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  • UFC 198 DFS Playbook: value picks, who to avoid

    The UFC heads to Curitiba, Brazil for the first time, bringing an event to a soccer stadium that promises around 45,000 strong for UFC 198 headlined by UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum defending against Stipe Miocic. Despite the loss of Anderson Silva, it is still a deep card on Saturday. Below are our studs, value plays and fighters to avoid when setting your fantasy line-ups for the event.

    STUDS

    Cris Cyborg ($11,600)

    Cris Cyborg makes her UFC debut and she is obviously the biggest play on the fight card. She is just a vicious knockout artist and fighting her is likely leading to a devastating finish. She is fighting at 140 pounds, the first time in a very long time she has fought below 145 pounds, but she is also going against Leslie Smith, a natural 125-pound fighter who fights at 135 to be in the UFC, and is now going up even more in weight. Cyborg will be cutting to make 140, Smith won’t be cutting so much. This is a showcase fight for Cyborg to get the fans in her hometown a fighter to cheer for, and it becomes an even bigger deal now that Anderson Silva is now off the card. She should make quick work of Smith and you will maximize your points in picking her. The salary is high and you will have to do some good work with the other four selections, but Cyborg is a must own.

    Warlley Alves ($10,800)

    Warlley Alves enters Saturday’s UFC 198 event with a perfect 10-0 record, and with Anderson Silva now being out, he gets the main card slot on pay-per-view to showcase his skills. Alves has scored stoppage wins in seven of his ten wins, including in three of his four wins inside the Octagon. He is coming off an impressive and dominant submission win over Colby Covington, who was also undefeated at the time. Alves will be facing Bryan Barberena, who is looking to build on the momentum he has as the man to hand young rising star Sage Northcutt his first career loss. Barberena is 2-1 in his young UFC career, but has just fought three times over the course of two years, and Alves is a huge step up in competition for him. Barberena may not be ready for the challenge, and this is made for Alves to score another impressive win as they work to build him up. I expect another stoppage win for Alves, and he will be a good play on Saturday night.

    VALUE PLAYS

    Stipe Miocic ($9,100)

    The challenger for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in the main event of UFC 198, Stipe Miocic, presents some very solid value at a $9,100 price tag. He lands a lot of strikes, especially over the course of 25 minutes, if it were to go the distance. Miocic is a man on a mission to win the gold, and he has a very good chance as he matches up well against Werdum. Werdum has shown improved boxing, but Miocic is better on the feet, so it will be up to Werdum to try and get the fight down. Miocic has good takedown defense, but he hasn’t had to show off a lot of his grappling. That is Werdum’s world. As long as Miocic keeps the fight on the feet, he is going to score points. He also has excellent conditioning. Werdum has a lot of pressure on him, and Miocic has nothing to lose as he goes for the gold. He has an excellent chance at scoring the upset, and his salary makes him very good value.

    Renato Moicano ($9,000)

    Renato Moicano is another solid value play on Saturday’s fight card. He hasn’t fought since December 2014, but he is undefeated in his ten career fights. Five of his nine wins (he has a draw) have come by submission, including his UFC debut win over Tom Niinimaki. He has very solid skills and is a rising Brazilian prospect at 145 pounds. However, he won’t have an easy bout as he takes on another tough rising prospect in Zubaira Tukhugov in the opener of the event. Tukhugov is a perfect 3-0 in the UFC and has won nine straight fights. The big knock on him, despite an impressive 18-3 record, is that he is more of a points fighter as eleven of his 18 wins are by decision, including two of his three UFC wins. He is also coming off a close split decision win against Philippe Nover. Moicano has a good shot at scoring an upset and getting a finish, and he has good value for those looking for their underdog pick.

    FIGHTERS TO AVOID

    Mauricio Rua ($9,200)

    Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is a legend in the sport of MMA, but also one who has seen better days in his career. Saturday night will be a big night for Rua as he fights in his hometown of Curitiba for the first time in 13 years, and that is why he was eager to get on this card. However, he does not have an easy task in front of him in the form of Corey Anderson. Anderson sports an 8-1 record and has won three straight, showing off some impressive wrestling skills and improving striking. However, he does tend to eat some good punches, and he was put down in his most recent loss. Rua has trouble taking punches these days, and his takedown defense hasn’t been at top levels in recent years. Rua can always have a vintage Shogun performance, and perhaps fighting in his hometown will give him that added edge, but his recent performances leave a lot to be desired, though he is coming off a win. As hard as it is to avoid him, with the match-up in front of him, I recommend avoiding Rua.

    Matt Brown ($8,900)

    Matt Brown holds the record for most knockout wins in UFC welterweight history, and he’s long been one of the most exciting fighters at 170 pounds. He has never been able to make that next leap into a title shot, but he gets a big opportunity to make an impact when he takes on Demian Maia on Saturday. It is a fight that Brown asked for, and it may be a huge mistake. Maia excels in the grappling, and he made Gunnar Nelson, arguably the second-best grappler at 170 pounds, look like a novice on the mat. Brown’s biggest problem has always been defending the takedown, and Maia is going to be looking to get the fight to the mat almost immediately. Brown has never been knocked out in his career, but nine of his 13 losses have come by submission. He has a tall task in front of him, but Brown is coming to bring the fight to Maia. He will be tempting to use, but I recommend passing on Brown in your line-ups on Saturday.

    OUR LINE-UPS

    RYAN FREDERICK- Cris Cyborg ($11,600), Warlley Alves ($10,800), John Lineker ($9,700), Stipe Miocic ($9,100), Nate Marquardt ($8,500)

    I have Cris Cyborg as my top pick, and it is a no-brainer. Unless she has a huge adrenaline dump or the weight cut takes a drastic toll on her, she should run right through Leslie Smith, and pretty quickly. I like Warlley Alves to submit Bryan Barberena with relative ease. John Lineker is another solid pick. He has exciting fights and is a finisher, and 135 pounds suits him better. He has a tough opponent in Rob Font, but Font hasn’t fought someone like Lineker, and I think Lineker gives him a good beating. I’m confidently picking Stipe Miocic to become the new UFC Heavyweight Champion on Saturday, and he should rack up some points whether he finishes Fabricio Werdum or goes the distance. Nate Marquardt is my final pick, and one I’m not overly confident on. He is cheap and is coming off a knockout win, and his opponent, Thiago Santos, can be finished. It is my hail mary pick.

    PAUL FONTAINE- Cris Cyborg ($11,600), Fabricio Werdum ($10,300), John Lineker ($9,700), Renato Moicano ($9,000), Matt Brown ($8,900)

    I like the champion to retain in the main event. It could be a long fight as both guys can take a lot of punishment but even if it goes the distance, Werdum will rack up a lot of points in five rounds. Cyborg is a no-brainer. That fight has first round finish all over it. The only question is if she loses any power fighting at 140. Brown is a bit of a risk but I just can’t see him giving up and at some point, I think Brown breaks him and scores a TKO win. Lineker/Font should be a great fight. Lineker’s the type of fighter who should be spurred on by the Brazilian crowd and he should put together a flurry that hands Font his first UFC loss. Moicano is a bit of an unknown but he submitted the tough Tom Niinimaki in his first UFC fight. The only time he hasn’t won in his career, he went to a draw with Felipe Froes, who is one of the top Featherweights outside of North America.

    PEACH MACHINE- Cris Cyborg ($11,600), Fabricio Werdum ($10,300), Patrick Cummins ($9,800), Yancy Medeiros ($9,400), Vitor Belfort ($8,800)

    Another perfect use of 50k but a few things have to happen for this to be a winning hand. I think they will. Werdum finds a way to win. I don’t care what Miocic has in his hands because he has nothing on the ground, and Werdum is a smart fighter. I had Uriah Hall, but switched to Yancy Medeiros after the Silva injury as I see him defeating Trinaldo. Cyborg is a guaranteed first round KO. Cummins has to score a lot of points and beat Lil Nog. He should be able to, unless Nog gets lucky. Vitor is going to be extremely motivated and he’s got KO potential always looming. Also, I had to take a significant dog to get Cyborg. I think Belfort is a steal. He may get beat but I don’t think it will be in the first round. Souza will respect the phenom and take it slow.

  • WON Preview: May 16, 2016 Wrestling Observer newsletter: Potential UFC sale, WWE releases, plus tons of news

    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.

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

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to Dave@WrestlingObserver.com. 

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    Also in this issue:

    • Update on Dragon Lee
    • CMLL gets TV in Canada
    • Notes from this week’s Elite show with the Atlantis vs. park main event
    • Wrestler coming off WWE tryout debuts in Elite
    • Update on the Lucha Libre World Cup and what looks like its new means of broadcasting into the U.S.
    • Konnan goes off on AAA
    • A look at the AAA/Lucha Underground partnership
    • A lineup of stars coming for the World Cup
    • King of Gate tournament opens
    • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s next big show
    • A look at New Japan’s big matches over the next five weeks including the Super Juniors tournament open
    • We also look at the major lineups for the Super Juniors tournament
    • More on the first Keiji Muto vs. Jun Akiyama match
    • Kenta Kobashi promoting a show
    • A look at the career of former AWA and WWF promoter Dennis Hilgart and the heyday of Milwaukee wrestling
    • A look at plans for an Andre the Giant feature film
    • A look back at the Andre vs. Chuck Wepner boxer vs. wrestler match
    • Notes on a new book about pro wrestling’s first major national closed circuit show, headlined by Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki
    • House of Hardcore notes
    • Major indie show this weekend expected to draw big crowd
    • Former WWF star coming out of retirement
    • Radio announcer for pro wrestling who went on to be a major player in television passes away
    • Plans for Ultima Lucha 3
    • Lots more season three notes from tapings this past week including many newcomers, new characters and what looks like the situation with one of its biggest stars
    • Notes on ROH’s house show with New Japan in Dearborn, MI
    • Notes on Anderson Silva’s gall bladder surgery
    • Lots of notes on the UFC show this week in Brazil
    • Dana White updates on Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz
    • Update on C.M. Punk in UFC
    • Vitor Belfort speaks out against UFC
    • Lots of new major UFC fights for the summer
    • Update on Paige VanZant in Dancing With The Stars
    • More on the encounter between VanZant and Ronda Rousey

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 5, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestlemania 15 review, ESPN Outside the Lines recap, tons more. Full review of WrestleMania 15, plus tons of news.

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

    Also in this issue:

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today. 

    If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choice sent to you today. With a 40 issue subscription, you can get two free classic issues sent to you today.

    New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we’ll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We’ve got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

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    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.

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  • Adam Rose expected home after wife asks judge for leniency

    Cassandra Leppan, the wife of the indefinitely suspended Ray “Adam Rose” Leppan, was in Florida court Thursday morning asking a judge for leniency regarding her husband after his post-midnight arrest on Wednesday morning.

    He faces battery and tampering with a witness charges.

    The judge talked about invoking a restraining order against Ray, barring him from any contact with her. She begged the judge not to do so because she wants him back home, noting that they have a special needs child who needs both parents.

    According to TMZ.com, Ray’s lawyer argued that his physical actions were more passionate than violent. However, the judge noted a previous domestic violence incident that didn’t get any media play in March, noting a pattern. In the end, the judge allowed Ray to return home. Bond was set for $1000, virtually ensuring Rose will be out by day’s end.

    Ray was ordered to get counseling from his pastor once a week until the next court date.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/12): Koloff vs. Magnum Russian Chain match; Kevin Steen wins ROH World Title

    1966 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Ron Reed defeated Tor Kamata
    – Jerry Kozak defeated Oki Shikina
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Lee Henning
    – The Mongolian Stomper defeated The Viking
    – Bob Geigel & Bob Brown defeated Bobo Brazil & Bob Ellis in three falls

    1967 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Larry Hennig in a 2 out of 3 falls match
    – Johnny Valentine beat Bob Boyer 
    – Johnny Powers beat Doug Gilbert 
    – Harley Race drew Rene Goulet
    – Stan The Moose beat Jake Barman 

    1973 

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Indian Strap Match: Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch in 2 out of 3 falls
    – European Rules: Billy Robinson beat Horst Hoffman
    – Geoff Portz beat Rene Goulet
    – Reggie Parks beat Ric Flair
    – Greg Gagne beat Kenny Jay

    1978

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
    – WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Spiros Arion via countout
    – Gorilla Monsoon defeated Butcher Vachon 
    – Superstar Billy & Luke Graham defeated Dusty Rhodes & Haystacks Calhoun

    1980

    Portland, Oregon:
    – The Sheepherders defeated Roddy Piper and Rick Martel to win the NWA Pacific Tag Team Titles

    1984

    Spencer, North Carolina:
    – The Masked Outlaw (Dory Funk Jr.) defeated NWA Mid Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Angelo Mosca Jr. to win the championship 

    San Antonio, Texas:
    – NWA World champion Kerry Von Erich defeated Ric Flair 

    1985 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Nick Bockwinkel  
    – Larry Hennig & Jerry Blackwell went to a no contest with AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors
    – Jim Garvin beat the Crusher dq
    – Jerry Blackwell beat Terry Gordy dq
    – Steve Regal drew Buck Zumhofe
    – Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat Steve O & Buck Zumhofe & Kenny Jay

    1986

    Greenville, South Carolina:
    – Nikita Koloff defeated Magnum TA in a Russian chain match

    1990 

    Detroit, Michigan: 
    – NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk defeated the Samoan Swat Team
    – Mike Rotunda & NWA Tag Team Champion Scott Steiner defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) 
    – The Road Warriors defeated Doom in a Street Fight

    1999

    Springfield, Missouri:
    – Vampiro defeated Lash Laroux
    – Hugh Morrus defeated Jerry Flynn
    – La Parka & Silver King defeated Super Calo & Lizmark Jr
    – Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera
    – Konnan defeated Disco Inferno
    – WCW World TV Champion Booker T defeated Brian Adams
    – Sting defeated Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page

    2002 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Keiji Mutoh, George Hines & Kaz Hayashi defeated Genichiro Tenryu, Arashi & Nobutaka Araya to win the All Japan Giant Baba Memorial Cup Six-Man Tournament

    2012

    ROH Border Wars: Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Grizzly Redwood defeated Delirious    
    – Eddie Edwards defeated Rhino (with Truth Martini)    
    – The All Night Express (Rhett Titus and Kenny King) and T.J. Perkins defeated The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Mike Mondo    – Jay Lethal defeated Tommaso Ciampa
    – Lance Storm defeated Mike Bennett (with Bob Evans)    
    – Michael Elgin defeated Adam Cole    
    – Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) defeated Fit Finlay to retain the ROH World Television Championship    
    – Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) defeated The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship
    – Kevin Steen defeated Davey Richards to win the ROH World Title

  • WWE NXT results: Finn Balor returns; Nakamura’s Full Sail debut

    • The Big News: Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will square off one more time, on June 8 at NXT Takeover.
    • The Medium News: Balor returned to the NXT rings and put away The Drifter
    • The Little Beaver Sized News: Rachel Ellering debuted and Alex Riley did one last job.

    The show kicks off this week with the longest reigning NXT Champion in history! The now former champion, Finn Balor, returns to Full Sail University for the first time since losing his championship.

    The fans chanted “Thank you Finn”, which made him thank the fans. Finn moved on to address the new champion, Samoa Joe. He brought up that both Takeover matches could have gone either way, but Balor won, however in Lowell, Massachusetts that match could also go either way.

    This was the cue, not for Samoa Joe, but for Elias Sampson. Sampson played a song dedicated to Balor losing the belt. Sampson told Balor that he is nothing without the title, so Balor gave him a Pele Kick, which sent The Drifter drifting away.

    ********

    They replayed Eric Young’s backstage interview from last week, saying the cream always rises to the top and he is now where he belongs.

    ********

    Finn Balor said that he will finish saying what he needs to say to Samoa Joe when he gets done kicking Elias Sampson’s ass.

    ********

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha defeated Corey Hollis & John Skylar

    Hollis and Skylar now have matching gear, so they are an official team. The crowd exploded for Gable and Jordan, chanting that they deserve it. This match was your normal American Alpha match. Gable ran wild with chain wrestling, Jordan got in a little before Gable tagged in and got cut off for the heat.

    Hollis and Skylar got more in this match than you would probably expect considering their respective pushes, but Jordan got the hot tag and it was Full Suplex University on their foes. The Revival came out to watch the finish of the match, which distracted the champs momentarily, but they picked up the win with Grand Amplitude.

    After the match the champs laid down the gauntlet for The Revival, but Dash & Dawson backed away saying it would be done on their time.

    ********

    Shinsuke Nakamura did a brief promo mocking the idea of Alex Riley’s rage.

    ********

    In a Loser Retroactively Gets Fired Match, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Alex Riley

    When they called him to wish him well in his future endeavors, do you think Riley screamed “SAYITTOMYFACE”?

    Riley used his size to mock Nakamura at first, but that didn’t last long since Nakamura then mocked him back. Riley took over by rolling out of the way of a knee drop and spent most of his time on offense making fun of the idea of Strong Style, which was the cue for Nakamura to make his comeback. Honestly this was more of a squash than the opener, as Nakamura won quickly with the Kinshasa.

    ********

    Austin Aries was in William Regal’s office and wanted proof to show how great he is. Blake & Murphy barged in and demanded a tag team title match. Aries brought up how disrespectful this was and we got an argument. Mr. Regal said next week will be Blake & Murphy vs Austin Aries and a partner of Aries choosing.

    ********

    Alexa Bliss pinned Rachael Ellering

    Women’s Division time. The former pixie going one on one with the daughter of Paul Ellering, Rachael. A few weeks ago, Alexa defeated Tessa Blanchard, so now Corey Graves joked that she’s going to beat everyone’s daughter.

    This match was just fine except for a spot where it looked like Ellering missed a dropkick by several feet, but they changed camera angles so you didn’t see it. Anyway Alexa won with the Sparkle Splash.

    ********

    Bayley was backstage and said Asuka gave her the fight of a lifetime in Dallas and now she is training and will win again. Up walked Nia Jax who said Bayley was weaker. This led to a challenge for a future match.

    They then announced the math for next week.

    ********

    Finn Balor defeated Elias Sampson

    Main event time, Balor’s first match since going down in defeat to Samoa Joe 3 weeks ago. Sampson worked on Finn’s injured shoulder that he has taped up following the beating Joe gave him. Balor made his comeback with some hard chops and kicks to The Drifter. Balor used the corner dropkick and finished Sampson off with 1916, which is the new name for the Bloody Sunday DDT. 1916 is the year of the Irish uprising.

    After the match Balor said he is not taking anything away from Samoa Joe…yet, but he wants his rematch. Balor is obsessed with NXT and obsessed with being NXT Champion, but now he is possessed like a demon stalking his prey. He is possessed with going after what belongs to him.

    This brought out Samoa Joe. Joe shouted at him from the ramp, saying he deserves nothing and does not deserve a title shot. William Regal ran out and shouted that we will not break down into chaos before announcing Joe vs Balor for Takeover on June 8. while Joe continued to rant rom the ramp, Balor did a running dive over the top, taking out the champion.

    So that does it for this week! Thank you for reading and until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • Four weeks of ROH TV tapings from Toronto, ONT: June PPV main event announced

    By Jeff Lam

    Here are the results from the ROH TV tapings in Toronto, Ontario.  They shot 4 episodes all together.  Good crowd, really hot for any Bullet Club appearances.  However, not the hottest for anything else on the show.  As the show was for TV tapings, the matches were shorter.

    Prior to the tapings, Nigel McGuinness announced that at the next PPV, it would be Jay Lethal v Jay Briscoe II.  McGuinness then joined Kevin Kelly on commentary for the TV tapings (no Mr. Wrestling III tonight).

    1st Taping:

    ACH d. Lio Rush
    Fun Match.  Post Match had a run in attack by Silas Young on ACH.

    Motorcity Machine Guns d. The Addicition and RPG Vice

    Addiction came out and cut a heel promo on the Toronto crowd.  The MCMG came out to make a challenge, followed by RPG Vice, and started a 3-way tag match.  Match ended with Alex Shelley getting the pin on Christopher Daniels.

    The Elite (Kenny Omega, Young Bucks) d. Michael Elgin, Yoshitatsu and Tanahashi
    Kenny Omega getting the pin on Yoshitatsu after hitting the One Winged Angel.  Loudest pop so far, with the Bullet Club appearance.

    2nd Taping:

    Okada (w/ Gedo) d. Matt Sydal

    Okada with the win after hitting the Rainmaker.  Big pop for Okada’s appearance (much louder than the other NJPW talent so far, apart from Bullet Club).  Really great competitive match between the two.

    Colt Cabana d. Adam Page (of the Bullet Club)

    Big pop for Cabana’s appearance.  Chants of CM Punk and Art of Wrestling during match.  Post-match saw Bullet Club (represented by Tama Tanga and Tanga Roa) hit the ring with a beat down on Colt.  Adam Page now carries around a hangman’s noose.   Choked out Colt with the rope during beat down. 

    BJ Whitmer Promo
    Had the most heat on the show so far, but not the good kind of heat though.  Crowd just didn’t like him or cared what he had to say.  Chants of boring.  Segment was at least saved by a Steve Corino run-in.  But Whitmer got away before Corino could lay hands on him.

    Jay Lethal d. Donovan Dijak
    Finish saw The Elite run in and super kick Dijak while the ref’s back was turned.  Lethal pushed the Bullet Club members out and took advantage of the downed Dijak and got the pin after hitting the Lethal Injection.  Other Bullet Club members ran in after the match to beat down on Lethal, however, the Briscoes make the save.

    3rd Taping:

    Dalton Castle d. Gedo

    Tetsuya Naito d. Moose
    Really good match.  Naito sold a lot for Moose.  Naito mocked Moose throughout the match with his fist pump taunt.  Naito’s character was amazing and over with the crowd.  Really contrasts his appearance last year, when the crowd had a more tepid reaction to him.  Amazing to see what a year can do.

    ANX d. Cheeseburger and Jushin Thunder Liger
    Liger with maybe as big a pop as Okada in terms of NJPW talent.  Rhett Titus with the pin on Cheeseburger.  Big chants for Liger post match.

    Silas Young with promo on ACH
    After cutting a promo on ACH, Young gets down and into the crowds face.  While being held back by officials on the outside, ACH sneaks to the ring makes a running top rope dive, taking out Young.  ACH with the escape into the crowd.

    Kyle O’Reilly d. Kushida
    Best match of the night so far.  Great technical bout with the two exchanging holds throughout.  Great back and forth match.  It’s too bad that they couldn’t go longer, but it was a TV taping match, so it’s understandable.  O’Reilly with the upset victory over Kushida after a quick roll up.  

    4th Taping:

    Dalton Castle d. Kamaitachi, Cedric Alexander, Caprice Coleman

    Four-way match, and again, Dalton is the crowd favourite.  Kamaitachi got a nice pop when he entered.  His entrance didn’t have a video package though.  Dalton picked up the win after landing the pin on Kamaitachi.  Lots of fun high flying action and comedy spots.  Another win for Dalton to build up to his eventual TV title match.  Post-match saw Veda Scott with heat on Cedric Alexander, unimpressed with his losing.  Scott about to fire Cedric, but before she can, he quits on her.

    Tomohiro Ishii d. Will Ferrara
    Maybe weakest match of the evening.  Crowd wasn’t buying into Ferrara, but they loved Ishii.  I think by this time, the crowd was getting tired as well.

    Team ROH (Briscoes, Roderick Strong, Jay Lethal) d. Bullet Club (Tama Tanga, Tanga Roa, Matt Jackson, Kenny Omega)

    Finish saw Jay Briscoe hitting the Jay Driller on Tanga Roa.   Fun TV main event, although not as exciting as last year’s Team ROH vs Bullet Club matches.  It was interesting having Jay Lethal fight alongside Jay Briscoe since they’re fighting on the next PPV.  I don’t recall them butting heads during the match.  However, post-match, a confrontation ensued between the two. 

    After Lethal leaves, the Briscoes make an announcement that they’re coming to NJPW to take the IWGP tag titles off of Tama Tanga and Tanga Roa.

  • TUF 23 recap: Double J tries to get on the winning track

    This season, both the women’s strawweight division and the men’s light heavyweight division will be competing. At the end of the season, Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha fight on the TUF 23 Finale with Joanna Champion defending her strawweight title.

    Last week, Gadelha’s team won again to take a 2-0 lead. She picked Andrew Sanchez to face Myron Dennis on this week’s show – her #1 pick from the men against Joanna’s #3 pick. Here we go!

    **********

    Jedrzejczyk is not happy with not having won a single fight so far and is being hard on her team as a result. “They are training like little girls in the primary schools. They train like pussies – I must say this. I must be honest with them. No more nice Joanna.”

    After Jedrzejczyk gives her speech in the locker room, Myron Dennis calls a team meeting of his own at the house. They all get in a football huddle and he promises to get the win for them to give them motivation. Sanchez isn’t happy about it and says they could have done the same thing at the gym.

    Gadelha and all her coaches come over to the house to cook Brazilian barbecue for all the fighters. “We are with them to the end of this.” Back at the gym, she’s working him very hard, but when he steps on the scale, he’s just 200 pounds. He says being smaller and faster is an advantage compared to the other guys.

    More drama at the gym as Jedrzejczyk is pissed that Gadelha’s team hasn’t finished cleaning up or left and starts throwing their equipment at them. Gadelha says they are being disrespectful. Jedrzejczyk says not cleaning up after yourself is disrespectful. This just keeps escalating.

    Weigh-in: Dennis is 204.5, Sanchez is 200.

    * Andrew Sanchez (Team Gadelha) vs. Myron Dennis (Team Jedrzejczyk)

    Dennis is in the red trunks and Sanchez the blue. “Big” John McCarthy is our referee. Sanchez gets an early takedown and decks Dennis with a right hand on the ground. Sanchez is landing some nice ground and pound until he jumps up at 1:47 looking to pass – and ends up right back where he was before in guard. Dennis kicks him away at 2:27 but Sanchez jumps to half guard. Dennis moves him back to full but eats some hard rights doing so. Dennis finally scrambles to his feet at 3:18. Sanchez takes him down again with 75 seconds left. Sanchez is given two warnings to work. Despite that, Sanchez owned this round.

    Surprise surprise: Sanchez goes for a takedown right away in R2 but Dennis avoids it and they reset at 25 seconds. Dennis is grinning like a maniac. McCarthy warns the fighters to watch their fingers. Sanchez shoots for a single leg and gets it at 1:44. Dennis kicks him away briefly at 3:30 but Sanchez jumps back on. They get up with 70 seconds left after multiple warnings by McCarthy to work. Sanchez shoots for a single again and has it at 4:20. That’s a wrap. He’s taking a unanimous decision.

    Dana White buries Dennis’ performance in the fight and with good reason. SANCHEZ ADVANCES AND TEAM GADELHA GOES UP 3-0.

    This was a very forgettable episode. Next week’s fight choice is Lanchana Green (Gadelha) vs. Helen Harper (Jedrzejczyk). See you then!

  • UFC reaffirms flyweight title shot for fall TUF…but with a twist

    The UFC announced on Wednesday’s UFC Tonight that the format for the 24th season of The Ultimate Fighter will still be a televised tournament for a shot at the flyweight title currently held by Demetrious Johnson.

    An interesting twist is that the coaches were announced as Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo, two of the top contenders for the championship that Johnson has already dispatched. In Benavidez’s case, Johnson has beaten him twice.

    The fighters brought in will be 16 talents from outside the UFC with the idea of them being pushed as flyweight champions from smaller promotions. Benavidez and Cejudo will each have an eight-man team. Another interesting note is that if by some chance, the tournament winner can take the title from Johnson, there is a good chance they would have to face Benavidez or Cejudo.

    Johnson will defend his title against the tournament winner on Saturday, December 3rd in Las Vegas, flanked by Benavidez and Cejudo battling in what is essentially a No. 1 contenders fight. This will be an intriguing test promotionally as the public won’t know who Johnson is facing until days or a week before the fight. It wasn’t noted on the show when Johnson will learn who his opponent is.

    The season will start airing on August 31st on Fox Sports One.

  • Lucha Underground results: Muertes vs Matanza; Rey Mysterio Trios title match

    A recap video recaps the trios tournament, and the title win by Prince Puma, Rey Mysterio, and El Dragon Azteca Jr. We see a bit of the cop drama, and the announcement of Graver Consequences with Mil Muertes and Matanza – a casket match with four coffins in use. Dario meets with the mayor’s goon in a club and gives him his payment — thus explaining why he’s allowed to run an “underground” fight club. The goon tells him that he’s being watched by the police and he probably has at least one person on the inside. Dario is told that the Temple is very important, and that “his employer” will be visiting the Temple. Melissa Santos introduces our first match, for an Aztec medallion – a battle of former partners.

    Mr. Cisco vs. Castro Castro vs. Joey Ryan – Aztec Medallion Match

    Cisco gets a rollup on Castro for 2. Suplex by Castro to Cisco gets 2, while Joey is happy to just hang around on the outside of the ring. Joey Ryan goes for a schoolboy on Castro and beats him. Striker compares this to a flash knockout. Sure thing there, bucko.

    Catrina talks to Mil about waiting 197 years for tonight. She says Mil spent only a few days in stone before she guided him to safety, and saved him from death in Grave Consequences. Tonight, she will lick Matanza’s face and make them immortal. King Cuerno rises from below in their sacred candle room area. Well, that should be a fun match down the line. Mundo is added to the former Trios Championship holders team tonight for a rematch.

    Ivelisse, Son of Havoc, and Johnny Mundo vs. Trios Champions Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma, and Dragon Azteca Jr

    Mundo’s new pink and white gear is something else. Ivie starts out with Azteca, and outwrestles him for a bit. Leg kick to Ivie leads to him leaving and we we get Rey-Havoc. Havoc gets 2 off a standing SSP, while Rey gets 2 off a sunset flip. Rey and Havoc grab one another’s legs to avoid a kick – and agree to break on 3 and actually do. Puma tags in and then Mundo comes in for a slugfest.

    Mundo sends him over the rope to the apron and lands a high kick. Puma blocks a lariat with a high kick. Azteca and Havoc are now in and Havoc sends him up top. Azteca flips down and cradles him for 2. Superman Forearm by Azteca hits, but Havoc recovers and gets 2 off a handspring cutter. Rey and Havoc come in and a victory roll gets 2 for Rey. An argument breaks out and Mundo “accidentally” flying Chuck kicks Ivie.

    Havoc high kicks Rey and gets 2. 619 hits and a tag to Puma leads to the 630 while Striker talks about the torch being passed and a new star being created…off a tag and one move. Taya jumps Ivie after the match. The large funeral march begins to set up Graver Consequences. When combined with the tragic Western music, it’s beautiful and a great way to add a sense of artistic beauty on a wrestling show in a new way. Mil Muertes comes out with Catrina, while Dario leads Matanza down.

    Lucha Underground Champion Mil Muertes vs. Matanza Cueto – Graver Consequences Match

    Mil jumps him and hits a chain of lariats in the corner. Matanza responds with a clothesline from Hell. Mil is tossed over the top onto a casked back-first like he’s HBK – only he’s 300 pounds. Matanza puts a casket next to the other, but Catrina hits him with a chair. It does nothing – but when he goes for Catrina, Mil spears him through chairs. Matanza powerbombs Mil onto the top of one of the three side-by-side caskets. 

    Mil smashes Matanza’s head into the posts, resulting in a wacky “bonk” sound effect. Matanza teases a chokeslam off the apron, but instead eats a Flatliner off of the apron onto the caskets. Matanza drags a casket into the ring, and then Dario gets pulled in – but Matanza saves him. Matanza hits the multiple gutwrench suplex, but Mil recovers, punches him and hits a spear without landing on his stomach.

    Mil grabs the turnbuckle connector hook, but Matanza prevents its use and headbutts him. Matanza goes for the mask with his hands instead and tears it up. Matanza attacks the head with the hook and Striker says it’s to draw blood, and he’s sliced open. Matanza gets chokeslammed onto the casket! Mil grabs a toolbox and gets a lead glove, which Striker says you wouldn’t find that in a regular toolbox. Mil punches away on the mask with that glove. Matanza hits a low blow and a rabbit lariat. Matanza rips the lid off the coffin, and can’t win by tossing him in the mid-ring casket now.

    Matanza realizes this and tosses it outside before taking an even bigger casket off its base and placing it on the floor. Matanza shoves him in the casket, but Mil’s hand raises up through the coffin and slams Matanza’s head onto the casket! Mil smacks him with the ring bell. Dario and Catrina brawl! Matanza has the stone and throws it in a casket. Matanza grabs Catrina and puts her in the casket with the stone. Mil hits a suicide dive to the floor! 

    They come back in and Mil lands a sloppy powerslam to Matanza. Mil opens the lid of a casket and puts Matanza in it, but Matanza survives – only to eat a slew of punches. One big hook allows him to recover. POWERBOMB ON THE CASKET. Matanza hits the Wrath of the Gods rewind powerslam and wins it! They open the casket with Catrina, but she has vanished. Mil Muertes is carried away in the casket by the pall bearers. King Cuerno takes off a hood to reveal himself as one of them.

    More drama as the councilman’s goon brings the money Dario gave them to a limo. He tells “his lord” that Dario thinks his brother is the most powerful being on Earth – but told him that his lord was, and we see a lighter spark and what looks like a cigar being lit up to introduce a new unseen character to the mix. This wasn’t the best episode of the season, but a solid one that built to the future nicely.

    To see all of the screenshots for the show, just click here.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/11): Executioners win WWWF Tag Team Titles; LAX wins TNA World Tag Team Titles;

    1944 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Frankie Talaber defeated The Great Mephisto for the Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1945

    Houston, Texas:
    – Jules Strongbow defeated Hans Schnable to win the Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1949 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Martino Angelo defeated Billy Fox in Columbus, Ohio for the MWA World Junior Heavyweight Title

    1950

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Lee Henning beat Enrique Torres in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Joe Dusek and Tommy O’Toole drew 1 fall a piece 
    – Dutch Hefner and Mayes McLain drew 
    – Jay Steele beat Jack Moore   

    1954 

    San Francisco, California:
    – Rocky Brown and Leo Nomellini defeated Ben and Mike Sharpe to win the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Title 

    1962 

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Czaya Nandor and Sandor Kovacs defeated Aldo Bogni and Alexis Bruga to win the Stampede International Tag Team Title 

    1963

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Fritz & Waldo Von Erich beat Verne Gagne & Don Leo Jonathan
    – Pat O’Connor beat Roy Collins
    – Doug Gilbert beat Guy Mitchell
    – Bobby Managoff drew Larry Hennig

    1967 

    Chattanooga, Tennessee:
    – The Blue Infernos defeated Billy and Jimmy Hines for the Mid-America NWA World Tag Team Title 

    1968

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Verne Gagne & Bill Watts
    – Mighty Igor Vodik beat Mad Dog Vachon dq
    – Dr X beat Dutch Savage
    – Bob Boyer drew Bob Ramstead
    – Luke Brown beat Big K

    1972 

    Cleveland, Ohio:
    – Don and Johnny (Greg Valentine) Fargo defeated Dominic DeNucci and Tony Parisi to win the National Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title 

    1976 

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – The Executioners (Killer Kowalski and Big John Studd under masks) defeated Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi for the WWWF World Tag Team Title 

    Shreveport, Louisiana:
    – Killer Karl Kox and Bob Sweetan defeated Ted DiBiase and Dick Murdoch for the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Title 

    1978 

    Osaka, Japan:
    – Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta won the NWA International Tag Team Title defeating Kim Duk and Kintaro Ohki

    1979

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby Duncum
    – Greg Gagne beat Pat Patterson
    – Doug Gilbert (sub Steve Olsonoski) drew Ray Stevens
    – Jesse Ventura (sub Buddy Wolff) beat Billy Robinson dq
    – Jesse Ventura beat Joe Scarpello (sub Paul Ellering)

    1980 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – The Iron Sheik defeated Jim Brunzell for the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title 

    1981 

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Ernie Ladd defeated Kerry Von Erich to win the World Class American Heavyweight Title 

    1985 

    Portland, Oregon:
    – Billy Jack Haynes and Ricky Vaughn defeat Mega Maharishi (Ed Wiskoski) and Kendo Nagasaki for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title 

    1987 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jeff Jarrett defeated Moondog Spot in Memphis, Tennessee to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title
    –  Mark Starr and Billy Travis defeated Badd Company (Paul Diamond and Pat Tanaka) for the CWA/AWA International Tag Team Title

    1991 

    Guaynabo, Puerto Rico:
    – Brad Anderson defeated Ricky Santana to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title 

    Shakopee, Michigan:
    – Charlie Norris defeated Golden Idol (subbing for Terminator Rigs) for the Pro Wrestling America Heavyweight Title 

    1996

    AAA TripleMania IV: Chicago, Illinois: 
    -Karis la Momia, Arunyo, & Killer defeated Blue Demon Jr., Torero, & Mascara Sagrada Jr. in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match 
    -Jerry Estrada & Juventud Guerrera defeated Pantera & Super Calo in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match 
    -Picudo, Cibernetico, & El Mosco defeated Octagon, the Ultimo Dragon, & La Parka in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match 
    -WCW U.S. Champion Konnan & Perro Aguayo defeated Pierroth Jr. & Cien Caras in a lumberjack match 

    ECW A Matter of Respect: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – El Puerto Ricano and Damien fought to a no-contest
    – Damien Kane and Devon Storm defeated The Dudley Boyz (Buh-Buh Ray and D-Von) by disqualification
    – The Full-Blooded Italians (Little Guido and J.T. Smith) defeated Hack Meyers and Axl Rotten
    – Taz defeated Beef Wellington 
    – ECW World Heavyweight Champion Raven defeated Pitbull #2 and The Sandman in a three-way dance to retain the title
    – Chris Jericho defeated Mikey Whipwreck
    – Shane Douglas defeated ECW World Television Champion 2 Cold Scorpio to win the title
    – Rob Van Dam defeated Sabu 
    – Tommy Dreamer and The Gangstas defeated Brian Lee and ECW World Tag Team Champions The Eliminators

    1997 

    WWF In Your House: Richmond, Virginia:
    – Rockabilly pinned Jesse James 
    – Hunter Hearst Helmsley (with Chyna) pinned Flash Funk 
    – Mankind defeated Rocky Maivia by submission 
    – The Nation of Domination (Crush, Faarooq and Savio Vega) defeated Ahmed Johnson in a gauntlet match
    – Ken Shamrock defeated Vader in a no holds barred match 
    – WWF Champion The Undertaker pinned Steve Austin to retain the title

    2003 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Taiji Ishimori defeated Super Crazy for the vacant UWA World Welterweight Title

    2008 

    TNA Sacrifice: Orlando, Florida:
    – Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) defeated James Storm (with Jackie Moore) and Sting    
    – Christian Cage and Rhino defeated Booker T and Robert Roode    
    – The Latin American Xchange (Hernandez and Homicide) (with Hector Guerrero) defeated Kip James and Matt Morgan    
    – A.J. Styles and Super Eric defeated Awesome Kong (with Raisha Saeed) and B.G. James    
    – Kaz defeated Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Consequences Creed, Curry Man, Jay Lethal, Jimmy Rave, Johnny Devine, Shark Boy and Sonjay in a TerrorDome match to determine the number one contender to the TNA X Division Championship 
    – Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) defeated Christian Cage and Rhino    
    – The Latin American Xchange (Hernandez and Homicide) (with Hector Guerrero and Salinas) defeated A.J. Styles and Super Eric (Eric Young)
    – Gail Kim defeated Angelina Love, Christy Hemme, Jackie Moore, ODB, Salinas, Rhaka Khan, Roxxi Laveaux, Traci Brooks and Velvet Sky in a 10-woman TNA Knockouts Makeover Battle Royal to determine number one contender to the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship    
    – The Latin American Xchange (Hernandez and Homicide) (with Hector Guerrero and Salinas) defeated Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) to win the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship    
    – Samoa Joe defeated Kaz and Scott Steiner (with Petey Williams and Rhaka Khan) to retain the TNA World Title