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  • UFC Fight Night 89 DFS Playbook: Value picks & who to avoid

    The Octagon heads back to Canada this weekend, visiting the capital city of Canada for the first time for UFC Fight Night 89 in Ottawa, Ontario. The event is headlined by a pivotal bout in the welterweight division as Rory MacDonald and Stephen Thompson will do battle for five rounds. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for Saturday’s event.

    STUDS —

    Steve Bosse ($10,700)

    Steve Bosse is going to be one of our top plays for this Saturday’s card. He is a knockout artist, and his opponent, Sean O’Connell, has lost three of his five fights inside the Octagon, with two of those losses coming by knockout. O’Connell himself is a finisher, with nine knockout wins in his career, so this will likely be a battle of big swingers. I don’t expect it to go the distance as Bosse has only been out of the first round just three times in his professional career. Both of his losses have come by knockout, though, and it may make him a little bit of a risk.

    With that said, some may look to avoid him just due to his large salary, but I don’t expect him to have much trouble with O’Connell. I’m confident in making Bosse our top play for this weekend, and a knockout win is what I expect to see on Saturday night.

    Colby Covington ($10,400)

    Colby Covington is coming off of his first career loss in his last fight when he was submitted quickly by Warlley Alves. Alves, despite losing his last fight himself, has shown to be a high-level fighter, and Covington isn’t quite ready for that level. He goes back down a notch on Saturday, fighting Jonathan Meunier, who is a late injury replacement for Alex Garcia. That should give Covington an edge as Meunier didn’t come onto the card until June 9, and he fought just a few weeks ago.

    Covington is a good wrestler and very powerful at 170 pounds, and he has five submission wins in his career. I’m actually surprised his salary isn’t higher given the circumstances of this fight coming together, but that likely has to do with Meunier being 7-0 with seven finishes, including six in the first round. That may lead people to think Meunier is a good value pick, but I still like Covington to score a finish.

    VALUE PLAYS —

    Leandro Silva ($9,500)

    In searching this card for some value, I’m finding it hard to find a lot of underdogs that are primed for upset victories as I expect a lot of the favorites, and higher-salaried fighters, to score the wins. I’m going with Leandro Silva as an underdog to score a win, but his salary is a little higher than most of our value plays. Silva is unbeaten in his last four fights and he is showing more confidence each time he steps inside the Octagon.

    He is a quality lower-level lightweight in the UFC, and that is a good position to be in to build up yourself as a fighter. He is taking on Jason Saggo, who is 2-1 in the UFC, but is coming off an impressive win in March. Silva has fought tougher competition in the UFC, and he is a good submission artist, with ten of his 19 career wins coming by submission. I like Silva to score the win, whether by submission or decision, making him a good value pick.

    Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)

    This is a tough one as Ion Cutelaba is making his UFC debut against a very tough light heavyweight in Misha Cirkunov. Cirkunov is 2-0 with the UFC with both wins by finish, and it is a little surprising that he is getting another fighter making his UFC debut in Cutelaba. Cutelaba is coming into the UFC with an 11-1 career record, with all eleven wins coming by stoppage- nine knockouts and two submissions. Even more impressive is the fact that ten of those eleven wins have come in the first round.

    His one loss was controversial as he was disqualified for punches to the back of the head in a fight he was dominating likely heading to finish. He is a tough opponent, and Cirkunov may be in a lot of trouble. Cutelaba has a very low salary, and Cirkunov has the second-highest salary on the card, so there is a lot of value in Cutelaba, and I think he is worth the risk.

    FIGHTERS TO AVOID —

    Ali Bagautinov ($10,800)

    Ali Bagautinov’s salary is just too high for me to recommend having him on your roster for this card as there are several better options with lower salaries. I’m actually surprised that his salary is so high as he has lost two straight fights and didn’t look the same in his last bout after being out of action for over a year due to a drug suspension. His opponent, Geane Herrera, is making his third appearance inside the Octagon, with a 1-1 record so far.

    He is coming off an impressive knockout win over Joby Sanchez in his last fight, and his debut fight was a decision loss to Ray Borg in a fight he had a lot of chances in. Herrera is a very good opponent for Bagautinov, and has the chance for an upset, which makes Bagautinov’s high salary even more puzzling. Avoid Bagautinov in this fight.

    Joe Soto ($9,400)

    Joe Soto is 0-3 in the UFC, so he finds himself in a must-win situation when he steps inside the Octagon on Saturday. Most fighters would be cut with that UFC record, but he gets more chances due to saving an event by stepping up at the last minute to fight T.J. Dillashaw for a championship in his UFC debut, but he still needs a win. Soto had a close loss in his last fight, and many thought he won that fight. He will be taking on Chris Beal on Saturday, another fighter in a must-win situation as Beal has lost his last two fights.

    I expect both men to play it safe and not fight with a lot of reckless action, and it could make for a boring fight. I do think Soto is going to score the win, but not rack up a lot of points in the process. I would recommend avoiding Soto on Saturday.

    OUR LINEUPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Steve Bosse ($10,700), Tamdan McCrory ($10,600), Colby Covington ($10,400), Stephen Thompson ($9,800), Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)

    I feel pretty good about this line-up, though I think the same thing for every event and it doesn’t always work out. I like Steve Bosse to get a quick knockout win and score maximum points. Colby Covington is another I like to get a quick finish as he has a short-notice replacement opponent. I like Tamdan McCrory as he has looked impressive since returning to action and is coming off a very good submission win over Josh Samman, though he has a tough foe in Krzysztof Jotko on Saturday.

    Ion Cutelaba is my hail mary play as he has a very low salary and has a very good chance at getting an upset win in his UFC debut. And I will be taking Stephen Thompson. I do think he will beat Rory MacDonald, but I also think it will be by decision. Going that extra two rounds opens up for more points scoring opportunites. I also think he may be a sneaky shot at getting a finish.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Olivier Aubin-Mercier ($11,000), Steve Bosse ($10,700), Valerie Letourneau ($10,100), Patrick Cote ($9,200), Ion Cutelaba ($8,500)

    Aubin-Mercier is a stud and a finisher. Fighting in his home country and close to his home town, I’m really liking him to have a star-making performance here. Bosse’s fight should be fun and he’s got the power to finish anyone in the division and his opponent O’Connell has been stopped in 2 of his 3 most recent losses. Letourneau is coming off a strong performance against Joanna Champion, lasting 5 rounds with the strawweight queen. She should have more power at flyweight and her opponent Calderwood has proven to be vulnerable to submissions as well.

    Cote has been on the best run of his career and I think he’s got a huge size advantage over Cerrone, who usually competes at lightweight. Cote was not small at middleweight and he should have the power to stop Cerrone. My last pick is a bit of a gamble but Ion Cutelaba has scored stoppages in each of his 9 pro wins so I’m hoping for the same in his UFC debut. 

    PEACH MACHINE- Randa Markos ($10,500), Donald Cerrone ($10,200), Valerie Letourneau ($10,100), Stephen Thompson ($9,800), Sam Alvey ($9,100)

    Another stellar lineup if I may say so my self, and I may… I like Thompson a lot here. McDonald in his first fight back after that terrible nose break may be a little gun shy. I’m betting Thompson capitalizes. Cerrone, in my book, way outclasses Cote. This is another easy pick. I like Randa Markos and Lybarger didn’t look good her last time out. Smilin Sam is my under dog pick. He’s always in it and has KO pop. Finally, I think Letourneau easily wins here. And her names is the same as that teacher in Florida who married her student… first. 

  • TNA Impact Wrestling taping results: Lashley vs. Galloway vs. EC3; more Hardy madness

    Here’s some notes on Wednesday’s TV tapings, courtesy of Jacob Cohen

    These shows should air on 6/28 and 7/5.

    – Braxton Sutter won an X Division Battle Royal to earn an X Division title shot. Afterwards, Shane Helms’ crew beat him down.

    – Mike Bennett (who is the X champion after winning it Tuesday night after the show that aired last night was over) demanded the title match right away. Bennett then beat Sutter.

    – Bram beat Rosemary via DQ as he wouldn’t fight her. She attacked him. He went to defend himself, but Abyss & Crazzy Steve ran in and attacked him. Rosemary stopped them and then started consoling Bram.

    – Matt Hardy was in a wheelchair because of his beating in the cage match from Sunday, but he wants one more match with Jeff Hardy, but said he needs six weeks to recover from the last match. He proposes the loser gives up the Hardy name. Jeff agreed to the match. Fans started a “Yes” chant and Jeff acknowledged Daniel Bryan. Reby Sky and Jeff were arguing. Matt recovered suddenly got out of the wheelchair and attacked Jeff..  Matt then said the match would be in one week, but it won’t be at the Impact Zone, it’ll be at the ring at his house.

    – Grado & Mahabali Shera & Tyrus beat Al Snow & Basille Baraka & Baron Dax

    – TNA Champion Bobby Lashley won a three-way over Drew Galloway and EC3 to retain after the champ pinned EC3.

    – Mike Bennett wants a match with Lashley for the title. Dixie Carter is back from her leave of absence (that didn’t last long but in the angle it
    was only one week) and said Bennett was disrespecting the X division title. Eventually, it was agreed he can cash in the X title for an TNA title shot if he retains the title one more time in an Ultimate X match against everyone.

    – Eddie Edwards won Ultimate X and took the title back.

    – James Storm beat KOTM Champion Eli Drake via DQ.

    – Jade beat Marty Bell in a street fight

    – Mike Bennett & Maria did an interview talking about how he was robbed of the title.  Maria wanted Dixie to come out. Billy Corgan came
    out.  Maria said she should be the President of TNA and told Corgan that either Dixie goes or she goes. Dixie then came out and said she wasn’t
    leaving, so Maria can leave. Bennett said they will both leave unless he gets a title match. Corgan said they are acting like spoiled children, and that Bennett had a title shot in the palm of his hands but he ruined it by losing. Corgan told them if they don’t like it here, they can leave.  Bennett refused to quit, but said he will ruin Destination X.

    – Jessie Godderz’s magic iPad found Rosemary and Bram making out.  History says that doesn’t end well.

    – Bro Mans & Raquel beat Abyss & Steve & Rosemary

    It’s announced that at Destination X (likely the 7/12 show), TNA Champion Lashley and X-Division Champion Edwards will have a match and both titles will be at stake.

  • NXT Liverpool, England, live results: Finn Balor & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe & Austin Aries

    Submitted by James Ryder

    A lot of the upper section was empty. Pre-show, Dasha interviewed some fans asking who they wanted to see tonight. Also, there was a pre-show vote to see a past NXT match: Rollins vs. Mahal, Neville vs. Zayn or Bayley vs. Banks. The latter won the vote so they showed highlights of the match.

    Hugo Knox vs Wesley Blake

    Fairly basic match. Crowd started chanting in the middle of the match but wasn’t into either superstar much. Knox won with a split leg moonsault on the second attempt after messing up the first one.

    Alexander Wolfe & Sawyer Fulton vs. American Alpha

    Loud pop when American Alpha’s music hit and a loud chant for American Alpha before the match had even started.  Crowd chanted “Jordan give us a wave”. Crowd booed him when he didn’t but when Gable did a takedown in the ring, he waved to a big pop.  After early back and forth action, Gable is worked on until he makes the hot tag to Jordan to a loud pop.

    Match then ends quickly after two belly to belly suplexes and two German suplexes. AA wins with the double ankle lock spot and a double tap out.  Post match, The Revival come out and cut a promo putting over the TakeOver title match from last week. They offer AA a tag title match, then change their mind and walk off before running to the ring to attack. AA then hit Grand Amplitude on Dash and count to 3 for a good pop.

    Bobby Roode vs. No Way Jose

    Roode comes out to generic music which confused the crowd until he walked out and the crowd popped for him. Good reaction for Jose. Crowd was into him. Comedy spots early in the match then mid match, Jose’s music plays and they both dance before Roode attacks Jose.  Jose in control for a short while until Roode makes a comeback and wins with the Double A spinebuster.

    Nikki Glencross & Peyton Royce vs.  Carmella and Bayley

    Good reaction for Carmella who cut her usual pre match promo. Bayley came out to loud pop, loudest so far. Crowd sang to her then sang Happy Birthday to her.  Peyton and Nikki work over Bayley until she makes the hot tag to Carmella.  Peyton tries to kick Carmella but hits Nikki instead.  Carmella tags in Bayley who pins nikki with the Bayley to Belly for the win.

    Tye Dillinger vs. Andrade Almas

    Dillinger out to a loud pop and loud 10 chant. He cut a pre-match promo and revealed he was wearing a football shirt belonging to a rival team to a loud chorus of boos. Early part of the match saw the 2 of them play the crowd with the football shirt with Almas making Dillinger stamp on it.  Fairly basic match with the odd high spot.  Almas wins with the running double knees to Dillinger in the corner.

    NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax

    Good reaction for Asuka, but little reaction for Alexa & Nia. Good back and forth action.  Alexa was impressive in the match. Asuka makes a comeback after a few near falls and hits Alexa with a jumping knee and makes her submit to the Asuka Lock for the win.

    Finn Balor & Shinuke Nakamura vs. Austin Aries & NXT Champion Samoa Joe

    Good pop for Balor but really loud for Nakamura with the crowd singing his theme song during his entrance and after his music had stopped.  Another good reaction for Joe as well.  Good back and forth action with Balor getting the hot tag to Nakamura.  The finish comes when Balor kicks Aries as he attempts a suicide dive followed by Nakamura hitting Aries with the Kinshasa followed by Balor hitting him with the Coup de Gras for the 3.

    Post match, Balor cuts a promo on Liverpool and puts over Robbie Brookside, saying how he welcomed him to the Performance Centre and helped so many NXT stars and helped NXT as a whole. Balor and Nakamura then pose for the crowd to complete a good show.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/15): Randy Savage vs. DDP falls count anywhere

    1941 

    Waterloo, Iowa:
    – Joe Dusek beat Rudy Strongberg by dq

    1950

    Kansas City, Kansas: 
    – Karl Davis beat Fred Blassie in a 2 out of 3 falls special mud match
    – Sonny Myers defeated Emil Dusek in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Ralph Garibaldi and Joe Dusek went to a time limit draw
    – Bob Geigel and Tommy O’Toole wrestled to a 30 minute draw

    1957 

    Wichita, Kansas:
    – Mike Clancy beat Wild Red Berry 2 falls to 1
    – Bobby Bruns beat Jim Austeri  

    1961

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Alaskan defeated Ronnie Etchison via DQ in three falls 
    – Sonny Myers & Bobby Graham defeated Buddy Austin & Don McClarity in three falls

    1962 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Buddy Rogers beat Johnny Valentine
    – Edouard Carpentier defeated Rip Hawk and  
    – Hans Schmidt & Stan Stasiak defeated Bobby Managoff & Billy Watson 

    Houston, Texas:
    – Sailor Art Thomas defeated The Mummy for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1963 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Crusher beat Waldo Von Erich and in a Non Title Lumberjack match
    – Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski beat AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff  

    1966 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ron Reed defeated Chuck Karbo in three falls 
    – North American Tag Team Champions; The Mongolian Stomper & Bob Ellis defeated The Butcher & Alex Perez in two straight falls

    1972 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Billy Robinson beat Ivan Koloff dq
    – George Gordienko beat Big K 
    – Larry Hennig & Dusty Rhodes beat Wahoo McDaniel & Ramon Torres

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Roger Kirby defeated The Viking
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Black Angus via DQ 
    – The Stomper defeated Harley Race in three falls

    1974 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke were co-winners of a two ring 24 man $50,000 battle royal
    – Nick Bockwinkel drew Wahoo McDaniel
    – Superstar Billy Graham beat Oddjob
    – Larry Hennig beat Bull Bullinski 
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Blackjack Lanza & Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose)

    1975 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Ivan Putski & Dusty Rhodes in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Chris Taylor beat Buddy Wolff
    – Bobby Heenan beat Jim Brunzell dq 
    – Khosrow Vaziri (Iron Shiek) beat Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose)

    1979

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Seiji Sakaguchi and Riki Choshu defeated Hiro Matsuda and Masa Saito to win the NWA North American Tag Team Titles

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Duncum beat Mad Dog Vachon & Greg Gagne
    – In a No dq Match Super Destroyer Mark II beat The Crusher
    – In a Pose Down, Paul Ellering beat Jesse Ventura
    – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens dq 
    – Pat Patterson beat Doug Gilbert 

    Tupelo, Mississippi:
    – The Blond Bombers (Larry Latham and Wayne Farris) defeated Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1980 

    Monterrey, Mexico:
    – Sangre Chicana defeated Cachorro Mendoza for the NWA World Middleweight Title 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – In a Ladder Match for $5,000 Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell
    – In a Loser Leaves Town Match, Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes 
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Steve Olsonoski & Juan Valez

    1982 

    One day after losing the World Class American Title to Fritz Von Erich in Fritz’s retirement match, King Kong Bundy is awarded the title due to Fritz vacating it

    1983

    Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke beat Nick Bockwinkel & Blackjack Lanza
    – Ken Patera beat Wahoo McDaniel
    – Rick Martel beat Jerry Blackwell dq 
    – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe

    1986

    Sedalia, Missouri:
    – Rufus R. Jones and Mike George defeated Hacksaw Higgins and J.R . Hogg to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Titles

    1990

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

    1992

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Eddie Gilbert defeated Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title 

    1996 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Brickhouse Brown defeated Bart Sawyer for the vacant USWA TV Title 

    1997

    Pantitlo, Mexico:
    – Cibernetico defeated Mascara Sagrada for the Mexico National Heavyweight Title 

    WCW Great American Bash: Moline, Illinois:
    – Ultimate Dragon defeated Psychosis (with Sonny Onoo)    
    – Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) (with Sister Sherri) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) by disqualification    
    – Konnan defeated Hugh Morrus
    – Glacier defeated Wrath (with James Vandenberg and Mortis)    
    – Akira Hokuto (with Sonny Onoo) defeated Madusa to retain the WCW Women’s Championship, Madusa was forced to retire
    – Chris Benoit defeated Meng in a Death match
    – Kevin Greene defeated Steve McMichael (with Debra McMichael)
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Scott Hall & Kevin Nash defeated Ric Flair & Roddy Piper 
    – Randy Savage defeated Diamond Dallas Page in a Falls Count Anywhere match

    1998

    – During an edition of Monday Nitro, Chris Jericho was awarded the Cruiserweight Title

    2002

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Shane Douglas defeated Vampiro and Taiyo Kea in a three-way match to become the first MLW World Heavyweight Champion

    2003

    WWE Badd Blood: Houston, Texas:
    – Rodney Mack and Christopher Nowinski defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von)
    – Scott Steiner pinned Test to win the managerial services of Stacy Keibler
    – Booker T defeated WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian by disqualification
    – La Resistance defeated Rob Van Dam and Kane to win the World Tag Team Titles
    – Goldberg pinned Chris Jericho 
    – Ric Flair pinned Shawn Michaels 
    – Steve Austin defeated Eric Bischoff in a “Redneck Triathlon” 
    – Triple H defeated Kevin Nash in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the World Heavyweight Title

  • Daily Update: ROH to Hammerstein, TNA re-airs Gold Rush, Will Brooks to UFC

    ROH made a big announcement today, that they will be returning to the famed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City for their biggest PPV of the year, Final Battle. This will mark the first time ROH has run the building since 2014. The company has declined to use the Hammerstein due to increasing facility rental costs, but recently decided to head back to the building. The Hammerstein Ballroom will now be the site of all of ROH’s future NYC shows. This site has a lot of history, and should be good news for fans who remember the amazing ECW shows from the late 90’s and early 2000’s that took place in the iconic building, as well as ROH’s previous tenure in the location. 

    TNA will be rebroadcasting last night’s Gold Rush show tonight on Pop TV. Apparently there were some technical difficulties due to weather that prevented the show to be seen in its entirety in certain markets. That show will at 9pm eastern tonight.

    TNA tapes in Orlando tonight, while NXT will be in Liverpool, England.

    THE ROUND-UP

    The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com (Apparently Ed has blocked Bryan Alvarez from attendance in response to Bryan blocking Ed on Twitter… LOL) – It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez (yes he’ll be there), Vinny, Granny, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July

    ​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

    Figure Four Weekly 6/13/2016: Gawker files for bankruptcy – Depending on your point of view, Hulk Hogan went one step further towards either succeeding or failing in his lawsuit against Gawker Media last Friday when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the type that allows the company to continue operating. 

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 13, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, more

    A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.

    The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power.  Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.

    Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    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.

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    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. 

    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 10, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fans celebrate life of Giant Baba at Tokyo Dome, PRIDE 5 recap, more. The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.

    WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks (18-1) has signed a deal with the UFC and will debut on July 8th against Ross Pearson on the TUF 23 finale show in Las Vegas. Brooks was released from Bellator recently after an impasse on where both wanted his career to go. After twice beating Michael Chandler in two title fights, he successfully defended his title twice before the release. He goes into the Pearson fight on a seven fight win streak, while Pearson is 4-4 in his last eight.

    For the first time ever in women’s wrestling, the SHINE champion, the SHIMMER champion, and the TNA champion will face each other this Friday at the SHINE 35 iPPV in Ybor City, FL. SHINE’s titleholder is Taylor Made, Shimmer’s champ is Madison Eagle, and TNA’s is Allysin Kay, and the loser will drop their belt. The show will also feature a Money In The Bank match between Kellie Skater, Mia Yim, Santana, and Nicole Matthews.

    Former UFC fighter John “Doomsday” Howard will debut for World Series of Fighting this Friday on NBC Sports Network. He received a late-notice injury replacement today as his original opponent Thiago Meller pulled out due to injury and he’ll now face Michael Arrant.

    WWE & Pro Wrestling

    UFC & MMA

    • The Fight Network presents an MMA Tripleheader this Friday, June 17 with WSOF, Hard Knocks & RFA. The broadcast begins live at 9 p.m. ET with World Series of Fighting 31: Ivanov vs. Copeland from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., followed by Hard Knocks Fighting 50 live from Calgary, Alberta, Canada’s Century Casino at 11 p.m. ET. Finally, RFA 39: Barcelos vs. Moffett will air via short tape delay from Indiana’s Hammond Civic Center at 2 a.m. ET.
    • Bellator 156 runs Friday night with a main event of Marcos Galvao vs Eduardo Dantas in a Bantamweight title fight that was originally scheduled for October of 2015 and later postponed to February of this year. Former middleweight champion Brandon Halsey also fights on the undercard for the first time since losing his title to Rafael Carvalho
    • This Friday’s AXS TV show is RFA 39 from Hammond, IN. Featherweight champion Raoni Barcelos (9-1) puts up his title against Bobby Moffett (also 9-1) in the main event.
    • Fedor Emilianenko will fight on UFC Fight Pass on Friday against Fabio Maldonado for Russian promotion Fight Nights. Earlier in the day, Fight Pass will also broadcast BRACE 41 from New Zealand. Greg Atzori takes on Kieran Joblin in a lightweight fight in the show’s main event. Faith Van Duin, fresh off a first round KO loss to Cris Cyborg in an Invicta title challenge last July, drops to Bantamweight to face Charlene Watt in the co-main.
    • Hard Knocks 50 will air Friday night on streaming service GFL.TV as well as the Fight Network in Canada. The main event is a bantamweight title fight with Jesse Arnett defending against Mike Hernandez. Arnett has made no secret about wanting a shot in UFC

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Here is an amazing video feature Joe Hendry and Wee Man! You need to watch this.
    • The sequel to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s cult classic action film, HARD TARGET 2, arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 6. This movie stars Scott Adkins, and NOT JCVD. Check out the new trailer here.
    • Results: Pure Wrestling Association, from May 28th, 2016 in Campbell River, BC – Nolan James defeated Chris Dexton, BJ Laredo defeated Shreddz, Cremator Von Slasher w/Riea and Rigor Von Slasher defeated Zakk Green, Scott Steel defeated Bishop to remain Pure Violence Champion, E.O. Mike Becherer defeated Nolan James to remain VIPW Vancouver Island Champion, Krofton defeated Lak Siddartha w/ Riea and Rigor Von Slasher
    • Results: High Impact Wrestling Evolution 6/10 Regina, Saskatchewan, Cannonball Kelly def Bucky McGraw, Alexander Prime def Amir Jordan, El Asesino (c) def Brett Morgan by DQ, The World Class Renegades (Ace Riviera & Shaun Moore) (c) def The Brotherhood (Dixie Dragon & Jacob Creed), Tony Cage def Brett Evans, Team Flex Appeal (Michael Allen Richard Clark & Mike McSugar) def Merle Graves & Shao Ming, HIW Central Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Tyler Colton (c) def Mentallo
    • Results: Kat Von Heez def Slammer, Big Jess Youngblood def Barricade, Britton Baylis & Steven Styles def Mutato & Rex Roberts, RCW British Commonwealth Title Match Scott Justice (c) def Tiger Ali, Leon Grayson def Zarif Metovic, RCW Canadian Heavyweight Title Match Bobby Sharp (c) def Nite

    SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

    • June 17 – Absolute Intense Wrestling at Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH at Tequila Jaxx with Joey Janela vs. Facade, Shayna Baszler vs. Veda Scott, Laredo Kid, & B.J. Whitmer
    • June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us,” Drago vs. Chris Hero, at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) Tickets available.
    • June 18 – MCW “Base Brawl” returns to the Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus DR in Waldorf, MD. Tickets here. Ron Simmons, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac will be there.
    • June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
    • June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
    • June 19 – Steel Pro Wrestling runs at the KoC in Hamilton, ON.
    • June 19 – New Japan Dominion – Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match
    • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
    • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title
    • June 24 – Isao Kobayashi vs. Justin Lawrence will appear on Spike.com at the Bellator Dynamite show in St. Louis. This is a combo MMA & kickboxing show.
    • June 24 – Thrash Wrestling “Passion for Smashin” – Schubert Centre 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 2E6
    • June 25 – C*4: Capital City Championship Combat presents “Crossing the Line 9: DRIVE” –  Vanier Columbus Club, 260 McArthur Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    • June 25 – The United Wrestling Coalition returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall in Wrightstown, New Jersey on June 25, 2016 for UWC Fan Appreciation Night!
    • June 25 – PWA Night of Champions – Century Casino Showroom – 1010 42 Ave SE Calgary, Alberta
    • June 25 – Pure Wrestling Association, Wakas Community Hall, 180 Tsulquate Rd, Port Hardy, BC
    • June 25 – Great North Wrestling returns to the Pembroke Memorial Centre, featuring Nicolai Volkoff. Tickets available here.
    • June 25 – The UWC returns to Kelly’s Bar/Banquet Hall, 14 Railroad Avenue, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. More information here.
    • June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
    • July 1 – Pure Wrestling Association is proud to announce our 7th year as part of the Canada Day Celebration. Riverside Park Cambridge, Cambridge, Ontario N3H.
    • July 2 – Stars of Wrestling from Alameda, CA at the Alameda Point Gym has Bobby Lashley, Carlito and The Boogeyman appearing.
    • July 2 – NWA Cajun Heat in Morgan City, LA at the Municipal Auditorium with Jax Dane vs. Mustang Mike for the NWA title, and an appearance by Kevin Nash
    • July 7 – Rock Solid Wrestling runs in Sudbury, ON.
    • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has information up on Facebook, or email him F4Wfan@hotmail.com
    • July 9 – Acclaim Pro Wrestling presents: Star-Mageddon 6!
    • July 9 – Smash Wrestling in Fort Erie, ONT at the Native Friendship Center. Chris Hero will headline this fundraising event.
    • July 17 – Lucha by the Water ft Blue Demon Jr! – Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8, 3-6 pm. Tickets here.
    • July 17 – Premier Wrestling at the IFDES Lodge and Portuguese Hall in Gilroy, CA with Joe Graves vs. Gabriel Gallo for the Premier. Tickets at www.premierwrestle.com.
    • July 22 – Ignite Wrestling in Fort Pierce, FL at the National Guard Armory on a show with Lince Dorado, Mr. 450 Hammet, Lio Rush, Martin Stone, Los Ben Dejos, and more
    • July 23 – Chikara Pro announced a doubleheader event at Toronto’s Franklin Horner Community Center.
    • July 24 – Fenix vs. Pentagon Jr. headlines for Lucha Libre New York at Club LaBoom in Queens, NY
    • July 31 – BATTLEWAR 36, Les Foufounes Électriques, 87 Sainte-Catherine Street East Montreal, QC

  • ROH to bring Final Battle, future NYC events back to the Hammerstein Ballroom

    ROH announced Wednesday that they will be returning to New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom for its biggest show of the year as it will become the company’s regular New York City location.

    The 15th Final Battle in ROH history will be held there on Friday, December 2nd. They had been running the venue up until 2014, but moved out due to a significant increase in the cost. 

    ROH had hinted moving away from frequent ROH show location Terminal 5 as it was recognized was too small for them for big events. It was rumored at the time that the company would either be moving to the Manhattan Center or the Hammerstein, both part of the same complex that is around the corner from Madison Square Garden. They’ve run the Hammerstein before, packing the venue frequently.

    The company held Final Battle at the Hammerstein for six straight years (2008-2013) before bringing the event to Terminal 5 in 2014. They ran the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA, for the show last year, headlined by ROH Champion Jay Lethal vs. AJ Styles.

  • ROH TV results: Kushida vs. O’Reilly; Naito vs. Moose; Liger & Cheeseburger!

    Ring of Honor television from Toronto was another installment from the War of the Worlds tour featuring ROH vs. NJPW. A loaded lineup on this episode included another stellar matchup between Kushida and Kyle O’Reilly in the main event. Elsewhere, Tetsuya Naito collided with Moose and Jushin Liger teamed up with Cheeseburger.

    Mark Briscoe provided guest commentary alongside announcer Kevin Kelly and matchmaker Nigel McGuinness. Several times throughout the show Mark said he felt Roderick Strong continues to disrespect him. He and Roddy are set for a match at the Best in the World pay-per-view with Chicken seemingly set for a singles push.

    Later in the show, Roddy strolled out to ringside. He confronted Nigel about having to team with Mark in an eight-man tag match. The match (Briscoes & Strong & Jay Lethal vs. Bullet Club) airs next week on ROH TV, which was plugged several times throughout the show.

    In another sign of disrespect to Mark, as Roddy argued with Nigel he at first never acknowledged Mark until calling him the “Briscoe that doesn’t matter.” Mark got in his face and Nigel stepped in to break things up. Roderick backed away while also flapping his arms insinuating Mark was chicken.

    The show itself opened with the entrance of a former pro football player turned pro wrestler who was in the news recently as speculation continues about his future with ROH. He was followed by the current IWGP heavyweight champion representing Los Ingobernables de Japon, who sauntered to the ring for a non-title match.

    Tetsuya Naito beat Moose (with Stokely Hathaway)

    On commentary, Nigel noted that Naito had one knee taped up. Naito also reportedly became ill on this tour. He still had a good match. Moose more than held his own too. Early on when Moose started signaling for the “Moose” chants, Natio spat in his face. Moose hit a dropkick then also dropkicked Naito as he was perched on the top turnbuckle sending Naito sailing out to the floor.

    Moments later, Naito teased doing a dive only to mock Moose. When Naito did eventually jump over the ropes for a plancha, Moose caught him and gave him a fallaway slam into the guardrail. Naito cut him off and did a flurry of moves before mocking Moose again. After a commercial break, Moose fired up looking to make a comeback.

    When Naito executed a hurricanrana off the top turnbuckle, Moose miraculously hulked up and delivered a lariat that turned Naito inside out for a nearfall. Moose suplexed Naito upside down into the turnbuckles. Naito countered and applied a Koji clutch and Moose got a rope break. Moose also kicked out after getting dropped with a swinging DDT. However, Moose eventually fell victim to a Destino and Naito covered him for the pinfall.

    ANX cut a promo vowing to “make wrestling great again.”Of course, they are spoofing a certain WWE Hall of Famer currently running for president. During their entrance as part of their supposed new campaign, they did their best Jimmy Hart in bringing megaphones to the ring.

    ANX (Kenny King & Rhett Titus) beat Jushin Thunder Liger & Cheeseburger

    The backstory of the match was ANX had previously attacked Cheeseburger and beat him down so he enlisted the help of his mentor, Liger, in gaining revenge.ANX began pummeling Liger and Cheeseburger at the outset. Liger and Cheeseburger fought back. ANX got heat on Cheeseburger for awhile until Liger came in off a hot tag. ANX dispatched Liger to the outside and did some double-team offense on Cheeseburger. They finished off Cheeseburger and Titus pinned him.

    In the weekly Bullet Club backstage promo, Adam Cole was mad about the main event at the next PPV being a world title rematch with Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal. Cole claimed he should be in the match. He also objected to the camera operator and the sound engineer so the Young Bucks took over those duties as Cole basically vowed Bullet Club would take part in some angle on the PPV.

    Silas Young interrupted the show to cut a promo on ACH. Silas ranted about his usual subjects pertaining to manliness and accused ACH of dressing like he was in a Japanese cartoon. He began arguing with a fan at ringside who was wearing a ACH t-shirt. Silas shoved him and security grabbed Silas. During the commotion, ACH ran in and did a wild springboard dive onto Silas and the security team. Silas Young vs. ACH is set for the PPV.

    Kyle O’Reilly beat Kushida

    Much like their previous matches, this was outstanding. From their matwork to their selling and into the highsports, they told a great story of O’Reilly finally being triumphant. In a pre-tape promo beforehand, O’Reilly talked about waiting an entire year for that moment.

    Kushida began working an arm on O’Reilly only for Kyle to counter and work a leg on Kushida. O’Reilly applied a knee bar and went for an achilles lock. Kushida got a rope break but really sold his leg thereafter. Even though they did some highspots, they still kept selling and at times did so subtly and sold throughout the match.

    Just before a commercial, O’Reilly dropped Kushida with a knee strike. After the break, Kushida was in the midst of a hope spot when O’Reilly turned him inside out with a lariat. Kushida came back with a brainbuster moments later. Kushida went back to work on the arm just before the action spilled outside.

    As they fought at ringside, O’Reilly sat Kushida down in a chair. O’Reilly then dove off the apron for an attempted flying knee. In the same big spot they did in one of their previous matches, Kushida jumped out of the chair and caught the flying O’Reilly in an armbar as he crashed to the floor. Back in the ring, they both fell in a heap after dueling kicks and forearm strikes.

    They rose once more for a few more final exchanges. O’Reilly momentarily caught Kushida in a guillotine. Kushida countered into a kimura lock. O’Reilly then maneuvered that into cradling Kushida for the deciding pinfall.

  • TNA Impact re-airing Wednesday due to Tuesday technical issues

    According to Pop TV, they will be replaying the Tuesday, June 14th episode of TNA Impact Wrestling at 9 PM EST Wednesday night due to the technical issues with airing the first-run show last night.

    The show did air, but nearly two hours late in the U.S. It’s unclear what caused the problems but there were thunderstorms in Atlanta, GA, where the Pop TV transmitters are located. Of note, the show aired with no problems in Canada so it was not a problem with the show not being taped or not finished on time.

    Here are results from the show which included the newest inductee announced for the TNA Hall of Fame. It was the first show after Sunday’s Slammiversary PPV where Bobby Lashley became the company’s new world champion.

    Although billed as a live show, TNA actually tapes about two hours ahead of time when they bill the show as live. The company did tape a second show Tuesday, and are taping two more shows Wednesday before another expected round of tapings in July.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: MITB go-home features 6-man tag, AJ Styles vs. Xavier Woods

    From Biloxi, MS:

    – The show opened with Chris Jericho doing the Highlight Reel with Dean Ambrose as his guest.  Before long, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Alberto Del Rio, and Kevin Owens were all out. This set up a six-man tag team match as the main event.

    – Kofi Kingston won a four-way over Big Cass, Luke Gallows and Aiden English when Kingston pinned English.

    – Baron Corbin pinned Zack Ryder. After the match, Dolph Ziggler, who was on commentary, had a staredown with Corbin to set up their match on Sunday.

    – US Champion Rusev beat Kalisto. After the match, Rusev kept beating on Kalisto. Sin Cara ran in and Rusev put him in the Accolade.  Titus O’Neil then made the save. 

    There was an interview segment where The Club and New Day went at it. This set up A.J. Styles vs. Xavier Woods next.

    – AJ Styles beat Xavier Woods with the calf crusher.

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte beat Natalya. Dana Brooke and Becky Lynch were fighting outside the ring and Natalya was distracted and lost to the figure eight.

    – Dean Ambrose & Cesaro & Sami Zayn beat Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho & Alberto Del Rio. Ambrose pinned Owens after Dirty Deeds. Owens had turned on Jericho and Del Rio before the finish.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: New TNA Hall Of Fame inductee, Maria vs. Dixie

    Previously on Impact:

    This past Sunday was one of TNA’s flagship PPV’s (Slammiversary) where Bobby Lashley defeating Drew Galloway to become the new TNA World Heavyweight champion. In other news, Billy Corgan is now a minority owner of TNA due to the company’s continuing financial issues.

    Tonight on Impact:

    Tonight’s show will feature the fallout and aftermath of Slammiversary. It shall be dubbed “Gold Rush” which means all the titles will be defended.  Also, the newest inductee into the 2016 TNA Hall of Fame will be announced.

    Show Recap:

    – Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to Impact and tell us that we’re live in the Impact Zone.

    – New TNA World Champion Bobby Lashley makes his way to the ring. Lashley mentions this is live TV and anything can happen. He said he’s better than everyone in the wrestling business. This brought out Ethan Carter III. On commentary, they mention that EC3 beat The Miracle on Sunday.

    EC3 and Lashley went face to face and EC3 challenged him for a world title match. Lashley kept calling EC3’s entrance music “cute”. Of course, Lashley refused EC3’s title match. The former champion Galloway interrupts them, limping and moving very slowly. He’s in pain but wants his title back. Galloway is invoking his rematch clause and taking his rematch tonight. It’s official tonight’s main event is Lashley defending against Galloway in a rematch from Sunday.

    – Josh and The Pope are at ringside and run down the card for tonight. We get shots of all the champions in the back.

    – Yesterday, King of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake and Jeff Hardy argue backstage. They do agree on one thing and that’s a match.

    – Jeff makes his way down to the ring to go one on one with Eli.

    TNA King of the Mountain Champion Eli Drake vs. Jeff Hardy

    The crowd is solidly behind Jeff. The announcers discuss Jeff defeating Matt at Slammiversary and not being 100 percent. Eli gets control of the match after taking out Jeff with a vicious clothesline on the outside. Not sure what happen but it seems like Eli botched a spot but was able to recover and caught Jeff with a nice slam. Jeff hit the Twist of Fate and hit the Swanton Bomb. Jeff had the match won when Broken Matt Hardy ran in and stopped the count by biting Earl Hebner’s hand. Apparently, Matt even had blood in his mouth presumably from biting Hebner’s hand.

    – Back from commercial in the back, EC3 praises Galloway for being a fighting champion but questions if it’s too soon to invoke his rematch clause. EC3 tries to convince him to postpone the title shot but Galloway refuses.

    – Back in the ring, Jeff takes the mic and addresses the situation with Matt. Jeff points out that Matt is still deranged and out of his mind. Jeff calls out Matt to end it tonight. Matt is standing in the rafters where Jeff leaped off of with the Swanton that created Broken Matt. Matt is still talking with the slow and broken tone. Matt says Jeff tried to hurt his son Maxell by hurting Matt. Jeff says that Maxell is the youngest TNA star ever. Matt and Jeff fight high up in the rafters. Reby shows up with a fire extinguisher to give Matt the advantage. Josh says they’re 40 or 50 feet up.

    In a pretty creative spot, Matt slid Jeff down the rail of the steps and Jeff crashed into a table at the bottom. 

    – Back from commercial, Matt cut another promo in the back. Matt challenged Jeff to a Six Sides of Steel Cage Match next week. He was both great and creepy here. He put Rosemary to shame in terms of being creepy.

    TNA X Division Champion Eddie Edwards vs. Trevor Lee w/ Gregory Shane Helms

    Helms distracts Eddie which gives Lee the chance to jump him to start the match. Josh explains that Helms complained to TNA management about being banned from ringside at Slammiversary and that’s why he’s back. Eddie makes his comeback and runs wild on Lee. Helms grabbed Eddie’s leg but Eddie kicked him off. Eddie hits a dive onto Helms on the outside. Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party to win the match and retain the title.

    – Next, we get a recap of Sting, Kurt Angle, Team 3D, Jeff Jarrett and Earl Hebner being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. Up next, we find out this year’s inductee.

    – Still in the back, EC3 and Lashley had another face-to-face confrontation.

    – In the arena, all the wrestlers are lined up for the Hall of Fame announcement. TNA President Dixie Carter comes out to announce the newest inductee. She thanked everyone and reflected on the previous inductees. Dixie announced the newest inductee as TNA Knockout Gail Kim.

    Gail seemed genuinely surprised and began to cry. She clearly had no idea it was going to be her. Even Lashley could be seen smiling approvingly in the background. They aired a video recapping her TNA career and title wins. The crowd broke into a huge “Thank You Gail” chant. All the wrestlers applauded her. Dixie credits Gail with making the Knockout Division the best. They’re going to celebrate and officially induct Gail into the TNA Hall of Fame at TNA’s Flagship event Bound For Glory. Gail takes the mic and thanks the fans and all the women she’s worked with.

    – In the back, Decay discussed their match for later. Rosemary regained her creepy title.

    – Earlier today, JBorash interviews Marti Bell. We get a recap of Marti Bell attacking Jade and costing her the title at Slammiversary. Marti talked about The Dollhouse being her and Jade regardless of who the leader were but then Jade won the title and changed. Jade showed up and attacked Marti and left her on the ground.

    TNA Tag Team Champions The Decay (Abyss & Crazy Steve) w/ Rosemary vs. The Tribunal (Bassille Baracca & Baron Dax) w/ Al Snow vs. BroMans (Robbie E. & Jesse Godderz) w/ Raquel vs. Grado and Mahabali Shera

    Grado & Mahabali Shera and The BroMans are in the ring with The Tribunal at ringside as Decay makes their way to the ring. This was a fast paced match with lots of action. Each team got a turn in the ring and there were loads of blind tags. Jesse came in and run wild on the heels. Abyss took out Jesse with a choke slam. Grado climbed to the top but Snow pushed him off. Abyss choke slammed Steve on Grado. Decay picks up the win and retains the title.

    -Backstage, Maria is upset that TNA is inducting Gail into the Hall of Fame. She yelled out Allie and sent her away. The Miracle said he had the bags packed and they should leave. Maria said no and that they should go to the ring.

    – In the back, Jeff agrees to the Six Sided of Steel Cage match next week.

    -In the arena, The Miracle and Maria make their way to the ring and they’re not happy. The Miracle is upset with the way the fans and TNA treat him despite him being so great and the hero TNA needs. They claimed that TNA management doesn’t want to see them succeed. Miracle demands Dixie come out and strike his loss on Sunday from the record books. Instead of Dixie, they get Billy Corgan who comes out wearing a snappy suit and shades. Miracle and Maria are happy to see Billy and Billy says they’re the future.

    Maria calls out Dixie again and she comes out. Dixie cuts off Maria and tells her to shut up. Dixie says they’re wasting precise live TV time when instead they should have wrestling, which gets a big pop from the crowd. Maria claims that Dixie is the problem and that Maria could run TNA better the Dixie. Maria says herself, The Miracle and Billy work well together and have great ideas.

    Dixie removed Maria as leader of the Knockouts. Maria got really intense and started shoving Dixie until Dixie finally snapped and slapped Maria across the face. Maria sold this huge and Dixie left immediately.

    Seems like they’re setting up an angle, which will result in Maria running TNA. Maybe it’s just me, but Billy seemed to be siding with the heels.

    TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway

    EC3 is joining Josh and The Pope on commentary. Galloway is doing a great job selling his injuries, which is a nice touch because we don’t see that often nowadays. Lashley targets Drew’s tapped up ribs. The Pope points out that unlike Sunday this match can end by pin fall.

    Back from commercial, Drew and Lashley are brawling around ringside. Lashley gave Drew a backbreaker on the apron. EC3 mentions that he thinks Drew should have postponed that match. Lashley sends Drew to the outside in front of EC3 and taunts EC3, but this gives Drew the advantage briefly. Lashley went for the spear but Drew caught him in a submission however Lashley made it to the ropes. Drew hit a beautiful looking pile driver for a near fall. Drew hit the Celtic Cross of the second rope but only got a near fall.

    Drew went for the Claymore but Lashley moved and he hit official Brian Hebner. Lashley hit two spears on Drew as the crowd chanted for “EC3”. Lashley brought in a steel chair but EC3 came in and took it away from him. EC3 and Lashley brawled and EC3 got a hold of the chair. EC3 accidently hit Drew with the chair after Lashley moved. Lashley took out EC3 with a spear and used a submission to win in a really good match.

    Next Time on Impact:

    Next week, Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Broken Matt Hardy in a Six Sides of Steel Cage match.