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  • WWE Smackdown 9/24 TV results and recap: Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

    By Steve Khan, WrestlingObserver.com

    – Air Date: September 24, 2015 (Sept 23 in Canada)

    – Location: American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX

    The Big News:

    Dean Ambrose beat Seth Rollins, which will presumably leads to Kane against Rollins for the title. Also, Natalya confronted Paige but it didn’t go very well.

    Show Recap:

    They started with an almost 3 minute long recap of the Kane-Seth Rollins storyline. Kane was in the ring after the video and gleefully welcomed everyone to Smackdown. He said WWE was on fire and wanted to come back and help with the heat by using all his administrative experience. He announced Kevin Owens and Rusev against Ryback and Dolph Ziggler, as well as Luke Harper against Roman Reigns with all their friends banned from ringside.

    Before Kane could announce another match, Rollins interrupted. Rollins told Kane to cut the crap, comparing him to Bruce Banner. Kane invited him to talk in the ring, but Rollins called him crazy and complained about everything he went through at Night of Champions. Kane said he was watching at home on the network.

    Rollins freaked out about Kane dragging him under the ring, but Kane played dumb. They bickered back and forth for a while with Kane smiling through most of it. Rollins told Kane that he needs help. Kane announced Rollins against Dean Ambrose for tonight.

    Booker T said he has sources who say Kane has split personality disorder. Jerry Lawler called Booker and Brennan nuts for believing this and said Kane was just playing with everyone. I’m glad they cut to the announcers who attempted to explain the story.

    Roman Reigns beat Luke Harper via pinfall

    Harper came out to his singles music and video. Reigns got him up for a Samoan drop but Harper countered with a series of elbows to the head. Reigns basically no-sold it and came back with clotheslines in the corner. They went to the outside and Harper cut off Reigns with a big boot.

    In the ring, Harper followed with a senton, superkick and powerbomb, which Reigns kicked out of. Harper went for a discus clothesline but Reigns countered with a superman punch and spear for the win. Basic match and Reigns was booked to look strong. And by that I mean he no-sold most of Harper’s offense.

    Backstage, The New Day dunked a basketball on some guy. The guy initially saw it coming, so Big E gave Kingston a perfect alleyoop for the basket.

    6-Man Tag Match: The New Day beat Neville & The Lucha Dragons via pinfall

    New Day said they would put an end to the Dudley Boyz once and for all at the MSG show. They called Bubba “Booty Ray” and chanted “Save the tables.” Brennan said the the Dudleys came back for the tag titles, but Booker said they came back for the money. Uh, ok. Despite this being a 6-man, Woods took a moment to play trombone.

    With all three members of New Day on the outside, the three good guys hit dives — Neville and Kalisto hit moonsaults off the top and Sin Cara did a senton. Crazy spot. However, like Harper’s offense in the previous match, none of that mattered. Kingston distracted Sin Cara and Woods hit him with shining wizard for the abrupt win. New Day celebrated on the announce table and Woods played the trombone. This was fun despite the finish.

    Cesaro beat Bo Dallas via pinfall

    They showed a replay of Big Show beating Cesaro on Raw. I can see why they would do that if Show was having a match, but they didn’t have to show it here. Bo Dallas said he survived Suplex City but Cesaro can’t get off Big Show Boulevard. Bo said Cesaro should bo-lieve. Lame.

    Cesaro beat the crap out of Bo for a while until Bo was able to pull the ring skirt out from under Cesaro, who slipped and landed back-first against the edge of the ring. Bo took control and used a headlock. Cesaro got up and applied the same roll-up he did to Rusev last week on Raw and got the pinfall win. Another pretty abrupt finish.

    After the match, Cesaro went into the crowd next to a fan holding a “Cesaro Section” sign. I would’ve prefered Cesaro just kill Bo Dallas, but at least he won and was able to show off a bit.

    They recapped Charlotte’s title win at Night of Champions and her promo with Ric Flair from Raw. They didn’t show the Paige stuff.

    Charlotte and Becky Lynch came out. Lawler wondered where Paige could be and Brennan said, “She could be anywhere.” That’s nice. Charlotte said her title win was a dream scenario and put over Nikki as a great champion. She thanked Becky and the fans for believing in the revolution. That brought out Paige.

    Paige admitted she wasn’t a team player. She got in the ring and insincerely tried to apologize. Charlotte said Paige sucks at this. Becky tried to interrupt so Paige told her to shut up. Natalya interrupted and Paige called her a crazy cat lady.

    Natalya said she was proud of the new generation and thinks this is the best their division has ever been. Natalya said she’s excited, just like she was when Paige won the title for the first time. She likes Paige and doesn’t understand why they’re fighting.

    Paige said she’s better than Nattie, who let the revolution pass her by and is now just clinging on. Paige slapped Natalya and left. This was ok. I’m not sure why they didn’t just beat the crap out of Paige by the end of it.

    Ryback & Dolph Ziggler beat Rusev & IC Champion Kevin Owens (w/Summer Rae) via pinfall

    As Rusev did his warm-up before the match, Owens held up his title behind him. Ryback and Owens were in to start, but Owens tagged in Rusev. Rusev demanded Ryback tag Ziggler, so he did. (What a fighting babyface.) As Rusev beat up Ziggler in the corner, he yelled, “I beat you on Raw, I’m the best! I’m the best! I’m the best!”

    Lawler said, in WWE, a relationship is a success if it outlasts milk. Heels had the heat on Ziggler, who was able to hit Rusev with a jumping DDT. After a break, they still had the heat on him. Rusev used a scoop slam and tagged out. Owens hit a scoop slam and told Rusev to do another. Rusev tagged in but Ziggler slammed him instead. Ziggler slammed Owens too and made the hot tag to Ryback.

    Ryback made a brief comeback but Rusev cut him off with a spinning heel kick (he missed). Ryback used a spinebuster and knocked Owens off the apron. Rusev used the distraction to hit a superkick, but Owens grabbed his title and left. He pointed at the title and said “This is what matters!” Ziggler hit a superkick on Rusev and Ryback followed with shell shocked for the win. If you’re a fan of watching Ziggler sell, this is the match for you.

    There might have been something wrong with Rusev during the match. He kept talking to the referee and completely missed on the spinning heel kick.

    They aired a video package for Big Show.

    Backstage, Bubba told D-Von that he was tired of the New Day, especially “the kid with the trombone.” Renee Young asked them about New Day. Bubba said he knows she likes them, but they don’t care about the fans like they claim, and they don’t act like champions. D-Von said this isn’t about tables, this is about titles.

    Prime Time Players interrupted saying they were next in line. They seemed insincere and Bubba wanted to go after them, but D-Von stopped him.

    Elsewhere, Seth Rollins told Jo-Jo there’s something wrong with Kane and he needs help. He’s fine with facing Ambrose tonight because he’s destroyed him before and will do it again.

    Dean Ambrose beat Seth Rollins via pinfall

    During a break, Rollins hit Ambrose with a double foot stomp on the apron. Ambrose tried a dive but Rollins countered with a forearm and flying knee strike. Ambrose fired back with a million hard chops but Rollins countered with a superkick for two.

    Ambrose followed with a rebound clothesline, which Brennan called a “lunatic lariat.” Ambrose made his comeback, with chops, running forearm and double underhook suplex off the ropes. They traded small packages and Ambrose nailed a suicide dive.

    Ambrose did a fisherman suplex for two but Rollins came back with an enziguri and a slingblade. Rollins almost ran into the referee and used the distraction to thumb Ambrose in the eye and hit the turnbuckle bomb. The announcers called it like Ambrose was done, but Kane’s pyro went off and the lights when red. Ambrose used the distraction to apply a roll up for the win.

    They showed corporate Kane watching backstage on a monitor. A pissed off Rollins grabbed the mic and said Kane doesn’t know who he’s dealing with and referenced what he did to Sting at Night of Champions. Rollins said he would do the same to Kane and no matter what, he’s still the man and the WWE champion.

    Really good match, but perhaps they shouldn’t have given Ambrose the buckle bomb if he was just going to bounce back and get the win.

    Final Thoughts:

    Pretty much a normal Smackdown show with some good wrestling and nothing really important happening. I did like the 6-man and main event in particular.

    On a side note, Booker T is really awful on commentary. Lawler was better than usual tonight, perhaps because he spent so much time correcting Booker.

  • Bellator 143 weigh-in results: Joe Warren vs. LC Davis, one fighter misses by 18 pounds

    At Thursday’s weigh-ins for Friday’s Bellator 143 event, one fighter missed so badly, his fight had to be scrapped.

    In the main event, Joe Warren will face LC Davis with both men hitting at 135.75 pounds. The winner will be gearing up for a bantamweight title shot with a victory. In another feature bout, Joey Beltran (186 pounds) continues to look for some consistency against Kendall Grove (185.5).

    The story of the weigh-ins was Nick Gonzalez who was set to face Ryan Couture. Instead of coming into the fight at the non-title lightweight limit of 156 pounds, Gonzalez stepped onto the scales at 172.75 pounds, over the welterweight limit. The fight was scrapped, but Couture (155.5) will be paid his show money. It’s likely that Gonzalez will be done with Bellator after this. 

    Here’s the rest of the weigh-in results. Spike TV main card coverage will be coming your way on Friday night:

    – Emmanuel Sanchez (146) vs. Henry Corrales (145.5)

    – Vinicius Queiroz (230) vs. Ewerton Teixeira (236)

    Spike.com Prelims

    – Saul Elizondo (135) vs. Amador Ramirez (134.75)

    – Eduardo Bustillos (136) vs. Steve Garcia (135.5)

    – Shawn Bunch (135.5) vs. Darrion Caldwell (135.5)

    – Dan Charles (232.5) vs. Chase Gormley (263)

    – Gleristone Santos (146) vs. John Teixeira (146)

    – Jared Chaffe (155) vs. Guilherme Farias da Costa (156)

    – Luke Flores (155.5) vs. Gilbert Jimenez (155)

    – Abdul Razak Alhassan (170.5) vs. Bryce Mejia (171)

  • TNA & ROH Wednesday night ratings (September 23)

    There was good and bad news on the ratings for TNA and ROH on DestinationAmerica.

    The audience tuned in later than usual, as the ROH show at 11 p.m. did 168,000 viewers, nearly double the previous week, and the best in that time slot since July 29.

    TNA at 9 p.m. did 272,000 viewers, its second lowest to date.

    The TNA midnight replay did 122,000 viewers, the best replay number to date.

    That seems to mean that a lot of the people who tuned into ROH than usually don’t also stay with TNA.

    It would appear “Empire” on FOX may tell the story, since nothing else on television in the 9-11 p.m. time slot did numbers out of the ordinary enough to change regular viewing patterns.

  • Sting injury, USADA vs Hauser

    We’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week because of coverage of so many big shows and all the stuff that has come out of the past week with WWE.

    Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show.  We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.

    The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer: September 14, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Huge Weekend Preview, WWE/CMLL/ROH/Bellator

    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.

    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 covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.

    We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again.  We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.

    We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes.  We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show.  We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches.  We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.

    We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

    We’ve got details on season two of Lucha Underground, including when filming starts, the location, changes that will and won’t be visible, the little bits of information out, two major deals they have either finalized or are close to finalizing, ratings, announcing and how this announcement affects other promotions.

    We’ve got a rundown on a huge match in Mexico, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra match.  We look at the good and bad of the match from a business perspective, excitement perspective, the future of Sombra, what was lost by CMLL, what hurt the show itself, the farewell of Dark Angel before WWE, the  iPPV numbers, teases for big matches and full coverage of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at where in WWE to expect changes in a few months, the reaction to the ratings, the next WWE Network special and its updated show, ticket sales for Hell in a Cell, updates with Dwayne Johnson, a very cool marketing idea by WWE Network for the holiday season, Alberto El Patron talks going to WWE, WWE’s talk with another former star and where that stands, what WWE star is returning to TV shortly, and more on WWE and Evolve.  We also have updates on WWE legal issues, the fan who hit the ring at Night of Champions, what’s up with Cameron, Arnold’s favorite wrestler, NXT women’s division, WWE stock, Raw and Smackdown coverage, as well as notes from all the WWE and NXT weekend shows and business notes.

    We look at who Akira Hokuto was and why she’s so well known in Japan, and her announcement of battling cancer.

    We’ve got a look at the Bellator Dynamite show, including what was to be learned from the show, what happened with the ratings and more.  We look at the tournament, update on King Mo, how every match did in ratings and what lessons were learned.

    We also look at the announcement of Fedor Emelianenko fighting on New Year’s Eve, the return of big-time non-UFC MMA to Japan in the ring, and more on Sakakibara’s first show as he opens a new promotion.

    We also cover the big shows from Bellator, New Japan, ROH and NOAH from the past week.

    With ROH, we note the angles on the show, the return of Kenny King, business, ROH vs. NXT and where things are going.

    We look at the USADA response to the Thomas Hauser story that we covered in the previous issue.  This goes into a lot of details on drug testing in boxing, what questions were and weren’t answered, and more on Erik Morales failing tests for PED’s and still fighting Danny Garcia in Madison Square Garden.

    We also look at Josh Gross’ story on Vitor Belfort, how his suspicious drug test information got out, whether this test would have or should have kept the Jon Jones fight from taking place.  We look at all kinds of questions with drug testing during the TRT era of UFC as well as a book covering pro wrestling that Gross is working on.

    We’ve got a look at the next major AAA show, Heroes Inmortales.

    We’ve got our weekly look at the ratings for all the major shows of the past week and why this week was so disappointing across the boards.

    We also update Dr. Wagner Jr., after his leaving CMLL and who that has affected his business, Atlantis after winning Friday’s match, and L.A. Park goes crazy on CMLL during an indie house show.  We also look at AAA plans for big shows and top American talent they are interested in, as well as two of the best young wrestlers in the business expected to be regulars there.  We also look at another business deal Rey Mysterio is talking about, and AAA’s last TV taping and why people in the company were very happy about an aspect of it.

    We also look at the last ever meeting with Genichiro Tenryu and Great Muta, new titles Wrestle-1 is introducing, Cima’s latest injury as well as Dragon Kid’s injury, and updates on the NOAH tag tournament, the Dragon Gate tag tournament, and an upcoming NOAH singles tournament that features six North American stars.

    We also have early notes on the Tokyo Dome show in January, and a mayor comes to a new Japan show.

    We also look at a retirement show over the weekend that sold out Korakuen Hall, and a second Korakuen Hall sellout for an indie show with a number of big names.

    We also look at what promotion was in talks with Spike TV, Justin Credible’s announced retirement, non-WWE note for WrestleMania weekend, Tammy Sytch’s legal situation, a new book on the early days of pro wrestling, the WWC Aniversario show, GFW’s U.K. tour notes, longtime MMA name becomes the first person to compete in pro wrestling, MMA and Roller Derby in the same lifetime, update on Larry Matysik, update on Kris Travis, and an update on Otto Wanz.

    We also look at new ROH TV deals, a huge match coming to ROH early next year, as well as look at the next four weeks of ROH television.

    We also have more on the situation involving David Angle, the older brother of Kurt, and the homicide charge in the death of Kurt’s sister-in-law.

    We’ve got more on TNA ownership, TNA loses another television deal, the story behind the e-mail that Dixie Carter accidental sent to the wrong people a few months ago, More on Bound for Glory, legal update on Bram, as well as a look at TNA’s first weekend of U.S. house shows of 2015.

    We also have notes on the UFC ticket sales in Melbourne, Ronda Rousey promoting the show and an interview that got tremendous play, Dana White talks another potential stadium show for next year, UFC early 2016 schedule, and Dana White gives a new answer regarding the future of Georges St-Pierre.

    We also look at fighters supporting Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes’ public situation with Matt Mitrione over Diaz, Dana White talks Nick Diaz, what is next for Diaz and different ways his career can go from here.

    We’ve also got an update on Jon Jones, a look at this wee’s UFC show, why Miesha Tate is upset, more on C.M. Punk in movies and fighting, why the Bellator champion will be on Fight Pass in a fight this week, plus new UFC signings and new UFC fights.

    We also look at a new division Bellator is opening, Frank Shamrock on why he was interested in fighting and if he still is, Will Brooks talks why he’s unhappy with Bellator and this week’s Bellator show.

    We also note a documentary on drug issues in combat sports, Jon Fitch blames Nevada for licensing Rousimar Palhares and his injuries and fighter stops a parking lot beating in front of a night club the day after his fight.

    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 UPDATE: Akira Hokuto breast cancer surgery, Undertaker on Mexico tour, more

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re sorry for all the issues with the changing of the web site the past few days.  It’s been frustrating for all of us.   Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    This weekend we’ll be doing our only poll on the New Japan Destruction in Kobe show which takes place late Saturday night/early Sunday.  We didn’t do a poll for Wakayama because it was a lesser show.  The only other major show is a UFC show, also from Japan, but that’s an FS 1 show. 

    We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s NXT show in Lakeland, FL as well as tomorrow’s shows which are WWE in Toronto, ROH in California, PA  and NXT in Largo, FL.  All arena reports and news can be sent to Dave Meltzer

    Smackdown tonight at 8 p.m. on Syfy

    Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper

    Lucha Dragons & Neville vs. All three members of New Day

    Cesaro vs. Bo Dallas

    Ryback & Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens & Rusev

    Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose non-title

    We’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week because of coverage of so many big shows and all the stuff that has come out of the past week with WWE. Sept. 28, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sting, Night of Champions, Bellator Dynamite, more

    Our lead story covers the Sting injury, the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar Hell in a Cell match and the interesting back story and questions it brings up, lots of long-term looking at where WWE is headed as well as full coverage of the Night of Champions show.  We also cover the second season news for Lucha Underground, the Atlantis vs. La Sombra mask vs. mask match, Akira Hokuto’s announcement about her breast cancer, Bellator’s Dynamite show and what went right and wrong, New Japan’s Destruction in Okayama, ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza, the Pro Wrestling NOAH angle where they tease the end of the company, USADA responds to Thomas Hauser, Josh Gross’ story on the Vitor Belfort drug test and why it’s not nearly as simple as people are making it out to be, AAA’s next major show and record low ratings.

    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 covers the WWE weekend, notably the Sting injury and Undertaker-Lesnar announcement.

    We go through the injury, including Sting’s interview comments after the fact and his description of Seth Rollins and the injury, as well as his current thoughts on if he will wrestle again.  We also talk about what he does and doesn’t know, what he’s said publicly about the injury, why the match wasn’t stopped, and what we can learn from it.

    We also look at how the Lesnar vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell match changes WrestleMania, and look at those potential changes.  We look at the different directions they can go with the key talent for next year’s show.  We also look at the rest of Hell in a Cell as far as what is on the books and what name isn’t listed yet in the top matches.  We look at the problem in the arena at the end of Night of Champions.

    We’ve got complete Night of Champions coverage, with records, business, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

    FOR A FULL OBSERVER PREVIEW CLICK HERE

    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’S NEWS UPDATE

    –Hall of Famer Akira Hokuto underwent successful surgery on her right breast for cancer.  This has made a lot of news in Japan where she’s well known far beyond the pro wrestling business.

    —Subscribers get the latest 15 radio shows and the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    –One of the matches on the October Mexico tour will be Undertaker & Kane vs. Braun Strowman & Luke Harper.

    –This is the UFC coverage on Fox Sports for this weekend.

    *Weigh-ins at 11 p.m. Friday night on FS 2 with Karyn Bryant, Brian Stann, Michael Bisping and Caroline Pearce (who will be live in Japan) covering.

    *The preshow will be on Saturday at 7 p.m. on FS 2

    *Prelims are Saturday at 8 p.m. on FS 2

    *Main card is Saturday at 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on FS 1

    *Post-fight show is Saturday at 1 a.m on FS 1

    *Ultimate Insider on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on FS 2 with Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans and Tyron Woodley

    *Countdown to UFC 192 will air Monday at 9 p.m. Eastern on FS 1 pushing the Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson and Rashad Evans vs. Ryan Bader matches

    –The Claro Sports web site will be airing tomorrow night’s Arena Mexico show live at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.  The show is headlined by Volador Jr. vs. Rush coming off last week’s Anniversary show. 

    –Part 2 of the John Layfield interview with Eric Bischoff airs tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on the WWE Network.

    –There are pre sales going on right now for the 12/10 and 12/11 UFC shows in Las Vegas.  For 12/10, the password is DECEMBER.  For 12/11, the password is TUF.  The 12/10 show is a Fight Pass event headlined by Paige VanZant vs. Joanne Calderwood and 12/11 is Frankie Edgar vs. Chad Mendes plus the finals of the current season of Ultimate Fighter.

    –Dana White last night after TUF said that he doesn’t think Conor McGregor will ever fight Urijah Faber.  He brought up that McGregor is 20 pounds heavier walking around and that both guys career trajectory just doesn’t make the fight likely.

    –Rey Hours is off the 9/27 Lucha Libre show in Whitby, ONT at the Live Act Theater.  Ricky Reyes vs. Maybach Beta of Zero-One is the new headliner. 

    –Superkick’d on 10/10 in Toronto at The Great Hall with Moose and Seiya Sanada appearing.  Also 10/30 in Toronto at the Lithuanian House with Zombie wrestling.

    –Ronda Rousey was named to this year’s Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list of people under 40 who standout when it comes to wealth, power, achievement, ambition and influence. She was the only athlete, male or female, to make the list.  She was cited by not just her UFC success and appearing in movies, but for overall appeal, influence on culture and popularity.  Among the things cited for picking her were her acting, her doing WrestleMania, and her DNB promo which has been viewed 3.1 million times.

    –TNA will be doing a taped PPV on 10/30 in New Orleans, called the Battle of New Orleans at the Lakefront Arena, an old Mid South building:

    Kurt Angle vs. Eric Young cage match

    Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong cage match

    The Wolves vs. EC 3 & Tyrus for tag titles

    Bobby Roode vs. Matt Hardy for King of the Mountain title

    Abyss vs. Robbie E Monster’s Ball

    Plus appearances by Jeff Hardy and Chris Melendez.

    No word on when this will air on PPV, but it’ll be in the One Night Only series.

    –Aljamain Sterling, one of the top bantamweights in UFC, is talking about giving up fighting and going to school to get his Master’s Degree.  He cited he’s been looking for a fight with Bryan Caraway by the end of this year.  If not, he may return to college in January to go for his Master’s as well as take a full-time or part-time teaching job.  He’s got one fight left on his UFC contract and hasn’t been happy with pay and the Reebok deal.  He noted he’s only had three fights since 2013.

    –On the radio show, we talked about how nobody but WWE has been able to run Madison Square Garden (although there is the annual amateur wrestling Grapple at the Garden show) since the late 50s other than the McMahon family.  It should be noted that both WCW and AAA ran shows at the Paramount, adjacent to the Garden, but neither were allowed to run the Garden itself.

    —A story on places in Australia where MMA in a cage is still banned after Victoria passed the law to allow it and the 11/15 show is getting off to huge ticket sales 

    —Rolling Stone talks to Kazuchika Okada, even if he doesn’t say very much past that he’s not interested in going to WWE

    –2K today revealed the MyCareer gameplay trailer for WWE 2K16, featuring details on how players will be able to define their legacy through critical choices while rising through the ranks from NXT to WWE to earn a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. Players will train, compete against others, conduct personality-driven interviews, interfere with rivals and even form the ultimate tag team.  For more CLICK HERE

    —Kenny King talks his decision to go to ROH from TNA

    –WWE stock today closed at $17.65 per share, up five cents.

    –NWA Vendetta from Friday night in Santa Maria, CA:  Stryder b Ricky Almernara, Midnight Delight & Tab Jackson b Ballard Brothers & Holly Renee, La Generica b Kiara Dillon, Judah Matthew over Alexander Bernard, Jimi Mayhem and Ricky Ruffin, Mike Rayne b Shiloh, Classic Connection b Von Dooms-DQ, Matt Riviera b Sigmon-DQ, Sunami b Dylan drake and Jeckles the Jester.  Next show is 10/30 with Sonjay Dutt.

    –The PWA show on 9/27 in Dundas, ONT has been moved to December.

    –IWA Mid South tomorrow night in Clarksville, IN at the Colgate Gym.  They also announced the 2015 Ted Petty Invitational on 12/11 as a one-night 12 man tournament with Timothy Thatcher, Kongo Kong, Jonathan Gresham, Masada, Chris Hero and Too Cold Scorpio.

    –The Jake Roberts documentary will play on 10/2 in Yonkers, NY at the Alamo Drafthouse.  DDP will be appearing for a Q&A.

    –There is a presale going on for WWE tickets for 11/28 in Kansas City at the Sprint Center going on today using the code word RING.  It ends on Friday at 10 p.m.  Advertised for the show are Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Ryback, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Sheamus and Rusev.

    –Elkmania 3 on Saturday in Beverly, MA at the Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge at 7 p.m.

    –Renegade Promotions Battle of the Best on 11/8 in Burlington, ONT at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center headlined by Derek Wylde vs. Tyson Dux.

    –AAA star will work for rival promotions in Tijuana next week.  On 10/2 at Auditorio Municipal, Alberto El Patron & Rey Mysterio Jr. & Rey Hours vs. Brian Cage & Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma plus Pentagon Jr. vs. Bestia 666 for the The Crash cruiserweight title and Psycho Clown & Pimpinela Escarlata & ? vs. Cibernetico & Taya Valkyrie & Black Mamba, plus a four-way for the X trophy with Angelico vs. Matt Cross vs. Seiya Sanada vs. Fenix are the top bouts.  The next night at Salon Casa Blanca, a different promotion as Psycho Clown & Fenix & Angelico vs. Daga & El Hijo del Fantasma & Pentagon Jr.

    –Evolve on 10/18 in Deer Park, NY at the Sportatorium has:

    Timothy Thatcher defending the Evolve title against either Drew Gulak or Trevor Lee (based on who wins a match the night before in Brooklyn)

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

    Willie Mack vs. Lee/Gulak loser

    T.J. Perkins vs. Tracy Williams

    Matt Riddle vs. Chris Dickinson

    –The next Glory event on Spike will be 10/9 from Denver.  There is also a show on 11/6 in Milan, Italy.

    –CZW has a live iPPV on 10/10 at streamCZW.com from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ and on 10/17 from Laval, Quebec at Scratch a Laval.  Vampiro will be on the 10/17 show.

    –Infinity Pro on Saturday night in Bloomington, IN at the National  Guard Armory with OI4K headlining plus Crazy Mary Dobson vs. Lufisto.

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

    1940 – Earl McCready beat John Katan in Dunedin, New Zealand to win the British Empire title

    1951 – Enrique Llanes (the uncle of the Guerreros) beat Sugi Sito in Mexico City to win the NWA middleweight title

    1963 – Gori Guerrero beat Ali Bey in El Paso to win the NWA light heavyweight title

    1995 – Mima Shimoda & Akira Hokuto beat Takako & Kyoko Inoue in Kawasaki to win the WWWA women’s tag title

    2004 – Nicho beat L.A. Park in Tijuana to win the XLWA heavyweight title

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (9/24): Diesel & Shawn Michaels win WWF tag titles, Jerry Lawler vs. Kerry Von Erich

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1952

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – Bob Orton defeated Pat O’Connor in 2 out of 3 falls

    1960

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
     – Hard Boiled Haggerty (sub Gene Kiniski) & Len Montana defeated Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski in a 2/3 falls match to win AWA Tag Team Title (titles were returned to Mills and Kowalski due to the substitution)

    1963 

    El Paso, Texas:
    – Gory Guerrero defeated Ali Bey to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title

    1966

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Midwest Tag Team Champions Luke Brown & Jake Smith beat AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher dq
    – Dale Lewis beat Doug Gilbert
    – Nebraska Champion Mr Wrestling Tim Woods drew Mad Russian Stan Pulaski
    – Ron Reed beat Harley Race

    1971

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne dq
    – Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson beat Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon

    1972

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa:
    – Ronnie Etchison defeated Billy Howard
    – Les Thornton defeated Black Angus by disqualification
    – NWA Central States champion Harley Race defeated Rufus R. Jones

    1973

    Sapporo, Japan:
    – Shozo “Strong” Kobayashi beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne dq 
    – Lars Anderson & Blackjack Mulligan beat Animal Hamaguchi & Great Kusatsu
    – Greg Gagne beat Isamu Sakae

    1974

    Tampa, Florida:
    – In a Lumberjack Match: Jos Leduc beat Pak Song
    – Florida Tag Team Champions Mike Graham & Dusty Rhodes beat Dick Slater & Professor Tanaka
    – North American Champion Bob Armstrong beat Bill Watts by DQ

    1976

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum beat Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher dq
    – In a Non Title match, Bill Francis beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Peter Maivia beat Mad Dog Vachon

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Ron Fuller beat Don Carson in a Loser Leaves Town match
    – Great Mephisto beat The Gladiator
    – Mike Stallings beat Louie Tillet in a Texas Death match

    1979

    New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – Charlie Cook & Hercules Ayala beat Junkyard Dog & Porkchop Cash in a Texas Tornado match
    – Bill Watts & Wahoo McDaniel(sub for Dusty Rhodes) beat Ernie Ladd & Ken Patera

    1981

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Sheik Adnan beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Hulk Hogan beat Jerry Blackwell
    – Non Title match, Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell  
    – Billy Robinson drew Tito Santana
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Ed Boulder

    1982

    Houston, Texas:
    – Southwest champ Dick Slater beat Jerry Lawler
    – Junkyard Dog beat Nick Bockwinkel
    – Tony Atlas beat the Mongolian Stomper to win the Southwest Brass Knuckles Title

    1983

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – Intercontinental champion Magnificent Muraco defeated Chief Jay Strongbow
    – WWF World Champion Bob Backlund (w/ Arnold Skaaland) pinned Sgt. Slaughter in a Texas Death Match
    – In a steel cage match, Andre the Giant defeated Big John Studd

    1984 

    London, Ontario, Canada:
    – Greg Valentine defeated Tito Santana to win the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.

    1985

    Portland, Oregon:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair drew Magnum TA
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Sgt. Slaughter & Billy Jack Haynes dq
    – Steve Simpson & Joe Savoldi beat Mike Miller & Karl Stiener
    – Ivan Koloff & Krusher Khruschev beat Bobby Jaggers & Steve Pardee

    1988

    Dallas, Texas:
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler ddq Kerry Von Erich
    – Terry Gordy ddq The Beast
    – Ron Garvin beat Black Bart
    – Kendall Windham beat Eric Embry

    1993

    Greenville, Tennessee:
    – Tim Horner beat Chris Candido
    – Scott & Steve Armstrong beat Killer Kyle & The Dirty White Boy
    – SMW Tag Champs The Rock N’ Roll Express beat Ron & Don Harris
    – Tracy Smothers beat SMW Champ Brian Lee via DQ

    1995

    Saginaw, Michigan:
    – WWF champion Diesel & WWF Intercontinental champion Shawn Michaels defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the British Bulldog (substituting for Owen Hart) & Yokozuna (with Jim Cornette & Mr. Fuji) to win the titles 
    – Dean Douglas (Shane Douglas) pinned Razor Ramon 

    2000 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – The Hardy Boyz defeated Edge & Christian in a cage match to capture the WWF World Tag Titles
    – Chris Jericho defeated X Pac
    – Tazz defeated Jerry Lawler in a strap match

  • Update on Thursday morning website issues

    We are aware that many users are still experiencing issues this morning.

    We are aware of the problems and have been working with the site host to try to pinpoint the source of the performance issues.

    We will update throughout the day and apologize for the continued inconvenience.

  • JAPW promoter Fat Frank Iadevaia passes away

    Frank Iadevaia, who has promoted Jersey All Pro Wrestling for more than
    18 years, passed away in his sleep last night.  He was found this morning
    by family members.

    Iadevaia was described as a  guy who had no ego and was a huge fan, and
    was a key in getting the original exposure for guys like Low Ki, Homicide
    and Jay Lethal.

    Friends said that his death was a complete shock as he had not been sick.

    Iadevaia stated as a wrestler, using the name Lighting Lou Diamond in New
    York City.  He was part of a tag team called NC-17 with Kane D, who later
    worked with him as a JAPW booker.

    He started Jersey All Pro Wrestling in April, 1997, as a Hardcore style
    promotion, and got a lot of very negative local mainstream media
    publicity.  Like all the Hardcore style promotions, they were trying to
    copy ECW.

    The company stopped promoting regularly in 2011 after heavy money losses
    in promoting a tour with New Japan Pro Wrestling, and was down to doing
    one anniversary show per year.  He was working on such a show on 11/14 in
    Rahway, NJ at the time of his death.

  • WWE NXT 9/23 TV results: Vaudevillains defend the gold, Asuka’s debut

    By Emerson Witner, WrestlingObserver.com

    Greetings to all my fellow Empire members. Gather around and listen to the stories of a certain show taped in front of 300 people in a college in Winter Park, Florida!

    The Big News: The Vaudevillians lost in the Dusty Classic, but retained their titles in the main event, defeated Blake & Murphy.

    The Medium News: Kana is now Asuka, but you probably already knew that.

    The Little Beaver-sized News: Tyler Breeze was informed by the cameraman that he will be wrestling Apollo Crews at Takeover.

    The Recap:

    Eva Marie defeated Carmella by countoutEva cut an inset promo where she thanked the referee from three weeks ago for holding up his count when she forgot to kick out of a suplex. This is a rematch from Brooklyn when these two squared off. This match was horrible, made worse by Corey Graves being obnoxious. Eva did this horrible walking boot across the ring that they showed a replay of. The fans chanted “Botox Everything” at Eva Marie.

    They are continuing the gimmick where Eva Marie has matches lost, but somehow she doesn’t lose. Carmella had the pin after driving Eva’s face into her boot, but the referee held up his count at 2. Turns out Eva’s foot was touching the bottom rope. The finish saw Eva threw Carmella outside the ring and Carmella couldn’t get back in the ring, so she got counted out in an anticlimactic finish.

    – Another video package for Nia Jax aired. She’s eventually going to arrive in NXT. I believe it’s now been 6 weeks

    – A video package hyping the Bayley-Sasha match aired. This featured a completely different Bayley, totally low key and talking like an adult woman, as opposed to the character she plays.

    Tyler Breeze pinned Bull Dempsey

    Bull came out in his Michael Elgin robe. I just noticed that it looks a lot like Dr. Death Steve Williams’ robe too. The last time these two sports entertained was the infamous match where Bull was unable to take a lap around the ring.

    Bull was standing on the apron and winding up for a punch when Tyler shoved Bull off the apron, sending him crashing on the ramp, which was the finish of the last match and almost the finish here. They compared Bull Fit favorably to P90X. In all fairness I do not hate Bull as much as I hate Tony Horton.

    This match was dull and the fans amused themselves by chanting “All Bull Everything” and “Bullfit” in the cadence of “Bullshit”. Bull made his comeback, using his stomach as an offensive maneuver. Breeze rolled outside the ring to get away from a top rope move, but Bull pulled him back in and ascended the ropes. Tyler threw him off the top rope and pinned him with his feet on the ropes.

    NOTE: After Tweeting out about Bull Dempsey’s robe and its similarity to Michael Elgin’s and Dr. Death’s, Elgin tweeted me back saying that he borrowed the concept from Dr. Death himself.

    – The theme song for NXT Takeover: Respect is called Happy Song. No joke.

    – A video package from the weekend tour of Texas. They did not mention the giant upset in the Dusty Rhodes Classic where Dash & Dawson defeated The Vaudevillians to advance to Takeover.

    Mr. Regal was in the ring for a contract signed with the newest NXT Diva: Kana

    She was Asuka before the commercial break and before I could finish typing that, her Titantron changed names from Kana to Asuka.

    She has pink hair and is very very happy to be here. She yelled ‘YAAAYYYYYYY!” into the microphone before saying she was happy to be here on NXT. She might literally be the happiest person to ever be on this show. In broken English she happily announced her desire to be champion. I once had a supervisor at Jackson Hewitt in Hazleton, Pennsylvania who was so happy we used to joke he must have been on drugs. I think Asuka is happier.

    Dana Brooke and Emma came out to introduce themselves. Emma talked slowly to Asuka as if she were 4 years old, saying they are NXT’s welcoming committee. They told her that if she plans to survive in the locker room, she needs to respect them as the leaders of the locker room.

    Dana said they ran Charlotte and Becky out of NXT and if Asuka doesn’t play nice her career will be over before it begins. They told her to leave the ring, which, shockingly, she did. The fans chanted no at her, but she walked away with her head bowed. At the top of the ramp Asuka just turned and smiled at them. I don’t want to alarm you, but this is far from over.

    -Tyler Breeze was asked about his match vs Apollo Crews at Takeover. Conveniently Crews just happened to be walking up to Tyler and said he hopes Tyler is just as excited as he is.

    -Kyle Edwards filled us in on the updates of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Next week on NXT is Balor & Joe vs Enzo & Big Cass and the winners will face Dash & Dawson. On the other side of the bracket it will be the Hype Bros vs Chad Gable & Jason Jordan this weekend at a house show, with the winners facing Rhyno & Baron Corbin.

    NXT Tag Team Champions The Vaudevillians defeated Blake & Murphy

    Can Blake & Murphy become the first team to become two time NXT Tag Team Champions? Adrian Neville is a 2-time champion, but he had three different partners. Him and the long forgotten Oliver Grey became the first NXT Tag Champions, but Oliver got injured, so Bo Dallas filled in for the end of the reign. Then Kassius Ohno & Corey Graves were the #1 Contender’s, but Kassius got a storyline injury, so Corey teamed with Neville to become unlikely champions, defeating the Wyatt Family.

    The fans chanted for Blue Pants, who was not there for the first 30 seconds. Then Alexa got involved quickly, so Pants ran down and chased Alexa away. The heels got the heat on English, but Aiden fought back and did an impressive double hiptoss to both challengers at the same time. Aiden tried to build on this momentum outside the ring, but Blake gave him a side suplex on the ring apron.

    English eventually slapped Murphy so hard that Murphy should contact his lawyer. Simon got the hot tag and went wild on Blake. They went for their finish, but Blake got his knees up when Aiden went for the swanton. Murphy hit a top rope knee, but only got a 2 count. Finally the champs retained with the Whirling Dervish. I was actually surprised as I expected Blake and Murphy to get the belts back.

    The show ended with promos by Enzo & Colin and Samoa Joe & Finn Balor building up their quarter final match next week. Next week is already the go-home show for Takeover, so who is going to the Final Four of the Dusty Classic?

    Only one way to find out, tune in next week and until then, say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • UFC TUF 22: McGregor vs. Faber results & recap for episode 3

    By Steve Juon, WrestlingObserver.com

    It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.

    Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.

    The Notorious Quote of the Week: “Man Urijah is an absolute p—y. Stop being a p—y. Man up and make the fight (with Dillashaw). You’ve got nothing else left.”

    Last week U.S. fighter Ryan Hall beat European fighter Frantz Siloa to retain control for Team Faber. This week’s fight is Sascha Sharma (Team Europe) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (Team U.S.). Here we go!

    Martin Svensson is sporting a black eye at the same time he’s saying the training is going really well. I’ve got him on my “Fighter to Watch” list this week because of the amount of energy he expends in the workout sessions.

    Apparently the Team McGregor strategy is to have a light workout in the morning without their coach, then an intense session with technical instruction including McGregor in the evening. Dana White says he acts like he doesn’t give a f— when the truth is that he really does.

    Chris Gruetzemacher says his dad was shot and murdered when he was only five. It’s part of what made him focused and convinced him to be a fighter, and make the most of his athletic ability while he still has the time to. He’s my other “Fighter to Watch” this week.

    Sascha Sharma talks about how his dad emigrated from India to Germany decades ago, and how he had an infection in childhood that left him paralyzed for a time. He had to train to walk, he had to train martial arts to feel better, and after that he couldn’t give it up.

    Faber comes over to the TUF house to watch the T.J. Dillashaw fight where he finished Renan Barao standing, beating Barao for the second time (July 25, 2015). Afterward Sharma is 155 and Gruetzemacher is 154.5 on the scale. Dana thinks Gruetzemacher has it in the bag because he trains with Benson Henderson.

    * Lightweight: Chris Gruetzemacher (USA) vs. Sascha Sharma (Europe)

    Sharma is in the gray trunks and “Gritz” as Faber calls him is in the blue. Sharma pushes Gritz into the fence as McGregor calls for him to throw knees and to be patient in the fight. Gritz takes him to the ground and Sharma goes for a triangle submission – but Gritz breaks it and lands a couple of hard and heavy rights on the ground. Sharma gets up and pushes Gritz into the fence again. Sharma single legs him to the ground but can’t keep him down. 2:30 gone. These two are going really hard for what looks to be a long fight with a half hour of TV time left. Sharma pulls guard at 3:15 then tries to land upkicks but Gritz talks the half guard to land elbows. Gritz is passing furiously and Sharma is scrambling furiously – an intense amount of energy is being expended on both sides. Gritz ends up on top in guard and Sharma tries to get a triangle or armbar again but can’t. On to R2!

    Sharma lands a right hand and shoots immediately to open R2, but when he can’t get it he flops to his back hoping to suck Gritz in. Gritz is more than happy to get on top and throw some elbows, then take a full mount at 51 seconds, but Sharma is able to escape it – not without getting bloodied. McGregor loses his cool when he goes to his back again and starts screaming “Stay on your f—ing feet!” Sharma rolls and Gritz nearly gets an armbar out of it. McGregor is screaming at Sharma to “end up on top out of it” and he does. Sharma gets swept though and Gritz is in side control. McGregor: “You need to find your patience in there. A patient man always prevails.” Sharma manages to hold on and go for some upkicks when Gritz repositions, but Gritz gets big damage late and a mount too.

    Dana White announces a sudden victory third round and McGregor screams at him to stay on his feet before we go to commercial.

    Sharma ignores McGregor’s advice and goes to the ground immediately, causing an exasperated McGregor to scream “WHAT THE F—?!” Gritz spins to take the back while throwing rights, but Sharma tries to trap his head for a choke. He’s too exhausted to lock it on though and Gritz gets on his back again throwing rights at his head. It’s a war of attrition and Gritz is winning. He passes to side and takes the back again. McGregor screams “up on your feet” but he’s too whipped to even try. Gritz pushes him back down into half guard. McGregor realizes they’ve lost the fight even with two minutes left. Faber: “Don’t do anything too crazy just keep eating him up.” INDEED. Sharma spins on top with just over a minute left. Gritz motions like he’ll stand up but sweeps with a half minute left. McGregor: “Very very poor. My God.” Sharma is a bloody mess.

    McGregor: “When he shot from the bell in the t’ird round and then pulled guard, there’s nothing more you can do. There’s nothing more you can do for the kid. There’s only so much words can do.” He accuses Sharma of “crumbling under the pressure.” All three judges score the third 10-9 for Gritz which makes Team U.S. 2-0 so far. Faber: “For not being emotionally invested you sure got emotionally invested.” Faber announces Tom Gallicchio (USA) vs. Marcin Wrzosek (Europe). Join us next week!