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  • Daily Update: Stephanie’s role, Raw ratings drop, Weidman hurt?

    Outside the next big NXT match being booked, some ratings news, and awaiting RAW ratings, news is kinda slow today which is why I wanted to drop a few lines about the continued portrayal of Stephanie McMahon on WWE TV as opposed to her role off TV amplified by the announcement of her biography to be released this fall yesterday.

    The wrestling equivalent of church and state (on-screen personality vs. admitting that you play a character off screen) is such where we are continually hammered over the head that wrestling is just an act and these are all great, likable people with families and lives just like your favorite TV and movie actors. Those of us who have watched wrestling since our formative years hate that aspect while it’s assumed younger fans will just adapt over time, pushing us irrelevant old fogies off to the side.

    But McMahon is a unique case because there’s the added rub that she’s a female in a male-dominated company who likely has to endure more lewd commentary than most would expect. (If you’ve seen the #MoreThanMean video, you’ll get an idea of what she likely receives via Twitter daily.) The domineering and talking down to talent, especially male wrestlers, feels too overt and too forced. As a result, we want to like her less even though, in real life, she’s probably pretty cool and someone we’d like over time as a character.

    But with her role outside the company about to grow even more, what’s the point in continuing to position her in a way on TV that still draws vitriol and frustration? Make her a strong lead in a way that feels natural, not scripted. (The same could be said for Shane as well). And in the case of both McMahons, get them out of the way. The show should always be about the in-ring talent and not a continual McMahon family drama, but weekly, that’s what we get.

    If the goal is to get Stephanie McMahon to a revered place like her father someday, it could happen…but not the way WWE is doing it now.

    [Josh Nason]

    THE ROUND UP

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

    Figure Four Weekly 5/9/2016: Hogan and Gawker fight over verdict – Hulk Hogan is suing Gawker a second time, this time for leaking the contents of sealed documents to the tabloids. Now we have the verdict. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

    There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

    An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

    There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

    You can also order print issues 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.

    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. 

    All the news from WrestleMania 15, the All Japan Tokyo Done show, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 business numbers, details on All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, plus tons more. Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively. 

    TUESDAY NEWS

    As of this writing, there are rumors all over social media that middleweight contender Chris Weidman is injured. Additional information wasn’t available at this time, nor was it confirmed he is off UFC 199 where he is set to face middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in a rematch. We’ll have more as we find out detais.

    NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor in a steel cage match will be the headliner for the June 8 NXT TakeOver show at Full Sail. They used the post-match brawl in Portland, OR, at a house show this weekend as the impetus for the move.

    As discussed on last night’s Wrestling Observer Radio, UFC strawweight Paige VanZant earned a spot in the Dancing with the Stars finale. She’ll be up against Ginger Zee and Nyle DiMarco, which kind of stretches the definition of “Stars” in the show’s title.

    The UFC 198 prelims Saturday night on FS 1 did 786,000 viewers, down about 5% from the UFC 197 prelims even with a stronger prelim main event of Matt Brown vs Demian Maia. The number was obviously hurt by going head to head with the Bellator show on Spike TV, headlined by King Mo vs. Phil Davis.

    Newly crowned UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will be a VIP guest of the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight as they open up the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Miocic is from the area and it’s been touted that he’s finally brought a title to a city that has been without one for a long time.

    WWE & Pro Wrestling

    UFC & MMA

    • Dave Meltzer’s “Fortunes Changed for Five” article is up at MMA Fighting, looking at this past weekend’s UFC 198.
    • From the “You Can’t Make This Up” department, adult film star and California resident James Deen filed a Cal/OSHA complaint of “bloodborne pathogen violations” against Bellator MMA and Viacom Tuesday. Why? Because Deen was both cited and fined under the same code violation from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and is tired of his industry being persecuted.
    • “You can’t pick and choose how to enforce the law. Cal/OSHA knows that section 5193 is not designed to protect entertainment workers. If the government is choosing to say that 5193 applies to the adult entertainment industry, then they are also saying that it must apply to all sports and entertainment,” he said.
    • Bellator 154 on Spike did 709,000 viewers, up from their last two shows and much better than expected given the lack of star power outside the main event.
    • Tickets officially go on sale Friday for UFC on Fox Chicago, set for July 23rd. Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko, Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira, and Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez are your three headlining fights.
    • Also going on sale Friday is UFC Fight Night 91 the promotion’s first visit to South Dakota. Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa headlines with Tim Boestch vs. Josh Samman and more announced for the undercard.
    • UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has signed a long-term contract extension with UFC.
    • Bellator yesterday announced a multi-fight, multi-year extension with unbeaten bantamweight prospect Darrion Caldwell.
    • Cris Cyborg opened up as a betting favorite over UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, should that bout ever take place. She is still listed as an underdog for a theoretical fight with former champ Ronda Rousey, though.
    • In a recent interview, Stephen Thompson opened up to Submission radio about not getting a title shot, fighting Rory MacDonald, thoughts on Woodley fighting Lawler and why he’d like to fight McGregor.
    • World Series of Fighting is launching a program designed to find fighters who are also military veterans. President Ray Sefo and team are going to visit gyms in an attempt to put together the first fight in the program on their Saturday, November 12th NBCSN show Veterans Day weekend.

    Miscellaneous & Events

    • NWA Smoky Mountain in Elizabethton, TN, on 6/24 with Chase Owens & Buff Bagwell vs. Jordan Kage and Chris Richards. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are doing a meet and greet earlier in the day.
    • NWA is running CAJUN HEAT on July 2nd in Morgan City, LA, with Rob Conway vs. Rodney Mack, NWA Champion Jax Dane, and an appearance from Kevin Nash.
    • Alpha 1 Wrestling runs on 7/3 at the Knights of Columbus in Hamilton, ON.
    • If you are interested in attending the 10th annual Wrestling Observer / F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

    Today in professional wrestling history:

  • Despite NBA ratings smash, WWE RAW’s ratings avoid seasonal lows

    A big third hour drop and a massive NBA playoff game resulted in WWE coming close to seasonal lows for the May 16th edition of Raw, but ending just above that mark.

    The show did 3.17 million viewers — just above the 3.12 million viewers for the April 25th show — but lower than any other non-holiday Raw outside of football season since 1997.

    The first hour, which didn’t oppose the Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game, was the highest rated show on cable. Raw was No. 3 on cable behind the game and the post game show, Inside The NBA

    There was a huge drop in Raw’s third hour, which was predicted given everything that was going on. The basketball game was up 28% in viewers from a similar Warriors playoff game last season.

    The key is that even though there are more viewers of Dancing With The Stars (11.64 million) than the NBA game (8.1 million), the latter seems to have impacted Raw more significantly. 

    DWTS draws double the women’s adult audience as men, while the NBA game was made up of 66% males or about double the women’s audience in the 18-49 demo. Raw does numbers similar to that of the NBA in that regard. Also of note in sports Monday, the San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues NHL playoff game did 1.71 million viewers.

    Raw was only down two percent from last week with that tougher competition. The first two hours were similar to last week with hour one slightly up and hour two slightly down. But, the third hour was down four percent from last week. 

    The three hours were:

    • 8 p.m. 3.38 million viewers
    • 9 p.m. 3.30 million viewers
    • 10 p.m. 2.89 million viewers

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (May 17): Bruno Sammartino wins WWWF title in 47 seconds

    1963

    Madison Square Garden:
    – Bruno Sammartino defeated WWWF World Champion Buddy Rogers in 47 seconds to win the championship 

    1966 

    Moline, Illinois:
    – The Crusher & Ernie Ladd & Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig & Harley Race & The Alaskan
    – Reggie Parks beat Angelo Poffo 
    – Ernie Ladd beat Larry Hennig

    Kansas City, Missouri:
    – Dick the Bruiser & Bob Ellis defeated Bob Geigel & Bob Brown 
    – World Heavyweight Champion Gene Kiniski defeated The Mongolian Stomper in three falls

    1973 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Harley Race defeated Black Angus 
    – Bob Geigel & Bobo Brazil defeated Togo the Great & Tokyo Joe
    – Jim Dalton & Frank Diamond defeated Argentina Zuma & L.D. Lewis
    – Mike George defeated Bob Orton
    – Omar Atlas defeated The Terror via DQ
    – Danny Little Bear fought Bob Brown to a double-DQ

    1974

    Denver, Colorado:
    – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens on a 3rd fall COR to win the AWA Tag Team titles
    – Superstar Billy Graham beat Geoff Portz
    – Chris Taylor beat Moose Morowski 
    – Larry Hennig beat Bull Bullinski 
    – Greg Gagne beat Odd Job Tosh Tojo dq 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – In a Lights Out Match, Andre The Giant & Mr. Wrestling II beat Bill Watts & Big Bad John
    – NWA World Champion Jack Brisco beat Dusty Rhodes via DQ
    – Georgia Tag Team Champions Ronnie Garvin & Terry Garvin beat Bob Armstrong & Haystack Calhoun
    – Southern States Champion Jerry Brisco beat Bobby Duncum
    – Gene Anderson & Ole Anderson beat Steve Keirn & Dennis Stamp
    – Art Nelson drew Jerry Oates
    – Bob Sweetan beat Mike Stallings
    – Ali Vaziri beat Zebra Kid

    1978 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Rick Martel 
    – In a Loser Leaves Town Match; Tor Kamata beat Billy White Wolf  
    – Buddy Rose & John Studd beat Bill Francis & Russ Francis
    – John Tolos beat Chris Markoff dq
    – George Wells beat Rocky Tomayo

    1981

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Tommy Rich won a tournament for the Georgia Heavyweight championship; beating Greg Valentine in the finals
    – In a No Time Limit, No DQ Match: Ted Dibiase & Junkyard Dog beat The Freebirds’ Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts

    1982

    Birmingham, Alabama:
    – NWA World champion Ric Flair defeated Terry Gordy 
    – Roy Welch beat Tommy Wright
    – Scott McGhee beat Ted Oates
    – Jacques Rougeau beat Jos LeDuc by DQ
    – Ron & Robert Fuller beat New Zealand Sheepherders

    1984

    Nagasaki, Japan:
    – Tatsutoshi Gotoh defeated Pat Tanaka
    – Shunji Kosugi defeated Naoki Sano
    – Kuniaki Kobayashi & Black Cat defeated Norio Honaga & Fumihiro Niikura
    – Big John Studd & Otto Wanz defeated Animal Hamaguchi & Isamu Teranishi
    – Adrian Adonis defeated Osamu Kido
    – Riki Choshu & Yoshikai Yatsu fought Fujiwara & Kengo Kimura to a double countout
    – Dick Murdoch defeated Ken Patera
    – Andre The Giant defeated Mr. Saito via disqualification
    – Antonio Inoki, Seigi Sakaguchi, & Tatsumi Fujinami defeated WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan, the Masked Superstar, & John Quinn

    1986

    Hammond, Indiana:
    – Playboy Buddy Rose & Doug Somers defeated Scott Hall & Curt Hennig to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship
    – Colonel DeBeers beat Earthquake Ferris

    Baltimore, Maryland:
    – Dusty Rhodes & the Road Warriors defeated NWA Six Man Tag Team Champions Baron Von Raschke, Ivan & Nikita Koloff to win the titles 

    1987 

    The Lightning Express, (Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner), defeated Rick Steiner & Sting to win the UWF Tag Team Titles

    1992 

    WCW WrestleWar: Jacksonville, Florida:
    – The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin) defeated Terry Taylor & Greg Valentine to win the United States Tag Team Championship
    – Brian Pillman defeated Tom Zenk to retain the WCW World Light Heavyweight Title
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Tatsumi Fujinami & Takayuki Iizuka 
    – Sting, Nikita Koloff, Dustin Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat & Barry Windham defeated Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Rick Rude, Steve Austin & Larry Zbyszko in a War Games match
    – Diamond Dallas Page & Tommy Rich defeated Bob Cook & Firebreaker Chip
    – Johnny B. Badd defeated Tracey Smothers
    – Scotty Flamingo defeated Marcus Bagwell
    – Ron Simmons defeated Mr. Hughes
    – Super Invader defeated Todd Champion
    – Big Josh defeated Richard Morton

    Beckley, West Virginia:
    – Thunder Tiger defeated the Master of Disaster
    – Dixie Dynamite (Brian Armstrong) pinned Dutch Mantell
    – Tim Horner pinned Buddy Landel
    – Robert Gibson pinned Jimmy Golden
    – Brian Lee pinned the Dirty White Boy
    – Brad & Bart Batten defeated SMW Tag Team Champions The Heavenly Bodies, Stan Lane & Tom Prichard via disqualification

    1993

    New York City:
    – Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels to win the WWF Intercontinental Title

    1998 

    WCW Slamboree: Worchester, Massachusetts:
    – WCW World TV Champion Fit Finlay pinned Chris Benoit
    – Lex Luger defeated Brian Adams 
    – Ciclope won a cruiserweight battle royal
    – Dean Malenko defeated WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho to win the title
    – Eddie Guerrero (with Chavo Guerrero Jr.) pinned Ultimo Dragon 
    – Diamond Dallas Page pinned Raven in a Bowery Death Match
    – WCW U.S. Champion Bill Goldberg pinned Perry Saturn
    – Bret Hart defeated Randy Savage
    – Sting & the Giant defeated WCW World Tag Team Champions Scott Hall & Kevin Nash (with Dusty Rhodes) to win the titles

    2009

    WWF Judgement Day | Chicago, Illinois
    – Mickie James defeated Beth Phoenix (with Rosa Mendes)
    – Umaga defeated CM Punk
    – Christian defeated Jack Swagger to retain the ECW Championship    
    – John Morrison defeated Shelton Benjamin (with Charlie Haas)
    – Rey Mysterio defeated Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship
    – Batista defeated Randy Orton by disqualification, Orton retained the WWE Championship    
    – John Cena defeated Big Show
    – Edge defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

  • NXT books Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match for next TakeOver special

    The Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor NXT title match on the next TakeOver special will be a cage match — a first in company history.

    William Regal made the announcement today after a house show pull-apart brawl on Saturday night in Portland, OR, was shot where Regal announced it would lead to stipulations for the match being announced today.

    With the June 8 match set to be their third consecutive TakeOver main event, Joe vs. Balor has become the first program to reach that milestone since NXT started doing WWE Network specials.

    Balor retained the NXT title on a December 16 special from SSE Wembley in London, and did so a second time on April 1 as part of the WrestleMania weekend activities in Dallas.

    However, Joe captured the title in a house show in Lowell, MA on April 21.

    The cage match is likely to be the blow-off of the program since NXT is being booked similar to an old school promotion.

  • Vince McMahon sells over 2 million shares of WWE

    With all the talk these days in combat sports seemingly surrounding a complete sale of a promotion or a minority stake, the first significant sale didn’t involve UFC or TNA, but rather Vince McMahon of WWE.

    On Monday, McMahon sold 2,191,894 shares of WWE stock for approximately $36,165,921 before taxes, said to be for estate planning purposes.

    The WWE’s primary owner and creator is left with 37,080,747 shares which represents 48.8 percent of the company. For most of the past 15 years, McMahon had owned closer to 63 percent of company stock before sales over the past few years.

    The 70-year-old McMahon said that other than possible sales of stock in his trust, which this represented, he has no current plans to sell any additional stock and intends to continue in his role and Chairman and CEO for the foreseeable future.

    WWE stock closed at $17.91 per share today, down slightly (0.02) while the NYSE was up 1.02%.

  • Daily Update: Emma injury, Raw competition, Brown attacked in Brazil

    Emma suffered a back injury at yesterday’s house show in Charlottesville, VA. She was being examined today. In other injury news, it is official that Matt Jackson’s fractured hand will keep him out of the ring for four to six weeks so he and Nick Jackson are both out of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, which starts tomorrow. New Japan hasn’t announced replacements.

    We’re looking for your thoughts on yesterday’s UFC 198 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” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Raw is tonight in Greensboro. It’s the go-home show for Extreme Rules and we should get one or two new matches announced for the show. We’re looking for reports on the dark matches, Superstars matches and anything else not evident from the live show.

    We’re looking for reports on these shows also to dave@wrestlingobserver.com” target=”_blank”>dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

    Friday’s WWE house show in Greeneville, NC

    The Lucha Underground tapings this past weekend in Los Angeles. 

    Smackdown and Main Event will be taped tomorrow night in Greenville, SC.  Not that this means anything, but they are advertising Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose & Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens & The Miz.

    THE ROUND UP

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

    Figure Four Weekly 5/9/2016: Hogan and Gawker fight over verdict – Hulk Hogan is suing Gawker a second time, this time for leaking the contents of sealed documents to the tabloids. Now we have the verdict. Find out all the details in this weeks issue of Figure Four Weekly.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    Our lead story updates the talks of a UFC sale, plus an updated look at how the WWE is doing as a business, a look at WWE cuts, the booking behind the ROH Global Wars PPV and how New Japan and ROH are working together even more closely than on the surface, Global Wars coverage, a look at the status of a lot of ROH talent, coverage of the UFC debut in Holland, the hidden story of just how much of the male audience has been lost by WWE, as well as what WWE can learn from the NBA, and historical bios on Billy Wicks and Kato Kung Lee.

    There is also a look at the ESPN story on the potential sale of the UFC, what we know is legit, numbers being thrown around, who actually owns UFC, Dana White’s reaction to the story, moves UFC has made, Dana White’s long-term future if there is a sale, timing of the sale and sustaining the brand popularity.  Plus there’s also a look at the various companies listed that are in talks of buying.

    An update on WWE financials is in this issue, plus a look at the WWE Network numbers, what last year’s patterns tell us about the numbers, the company’s profits and losses, how well every division does for WWE and what is the most important for the bottom line, how well the company is doing financially compared to last year, what is projected by WWE this year for the WrestleMania quarter, update on injured wrestlers and their returns, Vince McMahon talks WWE injuries, and how much cash on hand the company has right now.

    There is also a look at how WWE is going to be changing how it reports information and what information they are going to be keeping secret as compared to the past. Also, there is a look at the dichotomy between social media numbers and WWE network subscribers and what it says.

    CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

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

    You can also order print issues 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.

    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. 

    All the news from WrestleMania 15, the All Japan Tokyo Done show, and more will be in the latest back issue. Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 business numbers, details on All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show, plus tons more. Both Davey Boy Smith and Japanese rookie woman wrestler Emiko Kado were both remaining in bad condition after an illness and in-ring injury respectively. 

    MONDAY NEWS

    WWE had better hope that the string of improved shows will start clicking because with the Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game starting at 9 p.m., going against the final two hours of Raw, not to mention the usual Dancing With the Stars, this is a tough night for competition. The NHL playoff game with Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh also goes against Raw.  Raw hasn’t advertised anything of note for tonight, past the new gimmick debut of the Colon cousins, who will go as Primo & Epico, The Shining Stars. One note is that it will be Ric Flair’s first appearance in a long time at the Greensboro Coliseum, the building he helped put on the map during the 70s as one of the hottest arenas in the country. 

    Jimmy Snuka’s competency to stand trail hearing will continue this week in Allentown, PA.

    John Cena and the Bella Twins are in New York today for the NBC Universal upfronts. Cena was pushing the company’s charity work and used the term fans instead of WWE Universe. Well, in a situation like that, he probably should.

    Bruno Sammartino, who has cut way back on autograph shows, announced what may be his last signing at The Big Event in Queens on 11/19, with an appearance along with Ivan Koloff and Larry Zbyszko.  

    WWE

    • The company applied for a trademark for the term “Lady Balls” last week according to Pro Wrestling Sheet. The theory is that’s the title for Stephanie McMahon’s autobiography that was announced earlier today. 
    • NXT will be taping on Thursday night at Full Sail University.
    • There is a new episode of Camp WWE today with Sgt. Slaughter as a key figure leading Survival weekend.    

    UFC

    • In a crazy story, Matt Brown, who had a few fans try to get at him as he went to the cage on Saturday night, was attacked at his hotel in Curitiba by his former Jiu Jitsu coach Rodrigo Botti yesterday morning. As the story goes, Botti punched Brown from behind and ran away. Friends of Brown chased him and grabbed him outside the hotel and held him for police. Brown was not injured in the attack and returned home to the U.S. Botti had charged Brown with assault last year in the U.S. 
    • David Berlin, who was the director of the New York State Athletic Commission, was replaced by Eric Bently. The commission will start regulating MMA in a few months with both UFC and Bellator expecting to go into the state with major shows.   

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Dave Bautista, Gina Carano, George St-Pierre and Jean Claude Van Damme star in the movie “Kickboxer: Vengeance” that will be released at the theaters on 8/19. Bautista plays Tong Po, a Muay Thai champion. Other familiar names in the cast include Cain Velasquez, pro wrestler Luke Hawx, Tyron Woodley, Fabricio Werdum and Joe Schilling.
    • Scheduled for Impact tomorrow night on POP TV:

    Velvet Sky vs. Sienna (Sky’s farewell to the promotion)

    Ethan Carter III vs Tyrus last man standing

    Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley for the TNA title

    • WrestleMarica from Saturday night in Barnesville, GA before 300 fans: Dylan Cook b Scotty Beach, Trevor Acon & Damian Silva b Chris Henry & Shawn Sims, Scotty Bullwinkel b Iceberg in a street fight, Corey Hollis & Jaxson James b Zane Stevens & David Tita, Amber Gallows b Andrea the Amazon to retain the NWA women’s title, Fry Daddy b Stevie Richards. Teddy Long appeared on the show as General Manager. Amber Gallows did a heel turn as NWA women’s champion saying Luke Gallows put the WWE ahead of their promotion and said she was the only woman to ever wrestle in New Japan that actually mattered.  I guess that was meant for Maria Kanellis.  Next show is 6/11 with Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Corey Hollis & John Skyler. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Premier Wrestling on 7/17 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall at 5 p.m. with Joe Graves (5-1-1) defending his Premier title against Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1), plus women’s champion Raze (3-2) facing Shayna Baszler (1-0, JR Kratos (9-3-1) vs. Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) plus Nicole Savoy (3-3) and Alexander Hammerstone (2-0).
    • There was a New Era Wrestling show on Saturday night in Golden, CO which was supposed to feature Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine, who were both at the Cheyenne, WY Comic Con the night before. The promoters made a last minute deal to bring them in. On the morning of the show, Valentine evidently made the decision not to attend. Honky cut a promo and said how Valentine begs him for bookings but here after making one decided he just didn’t want to show up. He claimed he’s never work with Valentine again. (thanks to Anthony Sullivan)
    • UPW from Saturday night in  Rochester, NY:  Eh Team won over Tygerslayers 08, Wet Bandits and Interstate Education System, Chris Cayden won scramble match over Jordan Falcon, Rob Sweet, Jason Savior, Victor Lord and Bobby Dipinto, Yamaraj b Jeremy Jensen, Space Monkey b Marc Hauss, Rik Matrix b Plunkett the Ogre, Dick Justice b Jock Samson, Ethan Page won four-way over Lionel Knight, Shane Sabre and Coconut Jones, Nick Ando b Cloudy in a street  fight, Mattick d Helllcat, Ricky Reyes (Cortez Castro in Lucha Underground) won three-way over Carter Mason and Cheech, Dick Justice won Rochester Rumble, Carlito b Maximo Suave  (thanks to Todd Brantley)
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling and Global Force Wrestling had a joint show on Friday night in Joppa, MD:  Kevin Matthews b Brandon Scott, Sexy Steve & Jimmy Starr won over Paul Jordane & Bill Collier, Joe Keys & Rob Locke, and Rayo & Bruiser, Christina Von Eerie & Kimber Lee b Renee Michelle & Brittany Blake, Colt Cabana b Chuck Lennox, Drolix b Pat Buck, Sonjay Dutt retained GFW NEX Gen title over DJ Zema Ion and Lio Rush, Nick Aldis (Magnus) retained GFW title over Brian Myers, Jeff Jarrett & Shaun Cannon & Drake Carter b Ken Dixon & Eric Chapel & Dirty Money.  They announced Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Damien Sandow on the 6/10 show in Joppa, MD for a 6 p.m. meet and greet.  Ron Simmons, Billy Gunn and Sean Waltman appear on 6/18 in Waldorf, MD at Regency Furniture Stadium for a meet and greet and live show. (thanks to Phil Stamper)
    • Terry Funk, Sting, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Bret Hart and Dutch Mantel are scheduled for a 6/10 Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, NJ.
    • A sentencing hearing for Tammy Sytch has been moved to 7/3 on a DUI charge from last year.
    • Freedom Pro Wrestling on 5/21 in Nashville at the Fairgrounds with Kevin Nash, Eric Young, MVP, Rockstar Spud, Crimson, and Samuel Shaw.
    • Progress Wrestling on 5/29 and 5/30 at the Electric Ballroom in London has a six man Strong Style tournament with Big Daddy Walter, Chris Hero, Damon Moser, Dave Mastiff, Kenny Williams, Mark Andrews, Mark Haskins, Matt Cross, Mikey Whiplash, Pete Dunne, Rampage Brown, Sami Callihan, TK Cooper, Tommy End, Zack Gibson and Zack Sabre Jr.  
    • If you are interested in attending the 10th annual Wrestling Observer / F4W convention in Las Vegas, EdinSanAntonio has all the information up on Facebook, or email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com.

    Today in professional wrestling history: Midnight Express wins NWA US Tag Team Titles; Inoki wins NJPW World League Tournament

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/16): Midnight Express wins NWA US Tag Team Titles; Inoki wins NJPW World League Tournament

    1922

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis beat Henry Ordemann 2 falls to 0

    1934

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Jim Londos beat Richard “Dick” Shikat 
    – Orville Brown and Ray Steele drew 
    – George Zaharias beat Matros Kirilenko 

    1952

    Tacoma, Washington:
    – Roger Mackay defeated The Masked Marvel (Buddy Knox) for the Pacific Coast Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1963

    Washington, DC:
    – Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy defeated Buddy Austin and The Great Scott to win the WWWF United States Tag Team Titles

    Houston, Texas:
    – Bull Curry defeated Jack Dalton for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title

    1964

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Verne Gagne won the AWA World Heavyweight Title by defeating Mad Dog Vachon
    – Reggie Parks beat Frisco Montana
    – Mongolian Stomper beat George Drake
    – Rocky Hamilton drew Jack Pesek

    1967 

    Little Rock, Arkansas:
    – Togo Shikuma and Chati Yokouchi defeated Jack Brisco and Gorgeous George, Jr. to win the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Boris Malenko defeated Wahoo McDaniel for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    1969

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Archie Gouldie (The Mongolian Stomper) defeated Angelo Mosca for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – The Professional (Doug Gilbert) defeated El Mongol to win the vacant NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title 

    1970

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Claw defeated Moondog Mayne for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – No Time Limit: The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Red Bastien & Pepper Gomez beat Dr. X & Double X dq
    – Edouard Carpentier drew Blackjack Lanza
    – Paul Diamond beat Jack Pesek 
    – Joe Scarpello beat Billy Howard

    1972

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Paul Jones defeated Jack Brisco to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    1973

    Buffalo, New York:
    – Johnny Powers defeated Eric the Animal to win the NWF North American Heavyweight Title 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Billy Graham in an Indian Death Match 
    – North American Champion Dusty Rhodes beat Billy Robinson via DQ
    – Ivan Koloff ddq Ken Patera
    – Sam Steamboat & Jimmy Snuka beat Mad Dog Vachon (sub Tarzan Tyler) & Lars Anderson
    – Ed Francis beat Bob Ramstead
    – Neff Maiava beat The Masked Man

    1975 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Antonio Inoki defeated Killer Karl Krupp by submission to win the annual NJPW World League tournament

    1977

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Giant Baba defeated Jumbo Tsuruta to win the annual AJPW Champion’s Carnival tournament

    1980

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – Al Madril and Tom Prichard defeated Jack Evans and Pampero Firpo to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Roger Kirby 
    – Missouri State Champion Ken Patera defeated Kevin Von Erich

    1981

    Tulsa, Oklahoma:
    – Eddie Gilbert and Ricky Morton defeated The Akbar Army (Jerry Brown and Ron McFarlane) to win the NWA Tri-State Tag Team Titles

    San Juan, Puerto Rico:
    – Kim Song defeated Tommy Gilbert for the WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title 

    1983

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Bobby Eaton and Duke Myers defeated The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) for the AWA Southern Tag Team Title
    – Ken Patera won the CWA/AWA International Heavyweight Title from Jerry Lawler
    – Bill Dundee won the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title from Dutch Mantell

    1984

    Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada:
    – Wojo Yawrenko defeated Al Tomko to win the Vancouver NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title 

    1987

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) defeated Ronnie Garvin and Barry Windham in the finals of a six-team tournament for the NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    1988 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Bill Dundee
    – Robert Fuller beat Jeff Jarrett 
    – CWA Champion Max Pain beat Curt Hennig via DQ
    – Gary Young drew Scott Steiner
    – Cuban Assassins ddq Bruise Brothers
    – Billy Travis beat Doug Gilbert dq
    – Tommy Gilbert beat Tom Brandi

    1991 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Villano III defeated El Signo for the UWA World Light Heavyweight Title 
    – Los Cowboys (Silver King and El Texano) won a tournament to become the first UWA World Tag Team Champions

    1992

    Charleston, South Carolina:
    – Ricky Steamboat & Nikita Koloff defeated WCW US Champion Rick Rude & Steve Austin 
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Arn Anderson & Larry Zbyszko in a steel cage match

    1998 

    Anaheim, California:
    – The Undertaker defeated Kane in a lights out match
    – WWF Tag Team Champions the Road Dogg & Billy Gunn defeated LOD 2000 
    – WWF World Champion Steve Austin pinned WWF Intercontinental Champion the Rock 

    2010 

    TNA Sacrifice: Orlando, Florida:
    – The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) defeated Beer Money, Inc. (James Storm and Robert Roode) and Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray)    
    – Rob Terry defeated Orlando Jordan to retain the TNA Global Championship    
    – Doug Williams defeated Frankie Kazarian to win the X Division Title
    – Madison Rayne defeated Tara in a title vs. career match to retain the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship    
    – The Band (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) defeated Ink Inc. (Jesse Neal and Shannon Moore) to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship
    – Abyss defeated Desmand Wolfe (with Chelsea)    
    – Jeff Hardy defeated Mr. Anderson    
    – Sting defeated Jeff Jarrett
    – Rob Van Dam defeated A.J. Styles (with Ric Flair)    to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

  • WWE Columbia, SC, live results: Roman Reigns & Usos vs. Anderson/Gallows/Jericho

    Submitted by Marcel D

    – Dolph Ziggler def. Baron Corbin 

    Corbin came out to an ok reaction while Ziggler came out to a big pop. Corbin hit the End Of Days mid-match, but Ziggler kicked out at two. The last part of the match, Corbin reversed the Zig Zag and tried to hit Ziggler, but he ducked and connected with the superkick for the win.

    – Apollo Crews def. Stardust

    This match was pretty short. The bell rings and Dust punches & kicks Crews, than Crews starts to fight back. He does his usual moves, and hits the Crews Control for the win. Dust gets on the mic says he isn’t leaving Columbia without a win under his belt. He says he will fight anybody from Columbia, SC. This leads to…

    – Big Show def. Stardust

    Big Show comes out to a big pop. Dust taunts the crowd and turned around to a KO Punch. Show wins in less than 10 seconds.

    – Greg Hamilton lets a lady in the crowd say “This match is scheduled for one fall”

    – Big Cass def. D-Von w/ Bubba Ray

    Not much to say about this match. Big Cass came out to a big pop. Everyone loves him. In a nice match, Cass hit the East River Crossing for the win.

    – Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens

    The crowd likes Zayn but they LOVE Owens. The match was good. Owens taunted the crowd and before the match told everyone to be quiet so he can concentrate. Zayn hit the Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte def. Nattie

    Nice back and forth match. Nattie powerbombed Charlotte. Charlotte did the figure 4 and Nattie reversed. Charlotte won with a roll-up with feet on the ropes. Nattie left to a huge ovation from the crowd.

    – I-C Champion Miz (w/Maryse) def. Cesaro and Sheamus in a three-way

    Great match. Eeryone loves Cesaro, but even Sheamus got some love. Miz called the crowd “Carolina sweathogs”. Cesaro did the swing into the sharpshooter on Miz and later, he did the Gotch Neutralizer to Sheamus. After he did it, Miz clocks him and pins Sheamus for the win. Cesaro chased after Miz and Maryse chases Cesaro.

    – WWE Champion Roman Reigns & The Usos def. Chris Jericho & Anderson/Gallows

    The pop for Reigns was HUGE. Words can’t describe it. The match was great: crowd on their feet and especially when Roman got the hot tag. At the end of the match, Gallows & Anderson got tired of Jericho being a jerk so they let the Usos suicide dive on him. Roman hits the Superman Punch and spear for the win.

  • Stephanie McMahon autobiography set for September 27 release

    Stephanie McMahon revealed Monday that she was writing her autobiography, set for release on September 27 and a $26.95 list price through Regan Arts.

    Regan is pushing the book around McMahon having 1.5 million Twitter followers and 1 million Instagram followers, implying that she has a mobilized fan base who have seen her for years. They also pushed WWE’s YouTube numbers and worldwide exposure, and are hoping for the success Regan had with Ronda Rousey, and in particular trying to attract a non-wrestling audience to purchasing the book thinking McMahon hasn’t had a lot of mainstream media coverage, and in particular they could market her heavily in women’s magazines.

    The book is apparently also designed to attempt to break her out into a larger media figure with a contemporary approach to the media. 

    The book is particularly aimed at women, and S&S notes 40% of the television viewership of WWE are women, and pushing her as a mother of three girls who has to balance a home life with being Chief Brand Officer for the company.

    “Stephanie McMahon is one of the great visionaries behind the continuing success of WWE, and has navigated the entertaining, treacherous and awe-inspiring world of Superstars, egos and drama with style, tremendous skill and dynamite feminine force,” said Judith Regal, the CEO of Regan Arts. “And that’s just with her family. The family encompasses everyone in the WWE family worldwide.  Her story is Shakespearean in its drama and comedy, and she is in a unique position to share an inside view of one the world’s most successful organizations.  Her story will also motivate you to get off your butt and make magic happen.  I love her and you will too when you read her book.”

  • Seth Rollins return is imminent, training at the WWE Performance Center

    As noted in the Observer Newsletter a few weeks ago, Seth Rollins’ return is imminent after wrapping up filming the movie “Temple.”

    Rollins has been training this past week in Orlando at the Performance Center for a return that could come at just about any time.

    John Cena tweeted earlier today, “I have done my best to return to WWE as fast as I can, but I hope people understand how amazing @WWERollins recovery is #Respect #GG.”

    PW Insider listed a possible 6/6 Raw as his return date, the week after Cena is to return.  The date is not definite, but is the current target.

    Rollins had major knee surgery for a torn ACL, torn MCL and torn medial meniscus.  He was WWE world champion at the time of the injury in early November, which changed a lot of the timing plans for WrestleMania, where Rollins was originally going to face HHH.