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  • WON Preview: WWE Payback, Hulk Hogan sues Gawker, tons more

    READ IT HERE: May 9, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Payback review, Hulk Hogan suing Gawker, tons more

    The claimed new era with Shane and Stephanie McMahon on Raw, fallout of Payback, lineup for Extreme Rules and current WWE situation is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. There is also a detailed story on Hulk Hogan’s latest lawsuit and his claims of how the sex tape went from Bubba the Love Sponge to the National Enquirer, including details of Hogan being blackmailed by people with the tape and the FBI sting operation regarding the tape and why it didn’t end there.  

    Next there is a detailed look at Ryback’s situation with WWE, New Japan’s Dontaku show and the Super Juniors tournament, the economic value of Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor to a show, and plans for a new PPV show next month.

    The lead story updates the status of Shane McMahon, the story behind Payback and how it leads to Extreme rules, the injury to Enzo Amore, the booking that gets almost nobody over and the match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

    As it regards the Hogan story, this issue examines all the players involved, his latest lawsuit and more details on the FBI sting operation regarding the sex tape.

    Ryback’s complaints about WWE, how things went down in his meeting with Vince McMahon, notes about WWE contracts, how wrestlers are paid in WWE and why that isn’t the case anywhere else, his philosophy about everyone being paid the same and more, all in the latest Observer issue.

    Finally, more on the Adam Rose situation, changes to the WWE Network, notes on a WWE network survey, notes on Camp WWE, how the show changed and why, notes on some WWE firings this past week, as well as new hirings, update on WrestleMania 2018, Paul Heyman reality show update, Bruno Sammartino honored, notes on contract situation with different talent, DVD plans for the next 18 months, injury updates and returns, fallout of Ric Flair TMZ as well as notes regarding his podcast and other future Flair projects, notes on the next Takeover lineup, update on Bryan Danielson, More on the cruiserweight tournament, lots of WWE business updates and a former giant Olympian talks about his WWE offer and plans of eventually going there. All this and much more in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    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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    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 sent to you today. 

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: March 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF faces backlash for being risque, WCW’s Renegade passes away, tons more  WWF faces backlash for being too risque, former WCW wrestler Renegade passes away, 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:

    • Notes on the 60th anniversary of wrestling at Arena Mexico
    • Notes on what may have been a new record for most shows at a huge arena in a one week period and how it did
    • Highlights of a number of big shows at Arena Mexico
    • Octagon Jr. quits AAA and story behind it
    • What happened with Flamita and Lucha Underground
    • Another major star quits AAA
    • Notes from the last AAA TV tapings
    • NOAH’s tag team tournament rundown
    • New Japan makes major signing
    • Complete details of the 2015 G-1 tournament on AXS, including a number of two hour shows
    • What days the biggest matches will air
    • Tremendous Yoshitatsu interview about his time in WWE, Nakamura, A.J. Styles and more
    • Battle of legends from different promotions announced for summer
    • FMW starts the hardcore vs. shooters program
    • More on the death of Joanie Laurer
    • More on the MysterioMania shows
    • Notes on the next PWG show
    • Two major summer events with Dave Meltzer
    • New season of a TV show featuring ex-WWE star
    • Strange death of a Mexico City wrestler
    • Former WWE star talks about wanting to do MMA
    • Major stars work Germany
    • New Batista movie notes
    • Stars in England for a tour
    • Hall of Famer undergoes spinal surgery
    • A look back when Gordon Solie was running for public office and why he had to drop out of the race
    • A look back at when wrestling was criticized because it’s hottest feud was charging more in ticket prices than 50 yard line seats for the Super Bowl
    • Lots more on the career of Geoff Portz
    • 70s and 80s star out of retirement last week
    • Update on injury to Angelico
    • Notes on a reality TV star who had a pro wrestling tryout last week
    • Details on all the ROH shows with New Japan talent and updated lineups
    • Notes on the ROH September PPV show
    • Notes on a pro wrestler who is a school teacher in a small town while also being under contract to ROH
    • Notes on ROH’s weekend event
    • Why TNA is trying to sign some wrestlers already under contract to new deals
    • More moves TNA is making
    • What these moves indicate
    • Update on Conor McGregor
    • UFC fires fighter after bar brawl
    • A look at this week’s UFC card
    • Tons of new UFC fights signed
    • How close Dada 5000 came to death
    • More issues with Kimbo Slice
    • What this says about Bellator
    • More on the sentencing of Lavar Johnson
    • Brothers set to fight on TV show

    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.

    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.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/05): Hackenschmidt wins World Title; Von Erich Parade of Champions

    1906

    Madison Square Garden: 
    – World Greco-Roman Champion George Hackenschmidt defeated American Heavyweight Champion Tom Jenkins in two straight falls, to become the World Catch-as-Catch Can Heavyweight Champion

    1947 

    Hollywood, California:
    – Danny McShain defeated Martino Angelo for the World Light Heavyweight Title 

    1950

    Houston, Texas:
    – Danny McShain defeated Miguel Guzmán for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1958

    Tulsa, Oklahoma:
    – Jim Larock defeated Sandor Kovacs to become the first Tri-State NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Champion 

    1961 

    Houston, Texas:
    – Dory Dixon and Rito Romero defeated The Corsicans (Jean and Joe) to win the Texas NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1964 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Don Curtis and Abe Jacobs defeated Duke Keomuka and Hiro Matsuda for the Florida NWA World Tag Team Titles

    1966

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Terry Funk & Ron Reed fought Oki Shikina & Tor Kamata to a draw
    – Sonny Myers defeated Bob Brown via DQ
    – Tiny Smith defeated Lee Henning
    – The Viking fought Jerry Kozak to a draw
    – Tiny Smith won a 10-man Battle Royal
    – The Mongolian Stomper defeated The Butcher in three falls

    1967

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race ddq Lou Thesz & Crusher in the 3rd fall
    – Johnny Valentine beat Reggie Parks 
    – Danny Hodge beat Bob Boyer 
    – Johnny Powers beat Rene Goulet 

    1970

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon beat Verne Gagne & the Crusher
    – Blackjack Lanza ddq Wilbur Snyder
    – Angelo Poffo beat Jack Pesek
    – Billy Red Lyons beat Joe Scarpello
    – Edouard Carpentier beat Larry Hennig
    – Pepper Gomez beat Lars Anderson

    1971 

    Miami, Florida:
    – Dale Lewis defeated The Champion (Tarzan Tyler) for the NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Title 

    1972 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Roberto Soto defeated Buddy Colt to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title 

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Raul Mata and Rey Mendoza defeated Killer Kowalski and Kinji Shibuya for the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

    1973

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Jimmy Valiant in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Superstar Billy Graham & Ernie Ladd beat Bill Watts & Wahoo McDaniel in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Bob Ellis no contest Baron Von Raschke
    – Billy Robinson drew Wilbur Snyder
    – Rene Goulet beat Bull Bullinski
    – Ric Flair beat Kenny Dillinger

    1976 

    Raleigh, North Carolina:
    – Dino Bravo and Mr. Wrestling defeated Gene and Ole Andersno to win the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    Davenport, Iowa:
    – Verne Gagne, Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell beat Nick Bockwinkel, Blackjack Lanza and Bobby Duncum 
    – Larry Hennig beat Baron Von Raschke  
    – Mad Dog Vachon beat Chris Taylor dq
    – Russ Francis beat Kim Duk

    1977

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – The Sheik retained the U.S. title beating Tiger Jeet Singh on a disqualification
    – Ken Patera beat Gorilla Monsoon
    – The Crusaders retained the International tag team title beating Don Kent and Reginald Love
    – Chief Jay Strongbow beat Pat Kelly
    – Carlos Rocha beat Bounty Hunter #1
    – The Mongol drew The Beast
    -Al Costello drew ChrisTolos
    – Michelle Barone beat Bill Morgan

    1978

    San Juan, Puerto Rico:
    – Bruno Sammartino defeated Gorilla Monsoon for the WWC North American Heavyweight Title 

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
    – Jerry Brown and Bobby Jaggers defeated Ray Candy and Steven Little Bear to win the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Titles

    1979

    San Juan, Puerto Rico:
    – Hurácan Castillo and Carlos Colón defeated Frankie Laine and Dutch Mantel for the WWC North American Tag Team Titles

    1980 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Buddy Fuller beat Wayne Farris in a Lights out match
    – Paul Ellering & Sonny King beat Jackie Fargo & Rocky Johnson 
    – Southern Tag Team Champions Dennis Condrey & David Shults beat Jimmy Valiant & Steve Regal
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Bill Dundee dq
    – CWA Champion Billy Robinson beat Duke Myers by forfeit when Myers failed to show
    – Ricky Morton & Terry Sawyer beat Larry Latham & Sgt. Danny Davis
    – Ken Lucas & Ricky Gibson & Robert Gibson beat Ali Hassan & International Superstar & Jimmy Hart

    Montreal, Quebec, Canada:
    – Paul Vachon defeated Dick Van 
    – Pierre Lefebvre defeated Gino Brito
    – Pat Patterson & Raymond Rougeau defeated Les Anges Blonds
    – Bob Backlund defeated Bob Steele
    – Gilles Poisson & Serge Dumont defeated Len Shelley & Tarzan Tyler 

    1982 

    Lawton, Oklahoma:
    – King Kong Bundy defeated Kerry Von Erich for the World Class American Heavyweight Title 

    Jackson, Mississippi:
    – The Junkyard Dog and Mr. Olympia (Jerry Stubbs) defeated The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) to win the Mid-South Tag Team Titles

    1983 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Jerry Brown defeated Roger Kirby for the NWA Central States Television Title 

    Lexington, Kentucky:
    – Jerry Lawler beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel in a Non Title Match
    – Fabulous Ones beat The Moondogs 
    – Rock & Roll Express beat Jim Cornette & The Galaxians
    – Bill Dundee beat Dutch Mantel
    – Loser Leaves Town: Stagger Lee beat The Lone Ranger
    – Bobby Eaton won 10 man elimination bout
    – Terry Taylor beat Bobby Eaton
    – Steve O beat Porkchop Cash dq

    1984 

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Wahoo McDaniel and Mark Youngblood defeated Jack and Jerry Brisco for the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    St. Petersburg, Florida:
    – Blackjack Mulligan defeated Black Bart to win the NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Title 

    1985 

    WCCW Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions: Dallas, Texas:
    – In a two-ring no-disqualification match, The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) defeated The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton) to win the WCCW American Tag Team Titles
    – Johnny Mantell and Skip Young fought to a draw
    – Brian Adias and WCCW Television Champion Scott Casey defeated Kelly and Nick Kiniski
    – Terry Gordy defeated Kamala by disqualification
    – Mike Von Erich defeated Rip Oliver
    – WCCW American Heavyweight Champion Chris Adams and WCCW Texas Heavyweight Champion Gino Hernandez defeated WCCW Television Champion Scott Casey and The Great Kabuki
    – Kerry Von Erich defeated One Man Gang in a Kerry’s hair vs. Gary Hart’s hair match
    – The Freebirds (Terry Gordy, Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts) and WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Champions Kevin, Kerry and Mike Von Erich defeated Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez, Kamala, Rip Oliver, One Man Gang and Steve Williams in a two-ring best-of-five falls match, 3-2 
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair fought WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Champion Kevin Von Erich to a double-countout to retain the title

    1986 

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Rick Rude defeated Lance Von Erich to win the World Class Television Title 

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
    – Steve DiSalvo defeated Ron Ritchie for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title 

    1988 

    – Canek defeats Perro Aguayo for the UWA World Heavyweight Title

    1989  

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – Kevin Dillinger defeated Danny Davis to win the Southeast NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Title
    – Masahiro Chono and Mike Davis won the CWF Tag Team Title from Davey and Johnny Rich

    1990 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeated Jimmy Valiant to win the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title 

    Caguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Invaders I and IV won the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Titles by defeating Leo Burke and Chicky Starr

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Brian Pillman (Special Referee: Nick Bockwinkel)
    – Nikita Koloff beat AWA Champion Larry Zbyszko dq
    – Brad Rheingans & The Trooper & Bob Lurtsema beat Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom & Tully Blanchard
    – Yukon John Nord & Flapjack Scott Norton ddq Texas Hangmen
    – DJ Peterson beat Jonnie Stewart
    – Tony Denucci beat Todd Becker

    2001

    Jeffersonville, Indiana:
    – Randy Orton won the OVW Hardcore Championship by defeating Flash Flanagan

    2001 

    WWF Insurrextion: London, England:
    – Chris Jericho defeated William Regal to win the Queen’s Cup
    – Eddie Guerrero pinned Grandmaster Sexay 
    – Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn defeated Crash Holly and Hardcore Holly
    – Bradshaw pinned The Big Show 
    – Edge and Christian defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von), The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and WWF European Champion Matt) and X-Factor (Justin Credible and X-Pac) in a fatal four-way elimination match
    – Chris Benoit defeated Kurt Angle in a Two out of three falls match, 2-0
    – The Undertaker defeated WWF Tag Team Champions (WWF Champion Steve Austin and WWF Intercontinental Champion Triple H) in a Handicap match

    2002 

    Monterrey, Mexico:
    – El Zorro defeated Héctor Garza to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title 
    – Lady Apache won the Mexican National Women’s Title from Tiffany

    2003 

    Sendai, Japan:
    – Ultimo Dragon defeated The Great Sasuke for the NWA World Middleweight Title 

    2004 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Aja Kong and Amazing Kong defeated The Crush Gals (Lioness Asuka and Chigusa Nagayo) for the AAAW Tag Team Titles

  • TUF 23 recap: The strawweights battle in their first fight of the season

    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 and picked Tatiana Suarez to face JJ Aldrich, putting the two #1 seeds on a collision course in only the show’s third week! 

    This Week:

    Jedrzejczyk is helping Aldrich work on the “small things” to get better. Helen Harper gets injured as they’re working on submissions. Jedrzejczyk gives her a pep talk but Harper is still feeling bummed and “a bit rubbish” even when she gets to the house. Rountree tells her he’s out and can’t even come back but she’s still in the hunt.

    We switch to team Gadelha and Suarez talks about how she had to overcome a cancer diagnosis just to be where she is today. “I don’t really talk about it much with people because it’s something very very personal, but I believe if you continue to persevere you can get through anything.”

    Cory Hendricks and Khalil Rountree are having a donut eating contest, and the loser has to get makeup done by the girls in the house, while the winner gets a sparkling golden donut. Joshua Stansbury is the emcee/announcer for the battle. Rountree finishes his pile of donuts first and is declared the winner – not shocking he was able to do it given he’s already out of competition and doesn’t have to worry about making weight. Or does he? You never know if me might come back as an alternate.

    Back on team Jedrzejczyk we see Aldrich talk about how nobody who meets her believes she’s a fighter, but (cliche coming) getting in the cage “flips a switch.” She says to beat Suarez she’s going to have all the takedowns and light her up with strikes.

    Time for the weigh-in! Aldrich is 115, Suarez is 115.5. Fight’s on! Dana White says that five years ago Suarez was the #1 wrestler in the U.S., but that you can’t count Aldrich out because she trains with Rose Namajunas, so he expects a classic fight.

    It’s makeup time for Cory Hendricks. He also has to put on a Reebok sports bra. He says he’s not afraid to do it, but that it’s his own fault for underestimating Rountree’s eating abilities. Lanchana Green is impressed that he went all out. Hendricks says that he can’t figure out whether the guys are attracted or upset.

    * Tatiana Suarez (Team Gadelha) vs. JJ Aldrich (Team Jedrzejczyk)

    Aldrich is in the red and Suarez is in the black. Suarez shoots for the double, Aldrich sprawls at first, but Suarez gets her with the leg trip. She tries to scoot back to the fence to get up, gives up her head in the process, but ultimately gets to her feet. Suarez single legs her back down at 1:45after a warning not to grab the cage and quickly moves to her back looking for hooks. She goes for a choke with only one in and Aldrich escapes and stands back up. Aldrich tries to widen her stance but is taken down again at 2:58. You can see why Suarez comes so highly touted for her wrestling, and she’s bull strong too, able to just drag Aldrich to the ground when the obvious takedown technique isn’t there. She’s going for a standing guillotine with a minute left but Aldrich escapes and survives to R2.

    Suarez got “a tiny little cut” in the first round which was so tiny I didn’t even see it in HD, and Gadelha tells her not to worry. Suarez has another takedown at 40 seconds. She’s quickly moving to side looking for the arm triangle. Aldrich escapes at 1:26 but Suarez is all over her from behind. Aldrich stands at 1:55 but is thrown down head first. Suarez gets the left hook and hammers away looking for the RNC.

    She gets the second hook in and at 3:14 of R2 Aldrich taps – TEAM GADELHA WINS AGAIN.

    Jedrzejczyk is disappointed that Aldrich didn’t scrap harder. Suarez is happy but knows she has two more fights to go. Jedrzejczyk tells all of her team to fight to the end no matter what. Claudia picks Andrew Sanchez to face Myron Dennis. See you next week!

  • Lucha Underground results: Sexy Star vs. Mariposa in an I Quit bloodbath

    Every match on the show is for an Aztec medallion as Cage faces Mascarita Sagrada, Marty The Moth battles The Mack, Sinestro faces King Cuerno, and in the main event – Sexy Star faces Mariposa. It isn’t just any kind of match this – they will wage war in a No Mas match with Star being told by Dario to maim Mariposa and get revenge.

    Show Recap:

    The show begins with a rundown of this season’s quest for the Aztec medallions. We also see Sexy Star and The Mack try to act, which is even worse in recap form. Dario Cueto closes up the ceiling in his office, but Catrina comes in and tells him that Mil nearly ended Matanza. Catrina wants a rematch for Mil, and he tells her that Mil’s power doesn’t match what kind of power the key has. He’ll give Mil his match, and in his specialty – the Grave Consequences match. But Dario has a special twist – it will be Graver Consequences, with more coffins. That was awesome! Bang Data brings us in to Vamp and Striker, saying that every match tonight is for an Aztec medallion.

    Marty the Moth vs. The Mack

    Marty flaps away before The Mack comes down to face him. Mack punches him to the floor and hits a flip dive with his jacket still on. Suplex hits, then a Northern lights, and then a big German – giving Mack the edge. Mack eats a dropkick and Marty does the Rick Rude hip swivel while removing his shirt and revealing his too-short trunks. Mack eats a corner exploder and it gets 2. Marty wears him down with a cravate, but Mack recovers and lariats him before spinkicking him down. Vamp talks about how much more money you make as a champion, while Mack gets 2 off a legdrop. Stunner hits, but Marty is still up, so a spinning TKO takes him out. This was fun.

    Catrina talks to King Cuerno and says that Sinestro will get the Gift of the Gods Title, but Cuerno says he’ll take Sinestro out tonight. He’ll take the title and Mil’s mask because the hunt is on. Sexy Star knocks on Dario’s door He says he respects her and knows something bad must have happened to her because there’s been a change in her. He saw that when he was young, and experienced suffering at his mother’s hands. He says that whatever Mariposa did to her, she will say no more and beat Mariposa to make her pay for what she did to her. It will be a No Mas match – and he tells her to not only make her submit, but not stop after the match is over. 

    Sinestro De La Muerte vs. King Cuerno

    Vamp talks about how this is a battle for the medallions – and their origins are in bloody war. RKO by Cuerno gets 2 quickly. Cuerno lands a sick overhand chop and a running rana. This sends him to the floor for the dive, but Catrina hits him on the head with the rock. Flying legdrop off the top to Cuenro gets the win, in one of the biggest upsets so far in the show’s history. Backstage, Mascarita Sagrada lifts weights while Famous B talks to him about setting up the biggest match for him ever! 

    Chavo comes in and asks Dario why he isn’t in a match for a medallion. Dario tells him he’s not worth it, and that he lost not only two Aztec Warfare matches, but got hurt in a match for the LU Title. He isn’t going to give him opportunities if he can’t do anything with him, so Chavo basically tells him he’ll make one for himself. Famous B cuts a promo and hands out his business card to fans before introducing Sagrada while Striker says that he has never dipped, but he will dance with Sagrada coming out. A huge Famous B chant breaks out.

    Mascarita Sagrada vs. Cage

    Cage has a new black and yellow singlet, which looks better than the other ones he’s had. Sagrada prays and then starts to do some pushups. Sagrada charges in, which fails. A charging kick misses and Cage eats some leg kicks. These have no effect, but a dropkick to the knee sends him into the buckle. Weapon X ends it. Cage tends to Sagrada, but Chavo comes out and steals his medallion – while Famous B tells him “YOU GOT ROBBED!” The main event is hyped up with a graphic and then instead of a break, it’s time for the match. Striker talks about the history of I Quit matches and how both Tully Blanchard and Mick Foley were never the same after their most famous ones. They come in the ring and now it’s time for a break.

    Sexy Star vs. Mariposa – No Mas Match

    Vamp says that this is the one match he shied away from because he’d rather die than say he quits. Sexy is slammed onto the seal and eats a Muta elbow. Mariposa corner her and hits her with a slew of body blows. Sexy Star gets choked, but still won’t quit. Sexy charges and attacks before cornering her and hitting a series of pop-up bronco busters. Chain of suplexes lead to a single-leg crab. Mariposa locks on a modified Indian deathlock, and kicks her head while she’s in the move. Sexy low-bridges her and hits a seated senton to the floor.

    Sexy hits a series of overhand chops on the floor, but eats some knees against the railing. Sexy eats a chair to the throat, then a chairshot, then a basement dropkick with the chair. She shakes her head no to prevent giving up. Sexy recovers, hits her with a chair and then places the chair between her legs for a chairshot to the chair between the legs. Sexy lifts Mariposa’s leg up and kicks her in the crotch again. They fight up the staircase.

    Mariposa tears at the mask, but a “Sexy” chant breaks out. They fight up to Dario’s ceiling. No! HE JUST HAD THAT FIXED. They fight up to the catwalk while Striker says that Cornette broke his ankles in a scaffold match. Mariposa tries to toss her off the catwalk, and then chokes her with the steel. Sexy’s head is split open and she fights her way back to Dario’s ceiling. Marty comes up and grinds her face into the railing. The Mack comes in and kicks Marty’s ass before tossing him through a door.

    Sexy chokes her on the bleachers and then smacks her head against the wall. Reverse powerbomb giant swing series into the announce table by Mariposa. Striker yells about how Sexy still has fight in her. She grabs a trash can and hits her with it while Striker name-drops Duke Droese. Mariposa punches her in the gut and back a few times before things end up back in the ring. Sexy avoids the Butterfly Effect, but a punch to the throat works.

    A kneeling Edgucator results in Sexy saying “f*ck you, f*ck you Mariposa!” completely uncensored, kicking her and locking on a choke before Marty comes back, but misses a punch and Mack stunners her. Sexy locks on an armbar and gets the win – which will certainly result in Striker comparing her to Ronda Rousey even more. True to what Dario told her, she keeps the hold locked on after the match while her theme plays and a “break her arm” chant breaks out. Sexy closes the show just covered in blood being embraced by The Mack. Holy crap was this crazy. It wasn’t “good” in many ways, but it was sure memorable. 

    To see every screenshot for the show, just click here.

  • WWE NXT results: Eric Young debuts, battles NXT Champion Samoa Joe

    • The Big News: Eric Young debuted calling out the new NXT Champion Samoa Joe. However….
    • The Medium News: …he then got choked out by Joe in the main event as Joe showed the world what happens when you challenge him.
    • The Little Beaver Sized News: Alex Riley said he will beat Shinsuke Nakamura next week because he is bigger. No, seriously.

    Before starting, I want to announce to everyone who doesn’t already know that I have come out as transgender. I do want to thank everyone here on F4WOnline.com for their support through this process of coming out. With that out of the way….

    NXT kicks off with the brand new NXT Champion! Samoa Joe is here! Joe proclaimed that he is a man who keeps his word and despite the best efforts of the former champion, he is your new champion. If anyone has a problem with him being the man, he has no problem beating them down and choking them out. This was the queue for the debuting Eric Young! EY got a really big reaction, including a “Holy Sh*t” chant, followed by a chant of “EY”.

    Eric acknowledges that they know each other, and called Joe a bad ass wrecking machine and said the only thing guaranteed in life is change. Young said he collects championships and while things have changed for Joe things will now change for Young. Joe just walked away, stopping on the ramp to say Young doesn’t belong in the same ring as him and if he does Joe will beat his ass.

    We then got an awkward cutaway to our opening match.

    ********

    Nia Jax defeated Tessa Blanchard

    Blanchard is back, having lost her debut at the Axxess NXT taping. However, her second match didn’t turn out much better as she took on the massive Jax who has only lost one match — to Bayley back at Takeover: London.

    Tessa went running off the ropes for a crossbody, but Nia just stood there, absorbing the blow and letting her crash to the mat. Nia laid her out with a corner splash, Samoan Drop, and won with the legdrop.

    ********

    A No Way Jose vignette aired to build up his Full Sail debut tonight

    ********

    Austin Aries defeated Tye Dillinger

    It is time for the Perfect 10! Mind you, Tye has been the Perfect 10 since July and has still yet to win 10 tv matches. Heck I don’t think he’s won five, but despite that the fans really get into the 10 gimmick. His win-loss record doesn’t seem to be improving since he’s squaring off with Aries tonight who is already the third former TNA Champion on the show tonight.

    Aries had a much better match here than with Baron Corbin since Dillinger is not a foot taller (and is also underrated as a worker). Aries used a slingshot senton into the ring and a slingshot corkscrew plancha out of the ring at one point, but Dillinger used a Fireman’s Carry where he dropped Aries head-first on the back of his knee for a very believable near fall. Dillinger pulled down his knee pad, but got hit with a Rolling Elbow and a 450 Splash and Aries is your winner.

    ********

    The Revival defeated The Hype Bros

    This match was set up last week when The Revival laid out Zack and Mojo after the faces defeated Blake & Murphy. This was a showcase match for Dash and Dawson as it was all about them, as opposed to being a serious back and forth match. Mojo got to run wild for 20 seconds on the hot tag, but got hit with the Shatter Machine out of nowhere  to give the former champs another win.

    ********

    Alex Riley was asked about his match with Shinsuke Nakamura next week. Riley said Nakamura is half his size, has no athletic ability, and when he punches Riley in the face Riley will punch him and his will be harder. He finished by saying next week is time to rage.

    ********

    No Way Jose pinned Noah

    Jose was already embraced by the crowd in his Full Sail debut. His opponent was only called Noah and he didn’t last long, getting pinned with a winding punch to the face and then a Full Nelson Slam.

    ********

    Aries was interviewed by Cathy, saying he is the Perfect 20. He said something seems off about Aries and people don’t know how to take him. He said he is going to take the initiative to become a bigger star.

    ********

    We got a Finn Balor video package, which included clips of Joe beating him for the title. It built up to promoting his return next week.

    ********

    NXT Champion Samoa Joe submitted Eric Young

    Young debuted less than an hour ago and now is in the main event, going one on one with the NXT Champion himself.

    This match was to establish Young as being on the same level as Joe. Early on, every time Joe would hit a move, Young would either reverse it or do the same thing just better. Joe dumped Young outside the ring, hit a big Suicide Dive and took over from there.

    Joe slapped him hard, which was the encouragement for Young to make his comeback, but towards the end of the match, Young just couldn’t put together multiple moves in a row and absorbed loads of punishment. Young took Joe over with a suplex that looked like a legit feat of strength and did hit his top rope elbow, but only got a 2 count.

    Joe countered out of a Young piledriver and hit his corner uranage before picking up the win with the Muscle Buster, followed by the Coquina Clutch. Joe refused to break the choke afterwards to prove a point to not only Young, but to the entire wrestling world that this is what happens when you try to face the NXT Champion.

    That does it for this week. Until we talk again, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (5/4): Rock battles Shane McMahon & Triple H

    1972 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Danny Little Bear fought Harley Race to a draw in three falls 
    – Bob Orton defeated Billy Howard

    1974 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens went to a no contest with Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Ric Flair 
    – Greg Gagne beat Larry Hennig

    1976 

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Chris Taylor 
    – Jim Brunzell defeated Mad Dog Vachon

    1980

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – NWA World Champion Harley Race defeated Georgia Heavyweight Champion Austin Idol 
    – Mr. Wrestling #2 defeated NWA World Champion Harley Race in a non-title lights out match

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Mad Dog Vachon via dq 
    – Step Ladder Match: Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell

    1981

    Madison Square Garden:
    – Pat Patterson defeated Sgt. Slaughter in an alley fight

    1983

    Akron, Ohio:
    – Tony Atlas defeated NWA Champion Ric Flair in a non-title match 

    1987

    Lubbock, Texas:
    – The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) defeated The RPMs in a tournament final to win the World Class Tag Team Titles

    1994 

    Fukuoka, Japan:
    – Satoshi Kojima defeated Yuji Nagata.
    – Tokimitsu Ishizawa & El Samurai defeated Shinjiro Ohtani & Tatsuhito Takaiwa when Samurai pinned Takaiwa.
    – Akira Nogami, Takayuki Iizuka, & Osamu Kido defeated Akitoshi Saito, Michiyoshi Ohara, & Tatsutoshi Goto when Kido forced Ohara to submit.
    – Kuniaki Kobayashi, The Great Kabuki, & Kengo Kimura defeated Norio Honaga, Hiro Saito, & Shinichi Nakano when Kimura pinned Honaga.
    – El Gigante defeated Tadao Yasuda.
    – Jushin Liger vs. Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mash) fought to a ten-minute draw.
    – Shiro Koshinaka defeated Yoshiaki Yatsu.
    – IWGP World Tag Team Champions The Hellraisers (Road Warrior Hawk & Power Warrior Kensuke Sasaki)
    – Rick Rude defeated Sting to win the WCW International World Heavyweight Title 
    – Masahiro Chono defeated Yoshiaki Fujiwara.
    – Riki Choshu defeated Hiroshi Hase.
    – Shinya Hashimoto defeated Tatsumi Fujinami to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Title.
    – Antonio Inoki defeated The Great Muta.

    1998

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Fit Finlay won the WCW World TV championship from Booker T

    2002

    WWF Insurrextion: London, England:
    – Too Cool (Grand Master Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) defeated The Radicalz (Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko)
    – Kane (with Paul Bearer) defeated Bull Buchanan    
    – Road Dogg (with Tori) defeated Bradshaw    
    – The Kat (with Mae Young) defeated Terri Runnels in an Arm Wrestling match    
    – Showkishi and Rikishi defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)    
    – Kurt Angle defeated Chris Benoit    
    – The British Bulldog defeated Crash Holly in a  Hardcore match to win the WWF Hardcore Championship    
    – The Hardy Boyz (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) defeated Edge and Christian via disqualification for the WWF Tag Team Championship
    – Eddie Guerrero (with Chyna) defeated Chris Jericho to retain the WWF European Championship
    – The Rock defeated Shane McMahon (with Vince McMahon) and Triple H (with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWF Championship

    2013

    ROH Border Wars: Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander defeated ACH and TaDarius Thomas
    – Roderick Strong defeated Mike Bennett (with Maria Kanellis)    
    – B.J. Whitmer defeated Rhett Titus in an “I Quit” match    
    – S.C.U.M. (Cliff Compton and Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Kevin Steen and Michael Elgin    
    – Eddie Edwards defeated Taiji Ishimori
    – Matt Taven (with Truth Martini and Scarlett) defeated Mark Briscoe to retain the ROH World Television Championship    
    – Davey Richards defeated Paul London    
    – Jay Briscoe defeated Adam Cole to retain the ROH World Championship

    2014

    WWE Extreme Rules:
    – Cesaro (with Paul Heyman) defeated Rob Van Dam and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)    
    – Alexander Rusev (with Lana) defeated R-Truth and Xavier Woods in a 2-on-1 handicap match
    – Bad News Barrett defeated Big E to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship
    – The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) defeated Evolution (Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista)    
    – Bray Wyatt (with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan) defeated John Cena in a Steel Cage match
    – Paige defeated Tamina Snuka to retain the WWE Divas Championship
    – Daniel Bryan defeated Kane in an Extreme Rules match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

  • UFC begins post-UFC 200 plans with some interesting July fights

    Photos: Blackzilians.com

    The UFC is working on a number of fights for July involving big names including Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, as well as former champions TJ Dillashaw and Holly Holm.

    As reported on UFC Tonight and MMA Fighting Wednesday night, a number of fights are in the planning stages:

    • Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw vs. Raphael Assuncao, a rematch of their 2013 fight that Assuncao won via close decision, is being targeted as the “main event” for the Fox Sports One portion of UFC 200. They are also planning on adding one more big-name fight to that card which will round out the five-fight PPV show.
    • Rumble Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira is being worked on for the company’s July 23rd show in Chicago, a big FOX show. After Teixeira’s recent quick win over Rashad Evans, he called out Johnson who was game for the fight. The winner would determine the No. 1 contender for the winner of the light heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier at UFC 200. That fight could be part of the first Madison Square Garden show this fall.
    • Also in the works for that FOX Chicago show and a possible main event is former bantamweight champion Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko. Shevchenko had a 58-2-1 record as a kickboxer before going into MMA, where she is now 12-2. However, she did lose her last UFC fight to Amanda Nunes.
    • As if that wasn’t enough for the FOX Chicago show, Globo reported Wednesday that former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gil Melendez will return after a year off due to testing positive for PEDs to face Edson Barboza, he of the recent big win over Anthony Pettis.
    • The company also announced that UFC 201 would take place on July 30th in Atlanta, GA, with an anticipated main event of welterweight champion Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley.

    ​We’ll talk more about these fights and the rest of the news in wrestling and MMA on Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • Bellator fighter Jordan Parsons dies after hit and run incident

    Bellator fighter Jordan Parson’s who had his leg amputated a few days ago after a hit and run has passed away.  He was 25 years old.  Parson’s was hit by a car early last Sunday, May 1st around 12:30AM while crossing a street in Del Ray, Florida.

    Bellator promoter Scott Coker had this to say: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear member of the Bellator family, Jordan Parsons. Jordan was an exceptional athlete and a rising star in the sport. But more importantly, he was an exceptional young man. Jordan was hard-working, dedicated, intelligent, and a pleasure to be around. He represented all the reasons we love this sport. It is a terribly tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates.” We at the Wrestling Observer echo the sentiments of Mr. Coker.

    The driver, who has not been found, took off while Parsons was left on the road with a horrible leg wound. A police officer, Derek Chahine, responded and treated Parsons, who was taken to the hospital, in critical condition. Police believe that the headphones Parsons was wearing as he crossed the road may have prevented him from hearing the SUV approaching. Police were unable to determine who had the right of way. Police are searching for the driver, whose car would be missing the drivers’s side mirror and have damage on the driver’s side headlight and surrounding casing. Parsons had an 11-2 record and was scheduled to fight on Bellator’s San Jose show 5/14 against Adam Piccolotti.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Mike Bennett vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Lashley

    Previously on Impact:

    In last week’s main event, Mike Bennett performed a miracle when he pinned Ethan Carter III, his first loss by pinfall since debuting in TNA. Also, Drew Galloway defeated Tyrus to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title. To top it all off, Reby revealed that her husband Matt Hardy had become cold and distant since suffering an injury at the hands of Jeff Hardy.

    Last week’s Impact was also significant for being the final television appearance of Bobby Roode and Eric Young. Decay defeated Roode & James Storm for the TNA Tag Titles, while Bram defeated EY for the King of the Mountain title. Both Roode and EY had been with TNA for over ten years.

    This Week on Impact:

    On tonight’s Impact, Drew Galloway promised to call out Bobby Lashley for a face-to-face confrontation. In addition, Bram will defened his King of the Mountain title in a KOTM match.

    Show Recap:

    – Earlier today, Bobby Lashley pulls up in front of the gym Drew Galloway is at, looking for a fight. Inside the gym, Galloway is being interviewed when Lashley runs in and jumps him.  They brawl in front of the treadmills and eventually to the back. Lashley throws Drew into an Octagon and says “Now you’re in my world.” They continued to brawl until they were pulled apart.

    – In the Impact Zone, Josh reminds us that Drew had challenged Lashley for a fight tonight but apparently Lashley couldn’t wait.

    – Josh and The Pope officially welcome us to Impact as Mike Bennett and Maria make their way to the ring. Bennett recaps his victory over EC3 last week. He points out that by being the first person to pin EC3 he did something Sting, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy couldn’t do. Bennett mentions that he holds a victory over Drew and wants World title match. Bennett calls himself God and this brings out Jeff Hardy. Bennett brings up Jeff hitting the Swanton Bomb on Matt and the crowd cheers. They argue and Bennett says he’s going to ask his “good friend” Dixie Carter to make a main event match for later. Jeff doesn’t need to ask Dixie and knocks Bennett out of the ring. Bennett calls for a referee and Bennett vs. Jeff is official.

    Jeff Hardy vs. “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professorial Wrestling” Maria Kanellis

    Back from commercial, Jeff is on the top and Maria is standing between him and a fallen Bennett. Maria slaps Jeff and he goes after her, which allows Bennett to hit the ace crusher. Hardy makes a fiery comeback and sets Mike on the top. He sets up for the twist of fate but Lashley sneaks in and spears Jeff. Bennett thanks Lashley and they celebrate. Suddenly, Lashley spears Bennett in half. Lashley demands Dixie Carter come out and give him a title match. Dixie comes out but won’t just give him a title shot.

    Dixie makes a major match for tonight when she announces that Lashley will face Jeff and Mike in a number one contenders three-way match with Drew Galloway as referees in tonight’s main event.

    – In the back, Rosemary cuts a promo that is scarier then a dead child in a cornfield in a horror movie. She asks Crazy Steve if he’s ready for his transformation. He nods yes and she spits the mist into his mouth. He screams in pain and twitches on the floor. She then tells Abyss to take off his mask and she spits the mist into his face. He also screams in pain but it switches to laughter. Rosemary holds Abyss and screams “Decay! Decay!”

    – In the arena, The TNA Tag team champions Decay (Abyss & Crazy Steve) are lead to the ring by Rosemary. Both Steve and Abyss have towels hiding their faces. Rosemary reveals the new Crazy Steve and Abyss. The new Crazy Steve can now speak presumably because of the mist she spit into his mouth. Steve spoke before revealing the new Abyss. He has face paint instead of wearing a mask. Abyss said that he’s free and beautiful. Rosemary said they banished half of Beer Money.

    James Storm comes out to Beer Money’s theme. Storm says that Decay might have something with Beer Money not being around but he’s still here. Storm is now on his own. Storm hits the ring and sends Decay to the outside. Storm challenges Abyss to a match.

    James Storm vs. Abyss w/ Crazzy Steve and Rosemary

    Abyss and Storm brawl around ringside to start the match. Rosemary and Steve distract Storm long enough for Abyss to get the advantage. Storm makes a wild comeback and hits a flurry of offence. Steve tried to spit green mist into Storm’s face but he ducked and took out Steve. Abyss then spit blue mist into Storm’s eyes and picks up the win with the Black Hole Slam.

    – In the back, Jeff talks about the three way main event. The interviewer guy asks about Matt. Jeff says that the Swanton Bomb was from 32 Feet and the he broke Matt, the table and their relationship.

    – In the ring, the leader of the Knockouts Division Maria is in the ring and demands Knockouts Champion Jade come out. Maria wants Jade to stand behind her and admit her mistake. Maria claims she handed Jade the title and wouldn’t be champ without her. Maria wants Jade to lie down and give her the title. Jade says she doesn’t lay down for anyone not a woman, man or bitch. Maria is offended and brings out the debuting Sienna to take fight Jade.

    Sienna tosses Jade around the ring. The crowd is solidly behind Jade and chanted “Jade” and “Badass”. Sienna dominates Jade but she gets in a bit of offense. In a sick looking spot, Sienna picked up Jade in a German suplex/wheel barrow position and swings her head/shoulder first into the steal steps. Sienna finishes Jade off and leaves her lying in the ring.

    – In the back, Bram discusses winning the KOTM title and sending Eric Young out of TNA.

    – Coming up next, Jeremy Borash is going to have an exclusive interview with EC3.

    – In the back, Sienna is asked about being Maria’s muscle. She says that Maria is the leader of the Division and will follow her.

    – J.B. is scheduled to interview EC3 but he’s a no-show. Instead he gets Mike Bennett. He says EC3 is scared and that nobody in TNA can beat The Miracle.

    King of the Mountain Champion Bram vs. Eli Drake vs. Jesse Godderz vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Andrew Everett w/Gregory Shane helms

    Rules for the match, once a wrestler is pinned he goes in the penalty box for 5 minutes. Whoever scores the pin is eligible to climb a ladder and hang the belt up. It’s a typical KOTM match with lots of brawling, quick pin falls and ladder spots. Bram is the first to become eligible with a pin fall on Everett. Shane pushes Eddie off the top and helps Eli score the pin fall. Wouldn’t Shane want to help Everett get the pin?

    Everett misses a beautiful looking moonsault, which allows Jesse to score the victory. Everett and Eddie fight to the back. Eli uses the KOTM title shot brief case to knock out Jesse. Bram connects with a drop kick knocking Eli off the ladder. Bram climbs the ladder and hooks up the belt and wins the match. Eli teases cashing in this KOTM Feast or Fired contract but doesn’t at the last second.

    – In the back, Eli talked about the fear in his eyes being a reflection of the fear in Bram’s eyes. Bram shows up and chases Eli away. Bram goes looking for Eli.

    – We get a recap of “The Swanton from The Heavens” that Jeff executed on Matt. Next we get an interview with Matt. It’s dimly lit and done some place backstage. He says the doctors have told him he can’t wrestle because the injury to his spine is so severe. He asks, “how can Jeff be so cruel?”

    – Bennett and Maria come out for the main event, but they’re soon followed by EC3. EC3 congratulates Bennett for doing something he said he was going to do. EC3 accepts his loss like a man and won’t complain about it. EC3 hopes that Bennett wins the three-way and goes onto the win the world title so he can know the satisfaction of winning the title. EC3 vows that he’ll beat Bennett for the title. EC3 says if Bennett is God that must mean he’s the devil. Once again EC3 is the highlight of the night. His promo was fantastic here and is the kind of promo a babyface should cut after losing a major match.

    As EC3 left, Lashley made his way to the ring. They had a very brief showdown. They’re teasing EC3 vs. Lashley for down the road, which would make sense to happen at Bound for Glory in the fall.

    Jeff Hardy vs. “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley vs. “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ Maria Kanellis (w/special ref Drew Galloway)

    Referee Drew Galloway is wearing shorts. Match starts with Lashley and Bennett taking turns beating down Jeff. Drew can do nothing but watch as Bennett and Lashley double-team his friend. Hardy fights back and takes out both guys. Jeff sends Lashley and Bennett to the outside. Jeff leaps off the corner and lands on Lashley and Bennett on the floor.

    Jeff hits the Twist of Fate on Bennett and hits the Swanton off the top. Lashley takes out Jeff before he can go for the pin. Lashley points at Drew as he holds up Bennett in a delayed standing vertical suplex. Lashley sets up for the spear on Bennett, but he moves and he spears Drew instead. Jeff pins Lashley, but Drew is on the outside in pain and unable to make the count. Instead Jeff goes after Bennett on the outside.

    Jeff hits the Swanton onto Bennett who is on the steel steps on the outside. Decay runs down and attacks Jeff. Abyss gives Jeff the choke slam on the steel steps. Jeff lays on the steps and struggles to his feet. In an awesome spot, Lashley runs up the steps and spears Jeff into the ring post. Lashley gives Jeff another spear in the ring. Drew recovers and is forced to count the three. Lashley is the winner and new number one contender.

    Post match, Drew checks on Jeff and helps him out of the ring. Lashley demands that Drew raise his hand, which he does reluctantly. They end up brawling to end the show just like they did to start the show.

    Next Time on Impact:

    The build for one of TNA’s flagship PPV’s Slammiversary will continue on next week’s Impact.

  • Smackdown taping results: Even Steven night, Raw rematches

    By James Vance

    Here are the results from Tuesday’s Main Event tapings in Kansas City  prior to Smackdown.

    Big E and Xavier Woods def. The Dudley Boyz

    Kofi not present (home due to birth of child)

    WWE Main Event

    Titus O’Neil def. Damien Sandow

    Apollo Crews def. Viktor

    Baron Corbin def. Sin Cara (Sin Cara’s mask came off during the match – was noticeable, but put it back on while on the mat)

    Dolph Ziggler def. Stardust

    Here are the results from Tuesday’s Smackdown taping in Kansas City. 

    Opened with Jericho & The Highlight Reel.  Sami Zayn was the guest.  The Miz interrupts the segment.

    Zayn vs. The Miz to lead off Smackdown.  Kevin Owens comes out during the middle of the match and joins commentary.  Of course, Owens interferes and the match ends in a DQ.

    Colons vignette.

    The Vaudevillains def. The Social Outcasts (Dallas & Axel).

    Big Cass comes out and cuts a promo on The Vaudevillains.

    Natalya & Becky Lynch def. Charlotte & Emma (by submission).

    Rusev def. Zack Ryder (by submission) probably 3-4 min match. Kalisto ran in after the match.

    The Usos vs. Gallows/Anderson (AJ and Reigns ringside).  Originally ended in DQ 4-5 min in.  AJ proclaims this “New Era’ goes for Smackdown too and match is restarted as a 6-man tag match

    Reigns & Usos def. Styles & Gallows & Anderson.