Category: Post Type article

  • WWE News: NXT returns to Northern California for two days

    Two WWE NXT events have been announced for 10/24 and 10/25 as part of the Aftershock Festival in Gibson Ranch in Elverta, CA, just north of Sacramento. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday for a pre-sale and Friday for a public sale.   

  • The battle for No. 2, where TNA stands with Destination America, ROH/New Japan tour coverage, Payback coverage, Changes in MMA

    The new issue of the Wrestling Observer is among the most talked about of the year, with a detailed lead story on the plight of every key non-WWE promotion, as well as details of TNA’s future with Destination America, ROH viewership and more, a detailed look at how MMA is going to be changing with far more serious repercussions for drug test failures and the story behind the changes, a look at Elimination Chamber, a rundown of Payback, a detailed update NXT with coverage of its Northeast tour, and of the ROH/New Japan tour.  We also look at the Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Edgar show and the death of Corey Hill.

    The new issue is up on the site at http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/42649-may-25-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-state-of-tna-nsacs-new-doping-penalties-and-more

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are at  http://www.f4wonline.com/member/signup.php

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

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

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    The lead story looks at the battle for the No. 2 spot in American pro wrestling.  We look at ROH, TNA, GFW and Lucha Underground, as well as how WWE may have created the real No. 2.  We look at where things stand with all the groups, both in going forward, if they even can go forward, the TV situation with everyone, tons of changes in TNA television with the move to Wednesday. 

    We also look at the background of the changes in drug testing penalties in Nevada, what it means for the sport, how the business will change for many, the realities of drug testing with these penalties, injury rates, careers ending earlier, the Wanderlei Silva case, the marijuana threshold and far more.

    We also have coverage of the Elimination Chamber lineup, questions regarding the show, business for Payback and match-by-match coverage of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at the attempt to make NXT a third WWE touring brand.  We look at the plans for the next few years for the brand, ideas Paul Levesque talked about, long-term plans for shows in and out of Florida, business notes from the Philadelphia and Albany shows and full coverage of all three nights.

    We also look at the last three nights of the ROH/New Japan tour with shows in Philadelphia and Toronto, with notes on the business and iPPV, as well as when ROH is trying to cut a deal to bring New Japan talent back. 

    We also look at the update on the Steve Austin/WWE relationship and some podcast notes, Update on injuries to key talent and how some of them happened, promotions, Ronda Rousey talks a WWE return, Vince McMahon on WrestleMania, What WWE performer has ESPN and FOX wanting them, Notes on how this season’s Tough Enough will work, view on women in WWE going forward, Samoa Joe in WWE, WWE Studios looking to make major moves, what WWE star is in the biggest grossing movie of the weekend, more on the box office for Dwayne Johnson’s latest movie, ABC airing a piece on WWE and Finn Balor talks NXT.

    We also look at the next group of wrestlers getting WWE tryouts, what group in WWE is history, what person from another sport was a guest trainer last week, and a former MMA fighter signs with WWE.  We’ve also got business notes for all the weekend WWE shows and highlights of the events.

    We’ve also got full coverage of UFC’s morning show from The Philippines, including the retirement of Mark Munoz, Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Edgar and business notes from the show.

    We also have a story on the death of former UFC fighter Corey Hill, as well as one of the worst injuries in UFC history, why people thought he had championship potential and what happened.

    We’ve also got notes on AAA’s big show of he weekend, Verano de Escandalo, with many of the stars of Lucha Underground, as well as Rey Mysterio Jr.

    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:

    –One of biggest stars in Mexico under a police investigation and has been pulled from bookings

    –Full details on how this went down

    –Octagon first Arena Mexico appearance

    –Big tournament coming up

    –New Japan star headed to CMLL

    –Huge head-to-head battle on Sunday with loaded shows a few miles from each other

    –Lineup for the AAA World Cup tournament

    –Notes on this week’s iPPV of World Cup

    –King of Gate tournament coming up to this finals this week

    –One of the greatest pro wrestling stars of the 70s returns to Japan at the end of the month

    –A look at all the New Japan Super Juniors shows of the week and complete New Japan World lineup of multiple shows

    –Update on health of one of 80s biggest names

    –More details on Global Force Wrestling including lineups for the first four shows

    –Who are newcomers that they have added

    –Who was pulled from the promotion

    –An update on Scott Hall

    –Update on Bill Goldberg and his appearance on a pro wrestling event

    –Huge fund raiser to commemorate regional wrestling from the 70s with tons of area stars involved

    –Notes on ROH Final Battle

    –More on ROH signing of Moose

    –Who else had made a play for him

    –Main events for the next few ROH shows

    –A look at ROH television over the next month

    –Why this week’s first-run Impact show didn’t air in the U.S.

    –A look at the Impact schedule and more on the time slot change

    –TNA’s U.K. tour notes

    –More on Billy Corgan in TNA

    –Dixie Carter talks to Steve Austin, fact vs. fiction

    –TNA loses anther time slot

    –A look at this coming week’s UFC show

    –Lots of UFC card changes and why

    –UFC debuts in South Korea in the fall

    –Who are the biggest stars from there

    –Will UFC’s books be made public due to lawsuit

    –UFC expected to sign WSOF champion

    –A look at all the activities in July in conjunction with UFC in Las Vegas and Fight Week

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –A look at Bellator’s last show and next show

    –Former Pride star put in jail

    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.

  • Note on delay on wrestling/MMA TV ratings

    Due to Memorial Day, the ratings have been delayed.

    The Friday & Saturday ratings are expected to be released tomorrow morning.  Last night’s Raw rating is expected to be released late tomorrow afternoon.

  • NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Report 5-25 Niigata report: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kyle O’Reilly

    By Bryan Rose, WrestlingObserver.com

    Here are night three of the Best of the Super Junior results, held earlier this morning in Niigata. Before going on, I should note that Alex Shelley is officially out of the tournament, suffering ligament damage in a match with David Finlay. Thus, all of his matches will be considered forfeit wins.

    Beretta vs. Chase Owens

    Solid match. Owens blindsided Beretta after spitting in his hand and was in control most of the match. Beretta made a comeback, but Owens laid him out with a package piledriver on the apron, which did not look like fun times at all. Beretta then came back, took out Owens and laid him out with an Omori driver into a pin for the win.

    Mascara Dorada vs. David Finlay

    This was good, but there wasn’t much heat. Finlay stood out for me in this match as he played the heel, and was pretty good at it. He controlled the match, mostly with mat wrestling, until he got up to the top rope and tried a springboard, but missed and connected with Dorada’s feet. He followed that up with a rope walk senton then followed with a Michinoku driver pinning combination.

    Tiger Mask vs. Bobby Fish

    Tiger Mask won with a rollup out of nowhere. A lot of this was Fish working over Tiger Mask, though at one point he missed a superkick and it landed on the ring post. They took turns working on each other’s legs until Tiger Mask got the phantom roll up. I found this to be dull in parts but it was solid overall.

    Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kyle O’Reilly

    O’Rilley submitted Liger with an armbar in an upset. This was the best match of the night; nothing blow away, but worth watching as the last few minutes were pretty great. It started off slow, with O’Reilly working over Liger, but Liger made his comeback including the rolling senton to the floor. They had a back and forth match after this. Liger hit a hurricanrana off the top rope, but O’Reilly countered it into a sunset flip for a nearfall. He followed that with a tornado DDT into a brainbuster and when that didn’t work he applied the armbar and submitted Liger. Last few minutes were great.

  • TUES. UPDATE: ROH releasing action figure of WWE contracted talent, notes on WWE’s last Nassau Coliseum show, and more

    by David Bixenspan | davidbix@wrestlingobserver.comFollow @davidbix

    There’s a new episode of WWE Unfilteredwith Renee Young tonight at 9:00 p.m. on WWE Network where she interviews Bad News/King Barrett. Per the schedule, it’s six minutes long. That doesn’t sound very unfiltered.

    We’re looking for results/spoiler reports from tonight’s SmackDown/Main Event tapings in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Send those to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com.

    **** 

    The newest issue of Figure Four Weekly is up on the site for subscribers (subscribe here) with a detailed look at the history of popular music being used in pro wrestling, including:

    * Who actually did the first pro wrestling music video?

    * The role of popular songs gtting major acts over.

    * What made the use of music in ECW so special.

    * How “real” songs make wrestlers stand out in a sea of in-house productions.

    And much more. Plus, as always, we have  all of the usual reviews and international news.

    Also, now available for the first time on Kindle (meaning Kindle devices and anything with the Kindle app) is Fall Guys, the seminal 1937 book that has been described as being like the 1930s version of the Wrestling Observer. It was surprisingly not on Kindle already, so we put together a nice version with a full table of contents w/ chapter marks, proper formatting on everything, etc. Right now it’s available from the AmericanCanadian, and Australian Amazon/Kindle stores OR you can also buy it from anywhere in the world on PayHip, who will provide you with both Kindle and ePub (every other e-reader) format files, and you can either sideload them to your device or have them email it to your Kindle. 

    **** 

    The new issue of the Wrestling Observer is among the most talked about of the year, with a detailed lead story on the plight of every key non-WWE promotion, as well as details of TNA’s future with Destination America, ROH viewership and more, a detailed look at how MMA is going to be changing with far more serious repercussions for drug test failures and the story behind the changes, a look at Elimination Chamber, a rundown of Payback, a detailed update NXT with coverage of its Northeast tour, and of the ROH/New Japan tour.  We also look at the Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Edgar show and the death of Corey Hill.

    The new issue is up on the site here.

    Web site subscriptions, which include access to both current and older newsletters as well as every audio show on the history of the site are available here.

    You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    You can also order via PayPal by sending funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Rates are:

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

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

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

    The lead story looks at the battle for the No. 2 spot in American pro wrestling.  We look at ROH, TNA, GFW and Lucha Underground, as well as how WWE may have created the real No. 2.  We look at where things stand with all the groups, both in going forward, if they even can go forward, the TV situation with everyone, tons of changes in TNA television with the move to Wednesday. 

    We also look at the background of the changes in drug testing penalties in Nevada, what it means for the sport, how the business will change for many, the realities of drug testing with these penalties, injury rates, careers ending earlier, the Wanderlei Silva case, the marijuana threshold and far more.

    We also have coverage of the Elimination Chamber lineup, questions regarding the show, business for Payback and match-by-match coverage of the show with star ratings and poll results.

    We also look at the attempt to make NXT a third WWE touring brand.  We look at the plans for the next few years for the brand, ideas Paul Levesque talked about, long-term plans for shows in and out of Florida, business notes from the Philadelphia and Albany shows and full coverage of all three nights.

    We also look at the last three nights of the ROH/New Japan tour with shows in Philadelphia and Toronto, with notes on the business and iPPV, as well as when ROH is trying to cut a deal to bring New Japan talent back. 

    We also look at the update on the Steve Austin/WWE relationship and some podcast notes, Update on injuries to key talent and how some of them happened, promotions, Ronda Rousey talks a WWE return, Vince McMahon on WrestleMania, What WWE performer has ESPN and FOX wanting them, Notes on how this season’s Tough Enough will work, view on women in WWE going forward, Samoa Joe in WWE, WWE Studios looking to make major moves, what WWE star is in the biggest grossing movie of the weekend, more on the box office for Dwayne Johnson’s latest movie, ABC airing a piece on WWE and Finn Balor talks NXT.

    We also look at the next group of wrestlers getting WWE tryouts, what group in WWE is history, what person from another sport was a guest trainer last week, and a former MMA fighter signs with WWE.  We’ve also got business notes for all the weekend WWE shows and highlights of the events.

    We’ve also got full coverage of UFC’s morning show from The Philippines, including the retirement of Mark Munoz, Urijah Faber vs. Frankie Edgar and business notes from the show.

    We also have a story on the death of former UFC fighter Corey Hill, as well as one of the worst injuries in UFC history, why people thought he had championship potential and what happened.

    We’ve also got notes on AAA’s big show of he weekend, Verano de Escandalo, with many of the stars of Lucha Underground, as well as Rey Mysterio Jr.

    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:

    –One of biggest stars in Mexico under a police investigation and has been pulled from bookings

    –Full details on how this went down

    –Octagon first Arena Mexico appearance

    –Big tournament coming up

    –New Japan star headed to CMLL

    –Huge head-to-head battle on Sunday with loaded shows a few miles from each other

    –Lineup for the AAA World Cup tournament

    –Notes on this week’s iPPV of World Cup

    –King of Gate tournament coming up to this finals this week

    –One of the greatest pro wrestling stars of the 70s returns to Japan at the end of the month

    –A look at all the New Japan Super Juniors shows of the week and complete New Japan World lineup of multiple shows

    –Update on health of one of 80s biggest names

    –More details on Global Force Wrestling including lineups for the first four shows

    –Who are newcomers that they have added

    –Who was pulled from the promotion

    –An update on Scott Hall

    –Update on Bill Goldberg and his appearance on a pro wrestling event

    –Huge fund raiser to commemorate regional wrestling from the 70s with tons of area stars involved

    –Notes on ROH Final Battle

    –More on ROH signing of Moose

    –Who else had made a play for him

    –Main events for the next few ROH shows

    –A look at ROH television over the next month

    –Why this week’s first-run Impact show didn’t air in the U.S.

    –A look at the Impact schedule and more on the time slot change

    –TNA’s U.K. tour notes

    –More on Billy Corgan in TNA

    –Dixie Carter talks to Steve Austin, fact vs. fiction

    –TNA loses anther time slot

    –A look at this coming week’s UFC show

    –Lots of UFC card changes and why

    –UFC debuts in South Korea in the fall

    –Who are the biggest stars from there

    –Will UFC’s books be made public due to lawsuit

    –UFC expected to sign WSOF champion

    –A look at all the activities in July in conjunction with UFC in Las Vegas and Fight Week

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –A look at Bellator’s last show and next show

    –Former Pride star put in jail

    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.

    ****

    Tuesday Daily Update

    — Last night, WWE announced the end of their second screen experience in the WWE App, instead transitioning all of the included content to their traditional social media channels like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Periscope. That’s probably for the best at this point. 

    — As noted late last night, ROH sent out a press release announcing that the June 20th TV taping (this part is important) at Terminal 5 in New York City will be headlined by Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles taking on tag team champions The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian) in a non-title match. All hail Samoa Joe: Amrican Freelancer.

    — ROH and Figures Toy Company have also announced the names and revealed the prototype head sculpts of the wrestlers in the first series of ROH action figures. Series 1 has Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Adam Cole, and a “Throwback” star in the form of Kevin Steen. Brilliant move on their part if they have the rights, since WWE action figure collectors will likely be all over that.

    Newsday, Long Island’s newspaper of record, talked to fans before last night’s Raw (the last WWE card ever at the Nassau Coliseum, at least in its current form) and put together a video feature about the event.

    Newsday also has a photo gallery from the show.

    — Before Raw went on the air, Vince McMahon addressed the crowd to commemerate the event, as well.

    — Last night on Raw, even though WWE always makes it very clear that the Nassau Coliseum isn’t in New York City. they used a NYPD vehicle for all of the arrest-related skits. Raw now officially exists in a different universe from our own. (Thanks to Marcus Kyle Fabian for sending that in)

    Mike Mooneyham’s column this week is a really nice, detailed article on Jim Ross emceeing a “Mid-Atlantic Memories” documentary screening at this year’s FanFest in Charlotte.

    — Tickets go on sale this Friday for World Series of Fighting’s biggest card in a while, WSOF 22 on August 1st, the same night as UFC 190, the Ronda Rousey vs. Bethe Correia card. The card features three title fights: Rousimar Palhares (c) vs. Jake Shields for the welterweight title, Marlon Moraes (c) vs. Sheymon Moraes for the bantamweight title, Magomed Bibulatov vs. Donavon Frelow to determine the first flyweight champion, and Tyrone Spong vs. Mike Kyle in what’s easily Spong’s toughest test so far in MMA.

    The Korea Times has an article about the retirement of Lee Wang-pyo last night in Seoul as well as an interview with him. A trainee of Kintaro Oki/Kim Il, he started wrestling in 1975. There’s a great photo of him wrestling Bob Sapp in the article.

    — Dave’s “Fortunes changed for six” UFC 187 postmortem is up at MMAFighting.com.

    –TODAY’S WRESTLING VIDEOS (thanks to Thomas Rude)

    WWE


    5/23/15 WWE Top Ten-Outside Intruders

    5/25/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”:  Dean Ambrose Lays Down The Law

    5/25/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”:  Stardust Calls Out Stephen Amell

    Finn Balor Is Ready For His Challenge:  WWE.com Exclusive 5/20/15

    WWE Inbox 172

    Samoa Joe Makes A Bold Statement After NXT Takeover:  Unstoppable-WWE.com Exclusive

    Baron Corbin Believes He’s The “Unstoppable One”:  WWE.com Exclusive, May 20, 2015

    Mr. McMahon Addresses The WWE Universe In Nassau Coliseum

    WWE Canvas 2 Canvas:  R-Truth Hits The Canvas

    EXCLUSIVE:  Footage Catches Seth Rollins In The Act

    5/24/15 WWE Fury:  32 Dropkicks That Will Knock Your Teeth Out

    INDY TV SHOWS


    West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 52)

    5/21/15 RESISTANCE Pro TV HD 2.0

    5/24/15 NWA Southern All Star Wrestling TV

    Anarchy Wrestling TV (Episode 485)

    America’s  Most Like Wrestling TV (Season 1, Episode 7)

    Powerbomb Championship Wrestling TV (Episode 27)

    West Virginia Championship Wrestling TV (Episode 229)

    Reality Of Wrestling TV (Episode 55)

    3XWrestling “All Stars Of The Midwest” TV (Episode 19)

    MISC. STUFF


    Top 5 Moves Of Dasher Hatfield

    Chris Daniels & Kazarian On “The Apter Chat”

    The Queen’s Court (Episode 4)

    The Candice & Joey Show (Episode 115)

    The Candice & Joey Show (Episode 116)

    Ringside Collectibles’ “Ringside or Riot” (Season 4, Episode 26)

    AnarchyPro Wrestling “Internet Beatdown” (Webisode 10)

    CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go (Episode 417)

    Grappers’ Corner (Season 1, Episode 1)

    POWW “Inside The Ropes” (Episode 11)

    TNA


    The Question Mark (Episode 9)

    Eric Young Sends Video In Response To His Actions Against Chris Melendez

    LUCHA UNDERGROUND

    Outside With Vampiro:  The History Of Boyle Heights

    Global Force Wrestling


    Part 1-The Orleans Arena Press Conference.

    Part 2-The Orleans Arena Press Conference-“The Day Is Finally Here.”

    Part 3-The Orleans Arena Press Conference.

    Part 4-The Orleans Arena Press Conference.

    Part 5-The Orleans Arena Press Conference.

    TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)

    12:00 AM 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!

    12:06 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR It takes an army to win a war, and both WCW and WWE were developing a deep roster in order to emerge victorious.

    1:06 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Biggest Crybabies of all time!

    2:00 AM ET
    TUESDAY NIGHT TITANS Vince McMahon hosts Tuesday Night Titans with Lord Alfred Hayes. Andre The Giant stops by and does a little singing with the band and more.

    4:00 AM ET
    PRIME TIME WRESTLING Join Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan for Prime Time Wrestling featuring Hulk Hogan, Junkyard Dog, and many more!

    5:30 AM ET
    FIRST LOOK A First Look to watch exclusive content from WWE Home Video’s latest release, Daniel Bryan – Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!

    6:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH The Miz gives the contestants a taste of what life as a WWE Superstar means outside the ring. Back in the gym, the competition heats up.

    7:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR It takes an army to win a war, and both WCW and WWE were developing a deep roster in order to emerge victorious.

    8:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Biggest Crybabies of all time!

    9:00 AM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH The Miz gives the contestants a taste of what life as a WWE Superstar means outside the ring. Back in the gym, the competition heats up.

    10:00 AM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR It takes an army to win a war, and both WCW and WWE were developing a deep roster in order to emerge victorious.

    11:00 AM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Biggest Crybabies of all time!

    12:00 PM ET
    TOUGH ENOUGH The Miz gives the contestants a taste of what life as a WWE Superstar means outside the ring. Back in the gym, the competition heats up.

    1:00 PM ET
    MONDAY NIGHT WAR It takes an army to win a war, and both WCW and WWE were developing a deep roster in order to emerge victorious.

    2:00 PM ET
    WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the Top Ten Biggest Crybabies of all time!

    3:00 PM ET
    WARRIOR’S GREATEST MATCHES Prior to his untimely death, Warrior sat down with the WWE in an interview to discuss his favorite matches throughout his career.

    4:00 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves gets a culture shock immersing himself within the fascinating world of Marvel Comics, from their headquarters in New York City!

    4:10 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calls with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.

    5:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Eva’s sexy bachelorette in Curacao gets heated when TJ destroy’s Nattie’s hopes of rekindling their marriage.

    6:00 PM ET
    WWE BEYOND THE RING The story of WCW, from Ted Turner’s entry into the world of wrestling, through the Monday Night War, and the company’s eventual collapse.

    8:00 PM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

    9:00 PM ET
    CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves gets a culture shock immersing himself within the fascinating world of Marvel Comics, from their headquarters in New York City!

    9:10 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calls with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.

    10:00 PM ET
    TOTAL DIVAS Eva’s sexy bachelorette in Curacao gets heated when TJ destroy’s Nattie’s hopes of rekindling their marriage.

    11:00 PM ET
    WWE NXT The future is here. Witness the entertainers, the leading men and women, the Superstars of tomorrow — this is NXT!

  • ROH announces names in first action figure collection

    The following is a press release:

    (Baltimore, MD – May 26th, 2015) – Get ready for the best wrestling figures on the planet!  Ring of Honor Wrestling (ROH) and Figures Toy Company are proud to announce the official lineup for the debut series of ROH Wrestling action figures!  Series 1 will feature four of the top names in Ring of Honor history, and this series marks the first time that any of them have been released in action figure form!

    From “DemBoys” to a ruler of a Kingdom, ROH and Figures Toy Company will be releasing four major names to launch the line:

    Jay Briscoe: The current Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Champion, Jay Briscoe is an ROH Original in every sense, including being the very first ROH match ever. With his roughneck reputation and the in ring skills to back it up, Briscoe is one of ROH’s most recognizable stars.

    Mark Briscoe: Brother of Jay and another ROH Original.  Together, The Briscoes wreaked havoc on the ROH tag division, and have held the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championship an unprecedented 8 times!  Now Mark and Jay Briscoe team up to make history once again as a part of the very first Ring of Honor action figure series.

    Adam Cole: The former Ring of Honor World Champion, and the leader of The Kingdom.  Cole’s brash attitude has not endeared him to the ROH fanbase, and now he has something new to brag about, as he’ll surely be flaunting his Ring of Honor action figure for all it’s worth.

    Kevin Steen: The “Throwback” star in Series 1, Kevin Steen has a long and storied history in Ring of Honor.  From his tag team with El Generico to wreaking havoc as the Ring of Honor World Champion, Steen has made a name for himself not only in ROH but throughout the wrestling world.  He may not be raising hell in ROH any longer, but he is still a force on the rise, and collectors everywhere will be clamoring for their very first Kevin Steen figure.

    The Ring of Honor action figures will be 6 inch tall figures with multiple points of articulation, and will be compatible with other wrestling figures on the market.  Each figure will come packaged with assorted accessories such as realistic cloth clothing, figure sized title belts, and weapons.  Each figure will be released in a resealable clamshell package.  Figures Toy Company will be releasing pre-order information for Ring of Honor Series 1 action figures in the near future, so make sure to follow them on social media for updates on upcoming Ring of Honor products!

    Follow on Twitter: @RingofHonor, @figurestoyco and @wres_superstore
    Instagram: RingofHonor, figurestoycompany and wrestlingsuperstore
    Facebook:  RingofHonor, Figures Toy Company and Wrestling Superstore

  • UFC: Suspended Hector Lombard wants Metamoris bout with Josh Barnett

    The following is from a third party:

    Hector Lombard and Josh Barnett were never able to get on the same page while they were training together. On Submission Radio, Lombard went into full detail about exactly what happened between him and Josh which included broken noses, blood everywhere and a moment where Hector Lombard had Josh on top of him pummeling him making him think he was finished. Read the full story about this historic battle below. Plus, Hector challenges Barnett to a fight at Metamoris. 

    Transcript:

    On the real story about what happened between him and Josh Barnet when they trained together

    “I’ve actually been calling Josh Barnett out so we can have a fight at Metamoris.”

    What happened was very simple I’ve been telling him and I told him that I’d call him out after the fight – after one of my Bellator fights – in front of everybody. And then he went backstage and he was like “oh why did you call me out? I call you outside and I call you now”. What happened is, I came to train with Erik Paulsen and a bunch of guys down there and he wanted me to suck up to him a bit. Which is something that I don’t do. He wanted me to be a ‘suck up’ and come to him, always come and be submissive to him and all that. I mean at the end of the day, he’s a man and I’m a man and he breaths and I breath, and you know.

    “For me, I don’t believe that anyone is better than anyone. For me, we are all the same. Whether you have more success at one thing or the other, at the end of the day we are people. So that was something that I didn’t do. So from that day on he didn’t like my approach to him because I wasn’t submissive enough and I was just kind of treating him normal. And we started sparring, and you know time started going by. 50 minutes, 55 minutes. We sparred for about almost an hour, and I was beating him up and he was bleeding all over the mat, and he saw me that I didn’t quit, and I started hitting hard and he kind of  like left. He left the gym.

    And it’s funny because Erik Paulson was cleaning, he was cleaning the whole gym. Blood everywhere, broken nose, whatever. After that he started hating me even more. One day I remember that he was training, and there was a bunch of guys. It was Jake, him, Babalu [Sobral]. It was so many of those guys, and you know all of them his friends obviously, and I start sparring all of them. And you know after I was doing about six changes, he jumps in. I was tired, he took me down without me knowing that it was a takedown, and he was pounding the hell out of me. I was at one point, you know through my mind went through like “Wow, I’m dead here”. ‘Cause he was pounding the hell out of me so bad.

    “For some reason, I don’t know what happened, it was a miracle from god or whatever, I escaped from it, I jumped on top and I start pounding him up. And he’s like “oh that’s it. That’s it. That’s it”. And he left again. So I mean, you know confrontation by confrontation. So it was kind of like he couldn’t bully me, and that was his biggest issue. And then after that I couldn’t even get to train ’cause he would call the guys at different time. So I would be at the gym by myself and I just decided to leave, man. I mean like it was pretty hard for me. I mean obviously he was the big dog in the gym, and he would call the guys, you know whatever time suits him – Jaime [Fletcher], Babalu [Sobral] and the rest of them. So they wouldn’t show all the time, sometimes they would train at different times. So I couldn’t get my training. So I just decided to leave. I came down to ATT and the rest is history.”

    “And that was exactly what happened there, and he knows it. He can go and say whatever he wants. Actually, you know I mean I gotta be fair. He’s been making good comments about me lately. I kind of like to squash the beef between us, but I just tell you what just happened. But I have nothing against him anymore. (I) kind of just let it flow. But I do, you know if the opportunity comes and we can compete in a grappling comp with Metamoris or any grappling comp, I would be more than happy to compete against Josh. That’s for sure.”

    On if Hector believes he’ll beat Josh Barnett in a grappling matchup:

    “You know there is a reason why I’m calling him out, right? I mean with all due respect, but I see myself winning. I don’t see him beating me, and I hope that one day Metamoris can make that fight happen.”

  • Ric Flair talks Randy Savage program, who he could never wrestle today, and thoughts on Undertaker

    The following is from a third party:

    Ric Flair was on the Inside The Ropes podcast talking about his upcoming UK tour. Here are the highlights:

    On recent comments about getting back in the ring:

    Physically I’m more than capable but it’s a cosmetic issue now so I’d need time to prepare. I’ve always wanted to manage Dolph Ziggler but ya know if they were to ask me to get back in the ring tomorrow my answer would be yes and I could work with anybody. I’ve actually worked with Ziggler before when he was in the group (Spirit Squad) I love all those kids. I think I’ve had enough of Brock Lesnar, I don’t think I could do that one again. I don’t think I could take 17 German suplexes. I could work with any of the kids but I don’t think that’s going to happen, I just meant I’m physically cleared to go out there and bounce earound or drop an elbow on a sports coat. I’d love to be a part of it again.

    On Undertaker’s legacy and Taker saluting him at Flair’s retirement:

    First of all, I think the world of him personally. He’s a wonderful person. On top of being one of the top ten performers of all time, he’s
    got the greatest gimmick in the history of the business. When I first started coming to Europe with him in the 90’s, I had no idea. There were ten thousand people dressed up like The Undertaker. I had no idea how much of an impact he made over here. I was very surprised he did that. Not because he doesn’t respect me but he just doesn’t come out in public. You know you’re never gonna see him at the front row at the Hall of Fame. He’s backstage listening to every work. It’s not that he’s not in attendance, he’s back there with Vince. He’s a wonderful guy.

    Memories of the Randy Savage match at WrestleMania 8:

    It’s funny because it was just an average match. There was so much tension at that time between Randy and Liz. As a matter of fact, that was the last time they were together, they spolit the next day. It was just very uncomfortable. Not working with Randy or Liz individually, they’re great people but there was just tension between them and that was the last time they worked together there. I thought the match was OK but it could’ve been better and it wasn’t out individual abilities there was just a lot going on behind the scenes that people weren’t aware of. I felt bad. I was honoured to be a part of it and be in a main event at WrestleMania but there was so much going on behind the scenes that I felt bad for everybody involved.Not for me, but they were going their seperate ways and it was difficult. He cared for her a great deal.

  • Samoa Joe’s first match back to ROH announced

    ROH this morning announced that Samoa Joe’s first match back in the company will be 6/20 in New York at the TV tapings at Terminal Five, will be a non-title match with ROH tag champs Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe & A.J. Styles.

  • On this day in pro wrestling history (May 26): Dick The Bruiser & Crusher beat Larry Hennig & Harley Race in nine fall death match, Tiger Mask wins WWF jr. heavyweight gold

    By Brian Hoops, WrestlingObserver.com

    1932 – At Union Pacific Ball Park in Kansas City, Kansas; Wild Red Berry defeated Bobby Novakll, Promoters Charles and
    John Hatfield moved event outdoors from Memorial Hall.

    1941 – In Wichita, Kansas; NWA World Heavyweight Champion Roy Dunn defeated Rube Wright and Everette Marshall defeated John Pesek.

    1945 – In Wichita, Kansas; World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Lord Albert Mills in 2 straight falls, Ray Eckert beat Jack Hader and Joe Szabo defeated Pat O’Dowdy.

    1950 – Gorgeous George defeated Don Eagle for the AWA (Boston) World Heavyweight Title in Chicago, Illinois.

    1959 – The Corsicans (Joe and Jean) defeated Angelo Martinelli and Luis Hernandez for the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.

    1961 – Duke Keomuka & Tony Martin defeated Rito Romero & Dory Dixon for the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas.

    1962 – At the Armory in St. Paul, Minnesota; AWA Champion Mr. M beat Tiny Mills and Pat O’Connor beat Bob Geigel in 2 out of 3 falls.

    1964 – Jackie & Don Fargo defeated Tojo Yamamoto & Alex Perez to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee

    1966 – In Kansas City, Kansas; Pat O’Connor & Richard Moody defeated The Butcher & Dandy Jack, Bob Ellis defeated Oki Shikina and The Mongolian Stomper defeated Bob Brown; Killer Karl Kox & Joe Carrolo defeated Michiaki Yoshimura & Giant Baba to win the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Title in Sendai, Japan.

    1967 – Michiaki Yoshimura & Antonio Inoki defeated Waldo Von Erich & Ike Eakins for the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Title in Sapporo, Japan.

    1967 – Al Costello & Karl Von Brauner defeated Bill Miller and Bobo Brazil to win the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Dayton, Ohio; In 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, also Chris Markoff beat Reggie Parks and Mitsu Arakawa drew with Jack Lanza. Attendance was 3,200.

    1968 – Tiger Jeet Singh & Bull Curry defeated Whipper Billy Watson & Bulldog Brower for the Toronto version of the NWA International Tag Team Title in Toronto, Ontario.

    1973 – Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk defeated Killer Karl Krupp and Karl Von Steiger to win the NWA International Tag Team Title in Amarillo, Texas; Black Gordman and Goliath defeated Jose Lothario and Ivan Putski to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas

    1975 – Karl Von Steiger & Otto Von Heller defeated George Gulas & Jerry Jarrett for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.

    1976 – In Peoria, Illinois; Baron Von Raschke beat Larry Hennig

    1978 – Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero defeated Ron Bass & Roddy Piper to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Title; In 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 and Ray Stevens beat Steve Olsonoski.

    1982- Tiger Mask defeated the Black Tiger to win the WWF Jr. Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan

    1983 – Chavo Guerrero defeated Ultra Seven in a tournament final for the vacant NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title in Tenryu, Japan; Bob Brown & Buzz Tyler won a tournament final for the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.

    1984 – In 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 and Nick Bockwinkel no contest with Blackjack Lanza. Attendance was estimated at 10,000.

    1989 – Eric Embry defeated Super Zodiac (Gary Young) to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas

    1997 – Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin defeated Owen Hart and The British Bulldog to win the WWF Tag Team Titles in Evansville, Indiana.

    2000 – The Necro Butcher defeated Canyon for the vacant NWA Texas Hardcore Title in North Richland Hills, Texas. Also, at the same show, 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.