Paypress testing

Category: Post Type article

  • Daily Update: F4W Best of 2015, John Cena return anticipation

    F4W Radio Best of 2015

    Things will be getting back to normal as the holiday season wraps up here. Hope everyone had a great past few days.  Here it is! Dewe’s BEST OF 2015 compilation for subscribers, a look at the 50 greatest audio moments on the website in the past year.  It has been a huge hit in years past.  

    Sunday we will have Wrestling Observer Live, Wrestling Observer Radio, After Dark Radio, the Bryan & Vinny Show looking at NWA/WCW from 30 years ago this week, and more.  You can check out the NEW After Dark Radio Show site right now which has info on how you can participate in Sunday’s show by emailing me your best paranormal stories.

    DRAGON GATE FINAL GATE IPPV ATNiconico.comLATE TOMORROW NIGHT/EARLY SUNDAY MORNING

    Lindaman & Takehiro Yamamura & Kaito Ishida vs. Don Fujii & Yosuke Santa Maria & Nosawa

    Jimmy K-Ness & Jimmy Kanda vs. U-T & Kzy

    Masakatsu Funaki vs. ? in a Colosseum rules ten round match

    Kotoka vs. Eita for the Open the Brave Gate title

    Yamato & Naruki Doi vs. Gamma & Punch Tominaga for Open the Twin Gate tag tiles

    Masato Yoshino & Akira Tozawa & T-Hawk vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Dragon Kid & Big R Shimizu vs. Naoki Tanizaki & Cyber Kong & Mondai Ryu vs. Ryo Saito & Jimmy Susumu & Genki Horiguchi for the Open the Triangle Gate titles

    Shingo Takagi vs. Cima for the Open the Dream Gate title

    Sunday has 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).

    Monday will be the live Raw from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as well as a house show in Allentown.  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 Divas 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)

    Fedor Emelianenko vs. Jaideep Singh

    Heavyweight tournament finals

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (12/21/15): Hulk Hogan and Nelson Frazier Lawsuit Updates
    Transcript gives new insight into the FBI/Gawker dispute, plus WWE gives us a peek at what their termination notices look like in the Nelson Frazier wrongful death lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    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.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    As noted on the front page, John Cena returns to Raw Monday and it is the first Raw sellout in the US since SummerSlam weekend.

    Irv Muchnick has his review of the Concussion film up here.  He says it was better than he expected.  I believe Dave will give his review on our next edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

    6 ways Donald Trump’s wrestling career previewed his campaign

    WWE

    • Thomas Golianopoulus has an article in the New York Times about John Cena and other pro-wrestlers “putting a headlock on Hollywood.”  Cena on his role in “Sisters” with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: “You’ve got to remember that I’m a recurring character on a weekly episodic television show. Right away I said, ‘Yes,’ because the do-gooder John Cena is not a guy that’s going to sell you heroin.” Golianopoulus’s stuff is always really good, so check this out.
    • Detroit News article on Xavier Woods and his trombone.

    UFC/MMA

    • Dave’s article on the buyrate for Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm is up at MMAFighting.com.
    • UFC Free Fight: Carlos Condit vs. Dong Hyun Kim, this fight earned Condit his original welterweight title shot.
    • Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha look to be coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fight. Presumably this would also mean they’d fight for the Strawweight title either on the undercard of UFC 200 or more likely in a headline position at the TUF 23 Finale during international Fight Week.
    • On UFC Tonight, Kenny Florian and Daniel Cormier discussed concerns over CM Punk’s long-delayed UFC debut.

    OTHER PRO WRESTLING

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/26): Austin Aires wins the ROH World Title

  • Daily pro wrestling history (12/26): Austin Aires wins the ROH World Title

    1944 

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Yaqui Joe defeated Gus Wisbar for the Tennessee version of the World Middleweight Title 

    1957

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Verne Gagne and Bronko Nagurski defeated The Atomic Blonds (Johnny Valentine and Chet Wallich) to win the Minneapolis version of the NWA World Tag Team Title

    1960

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Orest Antonation and Lorne Corlett defeated Joe Fiorino and Al Torres to become the first Madison Wrestling Club Middleweight Tag Team Champions 

    1961

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Otto Von Krupp dq
    – Mr. M beat Bobo Brazil 
    – Tiny Mills drew Nick Roberts 
    – Larry Hennig beat Maurice LaPointe 

    1963

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – Jackie Fargo and Mario Milano defeated Tojo Yamamoto and Ivan Malenkov to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title

    1966 

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
    – Dominic DeNucci and Don Leo Jonathan defeated Don Jardine and Dutch Savage for the Vancover version of the NWA World Tag Team Title 

    1969

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Danny Lynch defeated Dave Ruhl to win the Calgary version of the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title

    Sydney, Australia:
    – King Curtis Iaukea and Buddy Austin defeated Mario Milano and Spiros Arion to win the International Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Titles

    1970

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Moose Cholak and Wilbur Snyder won the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles by defeating The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Don Kent)

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – One Fall to a Finish, No Time Limit: AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Edouard Carpentier
    – Hercules Cortez beat Butcher Vachon
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Bob Kappel
    – Strong Kobayashi beat Pepper Gomez 
    – Big K beat Kenny Jay

    1973

    Columbia, South Carolina:
    – Gene and Ole Anderson defeated Brute Bernard and Jay York to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title 

    1974

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Paul Jones defeated Ivan Koloff for the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title

    1975

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Ed and Jerry Morrow defeated Mr. Hito and Gil Hayes for the Stampede International Tag Team Title 

    1976

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Ric Flair and Greg Valentine defeated Gene and Ole Anderson to win the Mid-Atlantic version of the NWA World Tag Team Title

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – The Sheik won the Toronto version of the NWA United States Heavyweight Title, defeating Thunderbolt Patterson 

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – Bill Dundee and Ricky Gibson defeated Dennis Condrey and Phil Hickerson to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke no contest Peter Maivia & The Crusher
    – Greg Gagne beat Pierre Poisson 
    – Billy Francis beat Roger Kirby 

    1981

    St. Petersburg, Florida:
    – Eric Embry won a tournament final to win the vacant Florida Television Title

    Denver, Colorado:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Tito Santana
    – Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum beat Billy Robinson & Baron Von Raschke
    – Hulk Hogan beat Shiek Adnan
    – Greg Gagne beat Bobby Heenan
    – Jim Brunzell beat Rene Goulet

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Bugsy McGraw defeated The Great Kabuki in a fictitious match for the NWA American Heavyweight Title 

    St. Petersburg, Florida:
    – David Von Erich defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Title
    – Eric Embry won a tournament final for the vacant NWA Florida Television Title

    1983

    New York, New York
    – The Iron Sheik defeated Bob Backlund to win the WWF World Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Randy Savage won the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title, defeating Terry Taylor 

    1985

    Biloxi, Mississippi:
    – Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams defeated Eddie Gilbert and Dick Murdoch (replacing The Nightmare) to win the Mid-South Tag Team Titles

    1987 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Abbuda Dein (Rocky Iaukea) defeated Art Barr to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Television Title

    1988 

    Norfolk, Virginia:
    – Rick Steiner defeated Mike Rotundo to win the NWA World Television Title 
    – Ric Flair defeated Lex Luger to retain the NWA World Title
    – Sting & Dusty Rhodes defeated The Road Warriors by dq in a match for the NWA World Tag Team Title

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler double count out Dutch Mantel
    – Jerry Lawler won a Battle Royal for a Fur Coat
    – Ricky Morton beat Phil Hickerson
    – Bill Dundee beat Sid Vicious dq
    – Robert Fuller beat Wendell Cooley
    – Beauty & The Beast beat Jeff Jarrett & Tracy Smothers
    – Candi Divine beat Sylvia
    – Del Wilkes drew Scott Steiner
    – Scott Steiner & Brian Lee beat Mike Davis & Burt Timmons

    1990

    Hamamatsu, Japan:
    – Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Riki Choshu for the IWGP Heavyweight Title
    – Hiro Saito and Super Strong Machine defeated Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki to win the IWGP World Tag Team Titles 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Joey Maggs defeated Danny Davis to win the USWA Junior Heavyweight Title

    1991

    Monticello, New York:
    – Joe Savoldi defeated The Tazmanic to win the IWCCW Light Heavyweight Title
    – Tom Brandi is awarded as the first IWCCW Television Champion

    1993

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Terry Funk pinned ECW Heavyweight and Television Champion Sabu in a No Disqualification match to win the Heavyweight Title

    1994 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Beauty and the Beast (Jim and Ron Harris) defeated The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) to win the USWA Tag Team Titles
    – PG-13 (JC Ice and Wolfie D) defeated Beauty and the Beast to win the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1999

    Monterrey, Mexico:
    – Hector Garza defeated Pirata Morgan for the International Wrestling Council World Heavyweight Title

    2004 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Austin Aries defeated Samoa Joe to win the ROH Heavyweight Title
    – Jay Lethal defeated Prince Nana’s Weapon of Mask Destruction #2
    – Steve Corino and CM Punk defeated Alex Shelley and Roderick Strong
    – Low Ki and Bryan Danielson fought to a no contest

    FLORIDA PRO WRESTLING HISTORY (thanks to Barry Rose)

    1955 – Don Eagle beat Wolfman John Smith (Tampa)

    1956 – Therese Theis won a five woman Battle Royal (Fort Pierce)

    1960 – Chief Big Eagle double count out Buddy Austin (Bradenton)

    1960 – Lu Kim & Hans Schmidt beat Chief Big Heart & Man Mountain Managoff via DQ (Orlando)

    1966 – Great Malenko beat Eddie Graham in a Russian chain match (Orlando)

    1967 – Hiro Matsuda & Duke Keomuka beat Don Serrano & Silento Rodriguez (Fort Myers)

    1967 – Johnny Valentine beat Joe ScarpA to win the Florida title (Tampa)

    1972 – Big Bad John beat Buddy Colt (Tampa)

    1973 – Mike Graham beat Buddy Colt via DQ in a Florida title match (Miami Beach)

    1978 – Dick Slater beat Jos LeDuc via DQ in a Southern title match (Tampa)

    1979 – Dusty  Rhodes no contest Bad Leroy Brown (Miami Beach)

    1984 – Brian Blair won Battle Royal (Miami Beach)

  • Monday’s Raw sold out with John Cena return

    Monday Night’s Raw show at the Barclays Center, featuring the return of John Cena, is now officially sold out.

    The event sold out yesterday, with 13,000 tickets sold.

    Cena vs Albert Del Rio headlines the show.

    There has only been one major arena Raw sellout since the last time the company ran the Barclays Center, on Aug. 24, the day after SummerSlam, which was the 11/9 show from Manchester, England.

    Prior to SummerSlam, the prior legitimate Raw sellout was on April 13 at the O2 Arena in London.  Prior to that it was the March 30 show in San Jose, the day after WrestleMania.  Leading up to WrestleMania, Raw sold out frequently, including four of the five Mondays in March.

  • Daily Update: Poll for McGregor’s next foe, Trish Stratus to get award.

    What used to be one of the biggest days of the year for wrestling is now dark today in the U.S., although there are probably 50 to 100 shows in Mexico today, probably two dozen in the Mexico City metropolitan area alone including an iPPV show.  WWE goes back to a full-time schedule tomorrow.  New Japan will not be airing on AXS today as they are taking some time off.

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/25): One of the biggest nights in North American wrestling

    CMLL IPPV TONIGHT AT 6 P.M. EASTERN TIME (starting three hours earlier than usual) HERE

    Estrellita & Vaquerita & Lluvia vs. Dallys & Seductora & Tiffany

    Blue Panther & Stuka Jr. & Brazo de Plata vs. Kraneo & Polvora & Vangellys

    Maximo Sexy & Super Parka & Valiente vs. Cavernario & Kamaitachi & Negro Casas

    Ultimo Guerrero & Cibernetico & Volador Jr. vs. Caristico & Mistico & Rush

    Cage of death, last man in the cage loses his mask:  Puma, Triton, Fuego, Super Comando, The Panther, Tiger, Sangre Azteca, Esfinge, Blue Panther Jr., Raziel, Cancerbero and Pegasso

    There is no video on demand of this show.  It can only be viewed live.

    WWE returns to action with what in recent years has been the biggest house show of the year, Christmas week show, this time tomorrow night in Madison Square Garden, with Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena for the U.S. title, Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens for the IC title).  WWE also runs the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Saturday night with Roman Reigns vs Sheamus for the WWE title, Kane vs. Bray Wyatt and New Days vs. Usos vs. Lucha Dragons for tag titles.

    DRAGON GATE FINAL GATE IPPV AT Niconico.comLATE TOMORROW NIGHT/EARLY SUNDAY MORNING

    Lindaman & Takehiro Yamamura & Kaito Ishida vs. Don Fujii & Yosuke Santa Maria & Nosawa

    Jimmy K-Ness & Jimmy Kanda vs. U-T & Kzy

    Masakatsu Funaki vs. ? in a Colosseum rules ten round match

    Kotoka vs. Eita for the Open the Brave Gate title

    Yamato & Naruki Doi vs. Gamma & Punch Tominaga for Open the Twin Gate tag tiles

    Masato Yoshino & Akira Tozawa & T-Hawk vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Dragon Kid & Big R Shimizu vs. Naoki Tanizaki & Cyber Kong & Mondai Ryu vs. Ryo Saito & Jimmy Susumu & Genki Horiguchi for the Open the Triangle Gate titles

    Shingo Takagi vs. Cima for the Open the Dream Gate title

    Sunday has 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).

    Monday will be the live Raw from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn as well as a house show in Allentown.  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 Divas 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)

    Fedor Emelianenko vs. Jaideep Singh

    Heavyweight tournament finals

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (12/21/15): Hulk Hogan and Nelson Frazier Lawsuit Updates
    Transcript gives new insight into the FBI/Gawker dispute, plus WWE gives us a peek at what their termination notices look like in the Nelson Frazier wrongful death lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    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.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    UFC did a poll on who fans wanted to see against Conor McGregor next.  The results were 39% wanted Jose Aldo, 37% wanted Frankie Edgar and 20% wanted Rafael dos Anjos.   

    The Cauliflower Alley Club announced today that Trish Stratus would be getting the Iron Mike Mazurki award at their banquet this year.  That’s the highest honor they have for a wrestler and it would be the first time a woman has ever been given that ward.  The reunion will take place in April in Las Vegas.  Jerry Lawler will be inducting Lance Russell at the same banquet.

    Ric Flair will be working tomorrow’s Madison Square Garden show, in his daughter’s corner for a match with Paige.

    Congrats to ROH’s Roderick Strong and Marina Shafir of the Four Horsewomen, on their engagement a few days ago.

    An article on the movie “Concussions”.

    Another article talking about the producers taking too much liberty with the truth.  For whatever reason, so many Hollywood movies based on real stories do this, and in more cases than not, it makes the movie worse, not better. 

    WWE

    • Tribute to the Troops did 1,802,000 viewers on Wednesday night. That’s way down from last year, even though the Tuesday Smackdown in WWE week was up from last year.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Kurt Angle has a role in an upcoming episode of Duck Dynasty on the A&E Network.
    • Jimmy Valiant will be inducted into the Mid Atlantic Hall of Heroes in August.
    • The trailer for a documentary on the 1976 Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki match, which is going to be getting a ton of talk next year because it’ll be the 40th anniversary of the bout.  Josh Gross has a book coming out on it and this movie will also be coming out
    • Davey Richards appears for All Star Wrestling on 2/26 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairground’s Alice McKay Building.   
    • Patric Laprade on the 30th anniversary of the auto accident that killed Tarzan Tyler, Pierre “Dog Dog” Lefebrve and referee Adrien Desbois with interviews with family members about what is considered the biggest tragedy in the history of Quebec wrestling.
    • Beau James’ blog talk program “Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?” is back with a special two part episode featuring rare audio from 1974 of Mario Galento speaking openly about Pro Wrestling on Memphis’ WE Radio. Mario pleads his case of why he was blackballed. Who was behind it.  How wrestling has changed in his time. He also takes calls from wrestling fans. Beau also talks about what is coming up with the program and his promotion Southern States Wrestling upcoming Silver Anniversary.   Part 1 and Part 2

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/25): One of the biggest nights in North American wrestling

  • Daily pro wrestling history (12/25): One of the biggest nights in North American wrestling

    1902 

    Worcester, Massachusetts:
    – Dan McLeod won the American heavyweight championship from Tom Jenkins. The American title six years later became the world heavyweight title when Frank Gotch beat George Hackenschmidt

    1905

    Montreal, Ontario, Canada:
    – After losing two matches earlier in the year to Tom Jenkins in challenging for the American title, Frank Gotch won a 50-man tournament in Montreal

    1965

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Dick the Bruiser defeated Gene Kiniski to win the Indianapolis WWA version of the world heavyweight title

    1967

    San Francisco, California:
    – Art Nelson and Pat Patterson defeated Red Bastien and Mario Milano for the International Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Title

    1968 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Toru Tanaka defeated Jim Hady to win the NWA (Hawaii) North American Heavyweight Title 
    – Nick Bockwinkel defeated Johnny Barend for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Rey Mendoza defeated Angel Blanco to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title 

    Savannah, Georgia:
    – Alberto and Ramon Torres defeated Butcher and Stan Vachon to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Karl and Kurt Von Steiger defeated Johnny War Eagle and Billy White Wolf to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title

    1970

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jose Lothario & Danny Miller defeated The Infernos to become the NWA Florida Tag Team Champions 

    1975

    Caguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Carlos Colon & Cowboy Bob Ellis defeated Ali Baba & Bull Gregory to win the WWC North American Tag Team Title.

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Dutch Savage and Jimmy Snuka won the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, defeating The Royal Kangaroos (Jonathan Boyd and Norman Frederick Charles)

    1977 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bob Sweetan defeated Black Angus Campbell for the NWA Central States Television Title 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Tuxedo Match: The Crusher beat Lord Alfred Hayes
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Super Destroyer & Angelo Mosca
    – Billy Robinson beat Blackjack Lanza
    – Larry Hennig no contest Bobby Duncum

    1978

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – Andre the Giant & Dusty Rhodes won the vacant U.S. tag team title beating Stan Hansen & Ernie Ladd in the finals of a one night tournament
    – Jerry Stubbs defeated The Assassin #1 to win the Mid-South Louisiana Title
    – Ron Bass defeated Karl Kox to win the Mid-South Brass Knuckles Title
    – Ernie Ladd defeated Ray Candy via forfeit to win the Mid-South North American Title

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Kevin Von Erich won the American title for the first time over Bruiser Brody

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Austin Idol defeated Jerry Lawler to win the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship

    1979

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated The Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) & Austin Idol to win the Georgia tag team championship

     Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Bob Armstrong defeats Sterling Golden (Hulk Hogan) for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Jim Brunzell defeated Ray Stevens to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title

    1980

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson
    – Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum beat Hulk Hogan & Tito Santana dq
    – Non Title: Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan beat AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Heenan
    – Rene Goulet beat Kenny Jay
    – Curt Hennig drew Evan Johnson

    1982 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Ric Flair defeated Kerry Von Erich in a cage match to retain the NWA World Title (this match and subsequent angle led to the Freebirds vs. Von Erichs feud)
    – Kevin Von Erich retained the NWA Americas title by defeating King Kong Bundy by dq

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Mike Rotundo defeated Bad Leroy Brown to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title

    1983 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Ric Flair beat David Von Erich via DQ to retain the NWA World Title
    – Kevin & Mike Von Erich beat Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts in the losing team has to leave town match 

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Mad Dog Vachon beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Greg Gagne & Baron Von Raschke & Ray Stevens & Jim Brunzell beat Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell & Mr. Saito & Sheik Adnan
    – Jesse Ventura beat Steve Olsonoski
    – Rick Martel beat Superstar Billy Graham dq
    – Billy Robinson drew Brad Rheingans 
    – Buck Zumhofe beat Bill White

    Seattle, Washington:
    – Rip Oliver defeated Billy Jack (Haynes) to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title 

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – Magnum T.A. & Mr. Wrestling II defeated Butch Reed & Jim Neidhart to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Titles 

    1984 

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – The Rock N’ Roll Express defeated Ted DiBiase & Hercules Hernandez to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Titles 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Kelly Kiniski defeated Buck Zum Hofe
    – Rip Oliver defeated Iceman Parsons
    – World Class American Tag Team Champions The Fantastics defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey)
    – Kerry Von Erich defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair via DQ
    – Kevin Von Erich defeated Chris Adams in a Lumberjack match
    – Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Chic Donovan defeated Skandar Akbar, The Missing Link & Mr. X in a Loser Leaves Town elimination match
    – Mike Von Erich & Billy Jack Haynes defeated Gino Hernandez & Jake Roberts

    1985

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Stan Hansen dq
    – Road Warriors no contest AWA Tag Team Champions Jim Garvin & Steve Regal
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Larry Zbyszko
    – Mongolian Stomper & Nord The Barbarian & Boris Zhukov beat Scott Hall & Curt Hennig & Jerry Blackwell
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Scott Irwin dq
    – Marty Jannetty beat Kelly Kiniski

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Lance Von Erich defeated World Class American Champion Rick Rude via DQ
    – IWGP Champion Antonio Inoki defeated Steve Williams
    – Bruiser Brody defeated One Man Gang in a chain match
    – Kerry, Kevin & Lance Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts)

    1986

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Curt Hennig dq (Special Referee – Billy Robinson)
    – Non Title Cage Match: Midnight Rockers beat AWA Tag Team Champions Buddy Rose & Doug Somers
    – Mr. Saito & Super Ninja & Larry Zbyszko beat Scott Hall & Leon White & Greg Gagne
    – Colonel DeBeers beat Jimmy Snuka dq
    – Boris Zhukov beat Steve O
    – Earthquake Ferris beat Brian Nobbs
    – Buck Zumhofe drew Buddy Wolff

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Mark Youngblood defeated Tim Brooks
    – Steve Simpson defeated The Grappler
    – Lance Von Erich defeated Master Gee (George Wells)
    – Tony Atlas defeated Matt Borne
    – Scott Casey defeated Black Bart in a Loser Rides A Mule match
    – Kevin & Mike Von Erich defeated World Class Tag Team Champions Brian Adias & Al Madril via DQ
    – Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bruiser Brody in a Loser Leaves Town Steel Cage match

    Tampa, Florida:
    – The New Breed (Chris Champion and Sean Royal) defeated Vic Steamboat and Kendall Windham to win the vacant NWA Florida Tag Team Title

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – The Nightmares (Danny Davis and Ken Wayne) defeat Tony Anthony and Jerry Stubbs for the Continental Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title

    1987 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – The Fantastics defeated Jack Victory & John Tatum
    – Kerry Von Erich won a Pole Battle Royal, climbing a pole to grab the $10,000 prize
    – World Class Texas Champion Matt Borne defeated The Iron Sheik
    – Eric Embry defeated Shaun Simpson in a Steel Cage match to win the World Class Light Heavyweight Title
    – Kevin Von Erich, Chris Adams & Steve Simpson defeated Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Iceman Parsons in a Steel Cage match to win the vacant World Class Six Man Tag Team Title
    – World Class Champion Al Perez defeated Kerry Von Erich in a steel cage match

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Lord Humongous (Sid Vicious) defeated Danny Davis for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – Dave Peterson defeated Bob Brown to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title

    1988 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Mike Graham defeated The Terminator to win the vacant NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Top Gun defeated The Grappler to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    1991 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Jushin Liger defeated Brian Pillman to win the WCW light heavyweight title

    1992 

    Carolina, Puerto Rico:
    – Mohammad Hussein (Lou Fabbiano) and El Vigilante defeated Ray Gonzalez and Rex King to win the WWC World Tag Team Title 

    1993

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Black Bart and John Hawk (JBL) defeated Steven Dane and Chaz Taylor for the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title 
    – Chris Adams defeated Iceman King Parsons to win the GWF North American Heavyweight Title 

    1999

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Mike Rapada won the NWA North American Heavyweight from Terry Taylor 

    Toluca, Mexico:
    – El Cobarde, Sr. defeated El Hijo del Solitario to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title

  • ROH TV results: Cheeseburger shines in holiday ten-man tag

    A holiday-themed episode of Ring of Honor television from the Nashville Fairgrounds featured a “Christmas surprise” ten-man tag team match. Elsewhere on the show, ANX have a showcase match while Truth Martini displays his holiday cheer and his dastardly side. Also, Prince Nana hands out another envelope.

    Prince Nana joined Kevin Kelly on commentary. Nana himself would actually be involved in the story of the first match. The backstory is for several months Nana has handed out envelopes to both Caprice Coleman and Will Ferrera, but the contents of the envelopes are unknown.

    Before the opening match, Caprice Coleman cut a promo on Ferrera using a play on words talking about getting the mail. He said he and Ferrera had the same mailman. However, Coleman went on to say no matter what mail Ferrera or any other “jive turkeys” receive, his stack of mail is bigger. He cackled and said all of his mail will always come priority.

    Will Ferrera vs. Caprice Coleman ended in a no contest

    After a tense handshake, a slugfest ensued. Kelly noted on commentary how these two technical wrestlers with seemingly no issues between them were brawling. The only connection was the mysterious envelopes and Nana was gleefully watching the violence escalate.

    Ferrera did a tope to the outside, where he grabbed a chair. Coleman rammed Ferrera into the guardrail then dropkicked him into it as well. Caprice executed his “Trinity” which is his trifecta of northern lights suplexes. Ferrera cut him off and slammed him off the top turnbuckle.

    Ferrera brought a chair into the ring as did Coleman. They began dueling with the chairs and the referee called for the bell, throwing out the match and ruling it a no contest. Officials poured into the ring to separate the two.

    Backstage, ROH world champion Jay Lethal was joined by Truth Martini and Taeler Hendrix. Martini wore Santa hat complete with a fake white beard and they all were surrounded by Christmas presents. Lethal was excited to open a present. Martini cautioned him this was serious. Lethal was the team captain of the upcoming Christmas surprise tag team match. Opening one box would reveal a member of Lethal’s team.

    Lethal picked the biggest box because he was confident that signified Moose. He allowed Taeler to open the envelope. She looked disgusted at what it revealed. She would not say who it was so Lethal snatched it away from her. He freaked out when discovering it was Cheeseburger. Lethal threw a tantrum and stormed off.

    After a commercial break, Turth Martini was in the ring with Donovan Dijak and “Outlaw” Ken Phoenix. Truth was cheerful and referenced the holidays. He said he bummed a cigarette from Phoenix earlier in the day. In return, he would consider letting Phoenix join the House of Truth if he impressed Martini in what he described as “the right way.”

    ANX (Kenny King & Rhett Titus) beat Donovan Dijak & Ken Phoenix (with Truth Martini)

    Titus had the early advantage until Dijak low-bridged the top rope and Titus spilled to the outside. Dijack jumped him, allowing his team to start getting heat on Titus. Phoenix was in the ring but refused to tag out even when ordered to do so. This allowed Titus to escape the clutches of the heels and make a hot tag to King.

    King came in running wild and Dijak made the save on a pin attempt. Moments later King did a dive to the outside after Titus made a blind tag. Titus dove off the top rope and Dijack caught him then did a chokeslam into a backbreaker. Phoenix tagged himself back in the match. He and Dijak argued over it, allowing the ANX to do some double team moves and eventually to finish off Phoenix. King pinned him for the win.

    Afterwards, Truth teased giving a thumbs up to Phoenix only to swerve him and give him the thumbs down. So, Dijak executed the “feast your eyes” on Phoenix and left him laying. Prince Nana gave Dijak an envelope and he took it although Martini was unaware.

    Kevin Kelly interviewed Steve Corino. Wearing a neck brace, Corino talked briefly about his surgery and not letting it get him down. He thanked the fans for their support. He then warned BJ Whitmer that one day he will pay for the torment he caused Corino.

    For the Christmas surprise ten-man tag main event, the team captains were ROH world champion Jay Lethal and ROH TV champion Roderick Strong. Everyone got a full entrance as that was part of the surprise revealing of the teammates. Cheeseburger was the only name revealed beforehand except for the respective team captains.

    Veda Scott, Stokely Hathaway, Nick Jackson, Truth Martini, Taeler Hendrix, BJ Whitmer and Colby Corino all appeared as seconds but were all ordered to the back during a commercial break.  

    Roderick Strong & Mark Briscoe & Cedric Alexander & Moose & Matt Jackson beat Jay Lethal & Jay Briscoe & Cliff Compton & Adam Page & Cheeseburger

    This was quite action packed. There was a great series of exchanges by Lethal and Alexander followed by a brawl involving Compton and Mark Briscoe. Mark suggested they take it to the floor so they did. They began to brawl at ringside. When a chair and table became involved, referee Todd Sinclair broke it up and ordered them back into the ring before a commercial.

    After the break, Cheeseburger (the smallest) squared off with Moose (the largest), which didn’t end well for Cheeseburger. Roddy Strong bodyslammed his entire team one-by-one to top of Cheeseburger. Eventually somehow the underdog Cheeseburger made a comeback and countered three consecutive back suplexes to make a hot tag to Jay Briscoe.

    Following some exchanges with Moose where Briscoe gave him a death valley driver, Jay squared off with brother Mark. They had a short but great slugfest. By this point, the crowd started chanting “this is awesome.” Adam Page did a shooting star press off the apron to the floor. Matt Jackson and Moose double-teamed Page then gave him a double superkick before another commercial break.

    When the show returned from break, Moose was giving Page a Liger bomb and Matt did a 450 splash off the top rope. Cheeseburger made the save on the subsequent pin attempt. Cheeseburger was surrounded with five-on-one odds. He smacked Moose and dove under some legs to miraculously escape. Then, Cheeseburger was a house of fire with a flurry of offense. He hit several balm strikes only for Moose to cut him off with a spear.

    Lethal jumped in to hit Moose with the lethal injection. Things got crazy from there with superkicks, a lariat, a sick kick, more kinds of kicks, a brainbuster, a Michinoku Driver and more. Compton climbed to the top turnbuckle but was superkicked and fell through a table at ringside.

    For the finish, Strong did his falling backbreaker and Mark Briscoe jumped off with the froggybow on Page to score the pinfall. Afterwards, the winning team all offered a handshake to Cheeseburger and the announcers put him over.     

  • WON Preview: Slammy Awards, MMA weight cutting

    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 leads the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which is up on the site right now.

    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.

    We also look at the quest to fight Conor McGregor and what is the right direction to take, plus business notes on UFC’s final show of the year in Orlando, match-by-match coverage and pay records for the show.  We also look at New Japan’s last show of 2015 and the build to the Tokyo Dome card with updates on two matches, a look at the ROH Final Battle show and plans for the anniversary show as well as updates on talent contracts and A.J. Styles, Pro Wrestling NOAH’s last show of the year and a look at their year-long program and the good and bad of it, plus the complete lineup of the debut of the new Rizin promotion this week.

    We’ve got a story on the death of Emanuel Yarbrough, a notable early UFC character who went on to pro wrestling and acting, plus have the fan voted Japanese awards and the AXS MMA awards.

    We also look at what the PPV numbers say about this year’s Survivor Series and how it did compared to last year.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    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.

    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. 
    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: November 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    Also in this issue:

    –Surprising match from 25 years ago draws the largest pro wrestling crowd of the week

    –CMLL champ drops title he’s held more than four years

    –Caristico returns to CMLL and what happened

    –Notes on CMLL’s next two iPPV shows

    –Update on Rey Mysterio and his contract

    –AAA’s next two major shows

    –Talent from AAA that has gotten offers to jump

    –All Japan announcing new title bouts

    –Update on New Japan announcing and the next two shows on New Japan World in English

    –New Year’s Eve pro wrestling notes with one of Japan’s legendary feuds back with one participant working with the son of the other

    –Atsushi Onita’s 40th anniversary

    –Konnan debuts as MMA announcer

    –Real attendance and gate for Insane Championship Wrestling big show last month

    –Joey Ryan endorsement deal

    –Latest on Vince Russo and Jim Cornette

    –U.K. star in Japanese TV ad

    –Update on major Lucha Underground injury

    –Notes on Ultima Lucha 2

    –Who is playing the son of Dragon Azteca

    –Why one of the top stars of season one isn’t back in season two

    –Jack Evans and Angelico talk their WWE offer

    –Wrestler threatens legal action against Lucha Underground

    –A look at the next several weeks of ROH television

    –More on TNA’s next PPV

    –Notes on TNA TV

    –Notes on Jeff Hardy’s TNA future

    –Who is booked for TNA’s UK TV tapings

    –Gimmick matches for TNA’s late January tapings

    –Update on Mike Tenay in TNA

    –Notes on a potential UFC movie

    –UFC fighter arrested for assault on bar owner who wouldn’t let her use the bathroom

    –Ronda Rousey up for major award

    –Lots of new fights

    –New twist in Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock storyline

    –How future MMA stars did at U.S. wrestling nationals

    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.

    New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

  • WWE NXT Breaking Ground Episode 8: Crossroads; Scott Hall dops by, plus Sami Zayn, Dana Booke, and Apollo Crews

    Breaking Ground Episode 8: Crossroads 

    Submitted by: Ryan Pike

    Big Takeaway: Tino Sabatelli takes a step backwards, Sami Zayn works on his shoulder rehab, and Dana Brooke gets injured by Asuka’s ass on another chaotic episode of Breaking Ground.

    Show Recap: As with last week, an unfocused journey through NXT.

    Building off last episode’s cliffhanger, Triple H commends Bayley and Sasha Banks for their performance at TakeOver Brooklyn, notes that he thinks they left some “story on the table,” and asks them to main event the next TakeOver event in an Iron Man match. They (obviously) accept.

    Scott Hall visits the Performance Center for a week and is asked by Matt Bloom to work a bit with Baron Corbin. He gives him a few pointers as far as working heel goes, but aside from that and giving Apollo Crews some pointers on doing interviews – don’t make it seem like you’re cutting a promo, just speak like you usually do – he doesn’t really do much of anything.

    Sami Zayn is back at the Performance Center working on his shoulder rehabilitation and hopefully to get closer to a return. He’s not cleared yet and he does some resistance exercises that are designed to test his shoulder. Regal still thinks Zayn has a ways to go yet as a performer and wants him to focus on the basic notion of pro wrestling: at its core, it’s two people competing. Since he’s not cleared yet, he focuses on helping Tyler Breeze tutor Eva Marie. He offers her this advice on using pin-fall attempts to pace a match: “If we’re selling a story, these [sequences] are sentences, [pinfalls] are the punctuation.”

    Tino Sabbatelli is given a match, his second match ever, on a house show against Apollo Crews. He develops his character by looking at sweet suits. Tino does not look great in his match with Apollo. His striking looks terrible and he turns away from contact on a drop-kick in a way that almost endangers Apollo. Bloom gives him a rundown of what he did wrong, emphasizing paying attention to details and his striking (Vince’s motto is apparently “Men throw punches.”). Corbin pulls him aside and gives him some advice, too (noting that he’s had two matches and to put in the work). After the show, Bloom tells Tino that he’s being put back in Robbie Brookside’s beginners class (presumably so he can work on some fundamentals).

    Dana Brooke works out with the new Australian girls – Billie Kay is specifically identified – and talks about not being intimidated working with Asuka, who’s finally identified on this show. Anyway, immediately after talking about not being intimidated, she’s knocked loopy by an Asuka hip attack in a work-out and that’s the big cliffhanger: did Asuka’s ass kill Dana Brooke? (Spoiler: no.)

    In less important news: Josh from Tough Enough’s wife and daughter move to Florida finally, Nia Jax designs her ring gear for her TV debut, and Mojo Rawley has a party.

    Final Thoughts: Sadly, it was another fairly unfocused episode, as it included way too many NXT personalities for any of them to really register as important.

  • WWE Main Event Results: Tyler Breeze and Goldust fail to make the Smackdown card

    Tyler Breeze w/Summer Rae def. Goldust by pinfall

    Our opening contest is presented to us off the back of a one-week build, after Goldust’s selfie stick antics distracted Tyler into a loss to Titus O’Neil on last week’s Smackdown. It’s a measure of how far Breeze’s star has fallen that this match did not even make it on to Tuesday night’s live show – a show that, for example, featured The Ascension paying the price for not respecting decorations.

    Cute spot to begin here, where Tyler lies on the turnbuckle while waiting for Goldust to arise from his pre-match squat position, only for Goldust to then mimic him after getting the upper hand with a shoulder tackle.

    Goldust hits his reverse atomic drop, before sending Breeze to the outside and grabbing the selfie stick from a concerned Summer Rae. Breeze turns him around in fury, only to eat a forearm – allowing Goldust to take a lovely photo of himself and his fallen foe leading into commercials. Refreshing after watching this week’s Smackdown, where FOUR matches went to break right after the heel gained the advantage. Nice work, Road Dogg.

    Back with Goldust still on top, but Tyler quickly reverses the momentum by hitting a dropkick as Goldust comes off the ropes. Uninspiring heel offence follows, before Goldust briefly initiates a comeback – only to be cut-off with a super(model)kick for two. This leads us into the near-falls segment of the match, where Goldust also manages a typically crisp snap powerslam for another close two. He then inexplicably goes to the top rope, only to be distracted by Summer climbing the ringsteps in a repeat of last week’s awful Neville/Rusev finish.

    This allows Breeze to hit a second Supermodel Kick to down Goldust and secure the pinfall. Couple of mildly amusing moments from Goldust before the heat, but the rest wasn’t great – capped by a super-lame finish.

    Bo Dallas def. Fandango by pinfall

    Box-office stuff. Fandango cuts off Bo’s patented early victory lap (Bo: “I’M WINNING!”) with a clothesline, before shouting “Bolieve!” to celebrate.

    Very short match here, with not much of a structure to it. Fandango quickly starts his comeback after a Bo chinlock, hitting a dangerous looking slingshot leg drop for two. Pretty sure he connected with Bo’s face on that one.

    Fandango goes up top for The Last Dance, only for Bo to down him by hitting the ropes, before lifting him for his spinning neckbreaker off the ropes for the win.

    After the match, Bo finally finishes that victory lap, before getting on the mic to announce to the crowd that the rest of 2015 doesn’t matter – as he’s finished it a winner. He tells us that this is “just the bo-ginning”. Best of luck with that, champ.

    – We get a comprehensive look-back at Monday night’s Slammy Award ceremony.

    Jack Swagger def. The Miz by submission

    Miz holds up proceedings by flapping his arms to prepare for sunglasses takeoff, as is customary. Swagger, unimpressed, responds by making Miz wait for a rousing “We The People” chant.

    Early Swagger shine falls asunder when he attempts a suplex to the outside, only for Miz to duck under his legs, drop him on the apron and hit him with a baseball slide leading into commercials.

    Back with Miz signalling for the Awesome Clothesline (Miz: “I’m the people!”), only for Swagger to explode out of the corner with one of his own. Miz rolls to the floor to escape the ensuing Swagger Bomb attempt and decides to head up the ramp and cut his losses. Swagger chases him down however, and they do the “I’ll hold the back of your head while we walk together” spot on the way back to the ring.

    Miz gets his feet up off another Swagger Bomb attempt before hitting the DDT for two, to lead us into a very nice near-fall sequence. Said sequence culminates with Miz landing on his feet off an attempted Swagger gutwrench, before hitting a running boot to the head for two. Miz stalls and milks the crowd heat before lining up another – and hitting it. He then goes to the well a third time, only to be rolled-up for another close two-count. This allows Swagger to finally hit the Swagger Bomb at the third time of asking.

    Forearm exchange follows, which Swagger gets the best of, but Miz dodges a corner charge and finally gets that Awesome Clothesline he looked for earlier. Miz then, like Goldust, inexplicably goes to the top, only to jump right into a belly-to-belly slam and a Patriot Lock for the submission. Surprisingly good match from these two.

    Final Thoughts

    A step up from last week’s show as the so-called “featured contest”, between Jack Swagger and The Miz, was a very watchable affair. More bad news for Tyler Breeze however, as the first match of the Goldust feud that began on last week’s Smackdown wasn’t even deemed worthy of a spot on this week’s live show. Hey, at least he won for a change.

  • Daily Update: Christmas Eve! Another failure for Tibau, NOAH show announced

    We want to wish everyone reading and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.  And let’s do that with The 2015 Bryan and Vinny Christmas Show!

    Thanks to everyone for the nice words on the Lizmark story in the new issue and also want to thank Steve Sims for his help with the story.

    Smackdown will be replayed tonight on Syfy in the usual 8 p.m. time slot even though it aired live on the USA Network.  The lineup has:

    • Kofi Kingston & Big E vs. Lucha Dragons for tag titles
    • Dudleys & Kane & Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman
    • Usos vs. Alberto Del Rio & Rusev
    • Neville & Titus O’Neil vs. The Ascension – This match has some of the heaviest stakes in wrestling history as if The Ascension wins, Christmas is canceled.
    • Charlotte vs. Brie Bella non-title
    • Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler for the IC title – This match was very good.  

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly (12/21/15): Hulk Hogan and Nelson Frazier Lawsuit Updates
    Transcript gives new insight into the FBI/Gawker dispute, plus WWE gives us a peek at what their termination notices look like in the Nelson Frazier wrongful death lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    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.

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

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: December 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Slammy Awards, MMA Weight cutting

    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 9, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Jesse Ventura wins Minnesota Governor election, WCW trailing WWF, more
    Jesse Ventura becomes the Governor of Minnesota, WCW begins trailing WWF, ECW November to Remember recap, plus tons of news.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    The UFC announced that they were informed by USADA of a potential test failure involving Gleison Tibau from a test taken on 11/7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the day of his fight with Abel Trujillo.  This was the second time USADA has informed the UFC of a potential test failure involving Tibau.  USADA will be in charge of discipline in this case and has yet to make a final ruling.  It will be interesting to see if this second positive means a longer than two year suspension and if the two suspensions will be added to each other or served concurrently. 

    Pro Wrestling NOAH, coming off their big show yesterday in Tokyo, announced that Yoshinobu Kanemaru returns to the promotion on its 1/9 show at Korakuen Hall.  They also announced a major show on 1/31 at the Yokohama Bunka Gym with the Naomichi Marufuji vs. Takashi Sugiura grudge match that was set up in yesterday’s angle where Sugiura turned on NOAH and joined Suzuki-gun.  I was told yesterday’s Minoru Suzuki vs. Marufuji match was a clear level above their previous matches and it was said to be Marufuji’s best match in years. 

    PWInsider reported that Lucha Underground may be doing a show in the Dallas area during WrestleMania week.  Some of the talent has been contacted that they may be needed that week and thus to not book themselves.

    “CONCUSSIONS”

    A story on the movie Concussions

    Movie notes we’ve been told:  The movie also has some pacing issues- it clocks in at just over 2 hours, and yet jumps between the deaths of Mike Webster (2002), Justin Strzelczyk (2004) and Andre Waters (2006) in short order. I’d probably give it 3 stars out of 4, definitely worth a watch and an engrossing dramatic depiction of a story that you both know well.

    Chris Nowinski does not get mentioned in the movie. The film portrays Will Smith’s character (Dr. Bennet Omalu) as the person who asks for and receives Andre Water’s family’s consent to have his brain tissue examined post-mortem, instead of Chris. The Sports Legacy Institute is not mentioned at all in the film or the post-script.

    Dr. Joseph Maroon, played by Arliss Howard, does not come off well at all. Smith/Omalu notices a correlation between the deceased players and documentation noting Maroon as a medical provider. Baldwin’s character (former Steelers’ Doctor Julian Bailes) arranges a meet between he, Omalu and Maroon to discuss the evidence of CTE (in what I believe is Maroon’s only in-person scene in the movie). Maroon rebuffs Omalu’s attempts at sharing the information, leading to the scene from the trailers where Omalu tearfully implores someone to “tell the truth.” In the movie, it is Maroon that he is speaking to. Maroon doesn’t come off the worst in the film (that probably falls to Roger Goodell), but he is clearly represented as acting as a barrier on behalf of the NFL.  

    WWE

    • It’s worth going out of your way to see the four-way tag match on NXT this week.
    • There will be ratings delays over the next couple of weeks because of the holidays.  Raw ratings next week will hopefully be up on Wednesday.  TNA ratings for Tuesday are expected up on Thursday.  It will probably be the same next week and then get back to normal the week after.
    • The stock continued a big pre-Christmas week, up 25 cents per share today to close at $18.77.
    • The WWE Network airs a Swerved marathon that started at 4 p.m. today.  They will also be airing a Table for 3 marathon tomorrow.
    • A story on pro wrestlers working on their Improv skills at clubs in Southern California, including Dolph  Ziggler.

    TNA

    • TNA is uploading 12 weeks worth of Impact, the entire world title tournament, with a new episode uploaded daily at 9 a.m. Eastern at ImpactWrestling.com starting tomorrow morning.  This will run until 1/4, the day before the tournament concludes on Pop TV from Bethlehem, PA.

    UFC/MMA

    Ultimate Insider airs on Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern on FS 1 with Megan Olivi.  There will be stories with Robbie Lawler preparing for his title defense against Carlos Condit, Roy Nelson’s reactions watching the Travis Browne vs. Andrei Arlovski match of the year candidate and Joe Rogan talks about upcoming fights in 2016.

    The Countdown too UFC 195 airs Sunday at 4:30 p.m on FS 1, covering Lawler vs. Condit and Andrei Arlovski vs. Stipe Miocic.

    A Fights of the Year special will be on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on FS 1

    UFC 189, one of the biggest shows of the year, with Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes and Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, will air on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. on FS 1

    Karyn Bryant, Daniel Cormier, Kenny Florian, Tyron Woodley and Ariel Helwani will be the crew for FS 1 covering UFC 195, which takes place a week from Saturday on PPV.

    • UFC has signed a new TV deal in the Philippines with on the Hyper Channel starting in November.
    • Emanuel Yarbrough, who passed away on Monday, when he was only 400 or so pounds, takes on Tom Erikson, who also had a long career in MMA after being one of the top wrestlers in the world, this took place at the National JC finals
    • The World Series of Fighting has a Greatest Hits show on Sunday at 2 p.m. Eastern hosted by Chael Sonnen, Bas Rutten and Todd Harris.  They will announce the company’s Fight of the Year from a fan vote, Finish of the Year and Upset of the Year.  You can vote for Fighter of the Year.
    • AP ran a story about Campbell McLaren’s Combate Americas promotion
    • Colleen Schneider vs. Raquel Pa’apaluhi has been added to the next Invicta show on 1/16 in Costa Mesa, CA.  This is another Fight Pass show.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Shawn Michaels has been added to the Pro Wrestling Icons and Comic Book Collectors fanfest on 4/16 in conjunction with Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.  Michaels will be there that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with $100 getting you one photo and one autograph.  Photos and autographs separately are $60.  VIP tickets are $300 that get you in front of the line and four autographs.  More info
    • Matt Farmer has an independent wrestling history story
    • A story on a 19-year-old boxer who passed away due to injuries in Michigan this past week
    • TCW has announced a $4.99 per month subscription service.
    • Smash vs. CZW on 1/16 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center.  Among the matches are Johnny Gargano vs. Sami Callihan, Drew Gulak vs. Tarik, Pepper Parks & BLK Jeez & Mike Rollins vs. Brent Banks & Super Smash Brothers, D.J. Hyde vs. Scotty O’Shea and Jonathan Gresham vs. Tyson Dux.
    • Infinity Pro Wrestling on 1/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory.
    • Magen Boys Entertainment on 1/27 in Vaughan, ONT at The Avenue Banquet Hall featuring Nikolai Volkoff. 
    • Barrie Wrestling on 1/30 at Ferris Lane Community Church in Barrie, ONT.
    • IHWE on 1/30 in Crowley, TX with Charlie Haas & Ray Rowe, managed by Black Bart, vs. Jax Dane & Rodney Mack, plus Blue Pants Leva Bates.  They also have a 3/31 show in Fort Worth hosted by Jim Cornette.
    • Caristico & La Mascara vs Cibernetico & Sharly Rockstar headline Arena Neza on Christmas day.  There are a ton of shows on Friday in the Mexico City area including an iPPV from Arena Mexico with 12 masked men in a cage and last man left in the cage loses his mask with Blue Panther Jr., Esfinge, Fuego, The Panther, Pegasso, Triton, Cancerbero, Puma King, Sangre Azteca, Super Comando and Tiger.
    • The Tijuana Christmas show at Auditorio Municipal has Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Hijo del Rey Misterio & Super Muneco vs. Damian 666 & Pakal & Rey Misterio II, plus Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno in TNA) & Rey Hours (Lucha Underground) vs. Bestia 666 & X-Fly. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Papadon was announced as the third man in the ECWA Super 8 tournament this year along with Davey Richards and Jason Kincaid for the show on 4/13 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
    • Matt Tremont has opened “Bulldozer’s Collectibles, ” a pro wrestling and sports memorabilia store inside Mike’s Custom Airbrush at the Berlin Farmers Market at 41 Clementon Rd., in Berlin, NJ off entrance B-10.  It will be open Thursdays from  10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  For more info you can call 609-289-7198.
    • My good friend, longtime reader and sometime guest Jeff Bukantz (likely the only person ringside for Bruno Sammartino vs. Ivan Koloff, Pedro Morales vs. Ivan Koloff and Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia title matches) will be doing the color for the Boston Grand Prix fencing championships on NBC Sports on 1/3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.  Whenever he does commentary, he almost always sneaks some interesting wrestling references.
    • ECCW on 1/16 in Vancouver, BC at the Commodore Ballroom with a show where you have to be 19 or older to attend with a cage match main event.  They also run 1/2 at the Russian Community Centre in Vancouver.
    • All Star Wrestling on 1/29 in Surrey, BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds with Azeem the Dream & Christopher Ryseck vs. Jinder Mahal & Gama Singh Jr.

    Here is today’s FULL Daily Pro Wrestling History including International history: Daily pro wrestling history (12/24): Rock & Roll Express win SMW Tag Team Titles