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  • Daily update: Charlotte Flair’s mother not happy with RAW angle

    We’re also looking for live reports from Raw in Greenville, SC with Superstars matches. dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show.  Tonight’s show, the go-home Raw for Survivor Series, features quarterfinals of the WWE championship tournament, with Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Kevin Owens vs. Neville and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler.  Undertaker is also booked on tonight’s show so they’ll probably do an Undertaker & Kane vs. Wyatt Family angle of some sort. 

    We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s Lucha Underground tapings in Boyle Heights, Saturday’s WWE show in Minehead, England and NXT shows in Winter Haven, Orlando and Sebring, Florida, at Dave Meltzer. 

    Smackdown tapings are Tuesday night in Knoxville.

    Figure Four Weekly:

    Figure Four Weekly (11/9/15): Reexamining indie wrestling distribution business models:
    A look at where indie wrestling companies stand right now when it comes to capitalizing on technology and business trends, including comments from Whoo! Wrestling’s Allan Barrie.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.

    We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.

    We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer: November 16, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Seth Rollins injury, Wrestlekingdom 10 matches

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    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.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    WWE

    Other Wrestling

    • The lineup of CMLL talent heading to the Fantastica Mania shows in January have been announced. Mistico, Volador Jr, Atlantis, Guerrero Maya Jr., Dragon Lee, Fuego, Stuka Jr., Mascara Dorada, Titan, Panther, Hechicero, Mephisto, Ultimo Guerrero, Bobby Z, Virus, Okumura and Cavernario Barbaro.
    • “Tuesday Night At The Gardens,” Jim Cornette and Mark James’ new book about Louisville wrestling history is now available at Amazon.
    • Battle Arts Academy has a nice little show planned for 12/6 in Mississauga, Ontario, with Mr. Kennedy, Dalton Castle, Ricochet, Kongo Kong, Rocky Johnson, Pepper Parks, and more.
    • NECW presents World Women’s Wrestling this Sunday at 3 PM in Beverly, MA.
    • Here’s a local story on an extra that got asked to play a bigger role in “Chokeslam”, a movie Mick Foley & Sir Lance Storm are in. (Thanks to Mike K.)
    • Here’s a story about a local pastor bringing wrestling to Milford, DE, with a show featuring Tito Santana. (Thanks to Mike K.)
    • On the newest edition of Between the Sheets, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan are joined by Shimmer founder/booker/promoter/announcer Dave Prazak to discuss the week that was November 10-16, 1996. Topics include Curt Hennig jumping to WCW and how WCW botched most of the guys that jumped in this era, Great Sasuke’s influence on wrestling, Chris Jericho’s adventures in Japan, Antonio Pena losing his mind over La Parka jumping to Promo Azteca/WCW, ECW with a memorable November to Remember, and Randy Savage almost jumping to the WWF in 1996.
    • This week’s Fire Pro Podcast looks at the fall of Ronda Rousey as well as a review of WCW Spring Stampede 2000 here

    UFC & MMA

    • Kenny Florian doesn’t think it would be a good idea to give Ronda Rousey an immediate rematch despite the fact that very early odds for a future rematch have her listed as the favorite.  On his and Jon Anik’s podcast, he said, “I think it would be a very bad mistake to give Ronda Rousey an immediate rematch with Holly Holm.  I’m telling you now, I don’t think she’s ready. I think she needs to revamp her footwork, revamp her striking and know how to face a southpaw like Holly Holm. If she goes in there and loses for a second time the UFC will lose their biggest star.”
    • Bellator announced Patricky “Pitbull” Freire vs. Derek Anderson for their 12/4 event in San Jose, CA, headlined by Josh Thomson vs. Pablo Villaseca. The promotion also announced they are heading overseas for three shows in 2016, doing shows in London, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Italy. No dates were announced, but they confirmed the London show will be held at O2 Arena and will be tape-delayed in the U.S.
    • Here’s a quick hitter from Dana White on Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie in 2016. Needless to say, this is a much different White response than it would have been several years ago.
    • Dave’s article about Holly Holm upsetting Ronda Rousey went up today at MMAFighting.
    • Scott writes: “Last night (11/16) I was at the Baby Buggy 15th Anniversary Benefit Comedy Show at the Beacon Theatre here in NY where Amy Schumer performed along with Jerry Seinfeld.  During her set, Amy said something along the lines of ‘After the Ronda Rousey fight this weekend everyone kept saying that Holly Holm chick “looked like a fit Amy Schumer.” What the hell!? I’M a fit Amy Schumer!’   Not too much on the fight and just a reference used as a joke but the crowd definitely knew what she was referencing, and this was all mainly affluent older New Yorkers.”
    • Holly Holm is getting even more mainstream notice. Actress/comedienne Amy Schumer tweeted out today “Thanks everyone for congratulating me on my win Saturday. #UFC” and Holm responded by telling her she looked stunning in there.
    • Titan FC runs on 12/18 in Kansas City, MO, featuring flyweight champion Tim Elliott vs. Pedro Nobre in the main event.
    • The prelims for Saturday’s UFC did an incredible 1,394,000 viewers up against college football and the Democratic debate. A strong prelim number is usually indicative of a big PPV number.
    • WSOF announced the full card lineup for Friday’s WSOF 25 on NBC Sports Network. Only one actual fight is announced for the televised card since the early fights are streaming at WSOF.com. Not announcing the lineup ahead of time is usually a recipe for ratings disaster and this show is going up against a Bellator show on Spike and the usual Friday night AXS TV Fights. It would be very surprising if this show does any even close to a good number.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (11/17): Sid Vicious wins WWF World Title

    1949

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz beat Ernie Dusek 2 falls to 0
    – Joe Dusek and Mike Sharpe drew 
    – Ben Sharpe beat Ben Morgan
    – Karl Davis defeated Babe Zaharias 

    1956

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – In a match for the Central State title, Richard Brown defeated Dr. Lee Grable to win title 
    – Gene Stanlee defeated Bobby Lane

    1972

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch beat The Crusher & Billy Robinson in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Ivan Koloff 
    – Superstar Billy Graham beat George Scott 
    – Lani Kealoha (Jimmy Snuka) beat Larry Hennig by dq

    1986

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Lance Von Erich & The Dingo Warrior (Ultimate Warrior) defeated Matt Borne & Master Gee (subbing for Buzz Sawyer) to win the 
      World Class Championship Wrestling Tag Team Titles

    1996 

    Madison Square Garden:
    – Sid Vicious defeated Shawn Michaels to win the WWF World Heavyweight Title
    – Bret Hart defeated Steve Austin
    – The Undertaker defeated Mankind

    1998 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Duane Gill defeated Christian for the WWF Light Heavyweight Title 

    2002 

    New York City:
    – Billy Kidman defeated Jamie Noble to capture the Cruiserweight Title
    – Victoria defeated Trish Stratus in a hardcore match to capture the WWE Women’s Title
    – Big Show defeated Brock Lesnar to capture the WWE World Title
    – Eddie & Chavo Guerrero defeated Edge & Rey Mysterio Jr. and Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit in a three way elimination match to capture 
      the Smackdown WWE World Tag Titles 
    – Shawn Michaels defeated Triple H, Chris Jericho, Kane, Booker T and Rob Van Dam in the Elimination Chamber to capture the RAW  
      World Title

    2011 

    Orlando, Florida:
    – Matt Morgan & Crimson defeated Mexican America to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles

  • Why the Jimmy Snuka prosecutor gag order worked

    By Irvin Muchnick, Concussion Inc. author

    Two weeks ago, a Pennsylvania judge, at the request of the district attorney, issued a gag order in the murder trial of retired wrestling superstar Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka for the 1983 death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino.

    The gag order had its immediate intended effect: Nancy’s sisters were prevented from talking with CBS News about the longest-running cold case in the history of the Lehigh Valley, and 48 Hours decided to put on indefinite hold an hour-long episode in pre-production.

    Of course, 48 Hours promises to jump right back in when the gag order expires. But I believe that, by then, the national coverage could be tepid and cookie-cutter: just another story of a well-connected celebrity getting away with something for too long, and the victim’s family’s quest for a measure of justice.

    From my perspective, the larger story comes in between now and then, but because of the gag order, is likely to get short shrift. I’m referring to hard-hitting examination of the original police and prosecution work — either botched or downright corrupt — that kept the Snuka case on the back burner for more than 30 years.

    And make no mistake: it is the national media, and the national media alone, that would tell that story, certainly not the Allentown Morning Call.

    True, it was the Morning Call’s better-late-than-never 2013 front-page package that finally got Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin moving again. But the newspaper also carefully fudged then, and continues not to make clear to its readers today, the aspects calling out an overly incestuous local criminal justice establishment.

    Specifically: Martin was first assistant D.A. in ’83 under William Platt, who is now a senior state judge. Several of the same individuals and institutions that let Snuka slide, at the time and for many years now, bear the current burden of delivering to a jury a case of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Almost no one is talking about this disconnect.

    Peter L. Pavlovic, a retired police officer in another county township, encapsulated the problem in a letter to the Morning Call. In order to have a truly “fresh look” at the Snuka case, Pavlovic argued, “You need a new investigation team, and that should be the state police, not a county detective who investigated the case as a Whitehall police detective and did not file any charges. This case was not rocket science; this case was a case of conflicting stories by the person involved. This was a case of just bad police work.”

    Meanwhile, in a ham-handed attempt to chill the First Amendment rights of one of his constituents, D.A. Martin earlier this year sued Bill Villa, an Allentown advertising man who blogs about local skulduggery at his site “Lehigh Valley Somebody.” Martin sued Villa for defamation for having the audacity to write, among other things, that the D.A. (as a reelection candidate) and the Morning Call have used the services of the same law firm. What had started Villa in his muckraking avocation was the soft-pedaled prosecution of a son of one of the law firm’s partners. The son, Robert LaBarre, was convicted of vehicular homicide in the drunk-driving accident in which Villa’s daughter Sheena was killed.

    This is not the place for reviewing the LaBarre case, except to say that almost immediately after the 2006 incident, LaBarre, who had been released without bail, jetted to Belize to party. The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas judge who allowed all this, with no consequences, was Robert Steinberg — earlier one of the assistants who sat in with D.A. Platt at the June 1, 1983, meeting with Vince McMahon that culminated in no charges for Snuka.

    The upshot of the parallel chilling of national media scrutiny in the Snuka case — via a gag order with neither merit nor constitutional basis — is that Snuka might very well get off the hook. Or he might be allowed, with little scrutiny, to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charge of involuntary manslaughter (for not calling early enough for emergency medical attention) in return for dropping the felony charge of third degree murder in the traumatic brain injury death of Argentino. Remember that the original coroner’s autopsy report said Argentino had sustained a pattern of bruises throughout her body “consistent with ‘mate abuse.’”

    In my estimation, today’s justice calculus goes beyond whether the 72-year-old Snuka, who is recovering from stomach cancer surgery, should do prison time for an incident from three decades ago. His conviction at trial on the felony count is no sure thing, anyway, given how stale prosecutors let the evidence against him become. There is nothing of importance in the September indictment of Snuka not fully known to them in ‘83.

    Did garden-variety incompetence, or WWE-greased corruption, derail swift and sure justice? Thanks to the gag order (issued by yet another former assistant D.A., Judge Kelly Banach, who had worked under Martin), we might never have that important public conversation regarding whatever kept the Snuka-Argentino file buried and in suspense for so long.

    As is well known, Snuka’s own 2012 autobiography went to the trouble of recounting how his boss McMahon carried a briefcase into his meeting with Platt, Steinberg, and three Whitehall Township police detectives. Whether or not that was true (or whether it mattered even if true), WWF’s tri-weekly syndicated television tapings at the Allentown Fairgrounds and in nearby Hamburg were ongoing shots of Chamber of Commerce steroids for all of Eastern Pennsylvania.

    The only arguably new information in the September grand jury presentment was the testimony of Snuka’s ex-wife and of Buddy Rogers’ widow that Snuka had shown a pattern of domestic violence against the ex-wife. In that connection, the gag order eases the pressure on prosecutors to develop additional witnesses who might have come forward subsequent to the grand jury.

    Recently a woman, whose bona fides checked out, contacted Concussion Inc. with information about her time as Snuka’s girlfriend in the 1990s. The information included both allegations that Snuka abused her and a claim that he gave her an account of how Nancy Argentino had died. The account purportedly identified the blunt object in the hotel room that Nancy’s head struck.

    Unfortunately, instead of advancing on such angles, the national media are in retreat. The gag order has jeopardized the full airing of something more than your average celebrity murder case.

  • Remembering Nick Bockwinkel and a long-gone era of wrestling

    Image: StarTribune.com

    For any longtime wrestling fan over the age of 40, we all have memories of a different time and, quite frankly, a different world. A world with no Internet, 13 TV channels (or less), and where the best video or computer game was Pong or electronic Tiger handheld games.

    And no matter where you were in North America, you had the local wrestling company. And as far as you knew, this was the whole wrestling world. The world champion was the true Champion Of The World, and there was no one better. The TV commentators were the only ones you knew, so they were the best as well. You liked the good guys and you hated the bad guys. It wasn’t “cool” to cheer them; they were evil and you wanted to see your heroes beat them.

    It was in this environment that I started watching wrestling in my hometown of Winnipeg, right in the middle of AWA territory (well, the far north part of the middle). Every Saturday evening at 6 pm, AWA All-Star Wrestling would come on, and I didn’t know anyone who didn’t watch it. Young and old, male and female….everyone. After that, we switched over to Hockey Night in Canada on CBC at 7 for our only hockey game of the week.

    In this environment, two guys stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the wrestling world. Verne Gagne was the old man who wasn’t always around but when he was, we knew that despite his advanced age, if he could get his deadly sleeper on, he could take anyone out. Big brutal Russians, wild Frenchmen, Goose-stepping Nazis, Middle-Eastern shieks….it didn’t matter, Gagne would save the day.

    Whenever he wasn’t around, the best in the world was Nick Bockwinkel. In fact, Gagne was pretty much semi-retired by the time I was 9 years old so to me, Bockwinkel was the man. But he wasn’t that big….surely my favorites would be able to take him down. But one by one, they came and went, and for the most part, they couldn’t get the job done. And Bockwinkel, along with his evil manager Bobby “The Weasel” Heenan (sure, he called himself “The Brain”, but we knew differently), would always find a way to get the job done and keep the title. Even Hulk Hogan, larger than life and soon to be a movie star, couldn’t get the job done and eventually left wrestling altogether (as far we knew).

    I even recall an “imposter” world champion who showed up on TV, claimed to be the real deal, and said he was coming to Winnipeg to defend “his” title against Bockwinkel. This was the first time I was ever behind Nick as I didn’t want to see this “fake” world champion beat the guy who’d beaten all my favorites. Plus, he could take his title to boot! Well, Bockwinkel and his opponent, a guy named Ric Flair, went to a no-contest on a cold night in mid-January 1986. Bockwinkel didn’t take the NWA title that night, but stood his ground, and went on to continue beating all my heroes.

    Eventually, Bockwinkel got older and went from the hated villain to the respected veteran. He still had some tricks up his sleeve, and won the title as late as 1987 before eventually losing it to Curt Hennig. By this point, we had other options. WWF Maple Leaf Wrestling and Superstars of Wrestling had replaced All-Star Wrestling on Saturdays, eventually moving to 11 am. If we wanted to see the stars of the AWA, we had to pay for something called cable, which was not cheap back then. I had a good job in high school so I paid for it myself — specifically so I could continue to follow it.

    A few years later, Bockwinkel showed up in WCW as the commissioner. He still had the gift of gab, even if he couldn’t (or wouldn’t) get in the ring anymore. It was a nice remembrance of my childhood to see him again. Eventually, he faded out of the spotlight. Over the years, it was always nice to hear stories of how he was still keeping an eye on the industry and reading about in the Observer. It was also sad to hear how he hadn’t been able to attend Cauliflower Alley the last few years after being such a big part of it in the past.

    When I heard on Sunday that he’d passed away, it was another part of my childhood gone and a link to a long-forgotten world that most of the people reading this probably didn’t even know existed. At least we have the memories and the legacy he left behind and for that I’d like to say thank you, Nick Bockwinkel. Rest in peace.

  • Figure Four Weekly (11/16/15): Rey Mysterio vs. Low-Ki and The Anatomy of a Dream Match

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    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

  • Daily Update: ROH Announces TV deal, Rousey-Holm

    We’re looking for your thoughts on UFC 193 and also the Tenryu retirement show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzer

    We’re also looking for live reports from Raw tonight in Greenville, SC with Superstars matches. dark matches and anything else not evident from the live show.  Tonight’s show, the go-home Raw for Survivor Series, features quarterfinals of the WWE championship tournament, with Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro, Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto, Kevin Owens vs. Neville and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler.  Undertaker is also booked on tonight’s show so they’ll probably do an Undertaker & Kane vs. Wyatt Family angle of some sort. 

    We’re also looking for reports on yesterday’s Lucha Underground tapings in Boyle Heights, Saturday’s WWE show in Minehead, England and NXT shows in Winter Haven, Orlando and Sebring, Florida, at Dave Meltzer

    Smackdown tapings are Tuesday night in Knoxville.

    Figure Four Weekly:

    Figure Four Weekly (11/9/15): Reexamining indie wrestling distribution business models
    A look at where indie wrestling companies stand right now when it comes to capitalizing on technology and business trends, including comments from Whoo! Wrestling’s Allan Barrie.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    Exclusive news on WrestleMania, how SummerSlam has changed due to the Seth Rollins injury, updates on Rollins, notes on the WWE title tournament and what key stars besides Rollins and Randy Orton are now unlikely to wrestle at WrestleMania is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    We also look at the different potential finishes of the WWE title tournament, how it looks to be progressing, a look at the Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock fight and look back 20 years to their two previous fights, lots of notes on the fight, and the back story.

    We also look at WrestleMania tickets, the Wayne Rooney angle, Dwayne Johnson and Dave Bautista update, More on Alberto Del Rio’s outside business and his angle in Puerto Rico, Undertaker week, WWE make more network predictions, notes from the next Madison Square Garden show, notes on Raw this week, Ronda Rousey talks WWE Divas division, what WWE star is ready to return from surgery, plus notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events of the past week and business note.

    We also have our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, to see how both groups are doing as compared to the same period last year, as well as a breakdown on how every different WWE main event is drawing over the past month.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer: November 16, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Seth Rollins injury, Wrestlekingdom 10 matches

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    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.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    TODAY’S DAILY UPDATE

    • It’s pretty much official today, which has seemed likely since ROH lost prime time, Destination America will be dropping all its pro wrestling programming.  ROH announced its new expansion in syndication into a number of key markets today in conjunction with the news of being off DA.
    • Axl Rotten on Twitter noted that former ECW star Hack Myers will be undergoing brain surgery at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Best wishes to Myers on a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
    • There has been a ton of media on Ronda Rousey’s loss and its ramifications, including this NY Times article and this Baltimore Sun article
    • I hope Raw does a feature on Nick Bockwinkel tonight.  They have run a nice five minute tribute feature on the network I’m told with comments from Gene Okerlund, Greg Gagne and Baron Von Raschke.  One thing making it a solid shot is that he’s in their Hall of Fame.  If Jerry Lawler was still on Raw, it would be a lock since he and Bockwinkel had so many big matches.  But I’m guessing at the very least, John Layfield would bring his name up and say something nice about him. 
    • Here is a Nick Bockwinkel interview from 2001 by Fight Network.

    WWE

    • The WWE.com had a poll of fans who they most want to win the tournament.  The numbers have fluctuated over the past two days, but the last time I checked, Cesaro was way ahead with 36 percent, and unless somebody shows this result to Vince and presses him on it, one would think Cesaro has no chance to win today.  Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose were dueling evenly for second place, both around 19-21%, with Kevin Owens around 13-16% while there very limited support (as in less than 5%) for Dolph Ziggler, Kalisto and Neville, and less than no support for Alberto Del Rio. 
    • It’s Undertaker week on the WWE Network, including Undertaker’s Greatest Rivals part one tonight after Raw with JBL and part two after Smackdown with several wrestlers talking about their matches with him in a panel format.  There will also be a 25 year special on Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Undertaker’s Gravest matches on Wednesday at 9 p.m. 
    • Topps has announced a new WWE trading card series, Undisputed, that will be released on Wednesday.  It will have the most autographed cards of any previously released WWE card product, from current names like Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Charlotte and Sasha Banks, to Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart, Trish Stratus Ric Flair, and NXT stars like Sami Zayn, Samoa Joe and Enzo Amore, as well as Pete Rose, Lawrence Taylor, Razor Ramon, Big Bossman, Junkyard Dog, Davey Boy Smith, Curt Hennig and Jay Strongbow.
    • Spectre with Dave Bautsita remained No. 1 at the box office in the U.S. with $35.4 million this past weekend.  It debuted at No. 1 in Australia with $12,069,993 (thanks to James Stanios) 
    • This made its way around the Internet recently, but WWE Divas champion Charlotte told The Sun that she would align herself with the Authority in order to make a match with Ronda Rousey happen. Here’s the interview.
    • Here’s the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Nick Bockwinkel​

    UFC/MMA

    • The city of Albuquerque is planning a big celebration of sorts for Holly Holm’s title win over Ronda Rousey on Saturday.  
    • The Holm title win was on the back cover of both of Melbourne’s daily newspapers with further coverage in both the news and sports sections.  There were also editorials about the brutality of the sport and using the term sport in quotes.  (thanks to Daniel Arnephy)
    • Here’s a New York Post interview with Holm
    • Tickets for the UFC 1/17 show in Boston featuring TJ Dillashaw vs. Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title, Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez, Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione, Tim Boetsch vs. Ed Herman, Paul Felder vs. Daron Cruickshank, Patrick Cote vs. Ben Saunders and more go on sale Friday to the public at 10 a.m priced from $250 down to $50.  Fight Club members can get ticketsWednesday and there will get a code for an Internet pre-sale on Thursday.
    • Josh Koscheck will make his Bellator debut at Bellator 148 on Friday, January 29th against Matt Secor at Fresno, CA’s Save-Mart Center. In the co-main event, Paul Daley faces Andy Urich, so if both men win, you have a ready-made big fight for an early-2016 tentpole show.
    • Former UFC title contender, current podcast host, and ESPN analyst Chael P. Sonnen will receive the George Tragos award at the 2016 National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Dan Gable Museum during induction weekend on July 14-16. The George Tragos Award is given to an exceptionally competitive wrestler who adapted his or her wrestling skills and competitive nature to excel in MMA.
    • Dong Hyun Kim will now fight Dominic Waters at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea on November 28th. Waters replaces Jorge Masvidal, who was moved up to the headline bout against Benson Henderson when Thiago Alves was forced out due to a rib injury. Waters made his UFC debut in July, losing a decision to George Sullivan at the TUF 21 Finale.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • AAA results from last night in Ciudad Juarez for a TV taping:  Dinastia b Mini Abismo Negro, Speedball & Australian Suicide b Daga & Steve Pain, Garza Jr. & Psycho Circus b Dark Cuervo & Dark Scoria & Zorro, El Hijo de Pirata Morgan & Parka Negra & Taurus b Blue Demon Jr. & Electroshock & La Parka, Rey Mysterio Jr. & Psycho Clown & Chris Masters (as a mystery babyface) b Averno & Chessman & Psicosis.  Psicosis replaces Cibernetico, who was at Arena Mexico and has left AAA.  Pretty much sold out.  After the show, Rey Mysterio Jr. & Konnan came out and talked about the history of wrestling in Ciudad Juarez, and Konnan also talked about Eddy Guerrero, who started his career in that arena.  This was the first major AAA show in the city in years (thanks to Antonio Garza)
    • Kurt Angle talks his spoken word tour coming to the U.K.
    • Mark & Jay Briscoe plugging a Toys for Tots collection at ROH Final Battle shows on 12/18 and 12/19 in Philadelphia 
    • Barry Rose pointed out that today is the 36th anniversary of the death of Eric the Red, real name Eric Hansen, a week after suffering serious head injuries after being hit by a car in Tampa after he had wrestled that night in Miami Beach.  Eric Hansen’s intro to pro wrestling was notable as he was from British Columbia, and Karl Gotch was taking on all comers with the idea anyone who he couldn’t submit in five minutes would win money.  The wrestlers trained Hansen, who was a huge guy, to just hold onto the ropes so as not to go down, and he was able to do it.  Of course, in wrestling, soon that was built up that some fan got the better of Gotch, and JWA in Japan, hearing about that, booked him for a tour and that’s how his career got started.
    • Premier Wrestling on 11/28 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge-Portuguese Hall with a one-night three-way round robin with Jeff Cobb (6-3-1), Timothy Thatcher (4-2-1) and Joe Graves (2-1-1) fought with rounds.  JR Kratos (9-2) vs. Gabriel Gallo (4-0) will be the main event.  There will also be a womens’ title tournament with Nicole Savoy (3-1), Kahmora (1-1), Raze (0-2) and Kikyo Nakamura (0-1).  Tickets are at www.premierwrestle.com
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Council Bluffs, IA:  Con Artiest b Robert Storm, Marek Brave won Battle Royal, Pat Powers b Purple, Hype Gotti & Tony Cortez & Zac James b L-Ray & Joey Daniels & Paul Daniels, Devin Carter b Dalton Lee Roth, Mad Dog McDowell & Jon West b Connor Braxton & Eddie Machete, Mark Sterling b Marek Brave.  Next show is 11/29 in Omaha at the Waiting Room Lounge.
    • SPW from Sunday in Sacramento:  Airon Skye won over Johnny Maverick, Scoot Robinson and Truex, Rik Luxury b James Von Eeerie, Sir Samurai & Drake Fost b Mustafa Saed & JD Bishop and TLO & Jonny Yen, Daniel Torch b Will Roberts, Scoot Robertson b Joe DeSoul, Michael Hayashi b Virgil Flynn, Brain Tannen (formerly in WWE developmental) b JR Kratos-DQ.  Next show is 12/20 with Tannen defending against Robertson at the SPW Arena in Sacramento. (thanks to Mike Millerick) 
    • NWA Mid South from Saturday night in Dyresburg, TN:  Tim Storm b Josh Lewis, Jeremy Moore & Roosevelt b The Posse, Rob Conway b Apoc, Van Vanhorn b Chris O’Neal, Heat Seekers b Matt Riviera & Storm to keep NWA tag titles.
    • WrestleZone from Saturday night in Aberdeen, Scotland before 840 fans, a sellout:  The Rejected b Mr. P & Kaden Garrick, Shawn Johnson b Lord Mr. Malice, William Sterling b Blue Thunder Damien b Bryan Tucker & Johnny Lions, Lewis Girvan & Debbie Sharpe b Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayen, Scotty Swift won over Alan Sterling, Crusher Craib & Bingo Ballance.  Mick Foley was at ringside as commissioner for the night.  Foley used Mr. Socko on Russell and Sterling at one point on the show.
    • CHIKARA ends season 15 on 12/5 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with Hallowicked vs. Icarus vs. Eddie Kingston for the Grand Championship in the main event.
    • Lucky Pro Wrestling from Sunday in Clinton, MA:  Verne Vicallo & Delmi Exo b Tequilla Rosee & Tomahawk, Davianne & Travis Gordon b Scott Levesque & Nikki Valentine, Tessa Blanchard & Anthony Greene b Scotty Slade & Alexus Nevaeah, Jessicka Havok & Brandon Webb b Natalia & Anthony Stone, Keith Gordon b Christian Casanova, Anthony Greene & Tessa Blanchard b Verne Vicallo & Delmi Exo, Davianne & Travis Gordon b Brandon Webb & Jessicka Havok, Tessa Blanchard & Anthony Greene b Daviaenne & Travis Gordon to win tournament

    ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

    1968 – Skull Murphy beat Tex McKenzie in Melbourne to win the IWA title

    1973 – Sara Lee & Sylvia Hackney beat Mariko Akagi & Peggy Kuroda in Fukushima to win the WWWA tag titles

    1979 – Rusher Kimura beat Verne Gagne via count out in Wakayama to win the IWE title.  This match was Gagne’s last pro wrestling singles match defeat

    1982 – Faraon beat Mascara Ano 2000 in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title

    1986 – Blue Panther beat Gran Hamada in Mexico City to win the UWA jr. light heavyweight title

    1996 – Hisakatsu Oya & the Head Hunters beat Masato Tanaka & Koji Nakagawa & Tetsuihiro Kuroda in Osaka to win the World Six Man Street fight titles

    2012 – Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) beat Marty Scurll in St. Ives to win the IPW British cruiserweight title

  • The Week In British Wrestling: ICW draws biggest crowd in 30 years

    Image: Insane Championship Wrestling

    By Alan Boon for WrestlingObserver.com

    British wrestling is on the up, with some of the bigger promotions drawing huge crowds, some of the smaller ones doing very interesting things with pro-wrestling, and some of our homegrown stars making waves outside their home territory. Here are five things you need to know about the scene this week:

    1) ICW drew the biggest British wrestling crowd in over thirty years on Sunday night, when they presented Fear & Loathing VIII at the SECC in Glasgow.

    The promotion, formed in Glasgow in 2006 by Mark Dallas, have had a banner year, with two national tours, two documentaries on BBC TV, and a series of sell-out shows in ever bigger halls in their hometown. For Sunday’s show, they booked an almost entirely British crew, with only Rhyno – who is involved in storylines as a regular import – and the Sumerian Death Squad from Holland, flying in. Mick Foley was brought in as host, but it’s clear that the huge majority of the four thousand tickets were sold on ICW’s reputation for a great show. Before the show started, they announced that Fear & Loathing IX would be held at the Hydro, a thirteen thousand capacity venue across the city. It may be a step too far but few would bet against Dallas and his crew making it.

    As for the show itself, Grado became the new ICW Heavyweight champion, defeating Drew Galloway after a typically-ICW series of run-ins and surprises, with the whole roster celebrating in the ring with him afterwards. Earlier in the show, Viper became the first ICW Women’s champion, and Davey Boy beat Stevie Boy in the battle of the Buckie Boys to win the ICW Zero G title. The show will be up on ICW On Demand by the time you read this, and is well worth a look.

    2) It’s WAR!

    Well, it’s not really, but there is a big clash coming up in January, when PROGRESS’ next ENDVR show goes head to head with Revolution Pro-Wrestling’s next TV taping, just three miles away. ENDVR is the middle of three tiers that PROGRESS operate at, and while it’s not the big shows that sell out the 750-seat Electric Ballroom every month, it does sell out the 300-seat Garage in Highbury Corner. RevPro’s tapings, at the perfect-for-TV-wrestling Cockpit theatre in Marylebone, are stacked with talent, and the promotion had advertised Zack Sabre Jr before he was booked by PWG, and have now booked Will Ospreay versus ACH. It will give the hardcore fans a tough choice, but with ENDVR tickets having been on sale a week before RevPro announced their date, PROGRESS have the upper hand. RevPro owner Andy Quildan has gone on record as saying he prefers to work with other promotions rather than against them and this seems to be a case of an unavoidable clash. But WAR makes for a better story…

    3) British talent continues to turn heads in the U.S.

    Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, and Mark Andrews – who competed in PWG’s BOLA 2015 – are making a return trip to the Los Angeles promotion next month. While Andrews and Scurll might be known to some from their TNA connections, Ospreay is the real surprise package this year, and it’s been reported that AAA offered him a deal last month. Ospreay is only three years into his career, yet carries himself like a seasoned pro – there are few better babyfaces (“blue eyes” in old school British parlance) out there, with everything he does having meaning and impact. He’s just turned heel (or “villain”!) for IPW:UK and this reporter, for one, is interested to see how he pulls that off. American fans could do worse than get in on the ground floor – the Ospreay bandwagon starts here.

    4) As well as our guys going over there, the Americans came here last week, with WWE touring the UK and Ireland (and bits of Europe, too).

    While they were here they took a look at some of our talent, with try-outs being held before Raw in Manchester last Monday. Seen trying to impress WWE scouts were Scottish standout Nikki Storm, North East powerhouse Jason Prime, sometime luchadora Nina Samuels, Australian émigré Toni Storm, and the “Beast of Belfast” Big Damo. Damo’s had quite a year already, having faced Tomohiro Ishii, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Hiroshi Tanahashi for RevPro, and he’d certainly be comfortable in NXT.

    5) While most of the UK’s attention was understandably focused on the ICW show, there were still a dozen shows on Friday and Saturday, up and down the UK.

    Target Wrestling ran both Carlisle and Workington, and drew decent crowds with Grado and Rockstar Spud along for the ride, while NGW left their usual east coast base to run Lancashire’s west coast in Ormskirk, where Nathan Cruz defended his NGW Heavyweight title against CJ Banks. One of the more interesting shows took place in Northwich, where Great Bear Wrestling – sister promotion to RAWlternative standouts (and Chikara-Pro King of Trios entrants) Attack Pro-Wrestling – promoted Teach Me How To Dance With You, featuring teenage phenom Tyler Bate, and a Great Bear Heavyweight title match between Axel Dieter Jr and Jack Gallagher. Also on the card was Chris Brookes, continuing his brilliant heel run of defeating women, this time taking down Alexis Rose. Nixon Newell looms large in his future, I’m sure…

    After two fairly quiet weeks – if you count almost 4000 people flocking to an indy show a quiet week! – next weekend hots up, with a TON of shows on offer. Join me again next week for a rundown of the movers, shakers, and headline makers!

  • Daily pro wrestling history (11/16): Brock Lesnar wins UFC Title

    1932

    Kansas City, Missouri:
    – Jim Londos beat Darna Ostopavich to retain the World Title
    – Jim McMillen beat Buck Olson 
    – Fred Peterson beat Everett Kibbons 
    – Cliff Olson drew George Gostopavich 

    1946

    Wichita, Kansas:
    – Orville Brown beat Ed Virag to unify the MWA & NWA World Heavyweight Titles (Strangler Lewis was referee)
    – Roy Graham beat Vincent Lopez by dq
    – Ray Villmer defeated George Temple 
    – Ronnie Etchison beat Red Ryan 

    1955 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Tiger Jokinder & King Kong Czaya defeated Rikidozan & Harold Sakata to win a tournament to crowd the first ever
    All-Asian Tag Team Champions

    1961 

    Rochester, Minnesota:
    – Dale Lewis & Pat Kennedy defeated Hardboiled Haggerty & Bob Geigel for the AWA World Tag Team Title 
    – Mr. M beat Tex McKenzie
    – Steve Druk beat Joe Marconi

    1963

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – The Crusher beat Verne Gagne in 2 out of 3 falls to win AWA Title when Gagne couldn’t answer the bell for the 3rd fall
    – Larry Hennig double countout with Moose Evans
    – Tiny Mills beat Johnny Kace
    – Maurice LaPointe beat Kurt Von Brauner

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Omar Atlas defeated Mike Loren
    – Bobby Whitlock & Les Thornton fought The Destroyer & Billy Howard to a draw
    – Steve Bolus defeated The Sheik
    – Harley Race & Roger Kirby defeated Danny Little Bear & Black Angus

    1974

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Larry Hennig & Ivan Putski & Chris Taylor beat Baron Von Raschke & Horst Hoffman & Superstar Billy Graham 2 out of 3 falls
    – Boris Breznikoff & Bobby Heenan beat Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell by countout
    – Geoff Portz drew Larry Heiniemi 
    – Yugo Babich beat George Gadaski 
    – Rock Riddle beat Kenny Jay

    1984 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Crusher Blackwell defeated Harley Race for the Missouri State Heavyweight Title 

    Denver, Colorado:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Fabulous Ones
    – Curt Hennig & Larry Hennig beat Nick Bockwinkel & Mr. Saito dq
    – Jimmy Garvin beat Jim Brunzell
    – Boom Boom Bundy beat Chris Markoff

    1992 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – The Sandman defeated Don Muraco for the ECW Heavyweight Title 

    1994 

    Jacksonville, Florida:
    – The Patriot & Marcus Bagwell defeated Paul Roma & Paul Orndorff to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles
    – Vader defeated Dustin Rhodes 

    1996 
    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeated The Colorado Kid to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – ECW World Heavyweight Champion The Sandman defeated Raven
    – Terry Funk & Tommy Dreamer defeated Shane Douglas & Brian Lee 

    1998

    Wichita, Kansas:
    – Juventud Guerrera defeated Billy Kidman to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title 

    2000 

    Oberhausen, Germany:
    – General Rection & Alex Wright defeated Mark Jindrak & Sean O’Haire to win the WCW Tag Team Titles

    2003

    Dallas, Texas: 
    – TEAM ANGLE (Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Bradshaw, and Hardcore Holly) defeated TEAM LESNAR (Brock Lesnar, Big Show, Nathan Jones, Matt Morgan, and A-Train)
    – TEAM BISCHOFF (Chris Jericho, Scott Steiner, Christian, Mark Henry, and Randy Orton) defeated TEAM AUSTIN (Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and the Dudleys)
    – Goldberg beat HHH to retain the RAW World Title 

    2008 

    Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – Former WWE champion Brock Lesnar captured the UFC Heavyweight championship, defeating Randy Couture

  • ROH announces TV deal with Sinclair-owned Comet TV

    On Monday, Ring of Honor announced a TV deal, but not with a provider you may immediately be familiar with.

    Starting Wednesday, December 2nd, ROH’s flagship show will air at midnight on Comet TV, a 24/7 science fiction network that is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group, ROH’s parent company. The press release sent touts that the network is available in over 60% of the country and in over 65 million homes as of October 31st.

    Essentially, the deal is an extension of the current Sinclair deal, with many of the Sinclair stations now adding a Wednesday night at midnight replay, as well adding distribution in a number of new markets, most notably New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia San Francisco and Houston, where ROH doesn’t have distribution.

    The key new stations will be KDOC-TV 32 in Los Angeles, KCNS-39 in San Francisco, WZME-42 in the Bridgeport, CT, market, WCCT-20 in Hartford, CT, KIKU-19 in Honolulu, WOCH-49 in Chicago, WTTV-48 in Indianapolis, WMFP-18 in Lawrence, MA, KVMY-2 in Las Vegas, and KUBE-41 in Houston.

    ROH’s 26-week deal with Destination America expires in December, and their final episode on D.A. will be on Wednesday, November 25th. The removal of ROH from the 8 PM EST primetime slot as a lead-in to TNA Impact several months ago was not considered a good sign.

    Reports dating back to August were that is was unlikely ROH would be renewed. Jane Latman, who took over from Marc Etkind as the General Manager of the station about six weeks ago, had said she was going to be reviewing all programming, and as of a few weeks ago, that was the information the company had received.

  • WWE NXT TV Taping the night before Royal Rumble in Orlando

    It looks to become tradition that WWE will run NXT events in conjunction with its big three pay-per-views after the huge success of the show two nights before WrestleMania in San Jose and the night before SummerSlam in Brooklyn.

    With the Royal Rumble being in Orlando, the home base of NXT, it was a given something would take place. With the NXT Takeover special in December in London, and the company wanting to space out the NXT big shows so more time can be devoted to building angles and keeping them special, it doesn’t look like a live special will happen.

    However, HHH announced that they would be doing a television taping on 1/22 in Orlando at the CFE Arena at the University of Central Florida campus, which is the Friday night before the Rumble.  The arena, which holds 10,000, meaning with a stage set up capacity would probably becloser to 7,000, will be the biggest NXT event ever in the state of Florida.