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  • Verne Gagne and the history of the AWA; Full rundown and background of G-1, what worked, what didn’t, next year, Build to Brooklyn weekend, WWE & TNA business rundowns

    By Dave Meltzer
    dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’ve got a new double issue of the Observer up on the site which, on the 55th anniversary of the birth of the AWA, features a look at the history of the AWA and the career of Verne Gagne.  The issue also covers the buildup to SummerSlam, the most detailed look at this year’s G-1 Climax tournament, the History of G-1, Anderson Silva’s hearing and suspension, UFC’s stadium event in Australia, the death of Roller Games heel Mizz Georgia Hase, as well as the monthly WWE & TNA business rundown.

    The issue is on the site right now at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/44158-august-24-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-summerslam-preview-g1-tournament-and-finals-review-silva-trial-details-tons-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.

    Our big feature looks back at the career of Verne Gagne and the history of the most famous version of the AWA.

    We look at the beginnings of the Gagne legend in wrestling and the start of his pro career.  We look back at his football offers, his world junior heavyweight title win, the period that Gagne was one of the highest paid athletes in the country and how politics changed the course of his career.

    We look at the Lou Thesz vs. Verne Gagne series and why it abruptly ended and why Gagne was never considered for the NWA title even though he’d have likely made a better champion than those chosen ahead of him.

    We’ve got a complete history of the career of Gagne and his various honors.

    We look at the war in Chicago in the 50s, the most controversial NWA title match of its era, and both the real reason and storyline reason for the formation of the AWA.  We look at the first-ever AWA show, the first-ever AWA title match, the first feuds that put the AWA on the map as a significant organization and its first attempt at doing a stadium show.

    We look at some of the AWA’s biggest money feuds in history, and the role the AWA played in getting two of the biggest promotions in the country at the time to join the NWA.  We also look at the ironies about Gagne with his own actions and with his complaints about the actions of Vince McMahon.

    We look at the era when the AWA title was one of the big three belts.  We also look at the first big heyday of the AWA in the late 60s and early 70s, including a look back at a number of stadium shows in Chicago.

    We look at the Hulk Hogan-fueled second AWA heyday, how the heel Hulk Hogan from the WWF became the babyface Hulk Hogan in the AWA.  We look at Gagne’s role in creating Hulkamania, the first Verne Gagne retirement show, and many coming out of retirement shows.  We look at the Gagne-Hogan relationship including the time Gagne tried to shoot on Hogan and what happened.

    We looked at why the stories about Gagne being stupid in not putting the AWA title on Hogan show a lack of understanding of the time, and why it would have been the worst thing long-term for him.  We look at the business reason why it wasn’t done.

    We look at Hogan’s departure for the WWF, and why it had to happen.

    We look at the AWA after Hogan, including Jesse Ventura’s departure, Gagne’s business practices that started killing his company, how competition exposed the AWA, and the hard fall at the end.  We also look at the deal that kept the AWA alive a little longer, new stars who got early breaks at the end, and the end of the company.

    We’ve also got a look at all the news leading into WWE’s second biggest week of the year.  We look at the ESPN coverage and why, Lesnar talking Vince McMahon vs. Dana White, the irony of Lesnar calling wrestling fake and the lack of reaction from within wrestling, Jon Stewart, Learn vs. Undertaker reaction, weekend schedule, talk about next year’s SummerSlam and much more.

    We also have a look at the finals of this year’s G-1 Climax tournament. 

    We look at how G-1 started, whose idea it was and what was its original goal.  We look at the first G-1 tournament and how it related to the 25th tournament this past week.

    We look at the big matches on the last three days, what appears to be the Tokyo Dome plans and the storyline behind it.  We look at what will probably be New Japan’s biggest matches of the fall before the Dome, including who Kazuchika Okada will likely headline PPVs against as well as who Hiroshi Tanahashi is also likely to face in big matches this fall.

    We compare the New Japan top stars to the All Japan stars of the 90s, as well as look at the G-1 business.  We look at how four different shows in Tokyo did going against each other.

    We also update the business of New Japan World and talk about next year’s G-1 tournament including who can go, who has to stay and who can be brought in to make the tournament even more interesting.

    We update the injuries and the final standings, character changes, the ROH relationship, the real story behind Jushin Liger working for WWE this weekend, and the build for Tenryu’s retirement match.

    We also have complete rundowns of all three nights at Sumo Hall, including match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

    We also have the complete history of the New Japan annual heavyweight tournament dating back to 1974.

    We also look at Minneapolis and WrestleMania and the last stadium show in that market 29 years ago, we look at the future of NXT, Roman Reigns talks about when he found out he wasn’t winning the title ad his reaction, when Seth Rollins found out he was winning, as well as Reigns talks about the briefcase hitting him in the head in Victoria.

    We’ve got notes on two Dwayne Johnson movies, WWE filing suit against its television partner, the tenure of The Authority storyline, NXT star says he doesn’t want to move up to the main roster, and notes about pay so far for the major NXT shows.

    We also have more on what happened between Paul Levesque and Chyna at  Roddy Piper’s first funeral, as well as notes no who attended Piper’s second funeral.  We debunk a claim made by Chyna about her WWE tenure.

    We look at how a WWE PPV is going against one of the biggest television events of the year.

    We update on who has worked the most matches this year, have more on the Owen Hart DVD project, an update on Tough Enough leading to the final show of the season, notes on the Nikki Bella vs. Sasha Banks champion vs. champion match, and WWE and Evolve.

    We also look at all the NXT and WWE events over this past week, business notes on the show and highlights from every event.

    We also look at the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s hearing on Anderson Silva’s drug test failures.  We look at the comedy provided from Silva, why he was so lucky this didn’t happen after July, his excuses, evidence, penalties and commission reaction.

    We also look at the UFC’s attempt at its biggest live event ever at Etihad Stadium, in Melbourne, Australia.  We look at the decision the company had been considering all year and why it went the way it did.

    We look at the death of Georgia Hase, the 80s Roller Games heel manager from the ESPN ear and before that.  We look at her unique role during that period when Roller Games tried to build itself around pretty girls.

    We’ve got our monthly business rundown of WWE and TNA, looking at house shows, ratings DVDs and merchandise.  We also look at the cord cutting and how that affects cable TV, as well as the number of homes the cable networks that have wrestling, boxing and MMA are currently in.

    We also look at the CMLL anniversary show main event and how quickly it came to be, a guy said to be returning in two weeks after tearing his pec, and at 54 years old, the next AAA TV taping, updates on U.S. stars returning to Mexico and a top indie star and top CMLL star feuding.

    We also look at Dragon Gate’s last major show and the upcoming tag team tournament.  We look at All Japan’s latest Triple Crown title match.  We at talks of New Japan putting the G-1 finals on PPV as well as notes on the next New Japan tour.  We also note that both of New Japan’s tag team champions are entering a European tournament.

    We also look at one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time, whose wife is having the couple’s first child, as well as a UWFI nostalgia show this past week.

    We look at the retirement from television of legendary wrestling announcer Dave Brown, talking about his career both in and out of wrestling.  We’ve got a lot more details on the Jake Roberts redemption DVD and who will be at the debut including an MMA star.

    We look at a new TV series featuring Edge, as well as look at what is and isn’t real between Jim Cornette and the Young Bucks.  We also look at the background of their issues.

    We update on Global Force Wrestling, the debut of the Minnesota pro wrestling Hall of Fame, update on where Lucha Underground stare are working, and update wrestling in Puerto Rico.

    We also look at a major pro wrestling star who has never competed who is talking about entering the over-40 world Jiu Jitsu championships.  We also look at an indie promoter issues with Davey Richards, and a third generation wrestler starting out.

    We also update TNA including talks of an overseas television show, Jeff Jarrett reconnecting with his father, Mike Tenay’s new podcast, TNA shows and direction.

    We also look at what could be UFC’s biggest show of the year, Chris Weidman wants Jon Jones, Fabricio Werdum’s next title defense against Cain Velasquez and a look at the heavyweight division, this week’s show, return of Anthony Pettis, next year’s attempt to run in Madison Square Garden, update on all the championships, a look at UFC fighter pay, a UFC fighter gets in a bar fight and tons of new UFC fights.

    We also have notes on Bellator business and Scott Coker’s predictions for the biggest live event in company history as well as bringing legends of the sport to San Jose, as well as Coker’s long-term goals for the promotion, Was there really a chance for a Frank Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz fight, the final Bellator major event of the year and the lineup, the debut of Josh Thomson and Thomson talks leaving UFC and how badly hurt he was by the Reebok deal.

    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.

  • Weekend polls and notes on today’s action, notes from last night

    For this weekend, we will be doing polls on both NXT Takeover tonight and SummerSlam tomorrow, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re also looking for reports from these events:

    Global Force Wrestling TV tapings from last night in Las Vegas

    ROH from tonight in MCU Field in Brooklyn:

    Young Bucks & Matt Sydal vs. ACH & Michael Bennett & Matt Taven

    Adam Cole vs. Christopher Daniels

    Hirooki Goto vs. Michael Elgin

    Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer vs. Hanson & Ray Rowe

    Kazuchika Okada vs. Roderick Strong

    Jay Lethal & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly

    Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Alex Shelley & Kushida

    We’re also looking for reports on the various WWE activities around New York, as well as the Jim Ross show at 7 p.m. at the Gramercy Theater and the Pro Wrestling Syndiate show at 8 p.m in Sayreville, NJ with Rey Mysterio Jr., Kenny Omega, Sabu and Mick Foley. 

    We’re told the Roderick Strong vs. Jay Lethal ROH title match, which was taped for television, was tremendous and it’ll take something really great to top it for match of the weekend.  Strong was bleeding from his forhead hardway during the match.

    Holly Holm was the second most searched for term on the Internet on Friday with more than 100,000 searches. 

  • UFC Fight Night 74 Picks And Betting Game From The Secret Psychic Spy~!

    By the Secret Psychic Spy (secretpsychicspy@yahoo.com)

    Starting Bankroll: $1,500

    Current Bankroll: $744.18

    Last week (Aug 8): 3/5 Overall 75/134 (56%)

    Back on the winning track last time out, with a slight profit at the UFC Nashville event. This weekend, the Octagon is in Saskatoon, SK and there’s a lot of Canada vs the World on this card. In fact three of my picks are from the Great White North. Here’s the five picks on the card that I think have the best value. I’d also highly recommend if you like  props to bet on the Magny/Silva and Krylov/de Lima fights not going to the judges.

    Pick 1 – Nikita Krylov (18-4) +125 over Rodrigo de Lima (13-2-1) I’m betting $100 to win $125

    Both of these guys are former heavyweights who’ve moved down a weight class. Both are knockout artists whose UFC fights have never gone the distance. I like Krylov here as he’s faced a slightly higher level of competition, with his UFC losses coming to huge heavyweight Soa Paleli and top 205 lb contender Ovince St Preux.

    Pick 2 – Sam Stout (20-11-1) -115 over Frankie Perez (9-2) I’m betting $100 to win $86.96

    This fight is basically a pick ‘em and I really like Stout to go into the fountain of youth and grind out a decision win. Despite his reputation for one punch power, “Hands of Stone” usually wins by decision and that’s what I think he does here. Perez lost his only UFC fight to non-contender Johnny Case and he’ll go 0-2 here.

    Pick 3 – Maryna Moroz (6-0) -190 over Valerie Letourneau (7-3) I’m betting $100 to win $52.63

    Moroz had a spectacular UFC debut earlier this year, destroying Joanne Calderwood, who was thought to be a title contender. She may be the only person in the 115 lb division who can match champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the striking department. Letourneau has looked good so far in her UFC career but I think the gets blitzed by the Ukranian “Iron Woman” here.

    Pick 4 – Olivier Aubin-Mercier (6-1) -245 over Tony Sims (12-2) I’m betting $100 to win $40.82

    Aubin-Mercier has been very impressive since losing the TUF Nations final match to Chad Laprise (who also fights on this card). He’s submitted both of his opponents and looked really good in doing so. The Tri-Star product, who many have compared to legendary Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre, should make quick work of the debuting Sims here.

    Pick 5 – Max Holloway (13-3) -240 over Charles Oliveira (20-4) I’m betting $100 to win $41.67

    For any of you out there who will be watching SummerSlam instead of this card, it should be over before the time these two hit the cage for the main event. It’s worth making time to watch this as this should be a hell of a fight. Both are future potential contenders for whomever emerges from the Jose Aldo/Conor McGregor fight in December and are both riding impressive win streaks. I like Holloway here as he’s the younger fighter, who’s constantly improving. Remember that he took Conor to the limit in the Irishman’s UFC debut and has rung up 6 straight wins since that defeat. He should run the streak to 7 in winning his first UFC main event.

    All told, I’m betting $500 with a chance to win $347.07

    On with the betting game.

    2015 Betting Game: Secret Psychic Spy vs Ryan Frederick

    Current Standings:

    Ryan Frederick: $1,082.53 (Picked Watson, Aguilar, Eye, Leites, Lawler, Gordon, Hein, Alvarez, Ortega, Noons, Browne, Magny, Matthews)

    Secret Psychic Spy: $1,470.18 (Picked Salazar, Bruno, Duke, Rivera, Samman, Bosse, Amirkhani, Henderson, Breese, Pyle, Wee, Andrews)

    We both lost last week, so I retain my lead. This week, I like Stout at close to even money (-115) and should retain my lead no matter who young Ryan picks.

    Ryan’s pick:

    I’m going Charles Oliveira +200 over Max Holloway

    I’m surprised the odds are as long as they are now. I see this fight as more of a pick ’em. Both are extremely young and talented, but I do think Oliveira has more raw ability right now. Holloway has been impressive and has power and Oliveira can mentally break. Oliveira’s last fight against Nik Lentz really impressed me how he was able to come back in that fight. I see him doing the same and submitting Holloway in the later half of the fight.

    Good luck, enjoy the fights and remember, don’t bet more than you can afford to lose and try to have fun with it!

    –

  • WWE 8-21 Bridgeport, CT, house show results: John Cena & Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens

    By Nick Mahmood

    – U.S. Champion John Cena & Cesaro beat Kevin Owens & WWE Champion Seth Rollins when John pinned Seth. John worked early then Cesaro got the heat most of match before Cena got hot tag and AA on Seth for pin.

    – Randy Orton pinned Sheamus with RKO

    – WWE Tag Team Champions Prime Time Players beat Lucha Dragons and Big E & Kofi. Titus pinned Big E. 

    – Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose beat Luke Harper & Bray Wyatt when Roman pinned Harper

    – Dolph Ziggler w/ Lana pinned Rusev w/Summer Rae after a zig zag

    – Chris Jericho pinned King Barrett after a code breaker

    – Team Bella beat Team Bad after getting a roll up on Tamina. Natalya was guest ref.

    – I-C Champion Ryback pinned Stardust

  • Ring Of Honor 8-21 TV tapings results: Nakamura vs. Adam Cole, Sydal vs. Kushida, Jay Lethal vs. Roderick Strong

    Submitted by Pat Laprade

    Taping #1

    -Jonathan Gresham b Shaheem Ali

    – ReDRagon b Donovan Dijak & J. Diesel

    – Cedric Alexander w/ Veda Scott b Dalton Castle after Silas Young interfered. After the match, Moose came to attack Alexander. 

    – War Machine b Matt Taven & Michael Bennett after the Young Bucks came to ringside. After the match, the Bucks were attacked by Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin and Frankie Kazarian. 

    – Cheeseburger came to the ring but was attacked by Brutal Bob Evans. Bushwhacker Luke came to do the save. Not for TV. 

    Taping #2

    – The Addiction b The Young Bucks to keep their ROH World tag team titles after Taven, Bennett and Maria interfered. 

    – Nigel announced that at All Star Extravaganza in San Antonio, The Addiction would defend the titles against both The Kingdom and the Bucks. 

    – ROH World champion Jay Lethal b Roderick Strong. (Incredible match)

    Taping #3

    – Michael Elgin b Silas Young

    – ACH b Caprice Coleman

    – After that match, Kevin Kelly interviewed Prince Nana ringside for TV.

    – The Briscoes & Hirooki Goto b Kazuchida Okada & Rappongi Vice

    Taping #4

    – Matt Sydal b Kushida. After the match Sydal asked for a title shot at the IWGP Jr Heavyweight championship. 

    – Takaaki Watanabe b Adam Page, Will Ferrara & Moose

    – Shinsuke Nakamura b Adam Cole

    Notes:

    – The crowd was hot all night. A real great Philly crowd. Sold out crowd. 

    – The show lasted a little more than 4 hours including an intermission. 

    – Besides the New Japan guys, the ones with the most reaction were Dalton Castle, The Young Bucks and Moose. 

    – The match of the night was definitely Jay Lethal vs Roderick Strong. Nakamura had the best match out of the New Japan guys. 

  • New Japan on AXS results 8-21-15: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata

    by Bryan Rose, WrestlingObserver.com

    Hiroshi Tanahashi has had some extensive, amazing feuds over the years. We saw a great example of that last weekend when he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a sensational match for the G1 Climax 25 trophy. We’ve also seen his many battles against Kazuchika Okada, considered by some to be the best matches this decade has to offer, with more to come from what it looks like. But one never seemed as personal as it was when Katsuyori Shibata came back after being away for ten years. Tonight’s show is the culmination of their feud, one that’s been building up since 2004, when Shibata left New Japan on bad terms. Between Tanahashi’s goal for revenge and Shibata’s utter stiffness, the end result should end up being one hell of a bout, which it in fact did turn out to be.

    Tonight’s show takes place at Kobe World Hall on September 21, 2014. This is part two of our look at the Destruction in Kobe event.

    They first aired a match between Hirooki Goto against Togi Makabe. I liked this match. It was hard hitting, and played into their match from the G1 where Goto broke Makabe’s jaw legit. Unfortunately, this was lost on the announce team as I don’t think that match was shown during G1 highlights, and was never really brought up. To me it felt like that was a big part of the story being told in the match, but who knows. Again, this was good stuff with both guys hitting hard and delivering some cool moves. Makabe at one point double sledged Goto in the face hard. Pretty good, very stiff match, as much as you’d expect between these two.

    Makabe is interviewed after, telling Goto to bring on it and won’t be stopped so easily.

    Tanahashi is interviewed. He didn’t like the way Shibata originally quit in 2004 to go freelance, then eventually MMA. But he was fine with his return in 2012. Fans starting to cheer him and him saying that he was starting to think pro wrestling was fun was the final straw for him. Those turn of events made the match more meaningful to him. He wanted to pin him with a small package to make it personal, having him there for four or even five seconds. The G1 match he was shocked by because people cheered for Shibata more, and that made him upset. When he lost, he felt like for the first time in ten years he couldn’t get back up. He questioned if these last ten years were for naught as Shibata boasted he had accomplished as much as Tanahashi has in the last ten years.

    The match aired. This was given five stars here on this website. As for me, personally, I didn’t think it was at that level at all. I think this was a excellent, stiff, back and forth match. Just not at a five star level, however. Judging it based solely on the match itself, I didn’t think it was at that level. But in terms of telling a story, the story leading to it, the story during the match, and the post-match stuff after the match, it was just excellent. Commentary was great were as well, as they were on point with telling the story about how Shibata had left New Japan and it’s been eating Tanahashi away ever since he came back. Tanahashi manages to score a measure of revenge, hitting Shibata twice with the high fly flow to pin him. Real emotion after the match. Shibata gets to his feet as he and Tanahashi exchange words. Tanahashi puts out his hand and Shibata accepts to a huge pop. Tears stream down Tanahashi’s face as Tanahashi celebrates.

    Tanahashi says that for now, he’s gotten his revenge for the G1 match. He can’t accept how Shibata quit, but he wonders how those ten years were for him, it must have been hard. He gets emotional when talking about what Shibata said after the match, with him saying Shibata told him “Thank you for protecting New Japan Pro Wrestling”. Tanahashi however felt he didn’t have the right to say it. There’s no need for him to say thanks, because it’s all about understanding each other. If he were to say one thing to Shibata, it would be…welcome back.

    In his reflective interview, he felt it was his mission to bring it to the next level. This reminded him back to when they were young lions. He reiterates what Shibata said, which shook him emotionally- you don’t feel like that every day, he mentions. We all protected New Japan Pro Wrestling, it wasn’t just me. As for their relationship now, he doesn’t say much other than Shibata mentioned he always cries after a match no matter what the result. He will stay as he is, at the end of the day and he hopes Shibata stays the same too.

    A fantastic episode of New Japan on AXS. This hour told a great story about the rivalry between Tanahashi and Shibata, and is worth watching alone for the post match interviews from Tanahashi.

  • ROH, New Japan to extend relationship in 2016 with more shows, more talent

    Submitted by Pat Laprade

    As tonight’s Ring of Honor show in Philadelphia, PA, ROH and New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that their relationship is stronger than ever. Kevin Kelly hosted the segment attended by Nigel McGuinness, Joe Koff, Cary Silkin, Tiger Hattori and Naoki Sugabayasi.

    – In February, there will be two ROH shows in Tokyo. While there, the ROH World title will be defended for the very first time in a New Japan ring. The belt has been defended four times prior in Japan, all by Takeshi Morishima. 

    – NJPW wrestlers will appear at ROH’s 14th anniversary show in Las Vegas, NV.

    – in May, NJPW talent will again come back to North America to do their usual dates in Philly and Toronto, but they will add more towns, and will bring more & different wrestlers from NJPW in 2016 than in past years.

    It is also expected that both sides will send more talent back and forth and not just those that have gone in the past.

  • Whatever happened to former WCW/TNA ring announcer Dave Penzer, and he talks about Roddy Piper, who worked with on promotions

    Show: interactive Wrestling Radio courtesy of www.wrestlingepicenter.com
    Guest: “Voice of WCW” David Penzer
    Date: 08/20/15
    Your Host: James Walsh

    David Penzer toured North America with Roddy Piper on Billy Ray Cyrus’ tour buss for 60 days during Roddy’s monster book tour in the early 2000’s. Penzer, who put the tour together and was in charge of booking appearances and interviews, opens up about his time working for the “Hot Rod” in an exclusive interview with the Wrestling Epicenter.

    We also pay tribute to Dusty Rhodes, Curt Hennig, and more. Plus, talk about the night Kurt Angle beat Penzer up on TNA Impact which Penzer describes as the hardest he’s ever been hit in his life.

    We run the gambit of topics but all in all, it is designed as a tribute to the late great “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. RIP, Mr. Piper. You’re already sorely missed.

    To listen in MP3 format or check out the YouTube video which contains well more content than just the below transcript, check out www.wrestlingepicenter.com. It is free!

    DAVID PENZER

    On what he’s doing now:
    Penzer says he’s a real estate agent. “Let me tell you, if you think the wrestling business is cut throat… It is nothing compared to the real estate industry.” He jokes that being the “Voice of WCW” or one of the voices of TNA is a more exciting title than real-estate agent.

    On Roddy Piper’s passing:
    Penzer says he was at the Legends of Wrestling event at the Miami Marlins/Arizona Diamondbacks game in Miami with Kevin Nash, Bushwhacker Luke, Brian Knobbs, and other legends when they found out. He says he saw Kevin Nash go white and his chin hit his chest and that Brian Knobbs was crying. He knew something was up and asked. He says everyone there took it very hard but none harder than Luke.

    On working for Roddy Piper:
    James calls Piper a colleague but Penzer says he was a colleague in WCW but on the book tour, Piper was his boss. He says Roddy expected a lot from his employees and he feels he did what was expected. He said Roddy wanted to blanket the United States and Canada in his book promotion. So, they got Billy Ray Cyrus’ tour bus and hit the road. Roddy kept stressing he wanted to do a lot of interviews in every location. Penzer took it serious and ended up getting him 16 interviews on one of the early stops. Roddy appreciated it, but made sure he knew to limit it to 10 interviews max from then on. Penzer said he knew he had done well at that point.

    On a fun story from the road with Roddy:
    During the book tour in Columbus, Penzer got called to see if Roddy would appear at a bar in the morning before the college football rivalry game between Ohio and Michigan. They accepted and turned up and had thousands of people in a bar, at 8 in the morning, drunk and screaming and Roddy cut a promo cheering on Ohio. Another good memory was when Roddy did his book signing in Time Square, NY. He says he was flagged by bagpipes as he headed to the signing and knows, given Roddy’s massive history in New York City, that it meant a lot to him to get that kind of reception there.

    On Roddy Piper the man:
    Penzer says he grew up a Roddy fan and admired him even when he was working for the WWE while Penzer was employed at WCW. He says the thing people don’t realize about Roddy is he was what you saw. He was every bit the guy who put his hand on your shoulder when he spoke to you and treated you well. He says even after they parted ways business wise, every time he saw him Roddy would hug him and ask about his wife and kids.

    On other wrestling deaths:
    Penzer says losing Dusty Rhdoes was a big punch to the gut as well. He is a Florida guy and nobody, not Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush, was bigger in Florida than Dusty Rhodes. He says losing Roddy so soon after really set home that we are losing some of our heroes.

    Penzer also notes that Curt Hennig was amongst the hardest pills to swallow because he was in town to do a show that Penzer himself and Jimmy hart were putting on.

    On the XWF:
    “We got a lot of guys their jobs back with WWE”, Penzer joked. He says he was excited to join the XWF after WCW closed. He admits it was a much smaller company but it was affording him different opportunities such as being one of the writers of the episodic TV show. The promotion even paid for his move to Tampa. He says losing a lot of the guys back to the WWE didn’t help citing that they had Hulk Hogan wrestle Curt Hennig and both went back to the WWE as did Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Roddy Piper who he cites as probably being their biggest static name. He says he is glad, though it was short lived, that the company lives on via DVD’s and YouTube.

    On Hulk Hogan:
    “He’s going to have a hard time coming back from this”, Penzer says. He feels his image has been damaged by the hidden tapes and he’ll ahve to work hard to get his name back to what it was prior to the scandal. He feels the whole thing is sad.

    On working for TNA:
    He started work in TNA in 2005 when Shane Douglas had some personal issues to tend to. Jeremy Borash, who he says he was told is a salary employee to TNA and would resume duties as ring announcer once things worked themselves out, was going backstage to do the backstage interviews that Shane Douglas had taken up doing leaving the ring announcing job open. Jeff Jarrett asked if he’d do it and he enjoyed it greatly. He says it was a whole different vibe than WCW and cathartic in a way as the way WCW ended had a lot of people bitter and there was a whole lot of anger leading in to its closing.

    On his beating from Kurt Angle:
    “Oh man, that was rough. Kurt felt bad about it.” Penzer states that Angle was, in character, running around demanding his belt back and it came time for Angle to pop Penzer. The forearm he got hti with was the hardest Penzer has ever been hit in his life. He says his face swelled p. It was painful. He says the funny thing was, on TV, the Ankle Lock looked brutal but that didn’t hurt. It was the initial forearm that knocked him for six.

    On leaving TNA:
    Penzer says Terry Taylor called him into his office and asked about Internet rumors that said Penzer wanted to leave wrestling. Penzer says they weren’t true because it was a good gig, paid well, and he loved doing it. Every time Terry Taylor would call him on the phone, he’d say, “Hi David, this is Terry Taylor. I’m not calling to fire you”. Well, a week after that meeting, Terry called and said, “Hi David, this is Terry Taylor.” Penzer noted that he didn’t say that he wasn’t calling to fire him. Terry said “Sorry, man” and that was that. He notes that Jeremy Borash’s backstage position as interviewer had changed because Jason Hervey was asking questions backstage and having the guys answer them. He notes that he was told that once the situation changed, he’d be replaced. He says it was fun and knew every week could be his last there. He says it lasted 5 years, though!

    On WrestleMania 31 and the Sting/Triple H match:
    “Maybe it can be the final nail in the coffin and we can move on”, Penzer says. He explains that the WWE won the war and he viewed that match as perhaps the end of the hard feelings. He admits that it didn’t make a lot of logical sense, Sting was the enemy of the nWo and yet they were there to help him. But, “it was a great visual”. He explains that his son is a huge fan of wrestling and that is why he watched it. In the end, “it was a great visual” is his best compliment for seeing the guys of WCW including Hogan, Hall, and Nash to help Sting against the guys of the WWE including DX and Shawn Michaels.

    On social media:
    David Penzer is on Twitter and Facebook. He says he’s new to it and actually is finding he might need to unfollow some people. He cites an actress who he is a fan of tweeting during the Republican Debate the other night and being brutal. He says he tweeted back asking why she watched or expressed an opinion if she’s not open minded to what any of them have to say. James cites a guitarist he likes who often goes off on half-informed political rants and says sometimes, especially with social media, you have to appreciate what they do that you like and not care so much about their politics or it can make you crazy.

  • Note on upcoming ROH title match in Japan

    While the claim was made tonight at the ROH show in Philadelphia and reported that the ROH title would be defended for the first time in Japan in 2016, that is correct only related to New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    Takeshi Morishima actually defended the ROH title twice in Japan on Pro Wrestling NOAH events.

    –Thanks to Chris Arias

  • WWE News: WWE promotes John Cena’s 500th wish

    WWE today promoted John Cena’s granting the 500th wish which will actually take place on Monday before Raw at the Barclay’s Center.  Since the founding of Make-a-wish in 1980, no other celebrity has granted the number of wishes as Cena.

    Make-A-Wish® Celebrates WWE® Superstar John Cena® for Granting Record 500 Wishes

    John Cena to become the first celebrity wish granter in the organization’s 35 year history to reach the milestone

    PHOENIX (August 21, 2015) – Make-A-Wish® congratulates WWE® Superstar John Cena® for granting 500 wishes through the wish granting organization. Cena will achieve the landmark wish total when he spends time with Rocco, an 8-year-old from Queens, NY, battling leukemia, before WWE Monday Night Raw® at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. For Rocco, the chance to hang out with the WWE Superstar will be a wish-come-true. For Cena, the meeting will be his 500th opportunity to bring hope and optimism to a wish child battling a life-threatening medical condition.

    Since the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980, no other celebrity has granted as many wishes as Cena. To acknowledge Cena and his contributions to Make-A-Wish, WWE and Make-A-Wish joined together to host a party on Friday, Aug. 21, at a Dave & Buster’s in New York City. Attendees included John Cena, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO David Williams, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Divas The Bella Twins® – Nikki and Brie, WWE Superstar Sheamus®, wish kids and their families. At the event, WWE announced a multi-year, million dollar commitment to Make-A-Wish – a symbol of WWE’s on-going support for wish granting.

    In addition to wish granting, Cena regularly goes above and beyond to support the mission of Make-A-Wish. He has personally donated more than 6 million airline miles for wishes involving travel, hosted parties for wish kids at WrestleMania® and served as a Wish Ambassador at speaking engagements. Cena is also a recipient of the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, which Make-A-Wish awarded him in 2009. In 2012, he also received an award to mark the milestone of his 300th wish, something no other celebrity or athlete has achieved.

    “John Cena’s slogan, ‘Never Give UpTM,’ is a constant source of inspiration for wish kids and serves as a reminder to stay strong and keep pushing through the difficult times,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO. “The fact that he has had the sustained success required to reach 500 wishes speaks volumes about the type of person John is and the quality of the wish experience he delivers.”

    “There is no more humbling experience than a child who could ask for anything in the world asking to meet me,” said WWE Superstar John Cena. “I have faced some of the toughest Superstars in WWE history and I’ve never encountered more bravery or toughness than I see in each wish kid that I meet. It is inspiring to see the impact that granting wishes can have and I look forward to granting 500 more.”

    WWE has been involved in wish granting since the early 1980s, beginning shortly after the founding of Make-A-Wish. The popularity of WWE has endured throughout the years with a total wish count in the thousands. Since 2001, more than 45 Superstars and Divas have individually been requested, and subsequently, granted a wish. To learn more about Make-A-Wish and the WWE relationship, visit wish.org.