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  • NXT Dublin, Ireland, live results: Nakamura vs. Bobby Roode; Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor

    Submitted by Robert O’Sullivan

    – Tye Dillinger v Hugo Knox 

    Local crowd promo before match. Great reaction to Tye. Mid promo, it turned into cheap heel ‘your sports team sucks’ promo, but crowd still loved him. Knox wins with split legged moonsault. Knox looked very green, but is massive with a great look and moves incredibly well.

    – Wesley Blake v Andrade Cien Almas

    Blake’s ring gear is a weird combination of Bayley and Ultimate Warrior. Crowd more into mocking Blake than the actual match, though liked Andrade’s flashy offence. Andrade wins with double knees in the corner.

    – Goldberg video game ad plays on the screen. Fans notice that Drake Younger is the referee.

    – Sawyer Fulton & Alexander Wolfe v American Alpha

    Mad Max style gimmick for the former. Couldn’t believe it was actually Fulton. Alpha are massively over, with the ‘no limit’ & ‘angle theme’ chants before the bell. Chad Gable may be the best pro wrestler I have ever seen. Just so quick,
    so smooth in his movements. Seemed even quicker on this house show than he did on television. USA Chant for Alpha in Dublin. That’s how over they were. Alpha win with Grand Amplitude.

    The Revival run in afterwards, cut a promo, tease a title match then go to leave. Dash Wilder tries to ambush Alpha, is caught, get him in double ankle lock (each man had an ankle). Heels run to the back.

    – No Way Jose v Austin Aries

    Aries; ribs still taped. Crowd split on who to like. Aries was as good as he has been in the last few years, seems to have settled into NXT finally. Brief dance off spot to Jose’s music, Aries interrupts & ambushes Jose but gets massive cheers and ‘Thank you Aries’ chants. Any attempts to turn the crowd fail. Aries in control most of the match. Jose does his closing sequence (baseball swings, bulldog etc) for a near fall. No Way Jose wins with schoolboy roll up after Aries missed his discus elbow finish.

    – Ad for Mania 33 on the big screen. Described Orlando as a “magical place where anything can happen”. Seemed weird they would play that promo so close to the shooting.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka v Peyton Royce

    Asuka’s gonna kill you chant. Back and forth match. Asuka does her hip attack then pose sequence early. Peyton still a little rough but has improved immensely. Asuka is much better against someone her own size. Asuka wins with crossface chicken wing. 

    – Bobby Roode v Shinsuke Nakamura 

    Roode had generic theme & Titantron still. Great reaction for Roode, and there’s no other way to put this, lose their sh*t for Nakamura. ‘Holy sh*t’ and ‘this is awesome’ chants for the entrance alone. F*ck TNA chants. Crowd behind Roode as well, but Nakamura clearly the favourite. Beer Money chants throughout the match. Near fall with the spinebuster from Roode. Dublin crowd are normally appreciative but dead, but not here. Red hot throughout.
    Nakamura wins with the Kinshasa.

    – Alexa Bliss & Nia Jax v Bayley & Carmella

    I never have seen grown men fight so fiercely over pink wristbands in my life. Great chicken fight spot to start off. Great heel facials from Alexa. Same headlock & guillotine spots on Nia as in all of her matches. Bayley wins with Bayley-to-Bayley on Jax.

    – NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor

    Crowd red hot with chants for Finn. Joe hated with a passion. Back and forth match, everything looked great. Muscle Buster blocked, 1916/Bloody Sunday blocked. Joe gets Balor in his choke finish, Finn powers out. Balor closing sequence (sling blade, dropkick etc). Misses the double footstomp, and as he rolls through Joe grabs him & rolls him up for the win. Finn thanked the crowd for all their support.

    Notes:

    – Nakamura sold out almost immediately. Balor merch sold second to him, though they obviously had a lot of stock.

    – Nakamura had the biggest reaction of the night. Some people around me were in tears during his entrance. Balor had a massive reaction
    as well, and it was more sustained than Shinsukes, but Nakamura had the better reaction out of the gate.

  • Gail Kim announced as newest member of the TNA Hall of Fame

    TNA announced tonight that Gail Kim is the newest member of their Hall of Fame.

    Kim has been the key player in TNA’s Knockouts division from being with the company in a manager/valet like role in its early days, starting in 2005 after being cut by WWE in late 2004.  Kim started doing occasional matches in 2006.  In late 2007, when TNA started its Knockouts Division and featured women’s matches regularly on television, the division was built around Kim, the first champion, and Awesome Kong, in a long rivalry.

    TNA’s womens’ division, largely due to Kim and Kong, was considered superior to WWE for the early years.  In 2008, WWE signed Kim away from TNA and she stayed until quitting when her contract expired in 2011.  She returned to TNA at that point and for most of the past five years has been the company’s key women’s performer, most notably having some great matches with Taryn Terrell.

    She has been Knockouts champion five times, tag team champions once and was also WWE women’s champion in 2003, winning the title in her television debut.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/14): Highflyers win AWA Tag Team Titles; Fritz Von Erich retirement; Steiner Brothers win WWF Tag Titles

    1909 

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Frank Gotch defeated former United States champion Tom Jenkins 2 falls to 0

    1922 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler “Lewis beat John Freberg in 2 out of 3 falls match

    1936 

    Waterloo, Iowa:
    – Bronko Nagurski beat Ivan Vacturoff

    1948

    Wichita, Kansas;
    – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown and Lord Albert Mills went to a draw at 1 fall a piece

    1961

    Duluth, Minnesota:
    – In a Texas Death Match: AWA US Champion Gene Kiniski beat Wilbur Snyder
    – Leo Nomellini beat Bob Geigel

    1971

    Duluth, Minnesota:
    – The Crusher beat Strong Kobayashi in a Death Match
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Paul Diamond
    – Bobby Heenan beat Bull Bullinski 
    – Big K beat Lars Anderson

    1973 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson dq 
    – Rene Goulet defeated Bob Bruggers

    1974 

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Dick the Bruiser & Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff
    – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham via dq 
    – Chris Taylor beat Ray Stevens

    1978 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Russ Francis beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Hawaiian Tag Title Match John Tolos & Steve Strong beat Buddy Rose & John Studd to win tag title
    – Little John & Cowboy Lang beat Little Tokyo & Lord Littlebrook
    – Don Muraco beat Rocky Tomayo
    – Chris Markoff beat Mickey Doyle 
    – Bill Francis beat Duke Savage

    Miami Beach, Florida:
    – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito and Mr. Sato to win the Florida tag-team titles

    Duluth, Minnesota:
    – Verne Gagne & Rufus R Jones beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Pat Patterson
    – Evan Johnson beat Lord Alfred Hayes
    – Bob Orton Jr beat Jim Brunzell
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Blackjack Lanza dq

    1980 

    Rockford, Illinois:
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Greg Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon
    – In a Loser Leaves Town Match; Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes
    – Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell 
    – Super Destroyer Mark II drew Steve Olsonoski

    1981 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – The Highflyers (Jim Brunzell & Greg Gagne) defeated The East-West Connection (Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura) for the AWA World Tag Team Titles 
    – Baron Von Raschke ddq Jerry Blackwell 
    – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe

    1982 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – The Spoiler defeated Frank Dusek
    – Bill Irwin defeated Ken Mantell    
    – Lola Gonzales defeated Irma Gonzales    
    – Andre the Giant defeated Bugsy McGraw via disqualification    
    – El Solitario defeated Rene Guajardo to win NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship
    – Andre the Giant defeated Frank Dusek, Bill Irwin, Al Madril, Ken Mantell, Bugsy McGraw, The Spoiler and T John Thibedeaux in a Bodyslam battle royal     
    – The Great Kabuki and Magic Dragon defeated David and Kevin Von Erich to win the WCCW All-Asian Tag Championship
    – Kerry Von Erich defeated Harley Race in a No Disqualification match
    – In Fritz Von Erich retirement match; Von Erich defeated King Kong Bundy to regain the America’s Title in a falls count anywhere match

    1984

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Antonio Inoki defeated Hulk Hogan for the IWGP Heavyweight Title

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – In a Non Title Match, King Kong Brody & Abdullah The Butcher beat AWA Tag Team Champions The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Curt Hennig
    – Fabulous Ones beat Steve Regal & Chris Markoff
    – Blackjack Lanza drew Larry Zbyszko
    – Steve O beat Kevin Kelly 
    – Stan Lane beat Sheik Adnan

    1989 

    WCW Clash of the Champions VII: Fort Bragg, North Carolina: 
    – The Freebirds defeated The Midnight Express in a tournament final for the NWA World Tag Team Championship
    – The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Kevin Sullivan) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott; with Missy Hyatt)
    – Sting defeated Bill Irwin to retain the NWA Television Title
    – Ricky Steamboat defeated Terry Funk by disqualification

    1993 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – The Steiner Brothers defeated Money, Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) for the WWF World Tag Team Titles

    1998 

    WCW Great American Bash: Baltimore, Maryland:
    – Booker T defeated Chris Benoit in the finals of the Best-of-Seven series to earn a WCW World Television Championship match
    – Kanyon defeated Saturn
    – Chris Jericho defeated Dean Malenko via disqualification to win the vacant WCW Cruiserweight Title 
    – Juventud Guerrera defeated Reese (with Lodi)    
    – Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Eddie Guerrero    
    – Booker T defeated Fit Finlay to win the WCW Television Title
    – Goldberg defeated Konnan (with Rick Rude and Curt Hennig)    to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
    – Hollywood Hogan and Bret Hart (with The Disciple) defeated Roddy Piper and Randy Savage    Tag team match
    – Roddy Piper defeated Randy Savage    
    – Sting defeated The Giant to gain control of the WCW World Tag Team Championship

    2015 

    WWE Money in the Bank: Columbus, Ohio:
    – R-Truth defeated King Barrett    
    – Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler, Neville, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Roman Reigns and Randy Orton in a Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match contract
    – Nikki Bella defeated Paige to retain the WWE Divas Championship
    – Big Show defeated Ryback by disqualification, Ryback retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship
    – John Cena defeated Kevin Owens
    – Prime Time Players defeated Big E and Xavier Woods to win the WWE Tag Team Titles 
    – Seth Rollins defeated Dean Ambrose in a ladder match to retain the WWE Title

  • WWE RAW ratings dip below 3 million viewers

    Photo: WWE.com

    It finally happened. Thanks, in part, to going head-to-head with Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the June 13th edition of WWE Raw fell below the 3 million viewer mark for the first time outside of football season.

    The show did 2.96 million viewers — the second lowest for a non-holiday episode of the show since 1997, as there was a show in November that did 2.95 million viewers. The prior seasonal record low was 3.12 million viewers, and while the rating isn’t out as of this writing, it should equate to a 2.1 or 2.2 rating.

    The Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game on ABC did 20.53 million viewers.

    Raw was fourth for the night on cable, trailing Rizzoli & Isles on TNT, Major Crimes on TNT, and The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News.

    The show opened weak, even though it started before the NBA game, and had a fairly significant third hour drop.  

    The three hours were:

    • 8 p.m. 3.04 million viewers
    • 9 p.m. 3.11 million viewers
    • 10 p.m. 2.76 million viewers

  • WWE RAW Hits & Misses: Strong top-of-the-hour segments highlight a dull go-home show

    Three entertaining top-of-the-hour promo exchanges just about managed to save Monday night’s Money in the Bank go-home edition of RAW from being a total dud. Here, as always, are the show’s highlights and lowlights:

    — The Hits —

    Cena and Styles sign on the dotted line

    Although I could have done without John Cena’s laboured Bullet Club references, the promo exchange between he and AJ Styles at the top of the third hour was very impressive. Cena delivered the goods as usual, namedropping PWG and ROH in an effective monologue, designed to get Styles over.

    Styles’ bitter rejoindre, delivered forcefully with convincing fire, was even more impactful as it further banished the notion that the former IWGP champion can’t hang with the best on the stick. Cena goading AJ into banning The Club from ringside was another big positive as it tied into the insecurity of AJ’s character, and ensured that we should get a wonderful, shenanigan-free, match between the two this Sunday.

    The Ambrose Asylum

    I certainly never anticipated that this segment would ever appear in the Hits column, and yet here we are. Ambrose’s jarring wackiness aside, this was another example of two talents delivering on the microphone when it mattered.

    Admittedly, the primary goal of the segment, and the first-hour ‘Shield Revisited’ clips, failed. Despite the constant reminders of Rollins’ responsibility for the breakup of that popular faction, the crowd still cheered Seth and booed Roman Reigns throughout the Ambrose Asylum.

    Having said that, we must still credit both performers’ delivery. Rollins’ superiority complex-driven promo was excellent, as was Roman’s confident reply. And, although the Dirty Deeds from Ambrose to Reigns to close the segment was a bit off-kilter, I thought the Money in the Bank tease worked well too, building some much-needed anticipation for that match.

    The New Day meets The New Era

    This segment really belongs in both halves of the column, as the solo contributions from the New Day, The Club and the Vaudevillains all fell flat.

    It was only when Enzo and Cass arrived in the ring to confront the New Day that this tag team championship build clicked in a big way. The Jersey boys taunting Xavier Woods about a promiscuous “Frannie”, culminating in the Woods line “I’m the only one who blows my girl!”, was fantastic. As was Cass comparing Kofi Kingston’s shoes to those of Jerry Seinfeld, the only one of many footwear-based insults that even raised a smile from this columnist.

    Life Lessons

    Look, the Darren Young and Bob Backlund vignettes have been awful from day one, but who among us did not laugh at Bob’s “This is my only pair of clothes!” line? Great delivery.

    — The Misses —

    The 50/50 booking-laced MITB ladder match build

    Thank God that the Money in the Bank ladder match is this Sunday, lest we have to sit through another weekly five-hour serving of pointless matches involving the six participants.

    Backstage bickering segments with Sami Zayn/Cesaro and Kevin Owens/Alberto del Rio at least showed that the company is aware of the problem. But it was still impossible to care about either of the two matches involving the four — Zayn’s spectacular Code Red victory aside.

    The stipulation that Owens and Del Rio were putting their spots in Sunday’s match on the line against the Lucha Dragons certainly didn’t help as it was completely unbelievable. Plus, Kalisto and Sin Cara looked like even bigger geeks for losing to two guys who couldn’t get along at all.

    Speaking of geeks, the 50/50 booking that has permeated throughout all in-ring interactions between the six is pretty much the professional wrestling equivalent of socialism. (Some level of inequality is necessary to get people over, you know!) Nowhere was that more obvious than in the main event, where Ambrose avenged his pointless loss to Jericho on last week’s Smackdown. Meanwhile, Owens saved the segment with his sarky commentary, while Zayn, Del Rio and Cesaro all looked like jabronis. Terrible.

    Paint-by-numbers lower card booking

    The build-up to Rusev’s US Championship defence against Titus O’Neil has been incredibly basic and incredibly dull. After weeks of Titus run-ins, the Bulgarian Brute attacked O’Neil from behind on Monday before he could compete in what I was assume was supposed to be a match.

    This ambush got little reaction from the live audience, and I’m sure the audience at home didn’t appreciate the immediate post-commercials replay either. All I could do was sympathise with Titus, as Jack Swagger clearly wasn’t interested in returning last week’s favour and saving his ass. Harsh.

    Elsewhere, in a reprise of that Swagger segment from last week, Apollo Crews ran in to save Zack Ryder from a post-match beatdown at the hands of Sheamus. Yawn. Sure can’t wait to watch that pre-show.

    Bickering McMahons

    I just don’t care! Every time Stephanie and Shane are onscreen with their weird incestuous sexual tension, I just want to shut off my television. It is literally impossible to care about who runs what show; the outcome will be the same regardless. Even Corporate Kane with his arson and testicle electrocution callbacks couldn’t save the segments involving these two from getting my dander up.

    The Divas Devolution

    Far from the lofty heights of top-of-the-hour segments and long matches upon its glorious inception, the so-called Divas Revolution is now reduced to a tag team program that no-one cares about on one of the biggest PPVs of the year.

    ​

    Attempts to build tension between Charlotte and Dana Brooke are also doomed to fail, as the latter is far from ready for a program of that magnitude. Although, given that the Women’s champion got just three minutes to lose to Paige on Monday night, that magnitude may not be so great.

  • NXT Belfast, Ireland, live results: Nakamura & Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe & Austin Aries; Bobby Roode

    Submitted by Matt Sterling from The SSE Arena

    – Hugo Knox b Alexander Wolfe w/Sawyer Fulton

    Knox is a former soccer player from England who looked decent but needs work. Tremendous body. Crowd chanted for Bailey during the match – didn’t care much about the in-ring action here.

    – No Way Jose b Wesley Blake

    Jose is super over. He got the crowd to do a Mexican wave after he won, and danced with the referee.

    – Bayley & Carmella b Nikki Storm & Peyton Royce

    Sloppy match. Bit disappointing from the NXT women. Lots of botched spots. Bayley was the best in-ring trying to cope with three girls who need a lot of work.

    – Bobby Roode b Angelo Dawkins

    Bobby played the heel, lots of stalling & running away from Angelo. Crowd did the stupid spot where they chant a different number than the referee. Longest match on the show so far. Roode won with a spinebuster — a finish that came out of nowhere.

    – NXT Tag Champions The Revival b American Alpha to retain

    The Revival worked over Gable for a long time. When Jordan finally tagged in, it was easily the biggest reaction for a hot tag I’ve seen live. All four of these guys have so much talent. Dawson got the pin after knocking Gable into an exposed turnbuckle.

    Intermission

    – Andrade Almas b Tye Dillinger

    Great, fast paced match. Great showing for the former La Sombra.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka b Nia Jax & Alexa Bliss to retain

    This felt like this had the potential to be great but it was sloppy at times. Seems like they weren’t on the same page. Asuka made Alexa tap with the Asuka lock.

    – Shinsuke Nakamura & Finn Balor b NXT Champion Samoa Joe & Austin Aries

    This was quite the spectacle to see so much talent in the ring at once, especially at a house show in Ireland. Match of the night. Balor got worked over for a while until the hot tag to Shinsuke. Place went nuts. Shinsuke pinned Aries with the Kinshasa. After the match, Finn and Nakamura did each other’s poses.

    Overall, this was an excellent show with great wrestling and a good environment. Arena was taped off – around half the attendance of a WWE show.

  • Daily Update: Fedor, WWE Cruiserweight Classic, Raw ratings

    Fedor Emelianenko was on the MMA Hour today promoting his Friday night fight on Fight Pass against Fabio Maldonado from Russia. Emelianenko said he was back in talks with UFC and they are looking at a proposed deal. He said right now it is limbo. He said it hasn’t gotten so far as talking an opponent. UFC years back was looking at Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar and had the deal agreed to when Emelianenko decided he didn’t want to fight at the time. More on the story here.  

    We have an article already on the front page regarding the WWE cruiserweight classic and who is in the tournament. There are some interesting names from a political standpoint entered. Clement Petiot in the tournament wrestles under the name Tristan Archer.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s TNA Slammiversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.

    We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Baton Rouge, anything from Lucha Underground this past weekend, as well as non-Raw notes (Superstars matches, anything not on television) from New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon, NXT in Belfast, Northern Ireland and TNA tapings in Orlando.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.

    TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.

    THE ROUND-UP

    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 6/9/2016: Will Christopher Nowinski testify in WWE concussion lawsuit? – The latest battleground in the WWE concussion litigation is whether or not Christopher Nowinski can be compelled to testify. Issues cited in a WWE opposition to the plaintiffs’ effort are included in the lawsuit.

    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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    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.

    MONDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking Raw, the cruiserweight tournament, Fedor and the rest of the latest news. You can send questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Going against what could be the deciding game of the NBA playoffs, Raw could take it on the chin tonight without anything major being advertised. It’s the go-home show for Money in the Bank. More than 20 million viewers are expected to watch the game tonight.

    Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Becky Lynch & Natalya has been added to Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV in Las Vegas.Last night’s Stanley Cup finals did 5,407,000 viewers against the TNA show. It was the most watched NHL final ever on NBC that didn’t involve the original six teams.  Last night’s game did a 35.1 rating in Pittsburgh and a 9.2 rating in the San Francisco Bay Area. The connection to wrestling includes the Penguins HBK line named after Shawn Michaels. Not missing a trick, HHH sent the Penguins some WWE title belts to wear.

    The Fight Network announced today a deal to get the AXS version of New Japan World Pro Wrestling with Jim Ross and Josh Barnett as announcers. The shows will air on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. starting on 7/7.

    The $1.8 million judgment awarded to Jesse Ventura in his lawsuit against the estate of Chris Kyle was thrown out on appeal in the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals. The three judge panel reversed the $1.3 million award saying it fails under law and vacated another $500,000 defamation award but said that could be sent back to court for a new trial.

    WWE

    “Growing up in Kirkdale I knew what a headbutt was but I certainly didn’t know about wrestling!”

    UFC

    • Don Frye on the return to UFC of Brock Lesnar from Submission Radio: 

    Don’s reaction when he saw Lesnar was returning at UFC 200

    “Oh my god….. why? Why – since Mark Hunt is going to destroy him. So it’s going to be such a fun fight to watch Mark kick his head off. So I’m looking forward to it.”

    Why Mark Hunt will destroy Lesnar

    “Oh Mark’s an animal. Yeah he’s an animal. I mean, god damn, he’s one of the better fighters walking the planet. You know and he’s got the strength and the speed and the skill, and shit, he’s like ten-foot-tall and bullet proof.”

    If Don’s surprised that Lesnar agreed to fight Hunt

    “Yeah, you know, I was with everybody else. I thought they were going to give him some fish. Who’s that pro wrestler (CM Punk) that keeps bailing out of his fight all the time? Yeah, I mean, give him CM Punk (laughs) or somebody worse than that. But jeez, I gotta give it to Lesnar for accepting the fight. First you gotta step into the cage first, and then I’ll give the guy all the credit in the world just for being man enough to let that door close behind him.”

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Lucha Mexico, a documentary on wrestling in Mexico is scheduled for a 7/15 theatrical release in 25 markets including New York and Los Angeles. Among those in the movie are the late Perro Aguayo Jr., Blue Demon Jr., Tony Salazar, Strongman, Fabian El Gitano and more. For more info go to www.LuchaMexicoFilm.com.
    • Sting will be headlining a 9/17 Icons of Wrestling convention at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia doing photos from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and then sign autographs with no makeup from Noon to 2 p.m. VIP package if $350 for six autographs, one photo with makeup and front of the line access. One autograph and one photo with no makeup is $100. For more info go here.
    • The New York Times on Ali books mentioning the new Ali vs. Inoki book is here.
    • Preston City Wrestling announced an iPPV of their Tribute to the Troops show on 6/25 at the Preston Guild Hall which is a free show that will draw 3,000 people. Rob Van Dam, Billy Gunn, Drew Galloway and Ken Anderson are scheduled. Sha Samuels defends the PCW title against Galloway, Anderson & Gunn face the UK Hooligans, Joe Hendry vs. Joey Hayes and more to be announced.
    • There is a movie that comes out on Friday in Finland on the wrestler StarBuck, whose goal was to become a musician and wrestler  which has gotten awards at the Night Visions Festival in Helsinki, Finland as the Audience Favorite as well as the Critic’s Choice award at the Helsinki International Documentary Film Festival. 
    • Honky Tonk Man and Hornswoggle are scheduled for Empire State Wrestling on Saturday night in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
    • New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron 8 results from Saturday night: Dan Terry b Beau  Douglas, First round: Mike McCarthy b T.J. Warren, Kevin Tibbs b Jay Freddie, Todo Loco b Chris Escobar, Slyck Wagner Brown b Brad Hollister, Non-tourney: Giant Pharaoh b Jack Maverick, Final most falls in 45 minutes: Todo Loco won three falls to win to two for McCarthy and one for Brown and Tibbs. Loco was behind and scored two falls in the closing minutes. (thanks to Sheldon Goldberg)
    • NWAOnDemand.com has added a long Mongolian Stomper vs Scott Casey match today. New subscribers can get the first week free.
    • Pro Wrestling Revolver from Saturday night in Clive, IA: Rhino b Trevor Lee, AR Fox won scramble match over Dave Crist, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Chainsaw King, Connor Braxton, Kurt Stallion and KLD, Jessicka Havok b Paco Gonzalez, Scotty 2 Hotty b Jake Manning, Tommy Dreamer b Arik Cannon in an Extreme rules match, Bob Holly b Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin b PJ Black, Billy Gunn b Johny Mundo. Wentz jumped of a balcony. Holly vs. Callihan said to be a major chop fest.
    • CZW on 7/8 has a Freelance vs. CZW show at Bottom Lounger in Chicago and then a show on 7/9 in Dayton. They have an iPPV on 8/12 at Flyer’s Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.
    • WrestlePro on 6/11 in Keyport, NJ: Dan Maff b Bull James, Chris Avery Queling b Johnny Clash, Taboo Crew over Gino & J.J. Lee, Team Espana and Aesthetic Males, Kevin Matthews b Chris Dickinson, Fallah Bahn & Swoggle (Hornswoggle) & COPS & Merry Men in Tights b Butler Jackson,& Heavenly Bodies & Chris Payne & Brian Myers in an elimination match, Beefcake Charlie won a gauntlet match, Sonjay Dutt won six-way to keep the GFW NextGen title over Mario Bokara, Habib, Niko Rios, Bobby Wayward and Beefcake Charlie, Anthony Owens b Matt MacIntosh to keep Wrestle Pro title, Damien Sandow b Colt Cabnaa, Pat Buck b Jeff Jarrett in a cage match.  Others on the show but not wrestling included Dutch Mantel, Booker T and Buff Bagwell plus at a meet and greet included Tatanka, Amber Gallows, Kevin Sullivan, Karen Jarrett, Eddie Edwards, Stevie Ray and Butch Reed.
    • Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night at Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-on-the-Lake,. OH with Ethan Cater III vs. Rex Brody, Alex Daniels vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Flamita, Sonjay Dutt vs. Josh Prohibition, Veda Scott vs. Shayna Baszler, Brian Myers vs. Grado, plus Laredo Kid and B.J. Whitmer.
    • Colby Corino has been added to the 7/24 SMW show in Elizabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym facing Timmy Lou Retton. Buff Bagwell & Toby Farley vs. Jordan Kage & Chris Richards headlines, plus Kevin Nash and Scott Hall will be doing a meet and greet.
    • Smash Wrestling on 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
    • Magnum T.A. talks his relationship with Dusty Rhodes.

    TODAY in professional Wrestling History: Yokozuna beats Hulk Hogan for the WWF title

  • Kota Ibushi & Tajiri among those named for WWE Cruiserweight Classic

    WWE announced the complete lineup for this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic tournament with some expected names and some surprises.

    The only major star not previously talked about is Gran Metalik (believed to be Mascara Dorada) which is a major coup considering he’s a CMLL wrestler and with the CMLL/New Japan/ROH alliance, it becomes an interesting move on his part.

    The biggest names involved include Kota Ibushi (rumored from the start) who has been taking it easy in Japan since his return after a serious neck injury; Tajiri (a former star in ECW and WWE), Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa, and Zack Sabre Jr. The latter just worked Kurt Angle Sunday night.

    Originally, Andrade Cien Almas was to be the star of the tournament, but they’ve decided to keep him out of it and leave on the regular NXT roster.

    The list:

    • Kota Ibushi
    • Gran Metalik
    • Tajiri
    • Zack Sabre Jr.
    • Noam Dar
    • Cedric Alexander (expected once he announced he was leaving ROH)
    • Da Mack – A German wrestler
    • Tony Nese – Evolve talent that qualified at Saturday’s iPPV
    • Zumbi – A Brazilian wrestler who had been working for Elite Lucha Libre but had kind of disappeared
    • Clement Petout – A bodybuilder from France
    • Fabian Aichner – A bodybuilder from Italy
    • Harv Sihra – One of the Bollywood Boyz tag team from British Columbia and half of the GFW tag team champions
    • Gurv Sihra – The other half of the Bollywood Boyz tag team and brother of Harv
    • Rich Swann – Anounced even though he’s been out of action with a shoulder injury but has apparently healed up
    • Brian Kendrick
    • Akira Tozawa – One of the top stars in the Dragon Gate promotion
    • Jack Gallagher – a U.K. wrestler
    • Johnny Gargano – a regular in NXT
    • Tommaso Ciampa – another regular in NXT
    • Ho Ho Lin – A small wrestler from Hong Kong
    • TJ Perkins – The former Manik from TNA who was recently cut by that promotion and works for Evolve as TJP
    • Anthony Bennett – A New Jersey independent wrestler
    • Drew Gulak – A top independent star that works in Evolve
    • Tyson Dux – The veteran Canadian independent star
    • Lince Dorado – Masked Florida independent wrestler that works in Evolve
    • Sean Maluta – the nephew of Afa Anoa’i, related to a number of current WWE stars
    • Raul Mendoza – Known as Jinzo in Mexico from the DTU promotion
    • Kenneth Johnson – a  Detroit based independent wrestler
    • Alejandro Saez – A wrestler from Chile who is known as XL
    • Damien Slater -An Australian based independent wrestler
    • Jason Lee – Japanese talent
    • Arya Daivari – The younger brother of Shawn Daivari, the former WWE talent

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (6/13): Yokozuna beats Hulk Hogan for the WWF title

    1924 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Jim Londos in 2 out of 3 falls  

    1940

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Orville Brown defeated Bobby Bruns to win the Kansas City version of the Midwest Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title

    1947 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Ray Steele beat Bronko Nagurski
    – Dizzy Davis defeated Bob Cummings
    – Butch Levy beat Jack Conley

    1957

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Ed Francis defeated Al Lolotai for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title

    1960

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Tony Borne defeated Bull Curry to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title

    1961 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Art Neilson & Ray Shires defeated Red Bastien & Lou Bastien in three falls
    – Bobo Brazil defeated Killer Kowalski in three falls 
    – Bob Ellis defeated The Sheik via DQ in three falls

    1963 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Masked Medic #1 and Masked Medic #2 beat Pat O’Connor and Tiny Mills 2 falls to 1
    – Sonny Myers beat Bob Geigel 2 falls to 1 via dq
    – Larry Hamilton drew Steve Kovacs 
    – Rock Hunter beat Steve Bolus

    1969

    Duluth, Minnesota: 
    – The Crusher & Bill Watts beat Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson
    – Red Bastien beat Dr. X 
    – Billy Red Lyons beat Big K

    1970 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – In a Steel Cage Match The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Dr X & Double X beat Edouard Carpentier & Pepper Gomez
    – Paul Diamond beat Larry Hennig
    – Butcher Vachon beat Billy Howard
    – Blackjack Lanza beat Moose Cholak

    1972

    Tijuana, Mexico:
    – Alfonso Dantes defeated Rey Mendoza for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title 

    Columbia, South Carolina:
    – Jerry Brisco defeated Rip Hawk to win the Mid-Atlantic Eastern title 

    1974

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Interns (Tom Andrews and Jim Starr) defeated Bob Geigel and Rufus R. Jones to win the Central States version of the NWA World Tag
    Team Titles
    – Jim Brunzell defeated Bobby Garcia
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Ciclon Negro via DQ 
    – Bob Brown defeated Don Fargo via DQ

    1975 

    – Black Gordman and Goliath won the NWA Americas Tag Team Title from The Hollywood Blonds (Jerry Brown and Buddy Roberts)

    Morioka, Japan:
    – Great Kusatsu and Mighty Inoue defeated Tor Kamata and Duke Savage in a tournament final to win the vacant International Wrestling
    Alliance Tag Team Titles

    1978

    Miami, Florida:
    – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito and Mr. Sato (The Great Kabuki) to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1981 

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – The Kelly Twins (Pat and Mike Kelly) defeated Wilbur Snyder and Spike Huber to win the World Wrestling Association (Indiana) Tag Team Titles

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke beat AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura dq
    – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe 
    – Jerry Blackwell ddq Brad Rheingans 

    1982

    Monterrery, Mexico:
    – Centurian Negro defeated Gran Hamada for the Universal Wrestling Association World Middleweight Title

    1983 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeated Fishman to win the vacant WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    Salt Lake City, Utah:
    – Rick Martel beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell beat Baron Von Raschke & Mad Dog Vachon 
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Blackjack Lanza

    1985 

    Koga, Japan:
    – Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated The Dynamite Kid for the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title

    Ibaraki, Japan:
    – Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu beat Terry Gordy & Tiger Jeet Singh & Mario Milano
    – Riki Choshu & Yoshiaki Yatsu beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors dq
    – In an International Junior Heavyweight title match; Kuniaki Kobayashi beat Dynamite Kid dq

    1986

    Nassau, Bahamas:
    – Lex Luger defeated Ron Bass to win the NWA Bahamas Heavyweight Title 

    Houston, Texas:
    – In a Texas Tornado Street Fight; Steve Williams & Dusty Rhodes & Bill Watts beat Ivan Koloff & Nikita Koloff & Kortsita Korchenko 
    – Terry Gordy beat Terry Taylor
    – AWA Champion Stan Hansen no contest Nick Bockwinkel
    – Rock & Roll Express beat Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts 
    – Magnum TA beat Baron Von Raschke

    1987

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Bill Dundee defeated Chick Donovan to win the AWA International Heavyweight Title 

    1988 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Curt Hennig
    – Brickhouse Brown double count out Max Pain 
    – Great Sensei & Dutch Mantel beat Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden dq

    1991 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Gran Hamada and Perro Aguayo defeated Los Brazos (Brazo de Oro and Brazo de Plata) to win the UWA World Tag Team Titles

    1992

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeated El Egipicio to win the Mexico National Heavyweight Title

    1993

    WWF King of the Ring | Dayton, Ohio:
    – Yokozuna pinned Hulk Hogan to win the WWF World Title 
    – Bret Hart pinned Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring Tournament

    1994 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D.) defeated The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronus) for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1997 

    Xochimilko, Mexico:
    – Nygma defeated El Salsero to win the Mexico National Welterweight Title

    1998 

    Alexandria, Virginia:
    – Buddy Landel defeated Jimmy Cicero to win the Independent Professional Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Title

    Garden City, Manitoba, Canada:
    – E.Z. Ryder and Darren Daulton defeated Damage Inc. (Skar and Sledge) to win the Canadian Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles

    1999 

    WCW Great American Bash: Baltimore, Maryland:
    – The Jersey Triad (Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon) defeated Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles

    Okayama City, Japan:
    – Koji Nakagawa and Gedo defeated Masato Tanaka and Tetsuhiro Kuroda to win the FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Titles

    2002 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Shouichi Ichimiya defeated Chocoball Mukai for the Dramatic Dream Team Ironman Heavy Metalweight Title 

    2003

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Yutaka Yoshie and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to win the IWGP World Tag Team Titles

  • ROH Milwaukee, WI, live results: Jay Lethal & Colt Cabana vs. The Young Bucks

    Submitted by Andrew Vrchota

    Sold out show.

    Pre-show:

    – Cheeseburger defeated Some Canadian Guy With A Fanny Pack. Cheeseburger was super over. The guy’s fanny pack was more over than the guy himself.

    Main Show:

    – Steve Corino promo on Whitmer, who was on commentary.

    – ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction defeated Kamaitachi and Juice Robinson via Best Meltzer Ever. Juice was super over.

    – Dalton Castle defeated Will Ferrera via Deadlift German Suplex.

    – Motor City Machine Guns defeated Lio Rush and Moose. This was a fun match. Rush is very impressive. MCMG put Lio over after the match by giving him the ring for the crowd to cheer him.

    – Donovan Dijak defeat Trent Baretta. Prince Nana accompanied Dijak to the ring. Dijak is a decent heel.

    – Four Corner Survival: Kyle O’Reilly defeated Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin and ACH via submission. This match ruled. Every sequence was jaw dropping. Elgin and Kyle had a great sequence of Germans and kicks. Roddy was great, per usual, as was ACH. 

    – BJ Whitmer promo. Two random dudes brought out a hog-tied Corino. 

    – War Machine destroyed two local talents.

    – ROH TV Champion Bobby Fish defeated Rocky Romero via leg submission. Great match. Fish is awesome. Dalton Castle was on commentary for this match and they had a stare down after the match.

    – Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young defeated The Briscoes and ANX in Tag Wars finals. BCB and Silas hit their finishers on ANX. Crowd celebrated like Milwaukee won the World Series.

    – Colt Cabana and ROH Champion Jay Lethal defeated The Young Bucks via Double Lethal Injection. Crowd was super hot for this match. Bucks looked good after returning from injury. They hit an Indie Taker, but no Meltzer Driver. No disrespect to the Bucks, but they looked gassed and/or didn’t want to risk another injury. After the match, Colt had Lethal’s title and hinted he wanted a rematch. Lethal grabbed his belt and left.