By Dave Meltzer
dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s NXT Takeover Unstoppable show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com We’re also looking for feedback from Saturday’s UFC show.
We’re also looking for reports from tonight’s NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Orlando.
Smackdown tonight on Syfy, taped in Norfolk
Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. Lucha Dragons vs. The Ascension vs. Los Matadores
Dolph Ziggler vs. King Barrett
R-Truth vs. Stardust
Macho Mandow & Axel Mania vs. Heath Slater & Adam Rose
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
The Beat the Streets wrestling from Times Square from this afternoon with the U.S. national team vs. Cuba airs tonight on NBC Sports Network at midnight.
New Japan World has a live show at 5:30 a.m. Eastern and 2:30 a.m. Pacific
Jushin Liger vs. Yohei Komatsu
Alex Shelley vs. David Finlay III
Cavernario Barbaro vs Chase Owens
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba & Yoshi-Hashi
Rocky Romero vs. Bobby Fish
Trent Baretta vs. Kyle O’Reilly
Mascara Dorada vs. Kushida
Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Gedo
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
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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.
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.
THURSDAY’S NEWS UPDATE
–We will have an interview up today with Montreal historian Patric Laprade talking last night’s NXT show as well as Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, The Hall of Fame induction ceremony this past weekend in Amsterdam, NY, and more.
–Thanks for all the compliments about this week’s issue. For those who didn’t read it, the lead story is pretty much a must-read, given that the versions going around of it are leaving out key details. The Nevada drug testing story is a game changer in the business.
–According to TNA talent, they’ve been told the rumors will be addressed at the next tapings. In other words, at the end of June.
–Dana White yesterday on Jim Rome said that he guaranteed when Ronda Rousey faces Cris Cyborg that it would do 2 million buys.
–The clip of Jerry Lawler slapping Andy Kaufman was included in the final montage of David Letterman’s final show last night and a glimpse of it was all over CNN this morning (thanks to Rishi Malhotra)
–Samoa Joe has a very unique deal with NXT in the sense he has very few restrictions on where he can work. I was told it was similar to the Rhyno deal but for a lot more money. His deal does include merchandise, and he had the same design T-shirt he wore already up for sale at shop.wwe.com (thanks to Jeff Parker)
–The National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, IA, will have a special presentation at the Dan Gable Museum at 4 p.m. on 7/10. Angle will be getting two Hall of Fame rings, one for his 1995 world championship and one for his 1996 Olympic gold medal. Angle will not be appearing at the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame banquet on 7/11 as originally scheduled. Scheduled at the banquet on 7/11 are Jim Ross, Gerald Brisco, Wes Brisco, J.J. Dillon, Baron Von Raschke, Danny Hodge, Jim Brunzell, Larry Hennig, Colt Cabana and Bob Holly, plus honorees Brian Blair, Wade Keller, Beth Phoenix, Matt Lindland and Greg Wojciechowski (Great Wojo).
–NWA Mid South on 6/20 in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex features Tim Storm vs. Rob Conway vs. Alan Steel plus NWA jr. champion Steve Anthony vs. Seiya Sanada and Matt Riviera & Greg Anthony vs. Savio Vega & Americos. Jim Cornette and Chris Cruise will be doing the announcing for the DVD.
–Last night on the show when we were asked if anyone had been sued over a shoot interview, well not a DVD, but as far as a podcast interview, there was C.M. Punk.
–Chris Hero will be facing Samoa Joe on 6/6 for Smash Wrestling in Etobicoke, ONT for Smash Wrestling Kicks ALS. On 6/7, Hero will be doing a gauntlet match to raise money for ALS. If fans can donate $2,000, he will wrestle for two hours straight against a variety of opponents. This takes place at the Cross Body Academy in Waterloo, ONT. For a $10 donation you can do a meet and greet with Hero plus see the matches and 100% of the money goes to ALS Canada.
–CMLL’s Dark Angel (Sarita in TNA, Sarah Stock) was one of the women in the Tyler Breeze ring entrance on the NXT show last night.
–WWE stock closed at $13.66 per share today, down five cents from yesterday.
–There was some heat from last night’s NXT show because WWE oversold the show by a lot of tickets, meaning some ticketed customers couldn’t get in, and the usual allotment of tickets to the Full Sail University students wasn’t available, so there were a lot of angry people turned away.
ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY INTERNATIONAL (thanks to Graeme Cameron)
1965 – Toyonobori beat Fred Blassie in the finals of the World League tournament
1988 – Ciclon Ramirez beat Gran Markus Jr to win the Mexican national heavyweight title
1990 – Cuchillo beat Yoshihiro Asai (Ultimo Dragon) to win the UWA middleweight title in Puebla
1993 – Dan Kroffat beat Masa Fuchi in Sapporo to win the All Japan world jr. title
1996 – Mascara Magica beat Felino in Mexico City to win the CMLL welterweight title
2006 – Super Delfin beat Takeshi Minamino in Osaka to win the Tohoku Jr. title
2009 – Alex Koslov beat Extreme Tiger (Tigre Uno) and Alan Stone to become the first AAA cruiserweight champion
2010 – La Sombra & La Mascara & Mascara Dorada beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Okumura & Taichi in Mexico City to win the CMLL trios titles
–Moose Ojinnaka is taking indie dates through Bill Behrens at www.sbibookings.com He’s based out of Atlanta. Samoa Joe is also taking indie bookings based out of Tampa. Others available include A.J. Styles (Atlanta), Christopher Daniels (Los Angeles), Frankie Kazarian (Los Angeles), Matt Sydal (Tampa) as well as the likes of Tommy Dreamer, Drew Galloway Sean Waltman,Abyss, James Storm, Eric Young, Kevin Nash, DDP, EC 3, Bully Ray & Devon, Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner, Nunzio, Al Snow, ODB, Shannon Moore and Shane Helms.
–TWE on Saturday in Middlesboro, UK at the Teeside University Student Union and Refectory Building.
–Joe Schilling vs. Hisaki Kato has been added to the 6/26 Bellator show in Mulvane, KS. Bubba Jenkins (8-2), a former NCAA champion wrestler, faces Joe Wilk (18-10) in a featherweight bout on the same show.
–Jeff Jarrett is going to Mexico City on Sunday, saying he’ll be scouting talent at the AAA World Cup tournament that will be on iPPV and do some commentary.
–Rockstar Pro Wrestling on 6/5 in Dayton at the Rockstar Pro Arena with Abyss vs. Ron Mathis and Davey Richards vs. Dave Crist
–Justin Gabriel, Michael Elgin, Jason Kincaid and Chase Owens headline for CWE on a tour with shows on 6/22 in Steinbach, Manitoba at the Legion Community Hall, 6/23 in Gimli, MB at the Gimli Dance Pavilion, 6/24 in Yorkton, SK at the Central School, 6/25 in Souris, MB and the Souris & Glenwood Memorial Complex and 6/26 in Winnipeg at the Holy Cross Gymnasium Hall.
–There is talk of tearing down the Los Angeles Sports Arena, which housed tons of major wrestling events over the years from the LeBell group, WWF, CMLL and AAA among others over the years. If it is torn down, it will be to build a soccer stadium on the location. With both The Forum and Staples Center, as well as the Honda Center, there really isn’t a need for the Sports Arena these days. (thanks to Jose Gonzalez)
–Infinity Pro Wrestling on 5/30 in Bloomington, IN at the National Guard Armory headlined by Dave & Jake Crist.
–One Championships and IMC Live are doing an MMA show in Guangzhou, China at the International Sports Arena on 6/20, coming off a sold out show in Beijing.
–The One Championship show tomorrow starts at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time from Kallang, Singapore, headlined by Shinya Aoki vs. Koji Ando. It airs live in Canada on The Fight Network
Weigh-ins
Shinya Aoki (154) vs. Koji Ando (154.5) for lightweight title
Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichok (114) vs. Roy Doliguez (113.5) for strawweight title
Ev Ting (145) vs. Marat Gafurov (145)
Lowen Tynanes (153) vs. Kuat Khamitov (154.5)
Eddie Ng (154.5) vs. Ariel Sexton (154.5)
Stephen Langdown (134.5) vs. A La Teng Hei Li (134.5)
Amir Khan (144) vs. Shannon Wiratchai (145)
Benedict Ang (143.5) vs. Waquar Umar (144)
Angela Lee (114) vs. Aya Saeid Saber (114)
Ali Yaakub (121.5) vs. Jianbing Yang (125)
–Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale headlines the Premier Boxing show at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC Saturday from the Agganis Arena in Boston.
–NWA Vendetta Championship Wrestling fro Sunday in Chowchilla, CA: Ricky Ruffin b Perry Von Vicious, Holly Renee & Shane Ballard & Shannon Ballard b Kiara Dillon & Jinx the Jester & Jeckles the Jester, Tsunami b Mike Rayne, Cyanide & Vintage Dragon b Buddy Royal & Levi Shapiro, Matt Riviera b Jeff Jarrett for Western States Heritage title, Carlito b Ricardo Rodriguez (thanks to Joseph Duncan)
–A note regarding a debate on whether the 2002 WWE Global Warning show from Melbourne’s Colonial Stadium (now Etihad Stadium) aired on PPV, it did not, but it was released on a commercial DVD. The show drew about 56,000 fans with Rock vs. HHH vs. Brock Lesnar as the main event.
–Lucha Xtreme iPPV on Sunday from the Fresno’s Grizzlies Stadium. The only match announced is a fatal four-way for their heavyweight title from JR Kratos vs. Brandon Groom vs. Dylan Drake vs. Mike Rayne. Tickets are $25 and include both the baseball game at 2 p.m. and the wrestling show which is scheduled to start at about 4:30 p.m.
–Evolve 43 on 5/30 at La Boom in Queens at 6 p.m. Eastern on iPPV
Drew Galloway vs. Biff Busick for Dragon Gate USA title
Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann vs. Drew Gulak & ? for tag titles
Caleb Konley vs. Davey Richards
Chris Hero vs Trevor Lee
TJ Perkins vs. Mike Bailey
Anthony Nese vs. Rey Hours
–Evolve 44 on 5/31 in Ronkonkoma, NY on Long Island
Drew Galloway vs. Roderick Strong for Evolve title
Davey Richards vs. Drew Gulak
Rich Swann vs. Trevor Lee
Biff Busick vs. Mike Bailey
Anthony Nese vs TJ Perkins
Rey Hours vs. ?
–On Monday Night’s Chicago White Sox game against Cleveland, during the eighth inning, after Melky Cabrera of the White Sox made a great catch to the top half of the inning, they played “Rise of the Valkyrie” and a few people started a “Yes” chant (thanks to Jacob Burnett)
–WWE uploaded a lot of Raw’s from 1997, but they skipped the episode where Rocky Maivia won the IC title from HHH and where Shawn Michaels lost his smile and retired when he was supposed to drop the title that night to Sid Vicious. (thanks to Dave Pordy)
–Bushwhacker Luke was added to Saturday’s show in Pickering, ONT for Destiny World Wrestling.
–CMLL from Monday night in Puebla: Rey Apocalipsis & Toro Bill Jr. b Leono & Sensei, Arkangel de la Muerte & Disturbio & Furia Chicana b Black Tiger & Oro Jr. & Tigre Rojo Jr., Amapola & Reyna Isis & Tiffany b Estrellita & Goya Kong & Marcela, Angel de Oro & Stigma & Ttian b Morphosis & Hechicero & Ripper, Marco Corleone & La Mascara & La Sombra b El Terrible & Rey Escorpion & Vangellys, Rush b Ultimo Guerrero-DQ (thanks to Kris Zellner)
–Barrie Wrestling on 7/1 in Orillia, ONT at Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Park
–Acclaim Pro Wrestling on 5/30 in Ottawa, ONT at the SPK-Dom Polski
–C4 Wrestling on Saturday in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club with Pinkie Sanchez & Chris Dickinson & JAKA vs Buxx Belmar & Mike Bailey & Sexxy Eddy.
–Pro Wrestling Phoenix has its 10th anniversary show on Saturday in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory with Scott 2 Hotty in a ladder match.
–Maryland Championship Wrestling on 6/19 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD has Mick Foley, Melina Perez, Rene Michelle, Mickie James, Tessa Blanchard, and Lisa Varon for a show called Ladies Night.
–Cutting Edge Wrestling on 6/18 i St. John’s Newfoundland at the CLB Armory.
–Pure Wrestling Association on 5/30 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club. They also run 5/22 in Courtenay, BC at the K’omoks First Nation Band Hall.
–Hard Knocks Fighting tomorow night at 11 p.m. Eastern on The Fight Network from the Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary featuring former UFC fighter Nick Ring (13-3) in his first match outside UFC against Jason Zentgraf (8-2).
–Prairie Wrestling Alliance on 7/4 in Edmonton, at the Northgate Lions Rec Centre featuring Samoa Joe and Lisa Varon. They also run on Saturday night in the same building.
–Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday and Saturday night in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School for the J.T. Lightning Invitational tournament. Samoa Joe vs. Johnny Gargano takes place in a non-tournament match on Saturday night. Among those in the tournament itself that starts on Friday are Too Cold Scorpio, Little Guido, Cheech, B.J. Whitmer, Doug Gilbert, Nick Gage, Raymond Rowe, Tyson Dux, Louis Lyndon, Josh Prohibition, DJ Zema Ion, Cedric Alexander, Colin Delaney, Jennifer Blake and Flip Kendrick.
–A story on Ronda Rousey saying she’d never fight Floyd Mayweather at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/05/19/zing-ronda-rousey-says-shed-never-fight-floyd-mayweather-unless-we-ended-up-dating/?tid=HP_sports?tid=HP_sports (thanks to Chris Cruise)
–FuRyu today release three New Japan themed home screen themes for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan with one NJPW logo and two Hiroshi Tanahashi. See http://www.furyu.jp/2015/05/3ds-theme-newjapanprowrestling.html for details. (thanks to Brian Cooper)
–Best of the Super Juniors preview at
http://culturecrossfire.com/wrestling/japan/new-japan-best-of-the-super-jr-xxii-preview-block-a
–John Hitchcock interview on Greensboro wrestling history
http://wunc.org/post/golden-age-professional-wrestling
–A story on the Generation X pro wrestling legacy
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/05/generation-xs-pro-wrestling-legacy.html
–A story on Honky Tonk Man at
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/05/honky_tonk_man_to_shake_rattle.html#incart_river_mobile (thanks to Jim Ward)
TODAY’S PRO WRESTLING VIDEOS (by Thomas Rude)
WWE
The JBL & Renee Show (Episode 129)
5/18/15 WWE RAW “Fallout”: Ziggler Gets The Girl
Elimination Chamber Declarations: First Seen On The WWE App; April 19, 2015
WWE Canvas 2 Canvas: Junkyard Dog Hits The Canvas
Zayn On Owens’ RAW Debut
5/18/15 Top Ten WWE RAW Moments
NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable Pre-Show
Rusev Reacts To Lana Kissing Dolph Ziggler: WWE.Com Exclusive
5 Things-5 Forgotten Faction Members
INDY TV SHOWS
5/16/15 Southern States Wrestling TV
3XWrestling “All Stars Of The Midwest” TV (Episode 18)
Chaotic Wrestling “ChaotiCast” TV (Episode 29)
America’s Most Liked Wrestling TV (Episode 11)
West Coast Wrestling Connection TV (Episode 51)
Anarchy Wrestling TV (Episode 484)
Pro Wrestling Syndicate TV (Episode 18)
5/1/15 Future Stars Of Wrestling “High Octane” TV
Smash Wrestling TV (Episode 52)
CWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling “Worldwide” TV (Episode 1)
TNA
IMPACT in 60: May 15, 2015-Hardcore War! Best Of 5 Tag Team Series And More!
The Question Mark (Episode 8)
MISC. STUFF
The Candice & Joey Show (Episode 114)
Jushin “Thunder” Liger On “The Apter Chat”
Top 5 Moves Of Max Smashmaster
CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go (Episode 416)
Michael Elgin on “The Apter Chat”
Dad You Don’t Work, You Wrestle (Episode 120)
TOMORROW’S WWE NETWORK SCHEDULE (thanks to Bert Duckwall)
Friday, May 21,2015
12:00 AM ET
RAW FLASHBACK The 1-2-3 Kid once again shows Razor Ramon his determination to win. Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler unveils a surprise for Bret Hart.
1:00 AM ET
FIRST LOOK First Look: It’s Good To Be King
1:30 AM ET
CULTURE SHOCK WITH COREY GRAVES Corey Graves heads down to one of his favorite tattoo shops in the heart of New York City!
2:00 AM ET
WWE COUNTDOWN Counting down the top ten most stylish ring attire ever worn by a WWE Superstar.
3:00 AM ET
WWE PAYBACK 2015 Seth Rollins defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a Fatal 4 Way Match against Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns!
6:00 AM ET
NXT TAKEOVER UNSTOPPABLE Sami Zayn looks to end the title reign of his former best friend, NXT Champion Kevin Owens at NXT TakeOver Unstoppable.
8:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calles with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.
9:00 AM ET
NXT TAKEOVER UNSTOPPABLE Sami Zayn looks to end the title reign of his former best friend, NXT Champion Kevin Owens at NXT TakeOver Unstoppable.
11:00 AM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calles with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.
12:00 PM ET
NXT TAKEOVER UNSTOPPABLE Sami Zayn looks to end the title reign of his former best friend, NXT Champion Kevin Owens at NXT TakeOver Unstoppable.
2:00 PM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calles with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.
3:00 PM ET
MONDAY NIGHT WAR In an era of shifting loyalties, WWE and WCW would each build a cornerstone in order to achieve stability.
4:00 PM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING Learn about The Viper in and out of the ring as he reflects on his career to date. Hear about the past, present, and future of Randy Orton.
6:00 PM ET
TOTAL DIVAS Ariane’s mother calles with a desperate plea for help, and Eva is shocked when Jonathan makes a dangerous decision without her consent.
7:00 PM ET
TOUGH ENOUGH Legendary WWE Superstar The Rock and ‘Psych’ star James Roday give the remaining five contestants a lesson in charisma.
8:00 PM 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.
9:00 PM ET
WWE BEYOND THE RING Learn about The Viper in and out of the ring as he reflects on his career to date. Hear about the past, present, and future of Randy Orton.
11:00 PM 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.
