Paypress testing

Category: Post Type article

  • NJPW G1 Climax Tournament 8-11 full report: Tanahashi vs. Makabe, Styles vs. Fale

    By Bryan Rose, WrestlingObserver.com

    Welcome to this morning’s New Japan G1 Climax 25 report. We’re back at Korakuen Hall as we see A block matches tonight. Hiroshi Tanahashi takes on Togi Makabe in the main event, and Bullet Club members collide when Hiroshi Tanahashi takes on Bad Luck Fale. Korakuen Hall shows are always hot so let’s hope tonight’s show continues the momentum that the Sunday morning show had.

    Jay White & Mascara Dorada vs. Cody Hall & Yujiro Takahashi

    More signs of wear and tear as Yujiro’s wearing compression tape on one of his shoulders. It sure was weird seeing Cody Hall and Mascara Dorada do spots together, but they worked fine. They had a pretty good tag team match. Dorada did a senton to the floor and Jay White showed great fire as a babyface. It boiled down to him and Yujiro, with the latter pinning him with the Miami Shine.

    Kushida & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
    This was ok. It was what you would expect- Kushida looked good and was over, Tonga got some shine in, Anderson was fine and Captain New Japan got pinned. What is unique here is that Anderson was the one who pinned CNJ after being distracted with the stun gun. Most of this tour so far has been Tama Tonga scoring the pinfall but I guess they changed it up here.

    Hirooki Goto & Yohei Komatsu vs. Michael Elgin & David Finlay

    Goto and Elgin started things off and the crowd was very much into this. Elgin, as he has been on this tour, got over huge here with his awesome power spots. He did his familiar spot where he has both guys and does a samoan drop/fallaway slam combination that also got a great reaction. White and Komatsu worked against one another here as well and looked good. Finlay took out Goto on the outside, which left Komatsu and Elgin alone together, which only means Elgin pinned him after the buckle bomb and the spinning powerbomb. Good match with great heat towards the end.

    Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi.
    Funny spot at the start of the match where Okada was tagged and it looked like he and Nagata were going to go at it, but Nagata tagged in Taguchi and they did Taguchi’s pose together. The pairings for this were Nakamura/Kojima, Ishii/Honma and Nagata/Okada. Crowd, which is really hot tonight, was into this match big time. Taguchi and Honma did a double kokeshi headbutt together. It was Taguchi and Nakamura who were left and despite interference toward the end, Nakamura was able to get the win here with the boma ye. Great match, probably one of the best tags on the tour.

    Tetsuya Naito vs. Doc Gallows

    Despite being a total heel for most of this tour, Gallows worked as the heel here so the crowd occasionally chanted for Naito. A lot of this was Gallows in control until Naito started to mount a comeback. Gallows went for the Gallows Poll but Naito reversed it into a hurricanrana pin. Gallows was on the top rope and Naito was laying punches on him but Gallows grabbed him and hit the Gallows Poll off the top rope to pin him. Pretty alright, but there have been better matches on tonight’s show so far. 

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Katsuyori Shibata

    A lot of the match was back and forth between the two. The crowd got into it more as the match went on. Tenzan at one point had the anaconda vise but Shibata escaped. Tenzan gave him the Mongolian chops when Shibata transitioned into a sleeper Lots of headbutts from Tenzan. Tenzan got the anaconda vise on him again and this time Shibata submitted. Good match, got pretty damn great in the last few moments. Crowd went crazy when Tenzan submitted him. 

    Kota Ibushi vs. Toru Yano

    Yano shoved the ref into Ibushi, low blowed him and rolled him up for the win. Yep.  

    A.J. Styles vs. Bad Luck Fale

    Fale laid down for AJ like he was going to get an easy win, but Fale kicked out at two. AJ got in his face, saying that we had a deal. AJ pushed him while his back was turned while the whole Bullet Club talked him down. They were going for the wolfpac sign when Fale jumped him and threw him over to the outside wiping out the rest of Bullet Club. He then flung him across the barricade into a bunch of empty chairs. Fale went to use a chair but Tama Tonga took it away from him, which distracted Fale long enough for Styles to come off the stage and attack Fale. They went back to the stands where Fale teased the Bad Luck Fall but AJ escaped and they both made it back to the ring. Fale, after AJ avoided the Bad Luck Fall the first time and tried a hurricanrana, reversed it and actually teased a Styles Clash, but he countered back to the Bad Luck Fall. AJ avoided it and just put his feet on the ropes to pin him. Weird match with a weak finish, but it was an interesting story and not like other matches we’ve seen in this tournament so far.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Togi Makabe

    Crowd was immediately chanting for Makabe as soon as the bell rang. Tanahashi played heel and worked on Makabe’s leg. They had a pretty good competitive back and forth match, there have been better main events on other shows but this was good. The crowd was into this too and that helped. Tanahashi missed the high fly flow which allowed Makabe to hit the kneeling powerbomb. He tries the king kong knee drop but Tanahashi grabs the leg, gives him the slingblade, then high fly flows him while Makabe gets up and poses. Tanahashi then hit another one and pinned him.

    Current Standings

    Block A:

    AJ Styles- 12

    Tetsuya Naito- 10

    Hiroshi Tanahashi- 10

    Bad Luck Fale- 10

    Katsuyori Shibata- 8

    Kota Ibushi- 6

    Togi Makabe- 6

    Toru Yano- 6

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan- 4

    Doc Gallows- 4

    Block B:

    Kazuchika Okada- 12

    Karl Anderson- 10

    Hirooki Goto- 10

    Shinsuke Nakamura- 10

    Tomohiro Ishii- 8

    Michael Elgin- 8

    Yujiro Takahashi- 4

    Satoshi Kojima- 4

    Yuji Nagata- 4

    Tomoaki Honma- 0 

  • Note on Roddy Piper’s Memorial service in Los Angeles on Monday

    Private Roddy Piper Memorial at The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood,
    Planned for August 17, 2015

    A private memorial is in the works for beloved pro wrestler, actor and comedian “Rowdy” Roddy
    Piper who passed away last week at his home in Hollywood, California. Set to take place
    Monday, August 17th at The Comedy Store, this private memorial will include friends from all
    facets of Roddy Piper’s life and career which ran the gamut of wrestling, acting, stand up
    comedy, live and broadcast TV, film and numerous business and charitable ventures. His
    closest friends/colleagues in L.A. will share stories and experiences about Roddy over the
    years.

    The service will be private.  Anyone from the pro wrestling or MMA world wishing to attend should contact Rick Bassman and Rick@RickBassman.com

    Organizer and Roddy Piper friend, comic Steve Simeone said of the event “The Comedy Store
    is the adopted home of so many ‘comic orphans’ and Roddy became like a dad or big brother to
    all of us. He became family. I wanted to have a get together where we could get up and share
    our favorite stories about this incredible man who we all love and will miss greatly. This is a
    night for Roddy’s friends to celebrate what a great friend he was to all of us.”

    Roddy Piper’s daughter, actress Ariel Teal Toombs had this to say about the memorial, “I know
    a lot of people wanting something like this in L.A., especially because the funeral will be up in
    Oregon and a lot of folks won’t be able to make that trip. It means a lot that Steve and the
    Comedy Store family are putting this together.”

    Memorial co-organizer, Pro Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts agent, producer and longtime friend of Piper, Rick Bassman commented, “Roddy’s sudden death has hit all in the Pro Wrestling and MMA worlds pretty hard. I’m very grateful that the Comedy Store is doing this and we intend to see that Roddy is remembered in a way that would make him proud.”

    Also helping to organize this send off is Mitch Ackerman, Roddy’s best friend who remarked, “I
    appreciate all the love and support from all the friends and fans of Roddy’s. Other than Madison
    Square Garden I don’t think there is a more appropriate place to have this memorial than at the
    Comedy Store ”

    The Toombs family also wants the worldwide public who can’t attend his private funeral or
    memorial to know that a moment of silence is planned August 11th at 10 am PST. Details here:
    http://j.mp/RoddyPiper_MomentOfSilence

  • UFC announces Aldo vs. McGregor

    The Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor match has been announced for 12/12 in Las Vegas, so they moved the PPV back a week.  Originally 12/12 was a FOX date. 

  • WWE News: Notes for tonight’s Raw – Bryan appears plus trios match

    For tonight’s show, there will be a Miz TV segment with Daniel Bryan, plus the Bellas & Alicia Fox vs. Team BAD of Sasha Banks & Naomi & Tamina Snuka have been announced.

  • UFC announces Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor date & location along with update on Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    UFC President Dana White announced Monday that UFC 194 will feature featherweight champion Jose Aldo vs. interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor for Saturday, December 12th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, and not AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX.

    The company had wanted the show in Las Vegas on 12/5, but the MGM Grand had an Andrea Bocelli concert already booked on that date. It appears the talk of the stadium was more leverage to get them the deal they wanted one week later. 

    This will be the organization’s second show in two months there as they also plan on running on January 2nd at the venue.

    White told Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole that women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate III will not be on the McGregor/Aldo undercard now that the Dallas show won’t be happening, but didn’t announce a date. He also again denied that ‘Cyborg’ Justino was being considered to fight Rousey on the show.

  • WWE Raw August 10 TV results and Recap: Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins title match, Stephen “Arrow” Amell to wrestle at SummerSlam

    Photo: WWE.com 

    by Jeff Hamlin, WrestlingObserver.com 

    The Big Takeaway: This was an excellent show featured Randy Orton-Seth Rollins in a main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Sheamus pulled Orton out of the ring to cost him the championship. Sheamus then teased cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase, but Orton came back in to deliver an RKO. Stephen Amell will compete at SummerSlam in a tag team match. The gimmick is its the Green Arrow (I thought Amell portrayed the Arrow, but just go along with it) and the Red Arrow (Neville) vs. Stardust and King Barrett. 

    Show Recap: 

    Seth Rollins starts the show. Again, they played the highlight of Rollins breaking John Cena’s nose. Rollins said he hasn’t heard from Cena regarding the challenge for a title-vs.-title match. Rollins says Cena wasn’t Straight Outta Compton, he’s Straight Outta Action. Rollins said he heard rumors that Cena was going to be at Tough Enough tomorrow night, then heard from someone at ringside that Cena was going to appear via satellite. Turned out, it was a picture of Cena with his nose broken with a mouth superimposed doing a fake Cena voice, just like the old Conan O’Brien routine. 

    The fake Cena voice’s best joke was “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” has now become “Surgery, Recovery and Rehab.” The mouth also added he looked like he got a fake nose job from Picasso. He told his fans to never give up, unless Seth Rollins breaks your face. 

    Cesaro came out with more Cesaro Section signs all over the place. Cesaro challenged Rollins to a match tonight. Rollins said there was no open challenge tonight. Kevin Owens walked out and said Cesaro has done nothing to earn a title shot and said some idiot had written out Cesaro Section signs and handed them to sheep who will hold up any sign.

    Owens mentioned he was the only man among the three who has beaten Cena and if anyone deserves a title match tonight, it’s him. Rollins started to turn him down when Randy Orton came out.  Orton wanted a title shot, poking fun at Owens weight in the process. 

    Rollins said Tom Brady has a better chance of getting a free meal in Seattle than any of them getting a title shot tonight. He said he doesn’t care what the Authority thinks, he thinks everyone should get the hell out of his ring.

    HHH came out. Apparently, the roulette ball landed on “babyface” this week on the Authority Wheel of Kayfabe. HHH was mad over Rollins said he didn’t care about the Authority and ordered Cesaro vs. Owens vs. Orton in a three-way with the winner getting a shot at Rollins tonight for the WWE World Heavyweight Title.  

    Daniel Bryan will appear on MizTV tonight.  

    After one week, the Submission Sorority name for Paige, Charlotte and Sasha Banks is already done. They’re now Team PCB and did commentary for the opening match. Marshawn Lynch thought these women were boring and repetitive in their answers to Michael Cole. 

    Team Bella defeated Team Bad (8:57)

    Brie Bella pinned Tamina after a leg cradle . Even though she was on the heel team, crowd chanted big for Sasha Banks. 

    It broke down into a nine-way fight posmatch where Naomi threw the best women’s dropkick since Manami Toyota on Alicia Fox. They teased Charlotte and Banks showdown and members of Team PCB and Team BAD had a staredown.  

    Stephen Amell was shown at ringside for the upcoming angle with Stardust.

    The New Day defeated Los Matadores (3:58) 

    Big E. Langston pinned Fernando after the Midnight Hour. El Torito tried to give Xavier Woods a huracanrana outside the ring, but Woods blocked it like he was going to power bomb. But Diego dropkicked Woods from behind, and El Torito completed the move. Some fans arte treating New Day as faces now. There should be a mic dedicated solely to Woods because he’s the most colorful talker in the company (outside of Paul Heyman) with no script.  

    They showed a picture of Titus O’Neal hanging with Marshawn Lynch at Seattle Seahawks headquarters today. Darren Young also had a photo taken with Russell Wilson.

    New Day did a postmatch promo with Renee Young, who informed them they would get a title shot at the Prime Time Players at SummerSlam. Young also said it would be a four-way match with Los Matadores and Lucha Dragons. In other words, the consequences for Los Matadores losing tonight was getting a tag team title shot at SummerSlam. I love it when Raw wins and losses hold such high stakes.  Renee started clapping with New Day, which was a total babyface act. 

    HHH and Rollins argued over why the title should be defended tonight. HHH said Rollins opened the door last week with the open challenge against Neville and if Rollins wanted to be the man, he has to be the man every single night. Rollins agreed.  

    Randy Orton pinned Cesaro in a three-way that also included Kevin Owens to earn a WWE World Heavyweight Title shot at Rollins (18:10)

    A sensational match where the crowd got the hottest down the stretch when Owens and Cesaro traded big moves. As Owens tried to give Cesaro a Pop-Up Power Bomb, Orton climbed back in the ring and gave Owens an RKO, and gave an RKO to Cesaro as well. Orton pinned Cesaro. Highlights included Cesaro holding Orton in a crossface. Orton had to struggle out of the ring to break in since there is No-DQ in a three-way. Owens followed with a somersault tope onto both men. Later, Orton gave both Cesaro and Orton draping DDTs at the same time. 

    Dean Ambrose did a backstage promo about how he didn’t have many friends growing up, though it would have been nice to have one since you always need one to bail you out when you’re in a Mexican border town. Roman Reigns interrupted him and basically said he was first real friend that Ambrose ever had. Reigns said he and Ambrose were brothers while Bray Wyatt was just using Luke Harper. Reigns’ catchphrase is “Believe that.” 

    They did a piece on the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. They had various Hall of Famers like Steve Austin, HHH and John Cena put over the streak. Seeing the highlights of Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzales, King Kong Bundy and a totally past him prime on goes knows what Jimmy Snuka brought ot mind how the Undertaker had to face some crappy opponents in the 90s. Austin, Ambrose, HHH and others put over how stunning it was that Lesnar ended the streak. Heyman said Lesnar will put an end to the Undertaker. It was a very good, UFC-style hype piece.  

    They mentioned for next week’s go-home show, the Undertaker and Lesnar will be in the building.  

    Luke Harper defeated Dean Ambrose (10:35) 

    Harper got the pin afterr a discus clothesline on Ambrose. It spilled into a four-way when Wyatt got involved. Wyatt tried to clothesline Ambrose, who ducked and Reigns hit Wyatt with a Superman Punch. Harper kicked Reigns in the head, but Ambrose hit a tope on Harper. Wyatt then crotched Ambrose after he climbed to the top rope, leading to the finish. Apparently, Wyatt lost his rocking chair so Harper threw Byron Saxton out of his chair for Wyatt to sit in. It got funny when the fans later started chanting “Sit down Byron.” There must be an added bonus in JBL’s paycheck for every week he mentions DX as among the most dominant factions of all time.  

    MizTV started with The MIz pointed out Ammell out Ammell. Miz threw in a jab about how once Stardust is done polishing the floor with Amell, he can call Miz for acting lessons. Amell had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. Dryan came out to the expected big reaction. Crowd kept chanting “Daniel Bryan” so long Miz had to stop them.

    Miz tried to talk to Bryan about how he mad Bryan’s career. Bryan mentioned Miz’s upcoming film “Santa’s Little Helper,” which Miz can take credit for. But Bryan’s accomplishments are because of everything he’s ever done for himself, not the Miz. 

    Miz turned the subject to Bryan’s injury since he’s been on the shelf. Bryan sent a nod to Mick Foley and mentioned his best selling book and being on Tough Enough. Miz turned the attention to himself again and focused on Ryback, saying Ryback should forfeit the Intercontiental title because of his staph infection and cancel the three-way match at SummerSlam. The Big Show came out to run down Miz. Crowd chanted “Please retire” at Big Show, who got mad. Ryback came out for his return. Miz and Bryan bolted so Ryback and Show could have a staredown. Then Bryan threw Miz in the ring between both of them.

    Show bullied Show and Ryback into the corner. Show give Miz a Beal Throw, but Ryback clotheslined Show out of the ring. Then Ryback gave Miz a Meathook clothesline which left Miz with only one show on. Bryan raised Ryback’s arm and gave him the I-C belt back while the two chanted “Yes!” Weird to see the most over star on the show as the setup guy for a midcard program.  

    A package profile on Charlotte featured her talking about her father’s dedication to the business and learning from him. She vowed to main event WrestleMania one day and compared herself to Ronda Rousey.

    This led to an announcement of a three-team elimination match at SummerSlam with Team Bad vs. Team PCB vs. Team Bella.

    Mark Henry and Rusev went to a no contest (1:06) 

    Lana was at ringside. Summer Rae jumped on the apron for some reason, leading to Lana pulling her down. Rae threw Lana into the ring, where she was kneeling looking up to Rusev. It led to Rae running for the DQ. Meanwhile, Rusev took out Mark Henry by throwing him into the steps. Rae decked Lana from behind. Rusev ordered Rae to crush her. Rae then put Lana into the Accolade until Lana was unconscious.  As Rusev and Rae posed, the Bulgarian flag came down which now has Rusev’s face on it. Now that is cool.

    Neville defeated King Barrett (1:17)

    Neville got the pin on King Barrett after the Red Arrow. 

    Right away, Stardust ran in the ring to put the boots to Neville. Then Stardust got out of the ring and got in Amell’s face and shoved him. Amell hopped the railing and speared Stardust before security pulled him off. Announcers sold it like Amell had stepped over the line by jumping the rail and going into the ring after Stardust, which was fine. Except we’ve seen dozens of examples of it over the years from numerous celebrities. 

    HHH scolded Amell and Neville for jumping in the ring. Ammell said he wanted Stardust and Barrett at SummerSlam. Amell looked like Andre the Giant standing next to Neville. HHH started to talk down to him about being a TV star in a wrestling ring. Amell said he didn’t care and ordered HHH to draw up the legal papers for him to face Stardust at SummerSlam. I was startled to see somebody talk back to HHH. Good thing Amell isn’t a wrestler. He’d be looking at 6 months worth of jobs to Zack Ryder if he was. HHH told Amell he had no idea what he was getting himself into but agreed. Amell was very good here, but Neville isn’t a talker.  

    JBL was back with his trusty cards about how people will pay more money if they buy SummerSlam on PPV. By the way, Rousey says hello and 900,000 buys. 

    JoJo interviewed Sheamus, who called Orton “boring” (irony) and called Rollins a “skunk haired weasel.” He held up the Money in the Bank breifcase and said he would be the new World Heavyweight Champion and said the time to cash it in may be tonight.  

    Randy Orton defeated Seth Rollins (C) by DQ, so Rollins retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. (13:32)

    Another very good match with the crowd really behind Orton. Rollins used Orton’s own draping DDT on him, then made mannerisms like he was going to do the RKO. Instead, Rollins tried a Pedigree, but (after some early communication issues between the two), Orton backdropped Rollins over the top rope.  Rollins landed on the apron and went right to the top rope and jumped off, but Orton caught him with an RKO. Orton covered Rollins, but Sheamus ran down to pull Orton out of the ring. Sheamus threw Orton into the steps and dumped him over the barricade. 

    Sheamus saw Rollins till down, hit a Brogue Kick and was about to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Orton was supposed to run up behind Sheamus before he cashed it and give him an RKO. But Orton was way late in doing so and the referee and Sheamus had to play tug of war forever before Orton finally showed up. Crowd really was into the final segment. 

    SUMMARY:

    This was one of the rare weeks where a crowd wasn’t burned out after three hours.  The Amell angle helped. So did having three very good matches on the show. Plus, it was a good show for the TV viewer because we got the good matches plus a terrific Lesnar-Undertaker buildup package. A very good show. 

  • MON UPDATE: Piper magazine, Cyborg, ROH, Paige on Rousey, Tough Enough, Raw

    By Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s TripleMania show, as well as Saturday and Sunday’s G-1 shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>

    We’re also looking for live reports from Raw in Everett, WA tonight with dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident on the live show to Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com”>, as well as for tomorrow night’s tapings in Portland, OR.

    We’re also looking for reports on the WWE shows over the weekend in Sydney, Australia and Victoria, BC, today’s show in Vancouver, and the NXT shows in Starke, FL on Thursday ad Orlando on Friday.

    G-1 Climax on Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern from Tokyo Korakuen Hall on New Japan World

    Jay White & Mascara Dorada vs. Cody Hall & Yujiro Takahashi

    Kushida & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga

    Hirooki Goto & Yohei Komatsu vs. Michael Elgin & David Finlay

    Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi

    Tetsuya Naito vs. Doc Gallows

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Katsuyori Shibata

    Kota Ibushi vs. Toru Yano

    A.J. Styles vs. Bad Luck Fale

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Togi Makabe

    Smackdown will be Tuesday night in Portland, OR.

    G-1 Climax on Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern from Tokyo Korakuen Hall on New Japan World 

    Tiger Mask & David Finlay & Jay White vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Yohei Komatsu & Sho Tanaka

    Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Togi Makabe & Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito & Kota Ibushi & Mascara Dorada

    Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuyori Shibata & Captain New Japan vs. A.J. Styles & Doc Gallows & Cody Hall

    Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro Takahashi

    Michael Elgin vs. Hirooki Goto

    Satoshi Kojima vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

    Kazuchika Okada vs. Yuji Nagata

    Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tomoaki Honma

    The life and times of Roddy Piper is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.  We also have coverage of WWE financials and why the stock is going through the roof, the rise of Ronda Rousey and UFC 190 numbers, the G-1 Climax tournament update and the full story behind the 2002 pitch made to WWE about a gay asskicking wrestler.  

    The latest Wrestling Observer: August 10, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roddy Piper passes away, WWE Q2 results & analysis

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show in the history of the site are at  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 Meltzer

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

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    Our lead story is an extensive look at the career of Roddy Piper.  We start by looking at the cause of death, and Piper’s role in the national expansion of WWF and the first WrestleMania.  We look at how Piper differed from almost every wrestler in WWF when he came in, why Piper didn’t work certain shows, Piper working outside WWF while under contract, how he flopped in his first WWF run, his runs in California, Oregon, Georgia and the Carolinas before WWF, the feud with Jimmy Snuka, the Hogan-Piper program, The War to Settle the Score, the original WrestleMania and how it changed the history of wrestling, his period in WCW, his relationship with Mad Dog Vachon, his issues with Kevin Nash, how he got started in pro wrestling, the story behind his babyface turns and the loss at WrestleMania to Bret Hart.

    We also look at WWE business, why stock is up, what aspect of business looked deceptively good, a look in depth at the network numbers, how many people dropped and picked up subscriptions this past quarter as well as how all the other aspects of WWE business are doing.

    We look at UFC 190 and the storyline that led to Ronda Rousey setting her highest PPV mark.  We look at how things have changed for Rousey since February, the interest level of her fight,  Rousey vs. Cyborg, ratings in Brazil and the U.S. and match-by-match coverage.

    We also go in-depth on the G-1 Climax tournament with the updated schedule, standings and match-by-match coverage.

    We also have an update on John Cena, more on the injury and surgery, Cena actually going to a show this weekend but fans didn’t see him, Shawn Michaels return, will fans respect Cena more, update on the SummerSlam card and matches being built, Cena vs. Rollins future, WrestleMania note, note on Daniel Bryan’s book, Update on Ryback, Update on a 2002 angle proposed for a gay wrestler and funny story behind it, Bryan’s plan for the IC title, more on womens’ division, Eva Marie note, Tough Enough notes, Ultimate Warrior book, Cesaro section notes, WWE lawsuit notes, Pat Patterson book, sister of current WWE star gets a tryout and Owen Hart DVD news.  We also have coverage of the NXT and WWE shows over the weekend and business notes on the shows. 

    The Observer is the world’s most detailed weekly pro wrestling publication, in its 32nd year of publication, and is read by the biggest names in the pro wrestling, industry, MMA industry, sports world and on Wall Street.

    We also have our regular features such as the most complete look at ratings, plus results of the major house show events each week in pro wrestling and MMA, and complete inside rundowns of all the TV shows.

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

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    MONDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, the fallout from AAA, as well as taking your e-mail questions to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com
    • The Wednesday morning G-1 show looks to be the best lineup (check the schedule part of the report) of the B block to date.  Ishii vs. Honma is a rematch of one of the year’s best matches, and Goto vs. Elgin could be a sleeper given Elgin’s impressive showing to date.  Okada vs. Nagata and Nakamura vs. Kojima are also both strong matchups.
    • WWE is releasing a Roddy Piper commemorative magazine on 8/31 with an introduction by HHH, photos of matches and old Piper’s Pits and tributes from various wrestlers.
    • George Lockhart, the nutritionist for Cris Cyborg, said today on the MMA Hour that she could make 135 pounds on 12/5.  It’s at www.mmafighting.com  I’m also on the show as the first guest talking December 5 and UFC’s potential big winter season.
    • As noted earlier, Ryback is in Everett, WA.  Whether he’s actually on Raw or not, we don’t know but one would think given there are just two weeks before SummerSlam that he will be.  Dolph Ziggler’s return is imminent.  He was at the house show in Vancouver last night and is scheduled for Raw next week in Minneapolis.
    • ROH announced for the 8/22 show in Brooklyn a match with Rocky Romero & Baretta & Matt Taven & Michael Bennett vs. ACH & Matt Sydal & Young Bucks.  
    • Paige talks Ronda Rousey, WrestleMania and her effect on pro wrestling 
    • John Cena and the NXT roster will be appearing on Tough Enough.  As noted before, during the week, they taped the Tough Enough crew doing matches in the gym with NXT talent as the audience. 
    • The advertised dark match for tonight is Randy Orton & Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins & Big Show & Bray Wyatt.  Show replaced Sheamus, so at the time the new advertising was done they didn’t expect Sheamus would be able to wrestle tonight.  With concussions, there is no way of knowing when someone will be ready. 
    • Stephen Amell from the TV show “Arrow” is on tonight’s show, presumably doing an angle with Stardust.
    • Amir Khan, the well known boxer, was announced as part of the new ownership and management group for the Super Fight League promotion, which is looking to expand onto television in the U.S.  It has produced 41 live events, mostly in India, and was formed for television in India, including five in the U.S.  Announced with Khan as part of the management group is Bill Dosanjh as CEO, George Chung as Digital Media Executive and Brian Halquist, a Seattle based MMA promoter.  A show in the U.S. is expected to be announced soon.
    • Trainwreck, its first weekend with a full nationwide release (it had preview screenings before in some cities) was No. 1 at the box office in Australia. (thanks to James Stanios)
    • Sasha Banks will be a guest this week on Talk is Jericho that drops on Wednesday.
    • Paul London will be doing seminars on 8/13 at the PWX Wrestleplex in McKeesport, PA at 7:30 p.m., and on 8/15 in Strongsville, OH at Wrestling Geekfest at 9 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Strongsville.  Cost for each is $35.  For any questions, you can send to JoeDombrowskiPR@gmail.com
    • 2K 16 had the following new characters announced for its video game:  Booker T, Col. Mustafa, Emma, Eva Marie, Gen. Adnan, Kalisto, Kane, Lord Steven Regal of WCW, Sin Cara, Summer Rae, Tamina Snuka, HHH, Steve Austin, Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, Bad News Barrett, Paige, Finn Balor, Alexa Bliss, The Rock and Andre the Giant.
    • Invicta has announced a show on UFC Fight Pass on 9/12 from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City headlined by Tonya Evinger defending the bantamweight title against Pannie Kianzad. 
    • Tier One Wrestling on 10/2 in Queens, NY at the R Studios at 100-17 Atlantic Avenue.
    • Championship Wrestling Entertainment on 8/14 in Port St. Lucie, FL at the Civic Center with Santana Garrett & Su Yung vs. Grace Storm & MJ Night.
    • Nova Pro Wrestling on 8/15 in Orlando at the Northwest Community Center featuring an appearance by Larry Zbyszko, a Battle Royal and an NWA women’s title defense of Santana Garrett.
    • I Believe in Wrestling on 8/22 in Orlando.
    • Pro Wrestling alliance on 8/22 in Port Richey, FL at the Jewish Community Center.
    • Full Impact Pro iPPV from Friday night in Ybor City, FL: Tyranus & Chico Adams & Wayne VanDyke b Josh Parker & Russell Payne & Dustin Dirk, Mark Silva b Arik Royal, Nuclear Kassarole b Flying Solow, Gary Jay b Zane Riley, Bolt Brady b Earl Cooter, Maxwell Chicago b Jonny Vandal to keep Florida Heritage title, Martin Stone b Blake Edward Belakus, Deimos b Josh Hess, Monster Tarver (Michael Tarver) b Rhett Giddins, Hooligans b The Savage to win FIP tag titles, Caleb Konley b Trevor Lee to keep FIP title,
    • Coastal Championship Wrestling from Saturday night in Coral Springs, FL:  Jesus DeLeon b Senior Entertainment, Ace Mayhem b Byronic Hero, Kahagas & Rico Casanova b Pablo Marques & Lanny Poffo, Santana Garrett b Tammy Lynn to keep NWA womens’ title, Dan Embry b Craig Classic, Headbanger Mosh b Kiny Tony, Stefan Guadaluupe won Battle Royal (thanks to Al Haft).
    • Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling from Saturday night in Rochester, NY:  Ryan Cassidy b Cloudy, Victor Lord b Terrell Kenneth, Ron Falco & Bobby Dipinto b Vanguard 2.-DQ, Jason Savior b Charlie Locke, Rob Sweet b Jet Rebel, Mattick b Miliman, Coleman Jackson b Cheech, Gabreal Saint NC Coconut Jones, Interstate Mayhem b Eric Rosecroft & Steve Gage, Frank Burlington b Rik Matrix, Michael McKinger won over Vince Valor, LaDiva, Michael Templar, Professor Wessler, Frankie Feathers and Krist Worthless, Hellcat b Eric Young (thanks to Todd Brantley)
    • The NWAClassics.com web site has released a number of new matches of late, including Andre the Giant vs. Stan Stasiak from the 70s.  Other new Houston matches they’ve posted include a Lou Thesz vs. Wild Bill Longson NWA title match, Killer Tim Brooks & Vida Negra vs. Tiger Conway Jr. & Bella Karina, Mark Lewin vs. Gary Hart in a paint match, a six-man tag match from the 50s with Duke Keomuka and Ray Gunkel, Tim Horner vs Rip Oliver, Jose Lothario & Terry Taylor vs. Chavo & Hector Guerrero, Billy Jack Haynes vs. Kamala, King Parsons vs. Jack Victory and Ernie Ladd vs. Brad Armstrong.
    • Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling on 8/22 in East Carondelet, IL featuring Flash Flanagan vs. Tokyo Monster Kahagas.
    • Greg Valentine is doing a Roddy Piper Memorial dog collar match with Phil Monahan on 8/22 for the CIW promotion in Jackson, MI.  This is billed in honor of the series of dog collar matches that Piper had with Valentine in late 1983, the most famous being at the first Starrcade show.
    • CaraLucha from Saturday night at Arena San Juan Pantitlan:  Jimmy Madrid & Principe Aereo b Imperio Negro & Ying Sang, Keira & Ludark Shaitan b Felina Metalca & Krazy Star, Los Magnificos I & II b Rayo Star & Sky Man, Akuma & Demus 3:16 b Kilvan & Yoruba, Polvora won three-way over Jinzo and Toxin Boy, Barbaro Cavernario & Rey Hechichero & Ultimo Guerrero DDQ Halloween & Damian 666 & Bestia 666 (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • New Era Wrestling from Friday night in El Paso before 300 fans:  Piranita & The American b Minotauro & Super Can, Aydan Colt & Pierre Montero b Sub Zero & Zodiaco, Ultimo Samuray b  Metro, Rey Largarto & Triano b El Hijo del Impostor & Dragon.  Next show is 8/21 (thanks to Albert Cerda)

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

    1982 – Devil Masami & Tarantula beat Yukari Omori & Mimi Hagiwara in Fukushima to win the WWWA tag titles and Noriyo Tateno beat Chigusa Nagayo to win the Japanese jr. title

    1986 – Villano I beat Fishman in Acapulco to win the UWA light heavyweight title

    1989 – Vader beat Riki Choshu in Tokyo to win the IWGP heavyweight title and Naoki Sano beat Jushin Liger to win the IWGP jr. title

    1997 – Kensuke Sasaki & Kazuo Yamazaki beat Manabu Nakanishi & Satoshi Kojima in Nagoya to win the IWGP tag titles and Shinjiro Otani beat El Samurai to win the J Crown

    1999 – Arkangel de la Muerte beat Super Delfin in Kawasaki to win the CMLL welterweight title

    2003 – Hulk Ogan (Naoya Ogawa pretending to be Hogan) beat The Predator (Sylvester Terkay) in Nagoya to win the Zero-One U.S. title

    2014 – Kazuchika Okada beat Shinsuke Nakamura at the Seibu Dome to win the G-1 Climax tournament

  • Bellator News: Josh Koscheck talks leaving UFC, GSP build-up, Paul Daley fight

    The following is from a third party:

    Newly signed Bellator welterweight Josh Koscheck made his Submission Radio debut this week. Here’s a transcript from his interview:

    *****

    What prompted Josh to jump over to Bellator

    “The biggest thing was the way that your hands are tied behind your back when dealing with the UFC. It’s like if you just go against the grain one time, then it’s like a slap on the face. You know, they just kind of yell at you and treat you like shit. And it’s a lot of things too. It’s like not only do you have your hands tied behind your back, in my opinion you have an eight-ball stuffed in your mouth and you really can’t say anything. So it’s kind of nice to be done with that pressure where you don’t have somebody breathing down your back, and it just wasn’t fun for me to fight for the UFC, so I figured that I need a change in my life.

    “And after signing this last contract that I had with him, I just wanted to get out of my fights as quickly as possible so I could move on with my life and be done. And even if I never fought again after that last contract, this last fight that I had, I wasn’t going to resign with them, because it’s simple; you put 27 fights in, you give them 10 years of your life, you’d think that they would have stepped up to the game or stepped up to the plate and put a job offer in front of me or something to keep me involved with the UFC and the sport, but there was no talk of that. And so I decided that it was best for me to move on to Bellator anyway, because Scott Coker is so cool and I started my career on Spike TV and I would like to end it on Spike as well.”

    On if he had a chat with Dana White before he decided to leave UFC

    “Nah. It was none of his business what I do with my career. So I knew he wasn’t stepping up to the plate, because he had gotten an offer from Bellator and he didn’t pick up the phone or have the courage to pick up the phone until, you know, his flop of a Reebok deal came out and that was the ‘Josh Koscheck media day’. And my media day was bigger than his flopped Reebok deal, so he should actually be patting me on the back (laughs). ‘Cause the day Reebok launched was a nightmare. Josh Koscheck was all over the news going over as far as signing with Bellator. So I did get a phone call that day actually from him, and needless to say it wasn’t the politest conversation between the both us.”

    On what would have happened if the UFC matched Bellator’s deal if Josh would have stayed

    “Nope. I wouldn’t have signed with them. I would have renegotiated back with Bellator and got a better contract that they couldn’t match. So I wouldn’t sign back with them.”

    On if Josh felt like the UFC was a different company in 2015 compared to when he came in 10 years ago

    “You know, it’s always been the handcuffs and the eight ball. It’s always been that way, so don’t fool yourselves. The media is partly to blame for this because you guys don’t step up and talk. You guys don’t tell the truth because you’ll get blackballed from the events and covering them, so that’s where it starts. It starts with the media speaking up and being truthful and covering it for the fighters, because the fighters are the most important thing. So when dealing with that organization its always been like that. It’s always been “oh hey, well sign this document. If else not, you’re getting kicked out” you know? I mean the history is all documented. If you go back and look at the history of – for example the videogame rights [THQ’s UFC: Undisputed]. You know, it was all, if we don’t sign it we’re done, cancelled, ‘X’, kicked out. You know? So it’s all documented. Let’s just hope at some point this lawsuit that the UFC is under, this class action lawsuit can get to where it needs to be and the fighters can all get on board with this thing and put ’em right in their place for forcing them and forcing them to sign things that they didn’t want to sign.”

     “I mean I can remember back for example coming off the Ultimate Fighter I wanted to have my attorneys and my management look at the contract. And I remember the conversation clearly. It was me sitting in Dana White’s office inside the Ultimate Fighter Gym, and he said to me “you’re going to let this F’n manager screw your career up by not singing onto this agreement”. And you know what I signed? I had to sign an agreement saying that I was signed with the UFC and my fight pay was five thousand for one year, five thousand and five thousand for the first year, seven thousand and seven thousand for the second year, and ten and ten for the third year. I fought Georges St. Pierre, the first time I fought him for ten thousand dollars. So I was stuck in that contract because I got forced to sign it when I wanted my attorneys and my management to look over that agreement and that contract with me. So that’s the pathetic thing. And that’s what I talk about having the eight ball and the hands tied behind your back.

    “I was forced to sign that contract right in front of him and he was like “you’re going to let this guy ‘F’ you up” and then I’m trapped in the room, and here I am this young kid that has no experience and that’s why I have a manager, and I have no experience with that. But you know what, I’m not going to complain about that now because down the road I got taken care of because I did what I had to do. I freaking….I was a team player for a while because I understood how it worked after a while and I understood that hey, I’m gonna build fights and I’m gonna make myself valuable. And I went out there and I made myself valuable by winning fights and hyping fights like the Georges St. Pierre fight. So I got my due afterwards. But you know it’s just things like that. And I can only imagine if that’s just me, you know, how many of these other guys are being taken advantage of.”

    “Look at the percentages of money that goes to the fighters. It’s probably like less than five or ten percent, versus them getting ninety? Ninety percent of the money. Yeah, you know these fighters need to be taken care of. For example if I never got a contract with Bellator. What was my retirement like? Do I have a 401k with the UFC? Did I have a job with the UFC after I’m done? My name wasn’t Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin or Matt Hughes, you know? Or Nogueira, you know? I think I’ve done more for the UFC than Nogueira without a doubt. And he gets a job. So where’s the discretion there? Where does it stop? Who’s to determine these types of things? Them. So there has to be somebody that represents the fighters.”

    On how Josh can get back on a winning track after multiple back to back loses in the UFC

    “Yeah, well I have [for] a long time. Those fights were over a course of three years, three and a half years. So I took some time and focused on some other businesses and got things going. So regardless if I was to ever fight again or not, Josh Koscheck is gonna be fine because I’m willing to freakin’ walk through the shit to get the glory, to get to the top of the hill that I wanna be at. So whether it be my businesses or whether it be back inside the Bellator cage, I’m willing to walk through the shit to get to the top. So I’m willing to put the work in and I’m gonna put the work in. And this is my last hoorah with Bellator. You know, I’m gonna finish my career on Spike TV and with Bellator, and I’m really pumped about it. So I just gotta put the work in. If I put the work in I believe I can still win fights.”

    On what he thinks about Robbie Lawler and if the belt looks to move around over the next few fights

    “I definitely think the belt’s going to move around. The UFC belt is definitely gonna get passed around. GSP was a special guy and I think that he had a great run, and it was smart of him to leave when he did. I think that he’s going to be the one that everyone is going to look back and say “wow, he left the champion and he left on top”. So it’s pretty awesome for Georges, and I think Georges would be a guy that would be a good representation for head or one of the VP’s or heads of the union. You know, he speaks well, he’s been there, done that, and he hasn’t always been on good terms with the UFC it sounds like. And I think that Georges – I can’t say for sure, but I remember some conversations when we were teaching and coaching on The Ultimate Fighter season 12, so in the conversations that I had with Georges at the time [It sounded like Georges wasn’t happy]. I think things will come 360 and something good is going to happen soon for us fighters. But the Welterweight division, it’s always going to be tough, because it’s that 170 to 185 type of athlete. So it’s the middle range and there’s a lot of guys out there in the world that are around that weight, and it seems to be always a tough division.”

    On if Josh ever had any real ill will towards Georges St. Pierre

    “Nah. We knew what our job was and we did it. So I have no ill will against Georges St. Pierre, so he’s a stand-up guy and I would even say that. You know, when you can edit things from the first day and put ’em in the last day and vice versa, editing can do some crazy things. But that’s what you sign up for reality TV and shows. But Georges is a great champion. When you can go out and you lose your title and then you win it back and then you go on a tear for four or five fights or whatever he did, that’s pretty impressive. He’s always been a great champion, he wore the belt great, and I’m excited about seeing the future of what Georges St. Pierre can bring to the table to help support the fighters.”

    On if there’s still a grudge there with Paul Daley all those years later from their original UFC fight

    “Yeah, you know, I’m ready to beat down Paul Daley again. That’s one of the reasons why I was so excited about signing with Bellator, and pretty much primarily the only reason I wanted to sign, is to get a chance to take this guy out. You know, I grinded him out. He still – after watching him fight – he’s still got 3rd grade wrestling. So it’s gonna be an easy fight for me. I probably won’t even do any wrestling for the whole camp, just because his wrestling is just pathetic and I can’t wait for that fight, and that’s what I’m working towards. I gotta go out there and obviously win a fight or win maybe two fights and hopefully Paul Daley can be my third fight. So I’m looking forward to potentially getting that fight next summer.”

    On how the second fight with Paul will play out compared to their first fight

    “I’ll finish him. It’s that plain and simple. I’m gonna finish Paul Daley and it’ll probably be in the first or second round. So that fight won’t go any further than that. I’ll put money on that.”

    On if Josh would be open to a fight with Chris Leben if he got signed to Bellator

    “Yeah I think so, but I think Chris Leben is still tied to the UFC, so I don’t see him getting…they own him. So I don’t see him becoming a free agent out of the UFC. But I’d definitely love that opportunity to get in there and mix it up with Chris Leben again.”

    If Josh is interested in fighting Andrey Koreshkov for the Welterweight title and becoming a champion in Bellator

    “Nope. I don’t care about a belt. You know what I care about? Big fights, big ratings and lots of butts in the seat. That’s what I care about. You know, at some point hopefully I’d love the opportunity to fight on like Fort Benning, or Fort Bragg, or Camp Lejeune, one of the military bases. I think that would be pretty surreal to the get the opportunity to go back there and Spike TV lines up a fight for the troops again. So that’s one of my goals , do one more fight for the troops at some point and just make it a good little run here in Bellator. I don’t care about belts. Those things are all sweet and dandy, but it’s not important for me. What’s important for me is to go out there and win a couple of fights and then whip Paul Daley’s ass. That’s all I care about.”

    On when we can expect Josh to have his first Bellator fight

    “Yup, we’ll be fighting Bellator in December. I don’t know if it’s the 11th or 12th. Whatever that Friday is of that week, that’s when I’m fighting, and I’m fighting in Fresno California.”

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (August 10): Vader wins IWGP title, Hogan wins WCW title, Luger wins U.S. title

    By Brian Hoops

    1939 – At Memorial Hall in Kansas City; World Junior Heavyweight Champion Steve Brody beat Prospector Pete 

    1944 – In Kansas City; Kansas; The Black Faced Panther beat Jimmy Coffield in 2 out of 3 falls and Orville Brown defeated Jack Hader 1 fall to 0.  

    1963 – In St. Paul, Minnesota at Midway Stadium; AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig in a fence (cage) match. Also, The Crusher beat Haystack Calhoun in 2 out of 3 falls, AWA Tag Team Champions Ivan Kalmikoff & Karol Kalmikoff beat Butch Levy & Don McClarty, Eddie Sharkey beat Gene Anderson and Iron Mike DiBiase beat Stan Kowalski. Attendance was 6,064

    1968 – In Chicago, Illinois; Dr X beat Wilbur Snyder, The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon, Bill Watts beat Harley Race and Blackjack Lanza beat Dutch Savage

    1972 – In Kansas City, Kansas; Steve Bolus & Les Thornton defeated Omar Atlas & Bobby Whitlock, The Viking vs. Jim Preacher, Danny Little Bear vs. Yasu Fuji, Terry Funk vs. Harley Race and Roger Kirby & Black Angus (w/ Percival A. Friend) vs. The Stomper & Rufus R. Jones

    1972 – In Jacksonville, Florida; NWA Champion Dory Funk Jr. beat Paul Jones, Eddie & Mike Graham beat Buddy Colt & Phil Robley, 
    Ray Stevens beat Louie Tillet and Nick Bockwinkel drew Mr Wrestling Tim Woods

    1973 – In Denver, Colorado; AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel on a 3rd fall countout. Also, Superstar Billy Graham beat Ken Patera, Red Bastien drew Ivan Koloff and Greg Gagne beat Ric Flair. Attendance was 4,501

    1976 – In Omaha, Nebraska; Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell ddq Mad Dog Vachon & Baron Von Raschke, 
    Bobby Duncum beat the Crusher, Peter Maivia beat Blackjack Lanza and Billy Red Cloud beat Buck Zumhofe

    1992 – Big Van Vader defeated Riki Choshu to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    1992 – Reno Riggins defeated Brian Christopher for the USWA Southern
    Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee.  On the same show, The Moondogs
    (Spot & Cujo) defeated Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Tag Team
    Title,

    1996 – Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant to win the WCW World Title at the
    WCW Hog Wild PPV in Sturgis, SD. Also on the show, WCW World Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat defeated Rick & Scott Steiner, WCW United States Champion Ric Flair defeated Eddie Guerrero and Scott Hall & Kevin Nash defeated Sting & Lex Luger. 

    1997 – Shinjiro Otani defeated El Samurai in Nagoya, Japan to win the J-Crown.

    1998 – On Monday Night Raw, Kane & Mankind defeated Steve Austin &
    Undertaker, Rock & D’Lo Brown, and the New Age Outlaws to win the WWF
    World Tag Team Title.

    1998 – On Monday Nitro, Lex Luger defeated Bret Hart for the United
    States Title and Chris Jericho defeated Stevie Ray for the WCW
    Television Title.

    2003 – Christian defeated Booker T for the WWE Intercontinental Title in
    Des Moines, Iowa.

    2008 – At the TNA Hard Justice PPV; AJ Styles defeated Kurt Angle in a Last Man Standing match and Samoa Joe defeated Booker T in a 6 sides of Steel match.

  • WWE News: NXT in Brooklyn now officially sold out

    The 8/22 NXT show headlined by Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens, set for the Barclays Center in Brookly, is now officially sold out with more than 13,000 total in attendance.

    The WWE will have, perhaps for the first time ever in North America, sold out a major NBA arena on three successive nights, with NXT, SummerSlam and Raw that week all with no tickets left.

    The first two hours of the show will be aired live on the WWE Network as a major Takeover show.  The third hour will be a television taping for the show after Takeover.