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  • ROH vs. New Japan lineups for this coming weekend

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the lineups for the two ROH shows at Korakuen Hall this Friday and Saturday, both airing live on New Japan World at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time.

    Friday night:

    • Jushin Liger & Matt Sydal vs. Dalton Castle & Ryusuke Taguchi
    • Delirious vs. Gedo in the battle of the bookers
    • Kushida vs. Frankie Kazarian (non-title)
    • Michael Elgin & Moose & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi & Cody Hall
    • Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega
    • Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
    • Tetsuya Naito & Jay Lethal vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi
    • ROH Champion Roderick Strong vs. Tomohiro Ishii

    Saturday night:

    • Jay White vs. David Finlay
    • Matt Sydal & Jushin Liger vs. Delirious & Gedo
    • Frankie Kazarian vs. Dalton Castle
    • Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly & Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Karl
    • Anderson & Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
    • Kushida & Moose vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael  Elgin & Roderick Strong vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hashi
    • Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano vs. Young Bucks & Kenny Omega for Never six man titles
    • ROH Champion Jay Lethal vs. Tomoaki Honma

  • Daily Update: NJPW New Beginnings, Tanahashi vs. Omega MOTY

    We’re looking for your thoughts on today’s New Beginnings in Niigata as well as Thursday’s New Beginnings in Osaka so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Bakersfield, CA to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com

    Raw will be Monday in Anaheim.  No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane.   Ticket sales picked up with the announcement of A.J. Styles, although I’m sure in management that will be passed off as pure coincidence, and maybe it is.  But this looks to be the first sellout of a Raw show this year.  It’s very close at this point and Anaheim is good walk-up market.

    Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.

    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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    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: Jan 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Starcade review, Jaguar Yakota retires, more
    A look at how promotions did in 1998 overall, a review of Starcade with Nash pinning Goldberg, Jaguar Yakota retires, plus tons more.

    SUNDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    Today’s Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega IC title match main event (available on New Japan World) was a must-see match.  Really everything after intermission was great but when it comes to storytelling and accomplishing a goal (Omega had to be made as a new superstar in one match because of the departures of A.J. Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura; but Tanahashi couldn’t be hurt because he’s more important than ever) this was a masterpiece.  

    Ronda Rousey will be on the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue that comes out this week.  There will be three different covers.  She will also be on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday promoting the cover. (thanks to Jon Southerland)

    Congratulations to Milena Roucka (Rosa Mendes) who gave birth to a baby girl, Jordan Elizabeth Schubenski, yesterday.

    A likely WrestleMania match with Stardust vs. Stephen Amell started with an angle shot yesterday at the Dallas Comic Con where Stardust crashed Amell’s Q&A and threw waster in his face.  The angle had actually been planned at a different convention, but the original show they were going to shoot it on was canceled.

    WWE

    • Baron Corbin and Cameron are on the current California house show tour.  Corbin worked a three-way with Fandango and Viktor of the Ascension last night.  Cameron was in a six-women’s match back as part of Team BAD.
    • Vince McMahon’s father’s home in Fort Lauderdale in the 70s. (thanks to Matt Farmer) 
    • Even as late as the day of the show (yesterday), all the commercials in Fresno for the house show were built around Roman Reigns defending the WWE title against Sheamus.  He lost the title weeks ago, Sheamus was injured, and Reigns replaced John Cena on the European tour as soon as Cena was hurt.
    • The WWE was nominated for some CableFax Digital Awards including Bert App, Digital team of the Year, Digital Marketing Campaign (WrestleMania 31), Social Good Campaign (Conor’s Cure), Social Media Campaign (WrestleMania 31), Best Social Media team and Best use of Facebook.
    • MMA writer Jack Slack breaks down Shinsuke Nakamura’s bom a ye.
    • Becky Lynch talks Tuesday night’s Smackdown tapings in Ontario, CA at here. 

    UFC

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • The Evolve roster for the 4/2 show in Dallas at Noon, with a main event of Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet, also includes Timothy Thatcher, Johnny Gargano, Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Hero, Sami Callihan, Drew Gulak, Tracy Williams, TJ Perkins, Matt Riddle, Anthony Nese, Ethan Page and Fred Yehi.
    • The California-based Pro Wrestling Revolution promotion will join the WWNLive.com family of shows with an iPPV on 2/27 headlined by Juventud Guerrera. 
    • CZW’s 17th anniversary show was last night in Voorhees, NJ before an SRO crowd:  Masada b AR Fox, Amazing Gulaks b Dub Boys, Joey Janela b Lio Rush to keep the Wired title in a 2/3 fall match, Dave Crist & Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier b Neiko Sozio & Frankie Prichard & Conor Claxton, Danny Havoc b Rickey Shane Page, Blk Jeez & Pepper Parks b EYFBO to keep CZW tag titles, Sami Callihan b Speedball Mike Bailey (excellent match), Matt Tremont b Devon Moore in a ladder match to keep the CZW title.  They inducted WWE referee Drake Weurtz (Drake Younger) into the CZW Hall of Fame at intermission.  Next show is 3/3 with Callihan vs. Masada, Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham and Fox vs. B-Boy. 
    • Stardom from Friday in Nagoya:  Evie b Haruka Kato, Kaori Yoneyama b Kellie Skater, Santana Garrett & Chelsea Green b Kairi Hojo & Hiromi Mimura, Hiroyo Matsumoto b Jungle Kyona, Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani b Biper & Kaitlin Diemond to keep the tag titles.  Next Korakuen Hall show is 2.21.16 (thanks to Al Haft)
    • Victory Commonwealth Wrestling on 3/13 in Toronto at Lee’s Palace.
    • C4 on 3/19 in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club with Mathieu St. Jaques vs Joey Janela.
    • Paragon Pro Wrestling TV tapings from Sunday in Las Vegas.  They taped four weeks worth of shows:  Tyshaun Prince won over Eric Wright and Anthony Green, Caleb Konley & Drew Donovan b Jay Riley & Jesse Sorenson, Royce Isaac b Anthony Green, Whirlwind Gentlemen b The Shadows, Jesse Sorensen b Drew Donovan-DQ, Alex Chamberlain b Mikey O’Shea in a PPW title match, Wes Brisco b Tyshaun Prince-DQ, Darin Corbin b Crash Test Cody, Gangrel b Greg Romero, Jay Riley b Caleb Konley, Eric Wright & Anthony Green b Greg Romero b ?, Royce Isaacs b Remy Marcel, Caleb Konley & Drew Donovan NC Jay Riley & Jesse Sorsensen, Alex Chamberlain b Gangrel (thanks to Mike Trask)
    • VIP Wrestling from Friday night in Arlington, TX before 230 fans:  Jerome Daniels b Bolt Brady, Tim Storm & Apoc b Jaxson Stone & Bam Bam Malone, Sinn Bodhi b Markus Burke, Scott McKenzie & Kristopher Haiden d Kenny Steele & Orion Taylor, Gregory James & Jason Silver d Graham Bell & Luke Langley, Green Man b Marcus Love, Raymond Rowe b Keith Lee, Jessica James b Bree Ann Hatfield, Andy Dalton won three-way over Johnny Gargano and Davey Vega, Ricky Sparks & Houston Carson b Brian Cage & PJ Black to keep tag title, Tim Storm & Apoc b Ricky Sparks & Houston Carson to win tag title.  Next shows are 3/4 in Fort Worth with New Jack vs. Masada and must be 18 or older to attend; and there is a 4/3 after WrestleMania party featuring Jake Roberts.
    • ECWA on 2/20 in New Castle, DE at the United Asbury Methodist Church headlined by Bobby Shields vs. Azrael.
    • St. Louis Anarchy from last night in Alton, IL:  Kevin Lee Davidson & Sean Orleans & Kody Krash b Justin D’Air & Luke Langley & Graham Bell, Matt Cage b Paco Gonzalez, Christian Rose b Mike Outlaw, Bucky Collins b Stephen Wolf, Zakk Sawyers b Steve O Reno, Evan Gelistico & Adam Caster won a four-corners tag title match over Devin & Mason Cutter, Alexandre Rudolph & Jake Parnell and Nick Iggy & Kerry Awful, Davey Vega b Jeremy Wyatt, Ricky Starks b Mikey McFinnegan, Andy Dalton b Jojo Bravo, Chris Hero & Trik Davis b Danny Adams & Everett Connors, Mat Fitchett b Gerald James in 2/3 falls to win the heavyweight title (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
    • All Star Wrestling on 2/20 in Chilliwack, BC at the Tzeachten Community Center and 2/26 in Surrey, BC at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds Alice McKay Building.
    • Smash Wrestling on 2/20 in Toronto at the Frankin Horner Community Centre featuring Chris Hero and Eddie Edwards plus the Super Smash Brothers, Mike Bailey, Johnny Gargano, Frankie the Mobster, Candice LaRae and more.
    • Steel City Pro Wrestling on 2/28 in Hamilton, ONT at 2 p.m. 
    • Jim Cornette appears on 3/5 at 11 p.m. at the Laugh It Up Comedy Club in Poughkeepsie.
    • A Mick Foley podcast interview.
    • Shayna Baszler interview about her 3/6 match with Colleen Schneider at the Premier show, and also talks about Daniel Bryan
    • Interview with Jimmy Valiant
    • Brainbuster Pro Wrestling from last night in Holly woof, FL:  Maxx Stardom won over Chasyn Rance, Mike Monroe, Chico Adams and CT Brown, Shaniah Ariyana b Angel Rose, DWB b Earl Cooter, Josh Powers b Eli Vega, Ace Andrews & Rex Bacchus b Michael Patrick & Leo Brien, Jonny Vandal b AJ Jannazzo, Maxwell Chicago b Aaron Epic, Shawn Prime b Craig Classic. Next show is 5/14/16
    • The Crash from Friday night in Tijuana:  Black Boy won elimination match for jr. title over Proximo, Mirage, Septimo Dragon and Jinzo, El Hijo del Pirata Morgan b Angel Metalico, Arez & Geniodel Aire & Super Nova b Tony Casanova & Star Boy & Zarco, El Texano Jr. & Mr. Maldito & Taurus b The Psycho Circus, Blue Demon Jr. & Fenix & Rey Hours b Teddy Hart & Johnny Mundo & Pentagon Jr. (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling from last night in Joppa, MD:  Drake Carter & Shaun Cannon b Rob Locke & Joe Keys, Delirious b Fenix Fury, Brandon Scott b Sean Studd, Eric Chapel & Diry Money kept tag titles over Bo Nekoda & Oakley Woods, Ken Dixon b The Bruiser, Bill Collier & Paul Jordane b Sexy Steve & Jimmy Stars, Shane Strickland (Killshot in Lucha Underground) b Facade, Matt Hardy b King McBride via DQ so McBride retained his MCW title.  Matt & Jeff Hardy b McBride & Ken Dixon
    • NWA Mid South on 2/20 in Dyresburg, TN at the Herb Welch Wrestle Plex with Matt Riviera & Rob Conway defending the NWA tag title against Bobby Fulton & Dexter Hardaway, Greg Anthony defends the NWA National title in a three-way against Rodney Mack and John Saxon
    • Pure Wrestling Association on 3/6 in Kitchener, ONT at the Registry Theatre
    • Crossfire Wrestling on 3/20 in St. Catherines, ONT at the Merritton Community Centre at 4 p.m.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Dutch Mantell wins Southern AWA title

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/14): Dutch Mantell wins Southern AWA Title

    1935

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Ed “Strangler” Lewis beat Jim Browning 
    – Otto Kuss beat Tommy Marvin 
    – Bronko Nagurski beat Joe Cox

    1945

    Des Moines, Iowa:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat World Junior Heavyweight Champion Ken Fenelon 2 out of 3 falls
    – Bill Kuusisto beat Jerry Meeker in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Kurt Von Zuppi defeated Jim Lefkis 

    1957

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – “Whipper” Billy Watson and Yukon Eric wrestled The Miller Brothers, Bill and Ed to a draw 
    – Killer Kowalski defeated Ilio DiPaolo 
    – Dick Hutton and Pat O’Connor wrestled to a draw
    – The Brunetti Brothers, Guy and Joe beat the Gallagher Brothers, Doc and Mike

    1958

    St. Joseph, Missouri:
    – United States Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne and Don Curtis wrestled to a one hour draw
    – Sonny Myers beat Bob Geigel by dq
    – “Baron” Von Krupp beat Danny O’Shocker 
    – Rip Hawk and Bull Montana went to a draw

    1961

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Gene Kiniski (a fan hit Kiniski with a chair)
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Roy McClarty 
    – Hard Boiled Haggerty beat Nick Roberts 
    – Len Montana drew Jim Hady 
    – Joe Scarpello beat Bob Rassmussen

    1974

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Reggie Parks defeated Tokyo Joe
    – Don Fargo defeated Omar Atlas
     Texas Death Match: Harley Race defeated Bob Brown
    – Jim Brunzell & Mike George defeated Baron Scicluna & Bob Orton
    – Andre the Giant & The Viking defeated Lord Alfred Hayes & Roger Kirby

    1982 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Dutch Mantell defeated Jerry Lawler to win the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title

    1983

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler dcor AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Terry Taylor beat Jacques Rougeau to win Southern Title
    – Fabulous Ones beat Executioners dq
    – Bobby Eaton beat Sweet Brown Sugar in a tournament final to win Mid American title

    1984

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Austin Idol beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Mad Dog Match, Anything Goes: Jos Leduc beat Buzz Sawyer
    – Zambuie Express beat Koko Ware & Norvell Austin to win the Southern Tag Title
    – Handicap Match: Dutch Mantell & Bugsy McGraw beat Randy Savage & Angelo Poffo & Jimmy Hart
    – Brett Sawyer beat Rick Rude dq

    1994

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Eddie Gilbert defeated Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title 
    – Brian Christopher defeated Doug Gilbert for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title

    1996 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Brian Christopher defeated Tommy Rich for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title
    – Jesse James Armstrong & Tracey Smothers defeated PG-13 for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    1999

    WWF St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Steve Austin defeated Vince McMahon in a steel cage match
    – WWF World Heavyweight Champion Mankind vs. Rocky Maivia in a “Last Man Standing” match ended in a draw
    – World Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & Jeff Jarrett defeated Mark Henry & D’Lo Brown 

    2010

    TNA Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida:
    – The Nasty Boys defeated Team 3-D
    – TNA champion AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe to retain the title

    2015

    NJPW New Beginning: Sendai, Japan:
    – Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish (ReDRagon) defeated Jay White & Tiger Mask IV
    – Mascara Dorada, Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA defeated Kenny Omega, Nick & Matt Jackson
    – NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship: Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Chase Owens
    – NWA Heavyweight Championship: Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Rob Conway
    – Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata defeated Tama Tonga, Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson
    – Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI defeated Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale
    – NEVER Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Tomoaki Honma
    – IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Yuji Nagata

  • WWE Fresno, CA, live results: Chris Jericho, AJ Styles, Dudleys work face, strange three-way

    Submitted by Geno Gonzales

    Miz vs. AJ Styles

    Classic Miz promo about getting his tooth knocked out by AJ, AJ comes out and beats him in a really good match with near falls, winning with the Calf Crusher. AJ got biggest pop of night.

    Social Outcasts (Adam Rose and Heath Slater) vs. Dudley Boys

    Dudleys as faces win with a 3D

    Baron Corbin vs. Fandango vs. Viktor of The Ascension

    Corbin got an ‘NXT’ change. Fandango was the face. Corbin won.

    Luke Harper and Erick Rowan vs. Neville and Kane

    Kane hits Harper with the chokeslam and then tags Nevile who hit the Red Arrow for the pin.

    Sasha Banks & Natalya & Becky Lynch vs. Team BAD and Cameron

    Cameron fit in well with Tamina and Naomi. Becky and Sasha were even in popularity. Sasha pulled out the Banks Statement and Naomi tapped out.

    Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores

    Lucha Dragons got a huge pop as usual and won a good match with the Matadores.

    Chris Jericho vs Bray Wyatt (w/Braun Strowman)

    Back and forth match the whole time and Jericho really performed great. Jericho got in the Walls of Jericho and hit a Lionsault. Strowman tried to distract Jericho on the apron, but Jericho sidestepped a charging Wyatt, sending him into Strowman and then hit a Codebreaker for the pin and win.

  • WWE Main Event results: Damien Sandow lives; Jerry Lawler’s new mantra

    Heath Slater w/ Curtis Axel and Adam Rose def. Zack Ryder via pinfall

    I had feared that this week’s Main Event would be a write-off, given the light crew that the WWE took to the Smackdown tapings. This opening contest did absolutely nothing to dispel that fear, notwithstanding a fine effort from Ryder.

    Jerry Lawler shocks me with his powers of recall by reminding us that Zack once “made a reputation out of social media”, referring to his spell as the self-proclaimed “Internet champion”. Rich Brennan, on the other hand, is the “Waffle House champion” apparently.

    Ryder benefits from the goodwill of a fresh crowd at the beginning of the match, managing to get himself a pretty loud “Woo! Woo! Woo!” chant going. Then, the stalling begins, as these guys figure out a way to fill the 15 minutes they’ve been allotted; Slater twice rolling out of the ring to go on celebratory Bo Train (sans Bo) victory laps in the opening minutes.

    Typical idiotic babyface booking in this one, as Ryder unnecessarily concerns himself with the dual “distraction” of “Axel Rose” on the outside, to his own detriment. He takes a big bump off the ropes to the floor before the mid-match commercial break, when Rose’s mere presence gives him the yips and allows Slater to push him off.

    Slater’s heat shows why anyone wondering why this guy hasn’t been elevated above the role of comedy jobber needs their head examined. He has always been awful on offence and has unquestionably regressed in that regard in the last couple of years. Two godawfully long headlock segments here prove my point.

    More hard work from Ryder during his comeback sees him hit a slingshot splash from the apron. A Rich Brennan flub follows, as the announcer erroneously reckons that Axel was responsible for pulling Slater out of the way of the Broski Boot. He wasn’t.

    Tope con hilo from Ryder takes out the other two geeks on the outside. But, upon re-entry, he gets a kick in the gut and an Impaler DDT to punish his stupidity. I’d love to know when Slater last won a televised match with that move. Answers on a postcard, please.

    – Recap of the Reigns/Ambrose/Lesnar interactions from RAW. I couldn’t possibly care less about any of this, as the storyline rationale for the match makes absolutely no sense. That backstage face-to-face between HHH and Lesnar from RAW two weeks ago tells you all you need to know about why that is the case. I can 100% guarantee that no other heel in the company would have been written to no-sell the threat of Brock (the man who broke his arm in kayfabe) in that manner. All we need now is for the egomaniac to don the bicycle shorts and pin Reigns at ‘Mania. Because, you know, the money is in the chase with Roman. Like it was with Goldberg.

    Natalya def. Alicia Fox via submission

    Alicia Fox worked heel here, continuing the Big Show-esque face/heel oscillations of Team Bella. She also appears to have reverted to her “crazy” gimmick, which was hinted at on RAW when she screamed the house down after her loss to Charlotte.

    This contest ran a little bit longer than the second match usually does, at five minutes. It was notable only for the return of the catchphrase that defined an era, as Lawler responds to Brennan’s reference to Nattie’s cat-fancying with the revelation that Foxy, like him “prefers puppies!”. “Oh no…” says a despairing Brennan.

    The finish saw Nattie roll-through off a sunset flip attempt to secure the Sharpshooter for the submission victory. Fox refused to accept a handshake in the aftermath, opting to storm off instead. Nattie did the universally-accepted gesture for “she’s crazy”, to which Fox shouted back “You’re crazy!”. Good comeback.

    – Video aired of Bryan’s incredible retirement speech from Monday night, spliced with sections of the wonderful retrospective video that preceded it. I highly doubt that the man will read this, but I’d nonetheless like to express my “gratitude” to the wrestler who made me fall in love with the product all over again four years ago. I returned in early 2012 for The Rock, but stayed for Bryan’s heel character, watching as the “Yes!” chant built momentum leading into the unfortunate (but ultimately career-making) events of Wrestlemania 28. He has rightly removed himself from the fray all too soon, to safeguard his health. But we will always have that wonderful moment when he reached the top of tree two years ago. The very best to him in whatever endeavours he chooses to pursue going forward.

    Mark Henry and Darren Young def. Fandango and Damien Sandow via pinfall

    An unusually brief featured contest, clocking in at only five minutes and most notable for the return to WWE television of one Damien Sandow – complete with robe and “Hallelujah!” theme.

    Despite an apparent return to the Intellectual Saviour gimmick (complete with shouting “You’re Welcome!” after an early headlock takeover), Sandow is clearly positioned as a babyface. Which is weird. The goal here appears to be the rekindling of the dynamic Sandow had with The Miz, as he trades “boo/yay” poses with Fandango before the match begins.

    This tension continues throughout the match, with Fandango blind-tagging himself in, before teasing the fans with faked attempts to bring his partner back into the action. This has the desired effect, prompting the now long-forgotten “We Want Sandow!” chants to ring out around the arena.

    Sandow eventually loses his patience and tags himself in, hitting a side russian leg sweep on Young. But, before he can follow up with the ol’ Elbow of Disdain, Fandango again enacts an unwanted tag to cut him off.

    The two then bicker near the ropes, which allows Young to push Fandango into Sandow and crawl to hot-tag Mark Henry. The finish arrives quickly from there, with Henry catching Fandango off a second-rope cross body attempt. World’s Strongest Slam gets the pin.

    Final Thoughts

    The company may have worked wonders with a depleted roster on Smackdown, but the knock-on effect on its sister show was not pretty. Nobody needs to see a 15 minute match between Heath Slater and Zack Ryder, regardless of how hard the latter tried to make it watchable. However, it was interesting to see Sandow make a rare televised appearance. Revisiting the heel/face tag-team dynamic that he had with The Miz may have potential, but I’m not sure Fandango is the correct foil. Meanwhile, Lawler’s heel metamorphosis continues, as he resurrects his Divas obsession and that long-lost buzzword, “puppies!”.

  • NXT Palatka, FL, live results: Bayley vs. Liv Morgan; Dash/Dawson vs. Hype Bros

    Photo: @JJWilliamsWON

    From the Armory with estimated 150 in attendance. Good crowd tonight.

    Hugo Knox beat Sawyer Fulton

    A lot of kids were cheering for Hugo tonight with his dancing and party boy style. Sawyer was out with longer hair and a skunk trail. March was mostly Fulton wearing Hugo down until some flashy moves by Knox, a big dropkick and winning with a sunset flip.

    Carmella beat Peyton Royce

    The usual antics of these two with some comedy where Carmella took Peyton’s flower and moonwalked away from her. Carmella won with her STO and leg headlock for the submission.

    Elias Samson beat Tucker Knight

    Samson was out to sing a song about how he started in Palatka and how he wants to leave this crappy town. Knight entered to his live event fans singing songs for him about his silver boots. Samson was annoyed with people other than him singing so he was heckled with Drift Away chants. Finish saw Elias use the ropes to cheat and steal the pin.

    Apollo Crews beat Alex Riley

    This was a very good match where  crowd was split. Dueling chants and pockets of fans cheering for both. Riley was on top of his game tonight, responding to hecklers with “I main evented WrestleMania 27!”. Was all Riley early, even connected on a superkick for a strong near fall late. Apollo fought back, fired up and hit his big slam for the win. Post match Riley asked for a handshake, Apollo accepted and Riley also raised Crews’ arm. 

    Enzo Amore & Big Cass beat The Vaudevillains

    Vaudevillains enter first with their new/old heel music, Enzo and Cass received the largest reaction thus far and do their usual mic work. The heels worked over Cass a lot in this one so we got a chance to see an Enzo Amore firey comeback. He ran wild with a lot of running and knock down moves, was able to get Cass back in to finish the Vauds off before Enzo got the assisted splash for the win. 

    Levis Valenzuela beat Angelo Dawkins

    Dawkins controlled most of the match and talked a lot of smack to no one in particular. Crowd was not familiar with Valenzuela so they weren’t sure how to react. Levis waged his come back and hit the wind up punch for the win. 

    – In ring promo with Manny Andrade who, in Spanish, says he wants to be the NXT champion someday. 

    NXT Women’s Champion Bayley beat Liv Morgan to retain

    A clean wrestling match between the two friends. The kids in the crowd were starting their own Bayley chants and overall, the crowd was very into Bayley’s offense. Liv had some athletic moves of her own including the Matrix and some roll through pin attempts. Finish saw a Belly To Bayley for the pin followed by Bayley embracing Liv in a show of sportswomanship. 

    NXT Tag Team Champions Dash & Dawson beat The Hype Bros to retain

    The people were, in fact, hype for this match. Dash & Dawson were taunting fans at ringside with Mojo then putting the fans over. Classic heel work by the champions cutting off the ring and keeping Mojo and later Zack isolated. A big comeback by the hypes including a Broski Boot and an attempted Hype Ryder before the champions stole the pin with a roll up on Mojo while Zack was tied up in the ropes. 

  • WWE Magdeburg, Germany, live results: new night, same results

    From Wrestling-Infos.de at the GETEC Arena (2-13)

    – WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose (c) defeated Rusev (w/ Lana) via Dirty Deeds

    – Cesaro was in the ring and announced tonight’s main event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio in a street fight.

    – Jack Swagger defeated Bo Dallas via Patriot Lock. Dallas got “p*ssy” chants.

    – Goldust defeated Tyler Breeze in 01:00. Breeze protests after the match, challenges anyone in the back to a match. R-Truth answers.

    – R-Truth defeated Tyler Breeze in 00:10.

    – The Big Show & The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) defeated WWE Tag Champions The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods). Show got the pin.

    – WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/ Ric Flair) defeated Paige w/Summer Rae as special referee. 

    – Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens via Superkick into the ZigZag. Owens got p*ssy chants.

    – Roman Reigns defeated Alberto Del Rio in a street fight after putting ADR through a table after a spear

  • Daily Update: Daniel Bryan, Mark Nulty, Bret Hart and Kevin Randleman

    Recapping the week

    Today is quite honestly a welcomed quiet weekend in the world of Pro Wrestling and MMA after a very long week.  To quickly recap the week: It all started with the retirement of Bryan Danielson from WWE that culminated with his WWE RAW Retirement speech.  In the aftermath of the Danielson speech Titus O’Neil was suspended for 90 days and then quickly reduced to 60 days for grabbing Vince McMahon during the closing of RAW’s broadcast on the WWE Network.  CM Punk’s UFC debut was delayed due to needing back surgery which was by all reports successful.  

    After publicly announcing his prostate cancer diagnosis and impending surgery last week, this week Bret Hart posted a positive message following his surgery.  We heard the sad news of UFC Legend and former Heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman passing away at 44.  In other said news Mark Nulty, wrestling historian, former announcer and the engine behind the Wrestling Classics website, also passed away.

    NEW JAPAN NEW BEGINNINGS IN NIIGATA LATE TONIGHT STARTING AT 2 A.M. EASTERN AND 11 P.M. PACIFIC ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

    Follow along with Dave Meltzer’s live coverage

    Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Young Bucks & Cody Hall

    Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Gedo & Kazushi Sakuraba

    Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & Ricochet & Matt Sydal vs. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & David Finlay

    Michael Elgin & Jay White vs. Tetsuya Naito & Evil

    Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Yujiro Takahashi vs. Mark & Jay Briscoe & Toru Yano for Never Open weight title

    Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata & Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii & Yoshi-Hash

    Kushida vs. Bushi for IWGP jr. title

    Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for IWGP tag titles

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP IC title

    Sunday has WWE in Bakersfield,, CA (Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Wyatt Family, Dudleys, Ryback, A.J. Styles, Kane, Natalya).

    Raw will be Monday in Anaheim.  No Brock Lesnar or Paul Heyman on to the go-home show for Fast Lane.   Ticket sales picked up with the announcement of A.J. Styles, although I’m sure in management that will be passed off as pure coincidence, and maybe it is.  But this looks to be the first sellout of a Raw show this year.  It’s very close at this point and Anaheim is good walk-up market.

    Lesnar will make his first appearance on Smackdown since 2004 at the Tuesday tapings in Ontario, CA.

    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.

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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: Jan 4, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Starcade review, Jaguar Yakota retires, more
    A look at how promotions did in 1998 overall, a review of Starcade with Nash pinning Goldberg, Jaguar Yakota retires, plus tons more.

    SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

    The Fight Network’s John Pollock has some details on that just-announced show featuring Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping in a grappling match, Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio, and Roy Jones Jr. offering to box a fan for $100k.

    WWE/Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Tyler Black wins ROH Title; Jeff Hardy wins TNA Title

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/13): Tyler Black wins ROH Title; Jeff Hardy wins TNA Title

    1947

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – MWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Everette Marshall in 2 out of 3 falls
    – Wee Willie Davis beat Jack Kennedy 
    – Ray Schwarz beat Karl Davis (DQ) 
    – Vic Christy and Dan O’Connor drew 

    1951

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – George Bollas beat Bronko Nagurski 
    – Ivan Kameroff beat Tommy O’Toole
    – Red Bastien defeated Lou Britton 

    1958

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Whipper Billy Watson and Yukon Eric beat Gene Kiniski and Fritz Von Erich
    – The Miller Brothers, Al and Tiny beat Joe Blanchard and Frank ” Framer Boy” Townsend
    – Roy McClarity and Dan Miller drew
    – Fred Atkins and Maurice LaPointe drew

    1965

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Death Match: Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher beat Larry Hennig & Mad Dog Vachon (sub Harley Race)
    – Junior Heavyweight Champion Danny Hodge beat Eddie Sharkey 
    – Reggie Parks drew Wilbur Snyder
    – Billy Red Cloud beat Bob Boyer

    1974

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Billy Robinson beat AWA Champion Verne Gagne to win title (Title Change only recognized in Hawaii)
    – Hawaiian Champion Billy Graham drew Ed Francis
    – Chris Taylor beat Igor Volkov (sub Butcher Vachon) 
    – Neff Maiava & Sam Steamboat beat Dale Brown & Peace Brother II 2 falls to 0
    – Ripper Collins beat Guy LaRose
    – Bill Francis beat The Phantom

    1975

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Superstar Billy Graham & Dusty Rhodes beat Baron Von Raschke & Horst Hoffman
    – Ivan Putski beat Nick Bockwinkel dq 
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff 
    – Larry Hennig drew Boris Breznikoff 
    – Geoff Portz beat Khosrow Vaziri

    1989

    Clash of Champions: Cleveland, Ohio:
    – United States Tag Team Champions Mike Rotunda & Steve Williams defeated The Fantastics 
    – NWA World Six Man Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors & Genichiro Tenryu vs. Mike Rotunda, Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams ended in a double disqualification

    1994

    Knoxville, Tennessee:
    – “Dirty White Boy” Tony Anthony defeated Brian Lee for the Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Title 

    1997

    Lowell, Massachusetts:
    – Shawn Michaels vacated the WWF World Title due to a knee injury
    – Rocky Maivia defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the WWF Intercontinental Title

    1998

    Lexington, Kentucky:
    – Axl Rotten defeated Bull Pain to win the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title

    2000 

    Germany:
    – Big Vito & Johnny the Bull defeated Don & Ron Harris for the WCW World Tag Team Titles

    2001

    Louisville, Kentucky:
    – Shelton Benjamin & Brock Lesnar defeated BJ Payne & Damien for the Ohio Valley Southern Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

    2002

    Cincinnati, Ohio:
    – Chad Collyer defeated Shannon Moore for the HWA Cruiserweight Title
    – Lance Cade & Mike Sanders defeated The Island Boys for the HWA Tag Team Titles

    2010

    New York City:
    – Tyler Black defeated Austin Aries to win the ROH championship
    – ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoes defeated The Dark City Fight Club

    2011

    Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida:
    – Jeff Hardy defeated Mr. Anderson in a ladder match to win the TNA World Title
    – Jeff Jarrett defeated Kurt Angle

  • New Japan on AXS results: AJ Styles vs. Ibushi from Invasion Attack 2015

    This is an interesting episode as the entire hour is dedicated to the IWGP Heavyweight championship match from Invasion Attack 2015, with Kota Ibushi challenging AJ Styles for the title.

    This’ll wrap up our look at the Invasion Attack 2015 show, which took place on April 5, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan at Sumo Hall.

    First up is the retrospective interview with Kota Ibushi. He put over the IWGP title and mentioned it’s the biggest title in Japan. He’s proud of himself because his skills are good enough to be in New Japan. When it comes to AJ, he considered him one of the best in the world. He also put over Styles in that Styles had the strongest skills.

    I was surprised they took the whole hour to air this, but they took smart commercial breaks and the match did. They took it slow for the first half of the match, very much doing a feeling out process. They did occasional big moves but built up to a great series of moves, including a tease from Kota Ibushi with the attempt of the dragon suplex from the top rope. Ibushi was going for a hurricanrana from the top rope at one point, Styles teased the Clash from the top rope but Ibushi countered. That was a really cool tease.

    Another tease I liked was when Omega came out to distract Kota Ibushi. He and Ibushi were synonymous with each other in DDT, teaming together on many occasions. I liked the subtleties of what Omega did as he seemed conflicted, and not outright heelish in his interference. Ibushi tried for a Phoenix Splash, but AJ countered into the Styles Clash and got the win there. Really fantastic match that lived up to everyone’s expectations.

    IWGP Champion AJ Styles vs. Kota Ibushi

    Crowd was really into this. AJ Styles was truly someone special when in New Japan as he had a presence not too many on the roster have. Ibushi has that presence too, and people buy him as someone who can headline. He’s been out for the last few months with herniated discs, which is hardly surprising considering the type of matches that he has where he completely destroys his body with crazy moves, but that’s the price you pay for doing this kind of style once or even twice a month. When Ibushi returns, and if he can go at this level still when he does, it should be a no-brainer that he, along with Omega, should be the two to fill the void that’s being left by AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura’s departures.

    Styles was celebrating his win when Okada came in and cleared everyone out of the ring on his own, laying out Styles with the rainmaker. Gedo takes the mic and says he’ll wrap up the show for him, saying Okada will make it rain in the world of professional wrestling.

    Okada mentions that he’s come back for the belt, since he slammed Fale in the ring – he’s really rocking it right now. He’s back, watch him go on a rampage. Gedo says he’ll take it back by force.

    Ibushi in his post match interview says he considered it like his last big match, but still couldn’t win. He was very despondent. He says if he could challenge for the belt again, he’d really like to get revenge. You could really feel for him. It’s so weird in WWE they try and dismiss wins and losses because they think everyone knows its fake so it doesn’t matter. But people like seeing wins and losses because even if everyone knows it’s predetermined, they want their favorites to succeed and win, and are with them even at their lowest point, much like Ibushi was here. If you render every win and loss meaningless, why are you even out there supporting guys they want you to like?

    Ibushi mentions that he felt like he lost the match in many ways – he was never able to get advantage like he wanted. When Omega interfered, he felt like time stopped. He didn’t feel it had any impact in the match. He still doesn’t know why he joined Bullet Club, but he hopes he can team with him again someday.

    Really fine episode of this program. Featured an excellent match, good interviews and some interesting perspectives on things you wouldn’t otherwise get on a regular New Japan feed.