Category: Post Type article

  • Hulk Hogan’s restaurant will undergo name change

    Hulk Hogan’s Beach, a restaurant adjacent to the Best Western Hotel Bay Harbor in Tampa, will be undergoing a name change.

    Reports that the restaurant has closed are incorrect, as it was open for business tonight and is still using the name “Hogan’s Beach.” But owner Ben Mallah confirmed the name change was forthcoming, stating the entire property was in the process of being sold, although the sale wasn’t complete.

    Hulk Hogan’s name was being used for the restaurant based on a licensing agreement.

    The “Hogan’s Beach” sign in front of the restaurant has been taken down and replaced by a sign that reads, “Bay Harbor Hotel and restaurant.”

    Employees were told that the restaurant was going to remain open but be rebranded.

    Here is the Bay 9 News story

  • WWE NXT House Show Results Tampa 10/16: Samoa Joe vs. Tye Dellinger, Bailey vs Eva Marie

    By Jonathan Lyon

    1.Hugo Knox beat Riddick Moss (new Mike Rallis  name)

    2.Marcus Louis w/Sylvester Lefort loses to bull Dempsey. Louis dropped the monster gimmick. Good move.

    El Jefe Levis Venezuela came out for a promo about fiestas, and was interrupted by Tom Caden.  Crazy big dude, who proceeded to join in on the fiesta.. Not bad.

    Asuka, Carmella, and a girl who’s name I didn’t catch beat Emma, Cameron, and Peyton. Cameron didn’t look like she wanted to be there.  Asuka got a big reaction.

    Baron Corbin beats Angelo Dawkins- it could have been quicker?

    Match of the night was a fatal four way tag with The Vaudevillains beating Jordan and Gable, Blake and Murphy, and the Hype Bros. Blake and Murphy are can’t miss live, highly entertaining and engaging with the audience. When Gable came in, they put on ear guards. Pin comes with a whirling dervish to BAMF.

    Apollo Crews beats Dino Sabetelli.. Both guys are super athletes.

    Bayley beats Eva Marie in a not bad match. Bayley definitely carried her through, but Eva Marie did her part, she needs get her arm drags down though, very lazy and not in anyway believable.

    Main Event was Samoa Joe beating Tye Dellinger. Great Match. Fun to listen to the sounds of a Joe match in the front row. The crowd was full by appearance and kept the excitement up thoughout.  

  • Argos & Argenis Staying With AAA

    After leaving the promotion earlier in the week, Argos & Argenis, the two brothers of the former Myzteziz, made up with AAA earlier today.

    A third brother, Mini Murder Clown, was always believed to be staying with the promotion.

    The two met with company officials and asked if they could stay and both are being kept on.

    The departure of Luis Urive, who was both the first Mistico character in CMLL and original Sin Cara in WWE, has been the biggest news story in a long time in Mexican wrestling.  Urive held a press conference earlier today where he said he was not returning to CMLL, and attempted to babyface himself by saying he thought he left on good terms with AAA and couldn’t understand why they aren’t using him for the rest of his advertised dates.

    Urive said that the new name he will go by is Mystic 2.0.  He has big matches coming next weekend at Arena Mexico and the week after in Guadalajara.

    Argos had worked one TNA taping through AAA, but wasn’t used going forward.  Argenis holds one-third of the trios titles in Lucha Underground as one of the masked Disciples of Death.

  • Friday Update: Mistico’s new ring name, Mayhem Miller arrested again

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE house show in Merida, Yucatan (Undertaker, Kane, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Sheamus, Cesaro, Bray Wyatt), tonight’s NXT show in Tampa, tonight’sStardom show in Covina, CA and last night’s NXT show in Cocoa Beach at Dave Meltzer

    Very quiet weekend with no major events.

    New Japan World Pro Wrestling returns is on one hour earlier tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern

    Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki can only end via submission or knockout

    Togi Makabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii for Never Open weight title

    These are matches from Wrestle Kingdom 9 from 1/4 at the Tokyo Dome.  This was Suzuki’s last match with New Japan.

    Legacy Fighting on AXS at 9 p.m. Eastern

    Brad Taylor (181.6) vs. Jared Gooden (180.4)

    Josh Millwood (156) vs. Chazz Walton (155.4)

    Jamie Picket (184.4) vs. Doug Usher (186)

    Josh Blyden (145.8) vs. Nick Sprayberry (146)

    C.J. Hamilton (133.8) vs. Braneley Furr (135.4)

    Wesley Barnes (171) vs. David Vitkay (170.8)

    Jordan Rinaldi (155.7) vs. Clay Harvison (157.6)

    Saturday has WWE at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Lubbock, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match for U.S. title, plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

    World Series of Fighting on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC Sports Network

    Magomed Bibulatov vs Donovan Frelow for flyweight title

    Matt Hamill vs. Vinny Magalhaes

    Tom Marcellino vs. Nick Newell

    Blagio Ivanov vs. Derrick Mehmen for heavyweight title

    Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami

    Evolve on iPPV at 7 p.m. Eastern Saturday from LaBoom in Woodside, Queens, New York

    Johnny Gargano vs. Ethan Page I Quit match, if Gargano loses, he leaves the promotion (which if that happens, would signal he’s headed to WWE)

    Timothy Thatcher & TJ Perkins vs. Trent Baretta & Rocky Romero

    Drew Gulak vs. Trevor Lee – winner faces Thatcher for the title the next night

    Anthony Nese vs. Andrew Everett vs. Matt Cage vs. Peter Kassa

    Tracy Williams vs. Willie Mack

    Matt Riddle vs. Jonathan Gresham

    Sunday has WWE at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico (Undertaker, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, Kane, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt) and Abilene, TX (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match plus Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Ryback, Kevin Owens).

    Evolve on iPPV at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday from The Deer Park, NY Sportatorium

    Timothy Thatcher vs. winner Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee on Saturday 

    Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

    Willie Mack vs. loser of Gulak vs. Lee from Saturday

    TJ Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

    Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

    Andrew Everett vs. Peter Kassa

    Ethan Page vs. Matt Cage

    Monday has Raw from Dallas, TX with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell, with Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin all in town, plus the Austin podcast with Brock Lesnar.

    Tuesday has Smackdown tapings in Austin, TX with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Sheamus as the headliners.

    ****

    Figure Four Weekly:

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

    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

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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.

    FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Luis Urive held another press conference today saying his new ring name will be Mistic 2.0. 
    • Completely insane former UFC fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller was arrested in Orange County earlier today.  According to TMZ, police were called to respond to a disturbance between Miller and two women.  When they arrived, they claimed Miller was aggressive and uncooperative and attacked the officers.  He threw a piece of ceramic tile at them, as well as threatened them with a fire extinguisher and metal pole.  After Miller refused to calm down, they hit him with a taser.  Eventually after fighting off several officers for eight minutes, he was subdued and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on an officer and is now being held on $50,000 bond.
    • Here’s an ESPN produced comedy bit of Ronda Rousey training in an interesting outfit.
    • Jerry Lawler at the New York Comic Con did an interview where he said there was a good possibility that Smackdown may be going live.  WWE wants significant changes to Smackdown come January.
    • WWE sent out an e-mail for tickets for Raw, which means they aren’t sold out, pushing John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Steve Austin and Undertaker as appearing.  Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels are also  named in the ad.  It says something about the company’s own belief in its own stars when they push six guys for late sales, and only one is a full-time guy.  The sad part is that they probably aren’t wrong.
    • Paige will be on Conan O’Brien on TBS on Thursday night to push the WWE 2K 16 video game release.
    • Rob Van Dam vs. Frankie Kazarian headlines for Big Time Wrestling’s 19th anniversary show in Newark, CA at the Memorial High School Gym.
    • The Toronto Blue Jays game on Wednesday night drew 4.8 million viewers in Canada and peaked at 8.1 million, which for that country are ridiculously high numbers.  The point being, that in Canada, Raw is not going to do very well going head-to-head with the Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals game.  Raw has to go against both baseball playoffs and the NFL on Monday. 
    • ESPN’s 30 for 30 show on Tuesday night will be about the Schultz brothers, Mark & Dave, who were the characters in the “Foxcatcher” movie. 
    • Davey Boy Smith Jr. announced that he now has the ownership and trademark to the name The British Bulldog.  
    • Conor McGregor is making a number of appearances this weekend to promote homeless shelters and has made a personal donation of $57,000.  He will be in Cork at the Savoy on Saturday and on Monday and Tuesday will be doing a Q&A at Wright Venue in Dublin.
    • The 2CW promotion based in upstate New York announced it will be closing at the end of this year. 
    • Championship Wrestling from Hollywood is moving to a Saturday at 4 p.m. time slot on KDOC-TV.
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling tonight in Felton, DE at the Delaware Auto Exchange with Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Road Warrior Animal and Patrick Clark.  The main event has Bruiser & Hardy vs. King McBride & Ken Dixon, while James is in a four-way with Jessie Kaye, Amber Rodriguez and Kimber Lee.
    • Sabu will face Abyss in a Monster’s Ball match and Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards vs. Bobby Roode & Austin Aries have been announced for Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion on 11/14 in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center.  Dreamer faces Ethan Carter III in a street fight and Chris Hero faces Tajiri also on the show.
    • CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara:  Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno b Explosivo & Metatron, Gallo & Robin & Stigma b Arkangel de la Muerte & Canelo Casas & Malefico, Misterioso Jr. & Pierroth & Sagrado b Blue Panther Jr. & Pegasso & Starman, Gran Guerrero & Kraneo & Ultimo Guerrero b Dragon Rojo Jr. & Polvora & Bobby Zavala, Negro Casas & Shocker b La Mascara & Volador Jr.. to retain the CMLL tag titles when Mascara turned on Volador.
    • Indie with AAA stars on Monday night in Oaxaca at the soccer stadium:  Dinastia & Mascarita Sagrada & Mini Drago b Mini Charly Manson & Mini Histeria & Mini Psicosis, Fabi Apache & Goya Kong b Mari Apache & Taya Valkyrie, Alberto El Patron & Blue Demon Jr. & La Parka b Cibernetico & Chessman & Averno, Australian Suicide & Drago & Elegido b Black Mamba & Estrella Divina & Pasion Kristal, El Hijo del Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & Zorro b The Psycho Circus.
    • Fenix vs. Laredo Kid vs. Pentagon Jr. in a three-way headlines a Sunday show in Benbrook, TX at the Camp Bowie Bingo Hall.
    • AAA has a TV taping tomorrow night in Reynosa headlined by Rey Mysterio Jr. & Psycho Clown vs. Johnny Mundo & ?, Jack Evans & Angelico & ? vs. El Hijo del Fantasma & El Texano Jr. & ?, and The Hell Brothers vs. two clowns & La Parka.
    • Undertaker will be appearing at Wizard World in Tulsa on 10/24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
    • Victory Commonwealth Wrestling on 10/29 at Reaper’s Mansion in Ajax, ONT.
    • Raven will be doing a seminar on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the Pro Wrestling Syndicate school in Rahway, NJ for $25.  For more info, go to www.ProWrestlingSyndicate.com
    • Chaotic Wrestling on Saturday night in Stoneham, MA at the high school with a four-way elimination match with Julian Starr defending his Chaotic title against Chase Del Monte, Donovan Dijak and Adam Booker.
    • There is a Pro Wrestling Revolution Lucha Libre show on Saturday night at 5 p.m. in Napa, CA at the Expo Chardonnay Hall with Atlantis, Octagon, Rey Bucanero, Pirata Morgan, Bestia 666, Rey Hours and more.   
    • A unique match at NWAClassics.com posted today is Mil Mascaras vs. Masked Superstar.
    • 41 years ago today in Miami Beach, Dusty Rhodes beat Terry Funk in an I Quit match, Eddie & Mike Graham beat Dick Slater & Toru Tanaka via DQ in a Florida tag team title match, Johnny Gray & Mike Pappas beat The Hollywood Blondes, Jerry Brisco drew Pak Song, Don Muraco beat Greg Valentine, Bob Backlund beat Dennis Stamp, Mongolian Stomper beat Vic Rossitani and Frankie Hester beat George McCreary. (thanks to Barry Rose)
    • Scott Hall was backstage at the NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL.  Hall is really smart about a lot of little things that come to performing, and it’s always good to see him in these situations because hit means he’s doing well.
    • Here’s a blurb on Mexican wrestling coming to Napa Valley this weekend.
    • Rob Van Dam vs. Amazing Red headlines for Red’s House of Glory wrestling a week from tonight in Jamaica, Queens at Club Amazura.
    • The Steiner brothers are opening a new Shoney’s in Acworth, GA and there is a video of the demolishing the previous building
    • Matt Farmer talks to Jim Cornette about the history of pro wrestling in the Pacific Northwest
    • A story on the Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone lightweight title match on 12/19 in Orlando
    • A story on Lamar Odom that mentions pro wrestling
    • A New York promotion is in trouble with the commission for using a podiatrist as the physician at ringside
    • Former wrestler Buddha Khan now does an oldies radio show.  Khan, as best I can tell, was the only modern era performer to do both Roller Games and pro wrestling at around the same time.
    • WWE’s web site promoting top stars of Evolve as future prospects as part of their new working agreement

    ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL

    1963 – El Santo & Rayo de Jalisco beat Los Espantos to win the Mexican national tag tam titles

    1967 – Killer Kowalski & Skull Murphy beat Mario Milano & Red Bastien in Sydney to win the IWA tag titles

    2001 – Pierrothito beat Ultimo Dragoncito in Mexico City to win the CMLL minis title

    2004 – Naomichi Marufuji beat Jun Akiyama in Tokyo to win the GHC open weight title

    2011 – Ricky Marvin beat Satoshi Kajiwara to win the GHC jr. title and then vacated it, and Kotaro Suzuki & Atsushi Aoki beat Yoshinobu Kanemaru & KENTA to win the GHC jr. tag titles in Tokyo

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (10/16): Ric Flair wins Mid-Atlantic title, BBB wins ECW title

    1941

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Orville Brown defeated Lee Wykoff in 2 out of 3 falls to win the MWA World Heavyweight Title 
    – Steve Brody beat Al Lovelock 
    – Jack Kennedy beat Albion Britt 

    1947

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ernie Dusek beat Warren Bockwinkel 2 falls to 1
    – Sonny Myers beat Cardiff Giant 2 falls to 1 

    1951 

    Tampa, Florida:
    –  Mae Young defeated Cory Coombs to win the Florida women’s title

    1976 

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Tim Woods defeated Angelo Mosca to win the Television Title
    – Ric Flair defeated Wahoo McDaniel to win the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title 
    – Paul Jones defeated Blackjack Mulligan to win the United States Championship 

    Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
    – Eric The Red defeated Carlos Colon for the WWC North American Heavyweight Title 
    – Higo Hamaguci & Gordon Nelson defeated Antonino Rocca & Miguel Perez to win the WWC North American Tag Team Title

    1977

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Stan Stasiak beat Waldo Von Erich (sub Superstar Billy Graham) by countout
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Domenic Denucci 
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Bobby Duncum & Black Jack Lanza 
    – Billy Robinson beat Kurt Von Hess 
    – Billy Red Lyons & Dewey Robertson drew Chris Tolos & Reginald Love 1
    – Jay Strongbow beat Wolfman 
    – Tiger Jeet Singh beat Terry Yorkston 
    – Angelo Mosca beat Steve Bolus 

    1981 

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Les Thorton defeated Jerry Brisco to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion

    1982 

    San Juan, Puerto Rico:
    – Invader I defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win the WWC Puerto Rican Heavyweight Title

    1987 

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Wahoo McDaniel won a battle royal
    – Original Midnight Express & Adrian Adonis beat Ray Stevens & Wahoo McDaniel & Tommy Rich dq
    – AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Kevin Kelly beat DJ Peterson
    – Dick Slater beat Mitch Snow
    – JT Southern beat Soldat Ustinov

    – Nelson Royal is awarded the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title

    Kansas City, Missouri:
    – The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams) defeated The Lightning Express (Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner) to win the UWF Tag Team Title 

    1988 

    Caguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Brad & Bart Batten defeated Chicky & Ron Starr to win the WWC World Tag Team Titles

    Providence, Rhode Island:
    – Ted DiBiase defeated Randy Savage to win the King of the Ring Tournament 

    1997 

    Queens, New York:
    – Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Shane Douglas to win the ECW World Heavyweight Title

    2000 

    Detroit, Michigan:
    – William Regal defeated Al Snow to win the WWF European Heavyweight Title

    2011

    – TNA X Division Champion Austin Aries defeated Brian Kendrick to retain the title
    – Velvet Sky defeated Winter (with Angelina Love), Mickie James, and Madison Rayne to win the TNA Knockouts Title. Karen Jarrett 
      was the special referee
    – AJ Styles defeated Christopher Daniels in an I Quit Match
    – TNA Champion Kurt Angle defeated Bobby Roode to retain the title

    2012

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Kofi Kingston defeated The Miz to win the WWE Intercontinental Title

  • WWE Smackdown results (10/15): Dean Ambrose & Dudley Boyz battle The New Day

    – Air Date: October 15, 2015 (Oct 14 in Canada)

    – Location: U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH

    The Big News:

    In Dean Ambrose’s hometown, The New Day stood tall over Ambrose and the Dudleys.

    Show Recap:

    They announced two matches for tonight and Roman Reigns came out. They recapped his match with Braun Strowman on Raw, and plugged his match with Bray Wyatt at Hell in a Cell.

    Roman Reigns beat Bo Dallas via pinfall

    Bo Dallas said there is nothing wrong with Reigns being scared just because he is facing a man he continues to come up short against. Dallas said, unlike Roman, he survived Suplex City and Reigns would leave on a stretcher. (Bo never mentioned Bray Wyatt by name.)

    Bo got some offense on Reigns which was completely unconvincing. Fortunately, Reigns turned Bo inside out with a clothesline and followed with clotheslines in the corner. Bo called for a timeout and offered a handshake. Reigns shook his hand and Bo kicked him. Reigns no-sold that and hit a Samoan Drop, superman punch and spear for the win. Besides Bo’s few moments of offense, this was fine.

    After match, Reigns said Bray Wyatt calls himself the devil and Reigns believes it. I normally don’t write everything out word-for-word, but this is really what Reigns said next: “When I look into Bray Wyatt’s eyes, I see nothing but pure evil. I can see him in the depths of hell, screaming that he’s the devil!”

    Reigns said he would bring the fight to the devil in the cell. He went on, “Because the only way to stop the devil, is to ride straight into hell.” This was so dumb. Bray appeared on the screen humming, “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” Bray said Reigns has his virtues, but his sins will do him in. Bray said he would deliver Reigns a prophecy on Raw. Reigns looked concerned.

    King Barrett & Sheamus beat Cesaro & Neville via pinfall

    Stardust and Ascension were in the front row and Stardust held up a small “Stardust Section” sign. Neville sent the bad guys to the outside and Cesaro launched him over the ropes to knock them down. Heels had the heat after a break. Booker said Sheamus was Scottish and nobody corrected him.

    Neville eventually made the hot tag to Cesaro who hit Sheamus with running uppercuts and a dropkick. Cesaro took out Barrett with an uppercut on the outside and hit Sheamus with the spinning springboard uppercut for two. Cesaro went for the big swing but Sheamus brought the briefcase in the ring. As the referee tossed it out, Barrett hit the Bull Hammer from behind and Sheamus rolled up Cesaro for the win.

    Backstage, Summer Rae said Monday wasn’t the first time she had to put a man in his place and it won’t be the last. Summer said, unlike some people, she can keep her personal and professional life separate. (She was talking about being referee, not posting stuff online.)

    They showed a video from earlier today of Byron Saxton interviewing Dean Ambrose, who was unpacking his bag in the locker room. Saxton said he asked the fans who the most unconventional superstar or [women’s wrestler] was and Paige beat out Ambrose in the voting.

    Ambrose said it would be nice to win a contest, but Paige really is crazy. As this was happening, Ambrose unpacked a Slammy, keys (perhaps dungeon keys), a slinky, balloon animal, a globe and an 8-ball from his bag. He couldn’t find something and left. Saxton saw a [corporate sponsor] candy bar and Ambrose came back, grabbed it, and took a bite with the wrapper still on. The product placement was lame but Ambrose was good here.

    Non-Title: IC Champion Kevin Owens beat Zack Ryder via pinfall

    Ryder got some offense but Owens won quickly with a pop-up powerbomb. Ryback was at ringside and they essentially explained that he was too pissed off to do commentary. As soon as the match was over, Ryback jumped in the ring and Owens bailed. Ryback couldn’t leave the ring once he got inside for some reason, so they just stared down as Owens held up his title.

    They aired a 3-minute video recapping the Seth Rollins/Kane stuff from Raw.

    Backstage, Paige tried to apologize to Natalya. Paige was practically in tears, explaining that she won the title right away, which set expectations too high and brought a lot of pressure. Then Charlotte became champion and Nattie started teaming with Charlotte and Becky and Paige was sad.

    Natalya sarcastically asked if Paige wanted a hug. Paige said she wanted to make things right, like back at NXT when they were friends. Natalya seemed to believe her and went into her locker room. (Yes, Natalya has her own locker room.) Both women were good here, particularly Paige.

    Dolph Ziggler beat Rusev via pinfall (Special Referee: Summer Rae)

    Rusev got the heat immediately and had control for a while. Ziggler countered a fallaway slam into a school boy and Summer fast-counted, but Rusev kicked out anyway. Rusev argued with her and Ziggler caught him with a dropkick.

    Rusev rebounded with a superkick but Summer took her sweet time to make the count. Ziggler kicked out at 2.5, which made him look pretty weak considering how long it took for the count. Rusev got in Summer’s face again, so she slapped him and Ziggler hit a Zig Zag for the win, with Summer fast-counting again. So the heel got screwed and the face looked like a geek.

    After the match, Summer told Ziggler that they both got screwed by Rusev and Lana. She reminded Ziggler that the two of them had chemistry and tried flirting with him. Ziggler said he has chemistry with a lot of girls. He said he doesn’t want to play games and he left.

    Backstage, Renee Young asked the Dudleys and Dean Ambrose if they could work as a team to overcome New Day tonight. Bubba reminded her who the Dudleys are, and called Ambrose a combustible element on his own. Bubba told Renee to touch Dean’s arm to prove it. She hesitated, but touched his arm and all three yelled “Boom!”, which the crowd found amusing.

    D-Von said they would celebrate their 10th tag team title win at Hell in a Cell. Ambrose said New Day took a wrong turn and ended up in Dudleyville, the kind of place where you’d get your wallet and shoes stolen, just like his hometown of Cincinnati. Ambrose said they would 3D the New Day and Bubba said they’d get sent straight to the Lunatic Fringe (perhaps he should’ve said “Ambrose Asylum”?). They yelled “Boom” again in Renee’s face and left. She was not amused.

    Luke Harper & Braun Strowman beat Prime Time Players via submission

    Wyatts got the heat on Titus who hot-tagged Darren Young. Young gave Harper a neckbreaker on the ring apron, which I’m sure is as fun as it sounds. Young tried to knock Strowman off the apron, but he didn’t budge, and Harper caught Young with a superkick. Strowman used The Hug on Young for the submission win.

    Non-Title: Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Becky Lynch) beat Alicia Fox (w/Nikki & Brie Bella) via submission

    The pinky swear thing that Charlotte and Becky do needs to stop. Charlotte doesn’t appear to enjoy doing it either. Fox had the heat until they each did a big boot. Charlotte came back with chops, neckbreaker, spear and Figure Eight for the tap-out win.

    After the match, the Bellas jumped Charlotte and Becky. Paige ran out to make the save and cleared the ring with help from her old team. The crowd cheered and a small “Paige” chant started. Charlotte and Becky appeared nonplussed.

    After a break, Paige caught up to Becky and Charlotte backstage and said how great it was for Team PCB to be back together. Becky said Paige did some horrible things but Paige just wanted to make up for it. Charlotte said they’d take it one day at a time and Paige was fine with that. Some officials ran by and Paige left. Becky and Charlotte followed the officials into Natalya’s personal locker room and she was laid out, selling her mid-section.

    They aired a video package for Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar.

    Dean Ambrose & The Dudley Boyz beat The New Day via DQ

    New Day said they’ve dropped everyone they’ve faced — John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton, D-Von Dudley, Booty Ray Dudley, and Cincinnati’s own filthy street urchin Dean Ambrose. Kofi Kingston said the power of positivity was science. He said you could even call it geology because New Day “rocks” and they started chanting.

    Ambrose was really over and had a new t-shirt specifically for Cincinnati. New Day used a referee distraction to take control on D-Von and did their usual stomping spot in the corner. It went on for even longer than usual. D-Von hit a neckbreaker on Woods and made the hot tag to Ambrose.

    Ambrose took out Kingston with a suicide dive and clotheslined Woods and Big E. Ambrose hit a flying elbow on Woods for two and followed with a double underhook suplex off the ropes. Big E knocked him down but Ambrose avoided a splash and tagged in Bubba. Everyone took turns hitting moves, but Woods pushed Ambrose off the top to the outside.

    Dudleys hit Kingston with a 3D but Woods broke up the cover using the trombone for a DQ. New Day attacked the Dudleys, and Woods used the trombone as a weapon, destroying it in the process. Woods, who had a bloody nose, gave Bubba a shining wizard and Kingston followed with Trouble in Paradise. They finished off D-Von with Midnight Hour.

    Everyone, including myself, was expecting Ambrose — a human cockroach who beat Seth Rollins a few weeks ago — to jump back in at the end but that never happened. New Day posed with the titles and the trombone and the show ended.

    Final Thoughts:

    Pretty much an average show. I would’ve put Ambrose over in his hometown. That being said, one positive for this show was that featured acts all got wins: Reigns, Owens, Harper & Strowman and Charlotte. The first two in squash matches and the latter two in convincing fashion. The New Day got put over strong as well and were positioned to be taken seriously. I know it’s sad that WWE needs to be given credit for simple booking, but here we are.

  • Original Sin Cara leaves AAA

    A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

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

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

    Rates are:

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

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

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    Our lead story looks at the former Mistico returning to Arena Mexico, leaving AAA, AAA’s reaction, the first show he’ll be on, AAA reaction, what happened backstage and hints of more people leaving, the background of Lucha Libre Elite, how the WWE run affected him, the Mistico heyday in CMLL, why he flopped in WWE, why WWE chose a new Sin Cara, how WWE changed Mexican wrestling, his background and how he got the push, and what happens now with his brothers.

    We also look at WWE building a show around a women’s main event with the last NXT Takeover, the story behind the story of  Bayley, her plight on the main roster, a look at Chad Gable and the Dusty Rhodes tag team tournament, why WWE now needs another developmental touring brand plus a complete rundown on the show including star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at the Rizing Fighting Championships and its goal.  We look at what has been announced, the rules, the nature of the tournament, key people at the first press conference, promotions they are working with, and how this relates to pro wrestling.  We also look at the Sakuraba vs. Aoki match and other stars from other sports being linked with the event.

    We also look at the WWE & ESPN deal, a WWE star says he’s retiring next year, what’s next for John Cena, Update on Hell in a Cell, Bruno Sammartino’s birthday, Lots of new WWE DVD releases, Gorgeous George movie, Raw vs. Smackdown viewership, WWE looking at adding yet another television show, the first black world heavyweight champion recognized in the U.S., the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame, James Storm, Rosa Mendes engagement, WWE cuts, WWE & Evolve, and many women wrestlers get looks.

    We also look at the WWE and NXT house shows from the past week and business notes on them.

    We also look at New Japan’s King of Pro Wrestling show and the Okada vs. Styles main event.  We look at the booking going forward, the work of the announcers, issues with New Japan World, the next group of New Japan World shows,and full coverage of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    We also have a complete look at the TNA world title tournament, how it appears to go, who gets out of the blocks and the favorites including the likely winner.

    We look at the Urijah Faber/T.J. Dillashaw split.

    We also have a complete look at the ratings for the major shows of the past week, major TV show reviews and results of the major league events around the world.

    Also in this issue:

    –Update on the Universal title tournament

    –A look at last week’s tournament

    –Father vs. son fight

    –Atlantis talks his future

    –Next heavyweight title match in CMLL

    –More from Heroes Inmortaels

    –New list of American stars coming to AAA in November

    –Lots of talk regarding PWG stars coming to Mexico

    –Dragon Gate major title matches and next big shows

    –Wrestle 1’s latest angles

    –MMA fighters form new tag team in All Japan

    –More on Hiroshi Hase being named to Japanese cabinet

    –Another wrestler pulls out of election

    –20th anniversary of debut of one of the best women wrestlers of the modern era

    –More on Batista’s wedding

    –Update on wrestler injured in a drive-by shooting

    –Update on longtime wrestler spending ten days in prison last week

    –Interesting fan reaction to the story

    –Real impressive independent numbers including the U.K.’s best crowd for a U.K. promotion in decades

    –Big show built around a family feud leaves audiences unhappy with booking

    –Santo’s 33rd anniversary

    –Grapple at the Garden

    –Notes from the last Shimmer taping including the Portia Perez retirement

    –Update on the former Gunner from TNA

    –UFC fighter starts pro wrestling

    –Where Alberto El Patron stands right now

    –What happened with him and the European promoters

    –ROH signs a wrestler to a new deal

    –Upcoming ROH show news

    –ROH Survival of the Fittest update

    –Why TNA did another Kurt Angle injury angle

    –A look at TNA’s UK plans

    –UFC ticket sales for Rousey vs. Holm

    –Will Melbourne be a bigger show than Toronto

    –Nick Diaz White House petition notes

    –Boxing numbers

    –Rousey and Travis Browne

    –Rousey’s mom runs down her coach

    –Commission figures for the last UFC show in Las Vegas and how close it was to all-time lows

    –GSP talks about a comeback

    –John Dodson changing directions

    –Renan Barao makes a change as well

    –UFC fighter talks taking a sabbatical and mad about the Reebok deal

    –Next UFC event

    –UFC star gets married

    –More on Sage Northcutt

    –New fights

    –UFC signs up new promotion for Fight Pass

    –Bellator title contender fails drug test

    –Bellator San Jose gate notes

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.

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

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

    *November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

    *December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you’ll know exactly what was said–the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

    *August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

    *March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

    *October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

    *July 8, 1991 (Ric Flair leaves WCW as world champion/Zahorian steroid trial)

    *February 8, 1993 (the life and times of Andre the Giant)

    *May 13, 2002 (the life story of the most incredible pro wrestling career ever, a look at Lou Thesz, in one of the largest issues of our history)

    *January 27, 2003 (part one of the two-part series covering the career and life of The Sheik)

    *February 3, 2003 (Part two on The Sheik including thoughts from people who worked with him and where he stands historically)

    *March 24, 2003 (history of the WWWF title, inside behind the Sammartino, Backlund and Backlund era)

    *April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

    *May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

    *June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

    *June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

    *July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

    *August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

    *September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

    *October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

    *February 2, 2004 (History of Toronto wrestling, Jack Tunney life story, Royal Rumble and Battle Royal history)

    *February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy’s win over Brock Lesnar)

    *March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

    *March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

    *July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair’s book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

    *July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair’s book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

    *August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

    *August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez–this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

    *October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

    *November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

    *January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

    *March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

    *May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

    *June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

    *July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *August 24, 2005 (2005 Hall of Fame issue with career profiles of Paul Heyman, HHH and Freebirds plus debut of MMA Hall of Fame)

    *September 12, 2005 (History of Mid South Wrestling)

    *October 10, 2005 (Life and Times of the Ultimate Warrior)

    *November 21, 2005 (Life and Times of Eddy Guerrero and Crusher, double issue $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

    *December 5, 2005 (The Eddy Guerrero special issue, double issue $6 on its own, $7 overseas)

    *January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year’s Eve 2005 coverage)

    *January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

    *April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby–many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

    *April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

    *July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling–the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

    *September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

    *October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

    *November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff’s book and how the industry was changed forever)

    *November 20, 2006 (History of WCW part two, Why Jim Ross left WCW, How Bischoff changed the company, signing of Hulk Hogan, Beginning of Nitro, Jesse Ventura, Brian Pillman, Chris Jericho and signing Wrestlemania planned celebrity away)

    *November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn’t click)

    *December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride’s offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

    *January 22, 2007 (2006 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *February 14, 2007 (Life and Times of Bam Bigelow)

    *March 5, 2007 (WWE begins plans that will change the business)

    *March 12, 2007 (Life and Times of Mike Awesome)

    *March 19, 2007 (Life and Times of Ernie Ladd)

    *April 4, 2007 (Life and Times of Badnews Allen Coage–which many are calling one of the best issues in history)

    *July 2, 2007 (Part one of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 5, 2007 (Part two of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 10, 2007 (Part three of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 19, 2007 (Part four of the Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 23, 2007 (Part five of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *July 25, 2007 (Part six of Benoit double murder-suicide)

    *August 15, 2007 (The legend of the God of Japanese wrestling and his influence on MMA, Karl Gotch)

    *October 15 (2007 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas including inductions of The Rock, Tom Packs and the original Strangler Lewis)

    *November 12, 2007 (Life and times of Fabulous Moolah and history of U.S. women’s wrestling) .

    *December 31, 2007 (History of Ric Flair and the heyday of wrestling at the Greensboro Coliseum)

    *January 21, 2008 (2007 Awards issue, double issue $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *March 17, 2008 (Life and times of Johnny Weaver)

    *March 24, 2008 (Life and times of Gary Hart)

    *April 10, 2008 (Farewell to Ric Flair; My thoughts, Shawn Michaels talks of Flair’s meaning to him; Hall of Fame; Wrestlemania double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas)

    *August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

    * September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

    * September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

    * September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

    You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

    We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

    To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $20 for shipping costs to Canada and $25 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

  • Thursday Update: Jeff Jarrett on wXw card, ROH and TNA ratings, Smackdown

    WWE Smackdown airs at 8 PM EST on Syfy. Here’s the spoilers if you just can’t wait, but expect Kevin Owens, the Dudleys and the New Day’s rivalry to continue, and other Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler match but with a twist of Summer. We’ll have Steve Kahn’s report on the show up later tonight.

    If you missed any of the wrestling shows from last night and need recaps, here’s WWE NXT, here’s Ring of Honor, and here’s TNA Impact Wrestling. There was no TUF last night due to the MLB playoffs running on FS1.

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL at Dave Meltzer Tomorrow has WWE in Merida, Mexico with Undertaker and Ric Flair appearing, as well as another NXT show in Tampa.

    Smackdown tonight from Cincinnati

    Roman Reigns vs. Bo Dallas

    Cesaro & Neville vs. King Barrett & Sheamus

    Kevin Owens vs. Zack Ryder non-title

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev with Summer Rae as referee

    Titus O’Neil & Darren Young vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper

    Charlotte vs. Alicia Fox non-title

    Dudleys & Dean Ambrose vs. New Day

    ****

    Figure Four Weekly:

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is now up for subscribers (subscribe to the site here and get access to Figure Four, the Observer, tons of audio, and more) featuring details on all facets of Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, including a better understanding of Gawker’s defense, what else the judge has sealed to protect Hogan, and more. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news.

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    A complete look at Mistico/Myzteziz/Original Sin Cara and his leaving AAA, and what it means to the Mexican scene, and his history including WWE is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also look at NXT Takeover, full details behind the new Rizing Fighting Championships in Japan including what role pro wrestling will play and the Hall of Famer scheduled to headline, New Japan’s going forward with notes on upcoming shows and King of Pro Wrestling, Rusev & Lana and the TNA title tournament.  CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter October 19, 2015: Mistico to CMLL, Tokyo Dome main event plus tons more

    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

    The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today.  With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Thursday Daily Update

    • The 9 p.m. TNA Impact was way down from last week, doing 242,000 viewers, its lowest to date for the 9 p.m. slot.  The replay did 85,000.  The overall total of 327,000 was also its lowest to date.  Not a good sign for the new format.
    • ROH did 174,000 viewers at 11 p.m., its second best in the slot, for the Jay Lethal vs. Takaaki Watanabe match.
    • There was an interesting listicle plugging Evolve on WWE.com today, pushing ‘the 5 Evolve wrestlers you need to know’. Of that group, Timothy Thatcher, Johnny Gargano, Tracy Williams, Anthony Nese, and Zack Sabre Jr. were featured. (Thanks to Matt Mann)
    • FS 1 preempted UFC for baseball playoff coverage and the Kansas City vs. Houston game may have been the most-watched show in the history of the station with 5.94 million viewers.
    • John Cena vs. Seth Rollins in 30:00 Iron man matches for the U.S. title will headline the weekend house show on Saturday night in Lubbock and Sunday night in Abilene.
    • Jeff Jarrett has been booked as Alberto el Patron’s replacement for the SWE and wXw shows this weekend in Germany, taking on Absolute Andy. (Thanks to Markus Gronemann)
    • As a follow-up, Patron addressed the wXw comments and put the blame on the promoters.
    • Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts is moderating a VIP meet and greet for the band Tool the day before their show at the Monster Mash Festival in Tempe, AZ. Here’s all the info. Tool drummer Danny Carey actually proposed to his wife at the 2013 Royal Rumble. (Thanks to Jeff Hamlin)
    • Remember P.N. News? Here’s a look at what he’s up to prior to his upcoming appearance for All Star Wrestling overseas. (Thanks to Lee Wall)
    • Remember Marc Mero? He visited Glen Cove, NY, students recently for an inspirational talk.
    • Here’s a feature on Japanese wrestling and Chigusa Nagayo’s Marvelous promotion doing some work with New York Wrestling Connection for a show this Sunday in Elmhurst, NY. (Thanks to Mike)
    • Here’s a tribute to British wrestler Jack Taylor who passed away last week at the age of 83.
    • The Minoru Suzuki vs. Kazushi Sakuraba and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Togi Makabe matches from last year’s Tokyo Dome will be airing on tomorrow night’s New Japan on AXS show.
    • Jerry Lawler vs. Terry Funk, plus appearances by Lance Russell, Bill Dundee, The Rock & Roll Express, Rocky Johnson and more legends of that era will be at the USA Championship Wrestling show on 10/24 in Jackson, TN at the Oman Arena.
    • Chris Hero’s visa situation has been taken care of.  He’ll be missing the first three shows of the upcoming NOAH tour but will be there the rest of the tour.
    • WWE stock today was up 43 cents to $19.79 per share.
    • Between the federal elections and the Toronto Blue Jays having a playoff game, Raw is expected to do a terrible number this Monday in Canada. Monday’s game did 4.38 million viewers, the most watched show since Sportsnet launched in 1998.  That number in Canada would be like a baseball game doing 40 million viewers in the U.S. (thanks to Ryan Pike and John Pollock) 
    • Francisco Trevino, who lost to Sage Northcutt at UFC 192 on 10/3, tested positive for marijuana and he was suspended for three months pending a hearing before the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
    • Michael Bisping underwent elbow surgery yesterday.  No word on a recuperation period.
    • Titan FC has signed Sean Wheelock, the former Bellator announcer, to be its lead broadcaster.  Titan FC airs on UFC Fight Pass.  Wheelock’s first show will be 12/18.
    • New Japan has a show on Sunday in Taiwan at the National Taiwan University Gym headlined by Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi, plus Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Hirooki Goto & Captain Taiwan.
    • There is a TV taping for New Generation Wrestling on 11/1 in Liverpool at the Olympia at 4:30 p.m. for Challenge and Bay TV.  Nigel McGuinness will be appearing at the show and there will be a private VIP showing of his documentary before the show.  Check out the story
    • Luke Thomas of MMA Fighting will debut a new show called The Luke Thomas show on XM Rush Ch. 93 that will air every Friday from 4-6 p.m., covering news, sports and politics.
    • In Your Face Wrestling on 11/7 in Delanson, NY at the Duanesburg Area Community Center featuring a Q&A with Road Warrior Animal.
    • An interesting add to NWAClassics.com is a match with Ricki Starr vs. Duke Keomuka this week.  Also added were Tommy Rogers vs. Dutch Mantell and Tommy Rogers vs. Eddie Gilbert
    • Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat did an autograph signing last weekend in West Virginia that drew 800 to 900 people.
    • On the WWE Network’s preview of the Sting DVD, he did mention that he was in TNA for several years before coming to WWE.  WWE usually avoids TNA references. (thanks to Jared Sanchez).
    • On Fight Pass, Bas Rutten will be hosting a history of Pancrase special that will debut at the end of the month, before the next Pancrase show on Fight Pass on 10/31.  On 10/27, Bas Rutten talks about his eight favorite fights he was in.  November on Fight Pass will be built around Miesha Tate.  
    • CWE will be debuting the tag team of Brett Gakiya & CJ Esparza, Zero Gravity, on its 12/2 to 12/4 tour in Yorkton, Brandon and Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Chase Owens will also be on that tour.
    • Ricky Steamboat will be appearing on Friday and Saturday at the Fan Boy Expo Comic Con in Knoxville at the Convention Center.  He’s also appearing for NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Elizabethton, TN at the High School.
    • CMLL on Monday night in Puebla:  Arkalis & Milenium & Zaeta Roja b Ares & Espiritu Maligno & Sauron, Cancerbero & Fuerza Chicana & Raziel b Black Tiger & Magnus & Oro Jr., Angel de Oro & Stigma & Stuka Jr. b Puma King & Tiger & Virus, Lestat b Molotov in a mask vs. mask match, Marco Corleone & Maximo & La Sombra b Euforia & Mr. Niebla & Shocker, Volador Jr. b Mephisto to retain NWA Historic welterweight title
    • CZW on 10/17 in Laval, Quebec at the Scrach a Laval with Matt Tremont vs. PCP Crazy FN Manny for their world title.
    • Stardom from Japan, the top women’s group, is running shows on Friday and Sunday in the Los Angeles area.       
    • Great North Wrestling on 11/27 in Rockland, ONT at the Arena Jean Marc Lalonde featuring Hannibal and Bushwhacker Luke.
    • Tommy Dreamer headlines for All-Star Wrestling on 10/23 in Surrey, BC at the Alice McKay Building at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
    • Sinn Bohdi’s Freakshow Wrestling on 10/16 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon, 10/17 in East Los Angeles at the Underground Auditorium. and 10/18 in Hemet, CA at the Wheelhouse.
    • The Judo Grand Slam in Paris takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Accor Hotels Arena.  Both shows will be before sellout crowds of 10,000 fans and 505 judokas from 89 countries will appear including U.S. gold medalist Kayla Harrison.  There will be a free live stream of the matches all day both days at www.ippon.tv
    • Rock Solid Wrestling on 11/8 in Sudbury, ONT at the LoEllen Secondary School featuring Cody Deaner and The Flatliners off The Amazing Race Canada. 
    • Biggie Biggs vs. Jon Dahmer plus LuFisto headline 10/17 in Bridgeton, NJ at the Alms Center for IWA Vintage Pro Wrestling.
    • Viva La Lucha on 10/30 in Arcadia, FL at the Turner Agri-Civic Center featuring Silver King, Rey Bucanero, El Hijo de L.A. Park, Damian 666, Bestia 666, Trina Michaels, Extreme Tiger, Rey Hours, Willie Mack, Ivelisse Velez, Jessicka Havok, Lince Dorado and more.
    • 35 years ago today, Dusty Rhodes beat The Sheik via count out before a sellout 4,877 fans in Miami Beach.   
    • A documentary, Lucha Mexico, will be debuting on 11/13 at the SVA Theater in New York at 9:45 p,.m.  The documentary is about Shocker and bodybuilder Jon “Strongman” Anderson competing in CMLL years back, and also features people like Blue Demon Jr.,Perro Aguayo Jr. and Tony Salazar.
    • WWE announced a live show on 4/22 in Paris at the Accor Hotels Arena.
    • A story on Becky Lynch getting to WWE
    • How wrestling impacted Vikings coach Mike Zimmer
    • Team Alpha Male’s Cody Garbrandt weighs in on T.J. Dillashaw leaving the team
    • Jerry Lawler talks Smackdown going live, the Andy Kaufman angle and more

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

    1967 – El Nazi beat Mil Mascaras in Mexico City to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title

    1990 – Emilio Charles Jr. beat Dandy in Mexico City to win the vacant Mexican national middleweight title

    1993 – Juventud Guerrera beat Rey Misterio Jr. in Monterrey to win the WWA lightweight title

    1996 – Black Warrior beat Dandy in Mexico City to win the NWA light heavyweight title

  • On this date in pro wrestling history (10/15): X Pac wins WWF European Title, Lawler wins Southern Title

    1941

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – World Champion Sandor Szabo beat Earl Wampler in 2 straight falls to retain title

    1951 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Mae Young defeated Cora Combs to become the first NWA Florida Women’s Champion 

    1962

    Fargo, North Dakota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Bill Miller
    – Crusher beat Doug Gilbert
    – Rocky Hamilton beat Jack Allen
    – Moose Evans beat George Cannon

    1967 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Nazi defeated Mil Mascaras to win the Mexican Light-Heavyweight Title

    1970 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Akio Kyo defeated Marie Vagnone for the WWWA World Title 

    1971 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Ray Gunkel defeated Big John to win the Georgia TV Title 

    1976

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Andre The Giant won a Battle Royal
    – I Quit Match: Dusty Rhodes beat Missouri Mauler
    – Ole Anderson & Gene Anderson beat Raymond Rougeau & Roberto Soto
    – Jos LeDuc beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Mongolian Stomper beat Rick McGraw
    – Ricky Steamboat beat Jim Lancaster

    1979 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeated Bill Dundee to win the Southern Heavyweight Title

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel drew Dewey Robertson 
    – US Champion Jimmy Snuka beat Ric Flair 
    – Johnny Weaver & Jay Youngblood beat The Scorpion & Brute Bernard
    – The Destroyer beat Klondike Bill 

    1981 

    Jackson, Mississippi:
    – The Junkyard Dog & Mike George defeated The Samoans (Afa & Sika) to win the Mid-South Wrestling Tag Team Title 

    1984

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Rick Rude & King Kong Bundy
    – Jerry Lawler & Jimmy Valiant & Randy Savage beat Dirty White Boys & Phil Hickerson (sub Jimmy Hart)
    – International Champion Eddie Gilbert beat Lanny Poffo
    – Phil Hickerson & Kurt Von Hess beat Tojo Yamamoto & Dutch Mantel
    – Rufus R Jones & Mark Ragin beat Nightmares

    1985

    Salt Lake City, Utah:
    – Stan Hansen won battle royal
    – Greg Gagne drew Nick Bockwinkel 
    – Brad Rheingans beat Boris Zhukov
    – Stan Hansen beat Kevin Kelly
    – Steve Regal beat Jerry Oski
    – Jim Garvin beat Buck Zumhofe

    1988 

    Dallas, Texas @ the Cotton Bowl:
    – Texas Death Match; Kerry Von Erich beat World Class and AWA Champion Jerry Lawler by dq
    – Michael Hayes & Steve Cox beat Samoan Swat Team to regain the World Class Tag Team Title
    – Dog Collar Match; Terry Gordy double count out with Botswana Beast
    – Kevin Von Erich beat Brian Adias by dq
    – Jeff Jarrett beat Eric Embry to win the World Class Light Heavyweight Title
    – Texas Champion Iceman King Parsons double count out with Kendall Windham
    – Blackjack Mulligan & Bill Irwin beat Jimmy Jack Funk & Black Bart

    Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
    – Hurricane Castillo, Jr. & Miguelito Perez defeated Bobby Jaggers & Dan Kroffat to win the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Title

    1998 

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – X-Pac defeated D’Lo Brown to capture the WWF European Heavyweight Title

  • TNA Impact Wrestling Results 10/14: Storm vs. Roode, Shera vs. Crazzy Steve, Hardy vs. Richards

    Last week, the World Title Series began with a mixed bag of matches. Austin Aries vs. EC3 was fantastic, while Grado vs. Rockstar Spud in a WWE cosplay match was among the worst matches on TV this year. Lashley beat Ken Anderson in a very good main event, while Kong beat Rayne to advance in the knockouts bracket. Gail also lost to Brooke in a good match in that same bracket. Tonight, we’ll find out the other 16 competitors that will fill out the field.

    A Bound For Glory recap video starts the show off. We see Matt Hardy winning the title by beating Galloway, the injunction, and Matt’s vacating of the title. Dixie and Billy Corgan’s announcement of the World Title Series, alongside the various groups are shown before we see the results of each match from last week. Josh and Pope, who Josh calls “the most entertaining commentator in the business” are against their green screen. 

    They run down the next fields – Group Tag Team Specialists, Group Future Four. Group X Division, and Group TNA Originals were announced. Robbie E cuts a promo on Robbie G from his car, and in portrait mode. He challenges him to a TNA Impact match. Matt Hardy is set to face Davey, who comes out first. The Wolves’ win over Team GFW is shown from BFG. Matt comes out and we see Matt’s BFG celebration while Josh points out how little that wound up meaning.

    Matt Hardy vs. Davey Richards

    Matt and Davey have a nice babyface vs. babyface match here. They don’t want to hurt one another, but Davey does land a nice dropkick. During the roundtable, Davey talks about being ready for this while Matt puts over the fellow tag specialists and he plans to win. Apron warfare breaks out as Davey gets some kicks, but gets caught in a Side Effect on the apron. Matt gets a snapmare and a series of legdrops for 2. Matt locks on a sleeper and turns it into a slam for 2. Matt drapes him over the second rope and hits a Nightmare on Helms Street for 2. 

    Matt walks the middle rope for an elbow, but Davey gets a backstabber. Matt gets low-bridged and Davey hits a suicide dive while Josh talks about BFG trending non-stop for nearly two weeks. Handspring kick hits for 2. Josh talks about Little Pope, the doll, being a big star at BFG. Davey backslides his way out of a Twist of Fate. Side Effect gets 2. Matt goes up and eats a big kick to the chest. Matt avoids the double stomp off the top and hits a Twist of Fate for the win. Hooray! A Beer Money video package! We see some clips of their greatest moments, Storm’s title win, and then Roode winning it from him. Tonight, they will have their final match in TNA.

    In the Group X Division roundtable, we get everyone insulting each other. Manik buries Mandrews and calls him Bart Simpson for having a skateboard. Is his gimmick now that he’s a Dynamic Dude? Pope makes two picks while Josh begs for hashtags. Aiden ‘O Shea makes his Impact debut and we see him throw hands while Josh tells pope that Aiden throws hands better than Elijah Burke ever did. Kenny King is out to face him.

    Aiden ‘O Shea vs. Kenny King

    Aiden throws his shirt at King to get in cheapshots. A pair of jabs to the jaw leads to a hard body shot. Aiden ‘O Shea misses the Boomstick lariat and then just spins around maniacally on one foot to stare at Kenny immediately. Aiden stands on the achilles tendon in a nice bit. In the roundtable, Shera says that he is bigger, stronger, and faster. Steve honks in either agreement or disagreement. Kenny gets a sunset flip for a loose 2 count. Aiden gets a back suplex into a backbreaker. Kenny kicks his way out of a Boomstick and gets a spin kick. Kenny goes for the Royal Flush, but he gets his eyes raked. Kenny gets a kick on the apron and hits a springboard blockbuster for the win. EY rambles backstage about how the World title goes through him in 2015. He’s also God, and he’s getting the World Title again because it’s all he’s ever cared about. EY faces Abyss next.

    But first, we see Matt beat Davey in the opener. Davey says he won’t make excuses because Matt’s a legend. He isn’t about excuses, and tonight, Matt was the better man. Matt leads Team Tag Team Specialists with three points. EC3 will have an interview via Skype later tonight. Josh and Pope do a bizarre Tinder-style swipe for the TNA Originals brackets. Roode says that EY has lost his mind and that he’ll be screwed over by his mental problems. EY says that it was hard to decide who was going to lose, and EY says that he’ll answer JB’s “first question” even though we just saw one, and predicted that Roode will be eliminated. Storm says that Abyss will lose because he can’t even walk a straight line. Abyss says that Storm came to him, not the other way around. “YOU PROMISED ME ALL KINDS OF STUFF, AND NONE OF IT HAPPENED!”. EY comes down  in his crazy fisherman getup.We see clips of EY attacking Kurt and the doctor, before EY lost to Angle at BFG. Josh and Pope talk about Pope entering Bound For Gold, and it takes more time to do that than his appearance took.

    Eric Young vs. Abyss

    Abyss shoulders him down a few time. Abyss goes for a chokeslam, but EY bites his hand for an ad break. We come back and EY has Abyss reeling, but Abyss still sends him over the top to the floor. They fight on the floor and Abyss misses a charge into the post. Josh says that unlike Storm, TNA doesn’t have empty promises and is coming to the UK soon. So what about that Halloween Hardcore tour? EY puts Abyss on the apron and boots his head. EY chokes him on the ropes and then dives into a chokeslam, which is countered – but a Samoan drop isn’t. Abyss clubs him down a few times and goes for another chokeslam, but he stomps his foot to escape. Abyss finally gets the chokeslam for 2. Abyss gets Janice (the weapon, not the person) from under the ring. TNA Hall of Famer Earl Hebner grabs it, and EY low blows Abyss and hits a flying elbow for 2. Abyss backdrops him out of a piledriver and hits the Black Hole Slam for the win.

    We see the standings for the Originals team – Abyss is in the lead with three points. Josh is joined by EC3 on Skype. EC3 is in a cheap-looking room that is painted black, and it’s like an echo chamber in there too. EC3 says he should be champion and Josh says he was left with just one point last week. EC3 says that Aries didn’t beat him – no one will. EC3 will face Lashley next week and Josh asks if he’s behind the 8 Ball. EC3 says he’s confused by that unless it’s a reference to the Magic 8 Ball, and the series isn’t over until he wins.

    We get a recap of Abyss beating EY, so EY is behind and Abyss leads the pack. EY says Abyss, the fans, and the company are all against him. EY says he wins in the end and he is serious and he will win. okay then. Abyss tells Storm and Roode that they’ll meet the same fate EY did. Robbie E is out first while Josh talks about Robbie wanting to be taken seriously. Well, that’s just not happening with this gimmick. Eddie Edwards comes out to face him.

    Eddie Edwards vs. Robbie E.

    They go into a collar and elbow tie-up and we see Eddie say that Robbie has turned over a new leaf. They exchange rolls on the mat and Robbie looks more impressive here as a wrestler than he has before in TNA. Robbie lands a big back elbow-leading lariat for 2. Eddie Matrixes out of a lariat and gets an inverted atomic drop and a running knee for 2. 

    Robbie avoids a corner charge that sends Eddie to the floor. Robbie dives to the floor onto Eddie and gets a big “Robbie” chant. Robbie gets a Hart Attack for 2. Robbie gets a big suplex while Matt says that Robbie is the least-likely to move on. Of course, the in-ring action takes up less space than the talking. Eddie flips out of a German and sends Robbie to the apron and then the floor. They double lariat each other on the floor. Nasty chop on the floor sends Robbie into the ring. Robbie gets the Boom Drop for 2. Eddie flips out of a reverse DDT and gets a German and a half crab. Running enzuiguri to the head hurts Robbie, but Robbie lands the reverse DDT for the win. This was a pretty solid little match – Robbie E’s stock rose a bit with it. Well, in theory. Pope calls Robbie’s story a Cinderella story that every wrestling fan can get behind.

    We see clips of Roode’s dominant World Title reign. We see him lose it, then regain it before losing it again. He holds the KOTM Title, but wants to be the World Champion too and prove that he’s the greatest wrestler alive. Roode says that tonight, he and Storm put their history behind them – and he’ll beat him tonight and prove that he wants the title more. 

    Robbie vs. Eddie clips air and Robbie says that yeah, you might think he’s a joke – but he’s a two-time tag champ and a former X Division champion too. Eddie says that Robbie surprised a lot of people and he poked fun at him, but he regrets it now. Josh says that Robbie is now “trending in a positive direction” and we go to the roundtable for Team Future Four. Eli Drake cuts a great promo about how he needs to be in a roundtable with guys holding gold. One guy looks like a peacock and Micah still wants to be his friend. Jessie says that E-li Drake doesn’t matter and Crimson says he’s been to war and he’ll take Eli out. Micah says that the next person who will progress is he and Crimson while calling Eli a son of a bitch. Crimson says Micah will go on alongside him too. Crazzy Steve is out to face Mahabala Shera. Oh my God – this will be a thing.

    Crazzy Steve vs. Mahabali Shera

    Shera isn’t doing his Shera shake, and he’s in his Khoya gear – so this is definitely exposing the odd taping schedule of this. Josh says that he asked Shera why he has Khoya on his trunks and he says it’s a reminder of what he isn’t. Shera overpowers Steve and plows through him with a shoulderblock. Shera lands a corner lariat while the crowd chants for Crazzy Steve. Josh ponders what kind of interviews Steve will do with Conan ‘O Brien and Jimmy Fallon. Steve runs wild with lariats to the back. Shera swipes him away, but eats forearms and a dropkick. Steve bites the forehead, but eats a Sky High and Shera wins. 

    We get another recap of Storm being attacked by Roode, and how the Revolution was just his attempt to rekindle what worked with Beer Money. The Revolution broke up due to Storm, and now Storm walks alone in his quest for the World title. Storm vs. Roode is the main event, and up next. Josh ponders what’s going to happen tonight before we see the rankings for Group Champions. EC3 faces Lashley next week and we get a highlight reel of Lashley kicking ass in the ring and the gym. The song used here is pretty darn catchy. Storm comes out first looking great in his slicker jacket while Roode comes out in Terry Taylor’s black and red robe. He’s certainly got his money’s worth out of that investment. Roode doesn’t have the belt on during his intro.

    James Storm vs. Robert Roode

    Storm starts this by doing the “Beer!” part of Beer Money while Roode just stares there sternly. Josh calls Roode both the purist’s purist and the wrestler’s wrestler. Is he also a whistler’s whistler? Pope points out that Storm is holding up one finger to show that there’s always room for one more in the Revolution, while Josh says that’s silly since there is no Revolution.

    Storm lands a knee to the gut and clubs the back. Roode comes back and gets some cornermount punches and a big dropkick. Storm gets a suckerpunch to send Roode back into the ring. They brawl to the floor and Storm is flung into the barricade. Storm distracts the ref while he low blows Roode. Roode takes three bumps for it. Josh says if you can’t keep track of this tournament, don’t worry – you can just check out the TNA site. Storm gets the Nightmare of Helms Street for 2 and plants a chinlock mid-ring.

    Christy points out that there are five minutes left in the match. Nothing of real note has happened outside of the awesome low blow selling from Roode. Josh points out that the TNA Originals group has also been World Champions, alongside Group Champions. Spinebuster hits Storm for 2. Roode gets a blockbuster for 2. Storm avoids the Perfectplex and gets a very slow flying spinning headscissors for 2. Storm grabs a chair and Roode kicks him, so Roode grabs it and the ref takes it from him – it distracts the ref and Storm gets 2 off a cowbell shot. Roode avoids the superkick, so Storm goes for the whirlybird, but Roode kicks the gut and wins with a Perfectplex. For roughly eight years, Roode and Storm have been linked to each other and this was the end of it. The company did a fine job making the match feel epic beforehand, but it just didn’t come across as anything more than filler – it wasn’t even an homage to classic spots. It was just a series of moves that led to a finish and didn’t elicit any emotion whatsoever

    To see every screen from the show, just click here.