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  • SummerSlam weekend notes, future direction of WWE, UFC business year in review, Bryan future

    A complete rundown of the WWE’s weekend in Brooklyn, with all the business notes, surprises and what is known about the future direction is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also cover the decision to have Holly Holm replace Miesha Tate as Ronda Rousey’s opponent next, a UFC business year-in-review story, ROH big weekend, New Japan next tour, 2017 Mania and Daniel Bryan future note.

    The issue is on the site right now at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/44262-wrestling-observer-newsletter-august-31-2015-summerslam-weekend-wrap-up-ufc-business-and-more

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are at  http://www.f4wonline.com/member/signup.php

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

    You can also order 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.

    We have rundowns of NXT Takeover, SummerSlam and Raw from Brooklyn.  We look at the Night of Champions card and what is and isn’t confirmed, the unique aspect of that weekend no PPV, the returns of Sting and the Dudleys, Dudleys tag title reigns, Jushin Liger’s WWE future, New Japan stars at SummerSlam, Bray Wyatt’s new Wyatt family member and his booking, Jon Stewart, Lesnar and Undertaker’s finish, business notes, NXT in the U.K., Wrestlers complaining about fans at Raw, as well as more on the problems in the WWE Diva Division and what isn’t working. 

    We look at UFC’s 2015 business numbers and what they show about the UFC audience, the appeal of the audience to advertisers, how it compares with the audience at other sports, how much of this year’s increases have to do with Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey and what their effects are on business as a whole.  We also look at who the new fans UFC has brought in this year are.

    We also have full coverage of UFC from Saskatoon, with match-by-match coverage and business notes on the show.

    We look at two major stars returning to a major promotion after seven years and their first programs, the CMLL Anniversary show main event, notes from the Arena Mexico shows from the past weekend Ultimo Dragon taping TV in Mexico City.

    We also have notes on a top woman star being injured, a booker getting bad pub from television, a promotion so hot that their sold out events are going to be broadcast in movie theaters as well as upcoming tournaments in Japan.

    We also have a look at the New Japan business and how it has increased over recent years, More on A.J. Styles challenging for the IWGP title, New wrestlers debuting in Japan including names not announced yet, lineups for the New Japan World shows in September, Hiroshi Tanahashi talks neck problem, Tanahashi talks theories of wrestling and Ricochet in New Japan.

    We also look at WrestleMania in 2017, the Madison Square Garden network special the 2K 16 launch party, the next Stone Cold podcast, an update on Daniel Bryan and well as some of his own philosophies of wrestling, Dolph Ziggler talks contract, the end of Tough Enough, more on NXT talent and pay, stars with new deals, the WWE Divas title, HHH talks NXT, other stars talk who they’d like to see in WWE, Jericho talks Hogan and more.

    We also note an indie show in Japan that outdrew Brock Lesnar and WWE at Sumo Hall, as well as the 40th anniversary of the pro debut of one of this era’s biggest stars.

    We note the death of Duke Myers, his career highlights, GFW’s latest TV taping and everything that happened, Taz getting a new gig, Wale and pro wrestling, Terry Funk wrestling again in a few months, Jim Ross talk show, Leroy McGuirk into NWA Hall of Fame, Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Red, Alberto El Patron in Europe, promoter critical of Sabu and an update on Len Rossi.

    We also look at the future of Lucha Underground, ROH/New Japan relationship update, next ROH PPV show, ROH weekend shows in Philadelphia and Brooklyn notes as well as the upcoming show.

    We also update TNA.

    We look at UFC’s marketing its fall and winter shows, what main events all UFC ‘s upcoming dates, Plans for the debut in Melbourne, Australia, and more notes on drug testing UFC athletes.

    We also look at the next FOX show, lots of new fights, Ronda Rousey T-shirt sales, Anthony Johnson situation, Two UFC women fighters pregnant and new Fight Pass series.

    We also look at a major wrestler signing, Alberto Del Rio in negotiations to be an announcer, early UFC promoter back running live shows and huge One championship bout.

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

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

    Our most requested issues in our history are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *January 19, 2004 (2003 Awards issue)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • SUN UPDATE: WWE Network edits, PWG, TNA, Surprise at ROH, Fan tried to attack Ambrose, Developmental talent media controversy

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on these weekend shows at Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

    Sunday has WWE in Daytona Beach (John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Prime Time Players, Dolph Ziggler) and Tallahassee (Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Ryback)

    *Battle of Los Angeles today in Reseda, CA

    *Ring of Honor last night in Atlanta

    *Global Force Wrestling last night in Richmond, VA

    *NXT last night in Fort Pierce, FL

    *NXT Thursday night in Tampa.

    Raw will be Monday in Tampa.  Announced so far is that Sting will be opening the show and appearing live, that there will be a Beat the Clock challenge with Paige, Sasha Banks and Charlotte with the winner getting Nikki Bella at Night of Champions for the Divas title plus Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Miami.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    A complete rundown of the WWE’s weekend in Brooklyn, with all the business notes, surprises and what is known about the future direction is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also cover the decision to have Holly Holm replace Miesha Tate as Ronda Rousey’s opponent next, a UFC business year-in-review story, ROH big weekend, New Japan next tour, 2017 Mania and Daniel Bryan future note. 

    The latest Wrestling Observer: Wrestling Observer Newsletter August 31, 2015: SummerSlam weekend wrap-up, UFC business

    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

    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.

    We have rundowns of NXT Takeover, SummerSlam and Raw from Brooklyn.  We look at the Night of Champions card and what is and isn’t confirmed, the unique aspect of that weekend no PPV, the returns of Sting and the Dudleys, Dudleys tag title reigns, Jushin Liger’s WWE future, New Japan stars at SummerSlam, Bray Wyatt’s new Wyatt family member and his booking, Jon Stewart, Lesnar and Undertaker’s finish, business notes, NXT in the U.K., Wrestlers complaining about fans at Raw, as well as more on the problems in the WWE Diva Division and what isn’t working. 

    We look at UFC’s 2015 business numbers and what they show about the UFC audience, the appeal of the audience to advertisers, how it compares with the audience at other sports, how much of this year’s increases have to do with Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey and what their effects are on business as a whole.  We also look at who the new fans UFC has brought in this year are.

    We also have full coverage of UFC from Saskatoon, with match-by-match coverage and business notes on the show.

    We look at two major stars returning to a major promotion after seven years and their first programs, the CMLL Anniversary show main event, notes from the Arena Mexico shows from the past weekend Ultimo Dragon taping TV in Mexico City.

    We also have notes on a top woman star being injured, a booker getting bad pub from television, a promotion so hot that their sold out events are going to be broadcast in movie theaters as well as upcoming tournaments in Japan.

    We also have a look at the New Japan business and how it has increased over recent years, More on A.J. Styles challenging for the IWGP title, New wrestlers debuting in Japan including names not announced yet, lineups for the New Japan World shows in September, Hiroshi Tanahashi talks neck problem, Tanahashi talks theories of wrestling and Ricochet in New Japan.

    We also look at WrestleMania in 2017, the Madison Square Garden network special the 2K 16 launch party, the next Stone Cold podcast, an update on Daniel Bryan and well as some of his own philosophies of wrestling, Dolph Ziggler talks contract, the end of Tough Enough, more on NXT talent and pay, stars with new deals, the WWE Divas title, HHH talks NXT, other stars talk who they’d like to see in WWE, Jericho talks Hogan and more.

    We also note an indie show in Japan that outdrew Brock Lesnar and WWE at Sumo Hall, as well as the 40th anniversary of the pro debut of one of this era’s biggest stars.

    We note the death of Duke Myers, his career highlights, GFW’s latest TV taping and everything that happened, Taz getting a new gig, Wale and pro wrestling, Terry Funk wrestling again in a few months, Jim Ross talk show, Leroy McGuirk into NWA Hall of Fame, Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Red, Alberto El Patron in Europe, promoter critical of Sabu and an update on Len Rossi.

    We also look at the future of Lucha Underground, ROH/New Japan relationship update, next ROH PPV show, ROH weekend shows in Philadelphia and Brooklyn notes as well as the upcoming show.

    We also update TNA.

    We look at UFC’s marketing its fall and winter shows, what main events all UFC ‘s upcoming dates, Plans for the debut in Melbourne, Australia, and more notes on drug testing UFC athletes.

    We also look at the next FOX show, lots of new fights, Ronda Rousey T-shirt sales, Anthony Johnson situation, Two UFC women fighters pregnant and new Fight Pass series.

    We also look at a major wrestler signing, Alberto Del Rio in negotiations to be an announcer, early UFC promoter back running live shows and huge One championship bout.

    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

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Battle of Los Angeles, Rousey in Australia, Raw tomorrow and the rest of the latest news with Wrestling Observer Radio.  You can ask questions for tonight’s show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • Want to mention all the nice people I was able to meet the last two nights at the PWG show in Reseda.  As mentioned in the report, last night’s show was one of the best live events I’ve ever seen.  It’s just amazing the talent level at both shows, from all around the world.
    • The Discovery Network station Discovery en Espanol and well as the Discovery Network station in Romania and Eurosport in Finland are all listed as dropping Impact.
    • Zahra Schreiber, the girlfriend of Seth Rollins and a WWE developmental talent was covered as showing an Instagram photo from 2012 which showed a medal with the swastika on it in the background.  She defended it saying the swastika meant prosperity and meant that long before Hitler.  She worked last night’s house show in Fort Pierce as the manager with Solomon Crowe.  
    • Stevie Richards made a surprise appearance at last night’s ROH show in Atlanta and did a pull-apart angle with Jay Lethal.  Taelor Hendrix was in the corner of Christopher Daniels  & Frankie Kazarian & Lethal.
    • Cliff Compton was scheduled to wrestle Mark Briscoe but couldn’t appear as he was hospitalized with a seizure.  He was in the building and rushed via ambulance to the hospital.  He was released from the hospital late last night.
    • Kevin Iole reported that UFC was trying to book Joanna Jedrzejczyk against Valerie Letourneau as the No. 2 fight for the 11/15 show in Melbourne, Australia at Etihad Stadium.  However that isn’t likely since Letourneau was injured in her win last week over Maryna Morosz in Saskatoon.  Claudia Galdelha, who is also injured, wasn’t happy to hear that there could be a title fight before her,  Gadelha said she’d be ready to fight in December or January.  It makes sense to put Jedrezjczyk on the same show as Ronda Rousey, who now headlines that show.
    • In a post on Friday night, it was written that the stadium holds 90,000.  It will actually be set up for 70,000.  It’s never held that many in the past.
    • A fan tried to jump Dean Ambrose on Tuesday night at the Smackdown tapings in Providence.  There was footage on the www.tmz.com . site showing a guy who had gotten over the barricade and was running toward Ambrose from behind but security, right before he got to Ambrose, tackled him.  The report stated that the fan was holding a sharp object.
    • Bellator announced Phil Davis vs. Emanuel Newton and Linton Vassel vs. King Mo Lawal will be the first round pairings at the lightheayvweight tournament on 9/19 in San Jose.  Both will be two round fights, and the winners come back for three-round fights later in the show.
    • A first-ever Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Low Ki match is scheduled for Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 11/14 in Rahway, NJ.  At one time these two were scheduled to feud in WWE in a major program, but plans changed long before it ever came close to happening .  Also announced for that show are The Hardys, Konnan & Homicide & Hernandez at LAX,. MVP, Jack Evans and Candice LaRae.
    • I believe there is a pre-sale for the Royal Rumble on 1/24 in Orlando at Amway Arena with the code rumble16.  The pre-sale definitely started at about 10:15 p.m. last night.  Tickets go on sale to the public on 11/20.
    • Rich Brennan was announced as the new full-time lead announcer on Smackdown.
    • The WWE Network’s airing of SummerSlam that is up right now has edited out The New Day’s song parody of “Empire State of Mind.”  They also edited out Brock Lesnar flipping off Undertaker right before the finish of that match.  That’s weird because there are tons of episodes of Steve Austin flipping people up in the archives (thanks to Leon Peters).
    • Hulk Hogan talked about wanting to run for Vice President on the ticket with Donald Trump.  Note that as another thing that isn’t about to happen.
    • In Google searches for yesterday, Shane Moseley was No. 12 with 50,000 and Leo Santa Cruz was No. 14 also with 50,000. 
    • UIPW has a show today in East Los Angeles at the UIPW Auditorium featuring a three-way for their title with Volador Jr.. defending against Mephisto and Johnny Mundo.  That’s an interesting political match since Volador and Mephisto are headliners for CMLL and Mundo headlines for AAA and Lucha Underground.
    • United Wrestling Coalition on 9/5 in Wrightstown, NJ at Kelly’s Banquet Hall.
    • The funeral for Professor Elliot Maron will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Old Montifiore Cemetery at 121-83 Springfield Blvd., in Queens, NY, which will be a grave side service (thanks to Mike Lano).
    • World League Wrestling from last night in Troy, MO:  Justin D’Air won Battle Royal, Brandon Espinosa & Kyle Roberts b Kevin Lee Davidson & Hannibal, Trevor Murdoch & Brian Breaker b Moonshine Mantell & Josef Von Schmidt, Jon Webb b Ace Hawkins, Heather Patera b Stacy O’Brien 2/3 falls to win the women’s title, Superstar Steve Fender & Derek McQuinn b Dave DeLorean & Jayden Fenix-DQ, Leland Race d Steve Anthony.  Anthony is the NWA jr. champion who is headed to New Japan this month to defend the title against Tiger Mask.
    • Ric Flair was in the area in Missouri working with Harley Race in a training camp.
    • Dan Lennaard is looking for contact information on Outback Jack.  Lennard is at danhelen@idx.com.au
    • Gold Rush Wrestling from last night in Pacifica, CA with the one-night Lady Luck tournament:  Boyce LeGrande b Shawn Gunn, Boyce LeGrande b Corey Kresse, Brittany Wonder b Shotzi Blackheart, Kikyo Nakamura b Lisa Lace,Thunder  Rosa b Luchadora Dutra, Cheerleader Melissa b Nicole Savoy, Thunder Rosa b Kikyo Nakamura-DQ, Cheerleader Melissa b Brittany Wonder, Jeff Cobb & Sione Finau b Suburban Commandos, Cheerleader Melissa b Thunder Rosa to win the Lady Luck tournament (thanks to Matt)
    • Smash Wrestling on 9/13 in Toronto at the Franklin Horner Community Center with a women’s tournament with Team USA or Jessica Havok, Allysin Kay, Sassytephanie, Cherry Bomb, Kimber Lee, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace and Veda Scott.  Team Canada will be Nicolie Matthews, Portia Perez, Vanessa Kraven, Courtney Rush, Jennifer Blake, Jewels Malone, Xandra Bala and KC Spinelli.
    • Championship Wrestling Entertainment from Friday night in Vero Beach, FL for a TV taping:  Johann Remsez & Ace Slater b Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus, Santana Garrett b Grace Storm, Chico Adams b Aryeh Amor, Lince Dorado & Eddie Cruz b Barrio Brothers, Rex Bacchus b PRS, MJ Knight b Ashley Mayberry, Zack Monster b Heroe Byronico, JB Cool b Michael  Kai Rayne, Zack Monster won three-way over Damien James and Donnie Able, Chico Adams b Romero-COR, Shaniah Aariyanna won four-way over Ashley Mayberry, Grace Storm and MJ Knight, Rhett Giddins b Big English, Tyranus b Josh Parker, Jesus DeLeon b JB Cool.
    • Shine Wrestling will have an iPPV this coming weekend from Ybor City, FL with Santana Garrett vs Allysin Kay, Athena vs. Vanessa Karaven, and Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto.
    • This is really sad, from Billy Jack Haynes
    • The video of a wedding at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando
    • A story on former wrestler Pat O’Hara in the Tampa Tribune
    • Drew Galloway talks the U.K. wrestling scene
    • ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)

    1978 – Talisman beat Mario Valenzuela to win the Mexican national lightweight title

    1987 – Pirata Morgan & Jerry Estrada & Hombre Bala beat Ringo Mendoza & Kiss & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. in Mexico City to win the Mexican national trios titles

    1997 – Julie Starr beat Sweet Saraya (Paige’s mother) in Norwich to win the British women’s title

    1983 – Jumbo Tsuruta beat Bruiser Brody in Tokyo to win the International title

    1989 – Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu beat Genichiro Tenryu & Ashura Hara in Osaka to win the All Japan tag titles

    1995 – Masayoshi Motego beat El Hijo del Santo in Tokyo in a tournament final for the NWA jr. title

    2003 – Milano Collection A.T. & Yossino & Condotti Shuji beat Masaaki Mochizuki & Kennichiro Arai & Dragon Kid, Cima & Suwa & Don Fujii and Tokyo Magnum & Susumu Yokosuka & Genki Horiguchi in a four-way to win the UWA trios titles

    2009 – Naoki Tanizaki beat Kategora in the finals of a tournament for the Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate title

    2013 – Dragon Kid & K-Ness beat Naruki Doi & Ricochet in Kobe to win the Open the Twin Gate titles

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (August 30): Lex Luger vs. Yokozuna, HHH vs. Rock I-C ladder match, big Hawaii show

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1960 – Minneapolis, Minnesota; Verne Gagne & Joe Scarpello beat AWA Tag Team Champions Tiny Mills & Stan Kowalski and Gene Kiniski beat Bob Rasmussen

    1969 – Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Crusher & Dick the Bruiser for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Chicago, Illinois in a 2 of 3 falls match. Also, Blackjack Lanza went to a no contest with Wilbur Snyder, Edouard Carpentier beat Big K, Pat O’Connor beat Angelo Poffo, Baron Von Raschke beat Rene Goulet, Luis Martinez beat Kenny Jay. Attendance was 10,000.

    1972 – Honolulu, Hawaii; Johnny Barend drew NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr, AWA Tag Team Champions Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel beat Wahoo McDaniel & Fred Curry, Lonnie Mayne beat Jimmy Snuka, Sam Steamboat beat Al Costello and Ed Francis drew Fred Blassie

    1981 – St. Paul, Minnesota; AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Sheik Adnan El Kassey by dq. (After the AWA awarded the title to Bockwinkel when Gagne retired, the AWA feuded Bockwinkel with the hated Kassey to keep the “heat” off Bockwinkel for being given the belt). AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan & Brad Rheingans beat Ray Stevens & Jerry Blackwell, Billy Robinson drew Tito Santana, Baron Von Raschke beat Eddie Boulder (Brutus Beefcake/Ed Leslie) and Buck Zumhofe beat Kenny Jay

    1983 – In Louisville, Kentucky; NWA Mid America champion Buddy Landel defeated Terry Taylor, AWA Southern tag champs the Grapplers defeated Spike Huber and Steve Regal, The Fabulous Ones defeated CWA tag champs the Assassins via DQ and Austin Idol wrestled CWA International champ Ken Patera to a draw.

    1984 – In Birmingham, Alabama; Ted DiBiase defeated Brad Armstrong and Austin Idol defeated Rip Rogers in a cage match.

    1987 – Minneapolis, Minnesota; AWA Champion Curt Hennig beat Greg Gagne dq, AWA Tag Team Champions Boris Zhukov & Soldat Ustinov beat Wahoo McDaniel & DJ Peterson, In a Taped Fist Match; Scott LeDoux beat Larry Zbyszko by countout and Tommy Rich beat Kevin Kelly

    1993 – At SummerSlam in Auburn Hills, Michigan; Lex Luger defeated WWF World Heavyweight Champion Yokozuna via countout, WWF Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated The Heavenly Bodies (Jimmy Del Ray & Tom Pritchard) and Jerry Lawler defeated Bret Hart via disqualification.

    1993 – Dustin Rhodes defeated Rick Rude to reclaim the WCW United States Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

    1996 – Sid Vicious defeated Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee.

    1998 – At the SummerSlam PPV in Madison Square Garden, The New Age Outlaws defeated Mankind and Kane in a Falls Count Anywhere match to win the WWF World Tag Team Titles, Triple H defeated Rocky Maivia in a Ladder match for the WWF Intercontinental Title

    2011 – During an edition of Impact Wrestling, James Storm defeated Rob Van Dam, Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles and Jeff Hardy defeated Kurt Angle.

  • WWE 8/29 Orlando, FL, house show results: Seth Rollins vs. John Cena

    Submitted by Chris H.

    Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens with Dirty Deeds

    Best match of the night with each guy hitting all their usual stuff, including a tope by Dean, and a top rope fisherman’s bomb by Owens.

    Miz TV with Jimmy Uso

    Adam Rose came out instead announcing he was a party pooper and this party was over. Seriously. Uso came out from behind and superkicked him. He then had a dance off with Miz, and Uso laid out Miz with the super kick after his dance.

    Jimmy Uso def. Baron Corbin

    Corbin attacked Uso on his way back up the aisle. Uso wins a short match with a top rope splash after kicking out of the end of days.

    PCB def. BAD

    Charlotte made Tamina submit to the figure eight.  PCB were very over, but little reaction for Sasha, which was surprising given it was in Orlando.

    Dolph Ziggler (with Lana) def. Rusev (with Summer Rae) in a no DQ match

    Ziggler hit the Zig Zag for the pin. For the first time since Owen Hart vs. Mick Foley in front of Dave Meltzer, popcorn was used in the match. They struck each other with a fan’s popcorn bucket, which Rusev eventually put on Dolph’s head. They had a match that was better than their Summerslam one. The ladies got involved, which distracted Rusev and Ziggler hit the zig zag for the win.

    Jack Swagger def. Tyler Breeze

    Swagger won with the ankle lock. Pretty good little match, but again a surprisingly small reaction for a NXT superstar with Full Sail so close.

    WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) retained the tag titles over the Prime Time Players

    Good match until a sloppy finish. Titus was running wild when Kofi hit a jumping kick behind the ref’s back.  Woods rolled up Titus but he was too close to the ropes.  It was a slow roll up and he was on the ropes initially so the ref didn’t count, but Woods moved him off for the 3 count.  Probably would’ve been a good spot for an improvisation.  Crowd was mixed but loud for the New Day until the flat finish.

    John Cena def. WWE Champion and US Champion Seth Rollins by DQ

    Rollins attacked Cena before the bell with the belts, then announced he wanted to put both belts on the line.  A mini version of their Summerslam match, Rollins was great and Cena had his usual effort.  Second best match of the night due to a bad finish.  At the end, Cena went for the AA but Rollins ducked behind and hit a low blow for the DQ. I know they don’t want to have the heel champ retain clean on the house shows, but should’ve put some thought into a better finish after a 15 minute match.

    Both men cut promos after plugging the Rumble ticket on sale. Big crowd at the box office for that on the way out, despite a thunder and lightning show going on outside.

    Notes:

    – Royal Rumble 2016 was announced for Amway Center, for January 24, 2016.  Presale began after the show at the box office and online with the code ORLANDO16.

    – NXT announcer Greg Hamilton was the house and JoJo was the ring announcer.

    – Upper level of the arena was tarped off with the 2 lower bowls full. Estimated 8000. 

  • Global Force Wrestling 8/28 Harrisburg, PA, house show results: Chris Masters, Kevin Nash, Luke Gallows

    Submitted by Rany Perkins

    – Pat Buck beat Dirty Money

    – DJ Baxter and Jeff Jarrett cuts a promo in the ring thanking the fans for coming to the show.

    – Pepper Parks beat Kevin Matthews

    – Kimber Lee beat Cherry Bomb

    – Eddie Smooth beat BLK Jeez

    – Chris Masters beat Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins) with The Masterlock

    – Kevin Nash walked down to the ring and cut a promo about how he has passed the torch from the nWo to The Bullet Club

    Handicap match: Doc Gallows with “Bullet Babe” Amber Gallows beat Ali Akbar and Sanada when Gallows used a baseball bat from Jeff Jarrett to get the win.

  • After Dark Radio tonight: David Ellis talks Bigfoot and more!

    After Dark Radio with Bryan Alvarez returns tonight streaming LIVE AND FREE from the After Dark Radio Show websiteon the Dark Matter Radio Network. You can also now stream the show through the front page of this website using the link on the right-hand side of the front page!

    The show airs at MIDNIGHT ET/9 PM Pacific for two hours!

    Tonight we will be joined by special guest DAVID ELLIS of the Olympic Project to talk Bigfoot, play some amazing audio clips and more!! We will also be taking your open lines phone calls on any topic imaginable! Check the website for NEW call-in numbers/email addresses in addition to our normal toll-free line.

    We will also be discussing tons of news, both from our website, afterdarkradioshow.com, our Facebook page, and, of course, Artbell.com, plus taking your phone calls, emails and Twitter questions!

    All of the phone numbers are available at afterdarkradioshow.com. You can send in emails on any topic to bryan@afterdarkradioshow.com. Remember, this show survives on your participation, so please send those emails or be prepared to call!

  • WWE 8/29 San Juan, PR, house show results: Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt street fight

    Submitted by Leonardo Mendez Toledo

    – Cody Rhodes’ wife was the ring announcer and “host” for the show.

    – The show opened with a Bray Wyatt pre-taped promo on the big screen. The announcer then said that Bray vs. Roman was for later in the show

    WWE I-C champion Ryback def. Big Show in about 8 minutes

    Good solid-basic match. The crowd was super hot for Ryback and booed loudly Big Show. Ryback won with the Shellshock to a big pop for picking up Show. He celebrated with the fans and left, then Show got up and the same people who booed him were now giving him a small ovation as he leaved the ring. So I guess Show broke his own record by having a heel-face turn in less than ten minutes.

    Cesaro def. Bo Dallas with the Neutralizer around the 7 minute mark

    Bo teased and Cesaro followed him around. Nice pop for Cesaro.

    Natalya def. Emma with the Sharpshooter in around 7 minutes

    Another simple match. After the match, Natalya picked it up a sign that said “We want Natalya in the Divas Revolution” and she went to the ring to show it around with the crowd cheering for it. 

    Neville def. Stardust in around 8 minutes with the Red Arrow

    Loud “Cody” chants during the match. At one point Stardust went to the apron and drank water from a bottle, then throw the bottle inside the ring and when the referee went to picked it up Stardust spit water on Neville’s face. That got great heat. Later in the match Neville got revenge by spitting water back to Stardust which lead to the pin.

    Chris Jericho def. Luke Harper in 9 minutes with the Code Breaker

    Harper arrived first and did a promo saying that there was no one who could take on him. His delivery was way better here than when he does his thing on the pre-taped segments with Wyatt. Jericho then did his entrance and Harper started to talk again until Jericho cut him up with his catchphrases. The fans were hot for Jericho and chanted all long for his lines.

    Randy Orton def. Sheamus with an RKO at around the 16 minute mark

    Another good solid match. Randy got a giant pop coming in and for the RKO and the win. The RKO is the most over move in the whole company probably because nobody kicks out of it. 

    -Intermission

    R-Truth def. Heat Slater in around 5 minutes

    Slater came first and insulted the crowd and the city. Truth did his whole entrance. They lock up a few times but then Slater got the mic and said that it was now a Dance off. He danced to MC Hammer’s “Can’t touch this”. He was really funny. R-Truth then danced to the latest Marc Anthony’s hit so the fans loved him. Actually the song was Salsa and he was dancing something else but nobody cared, Slater then jumped Truth for the best heel moment of the night. Truth then won quickly with the jumping reverse STO.

    Los Matadores (w/ Torito) def. Lucha Dragons around the 12-minute mark

    Matadores and Torito wear the Puerto Rico National Basketball Team Shirt. Fernando and Sin Cara II started but the fans chanted “Eddie” and they tagged in Diego (Eddie) and Kalisto. All action match with a few crazy dives that also saw Torito get involved. Eddie did his father’s trademark cartwheel for a big pop. After the match, Eddie cut a nice promo thanking the fans; then Orlando said that “they may say that we are from Spain but we are Puertoricans” for a giant pop. Then they walked to the entrance stage a posed with the Lucha Dragons for another big pop.

    Street Fight: Roman Reigns def. Bray Wyatt in 19 minutes

    Big pop for both coming in but Roman got the best of it. Still, in the middle of the match there were some boos for Roman but you could barely hear it. They had the best match on the show doing a nice brawl with kendo sticks, chairs, ring steps and tables involved. Fans went crazy for the tables spots: Uranage from Bray to Roman and later a Powerbomb from Roman to Bray which lead to the finish when Roman covered Bray for the pin but Luke Harper ran in for the save. Luke and Bray then double teamed Roman, with the fans waiting for someone to come in, until he made the comeback with a Superman punch on Harper and a Spear on Bray for the win. 

    Biggest pops: Probably Randy, followed by Roman, Matadores post-match promo, Ryback and Jericho.

  • UFC News: Johnson vs. Dodson, Mir vs. Arlovski, Countdown airs today on FS 1

    The Countdown to UFC 191 show for this coming Saturday’s show on FS 1 will be airing at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time and 2:30 p.m. Pacific time.

    The show will be building the top matches on Saturday’s show, which includes Demetrious Johnson vs John Dodson for the flyweight title and a heavyweight contenders battle with former champions Frank Mir vs. Andrei Arlovski.

  • PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 2 (8/29) results:

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    From Resesda, CA, Saturday night:

    In tournament first round matches:

    • Marty Scurll b Rich Swann
    • Jack Evans b Angelico
    • Chris Hero b Timothy Thatcher
    • Aero Star & Fenix b Drago & Pentagon Jr.
    • Tommy End b Drew Gulak
    • Speedball Mike Bailey b Drew Galloway
    • Zack Sabre Jr. b Ricochet

    Young Bucks & Super Dragon b Andrew Everett & Trevor Lee & Biff Busick in a hardcore match. The Bucks & Dragon also destroyed a couple of referees, Excalibur (who cut a promo on them after the match) and Chris Hero.

    This was among the best live shows I’ve seen.  From a wrestling standpoint, this was better than even this year’s WrestleMania, actaully by a pretty significant margin. Hero vs. Thatcher, the AAA tag match, Galloway vs. Bailey, Sabre vs. Ricochet and the main event were all tremendous, and also all completely different.

    The finals of the tournament Sunday will have Brian Cage, Busick, Will Ospreay, Trevor Lee, Pentagon Jr., Matt Sydal, Scurll, Evans, Hero, End, Bailey and Sabre Jr.

  • WWE News: Notes for tomorrow night’s Raw show including SummerSlam rematch

    As noted earlier, Sting will be opening Raw in a segment tomorrow night in Tampa.

    Also announced for the show is a Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev rematch from SummerSlam and a womens’ Beat the Clock challenge with Paige, Charlotte and Becky Lynch with the winner getting a shot at Nikki Bella’s title at Night of Champions.