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  • Daily Update: WWE split brand PPVs, ROH PPV, Aries, Joe and Nakamura debut

    With the WWE brand split imminent, there has been talk of doing individual Raw and Smackdown Pay Per Views/WWE Network Special Events similar to what they did during the last time they split brands. Until now, that was purely speculation. The PPV schedule that has been going around is legit. So there are apparently nine more PPV/WWE Network Special Events remaining in 2016. Battleground, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series will remain dual branded. These are the dates and names of the remaining events:

    • 7/24 Battleground from Washington, DC
    • 8/21 SummerSlam from Brooklyn
    • 9/11 Backlash form Richmond, VA (Smackdown brand show)
    • 9/25 Clash of Champions from Indianapolis (Raw)
    • 10/9 No Mercy from Sacramento (Smackdown)
    • 10/30 Hell in a Cell from Boston (Raw)
    • 11/20 Survivor Series from Toronto
    • 12/4 TLC from Dallas (Smackdown)
    • 12/18 Roadblock from Pittsburgh (Raw)

    We’re doing one poll this weekend for tonight’s ROH show, 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.

    BELLATOR DYNAMITE DOUBLEHEADER TONIGHT STARTING AT 8 P.M. FROM THE SCOTTRADE ARENA IN ST. LOUIS LIVE ON SPIKE TV

            This will be a combined MMA and kickboxing show. MMA will start at 8 p.m. and kickboxing matches will follow, although there will be kickboxing matches during the MMA portion of the show as well:

    Main show

    • Ilima MacFalane (3-0, 126) vs. Rebecca Ruth (6-1, 124.9)
    • Kickboxing:  Denise Kielholtz (44-2, 124.1) vs. Gloria Peritore (10-1-1, 122.6)
    • Kickboxing:  Kevin Ross (31-9, 145) vs. Justin Houghton (7-2, 145.6)
    • Carl Seumanutafa (10-6, 254.7) vs. Matt Mitrione (9-5, 255.9)
    • Michael Chandler (14-3, 154.7) vs. Patricky Pitbull Freire (16-7, 155) for vacant lightweight title
    • Rampage Jackson (36-11, 225) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-5-1, 222.8)

    Kickboxing that follows

    • Joe Schilling (27-8, 185) vs. Hisaki Kato (0-0, 184.9) but Kato beat Schilling in MMA
    • Raymond Daniels (11-3, 170.5) vs. Stefano  Bruno (23-2-1, 171)
    • Kerri Taylor-Melendez (3-1, 120) vs. Sarah Howell (0-0, 120)

    ROH BEST IN THE WORLD PPV AT 9 P.M. FROM CONCORD, NC AT THE CABARRUS ARENA

    • Kamaitachi vs. Kyle O’Reilly
    • ACH vs. Silas Young
    • Mark Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong
    • Moose & Ray Rowe & Hanson vs. Young Bucks & Adam Cole in a tornado match
    • Steve Corino vs. B.J. Whitmer street fight
    • Bobby Fish vs. Dalton Castle for TV title
    • Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe for ROH title

            Kevin Sullivan will be there in attendance.

    NEW JAPAN WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS AT 8 P.M. ON AXS TV

    • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Michael Elgin
    • Satoshi Kojima vs. Karl Anderson
    • Yuji Nagata vs. Hirooki Goto
    • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kazuchika Okada

            The Ishii-Elgin and Nakamura-Okada matches are tremendous. 

    AXS FIGHTS TONIGHT FROM DALLAS AT THE BOMB FACTOR PROMOTED BY LEGACY FIGHTING AT 10 P.M. EASTERN

    • Miles Johns (3-0, 145.6) vs. Eliazar Rodriguez (7-5, 146.0)
    • Bilal Williams (5-2, 170.1) vs. Sean Holden (4-1, 169.2)
    • J.C Cottrell (16-3, 146.6) vs. Cody Walker (7-3, 146.2)
    • Levi Mowles (3-1, 135.5) vs. Edwin Figueroa (6-4, 137.5)
    • Ryan Holis (11-9, 133.6) vs. Jason Sampson (13-1, 135.1)
    • Steven Peterson (13-4, 134.8) vs. Manny Vazquez (8-1, 134.1) for the bantamweight title

    We’re looking for reports on WWE’s house show on Saturday night in Boston (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Rusev, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Alberto Del Rio, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Saturday’s ROH TV tapings in Concord, NC (Kyle O’Reilly challenges for the ROH title, Silas Young & Beer City Bruiser challenge for the tag titles, Briscoes vs. Young Bucks in a battle of the IWGP tag team champions vs. IWGP jr. tag team champions, Jay White vs. Kamaitachi and Roderick Strong vs. Dalton Castle) to NewsTIps@WrestlingObserver.com.

    Sunday has two WWE shows, with one crew in Orlando (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, Shinsuke Nakamura, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Austin Aries) and the other in Jacksonville (Big Show, Kane, Rusev, Charlotte, Natalya, Enzo, Cass, Kalisto, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, New Day). Ultima Lucha 3 is a being taped in Los Angeles on Sunday with Johnny Mundo vs. Prince Puma title vs. career as the main event, Fenix vs. Marty the Moth mask vs. hair and a ladder match for the Gift of the Gods title with Son of Havoc vs. Pentagon Jr.

    NEW JAPAN FROM KORAKUEN HALL LIVE ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME MONDAY MORNING

    • Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay
    • Manabu Nakanishi & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Kazushi Sakuraba & Rocky Romero & Baretta
    • Satoshi Kojima & Matt Sydal & Yoshitatsu vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page & Chase Owens
    • Katsuyori Shibata & Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson
    • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Seiya Sanada & Evil
    • Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi

            This is a big show because the G-1 Climax members and main event matches will be announced during intermission.

    Raw is Monday night in Tampa and is the only show of the week with John Cena scheduled.

    Smackdown will be taped on Tuesday night in Tampa, with a skeleton crew because a number of wrestlers are laving after Raw for Honolulu.

    There will be a tour of Japan and Hawaii that starts Wednesday night in Honolulu (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Usos, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho).

    THE ROUNDUP

    ​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

    ​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

    READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/20/2016: Never trust Nigerian investors– Growing up as a way-too-hardcore-for-my-age wrestling fan, I looked forward to watching whatever flavor of wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium was on ESPN and in syndication at the time. The ESPN show was perfect for kids who loved pro wrestling: It aired at 4 p.m. eastern time, so it was perfect for after-school viewing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

    A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

    Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

    This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

    Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

    Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    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 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. 

    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 10, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fans celebrate life of Giant Baba at Tokyo Dome, PRIDE 5 recap, more. The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.

    FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

    These are the first round results from last night’s Elite tournament at Arena Mexico. The winners advance to a second show on Saturday:

    • Bram b Zumbi (who decided against doing the WWE tournament to do this tournament)
    • Lio Rush b David Tita
    • DJZ b Hio Hop Man
    • Tama Tonga b Chicano
    • Sabu b Veneno
    • Michael Elgin b Jinder Mahal
    • Kushida b Heddi Karaoui
    • Volador Jr. b PJ Black

    The next round will take place on Saturday night with Bram vs. Sabu, Elgin vs. Rush, DJZ vs. Kushida and Tonga vs. Volador Jr. 

    Shinsuke Nakamura & Finn Balor team up against Samoa Joe & Austin Aries on Sunday’s WWE house show in Orlando. This will be Nakamura, Joe & Aries’ main roster debuts. Balor has done main roster shows in the past. Nakamura will also be working main roster shows in Honolulu and Tokyo this next week. Asuka’s main roster debut will be on Wednesday night in Honolulu.

    This is the updated list of fighters and UFC celebrities coming to the UFC Fan Expo 7/8 to 7/10 in Las Vegas at the Convention Center: Jhenny Andrade, Luciana Andrade, Carly Baker, Dennis Bermudez, Michael Bisping, Chrissy Blair, Kahli Bundell, C.M. Punk, Bryan Caraway, Johnny Case, Arianny Celeste, Henry Cejudo, Donald Cerrone, Mark Coleman, Carlos Condit, Dominck Cruz, Red Dela Cruz, John Dodson, Rashad Evans, Urijah Faber, Cody Garbrandt, Jamillette Gaxiola, Forrest Griffin, Uriah Hall, Vanessa Hanson, Dan Hardy, Max Holloway, Kyoji Horiguchi, Matt Hughes, Cris Cyborg Justino, Dong Hyun Kim, Ricardo Lamas, Chuck Liddell, Neil Magny, Guy Mezger, Stipe Miocic, Rose Namajunas, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Camilia Oliveria, Alistair Overeem, Brittney Palmer, Raquel Pennington, Kedra Perez, Anthony Pettis, Sergio Pettis, Dustin Poirier, Ovince Saint Preux, Luke Rockhold, Yair Rodriguez, Ben Rothwell, Junior Dos Santos, Dan Severn, Ronaldo Jacare Souza, Jeremy Stephens, Aljamain Sterling, Stephen Thompson, Tecia Torres, Chris Weidman, Don Frye, Brian Ortega, Pete Williams and Paige VanZant.

    The most-read stories on the Los Angeles Times sports site were LeBron James wearing an Ultimate Warrior T-shirt, Roman Reigns being suspended and C.M. Punk’s fight with Mickey Gall being announced.

    Spike TV’s one-hour documentary on the life of Kimbo Slice airs at 7 p.m. tonight.

    WWE

    • WWE is taping NXT tonight at Full Sail University which includes Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Finn Balor. Lots of last minute changes based on who is and isn’t getting called up. If key people lose unexpectedly, that may be a hint. 
    • The introduction ceremony from last night’s WWE Cruiserweight Classic tournament with Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo can be seen here. 
    • Dwayne Johnson will be producing a Sony Pictures film Son of Shalin through his Seven Bucks Entertainment company. He will also be launching his own YouTube channel on 7/18. 

    UFC

    • Glover Teixeira has pulled out of the 7/23 FOX show in Chicago. He was to face Anthony Rumble Johnson, but Johnson had already pulled out of that fight. This moves Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez to the semifinal.
    • Mark Hunt will be the guest on Inside MMA tonight at 12:30 a.m.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • World Series of Fighting announced a new partnership with www.TicketGalaxy.com for buying and selling tickets to its events starting with its next show on 7/30 in Everett, WA, headlined by Marlon Moraes vs. Josh Hill for the bantamweight title.
    • Resurrection Fighting Alliance on 7/29 in San Antonio at Cowboys Dance Hall will be headlined by middleweights Joe Gigliotti vs. Trevin Giles, both undefeated and having never gone the distance. The show will air live on AXS.
    • There is a Shimmer taping this weekend and Pat Laprade talks to Nicole Savoy about it here.
    • Battlewar 36 is on 7/31 in Montreal at Les Foufounes Electrqiues.
    • Ricochet will be debuting for House of Hardcore on 9/16 in New York and 9/17 in Philadelphia at the Arena.
    • CMLL from Tuesday night in Guadalajara: Oro Jr. & Pegasso & Stigma b Escandalo & Metalico & Sangre Azteca Jr., Furia Roja & Hechicero & Sagrado b Angel de Oro & Esfinge & Triton, Diamante Azul & Rush & Titan b La Mascara & Rey Bucanero & Vangellys-DQ, Atlantis & Maximo Sexy & Mistico b Ephesto & Luciferno & Mr. Niebla (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • There is a legends show on 7/10 in Ciudad Juarez at Gimnasio Josue Neri Santos with Dandy & Negro Casas & Octagon vs. Fuerza Guerrera & Pirata Morgan & El Satanico, plus Apolo Dantes, Mascara Ano 2000, Universo 2000, Blue Panther, Fantasma, Mano Negra, Jaque Mate and Rambo appear.
    • Promociones Cholo on 7/15 in Tijuana at the Auditorio has Caristico & Mascara Aerea & Mascara Dorada vs. Mr. Elektro (Electroshock) & Rey Escorpion & Rush. The next Tijuana show is Promociones del Valle on 7/1 with Psycho Circus vs. Averno & Chessman & Villano IV and Damian 666 & Nicho vs. Joe Lider & Pentagon Jr. 
    • A preview of the TV show Gladiators Unleashed. Luke Caudillo, former UFC & Strikeforce Lightweight and now coach at Grudge Training Center in Denver, is the host of a new show where he takes fighters into the outdoors. The show is scheduled to air on Sportsman Channel the first quarter of 2017 but show in New Zealand with Chad Mendes & TJ Dillashaw to shoot for the 1st couple episodes. 

    TODAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY:Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/24): Parade of Champions; Edge wins KOR; Harlem Heat win WCW Tag Team Titles

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (06/24): Harlem Heat win WCW gold; Parade of Champions

    1925 

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – Bobby Roscoe defeated Matty Matsuda for the World Welterweight Title

    1936

    Columbus, Ohio:
    – George McCloud defeated Frank Sexton to win the Ohio Heavyweight Title

    1950 

    Akron, Ohio:
    – Buddy Rogers defeated Bozo Brown for the World Heavyweight Title

    1958

    Dallas, Texas:
    – Duke Keomuka and John Tolos defeated Larry Chene and Pepper Gomez to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles

    1964

    Bradford, England:
    – Alan Colbeck defeated Jack Dempsey for the European Welterweight Title

    Houston, Texas:
    – Tokyo Tom defeats Joe Blanchard to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title 

    1965

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Bob Geigel and Dutch Savage beat Dick the Bruiser and Mongolian Stomper 2 falls to 1
    – Pat O’Connor beat Missouri Mauler by dq 
    – Ronnie Etchison beat Ken Hollis

    1966 

    Los Angeles, California:
    – Luis Hernandez and Pedro Morales defeated Buddy Austin and El Mongol for the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Titles

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Wilbur Snyder went to a 60:00 time limit draw with AWA Champion Mad Dog Vachon
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher no contest The Assassins
    – Chris Markoff beat Doug Gilbert 
    – Ernie Ladd beat the Alaskan

    1967

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – In a Cage match; Johnny Powers beat The Crusher
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race beat Rene Goulet & Lou Thesz dq 
    – Johnny Valentine beat Billy Wicks

    1968 

    Davenport, Iowa:
    – Dr X no contest AWA Champion Verne Gagne 
    – Dutch Savage & Bill Watts beat Larry Hennig & Harley Race

    1970 

    Honolulu, Hawaii:
    – Ripper Collins defeated Sam Steamboat to win the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title 

    1971 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – North American Tag Team Champions Buddy Austin & Bob Orton defeated Rufus R. Jones & The Viking
    – The Stomper defeated Baron Von Raschke via DQ 
    – Central States Heavyweight Champion Harley Race defeated Dick the Bruiser in three falls

    1972 

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Blackjack Lanza & Blackjack Mulligan no contest Dick the Bruiser & the Crusher
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Sailor Art Thomas
    – Ivan Koloff beat Don Muraco 
    – Bobby Heenan beat Billy Red Cloud

    NWA Big Time Wrestling Parade of Champions: Irving, Texas:
    – Billy Red Lyons defeated NWA American Heavyweight Champion The Spoiler to win the title 
    – Stan Stasiak defeated NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion Red Bastien to win the title
    – Dory Funk, Jr. wrestled Fritz Von Erich to a time-limit draw to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
    – El Santo and Jose Lothario defeated Terry Funk and Mr. Fuji 
    – George Scott and Tommy Siegler wrestled to a time-limit draw

    Akron, Ohio:
    – Abdullah the Butcher defeated Ernie Ladd for the National Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title

    Jacksonville, Florida:
    – Boris Malenko and Johnny Walker defeated The Professional (Doug Gilbert) and Mike Webster to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles

    1974 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jackie Fargo defeated Jerry Lawler for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title 

    1975 

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Billy Robinson & Ivan Putski
    – Dusty Rhodes dcor Baron Von Raschke
    – Chris Taylor beat Sgt Jacques Goulet (sub Horst Hoffman) 
    – Jim Brunzell drew Buddy Wolff

    1976 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – El Halcón defeated El Gran Markus for the Mexican National Heavyweight Title 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Omar Atlas defeated Dr. X
    – Jerry Kozak fought The Super Intern to a draw
    – Harley Race fought Abdullah the Butcher to a no contest 
    – in a Fence Match; Mike George defeated Central States Heavyweight Champion Bob Brown via DQ in three falls

    1977 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – Verne Gagne & Ray Stevens beat AWA Tag Team Champions Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum to win the title (The decision was later reversed when it was pointed out that Gagne applied his sleeper on Lanza who was not the legal man in the ring)
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel went to a 60 minute draw with Billy Robinson
    – Super Destroyer beat Pedro Morales
    – Larry Hennig ddq Angelo Mosca
    – Greg Gagne beat Bulldog Bob Brown
    – Jim Brunzell drew Bob Backlund 
    – Steve Olsonoski beat Roger Kirby dq

    1978 

    San Francisco, California:
    – Roddy Piper defeated Moondog Mayne to win the San Francisco NWA United States Heavyweight Title

    1979

    Tijuana, Mexico:
    – El Signo defeated Bobby Lee for the UWA World Welterweight Title 

    1983

    Houston, Texas:
    – King Kong Bundy & Kamala beat Junkyard Dog & Hacksaw Duggan dq
    – In a Non Title Texas Bullrope match; Dusty Rhodes beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Chavo Guerrero beat Mr Olympia
    – Ted Dibiase beat Tito Santana
    – Mil Mascaras beat Super Destroyer
    – Butch Reed beat Tim Horner
    – Mr Wrestling II beat Art Crews
    – Magnum TA beat Rip Rogers 
    – Johnny Rich drew Boris Zurkov

    1984

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Wahoo McDaniel defeated Ricky Steamboat to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Title

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Canek won the UWA World Heavyweight Title from Dos Caras  

    1985 

    Montreal, Quebec, Canada:
    – Dino Bravo & King Tonga beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors in a non title match
    – Raymond Rougeau & Jacques Rougeau Jr no contest Jimmy & Ronnie Garvin 
    – Tony Parisi beat Abdullah the Butcher via forfeit (Abby no showed)
    – Gino Brito Jr drew Leo Burke

    Fort Worth, Texas:
    – Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) to win the NWA American
    Tag Team Titles 

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Bota the Witch Doctor defeated Jerry Lawler for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title

    1987 

    Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico:
    – Cien Caras defeats MS-1 for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title

    1988 

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
    – Johnny Smith defeated Chris Benoit to win the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title

    Osaka, Japan:
    – Shiro Koshinaka defeated Owen Hart to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title 
    – Tatsumi Fujinami won the IWGP Heavyweight Title by defeating Riki Choshu

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Fabuloso Blondie defeated Lizmark for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title 

    New Haven, Connecticut:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Badd Company Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond dcor Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson
    – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Curt Hennig
    – Wahoo McDaniel dcor Manny Fernandez 
    – Madusa Macelli beat Heidi Lee Morgan

    1989

    Caguas, Puerto Rico:
    – Chicky Starr defeated Super Medico I to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title

    1990 

    Mexico City, Mexico:
    – Los Villanos (I, IV and V) defeated Khaos, Rambo and Zandokhan to win the UWA World Trios Title 

    1992

    Dorado, Puerto Rico:
    – The Southern Rockers (Rex King and Steve Doll) defeated Doug Masters and Ron Starr for the WWC World Tag Team Titles

    1993 

    Hazard, Kentucky:
    – Brian Lee defeated SMW Heavyweight Champion Tracy Smothers to win the King of Kentucky Tournament 

    1995

    Williamstown, New Jersey:
    – Tommy Cairo defeated Devon Storm in a tournament final for the vacant NWA North American Heavyweight Title 

    1996 

    Charlotte, North Carolina:
    – Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray) defeated WCW World Tag Team Champions Lex Luger & Sting and The Steiner Brothers in a three-way
    match to win the titles

    2001 

    East Rutherford, New Jersey:
    – Edge pinned Kurt Angle to win the King of the Ring tournament
    – Jeff Hardy defeated X-Pac to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship
    – The Undertaker vs Diamond Dallas Page Ended in a no contest
    – Kurt Angle defeated Shane McMahon in a Street Fight
    – Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho to retain the WWF Championship

    2007

    WWF Vengeance | Houston, Texas:
    – Johnny Nitro pinned CM Punk to win the vacant ECW World Title 
    – Candice Michelle defeated WWE Women’s Champion Melina to win the title 
    – WWE United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter pinned Ric Flair to retain the title
    – WWE Tag Team Champions Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) defeated Sgt. Slaughter and Jimmy Snuka to retain the title
    – World Heavyweight Champion Edge defeated Batista by countout to retain the title
    – WWE Champion John Cena defeated King Booker (with Queen Sharmell), Mick Foley, Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton to retain the title

    2012

    ROH Best in the World: New York City:
    – The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe) defeated The Guardians of Truth (with Truth Martini)    
    – Homicide defeated Eddie Edwards    
    – Adam Cole defeated Kyle O’Reilly    
    – Michael Elgin (with Truth Martini) defeated Fit Finlay    
    – Mike Mondo defeated Mike Bennett (with Bob Evans and Maria Kanellis)    
    – Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) defeated Jay Lethal and Tommaso Ciampa in a Three-Way Elimination match to retain the ROH World Television Championship    
    – Kevin Steen (with Jimmy Jacobs) defeated Davey Richards in an Anything Goes match to retain the ROH World Championship
    – All Night Express defeated World’s Greatest Tag Team to win the ROH World Tag Team Titles

  • Silas Young on #BITW, WWE developmental deal, Beer City Bruiser friendship

    Before Ring of Honor’s annual Best in the World PPV takes place tonight in Concord, North Carolina, I talked with ROH’s “Last Real Man” Silas Young about his career, what makes him a man’s man in the wrestling world, and why he doesn’t think ACH measures up to that standard.

    Here are a few transcripted highlights:

    On how he almost wound up in WWE in the late 2000’s:

    I started in 2002 up in the Wisconsin area, and then in 2007, I got offered a developmental deal. I did like a week long training thing at OVW and did a handful of house shows with them. About a month later, I got offered a job in WWE. In the hiring process I was just finishing up getting all of my paperwork and stuff done. I had done all of the drug and cardiovascular testing that they do and all of that stuff had come back fine.

    I was just waiting for my passport to come in so I could send that because you have to have a passport when you work for WWE. I was waiting for that to come in and I saw online that OVW’s developmental deal had ended with WWE. I thought ‘Oh boy, that’s not good news. That’s where I’m supposed to be going.’ The next day I got a call that said, ‘We’re not going to be forward with your contract.’ So I kind of got a job there but never really worked there.

    On how that didn’t crush his pro wrestling aspirations:

    Maybe not so much then, but nowadays, wrestling is so hot right now. There’s so many good places to work. It used to be the big two you know, WWE and WCW (and) maybe ECW. Now you got WWE, TNA, Ring of Honor, you have Lucha Underground, that’s just in the states. You also have places over in Europe – WXW is on par to have 80 shows this year. Rev Pro UK, Preston City Wrestling, tons of really good talent and a lot of work over in Europe, then along with New Japan Pro Wrestling there’s a lot of places to work so it’s awesome right now.

    On his time away from Ring of Honor from 2009-2012:

    (I was) just doing smaller indie stuff, just trying to wrestle, make a name for myself – that’s about it. You know in wrestling, there’s so many guys trying to get a spot and there’s (only) so many spots. I was just wrestling mainly around the Midwest area and I had occasionally done a few things here and there for EVOLVE at the time but it was mostly just Midwest stuff.

    On his friendship with the Beer City Bruiser:

    Ring of Honor is built a lot on athletic prowess, the athletic ability of the guys in the ring. You look at Bruiser, and Bruiser is about 6’2″ and probably about 300 pounds. He’s not 300 pounds of muscle, but for being a guy his size, he can really move. People are always really impressed, but he’s not a guy that’s out there trying to impress people. He’s a guy that’s gonna grind someone into the mat and pound them. Plain and simple he’s just going to beat you like a man. You look at the Ring of Honor locker room and he’s the only guy that makes sense to be my tag partner.

    On how well received his feud with Dalton Castle was:

    I thought that whole thing me and Dalton did together was done really well. I thought everybody came out of it looking really good and the fans enjoyed it. I think Dave Meltzer or Bryan Alvarez was talking about how it was the most entertaining storyline that was going on in wrestling at the time. With all the wrestling in the world to have guys like that say that about what you’re doing is pretty cool.

    On why he trying to bring back “real manhood” in wrestling:

    I talk a lot about how men aren’t real men nowadays. Right now, the whole superhero movie (thing), I don’t know whether it’s DC or Marvel or maybe both of them are putting out movies, it’s a real hot subject right now. People love it. You can’t go anywhere without seeing some dude wearing a Spider-Man or a Batman t-shirt. That’s been my gripe – men don’t wear superhero t-shirts. Men don’t sit and argue about what superhero would beat what superhero in a fight.

    On how he plans to teach that lesson to ACH at ROH Best in the World:

    Basically, what’s going to happen with ACH is he’s just going to learn it’s not all fun and games. Life isn’t all about video games and action hero movies, and we’re going to see how far his video games get him when he steps in the ring with me at Best in the World.

    On what’s next if he defeats ACH on Friday in Concord:

    “For the rest of the year, I’m looking to just get out and wrestle as many places as possible. In the last few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to go over and wrestle in Germany, England and Canada, so just keep traveling, keep having good matches, get to wrestle as many new places as possible. I’m getting to go to Newfoundland in a month and a half, I’ve never been there before, so that should be cool. That’s about it. Get out, work, grind, meet different people work different guys, that’s the goal for me.”

    See what happens with Silas Friday night at ROH’s Best In The World ppv. Our live coverage begins at 8 PM EST.

  • ROH TV results: ROH All-Stars vs. Bullet Club in #BITW go-home show

    On the go-home show leading to Best in the World on pay-per-view, Ring of Honor television from Toronto features ROH all-stars vs. Bullet Club in an eight-man tag team match. Elsewhere, Tomohiro Ishii circles his prey and Steve Corino threatens BJ Whitmer. Also on the show, Dalton Castle shines ahead of him challenging Bobby Fish for the TV title at the PPV.

    Dalton Castle (with the Boys) beat Gedo

    They did some comedy early on in the match. At one point at ringside the Boys began fanning Gedo, angering Dalton. He charged out after him. It was all a ploy as in getting the babyface to chase the heel around the ring. As Gedo slid into the ring, he cut off Dalton in one of the oldest tricks in the book.

    Castle fired up moments later though Gedo countered the bang-a-rang. Gaining revenge for being dupped earlier in the match, the Boys smacked Gedo with punches and he fed into Dalton for the finish. After a bang-a-rang, Dalton covered him for the pinfall.

    In a backstage promo, Adam Cole promised he would not get involved in the main event at Best in the World. He also promised to be the next ROH world champion.

    Tomohiro Ishii beat Will Ferrara

    Far from a squash match, the story was still the bout was a mismatch. Ferrara got a lot of offense and even got a nearfall on a small package. Even though Ferrara would knock him down, the “Stone Pitbull” would rise again to pummel his smaller prey. Ishii would hoist him up to deliver a vertical drop brainbuster for the pin.

    Afterwards, Ishii was at ringside ranting at announcer Kevin Kelly in Japanese. As Ishii stormed off, Kevin said, “There you have it.”

    In an in-ring promo, Steve Corino cut a go-home promo vowing to rid ROH of BJ Whitmer at Best in the World. Corino talked about all the evil things he’d done throughout his career. “I am what I am,” he kept saying. He tried to change his ways, fell in love and got married. That was all a fairytale he said. He is what he is. Corino said he was an evil man. He called Whitmer “trash” and mentioned all the evil things Whitmer did. He then said after the Fight Without Honor at BITW, Whitmer would no longer be in ROH as Corino will “take out the trash.”

    Jay Lethal & Roderick Strong & the Briscoes beat Bullet Club (Matt Jackson & Kenny Omega & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa)

    Kenny Omega subbed for Nick Jackson in the match. Despite being pre-taped, no mention of the substitute until just before the match began. A subplot of the match was Jay Briscoe teaming with Jay Lethal as they will meet in the world title main event at Best in the World. However, they hardly teased dissension in this match. Also notable was Roderick Strong in the match in what could be one of his last appearances on ROH TV before departing the company.

    Lots of tags and lots of action in the eight-man tag match itself. Almost too much to call. In the most dramatic showdown of the match, Lethal squared off with Omega for a heated exchange. Everybody exchanged moves in rapid fire succession in the closing moments. Eventually, Jay Briscoe executed the Jay driller on Tanga Loa to score the deciding pinfall.

    Closing out the show was a series of promos hyping Best in the World which airs tonight on PPV. Our Dave Meltzer will have coverage starting at 8 PM EST.

    Next week on ROH TV is an entire episode devoted to the Women of Honor.

  • NXT Largo FL, live results: Shinsuke Nakamura & American Alpha team up!

    Image c/o @WWENXT – Results c/o @snkxwwe. Estimated attendance of 300.

    – Mojo Rawley pinned Josh Woods

    – Steve Cutler submitted Kishan Raftaar

    – TM61 pinned Angelo Dawkins and Patrick Clark

    – Hugo Knox pinned Tino Sabbatelli

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka, Carmella, and Bayley beat Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, and Mandy Rose when the champ submitted Mandy

    – Andrade cien Almas pinned Oney Lorcan

    – In ring promo by Noah

    – Ember Moon (the former Athena) pinned Daria

    – Shinsuke Nakamura, and American Alpha beat Tye Dillinger and The Authors Of Pain when Gable submitted one of the Authors with the ankle lock.

  • WWE Cruiserweight Classic round one spoilers: Sabre Jr, Swann, Gargano, Ibushi, more!

    I’m live at Full Sail University in Florida for the opening round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. All matches are single elimination.

    – Gran Metalik (the former Mascara Dorada) beat Alejandro Saez via Falcon Arrow. Metalik looked like a star in this one.

    – Ho Ho Lun beat Daivari via bridging suplex

    – Cedric Alexander beat Clement Petiot via sideways lungblower

    – The Brian Kendrick beat Raul Mendoza via crossface submission. Great showing by Mendoza who hit a coast to coast dropkick to the tree of woe for a great nearfall

    – Tajiri beat Damian Slater via buzzsaw kick

    – TJP beat Da Mack via wheelbarrow roll through grapevine ankle lock. Good match by both guys.

    – Lince Dorado beat Mustafa Ali via shooting star press. Great match that got the “This is awesome” chants.

    – Akira Tozawa beat Kenneth Johnson via delayed bridging german suplex

    – Zack Sabre Jr beat Tyson Dux via submission with a series of arm bending submissions

    – Drew Gulak beat Harv Sihra via dragon sleeper

    – Tony Nese beat Anthony Bennett via 450 splash

    – Kota Ibushi beat Sean Manuda via sit out powerbomb. Amazing performance by Ibushi

    – Rich Swann beat Jason Lee with a hopping 450. The most over guy of the night has been Swann, and the crowd even sang his brand new theme song lyrics “Can You Handle This” during the match. Star making crowd reaction.

    – Noam Dar beat Gurv Sihra via leglock submission

    – Jack Gallagher beat Fabian Aichner via running corner dropkick. Both men looked great here.

    – Johnny Gargano beat Tommaso Ciampa via roll through crucifix pin after an incredible match. Violent chops and huge moves by Ciampa including a lungblower powerbomb and white noise on the apron. Match of the night.

  • WON Preview: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

    A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

    Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

    This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

    Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

    Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

    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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    Click here for the most requested Wrestling Observer back issues.

    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: April 12, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WrestleMania 15 business, All Japan’s Tokyo Dome show – Early Wrestlemania 15 numbers, All Japan Tokyo Dome show notes, more. Plus all the usual news and notes you can only get right here.

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

    Also in this issue:

    • Mascara Dorada and the WWE cruiserweight tournament
    • The Elite world tournament and who is entered
    • Where the talent is coming from
    • Big hair match signed for the next CMLL iPPV show
    • Notes on New Japan stars coming this week to Mexico and how long they are staying
    • Notes on this past weeks’ major Arena Mexico show
    • Brother of WWE star debuts in CMLL
    • Major champion from Mexico talks the WWE cruiserweight classic
    • Notes from AAA TV tapings and upcoming shows including what Americans are headed in
    • Notes on the Wrestle 1 Grand Prix tournament
    • Matches announced for Dragon Gate’s biggest show of the year
    • All Japan big show and major match coming in July
    • New outsider team wins All Japan tag titles
    • ROH star to debut in Japan during upcoming junior heavyweight tag team tournament that starts in a  few weeks
    • A few notes on the Super J Cup tournament
    • Death of Gypsy Joe
    • Two wrestling legends inducted into a non-sports Hall of Fame
    • Wrestling legend immortalized with their face on major subway ticket in a ceremony with the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world present
    • Lineup for the next PWG show
    • Newspaper clipping of an old match and purportedly one of the largest crowds in wrestling history revealed
    • Former WWE & WCW star Marc Mero has heart surgery
    • David Angle pleads guilty in death of his wife
    • A landmark wrestling arena dating back to 1949 being torn down
    • Unique title match from various promotions all together
    • Notes on the biggest show by a U.K. promotion in decades
    • AAW update
    • Adam Rose update
    • Will Ospreay update
    • One of the biggest free agents and why the result of a match this week will likely tell his future
    • Future of ROH stars Moose and Roderick Strong
    • Notes on the Best in the World PPV this week
    • What international star was about to debut in ROH and why it’s been delayed
    • What major international star debuts on ROH’s August PPV show
    • Notes regarding the next ROH TV tapings
    • What 80s legend is headed to ROH as a character this week
    • Notes on future TNA TV tapings
    • New TNA signees
    • Notes on upcoming TNA TV shows
    • Dana White goes on the attack against Ariel Helwani
    • FOX adds a new UFC show to the schedule this year
    • UFC card changes and new matches
    • Description of the Jedrzejczyk vs. Gadelha brawl
    • Michael Bisping pushing for Dan Henderson as first title opponents
    • Gambler betting $1 million on a UFC fight
    • One of the greatest college wrestlers of recent years signs with Bellator
    • A look at last week’s Bellator show as well as this coming week’s show

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

    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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    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.

  • UFC’s Paige VanZant passing on WWE SummerSlam?

    During an appearance with Hannah Storm on ESPN SportsCenter Thursday, UFC strawweight and Dancing With The Stars runner-up Paige VanZant alluded to the fact she’s not going to be appearing at WWE SummerSlam this year.

    She said that she loves WWE and would love to work with them, but that she’s focused on her training for a fight that she announced during the interview. The 22-year-old also said that she declined to be in the Kickboxer reboot because filming would have got in the way of training.

    VanZant said she’ll be fighting on August 27th against Bec Rawlings in Vancouver, Canada. There was a lot of speculation that Hollywood would come calling for PVZ and that perhaps her fighting career would be behind her, especially considering the beating she had laid on her last year by Rose Namajunas.

    Given that SummerSlam is on August 21st, it’s highly doubtful she’ll do an appearance just six days before her return to action.

    When asked about what she missed about fighting, she said “the violence” and how it was tough to sit cageside watching other people fight over the past few months. She also talked about the much-publicized incident about Ronda Rousey and that there’s really no relationship there. She wants to move forward from it, and speculated she may have just caught her on a bad day.

  • Daily Update: WWE Cruiserweight Classic, Rock talks UFC, Kimbo special

    Two major tournaments in wrestling take place starting tonight as the first round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic will be taped at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL, and Elite Lucha Libre’s World Grand Prix (details in the current Observer) with stars from all over including several from New Japan starts tonight at Arena Mexico. 

    Mustafa Ali is replacing Zumbi in the WWE tournament, so the final 32 competitors are Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr., Gran Metalik (Mascara Dorada), Brian Kendrick, Drew Gulak, Tyson Dux, Tajiri, Noam Dar, Da Mack, Clement Petiot, Fabian Aichner, Harv Sirha, Gurv Sihra, Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali, Akira Tozawa, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Jack Gallagher, Tony Nese, TJ Perkins, Ho Ho Lun, Anthony Bennett, Lince Dorado, Sean Maluta, Raul Mendoza, Kenneth Johnson, Alejandro Aaez, Damien Salter, Jason Lee and Arya Daiavari.

    SMACKDOWN TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ON USA NETWORK

    • Cesaro vs. Alberto Del Rio
    • Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus
    • Jimmy Uso vs. A.J. Styles
    • Big E & Kofi Kingston vs. Vaudevillains
    • Becky Lynch vs.. Dana Brooke
    • Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins

    THE ROUNDUP

    ​The 10th annual Wrestling Observer/F4W convention in Las Vegas takes place during UFC’s International Fight Week from July 7 – 11.Ed in San Antonio has information up on Facebook, or you can email him at F4Wfan@hotmail.com. It’s always a fun time, so hurry up and make your plans to join Dave Meltzer, Bryan Alvarez, Vinny, Granny, Ed, Peach, Dez, Dr. Lucha, Rodney, Sr. Jaialai, “Filthy” Tom, and the rest of the group in beautiful Las Vegas this July. Plus… some extra secret surprises.

    ​If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our 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

    READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 6/20/2016: Never trust Nigerian investors– Growing up as a way-too-hardcore-for-my-age wrestling fan, I looked forward to watching whatever flavor of wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium was on ESPN and in syndication at the time. The ESPN show was perfect for kids who loved pro wrestling: It aired at 4 p.m. eastern time, so it was perfect for after-school viewing… Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    READ IT HERE: June 27, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns suspended, Money in the Bank review, more – Details on the suspension of Roman Reigns after a wellness policy violation, Money in the Bank reviewed, more…

    A look at the prospective UFC sale is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The issue looks at the main bidders, what kind of money is being bid, how much the Fertittas have made from the endeavor, the situation with Dana White, what is and isn’t expected to change, why the sale is coming now and who exactly owns what percentage of the company, plus a look at just how deep the UFC 200 show is.

    Pluse there is a major story on the gamble of Brock Lesnar in UFC 200, the most in-depth look at the Ariel Helwani situation that you’ll find anywhere, full coverage of NXT Takeover, UFC 199, WWE Money in the Bank, and the details of TNA’s struggle to stay alive, its PPV and its future. There is also a breakdown on the WWE cruiserweight classic, and monthly WWE and TNA business figures.

    This issue looks at Michael Bisping’s unlikely title win, all the ramifications of the Lesnar deal, what it shows about WWE, a look back at the last time WWE risked one of their stars against an outsider without scripting, how Ariel Helwani got to be a star reporter and how that played into what happened last week, and what aspects of the story that are really more important that haven’t been covered or have been overlooked.

    Inisde this week, there is also a look at the death of a key WWE musician, more on what Ali learned from pro wrestling, Bryan Danielson attends WWE event, Bobby Roode’s debut, notes on SummerSlam, new WWE executive hire, new WWE announcer, WWE looking for new members of creative, who is expected to return shortly, another animated WWE movie, update on Paul Heyman plus a full rundown on all the WWE & NXT live events this past week and business notes on the shows.

    Subscribers click here to continue reading.

    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. 

    Check out the latest online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: May 10, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Fans celebrate life of Giant Baba at Tokyo Dome, PRIDE 5 recap, more. The final chapter in the career and life of Shohei Baba took place on the biggest show he ever main evented and the biggest show he ever promoted–some three months after his death.

    THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Tomorrow is going to be a big night with the usual Friday stuff plus an ROH PPV and Bellator: Dynamite 2. We’ll have a special show late tomorrow night recapping everything. There are also NXT tapings with some big matches as well as Arena Mexico in the final Friday show before their 7/1 iPPV Grand Prix tournament.

    Dwayne Johnson was on the UFC Unfiltered podcast and said that in 2004, he was considering going to UFC to fight. “There was a time there where I thought, I achieved everything I wanted to achieve in WWE, my movie career is floundering a little bit, what should I do? I was still relatively young, I think I was 34. I thought, oh well, maybe UFC. Maybe I should do something like that.” He said he thought it would take two years to be ready, and he wasn’t sure how to approach it, so the idea fizzled out. He also said he thinks MMA is the toughest sport in the world. For the math, Johnson was 31 and turned 32 in 2004.

    Spike TV is airing a special “Kimbo Slice: One of a Kind,” a tribute to Slice at 7 p.m. Friday prior to the Bellator show. Among the people appearing on the show will be Bill Goldberg, Kurt Angle, Scott Coker, Dana White, Renzo Gracie, Rashad Evans, Roy Nelson, Quinton Jackson, Liam McGeary, Antonio Tarver, King Mo, Daniel Strauss, John McCarthy, and Kimbo’s son.

    ROH parent company Sinclair Broadcasting ranks as No. 913 in Fortune’s list of the 1,000 largest companies in the U.S. based on revenue generated. The company generated $2.2 billion last year.

    The funeral for Gypsy Joe will be at the Heritage Funeral Home at 609 Bear Creek Pike in Columbia, TN on Sunday. Visitation is 2-4 P.M.and the funeral is 4 p.m. Anyone wanting to make a donation to help pay for the funeral can send it to Heritage Funeral Home, 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbus, TN 38401 and please make note it is for Gilberto Melendez aka Gypsy Joe. Next week’s Observer will most likely have a major story on Gypsy Joe. 

    WWE

    • Dean Ambrose will officially be replacing Roman Reigns on the show in Honolulu and the two shows in Japan 6/29 to 7/2.
    • There was a big memorial to Joanie Laurer last night. Sean Waltman spoke and was very emotional about saying that he never stopped loving her even though they had a very rocky relationship. “Until the day she died, I loved her very much. I really did.” He also vowed to make sure she got into the WWE Hall of fame. Taped promos from Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle also played.
    • On Smackdown tonight, there is no mention of Jerry Lawler’s absence. Roman Reigns not being there isn’t acknowledged and was still being pushed for Battleground like nothing had changed. Both Alberto Del Rio vs. Cesaro and Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins were good matches and it was a good overall show. (thanks to Steve Khan)
    • The new card for 7/16 in Madison Square Garden is headlined by Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE title, John Cena vs. A.J. Styles, and Chris Jericho vs Neville in a street fight. That tells you Neville will be back any week now. Also advertised are New Day, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Usos, Mark Henry, Apollo Crews, Natalya and Becky Lynch.
    • WWE runs on 8/7 in Fresno. There is a presale going on right now that ends on Friday at midnight. Advertised are Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, The New Day, Kevin Owens, A.J. Styles, Charlotte and Sasha Banks. That can and will all change.
    • The presale code for Raw in Anaheim on 8/8 and Smackdown in Bakersfield on 8/9 is WWEFAN
    • A story on Sasha Banks is here.
    • Here is a story updating fans on Daniel Bryan and his new life beyond wrestling.
    • Wrestling legends come to Pittsburgh. Video 3 is awesome… STEINERLINE.

    ​UFC

    • Paige VanZant will be back in the Octagon sooner than many thought as she announced via Twitter today that she will face Bec Rawlings on the Vancouver show August 27th on FOX. VanZant is coming off a successful appearance on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and in her last UFC fight, she was dismantled by Rose Namajunas in the main event of a Fight Pass card last December.
    • As noted earlier today, C.M. Punk announced that his UFC debut would be at UFC 203 on 9/10 in Cleveland against Mickey Gall.
    • Jeremy Botter talks more about the UFC sale story.
    • UFC announced a return to the Philippines for the 2nd straight year. Fight Night Manila will take place Saturday October 15th at the Mall of Asia Arena. No fights are announced for the show yet but John Dodson, a Filipino-American, is rumoured to have a featured fight on the show. The UFC’s first show in the country last year sold out very quickly.
    • Valerie Letourneau was mad about the announcing of her fight with Joanne Calderwood as she thought Jon Anik and Kenny Florian were saying she was complaining about being kicked in the chest. She said she wasn’t complaining about that, but that her sports bra slipped under her breast. She said she thought Anik and Florian were mocking her because she was complaining about being kicked. She made clear it was not an excuse for her loss, just that she was mad at them.
    • Sultan Aliev (13-2) vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (13-5-1 was announced for 8/20’s UFC 202 show in Las Vegas.
    • The weighi-ns for tomorrow’s Bellator Dynamite 2 begin and 6 pm eastern and can be viewed here. Rampage Jackson returns to Bellator against Satoshi Ishii in the main event of that show and Michael Chandler takes on Patrick Pitbull for the vacant lightweight title in the co-main.
    • Former UFC star Brian Ebersole, who retired last year, returns to MMA on Friday. He will face former fellow UFC fighter Steven Kennedy in the main event of Hex Fight Series 6, which airs live on GFL.TV starting at 5 am eastern time Friday morning. Paul Fontaine has a preview of the show here, which also features Frank Trevino, one of Sage Northcutt’s UFC victims.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • For those going to the inductions for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame in Waterloo, IA which include Bob Backlund, myself, Lex Luger, Joe Blanchard, JJ Dillon and Chael Sonnen among others, there is a show in Waterloo on 7/22 which features Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan, plus Wes Brisco, Brian Blair, Tessa Blanchard and Jessicka Havok all wrestling, and Dillon will be managing.    
    • What may be the only surviving Dusty Rhodes vs. Bruiser Brody singles match, the main event of the August 11, 1978 show at the Sam Houston Coliseum, was released today on NWAOnDemand.com. You can get one free week of the service just to check it out. I’ve seen that match. It was before Brody was fully polished, but he was gigantic here, around 320 pounds.
    • An article on tomorow night’s Bellator show is here.
    • An MMA fight with Jack Gallagher, who is in WWE’s cruiserweight tournament is here. (thanks to Ian Hamilton)
    • Kenny Omega is in Orlando right now, but it’s for the Community Effort Orlando, one of the world’s largest fighting game tournaments and conventions.
    • Lucha Underground purchased ad space in the latest DC Comics Warner Brothers issues, including the big superhero titles like Flash and Justice League. (thanks to Mike O’Brien)
    • CHIKARA on 7/23 has a doubleheader at the Franklin Horner Community Centre in Toronto with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
    • Lucha Toronto on 7/17 in Toronto at the Harbourfront Center Theatre at 3 p.m. featuring Blue Demon Jr., Lince Dorado and Octagoncito.
    • Capital City Championship Combat on Saturday in Ottawa at the Vanier Columbus Club.
    • AAW on 7/23 in Merrionette Park, IL at 115 Bourbon Street features Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr. for the AAW title and AR Fox vs. Mat Fitchett for the Heritage title plus Zack Sabre Jr., Marty Scurll, Tommaso Ciampa, Fenix, Johnny Gargano, Andrew Everett, Trevor Lee, Cedric Alexander, Eddie Kingston and Josh Alexander.
    • Masters of the Ring Entertainment on 7/23 in Wilmington, NC at the Coastline Convention Center. There will also be a convention besides a live show, featuring Diamond Dallas Page, Kevin Nash, Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Terri runnels, Sabu, James Storm, Ethan Carter III, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Matt Sydal, Angelina Love, Awesome Kong and Sonjay Dutt. 
    • CMLL on Monday night in Puebla: Guerrero Especial & Inquisidor b Millenium & Vega, Robin & Starman & Zaeta Roja b Fuerza Chicana & King Jaguar & Policeman, Blue Panther Jr. & Rey Cometa & The Panther b Fujin & Raijin & Okumura, Maximo Sexy b Shocker to retain the CMLL heavyweight title, Sam Adonis & Cibernetico & Ultimo Guerrero b Diamante Azul & Johnny Idol & Rush (thanks to Kris Zellner)
    • Premier Wrestling on 7/17 in Gilroy, CA at the IFDES Lodge Portuguese Hall. The Premier champion, Joe Graves, has had to undergo surgery for a torn biceps and will be out of action for six months. The new main event will be a match for the vacant title with Jeff Cobb (6-6-1) vs. JR Kratos (9-3-1) wrestling and the winner of that match facing Gabriel Gallo (5-0-1) in the main event for the title.  Raze (3-2) defends the Premier Woman Athletes title against Shayna Baszler (1-0). Also Nicole Savoy (3-3) vs. Desi de Rata (0-0), Alexander Hammerstone (2-0) vs. Douglas James (1-0),  Marcus Lewis (5-5) vs. Tyler Bateman (2-3) and Buddy Royal (3-5) vs. Levi Shapiro (1-0). Tickets are available at www.premierwrestle.com.
    • UPW on 7/9 in Rochester, NY at the Eagles Club.
    • Former WWE wrestler Gene Snitsky stars in “100 Acres of Hell,” a horror movie where Snisky portrays a pro wrestling world champion who after a major injury and a family tragedy goes out for a weekend of hunting and debauchery in a wildlife preserve and a ferocious lunatic goes after he and his friends. Samu Anoa’i is also in the movie.
    • The Tuff N Uff promotion is running a show Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. Admission is free. The show will air live on Youtube with Frank Mir and Forrest Griffin as announcers.  
    • Dynamo Pro Wrestling is on 7/16 in Glen Carbon, IL at the Sports Academy. 
    • A story on women’s wrestling in Ireland is here.
    • “Finding Zach Gowen” One-Legged Wrestler’s Life Story.

  • It’s damn true: Kurt Angle not coming back to WWE

    Amid speculation that many former WWE stars have been approached with returning to the company due to the upcoming brand split, the possibility that free agent Kurt Angle could be one of those talents got some fans excited.

    Unfortunately for those fans, that will be an unrealized dream as WWE officials confirmed Thursday that Angle is not returning to the company.

    The story started when Angle was on Mark Madden’s Pittsburgh radio show on Monday and said that Paul Levesque had called him, but that no deal was in place. Although nobody officially said it, the story grew to a point where people said that a deal was done with a start date even listed.

    The 47-year-old wrestler had his final TNA TV match in March, and has been working select indy dates with recent matches against the likes of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Zack Sabre Jr.

    Angle’s WWE contract ended in August 2006.