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  • Dusty Rhodes and the American Dream: a look back to 1978

    Credit: Palm Beach (FL) Post

    By Chris Aiken, WrestlingObserver.com

    In an interview from an episode of Championship Wrestling in April 1978, Dusty Rhodes and Vince McMahon sat in an empty arena. Vince introduced him and Dusty began to speak before removing his cowboy hat to look in the camera and address the viewing audience in a more serious and straight forward tone than his usual high energy promos.

    A day after Dusty passed away at the age of 69, here’s the transcription about his journey and how it relates to the American Dream:

    “…It’s always a little yelling, little screaming, little really get down fever and boogie when I’m rapping and never get a chance to really sit down and rap with my people and talk to you. When I was a kid growing up, I did have a dream. You know, I look around this building. I look around at the things that go on in this building. The people screaming and hollering, and this is a quiet time for me. It’s a personal time for me because my dream is every little child’s dream or every person’s dream that ever wanted to be anything. It is an American Dream. There is an American Dream.

    Hell, whether it’s filling a building like this or if it’s doing plumbing like my daddy did as well as you can do it, you understand. (Takes off his sunglasses) I mean just as good as you can. I just thank God that there are people like yourselves that come out to see ‘The American Dream’ because when I was growing up I sure didn’t think 265 pounds of blue-eyed soul would captivate a country like I have. The people drive me.

    There’s never been a man I don’t think in sports anywhere [that] gets a natural high. That might be it, you look around, a natural high from doing what he’s doing. It’s not dope. It’s not pot. It’s not whiskey and wine. Now I drink a little whiskey and wine. (Pauses) But it’s every man, woman or child that really believe in the American Dream.

    And you know, Vinny, this building… (Getting excited) I’m getting down now because I’m saying things in my heart. This building will be full, it’s true. They’ll be screaming and hollering and jumping and shucking and jiving because this man knows no color barrier. He has no qualms about going out and eating dinner with a black man, or a Puerto Rican, or a Greek man, or a Chinese man, or Mexican-American, or anybody like that. Because I was raised to understand a man is a man first when he proves himself a man no matter what color he is, no matter what creed he is.

    Playing football back in West Texas, you know, we had many black guys on the team. Really boogie get down fever boys. And there were a few people around the town there in Texas that were still down a little on blacks. Now the world has changed. The arenas has changed. (Talking louder) You can look up in this building in a matter of a few hours when it’s full, and you can see a black man and a white man eating out of the same popcorn box. Wooo, that’s funky! That’s the American Dream!

    And I don’t care too much for politicians you understand, or don’t get involved in what’s their business. All I know is my business is making you happy. And I get a little sentimental when I’m thinking about it because making you happy makes my dreams fulfilled. And God knows I love you. Now whether it’s Superstar Billy Graham or Bob Backlund – a great, great champion that he is – or whether it’s sitting here with Vince, or whether it’s Freddie Blassie or Captain Lou Albano, the weasel, or any of his people, or Spiros Arion.

    There is a triumph in an empty building when I can sit here and really let my feelings go telling you in two hours [it] will be full of screaming people for one thing. For one instant in their life everything else don’t matter (long pause) but the American Dream. Now whether I carry that banner like I should sometimes it takes help from you.

    But I tell you one damn thing, I’m going to carry it forever and ever. The American Dream lives in this empty building.”

  • WWE News: Tough Enough finalists announced

    After their tryout camp, WWE has whittled down the field of 40 to 13 finalists for WWE Tough Enough, set to debut on USA Network on June 23rd. This group will compete for two one year, $250,000 contacts (one male/one female). A competition special will air on the WWE Network this Tuesday.

    Your finalists: 

    • Alexander Frekey of Dallas
    • Amadna Saccomanno of Yorktown Heights, NY
    • Darla Berenato of Los Angeles
    • Dianna Dahlgren of Spokane
    • Gabi Castrovinci of Southington, CT
    • Giorgia Piscina of Brisbane, Australia
    • Hank Avery Jr. of Macon, GA
    • Joshua Bredi of Thornton, CO
    • Mad Abdel Hamid of Los Angeles
    • Patrick Clark of Washington, DC
    • Sara Lee of Hope, MI
    • Tanner Saraceno of Boiling Springs, SC
    • Zamkariah Loupe of Bayuo Bluff, LA

  • Kevin Owens talks match with Cena, his son’s reaction to his Cena program and twitter

    The following is from a third party:

    NXT Champion Kevin Owens joined CBS Radio’s The Chad Dukes Wrestling Show on Thursday to promote his Champion versus Champion rematch with John Cena at the Money in the Bank show Sunday on PPV and the WWE Network.  During the interview Owens talked about his success in WWE so far, his son’s reactions to wrestling John Cena, the importance of the NXT title, blocking kids on Twitter, and more.

    On his success so far in WWE;

    “I went into NXT with no expectations.  That’s what I was told when I was hired, have no expectations, just do the best I could, and that’s always what I’ve done for the last fifteen years.  That’s what I did and you know it’s obviously working out pretty good.”

    On wrestling his son’s hero and its influence on his signing with WWE:

    “My son’s a big John Cena fan and obviously a big fan of mine who is very proud of everything I’m accomplishing.  A big reason why I signed with WWE in the first place was because my son wanted to see me wrestle in WWE and he wanted to see me wrestle John Cena.  So now he gets to see it.  I don’t know if he realized what it would entail, it would entail me beating up John Cena and John Cena trying to beat me up.  I’m sure it is a bit of conflicting feelings here and there for him but he’s proud of everything that’s happening and he’s really loving you know seeing me on WWE TV every week.”

    On stepping on the United States Title:

    “I think every single title in WWE means a lot.  Me stepping on the United States Championship wasn’t meant to disrespect the title itself but I think that the title I have is the most important in WWE because I have it.  Whether it’s the NXT title or the United States title or the Intercontinental title or the World title, if I have that title then that’s the most important one.  That’s all I was trying to illustrate by stepping on the United States title.  For me the NXT title is what it’s all about because that’s the one I have, that’s just the way I think.  Who knows what’ll happen in the future, who knows what title I’ll be competing for a few months from now but whatever title I’m going for is obviously going to be the most important to me because that’s the one I’m trying to get.”

    On John Cena:

    “Anybody who says that he’s not a very good professional wrestler and a very good performer all around is kidding themselves.  I know he gets a lot of years a lot of hate from a lot of people for various reasons, but anybody who denies the talent, John Cena’s talent in the ring is really in denial.  He’s a fantastic competitor and you know if it wasn’t made evident by the match and we had at Elimination Chamber it’s going to be made evident again by the match we have at Money in the Bank.  I feel like we brought out the best in each other at Elimination Chamber and we’re going to do it again this Sunday but there’s no way I’m leaving Columbus as anything but a winner.”

  • Dusty Rhodes funeral notes

    Ric Flair stated today that the funeral for Dusty Rhodes would be this Wednesday, June 17th in Tampa, FL, confirmed by others close to the family.

    Rhodes passed away Thursday at the age of 69 years old. 

  • Background of Austin vs. Lesnar and what happened after podcast, A look at how viewers reacted to ROH & TNA on Wednesday, History of New Japanjr.divisionan dits legends, Hall of fame coverage

    Last week the big story was the tease of a Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania.  This week we have a double issue because of such a busy news week, with our lead story talks about the background of that promo and why the match isn’t happening.  We have the background of Austin, Lesnar, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon, what led to the promo on the WWE Network, why Vince McMahon was unhappy about it, and what happened from there including Austin talking about the situation.

    We also have the first look at the Wednesday night wrestling wars with ROH & TNA, an update on MMA in New York, coverage of one of UFC’s best shows in recent years, New Japan’s summer look at including the G-1 Climax and Super Juniors tournament along with a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, as well as full coverage of the Hall of Fame and the new season of Tough Enough.

    The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/42967-june-15-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-latest-on-austin-lesnar-destination-america-ny-mma-and-much-more

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    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 talks about Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar.  We look at Austin’s comments regarding what he said last week, we look at the background, we look at why Vince McMahon wasn’t happy about what happened, we look at what this seems to end speculation on, where the Texas death match comment came from and what we don’t know about the situation and why the book seems closed on the match.

    We’ve got full details on the first week of both ROH & TNA together on Destination America.  We look at the audience for both groups, and what the quarter hours told about both groups.  We look at what the ratings seem to have indicated about both ROH and TNA and their audiences, as well as the next time this should be evaluated.

    We also look at Money in the Bank, the WWE Network special on 7/4 from Japan with the lineup.  We also look at the rest of the tour, an idea floated for the Slammys, what Vince McMahon wants out of the live talk shows on the WWE network, update on Tyson Kidd, why the stock is rising, Dwayne Johnson entertainment news, how the Kevin Steen action figure triggered so many things, return of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, special guest on Raw next week, Austin signs a new deal, and lots of the recent WWE tryout camp.

    We also look at the Jessicka Havok situation.

    We also look at all the NXT and WWE house show notes and business notes from the past week.

    We look at the new attempt to pass legislation in New York to legalize MMA, how this affects pro wrestling in the state as well as boxing, why MMA has to agree to certain things that are inherently unfair in a last ditch effort to get into the state.  We also look at a unique law regarding attendance at events in the bill, as well as what rules are in place to promote pro wrestling in New York.

    We’ve got coverage of one of the year’s best events, Saturday’s UFC show in New Orleans.  We look at the record tied, the career of Dan Henderson, the career of Brian Ebersole, as well as business notes and full coverage of the show.

    We also look at New Japan’s G-1 Climax tournament, who is in, who is out, what is says about current booking, the big shows on the tour, coverage of the show, prior winners, handicapping the tournament, why the winner is already planned out and how far in advance booking is, as well as the next few shows on New Japan World and the Dominion PPV show.

    We also have coverage of this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, why the interest level was down, business notes on the tournament, a look at the great finale match, as well as coverage of the final shows.  We also have a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, including the stars that build the division and the 1996 heyday period.

    We’ve got full coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremonies last month in Amsterdam, NY, with the awards, presentations, and a look at talent like Jumbo Tsuruta, Rick Martel, Vivian Vachon, Whipper Watson, Pedro Morales, The Freebirds and Curt Hennig.

    We also look at the new season of Tough Enough, who was and wasn’t picked to be part of the show, notes on why the winners are going to have it tough and not winning may to advantageous, as well as notes and backgrounds of some of the people involved.

    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:

    –A look at this year’s Busca de un Idolo tournament’s first shows

    –What happens in pro wrestling the night before UFC

    –Problems between companies in Mexico regarding CMLL pulling talent

    –Notes on Verano de Escandalo and U.S. iPPV and the card

    –First notes on TripleMania

    –What mach may be headlining this year’s TripleMania

    –Upcoming AAA TV

    –The debut of the three generations of green mist trio

    –Dragon Gate two big shows coming this week

    –All Japan’s big event for the week

    –A tag team of stars from two different promotions has a long reign as tag champions gone

    –More on the new Japan NOAH relationship and how this relates to the New Japan World service

    –New Japan scouting talent in the U.S. this summer

    –New Japan’s upcoming shows in Singapore

    –Satoru Sayama health update

    –Notes on the beginning shows of Global Force Wrestling

    –Notes on the lineups and what is and isn’t important about these events

    –Special celebrity guest added

    –An unselfish act acts an aspiring pro wrestling career

    –Another streaming service expected to start featuring 800 hours of a lost library

    –Chris Hero’s three hour gauntlet match and full details

    –Bill Goldberg talks about a potential pro wrestling farewell match and what could stand in the way

    –Who Goldberg still keeps in touch with in wrestling

    –Goldberg talks Brock Lesnar

    –A look at the big show at Citifield in New York this past week

    –A look at what TNA angle was revived on the show and how Goldberg fit in

    –A.J. Styles vs. Lionheart match coverage, back story, and why the crowd was so hot

    –Kris Travis talks return from cancer

    –Tons of indie big show news

    –A suspended senator in Canada participates in a pro wrestling show

    –Early ROH champion moving into MMA

    –Son of former Oregon star suspect in a beating death

    –Wrestling star in talks for a national cable television show unique deal

    –Update on the next ROH PPV

    –A look at the weekend ROH events

    –Why they did the Mickie James angle

    –TNA gets another international deal

    –UFC’s Labor Day weekend show announced

    –Two new title fights announced

    –Comparing Bader vs. Gustafsson as challengers for Cormier

    –When Cormier is targeting his first title defense

    –What Bader needs to do to get a title shot

    –Update on Anderson Silva and his suspension hearing, as well as Nick Diaz

    –Ben Rothwell accuses Cain Velasquez of PEDs and Velasquez responds

    –Former UFC star gets TV major network announcing gig

    –An interesting question that the courts may have to decide regarding UFC contract clause

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Notes on Shamrock vs. Kimbo

    –The first head to be cut off in new stronger penalties for PED usage

    –War Machine has court outburst

    –TV martial arts star with pro wrestling ties in bad health

    –Fighter comes back from nearly being stabbed to death to win a small promotion world title

    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)

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

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    *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)

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    *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.

  • FRI. UPDATE: Dusty Rhodes notes, Flair, Rampage, TNA changes PPV main, son of Hall of Famer passes, Tough Enough

    By dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>Dave Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on tonight’s GFW debut show in Jackson, TN (Chris Mordetzky vs. Dustin Starr, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. New Heavenly Bodies, Moose vs. Kevin Matthews, Tate Twins vs. Trent Barreta & Chuck Taylor, Thea Trinidad vs. Le’D Tapa, Sonjay Dutt vs. Jamin Olivencia), NXT in Cleveland and WWE in Springfield, IL (John Cena, Kane, Ryback, New Day, Bray Wyatt) at dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We will be doing weekend polls on both the UFC 188 show tomorrow and WWE Money in the Bank on Sunday with thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    New Japan World Pro Wrestling on AXS at 8 p.m. (one hour earlier than usual)

    Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bad Luck Fale for IC title

    AXS has CES live MMA at 9 p.m. from Lincoln,  RI

    Saturday has WWE in Terre Haute, IN (John Cena, Kane, new Day, Ryback, Bray Wyatt) and Dayton (Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Roma Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler), NXT in Columbus, OH and GFW in Chattanooga, TN (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. New Heavenly Bodies, Kongo Kong vs. Moose)

    UFC 188 on Saturday from Arena Ciudad in Mexico City

    Fight Pass at 7 p.m. Eastern

    Gabriel Benitez vs. Clay Collard

    Augusto Montano vs. Cathal Pendred

    FX (not FS 1 ) at 8 p.m.

    Johnny Case vs. Francisco Trevino

    Alejandro Perez vs. Patrick Williams

    Drew Dober vs. Efrain Escudero

    Henry Cejudo vs. Chico Camus

    PPV at 10 p.m.

    Tecia Torres vs. Angela Hill

    Yair Rodriguez vs. Charles Rosa

    Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nate Marquardt

    Gilbert Melendez vs. Eddie Alvarez

    Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum for heavyweight title

    WWE Money in the Bank Sunday in Columbus, OH

    Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose ladder match for WWE title

    John Cena vs. Kevin Owens non-title

    Money in the Bank ladder match:  Roman Reigns, Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Neville, Kane, and Kofi Kingston

    Ryback vs. Big Show for IC title

    New Day vs. Prime Time Players for tag title

    Nikki Bella vs. Paige for Divas title

    R-Truth vs. King Barrett

    The U.S. World Team Trials in wrestling air Sunday night at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

    Raw is Monday in Cleveland featuring the return to WWE of Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman.

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Buffalo.

    Last week the big story was the tease of a Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania.  This week we have a double issue because of such a busy news week, with our lead story talks about the background of that promo and why the match isn’t happening.  We have the background of Austin, Lesnar, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon, what led to the promo on the WWE Network, why Vince McMahon was unhappy about it, and what happened from there including Austin talking about the situation.

    We also have the first look at the Wednesday night wrestling wars with ROH & TNA, an update on MMA in New York, coverage of one of UFC’s best shows in recent years, New Japan’s summer look at including the G-1 Climax and Super Juniors tournament along with a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, as well as full coverage of the Hall of Fame and the new season of Tough Enough.

    The Latest Wrestling Observer: June 15, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Latest on Austin-Lesnar, Destination America, NY MMA

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    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 talks about Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar.  We look at Austin’s comments regarding what he said last week, we look at the background, we look at why Vince McMahon wasn’t happy about what happened, we look at what this seems to end speculation on, where the Texas death match comment came from and what we don’t know about the situation and why the book seems closed on the match.

    We’ve got full details on the first week of both ROH & TNA together on Destination America.  We look at the audience for both groups, and what the quarter hours told about both groups.  We look at what the ratings seem to have indicated about both ROH and TNA and their audiences, as well as the next time this should be evaluated.

    We also look at Money in the Bank, the WWE Network special on 7/4 from Japan with the lineup.  We also look at the rest of the tour, an idea floated for the Slammys, what Vince McMahon wants out of the live talk shows on the WWE network, update on Tyson Kidd, why the stock is rising, Dwayne Johnson entertainment news, how the Kevin Steen action figure triggered so many things, return of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, special guest on Raw next week, Austin signs a new deal, and lots of the recent WWE tryout camp.

    We also look at the Jessicka Havok situation.

    We also look at all the NXT and WWE house show notes and business notes from the past week.

    We look at the new attempt to pass legislation in New York to legalize MMA, how this affects pro wrestling in the state as well as boxing, why MMA has to agree to certain things that are inherently unfair in a last ditch effort to get into the state.  We also look at a unique law regarding attendance at events in the bill, as well as what rules are in place to promote pro wrestling in New York.

    We’ve got coverage of one of the year’s best events, Saturday’s UFC show in New Orleans.  We look at the record tied, the career of Dan Henderson, the career of Brian Ebersole, as well as business notes and full coverage of the show.

    We also look at New Japan’s G-1 Climax tournament, who is in, who is out, what is says about current booking, the big shows on the tour, coverage of the show, prior winners, handicapping the tournament, why the winner is already planned out and how far in advance booking is, as well as the next few shows on New Japan World and the Dominion PPV show.

    We also have coverage of this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, why the interest level was down, business notes on the tournament, a look at the great finale match, as well as coverage of the final shows.  We also have a history of the New Japan junior heavyweight division, including the stars that build the division and the 1996 heyday period.

    We’ve got full coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremonies last month in Amsterdam, NY, with the awards, presentations, and a look at talent like Jumbo Tsuruta, Rick Martel, Vivian Vachon, Whipper Watson, Pedro Morales, The Freebirds and Curt Hennig.

    We also look at the new season of Tough Enough, who was and wasn’t picked to be part of the show, notes on why the winners are going to have it tough and not winning may to advantageous, as well as notes and backgrounds of some of the people involved.

    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:

    –A look at this year’s Busca de un Idolo tournament’s first shows

    –What happens in pro wrestling the night before UFC

    –Problems between companies in Mexico regarding CMLL pulling talent

    –Notes on Verano de Escandalo and U.S. iPPV and the card

    –First notes on TripleMania

    –What mach may be headlining this year’s TripleMania

    –Upcoming AAA TV

    –The debut of the three generations of green mist trio

    –Dragon Gate two big shows coming this week

    –All Japan’s big event for the week

    –A tag team of stars from two different promotions has a long reign as tag champions gone

    –More on the new Japan NOAH relationship and how this relates to the New Japan World service

    –New Japan scouting talent in the U.S. this summer

    –New Japan’s upcoming shows in Singapore

    –Satoru Sayama health update

    –Notes on the beginning shows of Global Force Wrestling

    –Notes on the lineups and what is and isn’t important about these events

    –Special celebrity guest added

    –An unselfish act acts an aspiring pro wrestling career

    –Another streaming service expected to start featuring 800 hours of a lost library

    –Chris Hero’s three hour gauntlet match and full details

    –Bill Goldberg talks about a potential pro wrestling farewell match and what could stand in the way

    –Who Goldberg still keeps in touch with in wrestling

    –Goldberg talks Brock Lesnar

    –A look at the big show at Citifield in New York this past week

    –A look at what TNA angle was revived on the show and how Goldberg fit in

    –A.J. Styles vs. Lionheart match coverage, back story, and why the crowd was so hot

    –Kris Travis talks return from cancer

    –Tons of indie big show news

    –A suspended senator in Canada participates in a pro wrestling show

    –Early ROH champion moving into MMA

    –Son of former Oregon star suspect in a beating death

    –Wrestling star in talks for a national cable television show unique deal

    –Update on the next ROH PPV

    –A look at the weekend ROH events

    –Why they did the Mickie James angle

    –TNA gets another international deal

    –UFC’s Labor Day weekend show announced

    –Two new title fights announced

    –Comparing Bader vs. Gustafsson as challengers for Cormier

    –When Cormier is targeting his first title defense

    –What Bader needs to do to get a title shot

    –Update on Anderson Silva and his suspension hearing, as well as Nick Diaz

    –Ben Rothwell accuses Cain Velasquez of PEDs and Velasquez responds

    –Former UFC star gets TV major network announcing gig

    –An interesting question that the courts may have to decide regarding UFC contract clause

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Notes on Shamrock vs. Kimbo

    –The first head to be cut off in new stronger penalties for PED usage

    –War Machine has court outburst

    –TV martial arts star with pro wrestling ties in bad health

    –Fighter comes back from nearly being stabbed to death to win a small promotion world title

    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

    • For those of you who are fans of Dusty Rhodes, we have a great show with Rob Naylor talking about working with Rhodes and went through history up on the site.  We’ll have more in upcoming days.
    • At this point, there are no funeral services announced for Dusty Rhodes. 
    • Rhodes was feeling dizzy and collapsed on Wednesday morning just before 6 a.m. and they called 911 and took him to the hospital.  He was doing better on Wednesday, but his kidneys shut down and he suffered other complications that led to his death.  He had been working and had not complained that anything was wrong the day before.
    • WWE Network will have a Dusty Rhodes special airing after Raw on Monday night.  There were a lot of complaints yesterday at the lack of network coverage for Rhodes.  
    • Jim Ross talks Dusty Rhodes
    • Sporting News on Dusty Rhodes
    • A story on the event commemorating the history of Championship Wrestling from Florida last night
    • And more on that
    • Dusty Rhodes death was reported on the front page of the BBC web site.  Almost no wrestling deaths ever have gotten that treatment.  Owen Hart did due to circumstances.
    • For whatever reason, WWE is advertising Tyson Kidd for the Team Cena weekend shows. 
    • Ric Flair was at last night’s NBA championship game in Cleveland with The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, who both grew up in Cleveland.  Flair cut a promo after the first quarter in center court wearing a robe given to him by the Cavs mascot The Moondog.  Miz and Ziggler were shown cheering with the crowd during the third quarter.  The wrestlers caused such a reaction that arena security got mad because they couldn’t maintain a clear passage area outside the Cavs locker room (thanks to Brian Dulik)
    • Judge Karen Suter in New Jersey Superior Court ruled against Rampage Jackson in his quest to have the injunction that prohibits his fighting in UFC.  Suter had issued the original injunction, but Jackson was able to get it reversed which allowed him to fight in Montreal.  But the original judge ruled against the injunction being thrown out.    
    • Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan and Paige have been announced for the 8/22 Wizard World convention in Chicago.
    • Dusty Rhodes ended up yesterday being the third most searched item on the Internet with more than 1 million searches, trailing only Christopher Lee and LeBron James.
    • For today on twitter, Dusty Rhodes has 83,300 mentions while NXT Cleveland has 939.
    • TNA has announced that the Kurt Angle vs. Ethan Carter III title match, which was originally to main event the 6/28 PPV show, will now air on Impact on 7/1, which means it’ll be taped prior to the PPV show and air after the PPV show.  I can see with drawing ratings far more important then PPV right now why make the move, but not sure why they didn’t put it on the 6/24 show which is taped before and airs before the PPV.  They had done the 6/17 television show already which built to Angle would facing an opponent of EC 3’s choosing but a lot of stuff on 6/17 with the references to the PPV being “nine days away” (when the show was expected to be on a Friday and the match was on PPV) have to be changed.
    • TNA has announced James Storm vs. Magnus for the 6/28 show. 
    • Storm McDaniel, who either the son or adopted son of the late Wahoo McDaniel, was killed Wednesday when his jet ski collided with a 20 foot boat in Grand Lagoon in Panama City, FL.  McDaniel was rushed to Bay Medical Sacred Heart where he was pronounced dead.
    • UFC weigh-ins are 7 p.m. tonight on FS 2 and also live on this site.
    • Gawker Media battling for its existence in a lawsuit against Hulk Hogan
    • WWE stock was up 19 cents per share to close the week at $15.56.
    • More Tough Enough cuts were:

    Alexander Galizia

    Don Arner – an independent wrestler from Pittsburgh

    Gabi Castrovinci – a fitness model

    Jeremiah & Nehemiah Kingdom – Who were brothers and may have been twin brothers

    LaRayla Gason

    Michael Hayes – the best known indie wrestler, the war hero in Louisville who has been an OVW star for years

    Samantha Sage – fitness competitor

    Tommaso Giannuzzi

    Zack Boss – a pro bodybuilder

    • Chris Charboneau noted these famous shows on this day in St. Louis history

    1970 – Dory Funk Jr. beat Gene Kiniski with Whipper Watson as referee to retain the world title in front of a near sellout 10,344 fans, plus Crimson Knight (Bill Miller) & Von Raschke & Blackjack Lanza beat Dewey Robertson & Wilbur Snyder & Pat O’Connor in 2/3 falls
    1981 – Harley Race beat Ted DiBiase to retain the NWA title before 16,088 fans setting a city gate record, plus Pat O’Connor won a Battle Royal, Dick the Bruiser & Dusty Rhodes b Ken Patera & Ric Flair via DQ and Dick Murdoch double count out Kerry Von Erich

    1982 – Ric Flair beat Dick the Bruiser to retain the world title before a sellout of 19,027 fans at the Checkerdome, plus Dusty Rhodes & Ted DiBiase DDQ Harley Race & Dick Murdoch.  Flair has told me on more than one occasion this was one of the most memorable matches of his career.

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

    1967 – Mil Mascaras beat Espanto in Mexico City to win the Mexican national light heavyweight title

    1978 – Billy Robinson beat Tor Kamata in Ichinomiya to win the PWF title

    1991 – Jushin Liger beat Norio Honaga in Tokyo to win the IWGP jr. title

    1995 – Masahiro Chono & Hiroyoshi Tenzan beat Shinya Hashimoto & Junji Hirata in Osaka to win the IWGP tag team titles

    1996 – Black Tiger (Eddy Guerrero) beat Jushin Liger in Osaka to win the Best of the Super Juniors tournament

    1998 – Kenta Kobashi beat Toshiaki Kawada in Tokyo to win the Triple Crown

    2004 – Yuji Nagata & Kendo Ka Shin beat Kaz Hayashi & Satoshi Kojima in Nagoya to win the All Japan world tag titles

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE

    12:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Straight to the Top: The Money in the Bank Anthology presents the lineage of this epic match!

    2:00 AM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    3:00 AM ET
    WWE SUPERSTARS WWE Superstars features the best of the best, in matches you’ll have to see to believe. You never know what to expect, so expect everything.

    4:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS What starts as a couples road trip for Eva and Ariane ends in an all out blowout, and Bryan is keeping tabs on Brie.

    5:00 AM ET
    WCW MONDAY NITRO On this episode of WCW Monday Nitro the fallout from World War 3! Sting teams with Lex Luger to take on Brain Pillman and Arn Anderson.

    6:00 AM ET
    WWE MONEY IN THE BANK 2013 Can John Cena overcome the brute strength of Mark Henry or will the world’s strongest man finally capture the WWE Championship?

    9:00 AM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS What starts as a couples road trip for Eva and Ariane ends in an all out blowout, and Bryan is keeping tabs on Brie.

    10:00 AM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Straight to the Top: The Money in the Bank Anthology presents the lineage of this epic match!

    12:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH In the pursuit to become a WWE Superstar, eight hopeful athletes compete for a million dollar WWE Contract and find out who is Tough Enough!

    1:00 PM ET
    THE WWE LIST Whether it’s winning the Diva’s Championship, or posting a very flattering photos on Twitter… These Divas do it all to stay trending.

    1:30 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee Young chats with the King of the Ring Bad News Barrett, discussing everything from music, marine biology and everything in between!

    1:45 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves experiences a culture shock at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration, getting caught up in the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

    2:00 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    2:30 PM ET
    WWE QUICK HITS WWE Quick Hits 5 brings you some of the most unique, entertaining, and sometimes outrageous clips, unearthed from the depths of WWE Network!

    3:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Bret Hart defends the WWE Title against Papa Shango. The British Bulldog puts the Intercontinental Title on the line against Shawn Michaels.

    4:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Follow Batista’s path from the struggles that drove him away from WWE to his triumphant return in 2014.

    5:00 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee Young chats with the King of the Ring Bad News Barrett, discussing everything from music, marine biology and everything in between!

    5:15 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves experiences a culture shock at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration, getting caught up in the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

    5:30 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    6:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Most Infamous Intercontinental Champions of all time!

    7:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR The strategies that helped Eric Bischoff build WCW would hasten the decline of both he and his company.

    8:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Bret Hart defends the WWE Title against Papa Shango. The British Bulldog puts the Intercontinental Title on the line against Shawn Michaels.

    9:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING Follow Batista’s path from the struggles that drove him away from WWE to his triumphant return in 2014.

    10:00 PM ET
    WWE UNFILTERED WITH RENEE YOUNG Renee Young chats with the King of the Ring Bad News Barrett, discussing everything from music, marine biology and everything in between!

    10:15 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves experiences a culture shock at the 2015 Star Wars Celebration, getting caught up in the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

    10:30 PM ET
    THIS WEEK IN WWE Get caught up on all the highlights from Raw and SmackDown with This Week in WWE.

    11:00 PM ET
    SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT Bret Hart defends the WWE Title against Papa Shango. The British Bulldog puts the Intercontinental Title on the line against Shawn Michaels.

  • UFC 188 Picks From The Secret Psychic Spy~!

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

    Starting Bankroll: $1,500

    Current Bankroll: $621.67

    Last week: 3/5 Overall 54/95 (57%)

    Starting to turn things around with a small profit last week. Should hopefully keep the momentum going this week with the 5 picks I’ve found worth value from UFC 188 this weekend. It’s a return to Mexico and the return of the one who beat the one who beat the streak…or something like that. Cain Velasquez returns after a 20 month absence. Speaking of which…

    Pick 1 – Fabricio Werdum (19-5-1) +400 over Cain Velasquez (13-1) I’m betting $100 to win $500

    Taking a long shot here but I really like these odds. Werdum has steamrolled his way to this title shot and is facing a guy who will no doubt have some Octagon rust. I’ve even heard rumours that Cain might not be at 100% and if that’s the case, these odds are way out of whack. If this were an even money bet, I might lean toward Cain but no way should he be a 5 to 1 favorite.

    Pick 2 – Charles Rosa (10-1) -225 over Yair Rodriguez (4-1) I’m betting $100 to win $44.44

    Rodriguez has this main card slot on a PPV because he won TUF Latin America but he struggled to win a decision against a similarly inexperienced opponent at UFC 180. Rosa is “Boston Strong” and walked into enemy territory on short notice last year in his UFC debut and almost beat tough veteran Dennis Siver. He followed that up with a brilliant performance earlier this year and should keep the momentum going on Saturday.

    Pick 3 – Tecia Torres (5-0) over Angela Hill (2-0) I’m betting $100 to win $34.48

    You may recall that Torres was one of the favorites going into the TUF 20 tournament to crown a new Strawweight champion. She went to a majority decision with eventual champion Carla Esparza but is unbeaten in official pro bouts. Hill is very inexperienced and while improving each time out, she should be no match for “The Tiny Tornado”.

    Pick 4 – Clay Collard (14-5) -255 over Gabriel Benitez (17-4) I’m betting $100 to win $39.22

    Though the records look similar, Collard has faced a far greater level of competition, including handing unbeaten prospect Alex White his first career defeat late last year. Benitez is another TUF Latin America prospect who earned a late submission win at UFC 180 but it was against a .500 fighter who likely wasn’t even UFC caliber. This is the only pick here that isn’t a main card fight as this one will air on UFC Fight Pass.

    Pick 5 – Gilbert Melendez (22-4) -170 over Eddie Alvarez (25-4) I’m betting $100 to win $58.82

    Personally I’m looking forward to this fight most of all. Hardcore fans have wanted this fight since both were champions in other organizations and it’ll finally happen before a raucous crowd in Mexico. Melendez only has one win in 3 UFC fights but the two losses were to former UFC Champions Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis. Melendez is likely the toughest fighter that Alvarez has ever faced and I think Alvarez caves in under the pressure.

    All told, I’m betting $500 with a chance to win $576.97

    On with the betting game.

    2015 Betting Game: Secret Psychic Spy vs Ryan Frederick

    Current Standings:

    Ryan Frederick: $426.92 (Picked Ortega, Noons, Browne, Magny, Matthews)

    Secret Psychic Spy: $152.63 (Picked Henderson, Breese, Pyle, Wee, Andrews)

    We were both winners last week as Brian Ortega snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for young Ryan and Hendo made middle-aged men, including Bryan Alvarez, around the world happy by dropping the Hendo bomb on Tim Boetsch and putting me in my rightful place at the top  of this game, where I’ll be staying.

    I’ll be taking Werdum for the reasons mentioned above. Mostly cause I look at is as a free picks since Freddy’s here is almost certain to lose.

    Freddy’s pick and analysis:

    Eddie Alvarez +155 over Gilbert Melendez

    I’m going with an underdog pick and picking Eddie Alvarez to defeat Gilbert Melendez. I expect an exciting fight and a lot of back-and-forth action. I think Alvarez has those UFC jitters out of the way, and I seem him as a slightly better fighter at this stage than Melendez is. Both are great and fun to watch, and I feel like I’m going out on a little bit of a limb here as it seems most expect Melendez to win. So, going with the upset here.

    Good luck, enjoy the fights and above all else remember, Freddy’s going down!

  • After Dark Radio for tonight — BIG ANNOUNCEMENT plus Tim Swartz of Conspiracy Journal appears!

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

    The show airs at 2 AM ET/11 PM Pacific for two hours!

    Tonight we will be joined by special guest Tim Swartz of Conspiracy Journal to talk UFO’s Alistair Crowley, elves and tons more! Check the website for NEW call-in numbers/email addresses, with more coming in a few weeks!

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

    All of the phone numbers are available at afterdarkradioshow.com. You can send in emails on any topic to bryan@wrestlingobserver.com, and make sure you put “AFTER DARK” in the subject line. Remember, this show survives on your participation, so please send those emails or be prepared to call!

  • UFC 188: Velasquez vs. Werdum weigh-in results and live video

    Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC 188: Velasquez vs. Werdum weigh-ins from Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico kicking off at 7 PM eastern time. The event airs on Saturday on pay-per-view at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass at 7 PM eastern time before moving over to FX at 8 PM eastern time. This marks the Octagon’s second trip to Mexico City following UFC 180 in November.

    The event will be headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship Unification bout as UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez returns from a long injury layoff to face Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum. The semi-main event is a long-awaited lightweight bout between former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez and former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez. Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between former TUF winner Kelvin Gastelum and former UFC title challenger and former Strikeforce champion Nate Marquardt.

    A previously scheduled bout between Albert Tumenov and Andrew Todhunter was cancelled late Thursday night after Todhunter, who was coming into the fight on very short notice, was deemed medically unable to compete.

    MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):

    Cain Velasquez (242) vs. Fabricio Werdum (236)
    Gilbert Melendez (156) vs. Eddie Alvarez (156)
    Kelvin Gastelum (185) vs. Nate Marquardt (184)
    Yair Rodriguez (145) vs. Charles Rosa (145)
    Tecia Torres (114) vs. Angela Hill (115)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (FX- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):

    Henry Cejudo (125) vs. Chico Camus (126)
    Efrain Escudero (156) vs. Drew Dober (155)
    Alejandro Perez (136) vs. Patrick Williams (136)
    Francisco Trevino (154) vs. Johnny Case (155)

    PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT):

    Augusto Montano (170) vs. Cathal Pendred (170)
    Gabriel Benitez (145) vs. Clay Collard (146)

  • UFC News: Andrew Todhunter passes out during weight cut, fight off UFC 188

    Andrew Todhunter, a late replacement fighter who was set to face Albert Tumenov tomorrow night in Mexco City, reportedly passed out in trying to lose weight for today’s weigh-ins.

    UFC.com’s Thomas Gerbasi reported that Todhunter, set to make his UFC debut, was cutting weight when he passed out. Doctors hooked him up to an IV to replenish the lost water weight and it was ruled that due to passing out, he would not be allowed to fight. Todhunter’s previous fight was a boxing match on 5/15, where he weighed in at 200 pounds. This was a fight where he needed to get to 171 pounds. Tumenov will receive his show money for tomorrow. 

    Because of the timeframe, there will be no replacement and the show will now begin at 7 PM EST on Fight Pass instead of 6:30 PM EST.