for coming.
Not just John Cena, but Vince McMahon will also be on Raw Monday night from the Barclays Center.
The WWE announced today that McMahon would return to Raw to confront Roman Reigns for giving him the Superman punch two weeks ago.
McMahon’s return led Raw to a 2.66 rating, up nearly a full-half point from the 2.20 the previous week. It was the biggest rating of the year against football. But the number fell to 2.33 last week, roughly what it had been averaging during football season.
With a strong Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos game, a normal Raw would threaten the recent record low marks.
