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  • WWE Springfield, IL, live results: AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns plus Simpsons & Abe Lincoln references

    Submitted by William Buss

    – Enzo and Cass defeated The Dudley Boyz

    The first match saw Enzo and Cass taking on the Dudley Boyz. Everyone was into Enzo and Cass’ mic work and shouted along to their catchphrases. Bubba Ray got hear before the match by taking a sign from a fan but Enzo saved the day before he could rip it. Enzo and Cass went over in the end with the rocket launcher.

    – Titus O’Neil defeated Viktor of the Ascension with the Clash of the Titus

    – Goldust defeated Tyler Breeze

    Fandango ran down to distract Goldust. R Truth ran down to even the odds and Goldust put Breeze away with the Final Cut. Afterwards Golden Truth danced to R Truth’s theme song and did some comedy work.

    – Gallows and Anderson defeated the Hype Bros

    Anderson and Gallows won with the Magic Killer on Mojo. Lots of Bullet Club chants and Wolfpack/Too Sweet handsigns. Okay for what it was.

    – Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens

    Owens got some heat especially after doing some mic work after bailing to ringside at the beginning. He even threw in a Simpsons reference by saying Shelbyville was better than Springfield. These guys click. It was more tame than previous matches the two of had because it was a house show, but these guys have such good chemistry together, that it makes even simple matches really good. Owens played such a good heel. The match was built like most of their matches with Owens beating Zayn up, Zayn getting in a few hope spots only to be cutoff by Owens again. In the end, Owens went for a pop up powerbomb, Sami turned it into a drop kick in mid air and then hit the Helluva Good Kick in the corner for the win.

    – Apollo Crews defeated Sheamus

    Sheamus got on the mic before the match and said he was going to defeat the New Era because it was garbage. He tried to get some heat by saying that even if Abraham Lincoln was alive today, he would be ashamed of calling Springfield his hometown. This match was just there. Lots of rest holds. In the end, Sheamus went for White Noise and Crews slipped out and rolled him up for the three.

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte defeated Natalya to retain

    Charlotte got heat early on by ripping up a fan’s sign in the ring that Natalya had brought in. They worked the match around both of them trying to lock in their submission moves with Charlotte getting the figure four on once and Natalya reversing it, and Nattie sinking in the sharpshooter once and Charlotte making the ropes. In the end, Natalya was thrown into the turnbuckles and Charlotte schoolboyed her from behind, placing her feet on the ropes for the win. Afterwards, the crowd gave Natalya a good ovation and chanted her name.

    – WWE Champion Roman Reigns defeated AJ Styles to retain

    This match was pretty decent for a house show match. The crowd was actually pretty split in who they were rooting for. Reigns played a somewhat cocky heel, not fully committing to it but doing some heelish mannerisms. The match was built around both guys going for their big moves and each time falling short. At one point, Reigns went for the Superman punch only to be met with a Pele kick from AJ.

    AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm three times, each time getting countered. He even teased a Styles Clash at one point. In the end, AJ went for the forearm, Reigns countered it with a Superman Punch and then hit the spear to retain the championship.

    First time taking my youngest kid to see wrestling and he really enjoyed it. The building was maybe half to three fourths full. The crowd seemed to be into mostly everything. Overall, it was an entertaining show that the people around me were entertained by including my son. I went in expecting a house show and that’s what I got which isn’t bad. The Owens-Zayn match and the main event were actually good matches and there really wasn’t any terrible matches as they all had fun elements in them.

  • NXT Cocoa, FL, live results: Finn Balor & Nakamura vs. The Revival; Nia Jax & Lana team up

    I’m here at Cocoa Beach, FL, with approximately 250.

    – Patrick Clark beat Dan Matha

    The big guy Matha used his strength early, even putting Patrick in a camel clutch. We had a double down where Patrick kipped up and made his way to the top for an impressive missile dropkick for the win.

    – The Authors Of Pain best Chris Atkins and Noah

    The larger heels destroyed the happy faces before the bell even rang. Once order was restored, the match officially started only for the Authors to continue their onslaught and take the dominant win.

    – Adrienne Reese beat Mandy Rose

    This was a very good match as they both hit some impressive moves. Mandy hit a great looking running knee and a kick behind Adrienne’s head. Adrienne caught Mandy with a snap rana from her back, a beautiful middle rope springboard crossbody, and finally hit the off the top rope spinning stunner for the win.

    – Angelo Dawkins beat Tucker Knight

    Mean Guy Match as they used power and holds to work each other over. Dawkins got his feet on the ropes to steal the pin.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Buddy Murphy

    Pre-match, Dillinger took the mic and said Murphy has been through a lot lately. The crowd taunted him with a “He got dumped” chant so Dillinger went with it and then the “She’s A Ten” chants when Alexa was brought up. Dillinger even asked if Murphy could give her his number. Funny stuff.

    Very good match with Murphy working over Tye’s arm, there was an inside out crossbody by Tye to Murphy on the floor. The finish was a great superkick followed by the exposed knee to the back of the head. Post match, Murphy stayed down until the doc could check on him, but he was able to make his way to the back on his own. He simply got his bell rung.

    – Nia Jax and Lana beat Daria and NXT Women’s Champion Asuka

    Nia did most of the work as expected. Lana would tag in when she had the advantage, and kept it very simple, yet fun. Asuka and Nia traded action and holds, and the bearhug by Nia was the hold of choice to keep Asuka grounded. Daria and Lana mixed it up at one point and traded kicks. Lana plays to her flexibility and attempts high kicks for most of her offense. Nia scored the win over Daria with a tree slam. Post match, Lana played it up as she was proud of her victory, pointing at kids and mocking them with thumbs down and sad faces.

    – Elias Samson beat Chris Girard

    Hard-hitting match with Drifter using some new offense other than the headlock like a crossface, spinebuster, and a running knee. Girard went for a running uppercut but was caught with the spinning neckbreaker for the win.

    – Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura beat The Revival

    Amazingly entertaining match with The Revival taunting everything and playing the foil to these amazing superstar wrestlers. Balor at live events is much more confrontational and sassy towards his opponents: instigating conflicts between Dash and Dawson, throwing each over the top rope, laughing at them and leading crowd chants. Shinsuke laid in some hard knees and strikes to some great reactions.

    Finn ran Dash corner to corner then struck him with vicious chops. Dawson got one for his trouble as well. The finish was a double pin with Finn hitting the 1916 when Shinsuke hit the Kinshasa on each of the Revival. Post match, Finn did Nakamura’s Yeaoh! pose on the ropes. They also Too Sweeted and Finn put up the guns.

  • Daily Update: NJPW lineup, WWE 24 Seth Rollins, UFC 199 call

    With a huge weekend of ringed combat ahead of us this Memorial Day, let’s look at some of the potential awesomeness… AJ Styles vs. Shibata from NJPW on Friday night sounds great. I know this match happened a while ago, but if watching Styles last Sunday didn’t make you want to see more of him, then you’re not a real wrestling fan. Go sit in the corner… From CMLL, if you’ve never seen Blue Panther, Blue Panter Jr. and THE Panther together, you’re missing out. Only in Mexico would a team like this exist… From the best of the Super Juniors, you’ve definintely got to check out Matt Sydal vs. Kyle O’Reilly. These two are possibly the best two workers from ROH getting to have a super juniors match in Japan. I know these two will be motivated to have an awesome performance… And don’t sleep on Trent Baretta in this tournament. He’s set up to face Chase Owens. Baretta and Romero have become a really fun act in ROH and Japan and Baretta on his own is vastly underrated… From the MMA world, a match I’m really looking forward to on UFC Fight Night 88 is Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao. Stephens takes a beatin’ like no other, and Barao, can toss a beatin’ on anyone, even the best. I expect to see Barao back in old form landing big kicks as the “Lil Heathen” demands him to keep bringining it… So sit back and relax. The Wrestling Observer has you covered. 

    [Dan Velten]

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M.

    The show returns with the first of several two hour specials from the 2015 G-1 Climax tournament

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
    • A.J Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
    • Tetsuya Naito vs. Bad Luck Fale

    CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO IN MEXICO CITY ON FRIDAY NIGHT

    • Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Cancerbero & Raziel
    • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Silueta vs. Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis
    • Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto
    • Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Felino
    • Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Titan vs. Kraneo & Rey Bucanero & Ripper
    • Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. El Terrible & Shocker & La Mascara

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAYNIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
    • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
    • David Finlay vs. Gedo
    • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
    • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
    • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
    • Matt Sydal vs. Kyle O’Reilly
    • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

    UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

    Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

    • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
    • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

    FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

    • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
    • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
    • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
    • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
    • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
    • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
    • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
    • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
    • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
    • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
    • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
    • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
    • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

    Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

    NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

    • Bushi vs. David Finlay
    • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
    • Kushida vs. Gedo
    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

      THE ROUND-UP

      If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

      Figure Four Weekly 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

      Wrestling Observer Newsletter

      READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

      With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

      Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

      The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

      Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

      Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

      Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

      CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

      Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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      Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

      FRIDAY NEWS

      There will be a new WWE 24 show debuting after Monday Night RAW on Monday on the WWE Network. “Seth Rollins: Redesign. Rebuild. Reclaim” will look at the former WWE Champion’s recovery from a career-threatening injury over the last 6 months. It should be interesting to see if he recovers at the normal human rate, or the super-human pro wrestler rate.

      The chair of Kentucky’s boxing and wrestling commission wants to end a state rule that ends a wrestling match when one of the wrestlers starts bleeding. WWE won’t bring TV back there until the law is changed, and supplied a statement in the story. MMA and boxing aren’t bound to the same rule for some reason.

      We have the full audio from Thursday’s UFC 199 conference call featuring middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, and Urijah Faber. This is sure to be an exciting PPV card and I can’t imagine the conference call being any less entertaining.

      WRESTLING

      MMA

      • ONE Championships ran earlier today in Bangkok. Yoshitaka Naito won the strawweight title in the main event. Murat Gafurov retained the middleweight title in the co-main and Christian Lee, who doesn’t turn 18 until next month, scored his 5th straight first round finish on the undercard. Full report is up here.
      • Former bantamweight title contender Joe Soto steps in to replace Kid Yamamoto at UFC Ottawa next month against Chris Beal.
      • Miesha Tate was poking the bear during an interview on SiriusXM yesterday.

      EVENTS

      • May 28 – Mayhem in the Magnolia State, Louisville Coliseum. This show is a benefit for Kamala.
      • May 27 & 28 – Absolute Intense Wrestling “2016 JT Lightning Invitational Tournament,” Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1355 West 70th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
      • May 30 – Jake Roberts will be appearing in Burbank next monday at 8pm at Flappers Comedy.
      • June 4 – UFC 199 from the Forum in Los Angeles with Michael Bisping getting his first title opportunity of his career battling Luke Rockhold for the middleweight belt
      • June 4 – In celebration of Metro Pro’s Sixth Anniversary, Demolition (Ax & Smash) will be in action on Saturday, Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event address is: 831 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS 66106 – Tickets can be bought in advance.
      • June 5 – AAA’s Victoria World Cup men and women’s trio tournament finals at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City which will be a live iPPV show
      • June 7 – New Japan Best of the Super Juniors finals from Sendai live on New Japan World
      • June 8 – NXT Takeover from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL featuring Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a cage match plus a loaded lineup that includes American Alpha vs. The Revival and probably Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries, which could be WWE’s match of the month.
      • June 11 – NECW presents the 2016 IRON 8 Championship, Saturday Night, June 11 in Wakefield, MA
      • June 12 – TNA Slammiversary headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title from Orlando
      • June 12 – Revolution Pro Wrestling in London, England headlined by Kurt Angle vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
      • June 17 – AAW “Killers Among Us” features Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Drago vs. Chris Hero, and more at 115 Bourbon Street (3359 w 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL) All Ages Event – Tickets available.
      • June 18 – UFC in Ottawa: Rory McDonald vs. Stephen Thompson
      • June 18 – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” are on sale now.
      • June 19 – New Japan Dominion, one of the company’s biggest events of the year, featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP title match and Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a ladder match for the IC title
      • June 19 – WWE Money in the Bank from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 
      • June 24 – ROH Best in the World from Concord, NC with Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH title 
      • June 25 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple
      • June 26 – Ultima Lucha tapings in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles at The Temple   
      • July 7-11 The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

      Today in Professional Wrestling History: Thor Hogan wins Central States Title; Owen Hart wins IWGP Jr Heavyweight Title

    • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/27): Thor Hogan wins Central States Title; Owen Hart wins IWGP Jr Heavyweight Title

      1887 

      Minneapolis, Minnesota:
      – William Muldoon failed to throw Evan Lewis twice in 60:00 (Muldoon won the first fall in 47:00, then gave up the match)

      1956 

      – Doug and Red Donovan defeated Herb Freeman & Larry Chene for the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Titles

      1957

      Dallas, Texas:
      – Red Bastien defeated Rito Romero to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Title 

      1959

      Bridgeport, Conneticut:
      – Eddie & Dr. Jerry Graham defeated Mark Lewin & Don Curtis for the WWWF Tag Team Titles

      1960 

      St. Joseph, Missouri:
      – Thor Hagen defeated Lee Henning to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title in 2 out of 3 falls
      – World Tag Team Champions George and Sandy Scott beat Rock Hunter and Mighty Atlas in 2 out of 3 falls
      – Gory Guerrero beat Taro Myaki by dq
      – Joe Costello and Ray Gordon drew 

      1965 

      Kansas City, Kansas:
      – The Mongolian Stomper beat Johnny Valentine
      – Bob Geigel and Dutch Savage beat Doug Gilbert and Ron Reed
      – Sonny Myers beat Buddy Johnson 
      – The Missouri Mauler beat Steve Bolus

      Minneapolis, Minnesota:
      – The Crusher beat Pampero Firpo in a cage match
      – Verne Gagne & Reggie Parks beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race by DQ
      – Chris Markoff beat Eddie Sharkey 
      – Rene Goulet went to a draw with Tiny Mills

      1966 

      Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
      – Verne Gagne & Wilbur Snyder beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race (decision was later reversed as the wrong man was pinned)
      – The Crusher beat Chris Markoff 
      – Ernie Ladd beat Moose Cholak

      1967 

      Chattanooga, Tennessee:
      – Billy and Jimmy Hines won the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles by defeating The Blue Infernos 

      1968 

      Memphis, Tennessee:
      – Ken Lucas & Dennis Hall defeated Don Carson & The Red Shadow for the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

      1971

      Kansas City, Kansas:
      – Steve Bolus & The Viking defeated Baron Von Raschke & Benny Ramirez
      – Rufus R. Jones defeated The Great Sakaguchi by count out
      – Harley Race defeated Danny Little Bear in three falls
      – Buddy Austin & Bob Orton defeated The Stomper & Bob Geigel

      1974

      Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:

      – Mr. X (Guy Mitchell) & The Brute defeated Leo Madril & Dan Kroffat to win the Vancouver version of the NWA Canadian Tag Team Titles

      1976 

      Kawasaki, Japan:
      – Jackie West & Yukari Lynch defeated The Beauty Pair (Jackie Sato & Maki Ueda) for the World Women’s Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title 

      1977 

      Houston, Texas:
      – Jimmy Snuka defeated El Gran Goliath for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title

      1978 

      Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
      – Carlos Colon & Chief Thunder Cloud defeated The Hollywood Blondes (Jack Evans & Larry Sharpe) for the WWC North American Tag Team Titles

      1985 

      Montreal, Quebec, Canada:
      – Jos Leduc & Rick Martel beat Road Warrior Animal & Paul Ellering via dq
      – Abdullah the Butcher beat King Tonga
      – Dino Bravo beat Richard Charland 
      – Jacques Rougeau, Jr. beat Jim Garvin via dq

      1988 

      Sendai, Japan:
      – Owen Hart defeated Hiroshi Hase to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title

      1989

      Caguas, Puerto Rico:
      – Steve Strong defeated Carlos Colon to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title 

      1990

      Naucalpan, Mexico:
      – Villano III defeated Sangre Chicana for the WWF World Light Heavyweight Title 

      1997 

      Sapporo, Japan:
      – Kenta Kobashi & Johnny Ace defeated Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue to win the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Titles

      2001 

      Bayamon, Puerto Rico:
      – D’Lo Brown & Shane defeated The Starr Corporation (Chicky Starr & Victor the Bodyguard) 
      – Los Boricuas (Miguel Perez Jr. & Jesus Castillo, Jr.) for the IWA World Tag Team Titles

      2006 

      Doncaster, England:
      – Jonny Storm and Jody Fleisch defeated A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to become the first-ever 1PW Tag Team Champions
      – Steve Corino defeated champion Abyss and Christian Cage in a three-way match to win the 1PW World Heavyweight Title

    • NJPW Best of the Super Juniors results: Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet; updated standings

      Matt Sydal and Michael Elgin vs. Rocky Romero and Yoshi-Hashi

      Fun opening match. It’s a unique tag combination and led to some interesting back and forth offense. Elgin looked great, even doing a senton off the apron at one point while doing all of his cool power spots. As Elgin did the senton Sydal went to the top rope for the shooting star press, Romero countered and hit the ropes. He tried to roll up Sydal while holding onto the ropes but the ref noticed. He snuck by with a win regardless in a flash pin.

      Jay White, Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi, Kushida & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Yuji Nagata, David Finlay, Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Kyle O’Reilly

      Kyle worked with Kushida early. When Taguchi tagged in, he worked against Tenzan and acted like he was going to do the Mongolian chops, doing the hand gesture, but did the hip attacks instead. Of course the focus of the match was on Shibata and Nagata, as they are due for a rematch over the NEVER title at Dominion. They spend some time smacking one another until White was tagged in. He put in a great comeback, but ultimately fell to a back drop hold. Pretty solid for what it was.

      Chase Owens vs. Tiger Mask

      Owens jumped Tiger Mask as he was climbing to the top rope to pose during his entrance, and power slammed him off the rope. Then Yujiro grabbed him and proceeded to carry him all the way to the back and ran back to the ring to tease a count out. Didn’t work as Tiger Mask laid him out and came back in time. Standard back and forth match, just kind of there. Tiger Mask had him in his submission but Yujiro pulled out the ref. Tiger Mask dispatched Yujiro but Chase laid him out, got the ref back in and teased the package piledriver but Tiger Masked escaped, took down Owens and pinned him.

      Chase Owens superkicked Kawato after the match because he’s very mean.

      Trent Baretta vs. Bobby Fish

      Really good match. Baretta has been on fire this tour, and he and Fish already have pretty strong chemistry together. Fish went for a suplex but Baretta reversed it to the floor, sending both men down. Fish worked on the legs but Baretta reversed it into a bridging pin for a nearfall. Baretta went to do something on the rop rope but Fish dropkicked him in the knee and hit a brainbuster from the top rope. When Baretta kicked out, Fish locked in the leg lock again and Baretta submitted.

      Yoshitatsu, Captain New Japan and Satoshi Kojima vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega

      Standard tag match. Omega took the camera to lament about the young lions and how useless they were before the match started. Captian New Japan got some near falls on Omega that the crowd surprisingly got into. Fale helped even the odds for the Bullet Club as Omega went to the top rope and did the high fly flow, mocking Tanahashi. Liked that finish.

      Omega beat up Captain New Japan with the ladder after the match and laid him out the same way he did to Tanahashi on night one – or at least tried to, but Kojima and Yoshitatsu broke it up.

      Kazuchika Okada, Gedo, Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Sanada, Evil, Bushi and Tetsuya Naito

      Naito took his usual long time getting to the ring. Milano Collection AT up and left the announcer’s table while Kushida, who was doing guest commentary, was sitting at ringside. Naito goaded him on a bit before Okada flew out of the ring with a senton, crashing into all of Los Ingobernables. This was a really great match, better than some of your usual tag matches you see on these cards. Everyone were looked good. People got into this match big time and were lit when Goto and Evil were duking it out. Okada came in and worked against both Naito and Sanada and looked great. Sanada ended up submitting Gedo with the Skull End for the win.

      Everyone beat each other up some more after the match. Yoshi-Hashi came out to even the odds but was laid out by Sanada . Bushi misted Ishii. Naito choked Yoshi-Hashi with what looked like a towel until Okada came back for the save.

      Volador Jr. vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

      Another good match. They worked really well together and had some cool spots. Liger threw Volador out of the ring and did a big time crossbody to the floor. Crowd was really into this. Liger went to the top rope but Volador came back and hit the spanish fly/C4 off the top rope and pinned Liger.

      Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay

      They had a tremendous exchange early. These guys move fast and know their body really well, in case you haven’t heard or seen. Ricochet took out Ospreay on the outside and did an amazing step up corkscrew plancha to the floor. Just an array of crazy moves. Ospreay hit an instance looking Sasuke special to the floor then kissed the camera after the match.. Ricochet gave him a death valley driver on the apron and somehow came back with a crazy looking rana. This match was so crazy people were actually chanting “This is awesome” in Korakuen Hall.

      Ricochet laid him ou with a northern lights suplex followed by a brainbuster for a near fall and went for the 630 but Ospreay rolled out of the way. Ricochet came back and went for the Benadryller but Ospreay reversed in air, grabbed the leg and slammed him to the floor. He hit the spinning punch then pinned him with the springboard stunner. Amazing spectacle of a  match, you kind of have to rewatch it just to see all the crazy stuff that went down.

      Ospreay and Ricochet teased like they were going to fight after the match, but shook hands as the crowd chanted “One more match”.

      +++++++

      Great show with some really great matches and an awesome main event. Check it out when you can, and go out of your way to watch the main event.

      Current tallies:

      Block A:

      • Ryusuke Taguchi – 6
      • Kyle O’Reilly – 6
      • Rocky Romero – 4
      • Matt Sydal – 4
      • Gedo – 2
      • Kushida – 2
      • Bushi – 0
      • David Finlay – 0

      Block B:

      • Baretta – 4
      • Jushin Thunder Liger – 4
      • Ricochet – 4
      • Volador Jr. – 4
      • Chase Owens – 2
      • Tiger Mask – 2
      • Bobby Fish – 2
      • Will Ospreay – 2

    • WWE Smackdown results: Rusev & Miz defend their titles; MITB qualifer

      The show opened with a recap of the Money in the Bank qualifying matches from RAW on Monday which saw Kevin Owens, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose earn their spots in that match.

      After the opening credits, Michael Cole was in the ring with the Money in the Bank briefcase and called out Dean Ambrose for an interview. Cole congratulated him for winning the first ever Asylum match at Extreme Rules and asked what he would do in order to earn the MITB contract. Before he could answer, Kevin Owens’ music hit and he interrupted from the ramp.

      He insulted Cole and warned him to leave the ring before he got there, which he did. He vowed to climb the ladder and become Mr Money in the Bank just like he should’ve done at WrestleM…. and Sami Zayn’s music hit. He finished the sentence. “Like you would’ve done at WrestleMania if it weren’t for me, who is the bane of your existence”. Ambrose made a joke about it and Zayn said “Hey Dean, this isn’t a joke”, which was a nice touch. He said that neither Owens nor Zayn would stop him. They were interrupted by Alberto Del Rio.

      He reminded them that he was a former winner and he is going to win again. Zayn announced that Del Rio has to beat Zack Ryder in order to qualify and before he could finish, he was jumped from behind by Owens. Ambrose almost DDT’s him as well but Zayn slipped out. 

      ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. ZACK RYDER (Money in the Bank qualifying match)

      Zack cut an inset promo harkening fans back to his WrestleMania win under similar circumstances. “I’m not supposed to be here but I deserve to be here”. Eden Stiles did the ring announcing in what I’m assuming was her final show for the company. Ryder took the offence early but Del Rio gained control pretty quickly. They went through a commercial break where Del Rio landed the double foot stomp outside the ring from the barriers at ringside onto Ryder. Ryder recovered and got more offence than you’d think, including landing the Broski boot, which Del Rio kicked out of. Del Rio missed the double foot stomp and Ryder hit the Rough Ryder but Del Rio rolled out before Ryder could pin him. Ryder rolled him back in and went for the cover but Del Rio applied the cross arm-breaker to get the win.

      WINNER: ALBERTO DEL RIO by submission. Del Rio makes it 6 in the Money in the Bank match with one more to come.

      Next up was a recap of Seth Rollins returning at Extreme Rules and the announcement from RAW of Rollins getting the next title shot vs Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank. Rollins will make his return to Smackdown later tonight.

      Enzo and Cass are out next.

      Enzo does his sing along speech on the ramp before the guys get in the ring. Before he could get any more words out, The Dudley Boyz interrupted things. Enzo had some smack talk for them and then Cass called them out. D-Von accepted the challenge and they made their way down the ramp. Bubba stopped before they got into the ring and said “Not tonight, we’re going to do this at Monday Night RAW”. Bubba then teased the “Get the Tables” spot but instead asked if they could “leave this stinkin’ town”. Cass called them S-A-W-F-T and that was that.

      Renee Young was backstage with Lana and Rusev. Lana instructed her that she needs to refer to Rusev as the “Greatest United States Heavyweight Champion of all time”. Rusev called Kalisto a baby and a mosquito and after he plucks the wings off the mosquito, he will never be able to fly again. Good promo. A recap of the 4 way IC title match at the PPV and the Miz-Cesaro qualifying match from RAW aired next.

      US CHAMPION RUSEV w/Lana vs. KALISTO

      Lana was in the ring with a mic and took over the ring announcing, asking the fans to put one hand over their heart and welcome the Greatest United States Champion of all time. Much better match than the PPV.  After a brief period of offence from Kalisto, Rusev took over and dominated him. Announcers told the story that Kalisto was coming into this at less than 100% and didn’t stand a chance and that’s pretty much how it played out. At one point Kalisto tried to bodyslam Rusev and of course his back gave out.

      A minute later, he actually hit the bodyslam but then sold his back even more. He did get a two count off a roll-up after Rusey missed a splash in the corner. He then hit the corkscrew off the ropes and a spike rana for a two. Kalisto hit a springboard moonsault on the outside and rolled Rusev back in but only got a two count. Rusev missed a diving headbutt and then Kalisto took forever to climb to the top rope. Kalisto hit a 450 off the top but Rusev got his knees up to block it. Rusev stomped him on the back and then put on the Accolade for the win.

      WINNER: RUSEV by submission

      Rusev was going for a beatdown on Kalisto after the match but Titus O’Neill came down to challenge him to a US title match RIGHT NOW. Fans were into this, chanting USA but Rusev backed off, which got some good heat. Nice little angle to set up the next US title program. Another recap from RAW aired next, this time of Charlotte ditching the Nature Boy. Mauro called it “an emotional night for the dirtiest family in the game”.

      DANA BROOKE VS NATALYA

      Charlotte joined the commentary team for this match. Lawler actually criticized Charlotte for what she did with Flair and Charlotte said that it was something coming from him who spent so much time away from home. Natalya put on the sharpshooter 30 seconds in and Charlotte broke it up for the DQ. 

      WINNER: NATALYA by DQ

      Natalya recovered and put Charlotte in the sharpshooter but Brooke broke it up and then they beat her down for a couple minutes. No one saved and Charlotte and Dana posed with the belt while Charlotte’s music played. We got a recap of AJ’s tough week where he lost to Reigns at the PPV, broke up with the Club and lost to Owens in his qualifying match. Renee Young interviewed him backstage and asked what’s next. AJ said he was “this close” to winning the title but he’s not sure what’s next, he’ll have to think of something. It was better than it reads.

      Golden Truth was out next with Goldust introducing them and then Truth doing an updated version of his song with new lyrics about the tag team. It will take some getting used to. 

      GOLDEN TRUTH (GOLDUST/R-TRUTH) VS BREEZANGO (TYLER BREEZE/FANDANGO)

      Short match with some miscommunication between Goldust and R-Truth leading to the Supermodel kick from Breeze on R-Truth and Fandango getting the pin off of it. Fans were more into this than they had any right to be but were killed off by the finish.

      WINNERS: BREEZANGO by pinfall

      Goldust and R-Truth were talking backstage. Goldust says that just because they lost two out of the chute doesn’t make them two-time losers. He claimed that no one will be able to stop them. Breezango stopped by to mock them. Tyler Breeze said “Looks like Goldylocks fell off the beanstalk and cracked his own eggs” and then “nailed it!” as he and Fandango walked away laughing. Goldust went back to his pep talk, egging on the crowd to cheer from them and they actually did. R-Truth said he’s with him and vowed to give it another shot. 

      Seth Rollins came to the ring for a promo.

      Mauro put over that Rollins and Charlotte cracked SI’s Fittest 50 list. I’m surprised that hasn’t gotten more play, to be honest. Despite his heeling on the crowd at RAW, Rollins got a good reception coming out and was smiling. When the music stopped, you could hear booing but what you could see were fans clapping and chanting WELCOME BACK. He played up to the crowd at first and then heeled on them again without really saying anything. Fans were still chanting THANK YOU SETH when he left.

      IC CHAMPION THE MIZ w/Maryse vs. CESARO

      Cesaro took control early heading into the break but Miz took control during the commercial. Miz worked over Cesaro’s left shoulder for most of the match. Miz got a two count off a backslide and then Cesaro started nailing uppercuts with his good arm. Miz kicked the left shoulder but Cesaro tossed Miz in the air and hit the uppercut for a two. Pretty vocal CE-SAR-O chant from the crowd. Miz hit a short-arm DDT for a two and then tried to undo the top turnbuckle pad. Ref stopped him but Maryse finished the job.

      They teased a spot into it which never paid off and then the ref spent about a minute hooking it back up. Cesaro got what would’ve been a three but the ref took too long to make the count. Miz hit an O’Connor roll for two. Cesaro turned that into a sharpshooter but Miz made the ropes to break it up. Miz tossed him out of the ring but Cesaro hit an uppercut from the outside and then went back in and tried to hit his swing but Miz escaped and bailed from the ring. He teased a walkout but Cesaro followed him out, hit the “Very European Uppercut” (called as such by Mauro) and then rolled him back into the ring. Cross body from the top by Cesaro got a two count.

      Somewhere amidst all of this, Maryse had removed the turnbuckle again and Miz tossed Cesaro into it shoulder first and then hit the Skull Crushing Finale. Really good match, one of the better TV matches of the year.

      WINNER: THE MIZ by pinfall 

    • NXT Lakeland, FL, live results: NXT champ Samoa Joe meets the Perfect 10

      I’m here in Lakeland, FL, with a sold out house of approximately 350.

      – No Way Jose beat Hugo Knox

      Jose was frustrating Knox with his dance moves before catching Knox with the fiesta fireball and the half nelson slam for the win.

      – Alexander Wolfe and Sawyer Fulton beat TM61

      The heels kept control over the faster face team. There were a few impressive hope spots, but the big men were able to hit a double team finish for the win. It started as somewhat of an assisted DDT yet went in to a back suplex of sorts.

      – Tino Sabbatelli beat Patrick Clarke

      Very impressive showing by Tino early on showing off his athletic ability with leapfrogs and dropkicks. He hit a crossbody and for the finish, he used a new maneuver similar to what Big Show has used in the past: a reverse DDT position before turning and driving him down with an elbow.

      – NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat The Authors Of Pain

      The match built to the always impressive Jordan hot tag where he even suplexed the big men. Spear, dropkick, and the assisted suplex with Gable for the win.

      – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka beat Alexa Bliss

      This was a very good match as Bliss continues to elevate herself in the ring. Asuka would get the advantage, yet would get cut off at every turn by the ever aggressive Bliss. Asuka Lock for the win.

      – Bayley and Liv Morgan beat Nikki Storm and Lana

      Fun match. Lana worked the crowd before the match, saying how this small town shows her how far she’s come. At one point, Bayley set up Nikki for a middle rope hangsman stunner. Lana avoided as much contact as possible and let Nikki take the punishment. Once Lana was knocked off the apron, there was a Belly To Bayley on Nikki for the win.

      – Andrade cien Almas beat Elias Samson

      Pre-match song by Drifter was booed down and led to a big reaction for Andrade. Teased dive by Andrade in to the tranquilo taunt for a big reaction. Drifter’s offense consisted of headlocks and simple slams. Manny got fired up and hit the running corner knees for the win.

      – In-ring segment with Buddy Murphy saying and singing that he wants Alexa back, even saying she’s a ten…which leads to Tye Dillinger interruptiing and superkicking him out of the ring.

      – NXT Champion Samoa Joe beat Tye Dillinger

      Very good match as expected. Joe put a beating on Tye throughout the match, but Tye would kick out for convincing near falls and even escaped the Koji clutch. Joe was really laying in chops on Tye. Joe hit all his signature stuff before setting up the muscle buster for the win.

    • Daily Update: Hogan’s secret backer, NXT TakeOver, Sasha and Enzo return

      Peter Thiel admitted in a New York Times article that he was, as reported earlier in the week by Forbes, secretly funding Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit, noting that most people can’t defend themselves and even a famous millionaire like Terry Bollea didn’t have the resources to do this one alone. He said he had planned this against Gawker several years ago. “I refuse to believe that journalism means massive privacy violations. I think much more highly of journalists than that. Its precisely because I respect journalists that I do not believe they are endangered by fighting back against Gawker.” 

      Thiel said the published estimates of him spending $10 million were “roughly in the ballpark.” He said this is not a business venture and he’s not expecting any money out of funding Hogan’s case. He said he considered this “one of my greater philanthropic things that I’ve done. I think of it in those terms.” He also said this is not the only case that he’s funded. Here is another article on this aspect of the on-going Hulk Hogan saga.

      We’re looking for reports on tonight’s NXT house show in Lakeland, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com.

      SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK

      • Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Money in the Bank qualifier
      • Rusev vs. Kalisto for the U.S. title
      • Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
      • R-Truth & Goldust vs. Fandango & Tyler Breeze
      • The Miz vs. Cesaro for IC title

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT LIVE FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERNFRIDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • Matt Sydal & Michael Elgin vs. Rocky Romero & Yoshi-Hashi
      • Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Manabu Nakanishi & David Finlay & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Katsuyori Shibata & Kushida & Ryusuke Taguchi & Juice Robinson & Jay White
      • Tiger Mask vs. Chase Owens
      • Trent Baretta vs. Bobby Fish
      • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
      • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii & Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito & Seiya Sanada & Evil & Bushi
      • Jushin Liger vs. Volador Jr.
      • Ricochet vs. Will  Ospreay 

      On  Friday, we’re looking for reports on the WWE house show in Springfield, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and the NXT show in Cocoa Beach, FL to newstips@WrestlingObserver.com

      NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON AXS TV AT 8 P.M.

      The show returns with the first of several two hour specials from the 2015 G-1 Climax tournament

      • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
      • A.J Styles vs. Katsuyori Shibata
      • Tetsuya Naito vs. Bad Luck Fale

      CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO IN MEXICO CITY ON FRIDAY NIGHT

      • Oro Jr. & Soberano vs. Cancerbero & Raziel
      • Marcela & Princesa Sugei & Silueta vs. Amapola & Dallys & Zeuxis
      • Blue Panther & Blue Panther Jr. & The Panther vs. Ephesto & Luciferno & Mephisto
      • Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Felino
      • Diamante Azul & Marco Corleone & Titan vs. Kraneo & Rey Bucanero & Ripper
      • Maximo Sexy & Mistico & Stuka Jr. vs. El Terrible & Shocker & La Mascara

      Saturday we’re looking for reports on the WWE shows in Peoria, IL (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and Winnipeg (Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto De Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks).

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS TOURNAMENT FROM OSAKA AT 3 A.M. EASTERN SUNDAY MORNING/SATURDAYNIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

      • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Michael Elgin & Volador Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Trent Baretta & Will Ospreay
      • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish & Jay White & Juice Robinson & Katsuyori Shibata
      • David Finlay vs. Gedo
      • Rocky Romero vs. Bushi
      • Satoshi Kojima & Yoshitatsu & Captain New Japan & Ricochet vs. Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
      • Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil & Seiya Sanada
      • Matt Sydal vs.. Kyle O’Reilly
      • Kushida vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

      Sunday we’re looking for reports on WWE shows in Madison, WI (Roman Reigns, Sheamus, Kevin Owens, Dudleys, Enzo, Cass, Sami Zayn, Charlotte, Natalya) and LaCrosse, WI (Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, New Day, Rusev, Kalisto, Alberto Del Rio, Paige, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks).

      UFC FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS ON SUNDAY

      Fight Pass bouts at 6 p.m. Eastern

      • Adam Milstead vs. Chris De La Rosa
      • Bryan Caraway vs. Aljamain Sterling

      FS 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern

      • Shane Campbell vs. Erik Koch
      • Jake Collier vs. Alberto Pereira Uda
      • Abel Trujillo vs. Jordan Rinaldi
      • Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
      • Josh Burkman vs. Paul Felder
      • Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
      • Chris Camozzi vs Vitor Miranda
      • Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
      • Jeremy Stephens vs. Renan Barao
      • Cody Garbrandt vs. Thomas Almeida

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM TOTTORI ON MONDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

      • Trent Baretta vs. Chase Owens
      • Tiger Mask vs. Will Ospreay
      • Bobby Fish vs. Volador Jr.
      • Jushin Liger vs. Ricochet

      Raw is Monday from Green Bay featuring the return of John Cena plus a Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match.

      NEW JAPAN BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS FROM HIROSHIMA ON TUESDAY (taped for New Japan World available later in the day)

      • Bushi vs. David Finlay
      • Matt Sydal vs. Rocky Romero
      • Kushida vs. Gedo
      • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyle O’Reilly

      Smackdown and Main Event will be taped on Tuesday in Rockford, IL.

        THE ROUND-UP

        If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!

        Figure Four Weekly 5/23/2016: More strange developments in WWE’s concussion lawsuit deposition – Last week we talked a bit about both Evan Singleton’s deposition in the WWE concussion lawsuit as well as a video of a concussion presentation held in developmental during Singleton’s time under contact. Among other topics, there’s been a bit more movement on that front.

        Wrestling Observer Newsletter

        READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

        With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

        Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

        The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

        Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

        Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

        Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

        CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW.

        Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

        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.

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        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. 

        Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 19, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Davey Boy Smith hospitalized with spinal infection, WCW Spring Stampede. The health situations involving both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese woman wrestler Emiko Kado took turns for the worst this past week.

        THURSDAY NEWS

        HHH on Twitter yesterday noted that the name of the 6/8 NXT Takeover show would be “Takeover: The End.” Some people seem to think that means it’s the end of NXT. It isn’t. It’s just likely the end of the Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor program with their third meeting in a cage.

        We’re sorry to hear about the death today of Beverly Crookshanks, better known as Beverly Dundee. Dundee was the wife of Bill Dundee who was part of a huge angle in Memphis where after Bill lost his hair in a match with Jerry Lawler, he put up his wife’s hair to get another shot at Lawler’s hair. Lawler won again and mocked Dundee for years about shaving his wife’s head and him having to go home to a bald woman. She had a stroke several months ago and her health had declined since then. Here is a youtube video where you can see Lawler and Dundee.

        UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has been named the honorary chairman of the World Cup of Wrestling which takes place on 6/11 and 6/12 at the Forum in Los Angeles.  All six members of the freestyle Olympic team are scheduled to represent the U.S.

        Sasha Banks has been cleared to work after what is believed to have been a concussion. She will be working in Winnipeg and LaCrosse, WI at the house shows this weekend. Not sure about TV. On the original plans for Money in the Bank, she was to have a match and to return to TV to build it.

        Enzo Amore is also scheduled for house shows this weekend in Springfield, IL, Peoria and Madison, WI.

        WWE

        • Brandi Runnels talks her departure from WWE.
        • Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will be appearing together on 7/23 at The Sands Resort in Bethlehem, PA for a Q&A show. Former ROH owner Cary Silkin said that he would be going to that event to try and collect $41,000 the he said Flair owes him for not living up to his contract and quitting on ROH in 2010.
        • John Cena talks about building the WWE brand. 
        • Randy Orton and his new wife are expecting a daughter in November.
        • There will be a new episode of Camp WWE put on the network tonight at 10 p.m.
        • On NXT last night, they started promoting the debut of Andrade Cien Almas, who is the former La Sombra.
        • WWE stock, which fell last week due to Vince & Linda McMahon selling stock, is back to normal range as it was up 13 cents per share today to $17.43.

        UFC

        • Alex Caceres replaces B.J. Penn as the opponent for Cole Miller on the 6/4 UFC show in Los Angeles.  
        • Matt Brown vs. Jake Ellenberger was announced for UFC 201 on 7/30 in Atlanta.
        • Kid Yamamoto pulled out of his 6/18 fight with Chris Beal. He’s being replaced on the show by Joe Soto.
        • Jim Alers vs. Jason Knight was added to the 7/23 show in Chicago.

        MISCELLANEOUS

        • Mike Tyson has joined the cast of “Kickboxer: Retaliation,” which is the movie starring Dave Bautista, Jean Claude Van Damme, Paige VanZant, Gina Carano and Georges St-Pierre.
        • Dixie Carter did media in India and said TNA was looking for a female pro wrestler from India.
        • The first series of Ring of Honor action figures are now up for preorder at www.figurestoycompany.com and www.wrestlingsuperstore.com. This series features Jay Lethal, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Steen. Figures are available individually or as a complete set with some special deals available when you order. Estimated delivery is in July.
        • An interview with Ricochet is here. 
        • Chris Honeycutt vs. Mikkel Parlo at middleweight has been added to the 6/17 Bellator show in Fresno at the SaveMart Center.
        • New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron Man 8 championship takes place on 6/11 in Wakefield, MA. There will be four singles matches and the four winners come back in a four-way 45 minute match where whoever wins the most falls in 45 minutes is the winner. Announced in are Slyck Wagner Brown, Brad Hollister, Chris Escobar, Tod Loco, Kevin Tibbs and the rest are to be announced.
        • Former WCW and TNA employee Jason Hervey, best known as Eric Bischoff’s warner in BHE, was arrested in January according to TMZ reports that came out today, noting he had spent 48 hours behind bars for a DUI and carrying a weapon while under the influence charge as there was allegedly a loaded handgun in his car when pulled over. Hervey is best known for his days as a child actor on “The Wonder Years” TV show.  
        • AAW on 6/17 in Merionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street with Sami Callihan & Dave Crist vs. Eddie Kingston & Homicide, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett vs. Devin & Mason Cutter, Chris Hero vs Drago, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa vs. ?, plus AR Fox, Aerostar, Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Cedric Alexander, Drew Gulak, Silas Young, Moose, Candice LaRae, Heidi Lovelace, Jessicka Havok, Kimber Lee and Kongo Kong.
        • Metro Pro Wrestling’s sixth anniversary show features Demolition on 6/4 in Kansas City at the turner Rec Center.
        • Woman’s Fatale 19 is in Ste-Therese, Quebec at the Cultural Centre Communautiare.
        • WCWF has its third anniversary show on 6/4 at 7 p.m. at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City headlined by Nathan Brick vs. Lord Luxury.
        • Legends of the Ring on 6/11 in Monroe, NJ at the Crowne Plaza Hotel has an autograph show with Matt & Jeff Hardy, Bret Hart, Gene Okerlund, Sting, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Demolition, Warlord, Barbarian, Candice Michelle, Dutch Mantell, Terry Funk, Scott Steiner and Butch Reed. 
        • CWE tonight in Brandon, Manitoba at the Assiniboine Community College with Frankie Kazarian & Silas Young vs. Orin Veidi & Jacob Savage and Lio Rush vs. Jason Kincaid vs. AJ Sanchez.
        • Evolve on 6/11 in Orlando at the Downtown Rec Center
          Elimination match:  Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJP vs. Lince Dorado vs. ?
          Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Page
          Ethan Carter III vs. ?
          Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams
          Matt Riddle vs. Trevor Lee
          Fred Yehi vs. Cedric Alexander
          Bravado Brother vs. Jason Cade &Darby Allin
        • Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame show from Friday night in Wichita Falls, TX before 450 fans:  Americos b Jastin Taylor, Greg Anthony b Matt Riviera, Moonshine Mantell b Double D, Charlie Haas b Houston Carson, Tim Storm b Andrew Anderson.  Eric Embry, David Manning and Gary Young attended the show.
        • The J.T. Lightning 24-man Invitational tournament takes place on 5/27 and 5/28 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  Dylan Postl (Swoggle as he’s now gong) appears plus opening round matches of Colt Cabana vs. Homicide, Dan Severn vs. Colin Delaney, Brian Myers vs. Billy Gunn, Josh Alexander vs. Johnny Gargano, Ray Rowe vs. Big Damo, Little Guido vs. Tim Donst, Tyson Dux vs. Tracy Williams, Cedric Alexander vs. Veda Scott, DJ Zema Ion vs. Laredo Kid, Alex Daniels vs. Britt Baker, Louis Lyndon vs. Cheech and BJ Whitmer vs. Candice LaRae.
        • Lex Luger appears on 6/11 in Gray, TN at Daniel Boone High School for a combination wrestling show at Fountain of Life Bible Church’s Car and Bike show.  The event has free admission.
        • John LaRocca and Alan Counihan talk the Champion Carnival tournament.
        • Here is a story comparing Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather to the Ali vs. Inoki match 40 years ago.
        • Here is a story on an indie event in Louisville.
        • A review of the autobiography of Jeannie Clarke-Williams, a former wrestling valet in WCCW and WCW who was married to Chris Adams and Steve Austin can be read here.

        Today in Professional Wrestling History: Smoking Gunns win WWF Tag Team Titles; Eric Young wins TNA TV Title

      • WON Preview: May 30, 2016 Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

        READ IT HERE: May 30, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Return of Seth Rollins and the WWE brand split, plus tons of news

        With two of the biggest news stories of the year, the WWE brand split and the UFC sale both in play, we’ve got a new issue of the Observer packed with news.

        Our lead story looks at the brand split, with what we do know, what has and hasn’t been decided and the background of how it went down. There’s also more info on the UFC sale talks.  Plus there is coverage of the return of Seth Rollins, the build to Money in the Bank and have coverage of Extreme Rules, the negotiations for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz fight and look more at the Floyd Mayweather vs. McGregor rumors. Take an in-depth look at the departure of Cody Runnels (Rhodes) from WWE and his future prospects, plus look at his complaints regarding people in the company. All this plus a look at the New Japan Super Juniors tournament, the funding of the Hulk Hogan lawsuit, the World Cup trios tournament coming up and a feature on the last PWG show.

        The lead story looks at every aspect of the brand split.  It looks at the original goals and reasons for it and what did and didn’t work, plus how it’ll be different this time, how the touring will work, and an examination of what talent knows and tentative plans in place.  Vince McMahon’ reaction is a big part of this, and this issue explains how the deal went down, the story behind the story and other aspects to be considered. There’s also a look at Smackdown going live, the affect on the fan base, the affect on TNA and why it was important to get Smackdown away from Thursday.

        Another big story in this issues is Extreme Rules, the decision to make Seth Rollins a heel and current plans for Money in the Bank, and also match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

        Details about what’s going on with Conor McGregor, including Colin Cowherd’s claim that Mayweather vs. McGregor is happening, as well as a look at the Nate Diaz negotiations last week and what McGregor has said publicly.

        Finally, this issue looks at Cody Runnels leaving WWE, what he said was the reason why, and a look into those reasons, and a look at the realities of WWE business decisions and his background.

        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 print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com. 

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        Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

        Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

        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.

        Also in this issue:

        • A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
        • Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
        • Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
        • First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
        • Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
        • Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
        • A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
        • NOAH’s major show of the week
        • Will Ospreay and injuries
        • New Japan Dominion ticket sales
        • Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
        • Kota Ibushi’s return
        • Notes on the career of George Steele
        • More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
        • A new television series being filmed on the life of one of the biggest wrestling stars of the 50s, 60s and 70s
        • Elite crowns a new heavyweight and middleweight champion
        • Update on Dragon Lee and injuries
        • First match of the post-Ingobernables split in Mexico
        • Sexy Star on Konnan’s podcast and her reactions to AAA including an AAA wrestler calling B.S. on them
        • Update on the 2016 King of Gate tournament
        • A look at All Japan’s big show this past week and where their next series of title matches are going
        • NOAH’s major show of the week
        • Will Ospreay and injuries
        • New Japan Dominion ticket sales
        • Some awesome TV shows coming to AXS on Friday nights
        • Kota Ibushi’s return
        • Notes on the career of George Steele
        • More on the Jimmy Snuka competency hearing
        • Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
        • New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
        • Zack Sabre Jr. update
        • Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
        • Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
        • More on the UFC sale talks
        • One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
        • Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
        • Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
        • More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
        • Notes on the letter UF
        • Indie promotion from Scotland doing increasing TV numbers
        • New submission promotion update and what match with pro wrestling legends did they try to put together
        • Zack Sabre Jr. update
        • Upcoming lineups for ROH shows
        • Pop TV gives TNA a public vote of confidence
        • More on the UFC sale talks
        • One of UFC’s fixtures talks about his possibly leaving and the sale
        • Tito Ortiz talks about if the new owners should keep Dana White
        • Paige VanZant update and how Dancing with the Stars opened her to acting
        • More on B.J. Penn being pulled from UFC 1999
        • Notes on the letter UF

        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. 

        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.

        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.

      • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/26): Smoking Gunns win WWF Tag Team Titles; Eric Young wins TNA TV Title

        1932 

        Kansas City, Kansas:
        – Wild Red Berry defeated Bobby Novakll

        1941

        Wichita, Kansas:
        – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Roy Dunn defeated Rube Wright 
        – Everette Marshall defeated John Pesek

        1945

        Wichita, Kansas:
        – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Lord Albert Mills in 2 straight falls
        – Ray Eckert beat Jack Hader 
        – Joe Szabo defeated Pat O’Dowdy

        1950

        Chicago, Illinois:
        – Gorgeous George defeated Don Eagle for the AWA (Boston) World Heavyweight Title 

        1959

        Dallas, Texas:
        – The Corsicans (Joe and Jean) defeated Angelo Martinelli and Luis Hernandez for the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

        1961

        Houston, Texas:
        – Duke Keomuka & Tony Martin defeated Rito Romero & Dory Dixon for the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

        1962

        St. Paul, Minnesota:
        – AWA Champion Mr. M beat Tiny Mills 
        – Pat O’Connor beat Bob Geigel in 2 out of 3 falls

        1964 

        Nashville, Tennessee:
        – Jackie & Don Fargo defeated Tojo Yamamoto & Alex Perez to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles 

        1966

        Kansas City, Kansas:
        – Pat O’Connor & Richard Moody defeated The Butcher & Dandy Jack
        – Bob Ellis defeated Oki Shikina 
        -The Mongolian Stomper defeated Bob Brown

        1966 

        Sendai, Japan:
        – Killer Karl Kox & Joe Carrolo defeated Michiaki Yoshimura & Giant Baba to win the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Titles

        1967 

        Sapporo, Japan:
        – Michiaki Yoshimura & Antonio Inoki defeated Waldo Von Erich & Ike Eakins for the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Titles 

        Dayton, Ohio:
        – Al Costello & Karl Von Brauner defeated Bill Miller and Bobo Brazil to win the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

        Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
        – In a non Title Death Match; Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race after 9th fall
        – Chris Markoff beat Reggie Parks 
        – Mitsu Arakawa drew with Jack Lanza

        1968 

        Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
        – Tiger Jeet Singh & Bull Curry defeated Whipper Billy Watson & Bulldog Brower for the Toronto version of the NWA International Tag Team Titles

        1973

        Amarillo, Texas:
        – Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk defeated Killer Karl Krupp and Karl Von Steiger to win the NWA International Tag Team Titles

        Dallas, Texas:
        – Black Gordman and Goliath defeated Jose Lothario and Ivan Putski to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

        1975

        Memphis, Tennessee:
        – Karl Von Steiger & Otto Von Heller defeated George Gulas & Jerry Jarrett for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Titles

        1978

        Portland, Oregon:
        – Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero defeated Ron Bass & Roddy Piper to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

        Denver, Colorado:
        – Verne Gagne (sub Jim Brunzell) & Greg Gagne beat Nick Bockwinkel & Angelo Mosca (sub Bob Orton Jr),
        – Rufus R Jones beat Pat Patterson
        – Jim Brunzell beat Bob Orton Jr 
        – Ray Stevens beat Steve Olsonoski

        1982

        Tokyo, Japan:
        – Tiger Mask defeated the Black Tiger to win the WWF Jr. Heavyweight Title 

        1983 

        Tenryu, Japan:
        – Chavo Guerrero defeated Ultra Seven in a tournament final for the vacant NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title 

        Kansas City, Kansas:
         – Bob Brown & Buzz Tyler won a tournament final for the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team Titles

        1984 

        Chicago, Illinois:
        – Road Warriors beat AWA Tag Team Champions The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke via dq
        – Dick The Bruiser beat Jerry Blackwell via dq
        – Fabulous Ones beat Steve Regal & Steve O 
        – Nick Bockwinkel no contest with Blackjack Lanza

        1985

        Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
        – George Steele defeated Matt Borne 
        – Barry O pinned Don Kolov 
        – Bob Orton defeated Jimmy Snuka via count-out 
        – Paul Orndorff defeated Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) via disqualification 
        – Ricky Steamboat pinned Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny V) 
        – WWF Women’s Champion Wendi Richter pinned the Fabulous Moolah 
        – Mike Rotundo & Barry Windham defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff via countout

        1989

        Dallas, Texas:
        – Eric Embry defeated Super Zodiac (Gary Young) to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title 

        1996

        WWF In Your House: Florence, South Carolina:
        – The Smoking Gunns defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Godwinns to win the championship
        – Bob Holly defeated Isaac Yankem
        – Marc Mero defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley 
        – Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin in a strap match
        – Yokozuna defeated Vader
        – WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust defeated The Undertaker
        – Jake Roberts defeated Justin Bradshaw
        – WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels vs. Davey Boy Smith ended in a double pin

        2000

        North Richland Hills, Texas:
        – The Necro Butcher defeated Canyon for the vacant NWA Texas Hardcore Title 
        – Rodney Begnaud (Rodney Mack) defeated Mike Fox to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

        2011 

        – Eric Young defeated Gunner to win the TNA TV Title
        – Kurt Angle defeated Rob Van Dam