Category: Post Type article

  • TUES UPDATE: Hulk Hogan Apology Tour Part 2, former UFC fighter making Evolve debut, & more

    by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.comFollow @davidbix

    Show notes for tonight:

    Total Divas airs at 9:00 p.m. ET on E! with “An Unwanted Proposal.” Paige’s boyfriend proposes; Brie and Bryan argue about their future; and Trinity/Naomi messes up Jon’s/Jimmy Uso’s standup comedy career (?!??!) somehow.

    SmackDown and Main Event will be taped tonight in Little Rock. Please send spoilers/reports to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

    ****

    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 a look at the latest in the concussion lawsuits filed against WWE on behalf of various wrestlers by Konstantine Kyros. On top of that, we have all the usual stuff like Vinny’s reviews and international news from Dr. Lucha Steve Sims and and Alan”4L” Counihan.

    The recnt FREE Figure Four Weekly is still up with a look at the crazy story of why Gawker thinks the FBI may have helped Hulk Hogan cover up his racist and homophobic comments. A judge has ordered the FBI to turn over the records of their investigation, and what Gawker is saying in court about what has and hasn’t been turned over paints a very interesting picture.

    Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the American, Canadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle.

    ****

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

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

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

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    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.

    We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

    We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

    We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

    We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

    We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

    We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

    We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

    We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

    We also update things on Lucha Underground.

    We look at next week’s ROH matches.

    We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

    We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

    We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

    We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

    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.

    ***

    Tuesday Daily Update

    Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard got to take part in the Hulk Hogan apology tour, with the most newsworthy part being that he never spoke to Vince McMahon about his firing, with Paul Levesque calling him in the middle of the night when they got word of the National Enquirer/Radar Online story. Among the “highlights” is this: “I was surrounded by a bunch of negativity in my personal life. My [23-year] marriage had pretty much unwound, and it wasn’t fixable. I was going through a tough time with my son being put in an adult prison when he was 16 years old. I was stressed out to the max.” The videos with Heather Cole were made before July 13, 2007, the date written on the DVDs that were seized as part of a FBI sting. Nick Bollea’s car accident that put John Graziano in a vegetatve state was August 26, 2007.

    Tickets for the meet and greet/autograph session portion of Hogan’s upcoming “talk show” appearance in England are the equivlaent of $350 U.S. 

    Meanwhile, Hogan has been successfully trolled on Twitter again, this time being tricked into endorsing disgraced Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. He really, really needs to get away from Twitter, or at the very least stop retweeing things from anyone he doesn’t know.

    — Evolve announced that former UFC and Bellator Fighter Matt Riddle will make his debut at their shows in New York next month. Riddle, who purportedly has a ton of potential, has been training at the Monster Factory and working some smaller shows.

    — Some new screenshots for WWE 2K16 (comes out on October 27th) that were released today revealed a bit of a pleasant surprise: The game’s campaign, which goes through Steve Austin’s career, will, at the very least, go back to his WCW run. At 2K Games’ media event in New York a during SummerSlam week, the demo they had started with Austin winning King of the Ring ’96, which led a lot of people to think that was where the mode actually started. Today, the screenshots they released included  “Stunning” Steve Austin making his entrance circa 1993-1994 and “Superstar” Steve Austin about to wrestle Mikey Whipwreck at the ECW Arena in 1995. The final roster reveal announcement also included Ricky Steamboat with a photo from 1994, when he feuded with Austin right before being retired by a back injury.

    ThinkProgress explains the appeal of Donald Trump via Roland Barthes’ essay about pro wrestling.

    Kevin Eck writes about WWE’s hesitance to acknowledge Roman Reigns’ Samoan heritage when he was working for the company on the creative team.

    E! sent us a video of a bikini clad Kelly Kelly chopping someone on tonight’s episode of WAGs. Thy’re promoting it as her using wrestling moves.

    Bob Backlund’s book was officially released today in both physical and digital formats. WWE’s next home video release is SummerSlam 2015, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray a week from today. WWE’s next archival release is Sting: Into The Light on DVD and Blu-Ray in four weeks.

    The entire Chikara King of Trios tournament is no available as a aVOD  download.

    — On the latest Between the Sheets podcast, Kris Zellner and myself are joined by Charles (Pro Wrestling Only) and Sean Wheelock (Let’s Get It On/Bellator/co-author of “Is This Legal?” about the first UFC PPV) to discuss the week that was September 8-14, 1994. Listen to us talk about Jim Cornette breaking car windows, Crush & Yokozuna breaking caskets, Keith Hackney breaking his hands, & the Gracie myth breaking apart.

    — PWP runs tomorrow night, 9/16, at The Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.

    — MCW has a show this Saturday Night in Hollywood, MD. WWE Hall Of Famer Jake the Snake Roberts, TNA Diva and Former WWE Diva Mickie James, and all of the stars of MCW will be appearing at the Pre Show Fan fest. The Fan fest will be from 6:30 to 7:30PM  just before the event starts and wrestling fans will be able to meet all of the stars and get photo opportunities with them as well. All that is needed to attend the fan fest is a ticket to the event. Action-Packed Matches include: The Hell Cats vs. Ecktourage vs. Punk Rock All-Stars, Brandon Scott vs. Drolix, Dixon Line Security vs. G-Fed, the Bruiser & Jake the Snake Roberts, Kimber Lee vs. Mickie James, King Ryan McBride vs. Lio Rush, Fenix Fury vs. Chuck Lennox, plus many more stars in action this Saturday Night.

  • WWE Raw ratings (9/14) still at low levels

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    2015’s Q4 may be a long one for WWE as the Monday, September 14th edition of Monday Night Raw did 3.39 million viewers, almost identical to the record non-major holiday low of the past 18 years of 3.37 million the prior week. 

    The rating should have been up because last week’s rating was caused by a show that caused massive audience tuning out late, and was also hurt by Labor Day.

    This week’s show went against the regular season doubleheader debut of ESPN’s Monday Night Football which did big numbers. The early game (Falcons vs. Eagles) that ended at 10:17 p.m. did 13.56 million viewers while the late game (49ers vs. Vikings) that started at 10:17 p.m. did 14.33 million viewers.

    For Raw, the three hours were:

    – 8 p.m. 3.29 million viewers

    – 9 p.m. 3.54 million viewers

    – 10 p.m. 3.36 million viewers

  • On this date in pro wrestling history (9/15): NWO wins War Games, Hennig wins WCW US Title

    By: Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1949

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – Bill Longson beat Joe Pazandak in 2 out of 3 falls

    – Ronnie Etchison defeated Chief Chewchki

    – Enrique Torres beat Jack Suzek

    – Garza Lozano beat Danny Fenelon

    1956

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – Whipper Billy Watson beat Dr. Lee Grable by dq to retain the World Title

    – June Byers beat Barbara Baker 2 falls to 0 to retain the World Ladies Title

    – Richard Brown beat Sam Menacker

    1957

    Wichita, Kansas:

    – Red Berry defeated Richard Brown to win the Central States Title

    1977

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:

    – Verne Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum

    – Angelo Mosca beat Gene Kiniski

    – Super Destroyer no contest the Crusher

    – Billy Robinson beat Bob Backlund

    – Larry Hennig beat Roger Kirby

    – Chris Markoff beat Chris Pepper

    – Steve Olsonoski vs Jan Nelson

    1984

    San Juan, Puerto Rico:

    – At the WWC 11th Anniversary show, Invader 3 defeated Anibal to win the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Title

    – Invader 1 defeated Konga The Barbarian to win the WWC Puerto Rican Heavyweight Title

    – Randy Savage defeated Pedro Morales to win the WWC North American Heavyweight Title.

    1985

    Norfolk, Virginia

    – In a Bunkhouse Match, Dusty Rhodes & Magnum TA & Sam Houston beat Ole Anderson & Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard

    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Krusher Khrushchev & Ivan Koloff

    – Manny Fernandez beat Abdullah The Butcher

    – Jimmy Valiant beat Buddy Landel

    – Ron Bass drew Barbarian

    – Starship Eagle & Stoney Burke beat Joel Deaton & Golden Terror

    – Billy Graham beat Mark Fleming

    1986

    Los Angeles, California:

    – Black Bart defeated Chris Adams in a phantom title change to win the World Class Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Title.

    1989

    Dallas, Texas:

    – Sheik Braddock & Ron Starr defeated Jeff Jarrett & Matt Bourne to win the USWA Tag Team Title

    1991

    Marietta, Georgia:

    – The Lightning Kid defeated Chaz to win the GWF Light Heavyweight Title

    1996

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

    – Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash & Sting (NWO Sting) defeated Lex Luger, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson & Sting in a War Games match

    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat defeated The Nasty Boys

    – Chris Benoit defeated Chris Jericho

    – The Giant (Big Show) defeated Randy Savage

    1997

    Charlotte, North Carolina:

    – Curt Hennig defeated Steve McMichael for the WCW United States Heavyweight Title

    1998

    Sacramento, California:

    – Jacqueline defeated Sable for the vacant WWF Women’s Title

    – X-Pac defeating D’Lo Brown to win the WWF European Title

    2001

    Carrolton, Georgia:

    – Scotty Anton defeated Barry Windham to win the Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title.

    2005

    Windsor, Ontario, Canada:

    – Jeff Jarrett won the NWA title from Raven at a Border City Wrestling event

    2007

    Chicago, Illinois

    – Takeshi Morishima defeated Bryan Danielson via referee stoppage to retain the ROH World Title.

    – Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated Kevin Steen & El Generico to retain the ROH Tag Titles.

    2012

    Chicago Ridge, Illinois:

    – Jay Lethal defeated Homicide

    – Kevin Steen defeated Rhino to retain the ROH Title in an Anything Goes Match

    – Kyle O’Reilly defeated ACH

  • WWE Raw 9/14 live TV results: Sting in action, Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte

    Courtesy WWE.com

    By Jeff Hamlin, WrestlingObserver.com 

    The Big Takeaway: Sting wrestled his first Raw match ever tonight. He actually wrestled two. The first against the Big Show ended with a Seth Rollins run-in after all of 1:43. The subsequent tag team match saw him defeat Rollins with the Scorpion Death Lock. Much of the discussion on this show will center around the Dusty Finish in the Nikki Bella-Charlotte match, where Charlotte appeared to have won, only to have it reversed when Stephanie McMahon ruled Twin Magic couldn’t count as a title change. This show was billed as the “Season Debut” of Raw. If this was the first Raw you ever watched, you would have thought Stephanie McMahon was the most pushed personality in the company.

    Show Recap:

    The Authority came out to welcome fans to the new season of Raw. Stephanie McMahon put over the new stars they’ve created over the past year like the New Day, Neville, Rusev, and others. HHH promoted Seth Rollins vs. John Cena & Rollins vs. Sting at NOC.

    Stephanie talked about Nikki Bella defending the Divas title against Charlotte. HHH announced Sting would compete tonight for the first-time ever on Raw against The Big Show.

    Stephanie brought out the New Day, then started clapping them.  This led to HHH joining them, which was amusing.

    The New Day (C) defeated the Prime Time Players to retain the WWE World Tag Team Titles (12:10)

    Kofi Kingston pinned Titus O’Neal after the Midnight Hour. O’Neal got distracted by Xavier Woods playing the trombone on the apron. Among the newest Woods spots was playing the Pink Panther theme while Big E. struts and Woods playing notes in cadence while Langston and Woods stomp an opponent in the corner. Decent match.

    They showed portions of Sting’s past, including a tag team match with Dusty Rhodes against The Road Warriors at Starrcade 1988, which was Dusty’s final NWA bout before his departure for the WWE. He was wearing a striped shirt that was barely more flattering than the polka dots he would be wearing a year later.

    Rollins walked in to talk to the Authority. HHH arranged Sheamus vs. Cena for tonight just in case Sheamus thought about cashing in the briefcase tonight.

    Ric Flair showed up with Charlotte to do an interview with a now short-haired Renee Young. Charlotte talked about what a dream it would be to win the Divas title. Flair said he’s now living vicariously through his daughter and wants to see her win tonight.  

    Sasha Banks defeated Paige via submission (5:15)

    Sasha Banks won with a backstabber into a Bank Statement. Tamina moved Banks out of the way of a Paige charge into the corner. At one point, Paige delivered a facebuster that appeared to knock the hell out of Tamina. It appeared referee Charles Robinson was concerned momentarily.

    There was a very nice tribute to Connor Michalek to start a program the company has launched called “Connor’s Cure” during September, which is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month 

    The Wyatt Family came out for MizTV. They continue the gimmick that Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose can’t find a third partner for the trios match at Night of Champions. Miz was basically a babyface trying to get a word out of Bray Wyatt, who said he wanted everyone to understand regardless of who shows up at Night of Champions, they will all fall down.

    Ambrose and Reigns came out. Ambrose threw the Miz out of the ring while the five men had a stare down. Reigns acknowledged Jimmy Uso was his cousin and Wyatt took him out, which he would pay for. Reigns said they have found a third partner. Reigns vowed to win a war against the Wyatts on Sunday. Wyatt’s flash went off and the scene just ended.

    Sting’s next flashback moment was the Great American Bash 1990 where Sting defeated Flair to win his first NWA/WCW World Championship.

    John Cena defeated Sheamus (14:43)

    Good match with some good selling by Sheamus. Cena won after he no sold the Rolling Senton by Sheamus and immediately hit the AA for the pin. Earlier in the match, Sheamus attempted the Brogue Kick but Cena countered with a clothesline. Crowd was very negative towards Cena, but he delivered in another good match.

    Ryback did an interview where he had to sing lyrics to “All Shook Up” that was greeted by crickets. Kevin Owens came out as part of their fledgling program. Owens talked about how Ryback read the book “The Secret” to get him past a low point. Owens brought out his own copy of “The Secret,” said he read it and said he felt sorry for anyone who believes in that garbage. Owens called the book a crutch for weak people. Owens said Ryback was the strongest man in the locker room, but also the weakest mentally.

    They were arguing over a book. Then Ryback recited these scripted lines and started repeated “Feed Me More.” Ryback said he respected Owens’ path to the WWE. Ryback admitted that he fell on his face when he first arrived in the WWE, but brushed himself off and won a championship. Ryback said he went to the Authority earlier today, and said they arranged an Intercontinental Championship match between the two at NOC. Ryback wanted to how a showdown, but Owens did his usual walkaway. All I can say is don’t ever watch NWA or Memphis promos via youtube on days leading up to Raws, because you’ll be very depressed after segments like these.

    What was supposed to be Neville vs. Stardust turned into a six-way fight. The Ascension are now henchmen for Stardust. Lucha Dragons accompanied Neville and cleared the ring of the heels.

    There was a package putting over Nikki Bella as the Divas champion who carried the entire Divas division on her back for the last 295 days. Bella pompously asked viewers have they started their year because she spent the year started a Divas Revolution.

    Charlotte defeated Nikki Bella (C) by DQ in 9:55, so Bella retains the Divas Championship to become the longest reigning Divas Champion in history.

    It’s only fitting that they showed a clip of Dusty Rhodes from 1989 earlier because they booked a Dusty Finish that killed the crowd tonight as much as it did 26 years ago. They went with Twin Magic as Alicia Fox tried to interfere, which allowed Brie Bella to run-in. Charlotte immediately pinned her with an inside cradle. Flair ran down like his daughter had won the title. Then Stephanie came out and announced that the integrity of the championship must be retained, telling the referee what happened and Charlotte won by DQ, but Bella would still be champion. However, Stephanie ordered a rematch at Night of Champions where if Nikki lost by DQ, countout, pinfall or submission, she would lose the title.

    You might wonder why Stephanie didn’t make this ruling when they did this same finish at Money in the Bank. The answer is Stephanie wouldn’t get a chance to stand out as the company’s main star on a June PPV as much as the “season debut” of Raw. The sad part is they had a really good match going where Charlotte sold her arm great and the fans didn’t need to be coerced to emotionally invest in the match. It’s going to be tough trying to recreate that atmosphere on Sunday.

    Cesaro defeated Rusev (4:03)

    Dolph Ziggler came down and tried to offer Summer Rae a package. Rusev got distracted, allowing Cesaro to get the pin with an Inverted Chikara Special. Ziggler gave Rusev a superkick afterwards. Nothing match. Rusev was backstage furious about losing and slammed the door in Rae’s face. While Rusev was inside, Rae opened up the gift to find a gorgeous piece of jewelry. She started to smile when Rusev screamed at her to come inside.

    The Big Show met with the Authority, who gave him a pep talk trying to beat Sting. Before every Authority segment, do they flip a coin to determine if they’re heels or faces?

    Sting defeated The Big Show via DQ (1:43)

    Rollins ran in for a DQ and I was getting flashbacks to 1999 Nitro the way this last hour went. Thank God Cena came out and joined Sting in clearing the ring. HHH then did the same routine they’ve done at countless Raws after they went off the air where they ordered an immediate tag team match between the four.

    Sting and John Cena defeated Seth Rollins and The Big Show via submission (9:13)

    Sting got the hot tag and made Rollins tap out to the Scorpion Death Lock after Cena gave the Big Show the AA. Cena spent most of the match trying to lift Show for a slam or the AA, only to fall under the weight.  Sting did a good hot tag sequence, but the aura of Sting wrestling his first match on Raw seemed lost on the crowd.

    SUMMARY: The company lost a lot of fans to football tonight, if they didn’t beforehand. For starters, the Authority appeared on seven segments on this show, and was mentioned in eight. If they’re role is clearly defined, more power to them. However, it’s impossible to emotionally invest in them as characters when they’re constantly flopping between babyfaces and heels. The effort to promote the company’s efforts to fight pediatric cancer are great. However, HHH is the same person who was negative on Kurt Angle doing PSAs because Angle was a heel in the mid 00’s, so it reeks of hypocrisy. As long as Rollins is the world champion subservient to the Authority, he’s not going to get over strong.

  • UFC: Nick Diaz suspended for five years

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    On Monday, the Nevada Athletic Commission issued a five year suspension to UFC welterweight/middlweight Nick Diaz and fined him $165,000 after a three hour hearing based on his positive test for marijuana on 1/31, the night of his fight with Anderson Silva.

    The $165,000 was based on 33 percent of Diaz’s $500,000 purse for the fight.

    The hearing got contentious between Diaz’s lawyer, Lucas Middlebrook, and Pat Lundvall of the commission.  Middlebrook argued that drug tests taken before and after his fight showed Diaz’s marijuana levels below the 150ng/ML which is the current commission’s threshold for a marijuana positive. The tests would have been above previous levels.  However, a third test showed him at 700ng/ML, or nearly five times allowable levels.

    The commission stated the suspension was not as much for this marijuana test failure, but because Diaz had failed tests in Nevada for marijuana in 2007 and 2012, making this a third violation.

    Lundvall recommended a lifetime suspension, but the other commissioners suggested five years, which, with Diaz being 32 years old, could end his career. 

  • MON. UPDATE: Raw tonight, Shields punished, GFW TV, WWE 2K, Bellator TV deal

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports from Raw tonight from Memphis tonight with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else that wouldn’t be evident from the live TV show at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>  The matches announced are Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte for the Divas title, The New Day vs. Prime Time Players for the tag titles, plus Sting will be there since it’s the go-home show for Night of Champions.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Little Rock.

    A look at next weekend, which is one of the biggest weekends of the year with Bellator and CMLL having their biggest shows, plus a WWE PPV show and an ROH PPV, is one of the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have a look at the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot, tons more on the Jimmy Snuka case, An update on TNA and the future of Kurt Angle, a letter UFC sent to all its fighters about unionization, plus full coverage of UFC 191 and Battle of Los Angeles, and thoughts behind Raw & Smackdown doing record low numbers.

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

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site.  Sign up here for as low as $9.99 per month!

    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 Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

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

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    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.

    We look at next week’s big shows, including a preview of  CMLL’s main event, why L.A. Park is already gone from the promotion, and a preview of  both Raw and Night of Champions.

    We’ve got more on the Jimmy Snuka case, with a background of WWE in 1983, Vince McMahon purchasing the company from his father, what was and wasn’t known in wrestling at the time, the first Snuka arrest, the decision made on Hulk Hogan being the face of the company’s expansion, the role Snuka’s autobiography played in his indictment, the corner saying why he felt there was no indictment and his quotes on the subject, new evidence, Buddy Rogers before his death talks about the subject, another coroner weighs in, a lawyer who investigated the case in 1983 weighs in, how Snuka handled his finances fro that point on, Snuka’s run in New Japan, the famous Brody & Snuka walking out on the tag tournament finals, what Vince McMahon was doing to protect Snuka, key Allentown officials talk cover-up rumors, WWE talks those rumors and more.

    We also update the Kurt Angle TNA situation and why Angle said he was leaving the company when his contract expires in January.  We look at the situation with Destination America, what talent knows and how WWE fits into all this right now.

    We look at the letter sent by UFC to all of its fighters regarding unionization and our thoughts on the subject.

    We’ve got a look at the 2005 Hall of Fame ballot, a look at the new candidates and their credentials, candidates for the future, understanding of the process, as well as how everyone on this year’s ballot fared last year.

    We also look back at research into the biggest draws of all-time on the ballot, as well how the candidates have done in various awards, in drawing power for their era, as well as match quality, how difficult it is to be voted in, and notes on a lot of this year’s modern candidates.

    We have an update on Ronda Rousey and WrestleMania, an upcoming WWE wedding, John Cena injury notes, WWE asks fans about PPV start times and thoughts, update on Amanda from Tough Enough and what appears to be her new deal, WWE pulling out all stops for next months tour of Mexico and why, Dean Ambrose talks acting, Nikki Bella as Divas champion, Eric Bischoff appearing on WWE Network, Undertaker’s future, the signing of Kana and she talks coming to WWE, Zahra Schreiber talks her firing, some NXT matches, a WWE wrestler on a sabbatical, as well as the WWE business notes from the past week and highlights from all the house hows.

    We look at Saturday’s UFC show, the business notes on the show, where the top guys go next along with match-by-match coverage, how much everyone earned, and poll results on the show.

    We also have rundowns of the major TV shows of the past week.

    We also go in depth on the Battle of Los Angeles tournament with match-by-match coverage for all three nights, what is PWG, the atmosphere and more.

    We also have notes on the ratings of all the major television shows, including just how badly the main shows fared, and results of the major league arena events over the past week.

    We also look at the affect that Dr. Wagner Jr. and L.A. Park have on business in Mexico, what dream of L.A. Park fell through, Rey Mysterio in AAA and notes on several big shows plus names they are talking about bringing in.

    We also update the Dragon Gate tag team tournament and the NOAH Jr. tag team tournament.  We also look at New Japan’s next international tour, why Tenryu vs. Okada is taking place in November, what foreign stars are being discussed for New Japan, and Hiroshi Tanahashi doing the DDT show and the future of Yohei Komatsu and Sho Tanaka.

    We also look at Hulk Hogan’s overseas talk shows, the death of Tommy Rogers of The Fantastics, Dave Brown retires from WMC TV and how it was celebrated locally, Axl Rotten’s future goals, CHIKARA King of Trios, Jeff Jarrett TV talks and the final GFW ballpark shows of the year and what is left on the schedule, Bob Backlund’s autobiography, update on Batista, the death of Jerry Prater, an instrumental figure in Florida wrestling in the 70s and the heyday of wrestling programs and magazines, the Carlos Maynez tribute show this past week featuring legends from the past, a Roddy Piper movie not released and the Darrell Dawkins connection with pro wrestling.

    We also update things on Lucha Underground.

    We look at next week’s ROH matches.

    We look at a TNA wedding, lineups for the upcoming TNA shows, U.K. TNA ratings and updating Impact.

    We also have Conor McGregor talking his future, McGregor vs. Faber and why it didn’t happen, key UFC announcements over the pat week including new shows, new main events and new title matches, the retirement of Sam Stout, Rousey doing “Road House,” next UFC TV events, update on Charles Oliveira, UFC’s most popular markets, how much Rousey and McGregor are carrying things right now and former UFC star buys $2.75 million mansion from a rock star.

    We also look at Alexander Shlemenko’s attempt to get his steroid punishment over turned and his arguments, plus a new Bellator show was announced.

    We also update Fedor Emelianenko and his situation, as well as a former WWE star debuts this week as an MMA announcer and top pro wrestling stars attending.  We also look at the results of the latest medical study on injuries suffered in boxing vs. MMA and where each is more and less dangerous than the other.  

    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

    MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw, the Nick Diaz hearing, the huge weekend upcoming as well as taking e-mail questions that can be sent to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • Tonight’s Raw is being pushed around whether or not Nikki Bella breaks the all-time record for the Divas title longest reign, held by A.J. Lee.  She will defend against Charlotte and whatever is done is likely to set up either a rematch on Sunday or some type of title match on Sunday. 
    • Also on tonight’s show, The New Day faces The Prime Time Players for the tag titles with the winners going to Night of Champions on Sunday in Houston against The Dudleys.  Given the TV buildup, it’s likely The New Day, or a disputed finish to set up a three-way. 
    • If they are going to announce the third partner on the Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose team against The Wyatt Family, tonight would be the time to do it.  As noted, Randy Orton was scheduled to appear tonight and tomorrow night, but that doesn’t mean they may not change their mind, nor that he’s not just working a dark match.  It is possible they could claim him as injured, even though he headlined house shows the last two nights.
    • This is also the first Raw going against Monday Night Football.  There are actually two games on ESPN.  Most of Raw will go against the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons, while the last 50 minutes or so go against the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings game. 
    • Tonight’s Raw is being pushed as the season premiere.  They’ve also added a Miz TV segment to the show and Sting is scheduled for the show.
    • Nick Diaz recieved a 5 year ban from the NSAC.  Diaz tested positive for marijuana for the Anderson Silva fight.
    • Congratulations to Vickie Guerrero, who was married over the weekend to Kris Benson. 
    • The 9/22 episode of Total Divas has a preview that mentions that the women go on vacation to Mexico where Paige announces her engagement.
    • Bellator announced a new TV deal with ESPN Deportes, which starts with Saturday night’s show.  The prelims, which start at 6:30 p.m. Eastern, will stream in Spanish on ESPN 3 and ESPNDeportes+ with the main card eight fights airing starting at 9 p.m.
    • The Nevada Athletic commission today ordered Jake Shields to do 50 hours of community service for throwing a punch as Rousimar Palhares after their fight.  Shields said that he was injured by Palhares,who didn’t break a Kimura after he tapped, and said both his elbow and shoulder were torn.  He also said Palhares repeatedly eye gouged him throughout the second round.  Palhares was not at the meeting but he will be facing a hearing for not breaking the hold and eye gouging next month.  He asked for his hearing to be delayed because his wife is pregnant and close to giving birth.
    • The Flipps App announced today a partnership with both TNA and ROH to stream their PPV events.  For ROH, they will stream worldwide Friday night’s All-Star Extravaganza show.  They will not only stream TNA Bound for Glory, but also the One Night Only series shows.  The first two will be TNA Legends, which airs TNA footage of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, Roddy Piper, The Road Warriors, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Mick Foley, Rob Van Dam, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Jimmy Snuka.  Not exactly the best timing to be pushing Jimmy Snuka.  The other is a World Cup PPV special taped months ago.
    • A couple of changes in Saturday’s Bellator show in San Jose.  Serhiy Adamchuk (29-5) of The Ukraine will face Anvar Boynazaraov in a kickboxing match where the winner gets a shot at the Glory featherweight title and champion Gabriel Varga.  That will air on the Spike web site.  In addition, Roy Caughton (12-5) replaces Philipe Lins, in a fight with Francis Carmont, which is an alternates fight in the light heavyweight tournament.
    • For those in the area, this is the schedule for Bellator:
    • Wednesday will have open media workouts at the AKA Gym in San Jose
      11 a.m. Liam McGeary and Paul Daley
      11:30 a.m. Emanuel Newton and Saulo Cavalari
      Noon Tito Ortiz and Josh Thomson
      12:30 p.m.King Mo and Fernando Gonzalez
      1 p.m. Phil Davis and Kerri Taylor-Melendez
      1:30 p.m. Linton Vassell and Zack Mwekassa
    • Press conference at the SAP Center in San Jose at 11 a.m.  Among those appearing at 11 a.m. are Tito Ortiz, Liam McGeary, Paul Daley, King Mo, Linton Vassell, Randy Couture and Cung Le.  At 1 p.m. will be Scott Coker, Phil Davis, Emanuel Newton, Josh Thomson, Frank Shamrock, Royce Gracie, Kazushi Sakuraba and Fedor Emelianenko.
    • At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Randy Couture, Aaron Pico and Ed Ruth will be at the Gilroy High gym training with the wrestling team.
    • Weigh-in are Friday at 5 p.m. and will stream live at www.Bellator.com
    • The fan fest is Saturday at 7 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s at the Great Mall in Milpitas with Fedor, Royce Gracie, Couture, Frank Shamrock, Cung Le and Sakuraba.
    • Kimbo Slice will be signing autographs at 3 p.m. on Saturday when the doors open to the show inside the SAP Center.  The first fight starts at 3:30 p.m. local time.
    • GFW sent out a release that they’ve signed an international TV distribution deal with Boulder Creek International of London, England.  The shows that have been taped in Las Vegas will be available through BCI starting in November.
    • Combate Americas sent out a press release earlier today plugging Alberto Del Rio as announcing for their MMA promotion that debuts on Thursday night at 11 p.m. on NBC Universo (formerly mun2) in  Spanish.  He was pushed as the biggest name in the promotion and as the only man to win the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in the same year as well as being a four-time WWE champion.
    • New names added today to the WWE 2K 16 roster are Baron Corbin, Big E, Bray Wyatt, Brian Pillman, Colin Cassady, Enzo More, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston, The Ascension, Mark Henry, Mikey Whipwreck, Ricky Steamboat, Rusev, Savio Vega, Stephanie McMahon, Sting (two different Sting characters, the late 80s Sting and Crow Sting), Stunning Steve Austin from the Dangerous Alliance, American Badass Undertaker, Ministry of Darkness Undertaker, and Xavier Woods.
    • The scheduled CZW PPV show on 10/11 from Philadelphia will not be on PPV.  Instead, they will do an iPPV on 10/10 from Vorhees, NJ.
    • Jim Ross will be doing a talk show at 4 p.m. on Sunday at The Warehouse Live Ballroom, near the Toyota Center in Houston, which would be over with time to eat dinner and still attend Night of Champions.
    • Regarding Bellator billboards, one of my friends noted that on Lincoln and Moorpark in San Jose there is a really nice billboard for Saturday night’s show. 
    • Brodus Clay aka Tyrus appears on 11/28 for Ultimate Championship Wrestling in Halifax.
    • Hoosier Pro Wrestling on 10/3 in Columbus, IN at the 4-H Fairgrounds featuring Jimmy Valiant in action, and a main event of Trailer Park Trash & Flash Flanagan vs. Marc Houston & TJ Kemp.
    • Premier Wrestling on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Del Mar High School in San Jose.  JR Kratos (8-2) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-2-1) for the Premier title headlines, plus Nicole Savoy & Kahmora vs. Raze & Kikyo Nakamura, Timothy Thatcher vs. Joe Graves, Gabriel Gallo vs. Dom Vitalli, Alexander Hammerstone vs. Dylan Drake, Marcus Lewis vs. Julio Pedroza  and two other matches.
    • Dr. Tom Prichard vs. Mark Reagan was added today to NWAClassics.com
    • Highlights of Friday night’s All Pro Wrestling Bayshore Bash
    • Steve Sims talks the CMLL Anniversary show this Friday
    • Jeff Cobb talks about his wrestling career, competing in the Olympics including a match with Yoel Romero, as well as Lucha Underground
    • Xavier Woods talks the creation of The New Day and Tyler Breeze
    • Jesse Ventura says he’s wants to be Donald Trump’s running mate
  • On this date in pro wrestling history (9/14): AWA title reversed, Chris Benoit wins WCW TV Title

    By Brian Hoops, Wrestling Observer.com

    1937

    – John Pesek was awarded the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Title

    1944

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – MWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Tom Zaharias in 2 out of 3 falls

    – Jack Hader and Les Wolfe wrestled to a 45 minute draw

    1945

    St. Joseph, Missouri:

    – MWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Ben Morgan 2 falls to 1

    – Jerry Meeker defeated Sonny Meyers by dq

    1965

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – In a Death match, Bobo Brazil beat Dick the Bruiser

    – In a North American Tag Team Title Match, Bob Geigel and Bob Brown beat Mongolian Stomper and Jerry Miller to retain the titles.

    – Pat O’Connor drew Sonny Myers

    – The Ox (Ox Baker) beat Bulldog Plechas

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:

    – Dory Funk, Sr. defeated Yasu Fuji

    – Danny Little Bear fought The Destroyer to a draw

    – Harley Race defeated Baron Von Raschke

    – Rufus R. Jones & Omar Atlas & Bill Kersten defeated Black Angus & Roger Kirby & Percival A. Friend

    1977

    Portland, Maine:

    – Peter Maivia defeated WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham in a non-title match 

    1978

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:

    – Greg Gagne beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel to win AWA Title (Decision was later reversed)

    – Mighty Igor Vodik & Rufus R Jones beat Lord Alfred Hayes & Super Destroyer Mark II

    – Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens

    – Pat Patterson beat Chris Pepper (sub Jim Brunzell)

    – Bob Orton Jr beat Steve Olsonoski

    – Larry Hennig beat Blackjack Lanza

    – Bob Brown beat Dave Kochen

    1980

    Landover, Maryland:

    – Andre The Giant defeated Hulk Hogan

    1984

    St. Louis, Missouri:

    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Harley Race

    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Dick the Bruiser & Blackjack Lanza

    – Chris Adams beat Jimmy Garvin

    – Crusher Blackwell beat Jim Brunzell by countout

    – Tony Atlas & Ted DiBiase & Buzz Tyler beat Ox Baker & Hacksaw Higgins & Mr Saito

    1985

    Charleston, South Carolina:

    – Magnum TA no contest Tully Blanchard

    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Ivan Koloff & Krusher Khrushchev dq

    – In a Texas Death match, Manny Fernandez beat The Barbarian

    – Black Bart beat Ron Bass

    1991

    Dallas, Texas:

    – Chaz defeated The Lightning Kid (Sean Waltman) to win the Global Wrestling Federation Light Heavyweight Title

    1993 

    New York City:

    – The Quebecers defeated the Steiner Brothers to win the WWF Tag Team Title

    Memphis, Tennessee:

    – Tatanka defeated Jerry Lawler to win the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title. On the same show, Tommy Rich defeated Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title and The Dogcatchers defeated The Moondogs for the USWA Tag Team Title.

    Oakwood, Virginia:

    – The Smoky Mountain Wrestling “Beat The Champ” Television Title changed hands twice on one television taping as Robert Gibson defeated Jimmy Del Rey for the belt, only to lose it later that night to Tony Anthony. 

    1999

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

    – Diamond Dallas Page won a War Games match in which it was every man for himself

    – WCW Cruiserweight Champion Juventud Guerrera defeated Silver King

    – Chris Benoit defeated Rick Steiner to win the WCW Television Title

    2007

    Detroit, Michigan:

    – ROH World champion Takeshi Morishima defeated Erick Stevens

    – ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoes defeated Matt Cross and Austin Aries

    2008

    Japan:

    – Bryan Danielson defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru to win the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title

    – Nigel McGuinness retained the ROH World Title against Jimmy Jacobs

    TNA No Surrender

    – Sheik Abdul Bashir defeated Petey Williams and Consequences Creed to win the TNA X Division Title.

    – Beer Money defeated LAX to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles.

    – Samoa Joe retained the TNA Title over Kurt Angle and Christian Cage.

  • MMA News: Chael Sonnen announces Josh Barnett Metamoris match, opinions on Holly Holm, Anderson Silva PED woes

    The following is from a third party:

    Chael Sonnen made his first appearance on Submission Radio this week to promote his new role as a commentator for WSOF. While on the show Chael covered a wide array of subjects in the world of MMA.


    Transcript:

    Chael discusses his thoughts on the way Anderson Silva’s defence handled his NSAC PED hearing

    “Gentleman, the cover-up is always worse than the crime. What Anderson Silva did – this is my mortal enemy. I hate this guy, okay? I still give him a full pass. I cannot look at what he did as an objective person, looking at his leg and go, ‘listen, your leg snapped in two pieces, okay? You owed it to yourself, you owed it to your family to heal that leg, whether you had to go to the free market or the black market, it doesn’t make any difference to me. I’m really impressed that you found something to heal your leg’. Now, he could have then been a good guy about it, he could have come out and said “yeah as a matter of fact, here’s how I did it. So anybody else in my spot, let me walk you through what I did”. That would have been the cool thing to do. But you know, he got scared about it. And those guys don’t understand those tests. They’re pass or fail.

    “And everybody that ends up in the hot seat – and I’ve been in that seat. I mean I’m telling you guys, the psychology of somebody that got in the same jam – your first line of defence is to explain how it got in your system. Well how it got there doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. It doesn’t make any difference how it got there. It was either there or it wasn’t, it’s pass or fail. And the commission slapped him on the wrist, but the way he went about it, historically is what would get the book thrown at you. It’s the guys that dig in, it’s the guys that lie about it that always get the worst treatment. The guys that come forward and say, ‘listen you got me. Here’s what happened’. Those are the guys that kind of get the Anderson treatment. So he had the best of both worlds there. He had a great, great fairytale or a story and he didn’t get punished for it. So good for him.”

    Chael’s thoughts on Holly Holm and her boxing world champion accolades:

    “It’s the only thing that’s holding her back. You need the mandate of a few people. You need the mandate of the bosses, the guys on the second floor at the UFC, you need the mandate of the fans, but you also need the support of the people in the locker-room. You know, the fellow fighters kind of have to step aside for somebody to be the number one contender and go ‘okay yeah, you’re the right person’. Holly is gaining some fan support, and as far as the locker-room goes, we can’t get behind her ’cause she’s not telling the truth, that there is no validity that I’m willing to sign off on – and I’m happy for someone to come in and disagree with me, tell me where I’m wrong. But there is no validity to any of her world championships, let alone some ridiculous claim of being a seventeen-time world champion. I mean guys, I can go open the door to my garage right now, invite all comers,  and then put a belt around whoever wins and call it the ‘world championship’. And I mean that kind of stuff happens all the time. You see it in arm wrestling.

    There’s a world championship for some game called ‘cornholing’, which is like some Midwest version of horseshoes. There’s world championships for thumb wrestling, and there’s no validity to this stuff. There’s no validity to her being a seventeen-time world champion, and I don’t believe as an analyst that there’s any validity to any, zero of her championships. I don’t know one tournament that she ever entered where the entire planet was welcome to enter, and they whittled it down with a competitive architecture known as a bracket, and one person was left standing. I don’t know of it. And I’ve been making this claim for a while, wanting somebody to disagree with me, wanting Holly to disagree with me or one of her coaches to come out and go, ‘Chael you don’t know what you’re talking about’. It’s never happened. She’s got the thumb-wrestling world championship from some dude’s garage. That’s just the reality. I do think she’s a skilled fighter, I think she’s a good boxer. I don’t know if that matters. I’m 38 years old, I’ve never met a female boxer. Not one. I’ve travelled the world, I’ve seen damn near every continent in every country, I’ve been in every state in America, I’ve never reached across a table and shaken hands with a women that turned out she was a boxer. So are you the best boxer in the world for females? Maybe? Does that mean you beat about three people? Yeah it does.

    And I’m not discrediting her, I’m discrediting boxing. Boxing is a dying breed, man. People ask me this about Floyd Mayweather all the time. Is he the greatest boxer ever? He’s certainly the best of this time, and he’s certainly a fantastic athlete and he should get a lot more credit than he does, but nobody boxes, guys. The same way I said I’ve never met a girl that boxes. I was 28 years old when I met my first boxer. Clayton Hires was the first man I’ve ever met who had been in the ring and competed in boxing, not one of these liars that goes down to the gym and jumps rope for three minutes and then goes and gets some water. I’m talking about a guy that gets in the ring on a Saturday night and boxes another man. I was 28 years old when I met my first one of those. The sport doesn’t exist. So who cares if you’re the best at it.”

    If Chael thinks Fedor is going to be able to compete with the elite Heavyweights in the UFC

    “No, Fedor is terrible. And Fedor is a very nice guy. I had the pleasure to meet him twice. The first time, I was in line with him at a Starbucks in a hotel in Los Angeles, and he just blended in. He was just a chubby bald guy, with a nerdy sweater, waiting for his latte like everybody else. And I thought, what a nice guy.”

    “The reality on Fedor is, if you’re not fighting in a commissioned fight, you’re not fighting in a real fight. It has to be a sanctioned commission fight. This comes right back what we were talking about with Holly and her quadrillion boxing championships. If there’s no sanctioning and there’s no credibility and architecture, it doesn’t count. So everything he did in Japan with a referee wearing an earpiece gets thrown out. You gotta come to the States where there’s an official weigh-in, where there’s a regulatory body, and where there’s clearer defined rules, with clearer defined judging. He did that. He did that six times and he went 3-3. That’s not exactly an impressive record for a guy that we all keep having to hear is ‘the best of all time’.

    Now God bless him, I love a guy that can come back, but I can tell you first hand, you don’t get better not doing something. Fedor got destroyed by guys who are now getting destroyed. Fedor got destroyed by Bigfoot Silva, who by my last count has fought – I believe Frank Mir knocked him out in 18 seconds, I suppose I’d have to re-watch that – but the point is that it’s ridiculous. I think it will sell once. I know that I’ll tune in, I know that the UFC is going to greatly overpay for him, and good for Fedor, man. I think he did everything right, and he is a nice guy. You know, this isn’t my goal to come out and bash a guy, but look, if a guy’s terrible a guy’s terrible. He’s 3-3 in the States, that means he’s 3-3.”

    On if Chael thinks Fedor has a better shot in the UFC because fighters no longer use TRT

    “Yeah, and I’ll let you be the first to actually get your vernacular right; there’s no such thing as TRT. It’s just ‘T’. It is just Testosterone. You’ll never go buy a bottle of something that says ‘TRT’ on it, but you can get the first letter, you get the ‘T’ down. So I can tell you, and again, you’re talking to a guy that used it. So I mean, let me tell you first hand, it makes a difference, it helps, it is a performance enhancer. If I thought it was going to de-hance me, I never would have taken it. So yes that matters, but not as much as a lot of people think. And the field was pretty level in my experience with the testosterone era. I was one of the few guys that came out and did it right, publicity said I was on it, and went and got the exemptions.

    When I did that, I had no idea there was going to be a backlash. I had no idea that people were going to say ‘man, that’s a loophole’, or anything else I dealt with. And when that happened, everybody else just said ‘you know what, I’m gonna do this too but I’m not going to disclose it. I’m not going to do what Chael did and make myself subject to public ridicule’. And when that happened, that’s when guys started getting in trouble. So the guys you’re talking about that were taking the testosterone and admitted it, the only difference between them and their opponents for the most part, is they admitted it.”

    Chael is asked if he can reveal his next opponent and announces he’ll be fighting Josh Barnett at the next Metamoris

    I have a match coming up at the very end of October, might even be November 1st, I have to look.”

    “His name is Josh Barnett.”

    “I’ll even give you gentleman a prediction….Sonnen wins. I’m going to take his (Josh Barnett’s) fat ass down and he will never get up. And let him know I said that.”

    “I’m going to take Josh down and then I’m going to whisper in his ear ‘welcome to the next 20 minutes of your life’.”

  • TNA News: referee Earl Hebner to be inducted into Hall of Fame

    TNA announced today that it will be inducting Earl Hebner into its Hall of Fame at its 10/3 house show in Salem, VA, with TNA Senior Producer Billy Corgan inducting him. Jeremy Borash will serve as MC.

    Why Salem, VA, instead of Charlotte the next night? Because the Hebner family grew up in Richmond, VA.

    TNA is calling Hebner the most famous referee in the world, which he very well could be given his role in the infamous 1997 “Montreal Screw Job” at WWF Survivor Series which saw Bret Hart drop the WWF title to Shawn Michaels in auspicious fashion. Hebner and twin brother Dave also played an integral role when Hulk Hogan lost his WWF title to Andre The Giant on a live WWF The Main Event back in 1988.

    The 66-year-old Hebner has been with TNA since 2006.

  • UFC in Australia and WWE in Memphis ticket info

    Tickets for UFC’s biggest live event in history, the 11/15 show at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. Melbourne time using code word UFCFIGHT.  Tickets go on sale to the public on 9/21. They are expecting the largest crowd in UFC history for that show, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm.

    WWE returns to Memphis on 2/2, with a Smackdown taping.  There is a presale going on right now using the code word Memphis.