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  • WWE Smackdown results: Brock Lesnar returns

    – Air Date: February 18, 2016 (Feb 17 in Canada)
    – Location: Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA

    – The Big News:

    Brock Lesnar stood tall over both Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, who may not be on the same page anymore.

    – Show Recap:

    Kevin Owens joined Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler on commentary for the opening match. Cole explained that Mauro Ranallo was attacked with a crowbar ill but would return next week. Owens accused Cole of firing Ranallo because he realized Ranallo was better. After Cole repeated that Ranallo was sick, Owens said he’s sick because he heard Cole’s commentary on Raw.

    League of Nations (w/King Barrett) beat Dolph Ziggler & Lucha Dragons via pinfall

    Cole confirmed that Kalisto would be defending the U.S. Title on the Fastlane kickoff show in a 2 out of 3 falls match against Alberto Del Rio. Kalisto and Sin Cara did suicide dives to Del Rio and Sheamus. Ziggler followed by doing Dean Ambrose’s flying elbow to Rusev. LON worked over Sin Cara and his shoulder after a break.

    Ziggler made the hot tag, ran wild, and did the air guitar thing. Owens accused him of stealing that from Eva Marie, which is amazing. Del Rio and Rusev laid out the Dragons outside the ring, while Ziggler got a near fall on Sheamus after a fameasser. Owens jumped off commentary to distract Ziggler. It worked, and Sheamus killed Ziggler with a Brogue kick for the win. Dumb finish. Owens was great on commentary.

    They plugged Brock Lesnar for tonight as well as the main event.

    Sasha Banks beat Tamina (w/Naomi) via submission

    Tamina came out to the Team BAD theme, unlike on Raw last week. After 2 minutes, Naomi jumped on the apron but Banks knocked her off and hit Tamina with a wheelbarrow bulldog into a crossface for the tapout win. Naomi and Tamina attacked Banks afterwards, but Becky Lynch made the save. As Lynch helped Banks to her feet, she pushed Lynch away and left.

    Backstage, Lynch confronted Banks. She said they need to get along at Fastlane, otherwise they’ll lose to Team BAD who will carry that momentum into WrestleMania. Lynch has dreamed about getting her WrestleMania moment, but has had enough of Banks’ ego. Lynch was about to leave, but Banks pulled her back and said they’d never be friends, but she hates to lose. They shook hands. This was not great and it felt overwritten.

    Chris Jericho came out and got some “Y2J” chants. He called out AJ Styles to give him an answer, but got The Miz instead. Miz said everyone was tired of Jericho and Styles playing footsie and said he had an announcement. Jericho hoped the announcement was that Miz would take two weeks off and quit.

    He asked the crowd if Miz should quit and they chanted “Yes!” Miz said he wasn’t quitting and mentioned something about being at a Grammy party at the Playboy Mansion. His announcement was that Jericho had to face him right now. Jericho punched him with the mic and Miz bailed, leading to a commercial break. Good thing Jericho was in his gear.

    Chris Jericho beat The Miz via submission

    Jericho won with a Walls of Jericho after a good 12-13 minute match. Afterwards, Jericho grabbed a mic, gave Miz a hand and called him a great performer, but said Y2J came out on top again. He called out Styles again and this time he came out.

    Jericho said Styles wants a rematch because he wants to make a name for himself, but it’ll have to come at the expense of someone else. Jericho respects Styles more than anyone in the locker room, calling him one of the best in the business, but Jericho doesn’t like him, so the answer was no.

    Styles wasn’t happy and attacked Jericho with strikes, knocking him out of the ring. Jericho jumped back on the apron and Styles tossed the mic back at him, asking if he changed his mind. Jericho said Styles made a stupid mistake. He accepted the match but said Styles would regret it.

    Backstage, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose stood in a hallway (waiting for the camera to start rolling, I guess). Reigns chose this exact moment to ask Ambrose if he was alright after losing on Raw. Ambrose said he was fine, it was just a rough week. They bumped fists and Reigns was about to leave to get ready for their match, but stopped to tell Ambrose not to try Dirty Deeds again. Ambrose said it was a joke and thought it was funny.

    They parted, and the camera followed Ambrose who immediately ran into Paul Heyman, conveniently standing around the corner. Ambrose was being his usual self, which made Heyman uncomfortable. Heyman told Ambrose that Lesnar was here looking for him. Ambrose feigned concern and asked for advice. Heyman didn’t have any, so Ambrose smiled and said he’d have to figure it out on his own. He told Heyman to make sure Lesnar doesn’t keep him waiting. This might sound fine on paper, but like the Banks-Lynch segment earlier, it felt phony and overwritten.

    Elsewhere, Jo-Jo asked New Day about Edge and Christian. In a promo where New Day mocked Edge and Christian for being out of date, Xavier Woods mimicked Allen Iverson’s famous “practice” speech, and Kofi Kingston made a Chappelle’s Show reference. They said it wasn’t the ‘90s, it’s 2016 – the year of the GIF, and they debated the proper pronunciation of “GIF” (both are correct). They sent Jo-Jo away and so they could play the trombone and dance. I didn’t like this.

    Non-title: WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) beat Natalya via submission

    Charlotte won with the Figure Eight. Afterwards, Charlotte did the Yes chant so Brie Bella ran out. She hit Yes kicks and went for a running knee, but Flair pulled Charlotte out of the ring. Brie held up the title and did more Yes chants and Charlotte yelled “No! No! No!” This was fine.

    Another Goldust and R-Truth segment backstage. Truth did a rap informing Goldust he didn’t want to be partners.

    The Wyatt Family vs. Big Show, Kane and Ryback was made official for Fastlane. Bray will be in his clan’s corner, not in the actual match.

    Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose beat The Dudley Boyz via DQ

    Reigns came out last. The Dudleys worked over Ambrose forever until he made the hot tag to Reigns. Reigns sized up D-Von for the superman or spear or whatever when Brock Lesnar’s music hit. Lesnar and Heyman came out, so Ambrose and Reigns faced the stage. The distraction allowed the Dudleys to attack them from behind, but Reigns hit D-Von with a superman punch and Ambrose caught Bubba with a flying elbow. Ambrose hit a suicide dive on D-Von but was attacked by Lesnar for a DQ (I guess).

    Reigns and Ambrose ganged up on Lesnar, but Lesnar hit both men with suplexes. Reigns punched Lesnar and went for a spear, but Lesnar moved and Reigns collided with Ambrose. Reigns was about to go back after Lesnar but Ambrose attempted a Dirty Deeds, so Reigns countered with a Samoan drop. Lesnar then picked up Reigns and nailed an F5.

    Triple H came out with the title to pose on the stage and Lesnar stood tall at the bottom of the aisle.

    Final Thoughts:

    Having Brock Lesnar on Smackdown is nice and it appears they really are taking a greater interest in the show. The final angle was fine, but the show overall was just ok.

  • Lucha Underground results: Pentagon Jr. battles Prince Puma; Rey Mysterio the teacher

    Last week, Kobra Moon debuted and beat Bengala. Drago also lost to Jack Evans, who calls himself the Dragon Slayer now. Fenix beat King Cuerno in a last man standing match – but the title wasn’t on the line. Also, Cortez Castro was revealed to be an undercover cop on the case of Dario Cueto, and we were introduced to Detective Joey Ryan. A recap of the season’s biggest in-ring events so far airs, showcasing Pentagon Jr’s arm snapping of Mil, and Ivelisse facing Muertes.

     Ivie comes into Catraina’s office and wants the Disciples of Death tonight. Catrina says there are no instant rematches here, and Catrina makes a match with Ivie’s team against a new trios team – while brandishing a letter opener, licking it, and then stabbing her desk with it. Catrina wins the Slammy for most seductive use of a letter opener in wrestling history. Vamp says that tonight, Pentagon Jr. will beat Prince Puma, and Ivie’s team is ready for action.

    Ivelisse, Son of Havoc, and Angelico vs. Chavo Guerrero and The Crew

    Striker says that Castro will cut you with a box cutter while Vamp says that the Guerreros are dirty. Cisco kicks and slaps Angelico to start. Quick armdrag by Angelico takes him down. Ivie comes in and Cortez wrestles her into the corner. Ivie kicks Cortez hard resulting in a silent swear, before some big knees to the face. Chavo eats some big kicks from Ivie, but he tags in Cisco – who can’t do much until Havoc comes in. Havoc sweeps the leg and gets 2 off a standing moonsault. Muta-style handspring elbow in the corner. He goes for a dropkick off the top, but Chavo trips him up. Cisco gets 2 off a suplex. Angelico tags in and gets a run-up shining wizard using Cortez’s back to leap onto Cisco. Face team does a triple dive before Angelico does a flying dive into the ring and a big double stomp to win. Chavo argues with The Crew before Texano comes down and attacks The Crew while Chavo escapes. 

    Johnny Mundo tells us that he has facts to share – he is the top star in Lucha Underground, but hasn’t been treated like the star that he is. He’s a main event guy and was only in the opener at Ultima Lucha. Mundo mocks Cage for only saying he’s a machine – but he’ll make the machine obsolete. Johnny Mundo attacks some kickpads, and shockingly, no ninjas come out to attack him in this vignette. Joey Ryan tells “Reyes” that he took a beating – so their non-LU names are their actual names in this universe, which is amusing. Cortez and Ryan are partners who just don’t get along – so they should be tag champions any week now. Joey Ryan comes down to the most ’70s porno music in the history of ’70s porno. Vamp talks about Ryan remembering him of some tapes he saw in his uncle closet from the ’70s. Striker says that Cage defies convention and how he isn’t a guy who takes part in fads. Vamp says that Cage is just like a normal guy – all 320 pounds and 2% body fat of him.

    Cage vs. Joey Ryan

    Joey gets backed into a corner, but fights back with his lollipop. Cage hiptosses him into a backbreaker, but misses a corner shoulder charge. Joey traps the arm for a Northern Lights suplex. Cage throws awful punches to the gut, while Joey responds with boots to the face. Joey Ryan eats a dropkick and a snap powerslam before he flips up and misses a moonsault. Cage hits a pumphandle suplex facebuster for 2. Striker, the genius, determines that MAYBE trying to get Cage winded is the key to beating him. Ryan goes for a kneeling superkick, but gets countered into a powerbomb on the knee and then a Steiner Screwdriver hits for the win. Mundo attacks with a spear and punches to Cage. Mundo goes for the End of the World, but gets tripped up. Cage hits Weapon X, which makes the pumphandle suplex facebuster seem simplistic by comparison. Cage says he isn’t a man, he is a machine. Please get him a second catchphrase. 

    Rey spars with Dragon Azteca Jr. before saying that they’re preparing for war. Rey tells us that 25 years ago, Dario’s father met Dragon Azteca and they wanted to have the seven Aztec tribes unite in battle. Dario Sr. got obsessed with the dark side and made sacrifices – including sacrificing his son Matanza to a god. Rey says that their goal is to unite the seven tribes once again. Striker says that Cage faces Mundo in next week’s main event. Tonight’s is Prince Puma vs. Pentagon Jr, which is up now. Puma’s out first, followed by Pentagon in a Perros Del Mal-style Cero Miedo shirt.

    Prince Puma vs. Pentagon Jr.

    A huge “Cero Miedo” chant breaks out, followed by a “Pen-ta-gon!” chant. Puma goes for a flipping headscissors, but Pentagon carthweels out. A tumbling exchange leads to a flying headscissors by Puma. Pentagon pulls him to the floor to chop him do death. Pentagon puts him against the rope for THE LOUDEST chop to the chest ever. Pentagon lands a powerbomb onto the knee ala Cage for 2. Fakeout cutter hits for Puma. Puma lands a gorgeous springboard lariat before hitting a spinning dive onto the floor. Puma goes for the Regalplex, but Pentagon blocks it with elbows to the neck.

    Pentagon is followed into the corner, but lands a pop-up backstabber for 2. Pumphandle neckbreaker is blocked by Puma, who armdrags him and hits a European uppercut. Quebrada from Puma is countered by a dropkick to the gut for 2. Puma avoids a package piledriver and lands a spinkick. Springboard 450 is countered by knees to the gut and a cradle for 2. Pentagon lands a superkick and the package piledriver before going for a Romero special. Puma turns it into a pinfall for a seeming dual pin, but Puma got his shoulders up – so Pentagon pinned himself. Pentagon attacks the ref, but gets his face kicked off by Puma. Puma teases an arm snap, but talks to Pentagon and stops. Muertes stands tall on his throne.

    After the credits, Sexy Star escapes Marty’s lair and meets a guy. She tells him that it’s “moth” – but not Marty, it’s HER and we don’t so see her as we fade to black. This was a pretty solid episode of the show. It built up to Pentagon Jr. losing his mind more, and we saw more with Sexy Star and learned about Marty’s sister to some degree. Mundo looked great in his skit, while the Rey and Dragon Azteca Jr. story moved forward.

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

  • Daily Update: Wanderlei Silva gets 3 year suspension, Mauro Ranallo misses Smackdown

    By Josh Nason

    The long legal ordeal of former UFC and PRIDE star Wanderlei Silva came to somewhat of a resolution Wednesday as the Nevada Athletic Commission reduced his lifetime suspension issued nearly a year and a half ago down to three years.

    The catch is that the suspension is retroactive to the date of what caused his incident —- dodging a drug test before his never-did-happen fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 175 — which was on May 24, 2014. Silva can apply to fight again on May 25, 2017, and must provide a clean drug test when he does so.

    The 39-year-old’s lawyer Ross Goodman is expected to file an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court as he feels it wasn’t legal for the NAC to test Silva while he was unlicensed. 

    Earlier Wednesday, Silva shared a poster of himself and Fedor Emelianenko for August 2016. While he’s ineligible to fight anywhere that recognizes licenses, that doesn’t completely put him out of the running to fight in Japan or another DGAF country if he wants to.

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

    Figure Four Weekly

    Figure Four Weekly 2/1/2016: Weekly Hogan/Gawker update
    A look at the past weeks developments in the Hulk Hogan and Gawker lawsuit.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    The Latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter: February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires

    The newest issue of the Wrestling Observer is one of the best of the year.  A very detailed look at the end of Bryan Danielson’s career and retirement. Looking back at sports, pro wrestling and the ramifications that are and are not being talked about.  Danielson’s retirement is a big story, both his short and long term impact on pro wrestling.  How his story will act as a catalyst for change not only within pro wrestling but all contact sports.  If you are a wrestling fan, a sports fan or a science fan, this may be the most important issue of the year.

    Bryan Danielson’s retirement speech, career highlights, home town, character both in and out of the ring, booking, the crazy way he ended up as champion for the first time, the birth of the “Yes” chant, the build to WrestleMania 30 & 31, the various exams, why he wanted to continue wrestling and WWE didn’t, his goals outside of WWE and why he changed his mind in the last few weeks.

    The quandary he was in about continuing his career, how his career began, the formation of ROH and the changing landscape of independent wrestling, the changing ideas of what a pro wrestling headliner can look like, the first time I ever saw him wrestle while sitting with Red Bastien and Nick Bockwinkel

    The suspension of Titus O’Neil, a longtime WWE star talking about going into another sport, another star looking at retiring soon, lots of WrestleMania plans including an early summer major match, Steve Austin’s WrestleMania status, update on promotion of Stephanie McMahon, star who may be interested in returning, Fast Lane, A.J. Styles talks his beginnings in WWE and how hard he tried to hide the Royal Rumble story, how DDP figured in Styles’ return, Linda McMahon forms a new company, Roman Reigns in Raw main events, WWE cuts five in developmental, new WWE books. New announcer hired, Update on many Tough Enough competitors from the past season, plans for a WWE show taped this summer, international star WWE has interest in, as well as a look at all the weekend house shows from WWE & NXT with business notes.

    PLUS MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WRESTLING OBSERVER PREVIEW

    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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    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.

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: Jan 11, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Finger Poke of Doom, Awards results, Sam Muchnick passes away
    Details on World Title changes in 3 promotions including the Finger Poke of Doom, full results of the Observer Awards, plus tons more.

    WEDNESDAY UPDATE

    The reason Mauro Ranallo missed Smackdown wasn’t because of some nefarious issue. Simply, he proved he is human and was sick.

    WWE / Pro Wrestling

    • In case you missed the news, Jim Ross continues to get work everywhere and will do some boxing commentary for CBS Sports Network, likely for Premier Boxing Champions. No start date was announced.
    • It was officially announced today that WWE 2K16 is coming to Windows PCs on March 11th.
    • Here’s spoilers for this week’s Smackdown.  The full line-up for Fastlane after the show has Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Title, Charlotte vs. Brie Bella for the Divas title, Becky Lynch & Sasha Banks vs. Naomi & Tamina, Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler for the IC Title, Ryback & Big Show & Kane vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman, and AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho III.
    • Our Zach Dominello has a new column up about why The Miz focusing on being a mentor is best for, well, Mizness.
    • Our Bryan Alvarez and peers from other sites were featured in this Motherboard piece on why wrestling podcasts are popular.
    • Bryan and Mike are also giving away a copy of SUNNY SIDE UP on DVD on Wrestling Observer Live (Sports Byline was sent 5 copies to give away), and the contest is to try to guess who is getting the Vince McMahon Sr. Award of Excellence on Monday.  You can listen along and play every day on Sports Byline USA at noon Pacific/3 ET, and links to listen are on the front page of the website.
    • Here’s a column from reader Ian Hamilton on how WWE should handle the call-up of Baron Corbin.
    • Voices of Wrestling analyst Brandon Howard did some additional must-read analysis of the WWE Q4 financial call. Especially of note from Brandon:
      “The infograph WWE released on Thursday along with their press release seemed to claim their YouTube channel had received 8 billion views for the full year of 2015. Just by looking at their YouTube channel’s “About” page, which publicly lists all-time video views, you can see that’s not the case as the channel has accumulated about 7.5 billion video views all-time (since May 2007). Based on archived instances of that web page that I found, I estimate YouTube video views for WWE in 2015 at about 3.5 billion. I’m guessing they’re including in that total the views of all WWE videos on YouTube that are uploaded by other users, which WWE has made copyright claims on.”
    • Here’s a look at a new science fiction wrestling game called Champions of The Galaxy.
    • Fire Pro Podcast this week looks at the suspension of Titus O’Neil, the upcoming UR Fight card and the retirement of Daniel Bryan.
    • Here are details about Mark Nulty’s funeral this Saturday.

    UFC / MMA

    • Lots of MMA media are making the mainstream sports media rounds talking about Ronda Rousey’s admission that she briefly contemplated suicide after her loss to Holly Holm. Friend of the site Ariel Helwani was on The Dan Patrick Show this morning talking about Rousey and more.
    • Gleison Tibau has agreed to drop his appeal and accept the two year suspension handed down by the USADA for his drug test failure last month.  He actually said in an interview that he’d used the substance (EPO) out of competition and “we thought (it) wouldn’t be anything”.  So whoever WE is, presumably his team, they figured EPO was perfectly fine to use outside of competition.  He claims his conscience is clear because he took it “without imagining I was doing something wrong.”  
    • Recently re-signed UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem says that he’ll be headlining the UFC Sunday, May 8th show in Rotterdam in his home country of the Netherlands. No opponent has been announced.
    • Invicta FC announced its next show will be on March 11 in Las Vegas’ Tropicana, headlined by an atomweight (105 lb) title fight between champion Ayaka Hamasaki vs Amber Brown. Former UFCers Jessamyn Duke and Roxanne Modaferri will also fight on the show in separate bouts.
    • ONE Championships announced its next show will be on March 18 in Myanmar. Teenage sensation Christian Lee will be featured on the card after he’s finished each of his first two pro opponents in under two minutes.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Bret Hart wins the WWF World Title

  • RAW ratings down, still the top rated show on cable

    Raw on Monday night going against the Grammy Awards did not set a record seasonal low, as it did 3.46 million viewers, up from the 3.37 million record low of two weeks ago.

    It was still the second lowest number of the last 18 years that wasn’t a holiday or going against football.

    It was down six percent from last week, but that has to be considered a good sign overall, since last week didn’t nearly the competition, and featured the Daniel Bryan retirement.  The Grammys on CBS did 24,951,000 viewers on average head-to-head.

    Raw was the top rated show on cable for the night.

    The three hours were:

    8 p.m. 3.66 million viewers
    9 p.m. 3.54 million viewers
    10 p.m. 3.23 million viewers

  • Total Divastation: A look back at WWE Total Divas episode 5

    By Kevin LaRose for WrestlingObserver.com

    Fox, Rosa, and Paige are at a restaurant. Its lunch time. Rosa, pregnant, asks if the baby can still breathe if she holds her breath. 

    Nattie greets a fan outside of RAW. Inside, Nattie grabs Mandy’s breast. We’re 30 seconds in and this show already has a lot going on. Mandy starts groping Nattie. Eva Marie goes to get something to eat, and Mandy asks Nattie to train her. What is the make-up budget for this show? Nikki tells us that she’s about to become the longest reigning Diva’s Champion in history. It means a lot to her.

    Paige and Rosa are out to lunch again with Mandy, Fox, and Eva Marie. Paige and Rosa talk about how they are wearing the same underwear. 

    Nikki is stretching in Brie’s house. Their mom comes in and starts yelling at Nikki for not stretching more. She tells her that she has to go to a doctor and stop doing the Rack Attack. Brie tells her that Nikki should instead shove her opponent’s face into her boobs as her finishing move. 

    Fox, Rosa, and Paige pull up to a party store in a huge-ass 4×4 truck. Rosa is shopping for her baby shower. Paige and Fox decide they are going to make it a goth/Halloween theme. Mandy talks about how she wants to work super hard and train and focus on being the best WWE Diva she can be and, like, stuff. Eva Marie is talking about how she just got her own “social media” guy who is going to follow her around and take her picture. Mandy wants her own “social media” guy. 

    Nikki and John are going out to a fancy restaurant, and Nikki thinks John looks cute. John admits that he just bought 55 suits when he was in New York… Wait, he bought 55 suits? Nikki thinks it’s a little weird that he bought 55 suits on one trip to New York, too. But she thinks he looks incredible. Nikki looks distressed, but not about the suits. Her neck really hurts and John gives her a massage. Cena is worried so he gets her into the Ferrari and they leave dinner. John Cena bought 55 suits in one trip to New York. 55 suits. 

    Back in Florida, Eva Marie is teaching Mandy how to use social media. Eva Marie pushes Mandy in the pool. In the gym, Sheamus tells Nikki he is selling his house and he’ll probably never have a family. Nikki is having hard times lifting weights. Backstage at Smackdown, Nattie is talking about how cute cats are. The pyro in the arena scares Rosa. Brie yells at Fox for planning a gothic themed baby shower for Rosa. 

    In a car, Brie is yelling at Nikki for not yawning after she yawned. Nikki is stoked that she’s going to be in the history books as the longest reigning Divas Champion of all time. Nikki is going to the doctor to get OZONE shots in her back. Everyone is telling Nikki to take care of herself and take some time off. 

    *****

    Back in Florida, Nattie is working out at the performance center waiting for Mandy, who shows up really late in Converse. Nattie is pissed. She has one day off a week and Mandy asked her to drive two hours from Tampa to Orlando in order to help her train. Mandy wants to take a selfie before they start. Nattie finally has had enough and leaves. Mandy does not even understand why Nattie is pissed. Mandy apologizes and Nattie agrees to stay and help. 

    In Memphis, Rosa, Fox and Paige are in a car and Paige finds out she’s going to be on Conan. But it’s on the day of the baby shower. She tells them she actually wants the baby shower in California, not Florida. Nobody listened to her. Fox tells her she’s being selfish. 

    In another car, Nattie tells Nikki that all the NXT girls text TJ. Nattie tells Nikki she has to power through the pain. Again, Nattie with the worst advice (like when she offered her father alcohol, even though he’s sober). Backstage, Rosa starts to unload to Mandy about how mad she is about the baby shower. Mandy stares at her blankly. Nattie and Brie are talking about Nikki’s back, and now that she’s in front of Brie, Nattie tells Nikki to take it easy. The girls are eating in catering and Rosa comes in and confronts Fox. This baby shower is getting nasty. 

    *****

    Backstage at RAW, Fox apologizes to Rosa but she’s actually not sorry.

    Nikki is about to fight Charlotte, if she wins she’s the longest reigning Diva’s Champion in history. Her back is ruined though. This is crazy. It’s amazing to think what these athletes do to entertain. I know this show is fake but my respect for Nikki is real. Nikki becomes the longest reigning Diva’s Champion of all time.

    Brie says that Nikki will never have kids to share this moment with. To celebrate the Divas go out to dinner with Dolph Ziggler. Dolph talks about having sex with the belt on. Brie gives a speech about how great Nikki is. Fox stands up and gives her own speech where she apologizes to Rosa. Rosa forgives her but she refuses to apologize back. She shouldn’t. Paige says it’s time to haze Mandy and asks her who the hottest Superstar is, and she says Dolph Ziggler, who has a big smile. Ziggler asks her if she’d rather have a reality show or be champion. She lies and says she would rather be the champion. Nattie thinks she’s genuine. Mandy says she would be in a long term relationship with Nattie. Paige says they respect Mandy. Everyone learned a lot of lessons this week.

    They went to a lot of nice looking restaurants, but the big takeaway… John Cena bought 55 suits on one trip to New York.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/17): Psycho Sid wins WWF World Title; Luger wins WCW TV Title

    1949

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Bob Wagner 2 out of 3 falls
    – The Red Phantom beat Tarzan Kowalski 

    1972

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Benny Ramirez
    – Bob Geigel fought Black Angus to a draw (20:00)
    – Bob Orton & Blackjack Black defeated Steve Bolus & The Viking
    – North American Tag Team Champions Chati Yokuchi & Yasu Fuji defeated Terry Martin & Omar Atlas in three falls
    – Harley Race fought Danny Little Bear to a draw

    1974

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Death Match: The Sheik defeated Andre the Giant (Sheik throws fireball)
    – Johnny Valentine defeated Big Brutus
    – The Beast/Dominic Denucci defeated Hans Schmidt/Johnny Fargo by dq
    – Reginald Love and Hartford Love defeated Sweet Daddy Siki and Ron Dane
    – Mighty Igor/Ivan Kalmikoff wrestled to a draw with Chris Tolos/Executioner1

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – The Crusher & Mad Dog Vachon beat AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens (no title change, wrong man pinned)
    – Billy Robinson beat Horst Hoffman dq 
    – Larry Heiniemi beat Wahoo McDaniel 
    – Chris Taylor beat Moose Morowski 
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Tony Rocco 
    – Greg Gagne beat Bob Remus (Sgt. Slaughter)
    – Ric Flair beat Paul Perschmann (Buddy Rose)

    1980

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Greg Gagne & the Crusher beat Nick Bockwinkel & Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Adrian Adonis beat Mad Dog Vachon
    – Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes dq
    – Jesse Ventura beat Steve Olsonoski
    – Farmer Blackwell beat Super Destroyer Mark II (sub Dino Bravo)
    – Dino Bravo beat Chris Markoff 

    Green Bay, Wisconsin:
    – Non Title Cage Match: The Crusher beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura no contest Greg Gagne & Dino Bravo
    – Super Destroyer Mark III beat Super Destroyer Mark II 
    – Farmer Blackwell beat Steve Olsonoski 
    – Chris Markoff (sub for Ron Ritchie) beat Buck Zumhofe

    1981

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Canek defeated Tiger Jeet Singh to win the UWA World Heavyweight Title

    1984

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Barry Windham
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Harley Race dq
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Luke Graham
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell beat Buck Robley & Ron Ritchie
    – Dick Slater beat King Cobra
    – Blackjack Mulligan beat Bulldog Bob Brown
    – Grapplers beat Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood

    1986 

    Madison Square Garden: New York City:
    – WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage in a Lumberjack match 
    – Lanny Poffo defeated Rene Goulet
    – King Tonga defeated Les Thornton
    – The Hart Foundation vs. The Killer Bees ended in a draw
    – King Kong Bundy defeated George Wells
    – Ricky Steamboat defeated The Magnificent Muraco in a Martial Arts match
    – Tony Atlas defeated Barry O
    – Adrian Adonis defeated George Steele by dq
    – The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff defeated Corporal Kirschner & Dan Spivey

    1989 

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden defeated Kevin & Kerry Von Erich to win the World Class Tag Team Titles

    1996

    Baltimore, Maryland:
    – Lex Luger defeated Johnny B. Badd to win the WCW World Television Title 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – PG-13 defeated Jesse James Armstrong & Tracey Smothers to win the USWA Tag Team Titles

    ECW CyberSlam: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
    – ECW Television Champion 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Sabu went to a 30-minute draw
    – Shane Douglas defeated Cactus Jack
    – ECW World Champion Raven defeated The Sandman 

    1997

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Psycho Sid (Vicious) defeated Bret Hart for the WWF World Heavyweight Title 

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Prince Iaukea defeated Steven (William) Regal for the WCW World Television Title 

    1998

    Waco, Texas:
    – The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) defeated The Rock N’ Roll Express to win the NWA World Tag Team Titles

    2000

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Flash Flanagan defeated Rico Constantino for the Ohio Valley Wrestling Heavyweight Title

    2002

    WWF No Way Out: Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
    – Rock defeated The Undertaker
    – Kurt Angle defeated Triple H
    – Chris Jericho defeated Steve Austin to retain the Undisputed World Title

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Yuji Nagata and Jun Akiyama defeated Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi

    2008

    WWF No Way Out: Las Vegas, Nevada:
    – The Undertaker won an Elimination Chamber match over Batista, Finlay, Big Daddy V, MVP and the Great Khali
    – World Champion Edge defeated Rey Mysterio to retain the title
    – Ric Flair defeated Ken Kennedy
    – John Cena defeated WWE Champion Randy Orton by dq
    – Triple H won an Elimination Chamber match over Jeff Hardy, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chris Jericho, JBL and Umaga

    2013

    WWE Elimination Chamber: New Orleans, Louisiana:
    – WWE World champion Alberto Del Rio defeated Big Show
    – WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro defeated The Miz
    – Elimination Chamber for World title shot at Wrestlemania: Jack Swagger defeated Mark Henry, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Kane and Daniel Bryan
    – The Shield defeated John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus
    – WWE champion The Rock defeated CM Punk

  • Why Mauro Ranallo wasn’t at Smackdown Tuesday

    Additional details/reporting from Dave Meltzer

    It hasn’t been two months and already, Mauro Ranallo has become a fan favorite for those tuning to WWE Smackdown every week. That’s why there was a lot of concern at Tuesday night’s Smackdown tapings in Ontario, California, when Michael Cole came out to announce with Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton instead of everyone’s favorite Canadian wrestling personality (outside Lance Storm of course.)

    Fear not: the actual story is that the 46-year-old Ranallo came to the building, but was sick with the flu and the company made the decision to send him home rather than work the show. He’s still with the company, still on Smackdown, and all is still right with the world.

    Some of the concern was heightened because there were so many questions asked via Twitter that got no response from the social media-friendly and president of #RetweetCity.

    Ranallo signed with WWE in mid-December and debuted on Smackdown when the show moved to USA Network in early-January.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Matt Hardy teams with Tyrus; Monster’s Ball match

    Last Week on Impact:

    On last week’s Impact, Ethan Carter III made his triumphant return and saved Rockstar Spud and Dixie Carter from Matt Hardy and Tyrus.

    Tonight On Impact:

    Ethan Carter III and Matt Hardy continue their feud over the TNA World Title. TNA World Tag champions, The Wolves defend against Decay in a Monster’s Ball Match. Tag action ensues when The Dollhouse faces off with Madison Rayne and TNA Knockouts Champion, Gail Kim. Plus, appearnces by “Miracle” Mike Bennett, Dixie Carter, Rockstar Spud, Reby Sky, and Tyrus.

    Show Recap:

    -Backstage, EC3 approaches his Aunt and TNA President, Dixie Carter. Dixie grants EC3 his return title match on next week’s Impact: Lockdown. EC3 will challenge Matt Hardy for the title in a Six Sides of Steel Cage match. EC3 is happy to finally get his title shot, but has some business to take care of right now.

    -After the opening theme and video, Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to Impact and reminds us that we’re still in the U.K. this week. EC3 makes his way to the ring and talks about his title shot next week. EC3 wonders if Tyrus is babysitting Matt’s son Maxell or breastfeeding him. Tyrus comes out and makes a very subtle Scarface reference. EC3 and Tyrus brawl around ringside. EC3 gets the better of Tyrus until Matt Hardy runs out and attacks EC3 from behind. Tyrus and Matt double-team EC3. Matt gets a chair but EC3 uses it first and clears the ring. Matt grabs the mic and challenges EC3 to find a partner to face Matt and Tyrus in the main event or face them alone.

    -Back from commercial, King of the Mountain champion, Eric Young and his partner Bram are in the ring. EY mentions that Jeff Hardy isn’t tough enough to beat him for the KOTM title. Of course, a few weeks ago EY piledrove Jeff threw a table off the apron. Beer Money comes out, but EY won’t give Bobby Roode a title shot. James Storm takes the mic and professed his need for the title shot. Storm hits the ring, leading to our next match.

    King of the Mountain Champion Eric Young w/ Bram vs. James Storm w/Bobby Roode

    Eric Young gets the advantage over Storm with help from Bram, but Strom makes a comeback and sets up for the super kick. Before he can make contact with Young’s face, Bram jumps in the ring. Swiftly, Roode cuts him off and all four guys brawl again outside the ring. Storm and EY are counted out. Basically, both teams brawled all over the place, even went into the crowd.

    – Backstage, Drew Galloway approaches EC3 and offers to be his partner in the main event. EC3 declines and says he stands alone.

    – Back from commercial, Beer Money, EY and Bram do some more brawling backstage. The fight is out of control and goes everywhere, wrecking the backstage.

    – They show “Miracle” Mike Bennett interrupting Kurt Angle last week, which led to Angle knocking Bennett down.

    – Do you believe in miracles? Maria Kanellis sure does as she introduces “Miracle” Mike Bennett into the ring. Maria’s words give Bennett his cue, and they walk to the ring together. Side note, Bennett cut a promo where he talked about Angle and Drew Galloway. Once in the ring, Bennett said that because Kurt Angle is avoiding him, Bennett will face a local favorite.

    “Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Mandrews

    Mandrews strolls his way down to the ring on his skateboard. The Miracle dominated Mandrews making this basically a squash match. Bennett hit his finisher the M.I.P. (Miracle in Progress) to win the match. After the match, Bennett continued to beat down Mandrews until Drew Galloway ran down to help, making Miracle bail from the ring.

    – Backstage, Decay cut a creepy promo from backstage in a cage about tonight’s match. Suddenly, a guy comes towards the cage and promise to save Rosemary. They didn’t explain anything or even elabote slightly.

    – Back from commercial, Drew Galloway and Mandrews were being interviewed when “Miracle” Mike Bennett attacked them from behind and left them both beaten on the ground.

    – Next, we get a teaser for the debut of Mysterious Odarg The Great.

    – Still backstage, Matt Hardy and Tyrus warn Rockstar Spud to stay out of their business.

    – Kurt Angle will wrestle his last match (with TNA) in three weeks. Kurt will take on Lashley. We get to see a video package of their first meeting.

    Monster’s Ball Match: TNA World Tag Champions The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) vs. Decay (Crazy Steve & Abyss w/Rosemary)

    Despite not being the champions, Decay comes to the ring with the belts. All kinds of trashcans with weapons and ladders surround the ring. A really good match between these two teams. Both teams brawl around ringside to start the match. The crowd is going crazy for all the violence and carnage in the ring. Crazy Steve pulls a table out from underneath the ring and Abyss pulls out a barbwire board.

    Back from commercial, Both Wolves were climbing to the top rope when Rosemary spits mist into Davey’s eyes. Abyss throws the steal chair into Eddie’s face, which causes him to fall off the top and into a table at ringside. Davey hits a suicide dive onto Abyss, which sends Abyss into the barbwire board. Crazy Steve sets up a chair and places Eddie Edwards on it. Rosemary pours thumbtacks on Eddie’s head. Eddie fights Steve off. Rosemary goes to spit the mist in Eddie’s eye but Davey kisses Rosemary. In the process he sucks out the mist, which he then spits back into Rosemary’s eyes. That sounds dirtier than it actually was. The Wolves defeat The Decay and retain the titles.

    – Backstage, Rockstar Spud and EC3 meet. EC3 tells Spud that he’s taking on Matt Hardy and Tyrus alone.

    – Backstage, The Wolves discuss their victory over Decay. Next, The Wolves want to face Beer Money to prove that the Wolves are the best tag team of all time.

    TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim & Madison Rayne vs. The Dollhouse (Jade & Marti Bell w/Rebel)

    The Dollhouse jumps Madison and Gail to start the match. The Dollhouse works over Gail Kim until she makes the hot tag to Madison. Madison runs wild and clears the ring. Madison rolls up Marti to pick up the win. After the match, The Dollhouse jumps Madison and Gail again until Velvet Sky returns and makes the save. Velvet then announces that next week Velvet, Madison and Gail will take on The Dollhouse in a first ever Knockouts Lethal Lockdown Match.

    – Backstage, Mahabali Shera introduces his mystery partner Odarg The Great. Odarg The Great is actually the recently fired, Grado in a mask.

    – Back from commercial, Beer Money and EY & Bram continue to fight all over the back stage area. EY & Bram ran off and Beer Money challenges them to match next week on Impact: Lockdown.

    Odarg The Great & Mahabali Shera vs. Eli Drake & Jesse Godderz

    Odarg The Great comes out and he got a really good reaction. It’s obviously Grado under the mask. Not a great match. Shera isn’t the best at selling. Eli and Jesse use double team and power moves to isolate Shera. Shera makes the tag to Odarg who runs wild. Eli tried to take off Odarg’s mask but Odarg took off his own mask, which distracted Eli. Odarg then rolled up Eli for the pin and the win.

    TNA World Champion Matt Hardy & Tyrus w/Reby Sky vs. Ethan Carter III

    EC3 comes out alone and starts his match with Tyrus. EC3 gets a great reaction from the crowd. Matt Hardy and Tyrus dominate EC3 for most of the match. Rockstar Spud comes out to be EC3’s partner. EC3 has the chance to tag, but chooses not to. Matt regains the advantage on EC3. EC3 finally makes the hot tag to Spud. Spud goes crazy on Matt Hardy. Matt and Tyrus turn things around on Spud and isolate him from EC3. They work over Spud until Spud makes the hot tag to EC3. EC3 goes crazy on both Hardy and Tyrus. EC3 clears the ring and then hits a cross body off the top to the outside on both Hardy and Tyrus. Tyrus went to hit EC3 with the spike but Spud hit Tyrus with a low blow. EC3 hits the One Precenter on Matt Hardy and scores the win.

    Next Week:

    In seven days, it’s a spectacular and can’t miss edition of TNA Impact: Lockdown.  All matches will take place in the Six Sides of Steel Cage. In the huge main event, TNA World Champion Matt Hardy will defend against EC3. Beer Money will take on EY & Bram in a tag match. The Dollhouse faces off with Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne & Gail Kim in the first ever Knockouts Lethal Lockdown Match.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns vs The Dudleys

    No Mauro Ranallo announcing.  Michael Cole was in his place.

    Kevin Owens makes his way down the ring to do color commentary.

    Lucha Dragons and Ziggler vs Del Rio & Sheamus and Rusev. Barrett watches from ringside. Sheamus kicked Ziggler with interference from Owens.

    Tamina accompanied by Naomi vs Sasha Banks.  Sasha over Tamina via cross face. Short match. After the match Team Bad attacks Sasha, Becky Lynch makes the save. Becky attempted to help Sasha when on the mat but Sasha pushed her away. Sasha and Becky shown backstage, talking about their WrestleMania moment.

    Jericho comes out and says he will give AJ Styles his answer and asks him to come out so he can tell him face to face. Out comes Miz and says he’s tired of Jericho and AJ playing footsies. Miz says Jericho has a match with him. Miz goes for the offense but Jericho blocks and hits miz with the mic on the head.  Jericho beats Miz via walls of Jericho.  Jericho invites Styles come out again, out he comes. Jericho says the answer is No, AJ hits Jericho out of the ring. Jericho comes back to the apron and says that was a stupid move. Gives AJ his rematch at fast lane. By the way AJ’s left eyelid is swollen.

    Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns are shown backstage. Says let’s do our thing in the ring. Ambrose continues to walk and runs into Paul Heyman and mentions Brock Lesnar is here and looking for Ambrose.

    Jo Jo backstage interviewing New Day regarding Sunday on Edge and Christian’s peep show.

    Out comes Natalya. Followed by Charlotte and Ric flair.  Charlotte over Nattie Brie’s music plays and she rushes the ring to attack Charlotte. Charlotte attemps figure  four, Brie blocks it and does the kicks. Got the whole arena chanting yes.

    Truth and Goldust backstage segment

    Wyatt’s come out next, Bray cuts short in ring promo regarding Sunday’s match.

    Promo shown from Mondays main event

    Wyatts vs Show, Ryback, and Kane at fast lane.

    Ambrose and Reigns vs Dudleys up next.  Crowd is ecstatic for Ambrose.  During the match Lesnar appears and attacks both Reigns and Ambrose. Roman about to super man punch Lesnar but Lesnar pushes Reigns into Ambrose . Lesnar f5s reigns.

    Triple H music plays and stands by the stage with the belt staring at Lesnar.

    Reigns and Ambrose play to the crowd.

    Challenge the dudleys to come back out, they do and baby faces clean them out quick.

  • RAW ratings delayed, expectations are low due to Grammy Awards

    Due to President’s Day, the Monday night ratings will be delayed until some time tomorrow.

    Ratings are expected tomorrow in the early afternoon.

    Raw is not expected to pull a good number, even though they are coming off a stronger than usual number for the Daniel Bryan retirement show the previous week.  Between a main event of Big Show vs Braun Strowman and going head-to-head with the Grammy Awards, and several shows that have hit seasonal 17 year lows, it doesn’t look good.  The only thing that could save it is if there was lingering interest from the show the week before.

    The preliminary numbers for the Grammy Awards on CBS were just under 24 million viewers, making it among the most-watched non-football shows of the past year.