Category: Post Type article

  • NXT Tampa, FL, live results: Sami Zayn vs. Manny Andrade for the first time

    Photo: @JJWilliamsWON

    From the University Area CDC Gymnasium in Tampa, FL

    The Hype Bros beat Gzim Selmani and Sunny Dhinsa with the Hype Ryder

    A lot of silly dancing by Mojo and the crowd was in fact hype.

    Tino Sabatelli beat Alexander Wolfe

    This was was a much longer match than the two of them are used to. 

    Peyton Royce beat Aliyah

    Royce won via submission with her new hold. She has been working singles matches lately and has done a good job. 

    Alex Riley beat Patrick Clark

    This was a good match where Patrick even countered Riley’s finish in to what looked like an RKO. The place bit on the near fall and was really pulling for Patrick before Riley got the win.

    Enzo, Cass, and Carmella beat Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss

    It was billed as an intergender match, but that’s just NXT speak for a mixed tag match. Crowd was in to this, getting fired up for every tag and when Enzo hit the big splash for the win.

    Sami Zayn beat Manny Andrade

    Zayn won with the Helluva Kick in an excellent match. One of the best 1-1 live event matches I’ve ever seen. They did mat work early, both teased dives to each other to the outside, Sami with his flip back in to the ring, Manny with his Tranquilo Lounge on the middle rope. A huge Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall followed by some strong chops took us to the finish where Sami hit the Exploder in to the corner and ran in for the kick to win it. Post match Sami raised Manny’s hand and the two embraced.

    – Dallas Harper did a promo about being 6’9″ and “Ohhhh so fine”. He was heckled by the crowd with a “Where’s Your Shirt” chant.

    Nia Jax beat Adrien Reese

    This was a short, painful match. Nia destroyed her. 

    America Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) beat NXT Tag Champions Dash and Dawson in a non title match

    This was a very good match that got a lot of time. The action was well paced and the heels kept just enough heat on the faces to keep everyone rooting for them to wage their comeback. Gable scored the pin on Dash with the assisted suplex for the win. 

  • Daily Update: Daniel Bryan in the news; Big weekend for New Japan and ROH talent

    We’re looking for your thoughts on 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 Meltzer

    We’re looking for reports on today’s WWE show in Mannheim, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio) and NXT in Tampa to Dave Meltzer

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON AXS

    A.J. Styles vs. Kota Ibushi for IWGP title – This match was fantastic.  I can just imagine how good it’ll be with Mauro Ranallo & Josh Barnett calling it.

    CMLL FROM ARENA MEXICO AT WWW.CLAROSPORTS.COM AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME

    Robin & Bengala vs. Inquisidor & Espiritu Negro

    Triton & Fuego & The Panther vs. Virus & Tiger & Puma

    La Mascara & Dragon Lee & Guerrero Maya vs. Hechicero & Kamaitachi & Bobby Z

    Valiente vs Euforia

    Rush & Thunder & Marco Corleone vs. Cibernetico & Mr. Niebla & Ultimo Guerrero]

    Mistico & Volador Jr. & Mascara Dorada vs. Negro Casas & Mephisto & Cavernario Barbaro

    The WWE Germany tour finishes tomorrow in Magdeburg, Germany (Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio), and we’re looking for reports on that show as well as a house show in Fresno (Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Wyatt Family, Dudleys, Ryback, A.J. Styles, Kane, Natalya) and NXT in Palatka, FL.

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

    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.

    F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!

    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.

    F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!

    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

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

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

    FRIDAY’S NEWS UPDATE

    MMA and WWE trending over the past week as far as Internet searches on Google go, Kevin Randleman was No. 7 yesterday with 100,000.  Titus O’Neil was No. 17 on Tuesday with 50,000.  Daniel Bryan was No. 6 on Monday with 200,000.

    Lucha Underground set its record audience on Wednesday night, doing 136,000 viewers at 8 p.m. and the immediate 9 p.m. replay did 81,000 viewers.

    A wild PPV show was announced on 3/20 from the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. On the same stage, Roy Jones Jr. will fight a fan and if the fan can beat him, he gets $100,000.  Ken Shamrock will face Dan Severn for the first time in 19 years to end their long standing rivalry in an MMA match.  Kurt Angle will face Rey Mysterio Jr. in a pro wrestling match, and Chael Sonnen will face Michael Bisping in a grappling match. We’ll have a lot more on this as it approaches, but this is legit.  

    The World MMA Awards from last Friday will air tonight at 10 p.m. on FS 2.

    WWE

    • Here’s a story on Daniel Bryan and C.M. Punk.
    • The special we wrote about yesterday, a look back at the first WrestleMania in 1985, airs tonight at 10:30 p.m. on the MSG Network.
    • The Edge & Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness debuts after Fast Lane on 2/21 on the WWE Network
    • Other new WWE Network shows include Daniel Bryan’s Greatest Moments, Brock Lesnar’s Road to the Undisputed title and The Best of Stone Cole vs. Mr. McMahon.
    • John Cena will be the honorary pace car driver for the Daytona Beach 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on 2/21 at 1 p.m., the same day as Fast Lane.
    • Stock continued to decline, closing at $14.65 per share, the lowest in a long time.  Besides the decline in the market as a whole, this stems from yesterday’s report where the company lost money for the quarter and there was a slight decline in network subscriptions.   
    • We don’t have an update on Riddick Moss, who was motionless after taking a fall during the NXT show in Jacksonville and they had to stop the main event (Dash & Dawson & Moss vs. Sami Zayn & Colin Cassady & Enzo Amore) last night after a triple suplex spot.  He was able to get up and did walk from the ring to the back on his own but he was motionless for a long time. (thanks to Ross Blair) 
    • Information on various web site activities for WrestleMania can be found here.
    • The newspaper in Seattle on the retirement of Daniel Bryan. Article here.
    • The New York Post has a story on the decline of WWE stock.

    UFC/MMA

    • A story on Kevin Randleman here.
    • Bas Rutten, who ended up being very good friends with Kevin Randleman after their famous UFC title fight, talks about him here.
    • Bellator announced today that Michael Chandler has signed a multi-year multi-fight contract with the promotion. As noted in the current issue of the Observer, there are talks for his next fight to be 5/14 in San Jose against Josh Thomson.
    • TMZ reported that Tito Ortiz was cited for misdemeanor battery early this morning after allegedly getting physical with a woman inside of a Las Vegas night club.  The alleged incident took place at Drai’s Nightclub at about 1 a.m. when a woman claimed Ortiz got physical with her and tried to rip her phone away.  She said she had been taking photos inside the cub earlier and she thinks Ortiz may have thought she was trying to shoot photos of him.  She claimed Ortiz tried to whip her around.  Police arrived and Ortiz was not arrested, but was cited.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Here’s a story on ROH and Daniel Bryan. 
    • A very nice story from his local newspaper on Mark Nulty.
    • Carlos Amano, who retired due to a brain stem injury talks damage to pro wrestlers here
    • Sami Callihan interview.
    • The building that the Stampede Wrestlers went to for decades every week in Regina, Saskatchewan is being torn down and Bret Hart and Dan Kroffat talk about it here.
    • Kevin Kiley Sr., who is the father of Alex Riley, has been in the news this week because he quit his job as a sports talk show host at WKRK-FM in Cleveland. Kiley said that his principles and the principles of the station didn’t match up.  He’d been under controversy when he said the Buffalo Bills hiring a woman as an assistant coach was “absurd.”  In the past Kiley Sr. had gotten heat by saying women shouldn’t be on the voting board for the Pro Football Hall of Fame or allowed to officiate the game. This had led to reporter Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk saying that people should boycott the station.  Kiley said that in 35 years of reporting on sports, this was the first time when the station told him he could not defend himself against critics, so he quit.  “You shouldn’t accept censorship ever.  You should make sure the people on the radio are telling you the truth as they see it.  Don’t let some clown in New York tell them what to say and then you think it’s your opinion or what not to say.  That’s what happened here and I’m not accepting it.”
    • Joe Garagiola, the former NBC personality who often hosted the Tonight Show, was part of the Today Show crew and the major league baseball broadcast team, turns 90 today.  his connection with pro wrestling is that he was the first announcer for Wrestling at the Chase in St. Louis, and his brother Mickey was the longtime ring announcer on the show.  Garagiola was also social friends with Gene Kiniski.  
    • Tier 1 Wrestling will be doing an iPPV through WWNLive.com featuring Timothy Thatcher vs. Michael Elgin in their first-ever meeting.
    • 41 years ago today before a sellout crowd in Miami Beach, Jack Brisco retained the NWA title over the Mongolian Stomper; Andre the Giant won a Battle Royal which also included Chris Taylor, and Bill Watts beat Bob Roop via DQ in a Florida title match.
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix tomorrow night in Council Bluffs, IA at the National Guard Armory headlined by Arik Cannon.
    • AAW on 2/19 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street has Eddie Kingston vs. Sami Callihan for the AAW title, AR Fox vs. Matt Cage for the Heritage title, Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Chris Hero & Drew Gulak, Abyss & Kongo Kong vs. Ryan Boz & Russ Jones, plus Trevor Lee, Candice LaRae and others.  On 3/18 in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club has Jack Evans, Chris Hero, Ciampa, Silas Young, Colt Cabana and Drew Gulak. On 4/9 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium has Matt Sydal and Hero

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: Ted Dibiase wins Missouri state title; Christian wins NWA title

  • Bret Hart posts positive message following surgery for Prostate cancer

    Bret Hart posted on Instagram on Friday a positive message after his surgery for prostate cancer on Wednesday in Calgary.

    “Surgery’s over and on the long road to recovery. I want to thank Dr. Hyndman and the nursing staff at Rocky View Hospital for an outstanding job. I also want to thank my family, friends and fans for all your love and support. Things are looking up and I should be home in the next couple of days. In the words of Vince McMahon: “It’s onwards and upwards.”

    Hart was recovering from four-corner right wrist surgery which makes writing and typing very difficult.

    Hart announced publicly on 2/1 that he had prostate cancer and that surgery was imminent. He briefly attended the WWE house show in Calgary on Friday night where his niece, Natalya, performed.

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/12): Ted DiBiase wins Missouri State title, Christian wins NWA Title

    1943

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – World Champion Bobby Managoff beat Orville Brown to retain the title
    – Ronnie Etchison beat Babe Zaharias  

    1957

    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada:
    – Bill and Ed Miller defeated Guy and Joe Brunetti to win the NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title 

    1959

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Dick Hutton beat Bob Ellis when the match was stopped due to blood loss  
    – Bob Geigel and Mighty Atlas beat Bobby Bruns and Sonny Myers 
    – Lee Henning defeated Dino Bravo 
    – Farmer Don Marlin and Rip Hawk went to a draw

    1960

    Houston, Texas:
    – Adnan Kaissey and Hogan Wharton defeated Joe Christie and Man Mountain Managoff for the Texas NWA World Tag Team Titles 

    1962 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jackie Fargo and Lester Welch defeated Dante and Mephisto to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

    1965

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Chin Lee defeated Dick Dunn to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title 

    1966

    Sydney, Australia:
    – Dominic DeNucci defeated Killer Kowalski to win the International Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title

    1967

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Verne Gagne beat Killer Kowalski
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Doug Gilbert & Reggie Parks
    – The Alaskan beat Billy Red Cloud
    – Eddie Sharkey beat George Gadaski
    – Bob Boyer beat Mark Starr

    1974 

    Mobile, Alabama:
    – Duke Miller defeated The Mysterious Med to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title 

    1975

    Miami Beach, Florida:
    – NWA Title: Jack Brisco defeated Mongolian Stomper to retain the title
    – Andre The Giant won a 21-man Battle Royal 
    – Florida Title: Bill Watts defeated Bob Roop by dq
    – Buddy Colt & Bobby Shane defeated Tony Charles & Jos LeDuc 
    – Mike Graham & Tony Parisi defeated The Patriots 
    – Bob Armstrong drew Dick Slater 
    – Jim Dillon defeated Mike Pappas 
    – Chris Taylor defeated George McCreary & Beauregard 
    – Dominic DeNucci defeated Baron Scicluna 
    – Johnny Weaver defeated Beautiful Bruce

    1976

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Mike George defeated Ed Wiskoski for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title 

    1977

    San Bernadino, California:
    – Toru Tanaka defeated Chavo Guerrero to win the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title 

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Moose Cholak and Paul Christy defeated The Bounty Hunters (David and Johnny Novak) for the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team
    Titles

    1978 

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Ted DiBiase defeated Dick Slater to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title 

    1981

    Sioux City, Iowa:
    – The Crusher beat Jerry Blackwell

    1982 

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Sweet Brown Sugar defeated Bobby Lane for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title 
    – The Scorpions defeated Carlos Mata and The Kiss to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Titles

    1983

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell no contest Jerry Blackwell & Sgt. Goulet (sub Sheik Adnan)
    – Hulk Hogan beat Jesse Ventura dq
    – Jerry Lawler beat Ken Patera
    – Wahoo McDaniel beat Bobby Duncum
    – Rick Martel beat Sgt. Goulet dq
    – Bobby Heenan beat Buck Zumhofe
    – Steve O drew Tom Lintz

    1984

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – Ric Flair retained The NWA  World championship by defeating Harley Race in a steel Cage match 
    – Handsome Jimmy Valiant and Dusty Rhodes defeated The Assassins on a count out
    – Leo Burke retained the North America Championship over Vinnie Valentino
    – Buddy Hart defeated J.J. Dillon

    1985

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeated Eddie Gilbert for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Jesse Barr defeated Brian Blair to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title 

    Quebec City, Quebec, Canada:
    – NWA Champion Ric Flair beat Dino Bravo
    – AWA Champion Rick Martel beat King Tonga

    1988

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvanaia:
    – Ivan Koloff and The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) defeated Paul Ellering (subbing for Road Warrior Animal), Road
    Warrior Hawk and Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Titles 

    1990

    Gainesville, Georgia:
    – Brian Pillman and Z-Man (Tom Zenk) defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes) in a tournament final to win
    the vacant WCW United States Tag Team Titles

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Steve Doll and Rex King defeated Robert Fuller and Brian Lee to win the SWA Tag Team Titles

    1997

    Toyohashi, Japan:
    – Battlanger and Masaaki Mochizuki defeated Lance Storm and Yuji Yasuraoka for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

    1999 

    Springfield, Missouri:
    – Steve Sharp defeated Greg Valentine to become the first World League Wrestling Heavyweight Champion

    2000 

    Oberhausen, Germany:
    – Creative Control (Ron and Don Harris) defeated The Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny the Bull) to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles

    2000 

    Denver, North Carolina:
    – Leilani Kai defeated Strawberry Fields in a tournament final to become the first NWA Mid-Atlantic Women’s Champion 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Derrick King won the Pro Wrestling Young Guns Title by defeating Chris Michaels and Allen Steel in a three-way match

    2003

    Nashville, Tennessee:
    – Kid Kash defeated Sonny Siaki to win the TNA X Division Title 

    2005

    Cauyguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Ricky Banderas defeated Glamour Boy Shane to win the IWA World Heavyweight Title

    Columbus, Georgia:
    – A.J. Styles and Damien Steele defeat Glenn Gilberti and Johnny Swinger to win the Georgia Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title in Columbus, Georgia.

    2006

    Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida:
    – Rhino defeated Abyss (with James Mitchell) in a Falls Count Anywhere match
    – TNA X Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels in a three-way match to retain the title
    – Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) defeated Team Canada (Bobby Roode and Eric Young) with Scott D’Amore
    – Christian Cage pinned NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett to win the title

    2007

    Kobe, Japan:
    – Matt Sydal defeated Masato Yoshino to win the Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Title

    2012

    Against All Odds: Orlando, Florida:
    – TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim (with Madison Rayne) defeated Tara
    – Samoa Joe & Magnus defeated TNA Tag Team champions Crimson & Matt Morgan to win the titles
    – TNA X-Division champion Austin Aries defeated Alex Shelley

  • Daily pro wrestling history (02/11): AJ Styles wins the IWGP Title; Dory Funk Jr wins NWA Title

    1942 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Tarzan Lopez defeated Black Guzman to win the NWA World Middleweight Title

    1969

    Tampa, Florida:
    – Dory Funk, Jr. defeated Gene Kiniski for the NWA World Heavyweight Title

    1973

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
    – NWA Title: Dory Funk Jr defeated Johnny Valentine
    – The Sheik no contest Tony Marino
    – Bulldog Brower defeated Big Mike Loren
    – Pampero Firpo defeated Ivan Kalmikoff
    – Tony Parisi/Dominic Denucci defeated Killer Brooks/Great Kabooki by dq
    – Lord Athol Layton/The Beast beat Eric the Red/Big Brutus by dq
    – Tex McKenzie/Luis Martinez beat Butcher Vachon/Bull Gregory
    – Haystack Calhoun/Fred Curry wrestled Lee Henning/Dandy Dan Miller to a draw
    – Kurt Von Hess/Karl Von Schotz wrestled Sweet Daddy Siki/Mighty Igor to a draw

    1975

    Fort Myers, Florida:
    – Bob Roop defeated Jos LeDuc 
    – Lights Out Match: The Patriots defeated Frank Hester & Tony Charles 
    – Mitsu Yoshida & Hiro Matsuda defeated The Red Shadows 
    – Ricky Fields drew The Spider 
    – The Great Malenko defeated George McCreary

    1977

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – NWA Champion Harley Race beat Superstar Billy Graham dq
    – Dory Funk Jr & Pat O’Connor beat Shohei Giant Baba & Genichiro Tenyru
    – Dick the Bruiser beat Roger Kirby & Ivan Koloff
    – Ernie Ladd beat Guy Mitchell
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Moose Morowski & Bennie Ramirez
    – Akio Sato beat Paul Christy

    1979

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Shohei Giant Baba beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu
    – The Crusher no contest Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Billy Robinson beat Cecil Dubois
    – Iron Sheik beat Caesar Pabon
    – Juan Valez beat Fernando Torres

    1983

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – Giant Baba defeated Harley Race to win the Pacific Wrestling Federation World Heavyweight Title

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
    – WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Intercontinental Champion Magnificent Muraco in a Texas Death Match 

    1984 

    Boston, Massachusetts:
    – Tito Santana defeated the Magnificent Muraco to win the WWF Intercontinental Title 

    1985

    Montreal, Quebec, Canada:
    – Dino Bravo beat King Tonga to regain the International Title  
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors beat Jos Leduc & Gino Brito Sr

    1996 

    WCW SuperBrawl: St. Petersburg, Florida:
    – Ric Flair defeated Randy Savage in a steel cage match to win the WCW World Title
    – Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant (Big Show) in a steel cage match
    – World Tag Team Champions Sting & Lex Luger defeated The Road Warriors

    2015

    NJPW The New Beginning: Osaka, Japan:
    – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Kenny Omega defeated Ryusuke Taguchi to retain the title
    – IWGP Junior Heavyweight TagTeam Championship:  The Young Bucks defeated Time Splitters and ReDRagon to retain the titles
    – IWGP Tag Team Championship: Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson defeated Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto to retain the titles
    – IWGP Heavyweight Championship: AJ Styles defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the title

    WWE NXT Takeover: Rivals: Winter Park, Florida:
    – Hideo Itami defeated Tyler Breeze
    – WWE NXT Tag Team champions Wesley Blake & Buddy Murphy defeated The Lucha Dragons to retain the titles
    – WWE NXT Women’s championship: Sasha Banks became new champion by defeating Charlotte, Bayley and Becky Lynch
    – WWE NXT championhip: Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn to become new champion

  • WWE NXT Jacksonville, FL, live results: Riddick Moss injured during main event

    – Hype Bros beat Blake & Murphy. During the Hype Bros celebration, Mojo Rawley picked up an adorable child and flew him like an air plane.

    – Elias Samson beat Patrick Clark. Samson taunted the crowd with a song before the match.

    – Liv Morgan beat Adrien Reese with a moonsault splash similar to Alexa Bliss’ finish but facing away on the top turnbuckle.

    – Levis Valenzuela beat Steve Cutler. A lot of comedy and the fiesta rolls on.

    – Jason Jordan & Chad Gable beat The Vaudevillains. Match of the night in the ring, these two teams work well together so that’s no suprise.

    – Apollo Crews beat Tino Sabbatelli. These two have been having good matches lately.

    – Interview segment w/ Mandy Rose. She was heckled, and “What?”‘d down while promoting Total Divas.

    – Asuka beat Alexa Bliss via submission with the Asuka Lock.

    – Sami Zayn, Enzo Amore, & Big Cass vs. Riddick Moss, and NXT Tag Team Champions Dash, & Dawson went to a no contest when Moss was apparently injured during a triple suplex spot.

    The referee put up an X and the medical team assisted Moss. Sami let the people know Riddick said he’d be okay, and the good guys hit finishers on the tag champions to send everyone home happy. 

  • Former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman passes away at 44

    In somewhat of a surprising story, news broke Thursday night that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has passed away at just 44 years old. Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter tweeted that he had confirmed the news, adding that Randleman went to the hospital with pneumonia and had heart failure.

    An outstanding college wrestler at Ohio State, Randleman was a presence in the UFC’s pre-Zuffa years, fighting seven times in the promotion (4-3), defeating Pete Williams to win the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 23 in November 1999. He defended it against Pedro Rizzo before dropping it to Randy Couture in November 2000. He spent the majority of the 2000s for Japan’s PRIDE, but found his way stateside to end his career, dropping four straight in Strikeforce and regional promotions.

    While his 17-16 record is a bit lackluster on paper, Randleman fought a who’s who of major MMA names like the aforementioned Couture, Rizzo, Chuck Liddell, Shogun Rua, Mirko Cro Cop, Rampage Jackson, Sakuraba, and Fedor Emelianenko in a 15-year-career.

    Randleman did have a daliance with pro wrestling, working for AJPW’s Wrestle-1 promotion, Pro Wrestling Zero-One and Hustle.

  • Daily Update: CM Punk, Mark Nulty passes, Colt Cabana mini series

    We’re looking for your thoughts on today’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 Meltzer

    We’re also looking for reports on the NXT house show tonight in Jacksonville at Dave Meltzer

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT ON THE USA NETWORK AT 8 P.M.

    A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho vs. Curtis Axel & Adam Rose

    Sasha Banks vs. Naomi

    Sin Cara & Kalisto & Neville vs. The Ascension & Stardust

    A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho

    The show also features a lot of highlights from the Daniel Bryan retirement from Raw.

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    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.

    F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!

    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

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

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

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    C.M. Punk had successful back surgery yesterday and should be back training in four to six weeks after a herniated disc in his lower back. 

    John Cena’s new TV show, “American Grit,” will debut on the FOX Network on 4/14.  The bad news is it’s slated for 9 p.m., meaning it goes head-to-head with Smackdown. 

    Colt Cabana is starting a three part mini series called Colt Cabana’s Pro Wrestling Fringe, covering stories on pro wrestling.  The first episode features Cabana and Rob Naylor talking about Jorge “Giant” Gonzalez, the second has David Bixenspan and Cabana talking about Sputnik Monroe’s desegregating sports in Memphis through wrestling, and the third has me talking about Tom Magee, the guy who was supposed to replace Hulk Hogan as WWF champion, but in fact, barely made it to television.

    The ROH/New Japan cards for 2/19 and 2/20 at Korakuen Hall, which will include a few title matches, will be announced on Saturday.

    Wrestlecon has announced for 4/2 in Dallas a ten man tag match with teams captained by Joey Ryan and Jeff Jarrett, plus Matt Hardy vs. Lance Storm and Will Ospreay vs. Marty Scurll.  A ridiculous amount of talent will be appearing including Matt Hardy, Jake Roberts, Jim Duggan, James Storm, DDP, Vince Russo, Great Muta, Shawn Michaels, Ivan Putski, Bobby Heenan, Road Warrior Animal, Tito Santana, Gene Okerlund, Kevin Nash, Greg Valentine Scott Hall, Tully Blanchard, Shane Douglas, Tommy Dreamer, Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Abyss, Trevor Lee, Mickie James, Billy Gunn, Marty Jannetty, Bart Gunn, Bob Holly, Honky Tonk Man, Kevin Kelly, Brian Lawler Savio Vega, Rick Steiner, Magnus, Missy Hyatt, Scott Norton, Kevin Sullivan, Sami Callihan, Ricochet, Brian Cage, and more.

    Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie and Kimbo Slice vs. Dada 5000  Bellator on 2/19 preview is on 11 p.m. tomorrow night on Spike.  Another show, called “Unrivaled:  Royce Gracie,” will air on Monday night after Raw on Spike at 11 p.m.

    John LaRocca wrote this about the passing of Mark Nulty, which is covered on the front page:

    Hearing of Mark Nulty’s passing today really hit me hard, and I have never met the man personally.  I have been a member of the www.wrestlingclasssics.com message board for a number of years now.  I discovered it from reading the Wrestling Observer News Letter as being a place were not only a lot former wrestlers and educated fans talked about the wrestling business.   For years I stayed away from message boards talking about pro wrestling because it was all just trash talking each other. 

    Wrestling Classics was a message board were you could have a nice conversations educated wrestling fans on various topics from matches, angles from the past to current happenings in pro wrestling.   One thing that I really admired Mark Nulty for was even at times things would start to get heated, Nulty would put out that flame quickly by reminding everyone this board everyone can post their opinion.   Nulty’s knowledge of happenings in the Texas territory was always a joy to read and I always looked forward to see his responses on posts. 

    Thank you Mark for all you done in the wrestling business and creating a great website were educated, classy fans can talk about this crazy sport we love, pro wrestling

    WWE

    • They were shooting a bunch of stuff, for potential release on the network or on DVD, regarding Daniel Bryan on Monday in Seattle.  
    • Daniel Bryan appeared this morning on Good Morning America.
    • Nigel McGuinness wrote a story on Bryan Danielson’s retirement
    • Tickets for Monday’s Raw in Anaheim have been going really fast.  The sales picked up as soon as A.J. Styles was announced believe it or not.  Raw hasn’t sold out yet this year but this one looks to sell out by the weekend. 
    • After the earnings call this morning, the stock dropped 81 cents per share to close at $14.94, the lowest in a long time. 
    • A special show on the very first WrestleMania in 1985 will air at 10:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night on the MSG Network.  Among those interviewed were Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan.  Hogan’s quotes were a nice work of fiction saying that when he went in the ring, he was afraid Piper and Paul Orndorff would break Mr. T’s leg.
    • Steve Austin will be doing a live podcast after Raw on Monday night with Big Show.  
    • Tickets go on sale on 2/20 for a 4/11 Raw taping at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    • WWE will be producing a DVD called “Life on the Razor’s Edge:  The Scott Hall Story” that comes out in July.

    UFC/MMA

    • UFC Fight Pass announced a deal with Glory kickboxing where they will air monthly Glory events live starting with the 2/26 show in Chicago headlined by Joe Schilling vs. Mike Lemaire.  The Glory deal also gives Fight Pass access to more than 2,000 hours of kickboxing footage, including the complete K-1 library of more than 100 events.  They will also be airing Eddie Bravo Invitational Jiu Jitsu, with the first live BJJ show in April, and they expect five or six shows this year.
    • Added to the 3/20 UFC in Brisbane, Australia are Rin Nakai vs. Leslie Smith and Ben Nguyen vs. Justin Scogggins.
    • Rafael Natal vs Robert Whittaker has been added to the 4/23 UFC PPV in Las Vegas.
    • Bellator also announced the signing of Brazilian women Brauna Ellen (2-0) of Sao Paulo, Bruna Vargas (2-0 of Porto Alegre) and Kenya Miranda of Belo Horizonte.
    • Jason “Mayhem” Miller was reportedly arrested for a DUI this weekend.  Because of Miller’s past issues when being arrested, when police got the tip that Miller was driving erratically, they sent 15 police and a K-9 unit after him.  He was arrested on a suspicion of a DUI charge and taken to jail.  Miller didn’t get violent, past getting mouthy with officers according to a report on TMZ.
    • Kendall Grove vs. Francisco “Kiko” France has been added to the 2/26 Bellator show in Mulvane, KS, which is headlined by Marcos Galvao defending the bantamweight title against former champion Eduardo Dantas. 

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • New IWGP jr. tag champs Ricochet & Matt Sydal are available for bookings at www.sbibookings.com  Sydal is based in Tampa and Ricochet in Orlando.  Tessa Blanchard who is based in Charlotte is also available. 
    • Chuck Marlowe, the television voice of Indiana basketball in the 60s, 70s and 80s, as well as host of Big Time Championship Wrestling in the 60s passed away this week at the age of 86.  Marlowe is in the Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
    • Here’s a link to a short local TV news video on the Preston City Wrestling shows from last weekend, featuring brief comments from Billy Gunn, Ken Anderson and PCW owner, Steven Fludder
    • Zack Sabre Jr. discusses Triple H, Finn Balor, possible future in the WWE
    • The second Lucha Underground comic book
    • Maryland Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Joppa, MD featuring Matt & Jeff Hardy.  King McBride vs Matt Hardy, with Jeff in his corner, headlines the show.
    • Louis Mucciolo, better known as Louie Spicolli, would have turned 45 yesterday.
    • Combat Zone Wrestling has a live iPPV on Saturday night from Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.  The show is headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Devon Moore in a ladder match, Lio Rush vs. Joey Janela in a 2/3 fall match, BLK Jeez & Pepper Parks vs. Team Tremendous and Speedball Mike Bailey vs. Sami Callihan.  There is also a 4 p.m Womens Superstars Uncensored show with Jessicka Havok vs. LuFisto, Leva Bates vs. Hania and more.
    • IWA East Coast on 2/27 in Nitro WV headlined by Matt Tremont vs. Viper for the CZW title.
    • Robbie E has been announced for the ECWA Super 8 tournament on 4/23 in Woodbury Heights, NJ.
    • NWAClassics.com, the streaming home of the Houston Wrestling tape library, uploaded a mixed tag from 1980 with Vickie Williams & Billy the Kid vs. Irma Gonzalez (a legend in Mexico) & Little Lone Eagle.
    • House of Hardcore on 4/15 in Queens, NY at the Elmcor Center has Billy Gunn, Sami Callihan, Brian Cage, Rhino, Eddie Kingston, Brian Myers, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith  Jr., Thea Trinidad, Chris Hero, Colt Cabana, Pepper Parks, Cherry bomb and Tommy Dreamer.  4/16 in Philadelphia has Gunn, Cage, Rhino, Callihan,, Kingston, Archer, Smith Jr., Trinidad, Jade, Cabana, Parks, Hero and Dreamer.  5/7 in Niagara Falls, ONT at the Scotiabank Centre has Bobby Roode, Rhino, Dreamer, Cabana, Parks, and RJ City.
    • Tickets for the ROH/New Japan shows in May are on sale for 5/14 New York at Terminal 5 for ROH ringside members.  Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow at 10 a.m. Eastern.for 5/11 in Toronto.
    • A benefit show is being put on for Pato Soria, the father of Shocker on 2/27 in Mexico City, with family vs. family on top with Rush & Dragon Lee & Mistico (all brothers) vs. La Mascara & Robin & Maximo.
    • ACH, Matt Cross and Ray Rowe appear for Chilanga Mask on 3/20 in Coacalco, Mexico.
    • Gilbert Smith replaces Michael Page on the 3/4 Bellator show in Thackerville, OK headlined by Joe Warren vs. Darion Caldwell.
    • Premier Wrestling on 3/6 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall at 5 p.m. with JR Kratos (9-2-1) defending his title against Joe Graves (4-1-1), Raze (2-2) defending the women’s athlete title against Nicole Savoy (3-2), plus Jeff Cobb, and a match of MMA fighters with Shayna Baszler facing Colleen Schneider in Schneider’s pro wrestling debut.  You can get $5 off all tickets at www.premierwrestle.com
    • Atlantis & Delta vs. Euforia & Ultimo Guerrero headline 2/25 at the Coliseum in Laredo, TX.
    • Rush headlines on 3/19 in Phoenix at the ASU Academy Elementary Gym.
    • UIPW on 2/27 in Montebello, CA at the Grace Baptist Academy with Steve Pain & Machiko vs. Teddy Hart & Datura.

    ON THIS DAY IN WORLD PRO WRESTLING HISTORY: AJ Styles wins the IWGP Title; Dory Funk Jr wins NWA Title

  • WON Preview: Bryan Danielson retires

    Online Subscribers read it now: February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires

    F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!

    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.

    The lastest Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires
    An in depth look at the career of Daniel Bryan.

    F4WOnline.com SALE! One full month of unlimited access for only $3.99!

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

    You can also order print issues at www.paypal.com directing funds to dave@wrestlingobserver.com

    Rates are:

    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: February 15, 1988 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A Tale of Two Hebners
    All the details on Hulk Hogan losing the WWF title to Andre the Giant in a historic angle, plus tons of news and notes.

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

    We’ve also got the weekly coverage of all the ratings of the major shows, results from the major league events held around the world, and the major TV show rundowns.

    Also in this issue:

    –Komatsu & Tanaka debut in Mexico

    –A look at Friday’s show at Arena Mexico

    –A look at Lucha Libre Elite

    –An international promotion has apparently inked a U.S. television deal

    –A look at the backstage issues in AAA

    –Why many of the wrestlers are unhappy

    –How the economy in Mexico is making it very difficult for the promotions in ways you normally wouldn’t think

    –A look back at how this exact situation took AAA down from its early heyday

    –Why Mexican talent is appearing more and more in the U.S.

    –Strange story involving Sexy Star and the mixed tag team titles

    –AAA TV taping notes

    –Dragon Gate’s big match where the losing faction has to split up

    –Notes on the New Japan World service

    –Notes on this week’s two New Japan PPV shows

    –Hiroshi Tanahashi talks the loss of Shinsuke Nakamura

    –Tanahashi talks other aspects of New Japan

    –A.J. Styles talks his time in New Japan

    –Jim Ross starts announcing New Japan this past week

    –Notes on the death of Axl Rotten

    –A look at the new concept of FITE TV, a streaming service that will include a lot of pro wrestling and MMA content

    –A look at Jim Ross’ involvement in the business

    –A look at PWG’s show this week

    –Two of the best indie wrestlers to battle in Dallas over Mania weekend

    –More on the Hall of Fame honorees for this year

    –Sting back on the road

    –Lucha Underground season three schedule

    –Plans going forward for the company

    –Notes from Lucha Underground television

    –Complete lineup for the next ROH iPPV show

    –ROH inks international TV deal

    –Notes on the next major New Japan/ROH May tour

    –New ROH signings

    –A look at ROH TV over the next month plus

    –Notes on the TNA firing of Awesome Kong

    –Update on TNA offices move

    –Update on Davey Richards

    –Update on UFC 199

    –C.M. Punk injury notes

    –Notes on the next several UFC PPV shows

    –Jon Jones update

    –Major UFC star talking potential retirement after upcoming title fight

    –Ronda Rousey update

    –UFC’s next major show on FOX

    –Update on Conor McGregor

    –Update on B.J. Penn’s return

    –Yoel Romero drug test

    –Tim Means says the drug he failed his test was one he’s never heard of

    –Another UFC drug test failure

    –Lots of new UFC fights

    –Dana White talks why he made a mistake with Sage Northcutt

    –Who was the masked man who attacked Josh Barnett at the UFC workouts

    –New fighters debut

    –More on Bellator signing Chris Leben

    –Benson Henderson talks trying pro boxing

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

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

    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

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    For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52.  In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com  For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.

    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. 

  • WWE Cologne, Germany, results: Dean Ambrose vs. Rusev, Roman Reigns/Alberto del Rio street fight

    Submitted by Max Schwager from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany​ (2/11)

    – Dolph Ziggler defeated Kevin Owens via Superkick (10:00).

    – Cesaro was in the ring. He announced tonight’s main event: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Cologne Street Fight.

    – Jack Swagger defeated Bo Dallas via Patriot Lock (10:00). Neither guy got a reaction.

    – Goldust defeated Tyler Breeze via powerslam (2:00). Again, neither guy got a reaction. Breeze protests after the match, challenges anyone in the back to a match. R-Truth answers.

    – R-Truth defeated Tyler Breeze via Lie Detector in five seconds.

    – WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose def. Rusev (w/ Lana) via roll-up (15:00). The crowd chanted “We want Lana”. She answered with “That’s nice, but I don’t like you”.

    – WWE Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) def. Paige via Natural Selection (10:00) in a non-title match. Summer Rae was special ref and was very slanted toward Charlotte. At one point, he pulled the “I can’t count because my hand hurts.” After the match, Paige put Summer Rae in the PTO.

    – Big Show & The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) after Show hit the chokeslam on Big E. (10:00). Big Show was super over.

    – Roman Reigns def. Alberto del Rio in a Cologne street fight after hitting the spear.