Decided at the last minute to take my son Ian (whose birth got a shoutout by Dave on wrestlingobserver.com a little over 7 years ago) to his first WWE event at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO.
Ryback vs. Erick Rowan.
Ryback won via Shellshock.
Bo Dallas vs. Zack Ryder.
Zack Ryder won via Ruff Ryder.
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin.
Balor won via top rope double foot stomp.
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler vs Dean Ambrose.
Ambrose got huge pop. Owens was on the floor when Ambrose hit Dirty Deeds on Ziggler in the ring. Owens pulled Ambrose out of the ring and threw him into the steps and pinned Ziggler. Best match of the night.
Usos & Kane vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper & Braun Strowman.
Kane pins Harper with a chokeslam. Good match.
Naomi & Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch & Charlotte.
Charlotte submitted Naomi with the Figure Eight. Good short match.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Neville. No Zeb Colter.
Del Rio won with the top rope foot stomp with Neville lying in the ropes in the corner. Good match.
Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns.
Biggest pop of the night for Reigns. Huge “You look stupid” chant at Sheamus. Sheamus was the most hated man in the building and has the cocky heel persona down. Good match with Reigns kicking out of all of Sheamus’s big moves.. Kevin Owens ran in and attacked Reigns for the DQ leading to Ambrose making the save. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick leading to Reigns hitting his spear to send everyone home happy.
Roderick Strong beat Dave Rayne, Charlie Garrett, El Ligero, Bubblegum, and Kenny King.
Usual fun 6 man opener.
Sha Samuels beat Dalton Castle.
The East End Butcher vs the Peacock of Professional Wrestling was everything one thought it might be. Sha remains undefeated.
Adam Cole beat Ashton Smith to retain the PCW Cruiserweight title.
Decent match.
Noam Dar beat Cedric Alexander.
This was really good and a lesson in how to work with a tired crowd.
T Bone and Rampage Brown beat Martin Kirby and Joey Hayes, War Machine (Hansen and Rowe), and reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish).
All action 4 way tag action with T Bone and Rampage picking up the win with a double pin on Martin and Joey. A highlight of this match was just how ill O’Reilly looked, clearly very hungover.
Dave Mastiff beat Silas Young.
Solid match and Silas has impressed this weekend.
Lionheart beat Delirious.
Not much to say about this one. Lionheart is not a popular man amongst the fans.
Jay Lethal beat Doug Williams to retain the ROH World Title.
These two renewing acquaintances from TNA days. Looked like they had fun and it was a well worked match.
Show Three —
Dalton Castle beat Silas Young, Ashton Smith, Charlie Garrett, Martin Kirby, and Cedric Alexander.
Possibly the best multi man of the weekend so far. The very popular Dalton Castle got the pin on Silas.
Roderick Strong beat Lionheart.
Relatively short. Strong won by countout after Lionheart walked out. Such is Lionheart’s unpopularity that Strong’s usual “shitty little boots” chant became “awesome little boots” as he was very much the face here.
War Machine (Hanson and Rowe) beat reDRagon (O’Reilly and Fish).
This was really good and garnered “this is awesome” chants by end. Eventually War Machine killed O’Reilly and got the win.
El Ligero beat Kenny King.
King came out in BDC jacket and then faked a leg injury early on which got him some heel heat but generally fairly split crowd. Decent match, Ligero got the match after hitting the C4L.
X-Pac, Dave Rayne, Roy and Zak Knight w/ Scott Hall beat T Bone, Rampage Brown, Bubblegum, and Iestyn Rees w/ Joanna Rose.
Big reaction for X-Pac, Hall, and the Hooligans who were all surprises. Feel good match with the faces triumphing with Pac pinning Rees after some toothpick action from Hall.
Jay Lethal beat Joey Hayes to retain the ROH World Title.
With Hayes still on the mend from a pec injury this was a very respectable 10 minute match. Lethal winning with the Lethal Injection.
Sha Samuels beat Delirious.
Another clash of personalities and another choke out win for Sha.
Noam Dar beat Drew Galloway.
Originally billed as Dar vs PCW Academy trainee Jack Baron, Galloway came through the crowd and attacked him to set up Dar-Galloway III. This was really really good, match of the night. Brawling outside the ring, heated action inside it, and Dar having kicked out of the futureshock DDT made Galloway tap out.
Dave Mastiff drew 3-3 with Adam Cole in a 30-minute iron man match to retain the PCW Heavyweight Title.
This struggled to follow the previous match especially given the downsides of the iron man format. Still a decent match though, Cole took an early 2-0 lead, Mastiff came back to lead 3-2 before Cole equalised in the last minute. Declared a draw, a 5 minute overtime period was then declared a double DQ when Sha Samuels attacked both men. A bit of a flat ending to a good show.
It is a very slow news weekend coming off of the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. UFC Fight Night 79 from Seoul took place early this morning. The main event saw Benson Henderson get a close win over Jorge Masvidal in 5 round by judges decision. Sexyama was also on the card! Check out our play-by-play for the full results.
We are looking for a new TNA Impact Reviewer, CLICK HERE for more info.
Event Schedule:
WWE runs Saturday night in Kansas City with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.
WWE runs Sunday in Huntington, WV with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto De Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.
New Japan tag team tournament Sunday in Ehime
Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi
Raw is Monday in Pittsburgh. Nothing to this point has been announced for the show.
A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.
We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.
We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.
We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.
We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.
We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.
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
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. 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.
The first episode of 6:05 Superpodcast with Brian Last and our own David Bixenspan is up with talk of TBS wrestling and Terry Funk among many other things.
Great North Wrestling Nov. 27th Results from Rockland ON before 450 fans: Jeremy Prophet became the new GNW Canadian Champion over The Giant Darko and Hannibal when Senator Patrick Brazeau interfeared in the match throwing a substance in Hannibal’s eyes and pushing him off of a 15 foot ladder onto the cement floor while Darko was knocked out from a Sacrifice Power Bomb. “Pretty Boy” Preston Perry defeated Bushwacker Luke, Vanessa Kraven defeated Femmes Fatales woman’s champion Jessica Black via count out,”Steel Warrior” Yves Drouin & MVP beat Paul Rosenberg & Soa Amin, Knine defeated Bret Mcleod, Blade defeated Mystify & Shooter Storm in a handicap match, Freak Nation defeated Katalyst & Sean Macmillan, Gregory “The Ripper” Carpenter defeated Sami “The Saint” Tokan in a grappling match.
UFC/MMA
In what could end up being a fairly major story in the coming weeks and months, Benson Henderson has completed his UFC contract after his fight today with Jorge Masvidal in the main event of today’s event in Seoul. He left his gloves in the center of the Octagon after the fight and said “Thank you for all the memories”. He’d obviously be highly sought after for Bellator for obvious reasons (ex-UFC star) and One Championships as well due to his tremendous popularity in Asia, where they run all their shows. He’s also someone who UFC can match up against just about any Welterweight or Lightweight on their roster and headline an FS 1 or Fight Pass show or co-headline a big FOX show. With a show seemingly every week, he’d be extremely valuable for UFC to retain as well.
The Seoul card was very good, by the way. Strong main card with some entertaining prelims.
Next weekend’s Shooto Brasil show on UFC Fight Pass will feature Michael Bisping on commentary. During today’s Fight Pass show, that was pushed far more than the main event of the show, which is a Lightweight title fight between Ronys Torres and Wallace Lopes. The show airs next Saturday at 5 pm eastern on a weekend when UFC has no event scheduled.
Springfield, Missouri: – Ed “Strangler” Lewis beat Whitey Hewitt – Casey Columbo and Jimmy Moore wrestled to a 30 minute draw
1939
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Paul Jones defeated Pedro Martinez for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title
1957
Kansas City, Kansas: – Ronnie Etchison and Thor Hagen beat Tommy O’Toole and Great Tonina in the finals of a one night tournament to win the vacant Central States tag team titles
1958
St. Joseph, Missouri: – Bob Ellis defeated Bob Geigel to win Central States Title
1963
St. Paul, Minnesota: – The Crusher defeated Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Title
Kansas City, Kansas: – Mongolian Stomper won a 10 man battle royal – Mongolian Stomper and Pat O’Connor wrestled to a double count out – Bob Geigel beat Bulldog Plechas – Sonny Myers drew Enrique Torres – Rock Hunter beat Ronnie Etchison – Larry Hamilton beat Mike Sharpe (dq)
1968
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – Dr. X beat The Crusher – Bill Watts beat Harley Race – Pampero Firpo beat Luke Brown – Larry Hennig drew Billy Red Lyons
1973
Honolulu, Hawaii: – North American Champion Billy Robinson beat Fred Blassie – Ripper Collins & Greg Valentine beat Sam Steamboat & Neff Maiava in 2 out of 3 falls to win Hawaiian tag title – Billy Graham beat Ken Patera dq – Bobo Johnson & Haiti Kid beat Little Bruiser & Tokyo Joe – Ed Francis no contest Al Madril
1977
Memphis, Tennessee: – Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson defeated The Samoans (Afa & Sika) to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title – Jimmy Valiant defeated Jerry Lawler for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title
1979
Omaha, Nebraska: – AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Super Destroyer Mark III – Jesse Ventura drew Greg Gagne – Billy Robinson beat Lord Alfred Hayes – Adrian Adonis beat Paul Ellering – Dino Bravo beat Buddy Wolff
1982
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Tito Santana – Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Jerry Blackwell & Sheik Adnan – Ken Patera beat Larry Hennig – Rick Martel beat Bobby Duncum dq
1985 Thanksgiving Night
St. Paul, Minnesota: Attendance was 12,000 – Scott Hall won a battle royal – Jerry Blackwell beat Michael Hayes – Road Warriors beat Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts – Buck Zumhofe beat Steve Regal to win light heavyweight title – Scott Hall beat Boris Zhukov dq – Mongolian Stomper beat Kevin Kelly – Leon White drew Bill Irwin
Dallas, Texas: – Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez defeated Kerry & Kevin Von Erich in a Steel Cage to win the World Class American Tag Team Title – In a match for the World Class title, Iceman King Parsons defeated champion Rick Rude by dq – John Tatum defeated Scott Casey in a steel cage match
Greensboro, North Carolina: – Magnum TA defeated Tully Blanchard in an I Quit match in a steel cage to win the United States Heavyweight Title – The Rock N’ Roll Express defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff to win the NWA World Tag Team Title – Buddy Landell defeated Terry Taylor to win the NWA National Title – Krusher Khruschev defeated Sam Houston to win the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title
Your Divas champion becomes the latest idiot babyface to fall victim to the deadly distraction/schoolboy combo.
Titus O’Neil w/Darren Young defeated Stardust by countout (3:40)
The first of two matches on this show that were set up on RAW the previous night. Titus of course took a wrong-turn into Cody’s backstage planetarium (not a euphemism) on Monday night, before pinning Cosmic Wasteland member, Konnor, in the subsequent six-man tag.
Very short back-and-forth TV match, with no real discernible structure to it. Usual shine stuff for Titus in the beginning where he channels the Big Show by delivering forehand chops to his foe’s chest in the corners. Stardust gets caught off a top rope cross body attempt, allowing Titus to hit his rib-breakers before tossing him with gay abandon. Speaking of which, Darren was on commentary for this one. He mentioned the “paywinda” twice. No-one laughed.
Titus does the Gator Bark to signal the splash in the corner, but Stardust bails and walks to the back for the lame countout finish. Gotta keep Stardust looking strong, ya know?
Ryback defeated Heath Slater by pinfall (2:58)
We get a clip of The Ryback ruining The One Man Band’s performance in Nashville the prior evening. Hey, I know this will be a squash match, but I appreciate that they’re at least creating the illusion that this show matters in the grand scheme of things.
Heath’s out for revenge. He dresses down Ryback before the bell, comparing himself angrily and favorably to one Garth Brooks. More like Chris Gaines, right?! Right?
Short enhancement match. Ryback gets the win by countering Heath’s patented top-rope flying nothing into a spinebuster, followed by a Meathook and a Shellshock.
Rusev defeated Zach Ryder by submission (4:17)
Mild “Let’s Go Ryder! WOO, WOO, WOO!” and “USA!” chants after the bell from this Indianapolis crowd. They must be an optimistic bunch.
A longer than expected enhancement match here, in which Rusev gave Ryder quite a lot, including two consecutive Broski Boots for a close two-count.
Unsurprisingly however, Rusev eventually locked on the Accolade and Zach tapped like Fred Astaire.
– No backstage segments on this week’s show, but we do get a recap of the main event segment on RAW, where Roman Reigns ran off Sheamus and his Euro buddies with a steel chair.
Brie Bella w/Alicia Fox defeated Charlotte by pinfall (9:34)
Yep, you read that right.
Opening bell rings amid the now obligatory “We Want Sasha” chants. Decent match – certainly better than last week’s psychology-free Naomi/Alicia effort – in which Brie worked Charlotte’s left arm consistently throughout the contest. Although quite what submission she was setting herself up for is very much up for debate. As is persisting to use your husband’s babyface kick sequence when you’re supposed to be a heel.
Back-and-forth finishing sequence, in which both women hit their signature moves, climaxing in a big boot and a spear from Ms. Flair.
And then, Paige’s music hit. And Charlotte walked to the ropes to gawp at her like an idiot. Before falling victim to the most electrifying move in sports entertainment – the schoolboy – for the one, two, three. Lame.
Final Thoughts
A much-less focused show than last week’s offering, which was all about bigging up Titus O’Neil. And from a wrestling perspective, two awful finishes and two squashes do not a happy Main Event viewer make. Recommendation to avoid.
While we await the debut of GFW Amped and an announcement of new Global Force Wrestling shows, the promotion already has a new titleholder as Sonjay Dutt defeated P.J. Black (the former Justin Gabriel) to become the Nex*Gen champion Friday night, their version of the X Division or cruiserweight champion.
Black had won a tournament for the title on 10/23 in Las Vegas in a four-way final match with TJP, Jigsaw, and Virgil Flynn. On that same night, Nick “Magnus” Aldis beat Bobby Roode for the GFW title while Christina Von Eerie downed Amber Gallows for their women’s title.
A former mainstay in TNA and plenty of indies, the 33-year-old Dutt has been part of the promotion’s roster since May.
The match was part of WrestleCade, a weekend event in Winston-Salem, NC, that is built around the Thanksgiving wrestling tradition that existed for so long in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem metropolitan area. Another show is scheduled for Saturday, headlined by Jeff Jarrett vs. Matt Hardy.
Two-time IWGP Champion and current NJPW star A.J. Styles missed today’s New Japan show in Yamaguchi, Japan, due to a back injury.
Styles & Yujiro Takahashi were scheduled against Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata, but Goto & Shibata were awarded the win via forfeit. Goto & Shibata beat Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu after some changes to the undercard.
According to those close to the situation, Styles took the show off for rest and treatment and he is expected back in action shortly. Styles & Takahashi’s next tournament match is scheduled against ROH tag team champions Michael Bennett & Matt Taven for this Tuesday in Fukuoka at Hakata Star Lanes.
The 38-year-old Styles had been out of action a few weeks ago with back problems before the tour, causing him to miss two ROH dates. He is set for some big matches in the months ahead, facing ROH Champion Jay Lethal at December’s Final Battle iPPV and Nakamura at January’s Wrestle Kingdom 10.
AXS TV is airing college basketball tonight so no New Japan, live fights or Inside MMA.
WWE and NXT aren’t running shows tonight.
CMLL will be airing live at 9:30 p.m. at www.clarosports.com This is expected to be available in the U.S. free of charge live from Arena Mexico.
The New Japan tag team tournament continues this weekend. Here are the tournament matches that will be up in the morning each day on New Japan World (they aren’t airing live)
New Japan Tag team tournament tomorrow in Yamaguchi
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
UFC ON FIGHT PASS FULL CARD IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA AT 5 A.M. EASTERN AND 2 A.M. PACIFIC TIME
Dominique Steele (171) vs. Dong Hyun Kim II (170)
Ning Guangyou (134) vs. Marco Beltran (136)
Yao Zhukui (126) vs. Fredy Serano (125)
Seo Hee Ham (115) vs. Cortney Casey (116)
Tae Hyun Bang (156) vs. Leo Kuntz (156)
Yui Chul Nam (146) vs. Mike de la Torre (146)
Dongi Yang (186) vs. Jake Collier (185)
Doo Ho Choi (146) vs. Sam Sicilia (146)
Choo Sung-hoon (better known as Yoshihiro Akiyama, but using his Korean name here) (170) vs. Alberto Mina (171)
Dong Hyun Kim Original (170) vs. Dominic Waters (170)]
Benson Henderson (170) vs. Jorge Masvidal (170)
WWE runs Saturday night in Kansas City with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.
WWE runs Sunday in Huntington, WV with Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, The Wyatts, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, Alberto De Rio, Kane, Usos and Ryback.
New Japan tag team tournament Sunday in Ehime
Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
Michael Bennett & Matt Taven vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin vs Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi
Raw is Monday in Pittsburgh. Nothing to this point has been announced for the show.
A look at the decision to make Sheamus the WWE champion and its ramifications is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We look at WWE’s options, both the obvious ones and the ones out of the box, different ways to use people, the nature of the decision, the prior identical decision in 2011 and the storyline it was supposed to lead to and why it was made.
We look at the real long-term goal, the note on the ratings, the portrayal of Sheamus leading up to the title change, the plans for the TLC show, what has been messed up, the women’s division, the WWE blaming Charlotte on a bad taste angle, ESPN and WWE, plus match-by-match coverage of Survivor Series with poll results and star ratings.
We look at the TNA deal with Pop TV, both the good and the bad of it, plus the tapings in Bethlehem, the economics of the deal and note on the station.
We’ve got a look at the New Japan tag team tournament, with current standings, goals of the tournament, who probably can’t win the tournament, and coverage of the tournament so far.
We also look at why Genichiro Tenryu is one of the biggest stars of the past 40 years in wrestling, with a look at his career in wrestling, his days in sumo, his early U.S. run, his rise in All Japan, why he left All Japan, how his leaving led to a boom period for All Japan, his deal with Super World Sports, his feud with Riki Choshu and Jumbo Tsuruta, the real story behind his Tokyo Dome match with Hulk Hogan, the story behind his rise. the WAR days his biggest matches and his final show.
We also have an update on Randy Orton, Cesaro, notes on new WWE signing La Sombra, thoughts on the Sombra signing, how it’s the same and different from the original Mistico signing, WWE week on USA and changes this year, WWE Network shows, Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw, legal briefs filed by WWE, why Stephanie McMahon has been gone from TV and why she’s back regularly, next Takeover special, HHH talks Hogan’s return, John Cena talks his departure, WWE star teases retirement in a few years, Mick Foley upset with creative direction and notes from the developmental shows over the weekend,.
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
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. 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.
Want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Right now we have a special on the site for a one-month subscription for just $3.99.
Ronda Rousey has resurfaced in social media posting a family photo from Thanksgiving yesterday. She looks fine and there is no indication from the photo of a broken jaw or any facial injuries.
For those in Canada, The Fight Network will be airing the main card for UFC from Seoul, South Korea at 8 a.m. tomorrow mooring, as well as repeating it at 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Eastern time.
Wrestlecade, based on Starrcade over Thanksgiving weekend, takes place in Winston-Salem, NC tomorrow. There is a fan fest as well as matches with names listed as appearing including Matt Hardy, Ken Anderson, Ricky Steamboat, Bob Holly, Robert Fuller, George South, Abdullah the Butcher, The Mulkey Brothers, Tom Prichard, Barbi Hayden, Kevin Sullivan, Shane Douglas, Sonjay Dutt, The Godfather, Jimmy Golden, Sam Houston, Justin Credible, Luke Hawx, Trevor Murdoch, Harley Race, Gunner, Bobby Heenan, Stan Hansen, Tatanka, Bob Caudle, Baby Doll, Don Kernodle, Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Valiant, Shane Helms, C.W. Anderson, Armando Alejandro Estrada, David Taylor, Steve Corino, 2 Cold Scorpion, Masked Superstar, Caprice Coleman, Chris Hamrick, Al Snow, Drew Galloway, Ron Garvin, Tessa Blanchard, Brutus Beefcake, Greg Valentine, Arn Anderson, Santana Garrett, Lufisto, Jessicka Havoc, Shelton Benjamin, Johnny Mundo, Jeff Jarrett, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Missy Hyatt, Henry Godwinn, Bill Apter, Road Warrior Animal, Jim Cornette, Colt Cabana, Del Wilkes, PJ Black, Matt Sydal, Ray Lloyd, Italian Stallion and Bill Dundee.
PJ Black vs. Sonjay Dutt for the GFW Nex Gen title will be on the show tomorrow.
Bellator announced its first show outside North America on 4/16 at Pala Alitour in Torino, Italy. The show will be a joint promotion between Bellator and the French promotion Oktagon Kickboxing. Tickets go on sale locally on 12/14. Bellator also announced the signing of Alessio Sakara from Italy, a former UFC fighter who is expected to headline that show.
The Fight Network will be airing KSW 33 at 2 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow from Krakow, Poland headlined by Michal Materia (22-4) vs. Mamed Khalidov (30-4-2) for the middleweight title and Michal Kti (16-& vs. Karol Bedof (12-2) for the heavyweight title.
Lance & Harlem Bravado have been added to the Evolve tag team title tournament that starts on 1/22 in Ybor City, FL and will also include shows on 1/23 and 1/24 in Orlando.
ICW runs Sunday in Edinburgh, Scotland with Grado defending the ICW title against Lionheart.
The Northern Wrestling Federation has its 20th anniversary show tomorrow night in Fairfield, OH at the UAW Hall with Abyss and Chris Harris appearing.
Pure Wrestling Association on 12/5 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club.
Circle City Wrestling from last night in Indianapolis: Jonathan Owens b Trevor Court, Dru Skillz b Rob Conway, Billy Gunn & Kevin Thorn b Rod Street & Brian Klass Mike King won Battle Royal, Thunderkitty b Cameron Star, Poison Apollo & Remi Wilkins b Corporal Robinson & Joey Kidd Owens to win tag titles (thanks to Leonard Brand)
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL
1970 – El Solitario beat Ray Mendoza in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title
2002 – Cima & Suwa & Don Fujii beat Milano Collection A.T. & Yossino & Brother Yasshi to win the UWA trios titles
2007 – La Sombra beat Hajime Ohara in Mexico City to win the NWA welterweight title
2011 – Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Ricky Marvin in Tokyo to win the vacant GHC jr. title
2012 – Estrellita beat Princesa Blanca in Guadalajara to win the Mexican national women’s title
Barry Rose listed these shows that took place historically on 11/26 in Florida
1956 – June Byers beat Dot Dotson to retain the NWA women’s title (Sarasota)
1958 – Enrique Torres beat Big Ben Sharpe (Miami)
1964 – Bob Orton Sr. beat Tarzan Tyler (Jacksonville)
1968 – Sailor Art Thomas beat Great Malenko with Joe Louis as referee (Tampa sellout)
1973 – Dusty Rhodes beat Great Malenko in a cage match (Orlando)
1974 – Dusty Rhodes beat Cowboy Bill Watts in a cage match for the Florida title (Tampa)
1974 – Bob Armstrong beat Mike McCord (Austin Idol) to keep the North American title (Fort Myers)
1975 – Rocky Johnson beat King Curtis Iaukea (Miami Beach)
1977 – Dusty Rhodes beat Lars Anderson (St. Petersburg)
1979 – Harley Race beat Steve Keirn to retain the NWA title (West Palm Beach)
1980 – Dusty Rhodes & Bobo Brazil beat R.T. Tyler & Bobby Jaggers via DQ (Miami Beach)
Adam Cole beat El Ligero and Bubblegum to win the PCW Cruiserweight Title
Fun opener that brought a new champion. Ligero eliminated Bubblegum who then pedigreed Ligero before leaving. After some back and forth Cole picked up the victory.
Doug Williams beat Silas Young
Silas didn’t garner much reaction at first but this was a good match and the crowd had fun with his physical resemblance to Jake Roberts and Tom Selleck. Doug got the pin with the Chaos Theory after Silas missed his finisher.
Sha Samuels beat Kenny King
Usual variety of crowd chants for Samuels, and good reaction for King as the face. Samuels remains undefeated in PCW after choking King out.
Joey Hayes and Martin Kirby beat Delirious and Dalton Castle
Good comedy match with Hayes pinning Delirious. Dalton Castle and his eentrance much loved.
PCW Champion Dave Mastiff beat Roderick Strong
Good back and forth match once it got going. Usual shitty boots shenanigans between Roddy and the crowd. Mastiff won clean after his cannonball in the corner.
War Machine, Cedrick Alexander, and Lionheart (Team ROH) beat Dave Rayne, Ashton Smith, Charlie Garrett, and Iestyn Rees (Team PCW)
Fun all action 8 man that ended with a parade of finishers on poor Dave Rayne from the ROH team.
PCW Tag Team Champions Team Single (T-Bone and Rampage Brown) b reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish) in a street fight
This was really good with ringside brawling, use of chairs, rubber chicken/pig, and wrapping paper. Both teams had near falls broken up at two and three quarters before T-Bone pinned O’Reilly after a Steiner Screwdriver. Another tease of dissension between T-Bone and Rampage just before the finish. Post match Joey Hayes and Martin Kirby won the tag titles after a Money In The Bank cash in but heel GM Joanna Rose overturned it on the technicality Joey cashed in Martin’s briefcase. Mmm.
ROH Champion Jay Lethal b Noam Dar to retain the ROH World Title
Special Star Wars entrance for Dar. Good, long match that never quite caught fire into a great one. Lethal won with Lethal Injection.
It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.
Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! There will be no “Fighters to Watch” this week though as it’s a two fight episode.
The Notorious Quote of the Week: “Dana recognized that these fighters were getting frustrated, and brought a lot of nice friendly women in to have fun with them.” Hmmmm.
Team McGregor finished the first round 6-3. Chris Gruetzemacher was eliminated because he had the weakest performance, but one of the quarter finalists may be out. Dana White comes out to make an announcement. “Martin (Svensson) has a broken elbow – he’s out.” He brings Gruetzemacher up to the front and has him face off with Artem Lobov. Conor McGregor predicts Lobov will finish him in the first round.
For those not keeping track the rest of the quarterfinals are Saul Rogers (McGregor) vs. Ryan Hall (Faber), Marcin Wrzosek (McGregor) vs. David Teymur (McGregor) and Julian Erosa (Faber) vs. Abner Lloveras (McGregor). Dana White holds a pool party for the fighters at the house, complete with girls in bikinis and alcohol flowing freely.
Faber: “This little reminder about what’s on the outside is going to help them perform and do the things they want.” McGregor: “Dana recognized that these fighters were getting frustrated, and brought a lot of nice friendly women in to have fun with them. And that’s what happened – we had fun today.” The first quarterfinal is five days away, and the camera immediately cuts to “five days later” and the warm-ups.
Lightweight: Artem Lobov (Europe) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (USA)
Lobov is in the gray trunks and Gruetzemacher the blue. “Gritz” is the aggressor early, pushing the pace and throwing kicks. Of course we know Lobov throws strikes from unorthodox angles and with a ton of power, and we see him land a really nice combo at 1:35. Moments later John McCarthy calls for time due to a knee to Lobov’s cup. McGregor tells Lobov to be a “little more flow-y” but the blood is already flow-ing from Gruetzemacher’s face. Gritz tries to clinch him on the fence for elbows. McGregor: “What’s he got? NOTHIN’.” His blood winds up all over Lobov’s left shoulder. Gruetzemacher is still attacking though, throwing body kicks and leg kicks and getting right in Lobov’s face. Gritz lands a clean hard elbow at 4:20. For the last two minutes of R1 he was the dominant striker, despite what McGregor is saying.
Gritz goes right back to the leg kicks and body kicks to open R2. Lobov is still ripping off power shots but has yet to stun or drop Gritz with any of them. A frustrated Lobov is now throwing kicks of his own. Gritz has started to open up Lobov’s face with his strikes 1:45 in. Lobov is slowing down and not just because his legs hurt – he’s spent all his time swinging for the fences hoping to put Gritz away. He finally drops Gritz with one at 2:46 but Gritz gets back up. McGregor: “Play with him he’s badly hurt!” A left hook drops Gritz at 3:15 and McGregor runs and jumps the fence to hug him and celebrate. LOBOV ADVANCES TO THE SEMIS VIA KNOCKOUT.
Ryan Hall vs. Saul Rogers is up after the commercial break.
Lightweight: Saul Rogers (Europe) vs. Ryan Hall (USA)
Rogers is in the gray trunks and Hall the blue. Rogers opens up with his hands right away. Hall is doing his best to stay at range and he throws a couple of good head kicks, though he gets dumped on his back on one. Rogers doesn’t go to the ground with him. Rogers dumps him again on a body kick at 1:22. The fighters are warned to keep the fingers out of the eyes at 3:10. Rogers goes for a takedown at 3:40 and doesn’t get it. Hall dives for a takedown at 4:05 and doesn’t get it. Hall looks like his right eye may be swelling up from the strikes of Rogers. On to round two!
There are only ten minutes left so this one isn’t going to a sudden death round. They touch gloves and Rogers quickly pops him with a right hand. Faber is calling for Hall to pressure Rogers. Hall goes for a takedown but Rogers ends up on top in full guard. Hall is warned to watch shots to the back of the head. Hall scoots to the fence. Rogers backs off and lets Hall stand at 1:30. Hall shoots and misses, Rogers tags him for a flash knockdown, Hall fails to pull guard and Rogers takes him down at 2:10. He pops his head out of a possible triangle but Hall is still fishing for a submission. Rogers backs out at 2:38. His right hand is landing all day. Hall dives for a leg lock to no avail. Hall pulls guard at3:39. Rogers can run out the clock on top if he wants. He’s warned to get his fingers out of Hall’s eyes. They stand with under 15 seconds left. Rogers should take this. He lands one last uppercut at the bell.
19-19, 20-18 and 20-18 for ROGERS BY MAJORITY DECISION. Two of the four semifinalists are now from Team McGregor. Hall has a big hematoma on his head in the post fight interview. We move on from this week to see if “Mystic Mac” can run the table and have an all Team McGregor finals. Join us next week!
