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  • FRI UPDATE: McGregor PPV buys, TripleMania, TNA star attacks Jarrett in angle, TNA tag title jinx

    By Dave Meltzer

    There is a huge weekend of live events, which starts tonight.

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s loaded up WWE show in Philadelphia with John Cena vs. Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt and Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose, tonight’s  NXT show in Orlando, tonight’s GFW show in Erie, PA and last night’s GFW show in Appleton, WI at Dave Meltzer

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON AXS ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8 P.M. (one hour earlier than usual)

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Bad Luck Fale

    Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

    Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada

    EVOLVE ON FRIDAY NIGHT FROM YBOR CITY, FL AT THE ORPHEUM AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM AT 8 P.M.

    Drew Galloway & Roderick Strong vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley

    Zack Sabre Jr. Vs. ?

    Chris Hero vs. Trevor Lee

    Rich Swann vs. Timothy Thatcher

    Andrew Everett vs Gary Jay

    Saturday, we’re looking for reports on WWE in Pittsburgh (John Cena, Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, Ryback, New Day, Big Show), Nashville (Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton and Sheamus), ROH in Hopkins, MN (A.J. Styles vs. Roderick Strong vs. Kyle O’Reilly, Jay Lethal & Truth Martini vs. Jay Briscoe & ODB, Adam Cole vs. Bobby Fish, Michael Elgin vs. Matt Taven) and NXT in Jacksonville.

    UFC 189 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m.

    Yosdenis Cedeno vs. Cody Pfister

    Neil Seery vs. Louis Smolka

    FS 1 at 8 p.m.

    Henry Briones vs. Cody Garbrandt

    Alex Garcia vs. Mike Swick

    John Howard vs. Cathal Pendred

    Matt Brown vs. Tim Means

    PPV at 10 p.m.

    Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett

    Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch

    Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens

    Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald for welterweight title

    Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes for interim featherweight title

    EVOLVE IPPV AT WWW.WWNLIVE.COM at 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday

    Drew Galloway vs. Trent Baretta fro Evolve title

    Chris Hero vs. ?

    Timothy Thatcher vs. Martin Stone

    TJ Perkins vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    Anthony Nese vs. Trevor Lee

    Caleb Konley vs. Andrew Everett

    On Sunday, we’re looking for reports on WWE in Macon, GA (Randy Orton, Sheamus, Ryback, Big Show, Kevin Owens, Prime Time Players) and Knoxville (Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, Kane, Cesaro, Dean Ambrose).

    UFC ON SUNDAY FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA ON FS 1 AT 8 P.M.

    George Sullivan vs. Dominic Waters

    Mike De La Torre vs. Maximo Blanco

    Dan Miller vs. Trevor Smith

    Caio Magalhaes vs. Josh Samman

    Willie Gates vs. Darrell Montague

    Russell Doane vs. Jarrod Sanders

    Angela Magana vs. Michelle Waterson

    Michael Graves vs. Vicente Luque

    Cezar Mutante Ferreira vs. Jorge Masvidal

    Hayden Hassan vs. Kamaru Usman in the TUF 21 season finale

    Jake Ellenberger vs. Steve Wonderboy Thompson

    Raw will be live on Monday from Atlanta.  Brock Lesnar is booked on the show.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday night in Birmingham.

    We’ve got a double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week, highlighted by part two of our look at the career and life of Dusty Rhodes.  This focuses on his babyface turn in Florida, his quest for the title, his rise to national prominence, and his feuds with Terry Funk, Superstar Billy Graham and Ole Anderson.  Plus, we look at this year’s G-1 Climax tournament, New Japan Dominion, lots of injury notes regarding some of WWE and TNA’s biggest stars, WWE lawsuit, Beast in the East and much more.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer:  July 13, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Dusty Rhodes bio part 2, back to back major shows in Japan

    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 www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    Our lead story this week looks at the babyface heyday of Dusty Rhodes as a touring attraction.  We look at how the business was in the 70s, the changes in the business in the Southeast and why, the rise of pro wrestling on cable television, his departure from World Championship Wrestling, and his first babyface run that people have forgotten.

    We look at the heyday of Championship Wrestling from Florida, the work of Gordon Solie, Eddie Graham, and Rhodes arrival in Florida in 1973.  We look at the angle that changed Rhodes’ career, the transition from Jack Brisco to Dusty Rhodes as the big star in Florida and how that changed the business, the Dusty Rhodes vs. Terry Funk I Quit match, the relationship between Rhodes and Funk, Dusty Rhodes’ first two NWA title runs, how the NWA title changed during the 70s and why and Rhodes’ quest for the title.  We also look at who Rhodes worked with, and his travels around the globe during his heyday, including some unique matches and opponents that most Americans don’t realize ever took place.

    We look at his Madison Square Garden feud with Superstar Billy Graham, pro wrestling at the Omni in Atlanta, Dusty Rhodes on TBS and the role pro wrestling made in the early history of cable television, as well as the famous angle where Ole Anderson & Ivan Koloff kicked off their feud with Rhodes that set cable records.

    We look at the famous Ole Anderson interview after turning on Dusty Rhodes and why their angle is so fondly remembered, The last Tangle in Tampa, the night that cable television changed the history of pro wrestling, the end of Roy Shire’s promotion, and the second world title run.

    We also have a look at the G-1 Climax tournament for this year, including the favorites, all the matches, as well as full coverage of the Dominion show from Osaka with Kazuchika Okada beating A.J. Styles for the IWGP title.

    We’ve got a look at WWE’s latest legal action, including filing suit against four wrestlers in Connecticut.  We also look at the cases of wrestlers who are suing WWE.

    We’ve also got complete coverage of Beast from the East, how the show came together, why Brock Lesnar was on the show, and match-by-match rundowns with star ratings and poll results.

    We also have more on the NXT show in Brooklyn before SummerSlam, how it will be promoted, a scary note on how bad the Tyson Kidd injury could have been, Battleground update, Dolph Ziggler storyline notes, more WWE injury notes, thoughts on Cesaro, Big Show talks about his demotion to OVW, Thoughts on the memo from five years ago with the notes for WWE announcers and how things have changed since then, Brie Bella talks NXT women coming up as well as vague notes on Daniel Bryan’s injury, thoughts on Bryan’s future as well as an update on Bruno Sammartino after back surgery.

    We also look at the Sports Illustrated article on pro wrestling this week, social media numbers, Ambrose movie release, why Regal was in Japan, WWE’s Japan tryouts, Piper leaving Podcast One, Austin talking Piper leaving Podcast One, longtime WWE writer takes new job, notes on Randy Orton, USA Network take on Tough Enough, Jamie Noble and Becky Lynch injury updates, WWE stock, movies with WWE talent, lots of Tough Enough news, as well as notes from all the weekend live events, business notes and highlights from all 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.

    Also in this week’s issue:

    –CMLL running a free live stream this week

    –Notes from the latest shows at Arena Mexico

    –Controversy coming from a womens’ hair vs. hair match

    –Notes from this past week’s AAA TV taping

    –A look at the monthly Dragon Gate show at Korakuen Hall

    –A look at the next two Dragon Gate iPPV shows

    –A look at the last Pro Wrestling NOAH show at Korakuen Hall

    –Notes on Tetsuya Naito’s apparent heel turn

    –New Japan’s last Korakuen Hall show

    –Zero-One Fire Festival notes

    –Notes on the heyday of OVW

    –A look at the upcoming GFW shows

    –Hulk Hogan lawsuit news

    –A look at the careers and lives of who are believed to be the two oldest living pro wrestlers

    –A look at a former WWE star who will star in a reality show piggy backing off Total Divas

    –Former AAA star has a major accident

    –Notes on the next PWG show

    –Wrestling returns to Royal Albert Hall in London

    –Update on Lucha Underground

    –NXT and ROH go head-to-head in Brooklyn and what ROH is running

    –Notes on return of Austin Aries to ROH nest week

    –Notes on Andy Barton leaving TNA

    –Update on Kurt Angle

    –Thoughts on the GFW deal

    –Notes on Gilbert Melendez failing his drug test

    –Dana White talks about how much Aldo would have made if he had fought McGregor

    –Update on Jon Jones

    –Notes on all the UFC shows this week

    –Notes on the IV ban

    –UFC fighter retires

    –Crazy street fight story involving a former UFC fighter and a current one

    –Notes on charges against the husband of Britney Palmer

    –Notes on fighters cut from UFC

    –Jose Aldo drug test note

    –Sonnen pranks Mendes just before the fight

    –Notes on Jacare Souza

    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.

    FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    • Those in UFC claim that the PPV advance for Saturday as far as orders go as of Wednesday were ahead of any show to date including UFC 100.  Almost all PPV buys are done the day of the show so that isn’t yet a strong indication of guaranteed success, but it’s a good indication.  Within the PPV industry, the belief is this will top 725,000 buys and that with Aldo, it would have beaten that handily.  The belief is a McGregor win would mean Aldo vs. McGregor, whenever that would happen, would be much bigger than it would have been tomorrow.  However, a Mendes win, the belief is, would cost all parties involved a combined $45 million.  And a lot of smart people favor Mendes, although McGregor is the betting favorite.
    • They are also expecting the largest crowd in history for a UFC show in Las Vegas to the weigh-ins today.
    • I hope all pro wrestling schools are paying attention and sports business classes are paying attention to the value of a personality and promo when it comes to the world of sports entertainment.  Everyone who aspires to be a main event wrestler really should watch yesterday’s press conference.  While we have examples in past decades of people who have been able to talk people into seats, for a guy in a 200,000 buy weight class who hasn’t even won the title to pull this off is a great modern era example.
    • A first-time ever dream match of Rey Mysterio Jr. taking on Myzteziz was announced earlier today as the main event for Triple Mania, which takes place on 8/9 at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City.  The show will air on iPPV into North America.
    • Lisa Lee Fox, who was Executive Vice President of content with WWE, was let go earlier this week.  She was overseer of creative and also in charge of content, such as the WWE Network.
    • Davey Richards was knocked out in a match last night in West Virginia.  He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and was told that he couldn’t fly, nor wrestle this weekend.  No word on how long he’ll have to be out of action, but The Wolves are the TNA tag team champions and the next tapings start in 12 days.
    • Richards was scheduled for Evolve shows tonight in Ybor City, FL and tomorrow night in Orlando.  His respective opponents, Zack Sabre Jr. and Chris Hero, will be on the shows and will face a new opponent in a singles match.
    • UFC 189 is the No. 26 most searched for term in the U.S. as of this morning.  Usually it doesn’t crack the list until the day of the show.
    • For twitter, the leading numbers are

    UFC 189 39,800 tweets

    Invicta 14,900

    Cris Cyborg 9,668

    Jamie Moyle 264

    • Eric Young attacked Jeff Jarrett in an angle at the TNA show last night in Appleton, WI.  Young came out and wanted Jarrett.  Jarrett said he’d give him a match on the show, but Young didn’t want that.  He attacked Jarrett and stole the King of the Mountain belt, saying he was bringing it back to where it belonged.
    • Rowdy Bec Rawlings was pulled from the UFC show on FS 1 on 7/18 due to an injury.  Joanne Calderwood will now face the debuting Cortney Casey on UFC’s debut card in Glasgow, Scotland.
    • Check the Thursday update for all the activities in Las Vegas this weekend. 
    • Several pro wrestling types were at the Invicta show last night.  CM Punk was there, and I believe Adam Cole and Roderick Strong were, although I didn’t see them.  Shayna Baszler was there and she said she’s looking at doing more pro wrestling as a competitor.  Baszler is the exact opposite of what they wanted on Tough Enough, but she’d have been perfect for the show as a personality.  But they were looking for bikini models and a few years younger women.  We talked about the street fight story that is in this week’s issue and she said it’s still surreal thinking about it.  Josh Barnett also was interested in doing more over the next year with pro wrestling, particularly in Japan.  UFC stars were everywhere, as well as many of the top brass at UFC.  No Dana White, but both matchmakers, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby were there.
    • It looks like the plan going forward will be to have Invicta shows in Las Vegas, more on the Friday nights before UFC.  They did more than 1,000 paid and the theater at the Cosmopolitan was a great place to watch fights. 
    • Sabu suffered a bad shoulder injury, but left for a wrestling tour of Europe this week.
    • Ronda Rousey refused to break training to come to International Fight Week.  She and Jose Aldo (injured) are just about the only top UFC stars not here.

  • VIDEO: DON FRYE previews UFC 189~!

  • VIDEO: UFC Embedded 8 with Conor McGregor

  • TNA tag champ Davey Richards knocked out, off Evolve weekend

    Evolve Wrestling reported this morning that Davey Richards will be off its two weekend iPPV shows due to an injury suffered last night.

    Richards, who is half of the TNA tag team chamion Wolves, was wrestling last night in West Virginia, and was knocked out during a match.  He was rushed via ambulance to the hospital.  Due to the injuires he was both forbidden from flying, and from wrestling.

    He was scheduled for shows tonight in Ybor City, FL against Zack Sabre Jr., and tomorrow night against Chris Hero.  In both cases, a new main event caliber opponent will be a replacement according to the promotion.

  • UFC announces a new brand identity starting tomorrow night

    UFC® Unveils New Brand Identity

    UFC launches a transformed visual identity, from its signature logo

    mark to its broadcast package, ahead of UFC 189: MENDES vs. MCGREGOR

    Las Vegas – As the doors swing open on the 2015 UFC Fan Expo®, UFC® will unveil a completely transformed visual identity – the first since the mixed martial arts (MMA) organization was purchased by Zuffa, LLC in 2001. The biggest transformation will be experienced by fans watching UFC® 189: MENDES vs. MCGREGOR this Saturday, with the launch of a completely redesigned graphics package. 

    UFC’s new visual identity, designed in partnership with Hollywood-based branding and marketing agency Troika, celebrates the UFC position as an undeniable force in the world of sport. It further brings to life the UFC brand attributes: premium, electric and lionhearted, while also elevating UFC athletes as larger-than-life heroes. 

    The broadcast will feature innovations throughout the on-screen information system, enabling depth of storytelling while enhancing the viewing experience with a low profile footprint that does not distract from the action in the famed Octagon®. UFC also moves to center clock in broadcast – a first in combat sports.

    “UFC has and always will be true to its DNA,” UFC Chief Global Brand Officer Garry Cook said. “We didn’t set out to reinvent ourselves, we looked at ways to build on our solid foundation and better deliver on a broad range of storytelling components, providing more context and meaning, and further enhancing the viewing experience for our fans.”

    With an increasing slate of content available across a wide range of platforms, design elements where heavily focused on providing navigational clarity and product differentiation for fans. The newly designed logo architecture and brand signatures, which include an ownable tab system utilized across all UFC properties, will be especially prominent in marketing and promotional materials serving to distinguish Pay-Per-View (PPV) events from broadcast and those exclusive to UFCFIGHTPASS.com. 

    An overview of UFC’s new visual identify can be viewed here: http://media.ufc.tv/PR/UFC_BRAND.pdf

    For a full look at the transformed UFC broadcast identity tune-in on Saturday, July 11 as UFC 189: MENDES vs. MCGREGOR goes live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

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  • On this day in pro wrestling history (July 10): Ric Flair vs. Lex Luger blood stoppage match, Jeff Hardy vs. Mike Awesome

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1941 – In Kansas City, Kansas; Dorv Roche beat Jack Kennedy in two straight falls to become #1 contender to the MWA World Title. Also, Benny Rosen beat Rudy Strongberg, Steve Brody defeated Earl Wampler and Jack Hader beat Dobie Osborne. Promoter was George Simpson

    1947 – At Memorial Hall in Kansas City; Orville Brown beat Wally Dusek to retain the MWA Title, Tug Carlson drew Sockeye Jack McDonald, Sailor Fred Blassie beat Rudy Strongberg and Marshall Esteppe drew Jack Hader.

    1962 – In Minneapolis, MN before 3,280 fans; AWA Champion Mr. M beat Joe Scarpello by countout, Verne Gagne beat Bob Geigel, Ilio Dipaolo beat Blackjack Daniels and Doug Gilbert beat Thor Hagan.

    1964 – In Denver, Colorado; Mad Dog Vachon & Fritz von Erich beat Verne Gagne & Art Thomas, Mitsu Arakawa beat Wilbur Snyder by dq and Jack Lanza beat Larry Hennig

    1965 – In Minneapolis before 5,710 fans; AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon beat The Crusher dq, AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Rene Goulet & Eddie Sharkey, Tex McKenzie beat Pampero Firpo and Chris Markoff beat Bill Green

    1967 – Lou Albano & Tony Altimore defeated Arnold Skaaland & Chuck Richards (subbing for Spiros Arion) for the United States Tag Team Title in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

    1968 – In Duluth, Minnesota; Dr. X beat Wilbur Snyder, Bill Watts beat Harley Race, The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon and Man Mountain Mike beat Blackjack Daniels. Attendance was 3,300.

    1970 – In Denver; AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon beat The Crusher & Verne Gagne in 2 out of 3 falls, Paul Diamond beat Double X in 2 out of 3 falls and Red Bastien beat Blackjack Lanza by dq.

    1971 – AWA ran a double shot with AWA Tag Team Champions Red Bastien & Hercules Cortez beat Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson to retain the titles in St. Paul, Minnesota. Also on the card, Billy Robinson beat Big K, Vivian Vachon beat Mars Monroe and Don Muraco beat Aldo Bogni; in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before a sellout of 6,112 fans; AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Edouard Carpentier, Nick Bockwinkel beat Dick The Bruiser by countout, Wilbur Snyder and Baron Von Raschke went to a double countout, Bull Bullinski beat Joe Turco and Angelo Poffo drew Bill Howard

    1974 – At John O’Donnell Stadium in Davenport, Iowa; AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz, Ivan Putski beat Baron Von Raschke, Chris Taylor beat Larry Heiniemi and Larry Hennig beat Bull Bullinski

    1975 – Greg Gagne beat Nick Bockwinkel in Duluth, Minnesota.

    1978 – In Wichita, Kansas; Gene Stevens (Frank Dalton) vs. Pat O’Conner, Tank Patton vs. Gary Young, The Blue Yankee (former Inferno Curtis Smith) & Bob Sweetan vs. Ron Starr & Tom Andrews and in a Texas Death Match; Bulldog Bob Brown vs. Col. Buck Robley

    1982 – In Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Hulk Hogan beat Ken Patera, Greg Gagne no contest Sheik Adnan, Rick Martel beat Bobby Heenan and Buck Zumhofe beat Sgt. Goulet

    1985 – In Las Vegas, Nevada at the Showboat Sports Pavilion; Sgt. Slaughter won battle royal, Sgt. Slaughter beat Larry Zbyszko dq, Fabulous Freebirds beat Curt Hennig & Greg Gagne, Nick Bockwinkel beat Baron Von Raschke, Billy Robinson beat Bob Backlund and Brad Rheingans drew Ray Stevens. Attendance was 1,500.

    1988 – In Baltimore, Maryland at the Great American Bash PPV, The Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) to win the NWA United States Tag Team Title. Also on the card, NWA United States Champion Barry Windham defeated Dusty Rhodes and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Lex Luger when the match was stopped by the Maryland State Athletic Commission due to Luger bleeding.

    1992 – In Whitesville, Virginia; SMW Heavyweight Champion Brian Lee pinned the Dirty White Boy and SMW Tag Team Champions The Heavenly Bodies, Stan Lane & Tom Prichard defeated The Fantastics, Bobby & Jackie Fulton via disqualification.

    1998 – In Inglewood, California; WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg pinned Curt Hennig and Sting defeated Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match via submission.

    2001 – Jeff Hardy defeated Mike Awesome for the WWF Hardcore Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

    2011 – At Destination X PPV; Brian Kendrick defeated Abyss to win the X Division Championship.

    2014 – Austin Aries defeated Sanada to win the TNA X Division Title.

  • WWE NXT July 9 Largo, FL, house show results: Tag team title three-way, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella

    Submitted by Chris

    – Dasha and Zahra Schriber split ring announcing duties.

    – Uhaa Nation def. Elias Sampson with a standing moonsault.  Nation’s physique blew away everyone else on this show and his athleticism was very impressive.

    – Gionna Daddio and Lina def. KC and Jessie.  Daddio has a Jersey gimmick.  She sold most of the way until Lina came in, cleaned house and got the pin with a spinebuster. KC looked pretty good here.

    – Sasha Banks came out for a promo and was bragging about being the queen of the divas division when Carmella came out to set up a title match for later.

    – Mike Rawlis def. Angelo Dawkins with a razors edge.  Not much to this one.

    – Jason Jordan and Chad Gable def. The Mechanics (Dash and Dawson).

    – Bull Dempsey def. Tyler Breeze with the top rope sit-down splash.  Tons of comedy here as Dempsey got a burger from the concession stand before the show started.  In the match, they did a criss-cross spot until Bull got blown up.  Then a bag of Doritos was thrown in the ring and they did some spots around that for minute.  Crowd was into Bull’s antics.

    – Baron Corbin def. Solomon Crowe with the end of days.  Standard fare.

    – Preston Cunningham Junior the first (that’s not a typo) came out and cut a promo on how his dad funded the show for us fans.  This was dying when Sabby Piscatelli came out. He’s a former Buccaneer player so he got a reaction. He turned heel by insulting the town.  The two eventually got into a brief brawl before Sabby ran off.

    – Women’s Champion Sasha Banks def. Carmella to retain the women’s title with the bank statement submission. Pretty good match here with some chain moves and reversals.

    – Tag Champions Blake and Murphy won a three-way over Enzo & Cass and the Vaudevillains with the superplex/frog splash combo on Enzo.  Enzo and Cass got the biggest reaction of the night by far.  Vaudevillains were over as well.

    Notes:

    The advertising and Twitter is very weird regarding these shows.  First off, WWE rarely delivers on who they advertise.  This listing had Balor, Charlotte, Banks, Bayley, Tyler Breeze, Enzo & Cass.  Balor, Charlotte and Bayley all weren’t here.  Secondly, on Twitter, Braun Stroman, Bayley and Becky Lynch all tweeted today about the show but didn’t appear.

  • Invicta FC live results: Cyborg vs. Van Duin headlines 3 title fight show

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    Welcome to our live coverage of Invicta from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas with three title fights, headlined by Cris Cyborg Justino.

    Marina Shafir (1-1) vs. Amber Leibrock (0-0), featherweights

    First round: Both trading punches.  Leibrock decked her and pounded her out on the gorund in less than a minute.  This MMA thing isn’t going well for Marina.  She was probably the second biggest name in the company except for Cyborg. :37

    Jamie Moyle (2-0) vs. Amy Montengero (6-1), strawweights

    First round:   Moyle pushed her against the fence.  Both throwing knee in the clinch.  Moyle landed punches and a front kick.  Now both throwing knees.  Moyle took her down and has her  back.  She’s working for a choke.  Montenegro got to the top when Moyle failed opusn a submission attempt.  Moyle went for an armbar and Montenegro with a short power bomb to get out of it.  Montenegro with some elbows.  Takedown by Moyle and she got back to the top with an ankle pick.  Moyle with punches.  Knee by Moyle.  Moyle 10-9.  Good round.       

    Second round: Moyle landed a right.  Both throwing.  Motegegro landing more.  Montenegro keeps landing.  Moyle with low kicks.  Nice right by Moyle.  Body kick by Moyle.  In a clinch.  Knee by Moyle.  Knees by Montenegro from the clinch.  Takedown by Moyle.  Moyle with good punches on the ground but Montenegro up.  Hard elbows by Montenegro.  Montenegro’s round so 19-19.

    Third round: Montenegro pushed her against the fence.  Ref Kim Winslow broke the clinch.  Lots of knees by Montengero.  They are back in a clinch and more knees.  Moyle now coming back but Montenegro grabbed a clinch and pushed her against the fence.  Montengro with punches.  Montenegro 29-28.

    Scores:   29-28 Moyle 29-28 Montenegro 29-28 Moyle.  Second and third rounds were close.

    Amber Brown (4-1) vs. Catherine Costigan (5-0), atomweights

    First round: Brown took her down into mount. Brown with punches and elbows. Brown landing more punches and elbows.  Now Brown has her back.  Brown throwing a lot of punches from the back position.  She locked in the choke and it was over.  Total one-sided fight.  3:34

    Jessica-Rose Clark (5-1) vs Pannie Kianzad (7-0), bantamweights

    First round: Kianzad got behind her.  Now they are clinched.  Kianzad landing well.  Takedown by Kianzad.  Kianzad 10-9.

    Second round: Both throwing but Kianzad is crisper and landing strong.  Body shot and a knee by Kianzad.  Now Kianzad has her pushed against the fence and took her down.  Kianzad now in side control.  Kianzad tried a triangle, lost it and Clark got on top.  Kianzad reversed back to the top immediately.  Now Clark working for a triangle.  Clark working for an armbar but Kianzad out.  Kianzad sat on her and threw punches.  Kianzad 20-18.

    Third round: Kianzad landing strong punches early.  Kianzad landing solid punches.  Nice body shot by Kianzad.  Hard right by Kianzad.  Kianzad landing good punches.  Clark wth a knee tot he body but keeps getting tagged coming in.  Kianzad 30-27.

    Scores: 30-27 across the board for Kianzad

    Herica Tiburcio (9-2) vs. Ayaka Hamasaki (11-1) for the atomweight title

    First round: Hamasaki much bigger.  She moved in with punches.  Tiburcio hurt her with punches and grabbed a guillotine from the top.  She’s now in full mount.  Tiburcio 10-9

    Second round: Takedown by Hamasaki.  Nothing much happening and Kim Winslow ordered a standup.  Right by Hamasaki.  Tiburcio went for a takedown but Hamasaki ended up on top. Winslow ordered another standup.  Tiburcio grabbed a guillotine just as the round ended. Hamasaki’s round so 19-19.

    Third round:   Hamasaki with a takedown to start the round.  Tiburcio working for a gogoplata from the bottom but not close.  Hamasaki got another takedown.  But Tiburcio turned Hamasaki over and had her back, with a body triangle.  Hamasaki’s round 29-28.

    Fourth round: Hamasaki with a takedown.  Hamasaki throwing elbows to the ribs.  Tiburcio working for a triangle from the bottom.  Kim Winslow ordered another standup.  Another takedown by Hamasaki.  Hamasaki’s round 39-37.

    Fifth round: Another takedown by Hamasaki.  This is quite the boring fight.  Hamasaki has her back.  Hamasaki is more active throwing punches.  Tiburcio up as Hamasaki slipped off.  Hamasaki with a few punches and another takedown.  Hamasaki 49-46, should win the title

    Scores: 48-47 Tiburcio, 48-47 Hamasaki 49-46 Hamasaki to win the title

    Irene Aldana (5-1) vs. Tonya Evinger (15-5) for the vacant bantamweight title

    First round: Evinger with takedown.  She threw some elbows to the face.  Evinger has full mount.  She’s throwing punches. Elbow by Evinger.  Evinger has an armbar.  Aldana squirming like a Japanese pro wrestling spot.  The place went nuts when she escaped.  Elbow by Evinger.  Mexico chants for Aldana.  Evinger pounding on her.   Aldana reversed to the top in the closing seconds.  Aldana bleeding. Crowd went pretty wild at the end of the round.  10-8 Evinger.

    Second round: Right by Evinger.  Evinger pushed her against the fence.  Takedown by Evinger.  Evinger just holding her down.  Evinger’s round should be up 20-17.

    Third round: Evinger slowing down.  Evinger tried a hiptoss but didn’t get it.  Takedown by Evinger.  Evinger moved to full mount.  Evinger with punches and elbows,  More punches and elbows.  Evinger went for an armbar as time ran out.  Almost a 10-8 but not quite 30-26 for Evinger.  Evinger threw up in her corner after the round.

    Fourth round: Aldana with low kicks.  Body kick by Aldana.  Right by Evinger.  Evinger tried a takedown and got behind Aldana on the ground dragging her down.  Evinger now in full mount.  Evinger landing punches.  More punches and elbows from the mount.  The ref stopped the first chance he really had to do so as it was a constant one-sided beating but never enough for a stoppage until that point.   4:38

    Cris Cyborg Justino (13-1) vs. Faith Van Duin (5-1) for the featherweight title

    First round: Cyborg clocked her off a clinch.  She’s lighting her up, took her down, was pounding her on the ground and it was stopped.  This was a slaughter. :45

  • WWE Smackdown July 9 TV results & recap: Seth Rollins vs. Ryback, Big Show vs. Roman Reigns

    By Steve Khan, WrestlingObserver.com

    – Air Date: July 9, 2015 (July 8 in Canada)

    – Location: Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI

    The Big News:

    Dean Ambrose had a difficult time with Bo Dallas, Roman Reigns got outsmarted again by Bray Wyatt, and Seth Rollins couldn’t beat Ryback.

    Show Recap:

    Seth Rollins, who else, came out to start the show without his security. Rollins called himself more of a man than anyone in the crowd, which is technically true of roughly half the crowd. Rollins said he called out Brock Lesnar to face him man-to-man but Lesnar is a coward who took out his frustrations on his new Cadillac CTS, while also snapping Jamie Noble’s arm and suplexing Joey Mercury through the windshield.

    Rollins said the $56,000 is pocket change to him, but the car was gift was for his family and Lesnar messed with his family. As Rollins went on about slaying the beast, a rollback tow truck backed in with the destroyed Cadillac and Tom Phillips fake-laughed.

    Paul Heyman came out and said Rollins would be alone at Battleground, insinuated that J&J won’t be there. Heyman said the damage to the car pales in comparison to what Lesnar would do to Rollins for violating the 11th commandment and Lesnar would drag him down to the pits of Suplex City.

    Rollins said he would be the one to leave Lesnar looking like the car, leaving Heyman all alone with no client. Rollins repeated all of his accomplishments and Heyman said Lesnar would be standing tall with the title.

    Before Heyman could finish yelling Brock Lesnar’s name, Rollins told him to shut up and announced that he would be leaving as champion. (It doesn’t matter, but if you listen closely, you can tell Seth had to redub a few words at the end of his promo.)

    They announced Rollins vs. Ryback and Roman Reigns vs. Big Show for tonight.

    Dean Ambrose beat Bo Dallas via pinfall

    Bo cut a dumb promo before the match, taking credit for The Rock’s success and saying Ambrose needed to shower. Bo tossed Ambrose shoulder first into the ring post four times and then into the barricade. Bo hit a suplex and applied a headlock, which went all the way through a commercial break.

    Ambrose fought out and popped up like a movie monster, stopping Bo in his tracks. That was funny. Ambrose hit a suicide dive, tossed Bo back in the ring and went to the top, but Bo ran up the middle rope and suplexed Ambrose, followed by a downward spiral for a two count. Ambrose came back with a bulldog and Dirty Deeds for the win. Bo got way too much offense and I have no idea why they did this match again.

    Backstage, Show asked Rollins if he was overwhelmed. Rollins said no, but would appreciate any help in taking down Lesnar. Show said this was Rollins’ mission and asked if he could handle Ryback tonight. Rollins said he would make an example of Ryback because brains always beats brawn. Show told Rollins he had the right attitude and would take out Reigns tonight.

    They recapped the Rusev-Ziggler segment from Raw. Phillips said Ziggler suffered a severely bruised trachea.

    Rusev (w/Summer Rae) beat Fandango via submission

    Rusev is now wearing boots, which the commentators acknowledged. Fandango tried flirting with Summer. And by flirting I mean thrusting in her direction. Fandango got some offense but Rusev won after a superkick and Accolade.

    Rusev wouldn’t break the hold after the match and Summer didn’t stop him. He eventually did stop and posed with Summer. Quick win but he took too many bumps considering his opponent. Rusev did appear to be moving around fine.

    Roman Reigns beat Big Show via DQ

    Show wore a sleeveless compression shirt under his singlet for some reason. The match essentially started with the finishing sequence. Reigns sized up Show for the superman punch and Bray Wyatt’s music hit. Someone started down the aisle but Reigns knew it wasn’t Wyatt.

    Wyatt appeared from behind and Reigns turned around and hit him with a superman punch. The lights came back on and Reigns hit Show with two superman punches and got ready for the spear, but Wyatt crotched him on the steel post for a DQ. Show immediately hit a chokeslam and Wyatt followed with a Sister Abigail. Wyatt posed and got decent heat.

    Both heels basically no-sold the superman punch and Reigns was again thwarted easily. Also, Jimmy Uso—who spoke about how well he knew Reigns during this match—just sat there and watched.

    Titus O’Neil (w/Darren Young) beat Big E (w/Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) via pinfall

    With both men down, Kingston and Woods jumped on the apron so the referee tossed them. O’Neil hit his sitout spinebuster for the win.

    Randy Orton came out for a promo. Orton said he’s been in WWE for 13 and has made plenty of enemies but nobody has gotten under his skin more than Sheamus. Oh, really? He asked the Milwaukee crowd if they thought Sheamus was entertaining and they booed. Orton said he would try to make Sheamus entertaining by ripping off his stupid mohawk and shoving it up his white arse.

    Orton was about to leave, but The Ascension came out, angry at him for taking away from their match time. They told Orton to leave but he didn’t. Orton gave Konnor an RKO and Viktor an elevated DDT. Orton finished off Viktor with an RKO and Phillips yelled “RKO outta nowhere!” even though he was standing right in front of the guy. This segment was fine.

    They recapped the Cena-Cesaro match from Raw.

    Alicia Fox & Brie Bella (w/Nikki Bella) beat Tamina & Naomi via pinfall

    Naomi and Tamina worked over Brie who eventually tagged in Fox for the quietest hot tag ever. Tamina blind tagged in but Nikki distracted the referee, Brie attacked Tamina from behind and Fox finished her with an ugly scissors kick. Tamina actually kicked out right after the three count, probably because Fox doesn’t know how to cover her opponent. This sucked.

    Backstage, Ryback told a male interviewer that Rollins is a pathetic, gutless child, and that champions don’t run and hide. He said Rollins couldn’t run tonight and Ryback would show him what it’s like to be a real champion. This was… pretty good.

    They announced Brock Lesnar would be on Raw this Monday.

    Non-Title: IC Champion Ryback beat WWE Champion Seth Rollins via countout

    Jerry Lawler reiterated that Rollins is the champion so the money lost on the car is no big deal to him. I’m glad they mentioned this again. Ryback did a delayed vertical suplex which Phillips said went close to a minute. It was actually 28 seconds. Uso said his nose bled the last time he took this move.

    After a break, Rollins knocked Ryback out of the ring with a superkick, hit a suicide dive and launched him into the barricade. Rollins tossed Ryback in the ring before mimicking Lesnar by leaping onto the apron.

    Ryback came back with a shoulder block, back body drop, running powerslam and spinebuster. Ryback countered a superkick into a powerbomb and followed with a meat hook clothesline. Rollins slipped out of a shellshock and hit an enziguri. Rollins grabbed his belt and began leaving but Ryback went after him.

    Rollins again slipped out of a shellshock and sprinted through the crowd. Ryback won via countout as Rollins posed on the stage with the WWE title.

    Big Show came out and went after Ryback with Rollins. They beat on him briefly until Reigns came out for the save. Reigns nailed Show with a spear and Ryback finally caught Rollins with a shellshock. Ryback’s music played as he and Reigns posed to end the show.

    Final Thoughts:

    This show sucked. No good wrestling and the two advertised main events ended in a DQ and countout. Also, Tom Phillips is awful.

  • Wednesday Night Wars: TNA, ROH viewership numbers

    By Dave Meltzer, WrestlingObserver.com

    Both TNA and ROH on Destination America were up significantly from last week, returning to their usual levels. The TNA combined audience was their best (by 2,000 viewers) since moving to Wednesday, while ROH did better for its show that aired after TNA than for the original airing.

    – 8 p.m. ROH 128,000 viewers

    – 9 p.m. TNA 353,000 viewers

    – 11 p.m. ROH 134,000 viewers

    – Midnight TNA 100,000 viewers

    Combined:

    TNA: 453,000 viewers
    ROH: 262,000 viewers